Brain Development
Zero to Three Information on how the brain develops, within the context of relationships, form conception through three years of age.
Biting
Web MD Reviews the reasons children bite at various ages, how to react and ways to reduce.
Teething
ADA This site sponsored by the ADA (American Dental Association) provides an overview on teething.
Helping Children Cope with Disaster
How to Discuss Terrorism with Young Children
In the wake of today’s horrific acts of terrorism, parents of young children will likely be asking how they should discuss the day’s events with their children. ZERO TO THREE (http://www.zerotothree.org), a national nonprofit organization focused on the healthy social, emotional and intellectual development of babies and toddlers, offers the following statement about discussing today’s events with babies and toddlers:
First and foremost, young children are concerned about themselves and the ones they love. Therefore, they need to be reassured that their family members and loved ones are okay and that their family will keep them safe. Don’t cover up what has happened, but keep it simple. Be honest, but not graphic. you might consider saying something like: “Bad people are hurting other people and we don’t like it.” Adults should acknowledge that it’s scary, upsetting and very much out of the ordinary. Monitor and conversations that young children may hear.
Young children take their cues from people who care about them. Therefore, it is important for adults to be strong for their children. You are their rock - if you fall apart, things are even more difficult for them. The worst thing for them is to feel that you are out of control. However, you don’t have to be jolly. In addition, it’s okay to cry, to be upset, or even angry. It’s important that your children know that feelings are okay and that they are not the cause of you feelings.
Create a comfort zone for yourself and your children. Do what’s comforting that brings you together as a family, for example, lighting candles or praying. In addition, keep up your normal routines, which creates stability, particularly during exceptional times.
Guidelines for what matters to children at particular ages:
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• 1-year-olds are upset when you’re upset. They most likely will not know or be able to understand what has happened. However, they may react to your tension, fear or pain. Be reassuring.
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• 2-year-olds have a concept of hurt. They will pick up on people being hurt -- point out that there are lots of people helping those who are hurt. Reassure them that you will keep them safe.
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• 3-year-olds will have more understanding of what they see on the news and will wonder if it’s real. You might try something like, “yes, it’s real - but we’re okay.” Talk about it, and don’t ignore it. Convey the conviction that you’re safe and don’t be surprised if they talk about it over and over again - just continue to reassure when they see or hear airplanes, helicopters, sirens, etc.
Helping Children Cope with Fear & Anxiety
Keep Kids Healthy Includes a review of normal fears (by age level) with tips on how to deal with those fears.
Kids Health Excludes anxiety, fears, and phobias in young children.
Tips for Selecting day Care Facilities
First Baby Mall Offers a list of good ways to measure the quality of a child care home or center.
Babysitting
Check out this site for information to share with your babysitter + it contains printable message pads, planners, emergency number list, etc. (click on babysitting link at top of screen)-- Youth Online
Babysitting Checklist
Use the following handy checklist as a guide to provide your sitter with all the essential information from emergency phone numbers to television regulations, and enjoy a kid-free, stress-free night out.
IMPORTANT NAMES AND NUMBERS:
*Where you can be reached
*Two nearby friends, relatives, or neighbors
*Fire department
*Police department
*Poison Control Center
*Pediatrician
*Hospital
INSTRUCTIONS:
*What your child is allowed to eat and drink
*Bedtime (or nap time) an how to enforce it
*Play activities your child enjoys
*Activities not permitted while you’re gone
*How much television (and which programs) your child is allowed to watch
*How you want behavior problems handled
*How to use any baby equipment
*Warning not to open doors to strangers
*Warning for sitter not to tell phone caller she is alone, just take a message
*Rules for sitter on her use of phone, television, smoking and alcohol
*What to do in case of fire or other emergency
*Show all entrances and exits, fire and burglar alarms, first aid supplies,
flashlights and fuse box
*Post your address and clear directions on how to locate your house (in case
sitter needs to provide directions to emergency services).
