October 2009

Happy Halloween

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Happy Halloween! Hopefully you are enjoying more treats than tricks with your munchkin during this time of year.

If you are looking for some ideas on how to celebrate, be sure to check out:

Halloween with Baby

Tricks and Treats with Your Toddler

When thinking about the weekend ahead, don't forget to consider your child's age, stage and general temperment.

It's exciting to think about all the fun activities that come along with this time of year: sweet treats, outdoor adventures, dark nights, spooky sounds and costumes.

However, in reality too much too soon may prove to only create a hellish night for you and your kiddo.

Babies and young toddlers are natural learners. They are active explorers. They learn by hands-on, concrete, real experiences. That's where this Halloween stuff can get us all in trouble.

A baby's and toddler's cognitive (thinking) skills help them make sense of their world. Most young children do not have the skills to make sense of imaginary creatures. Unfamiliar sounds and sights can lead to confusion, worry and even fear. Even the most laid back babies may have a negative reaction to some sights and sounds. Although you may choose to head out with family or friends, watch your child's reactions and respond calmly and lovingly to them.

Over time, your baby will grow into all the hoopla of Halloween. In the meantime, enjoy the simple pleasures of this Halloween.

Have a spooooktacular Halloween!

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Halloween Fun, Not Fright

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

It's Halloween. Whether your family celebrates this holiday or not, you may be wondering how to deal with all the hoopla that goes along with this time of year.

As for me, I'm an "everything in moderation" kinda gal, so when I walked into my munchkin's classroom and found the book "Go Away Green Monster" my first reaction was:

What?

Monsters?

I don't want them talking about monsters. What are they doing to these kiddos?!

After recovering from my knee-jerk reaction, I took a closer look at the week's lesson plan. I realized that monsters were in it everywhere. As in: "The Monster Mash," monster mix (i.e. party mix), and lots of monster art.

Then, I saw the costumes in the classroom. There were masks. No, not the gory Halloween masks, but masks that covered faces and made me wonder if my kiddo would be able to figure out (and not freak out) about who or what was behind them.

Now, my kid goes to a great -no, exceptional -early childhood center. I'm crazy about these folks and their curriculum. I'm also crazy about the fact that my kid loves it as much as I do (if only I could keep her there through college. Sigh.). But, I digress.

I'm the first to admit I'm just a tad overprotective. So, when it comes to all this Halloween hoopla, you might say I've been a "tad conservative." I've avoided the Halloween aisles afraid that my munchkin may not be able to digest such things as costumes and spooky sounds.

Then, I was hit over the head with the costumes, sounds and even some "spooky" images in an environment I trust most.

What is happening here?

Then, I began to get it. As a toddler, she's actively engaged in the exploration of her world. She's gaining the skills to process, assimilate and accomodate all these new experiences. When given to her appropriately (like in her classroom environment where she knows she is safe and secure), she can begin to understand what is scary, what is not, and why it is and why it isn't.

Ahh...my bulb turns on. It's going back to the basics. It's introducing new experiences in appropriate ways.

Am I ready to drag her through her first haunted house? Absolutely not, but maybe next time we'll be up for strolling down the Halloween aisle at our local store.

Halloween...I never thought I would find fun (and understanding) in how to deal with everyday fears.

Looking for more ways on how to deal with childhood fears? Check out: www.keepkidshealthy.com/experts/pt/halloween_fears.html

Boo to you and yours -

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Baby Steps

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Baby steps. Are you holding that baby in your belly, your arms or are you chasing them around the house? I'm in the "chasing them around the house stage," but I bet we're in the same game. You know - exhilaration, happiness, completeness (is that a word?!), tired and perhaps, a bit overwhelmed.  As a parent, this is what the journey is about. It's a ride of emotions and adventures. It is unpredictable. The best part is that, like your munchkin's development, it's all a process. Somehow, we take that next step.

I started down the path of parenthood much like I started writing.

I thought I was prepared.

You too?

I read the books. I used the best resources on the web - www.planningfamily.com.

I even have a framed document which reads: "M.A., Child Development."

It all confirmed that "YES, I AM PREPARED TO BE A PARENT."

Then, I held her. Everything I thought I knew flew out the window. My heart ruled my brain.

The adventure began. Questions swirled like a tornado in my head...

I weighed the benefits of breastmilk vs. formula. When should or would she walk? What would be her first word? Does baby sign language really make any difference? Should I have her in classes - like swimming, music or gymnastics? When can I paint with her? How can I tell if she has any "gifts" or "talents" that are unique? And the list went on and on...

What should I do?

What can I do to help this kid become everything they CAN become?

Are you wondering too?

That is what this conversation is about. It's about any and all aspects of the process.

Take the journey with me. This is a conversation about your child's development. Of course, as a proud mama, you're going to have to put up with some of my own stories. I promise to put up with some of yours.

Grab a cup of coffee (or tea). We'll take on this adventure together.

Where are you in the journey?

Where do you want to go?

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