Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Growing-Up Tips

3 years onwards ...

getting creative

Help nurture your child's creativity by stimulating his mind with activities and games, such as puzzles, simple board games and riddles, and colouring books. Limit the amount of time he spends with video games or in front of the computer or television to two hours maximum a day - this will prevent him from becoming dependent on them or developing a short attention span.

Growing-Up Tips

1 year onwards ...

safety tips

* Do not leave coins on tables or counters - they are among the most common non-food items swallowed by children.
* Never tell children that medicine is 'candy/sweets' to coax them to have it, as they might just help themselves to some when you are not around!

Growing-Up Tips

3 years onwards ...

speech difficulties

You should be able to understand what your child is saying by the time she is three years old. If not, you may need to consult a speech therapist, especially if she has difficulty with pronouncing some consonants.

Growing-Up Tips

1 year onwards ...

sleeping tight

* Maintain a regular routine of naps, bedtime and feeding.
* Your child should learn that a bed is for sleeping only.
* Bedtime rituals such as being tucked in and reading a story, really work!
* Reduce the number of naps and shorten naps as your child gets older.

Growing-Up Tips

3 years onwards ...

socialising

Don't tell other people if your child is shy. Rather arrange for your child to play with other children in small groups or invite younger children for him to play with, so he can take the lead.

Growing-Up Tips

1 year onwards ...

cleaning ears

Nothing should go into your toddler's ears unless under medical supervision for an ear infection. It is very easy to damage the eardrum or ear bones and cause permanent scarring or hearing problems. Use a soft swab to clean the outsides of the ears only.

Growing-Up Tips

1 year onwards ...

first words

When most children enter their first year, they start saying their first words. Encourage your child as she builds her vocabulary in the next few months. You'll find that six months later she'll be using two-word phrases like "bye-bye".

Growing-Up Tips

2 years onwards ...

toilet-training

Use encouragement and praise and you'll find that the process of toilet training becomes much more positive for your child. Occasional 'lapses' should be treated as just that, rather than with scolding or annoyance.

Growing-Up Tips

1 year onwards ...

trimming nails

When trimming your child's nails, you should always use a special nail clipper rather than a pair of scissors. It's best to cut their nails while they are asleep - they won't wriggle - this ensures that your child won't be hurt during the process.

Growing-Up Tips

3 years onwards ...

reading

Involve your child when you read to her/him by asking questions: "What is the dog doing in the picture?" or "Can you see all the trees?" Interactive questions like these help sharpen her/his observation skills and analytical thinking.

Growing-Up Tips

I year onwards ...

healthy eating

The many important nutrients essential for your child's healthy growth are available in a wide variety of foods. Since each food group provides your child with the specific nutrients he/she needs, it's best to choose a balanced diet that combines all food groups (milk/dairy, vegetables, meat/legumes, fruits and grains) in the right quantity and quality.