Mama 2 Mama Tips » parenting http://mama2mamatips.com Parenting tips from one mom to another Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:00:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 The Unhealthiest Fast-Food Meals For Kids http://mama2mamatips.com/the-unhealthiest-fast-food-meals-for-kids/ http://mama2mamatips.com/the-unhealthiest-fast-food-meals-for-kids/#comments Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:00:29 +0000 Summer M http://mama2mamatips.com/?p=320

delish
Creative Commons License photo credit: Darwin Bell

Eating fast-food is a big part of the food culture in America. Most families eat out at a fast-food restaurant at least once a week, some more. Meals for kids are a big part of this, with a number of places offering toys and games to entice children to want to eat there.

Unfortunately, despite the shiny toys and speedy service, most of these meals offer little to nothing for kids. An abundance of unhealthy fats, salt, and preservatives combine to create meals that growing bodies simply do not need. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine recently came out with a report of the top five worst offenders of the fast-food kids’ meals. While none of them are healthy to eat, these are the ones that parents should absolutely avoid.

The most unhealthy fast food meals for kids

Worst unhealthy fast food meals for kids

Click image for larger view.

PCRM dietitians found that most kids meals marketed by national fast-food chains are alarmingly high in fat, cholesterol, and calories. Some contain more sodium and about as much saturated fat as a child should consume in an entire day. None of the five meals highlighted in PCRM’s report meet the nutritional standards for children’s meals set forward in recommendations published this year by the Institute of Medicine.

As more parents begin to worry about the effects of a fast-food diet on kids, many of these restaurants have begun offering healthier alternatives. Some offer apple slices or bananas in the place of fries, and whole wheat buns have begun making an appearance in many drive-thrus. Veggie burgers and salads have also become popular in some places, giving a healthy option to families.

Of course, the healthiest option is to skip the drive-thru entirely. Instead, opt for healthy meals at home made from whole ingredients. If you have to eat on the road, bring along foods such as apples, crackers, granola, nuts and seeds. These are healthy as well as delicious and will serve your child better than a fast-food cheeseburger.

What foods do you grab instead of fast-food meals for your kids?

]]> http://mama2mamatips.com/the-unhealthiest-fast-food-meals-for-kids/feed/ 0 Do Babies Remember When We Ignore Them? http://mama2mamatips.com/do-babies-remember-when-we-ignore-them/ http://mama2mamatips.com/do-babies-remember-when-we-ignore-them/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:51:21 +0000 Summer M http://mama2mamatips.com/?p=312

the auxesis of birth and the partial-creator bonding in allowed time

Babies have short memories, so surely they cannot remember the brief moments of neglect from their parents. Right?

A new study out of the University of Toronto Scarborough may show that even tiny infants can remember, in a way, the times they needed or attention and were denied.

The researchers had parents of 6-month-old babies do a test of two minutes of ignoring their infants, followed by two minutes of paying attention to them. The pattern was repeated again, then the hormone levels of the infants was checked and recorded. The next day, the infants were brought back to the test room and had their hormone levels tested again.

Even though the parents did not ignore their infants on the second day, they all showed higher levels of “anticipatory stress response”. As if they remembered this was the room where they had been ignored, and were expecting it to happen again. And even more interesting than remembering, the babies seemed to have adapted to the stress of being ignored.

What does this mean for moms? Well, a lot of guilt over any moment you ignored your baby. What is important, however, is that the babies adjusted to being ignored. So those moments when yo stared into space, or had to run to the bathroom, or just needed one more minute of sleep may not be long-term disasters. The babies remembered, but used that memory to adjust and prepare for the next time.

“The capacity to adapt to changes in parenting may be an evolutionary advantage that contributes to the reciprocal nature of the parent-infant relationship in humans,” suggested the study’s lead investigator Dr. David Haley.

Creative Commons License photo credit: DerrickT

]]> http://mama2mamatips.com/do-babies-remember-when-we-ignore-them/feed/ 0 6 Tips To Help Your Baby Sleep Better http://mama2mamatips.com/6-tips-to-help-your-baby-sleep-better/ http://mama2mamatips.com/6-tips-to-help-your-baby-sleep-better/#comments Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:38:06 +0000 Summer M http://mama2mamatips.com/?p=309

Cutest Baby

Every parent dreams of a night full of sleep. The reality is that most children are just not “good” sleepers during their early years. There are dozens of so-called experts who claim that they can train a baby to sleep through the night, however the risks that come from this type of training is too often greater than the rewards of an extra hour or two at night. Instead of turning to dangerous, and sometimes cruel, sleep training techniques, here are ten simple tips to help parents and babies sleep better at night.

