Spark A Family Tradition This Father’s Day

Father’s Day is this weekend. We found some examples of Father’s Day traditions you can start with your family. Click here to read the whole article

Potty Training Part 2

Last week we talked about the signs of potty training readiness. If your little one is ready to start learning how to use the potty, these tips may help:

• Build extra time into your busy schedule for frequent trips to bathroom both at home and when you’re out.

• Don't make your child sit on the toilet against his or her will.

• Look for the signs they are getting ready to poop. Here are a few examples: faces turn red, grunting and squatting.

• What time of day do they usually need to go to the bathroom? Be aware of the time and look for other signs so you can rush them to the bathroom. Right after a meal is a natural time for the body to evacuate, so you may want to pay particularly close attention.

• Establish a routine. Have your child try when they wake up, after every meal, before bedtime and anytime they ask. And don’t get frustrated if nothing happens. It’s more about establishing the routine.

• Lead by example. Have your child watch you or a sibling in the bathroom.

• Remove poop  from your child's diaper and put it in the toilet  to show your them that poop goes in the potty.

Remember to reward your child. Stickers, treats or character underpants works well as an incentive. Try to keep positive in all aspects of potty training.

Teaching Kids To Learn From Failure

No one wants to see their child fail at something but you need to remember that kids can learn from failure. This article gives some great tips to help your child along this bumpy road. Click here to read more.

Potty Training

Yes, that's right, June is National Potty Training Awareness Month, as if we need more incentive to potty train our children. So in honor of the momentous occasion, we are going to talk about potty training and give some advice for success.

First, it’s important to recognize that there is no magic solution for potty training. It’s a trial and error process. The second fact to remember is that it’s not fashionable for teenagers to walk around in diapers so chances are you’ll be successful.

That said, there are proven potty training strategies that have worked for parents over the years.

1. Wait until your child’s ready for potty training. Parents sometimes rush into potty training because the idea of no diapers is appealing to your budget. Your child must be mentally and physically prepared to learn to use a bathroom, otherwise the process will be frustrating for both of you.

Here are some signs that your child is ready to begin:

* Curiosity about the toilet

* Recognize and tell you they have to pee

• Keep a diaper dry for two hours or more

• Physically sitting on and then get off the potty

• Pulling down diapers, or throwing away training pants or underpants

• Curiosity about wearing underpants

2. Make sure you have the proper training aids.

• A small portable potty – maybe even keep one in the car for emergencies.

• Floating objects can be placed in the toilet to peak your child’s interest.

• Pull-up diapers

3. Buy clothing that’s easy to put on and take off. This will help avoid your child wetting their pants because they took too long to get their clothes off. Slip on pants are the easiest and, of course, skirts and dresses make it easy for girls.

Each child learns differently it’s true in school and it’s just as true with potty training. Be patient, be positive and be prepared! Next week we will offer some more tips to help with potty training.

Teaching Preschoolers about Time

Younger children can have difficulty understanding the concept of time. When children ask when they are going to the zoo and you say Friday, they might not completely comprehend that they have to wait 4 days until the trip to the zoo. Here are some tips on helping your preschooler understand time. Click here to read the article.

Toddler Teeth

Toddlers usually feel one of two ways about brushing their teeth. They are either excited to be a big girl or boy, or they are uncooperative. It’s important to help your young one develop good oral hygiene. Here are some tips on handling common teeth brushing problems.

Take advantage of your child’s curiosity

If your child wants to brush their own teeth, let them. However, you should supervise the process up until your child is school-aged.

Let Your Child Express Their Independence

Let them have fun picking out the toothpaste and the brush they want. This is just another way to get them interested.

Be Creative

There have been a lot of tooth brush innovations since we were kids. A toothbrush can now speak to your child and play music. They are also shaped as your child’s favorite cartoon or movie character. All of these innovations were developed so children can have fun while brushing.  

If you have a real dental question you should always contact your friendly pediatric dentist.

9 Ways to Maximize Family Time

Today, we are so busy with our schedules that it’s hard to find time to spend together with our family. We found 9 great ideas on how to maximize quality family time. Click here to read the article.