AFRAID OF THE DARK!!!

There are simple recipes to help your child with this fear.  Just ask and i'll whip something up for you! 

Recipe for Getting Rid of the Bottle

• Decide when you are going to start (I think weekends are best) 
• 1 to 2 weeks before start talking with your child about it, prepare them
• Do not let your emotions get in the way, stick to the plan
• Each and every time he/she drinks from a cup praise them, make a big deal out of it!

ITS THAT EASY 

its easier for the child than it is us

always thinking

Don't forget toddlers are some very curious and bright individuals.  They are exploring there surroundings and testing our limits. At this age they are figuring us out too.  Stick to your word! Very important.

Focus on the good!

Rather than putting your child on time out every time you witness bad behavior, reward them each and every time they are doing good.  Ex: little rewards like a coin and every time they reach $2 take them for ice cram on Friday or something similar

Positive encounters

A childs mind is like a sponge.  Think about this each time you expose your child to anything, ask yourself is this something I want them to remember, retain or learn from.  If it's something negative that you had no control over use it as a teaching tool.  " Mommy doesn't like that, that was not okay....." Then explain why it was not okay.

Respect goes along way

Respect your children, always.  In turn they will learn to respect you but most importantly respect themselves <3

Priorities

Remember.... When your grocery shopping or shopping in general, make sure all your childs needs are met before putting them in a cart for a long period of time.  Talk to them while they're sitting/laying there, take advantage of your surroundings.  Explain to them what your looking at (describe colors, shapes) make this experience a good one.  Set a tone, try not to be in a big rush and neglect their needs.  If they are put first then they will be on their best behavior. If your child is sick, sleepy or hungry then this is not the place for them. 

mommy please!!!

Listen to what your child is telling you.  When you have an infant their only way of communicating is through crying.  Please DO NOT think they are going to be spoiled children by tending to them right away when they cry.  This is the only form of communication that they know.  They are learning to trust and building relationships, be there for them.

consistency

Consistency is very important for children as well as adults.  If you are wondering why your child won't go to sleep at night or at nap time maybe there is no real schedule in place.  Try making one that the children follow everyday, try to stick to it as close as possible.  Here are some things to consider putting on your schedule: brush teeth, nap times, bed time, story time, outside time, home work . . .  Really anything that you want to encourage your child to do daily should be on the schedule.

no comparison

Never mentally compare your childs development with any other child EVEN if they are the same age.  Don't give yourself a hard time wondering why your baby is talking as good as your friends baby.  All children are different and in "their own time" they will.  As long as your pediatrician isn't concerned you should not be either.

early teachings

Label items around your home at the childs eye level, read it to them when you see that he/she is showing interest.  Do this on a regular basis, for example: DOOR, WINDOW, COUCH, FLOOR

Labeling the designated spots where certain toys go is a great idea too! 

early teachings

Don't wait or hesitate to start conversating with your little ones.  Even though they cannot speak they are always listening.  Identify objects while walking with them through your home.  For example, "Now we are in the kitchen...." "WOW! Look at how bright the light is."  "Mommy is using the orange towel."