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Do Children Understand the Difference Between Lies and Imagination
Today we will be examining if children can understand the difference between lies and their imagination. If they do, from what age? We all want our little ones to be truthful. It is important, however, to ensure that our expectations match their development. So let’s look at what cognitive developments may be in play? The difference between reality and imagination Before we ask if children understand the difference between lies and imagination, we need to ask if they understand the difference between reality and imagination. This is important, because if a child does not know that what they are saying is not factual, it follows that they are not intentionally…
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5 Ways to Overcome School Avoidance
Many parents struggle to overcome school avoidance. If it is a battle right now, you are not alone. The fact that it is a common issue is, sadly, a small consolation when school drop-off is in five minutes and your child refuses to put on their shoes. Today we will look at some proactive ways that you can work with your child who fights going to school school. Why children avoid school Although it looks like defiance, school avoidance is usually a result of anxiety. The cause of the anxiety will vary from child to child, so when overcoming school avoidance it helps to try and work out is upsetting…
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How to Express Breast Milk
Many mothers will receive advice on breastfeeding, but not how to express breast milk. Expressing breast milk can be incredibly useful. Juggling breastfeeding with modern life can be difficult. Giving others the ability to feed the baby can take the pressure off the new mum. For some, breastfeeding is too difficult or painful. Expressing may be the only way to offer breastmilk to their baby. How to express breast milk There are three main ways to express breast milk. These are by hand, by manual pump and by electric pump. Expressing by Hand Expressing by hand has two main benefits. Firstly, you are not dependent on electricity, so you will…
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10 Great Books to Read to a Child
There are so many great books to read to a child. We will only be looking at only a small selection today. Ten children’s books, old and new, that you can share with your little ones. Choosing age appropriate reads These books are aimed at a variety of ages and reading levels. Use trial and error to determine which books your child can understand. Don’t be scared to introduce them to trickier books than they are used to. If your child is not engaged, it might be because the plot or characters are too complex for where they are right now. Checking in with your child occasionally, and talking about…
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How to Survive Tantrums and Meltdowns
Knowing how to survive tantrums or meltdowns can be invaluable throughout your child’s early years. If you have a child over one you will probably have experienced the drama and emotional distress that comes when your sweet child transfers into a mini hulk. Of course, if one happens at home it’s hard. However, if you are unfortunate enough to be out in public when meltdowns or tantrums come, though you know you will survive, it can be mortifying. Tantrums and meltdowns are never fun. We can more than survive, however. In the messy moments, we can connect with our children and help them thrive. The difference between a tantrum and…
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For Those Struggling to Breastfeed
Society labels breastfeeding as the natural choice. Therefore, many mothers feel like it should come naturally. They are often frustrated when they find that they are struggling to breastfeed. When breastfeeding doesn’t work, we can feel like there is something wrong with us as mothers. Nothing could be further from the truth. Breastfeeding struggles are common. According to a 2019 study, 70.3% of mothers experience difficulties of some sort and 80% stop breastfeeding earlier than they want to. (Gianni et al., 2019) Are the benefits of breastfeeding worth the battles? What can be done to overcome some of the most common difficulties? Benefits formula feeding Breastfeeding is pushed hard in…
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How to Help Children Cope with Death
How to help children cope with death, is a question we will all face eventually. Death is a fact relevant to all humankind. It is one that many people struggle to come to terms with. Even adults find the mortality of those that they love difficult to acknowledge. It is no easier for a child. In the West death can be a taboo subject, meaning that many children will not encounter the concept until it affects them personally. Childhood is a vulnerable stage of life. Our little ones depend on their adults for their survival. Therefore realising that a person can go from being there to being gone, can…
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The Difference Between Discipline and Punishment
Is there a difference between discipline and punishment? I grew up in the age of authoritative parenting. “Spoil the rod to spare the child,” was the mantra that my parents and their friends lived by. Oh, did we learn the rod! In those days, if you stepped out of line then you felt it. I know that my parents did what they truly felt was best for us. But was it really the best way? Are punishments the only way to discipline? Are they the best way to discipline? Or, can discipline mean something different? What is the difference between discipline and punishment? At the very heart of it, discipline…
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How to Make Reading Fun for Children
If reading has become a chore for your little one, you may be wondering how to bring the fun back. Reading should be a joy. A good book can open your child’s eyes to so much wonder. It can take them to depths of the ocean, or outer space. However, as children struggle with the mechanics of language, and grammar, it is easy to see how the magic gets lost. Benefits of reading If you are an avid reader, you will know the fun of reading, but can it be more than just fun? Many studies show reading can benefit children in a myriad of ways. Reading can increase a…
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10 Ways to Practice Self-Care as a Parent
Self-care as a parent may seem selfish. That is not true. Looking after yourself can help you give your best to your child. Here is a great article, explaining how your own self-care can benefit your child. By looking after yourself you will be showing your children how to do the same. As your children grow and develop, they will learn more from what you show them, than what you tell them. You can teach them by daily example, how to prioritise their own wellness. Let’s explore some practical ways that we can care for ourselves, in the midst of our full schedules and chaotic lives. 1. Declutter your…