EMERGENCY MEDICAL CONSENT FORM:
*Without parental permission, doctors will only treat children in life
threatening situations. To make sure your child receives emergency
medical treatment when he’s under a sitter’s care, prepare a consent form
that includes:
-Your child’s name
-Date of birth
-Insurance carrier and policy number
-Doctors’ names and phone numbers
-Important medical history, including allergies and chronic
conditions
-The following statement: “Any licensed physician, dentist or
hospital may give necessary emergency medical service to my
child (YOUR CHILD’S NAME) at the request of the person bearing
this consent form.”
-Your signature
Communication Disorders, ie. Stuttering
NCS-- This is the National Center for Stuttering website.
Separation Anxiety
Healthy Place-- In-depth look at separation anxiety in young children. Includes: Factors that may contribute to separation anxiety, how to reduce it, and ways to support a child through periods of separation anxiety.
Dealing with Sleep & Night Issues
About.com-- An article at this site explores What is Preventing Your Baby from Sleeping Through the NIght?
Keep Kids Healthy-- Discusses common sleep problems in young children with related articles on topics such as: Nightmares & Sleep Walking, and Should I let by baby cry it out?
AskDrSears.com-- Click on “Got Sleep” to access a variety of topics to help get your child to sleep. (Dr. Sears also deals with a wide variety of other topics if interest to parents.)
Berkeley Parents Network--Links to articles related to moving toddler from crib to bed.
Baby Center-- Explores long term effects on a toddler sharing his/her parents’ bed..
ADHD--Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
adhd.com-- Provides information, support, tips & skill building for children with ADHD & their families.
Tantrums
AskDrSears.com-- Dr. Sears offers advice for taming tantrums and a range of related articles.
Backtalk
Baby Center-- Advice on how to deal with backtalk with toddlers.
Potty Training
Baby Center-- In-depth look at The ABCs of toilet training.-- click on a topic of interest (Assess your child’s readiness, Create a routine, etc.).
Bupa-- Includes tips for successful potty training.
Keep Kids Healthy-- Article on Toilet Training Resistance.
Traveling with Young Children
Robyn’s Nest-- Tips on both road travel & flying with young children.
bluesuitmom.com-- Ideas for activities and entertainment while traveling. This site also provides a link on...Specific tips for traveling with an INFANT.
momsminivan.com-- Over 101 car travel games at this site. At the top of the page, click on either GAMES FOR TODDLERS or GAMES FOR BABIES for age specific activities.
Developmental Characteristics and Issues
Scholastic-- This site allows you to explore various stages of development -- click on your child’s age at the top of the page.
iVillage.com-- Click on your child’s age on the AGES & STAGES panel on the left.
National Network for Child Care-- provides many topics of interest including age specific developmental characteristics. To access...Click on “Learn from our articles and resources.” On the next screen, click on “Child Development,” then on “Infants & Toddlers,” and, then scroll down to find developmental characteristics listed for: 1-4 months / 5-8 months / 9-12 months / 12-18 months / 18-24 months / 2 years.
Parenting Information -- Helpful Hints + Information for “Stay At Home Parents”
Mommy Links-- Includes lots of articles + links of information and product websites.
Wonder Wise Parent-- This site was developed by Chuck Smith and is available through KSU. It includes lots of helpful information + free online courses such as I’m Positive / FireWorks / Responsive Discipline / Caringworks / Grandletters.
Parents Action-- Topics related to Family and Sick Leave, The Power of Parents and other timely topics.
About.com-- Although advertised specifically for stay at home moms and dads, there is lots of interesting information for all parents at this site--budgeting, raising children, getting organized, etc...
Parental Relationships
Couple Talk-- A free online class that helps make a good relationship better with improved communication skills. It also provides tips on how to achieve balance in your life. The course is usually offered twice a year, however the website can be accessed anytime. Available through KSU Extension Research and Services.