  1. Change your perspective. To adults, sleeping through the night means 7 – 8 hours of sleep. However, to an infant this can mean simply 5 hours or less of straight sleep. Infants need to sleep in shorter sleep cycles for several reasons. They are growing at tremendous rates and need both food and stimulation frequently. Instead of trying to force a longer sleep cycle, create healthy attitudes about sleep by making it a peaceful and loving transition in the day.
  2. Put yourself in your baby’s position. Imagine you are in a strange world where everyone speaks a language you can only barely understand. The one person that you trust above all else has left you alone, in the dark, and you are unable to understand why. You are crying out to be held and comforted, how would you feel to be left to cry? When a child feel safe and secure in their place they are more confident to take the next step, including sleep. Imagine yourself in your child’s place and act how you would want others to act.
  3. Choose sleeping arrangements that fits your family, not others. How a family sleeps is unique to that family. Some need space at night, others need to be snuggled up close. Do not worry about what the so-called experts say, or how other families sleep at night. Listen to you and your child’s needs to create a sleeping space that works for you.
  4. Be flexible each night. Children can change from one night to the other, and young children can be having problems that you are not aware of. A child that normally sleeps well may suddenly change their sleeping habits. This can be a signs of a growth spurt, of an upcoming developmental milestone, or an illness that has not fully surfaced yet. Be flexible and willing to change as your child needs it. This not only creates an atmosphere of safety and comfort, it also allows you to be more open to trying new things that may work far better.
  5. Create a bed time ritual. A reoccurring routine at bedtime helps to transition a child into sleep. Young children and infants are comforted by common patterns. If bedtime is a sudden, jarring occurrence that catches them off guard it is natural for there to be resistance. Instead, create a relaxing ritual that helps guide a child into the bedtime transition.
  6. Make days about play and activity. Children and infants have an abundance of energy that needs to be released. Giving children opportunities to let out their energy during the day will help them to unwind at night, and sleep more peacefully. On the same token, when evening comes make a point to begin calming and relaxing. Turn off the television and other electronics and can interfere with normal sleep patterns at least one hour before bedtime begins. Create a clear division between the energetic days and peaceful nights.

Each infant is different and will sleep on their own unique schedule. Some parents are fortunate enough to have children that fall asleep and stay asleep easily from a young age. More common, however, is a child that learns to sleep slowly and surely. Just as it can take time for a child to talk, walk, and use the toilet; sleep habits can naturally take time to develop.

What tips would you offer to parents who are having trouble with night time problems? What things worked, and did not work, for you and your family?

Creative Commons License photo credit: Hammer51012

]]> http://mama2mamatips.com/6-tips-to-help-your-baby-sleep-better/feed/ 1 Co-Parenting Support http://mama2mamatips.com/co-parenting-support/ http://mama2mamatips.com/co-parenting-support/#comments Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:54:29 +0000 Summer M http://mama2mamatips.com/?p=305

required existence mutually

Love and partners: How has a co-parent supported your dedication to natural parenting — or not?

This is the second monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Hobo Mama and Code Name: Mama. This month we’re writing about how a co-parent has or has not supported us in our dedication to natural parenting. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants.

Parenting outside the mainstream can be a lonely ordeal. Choosing things for your family that those around you do not agree with or understand can sometimes make you fee as if you are swimming upstream.

Having a supportive partner can make it so much easier.

I have made choices for my children that family and friends disagreed with. Making choices that I knew in my heart were right for us was still difficult when I was surrounded by criticisms on all sides. Yet I had a partner beside me for each one. A partner who was willing to sit down, talk, listen, and try to understand where I was coming from. That has often meant all the difference.

When I wanted to change our eating habits away from the standard foods we had grown up on, he stood beside me in the face of “But you ate that and you’re healthy.” When I made the choice to give birth at home he told naysayers to be positive or be quiet.

He has provided more than just support, he has also been willing to talk to me about controversial topics with an open mind. Some subjects are considered dangerous or unhealthy immediately by the mainstream. He was willing to read what I was reading and discuss his thoughts and opinions with me. Having a serious conversation on natural parenting options rather than being blown off made me more serious about researching and learning more.

Not everyone has the luck to have a supportive and helpful co-parent. I am absolutely glad to have the good fortune to have met mine.

Creative Commons License photo credit: suneko

Visit Hobo Mama and Code Name: Mama to find out how you can participate in the next Carnival of Natural Parenting!

Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants:

(This list will be updated Feb. 9 with all the carnival links, and all links should be complete and active by noon EST. Go to Hobo Mama and Code Name: Mama for the most recently updated list.)

]]> http://mama2mamatips.com/co-parenting-support/feed/ 13 Preparing For Parenthood Weekly http://mama2mamatips.com/preparing-for-parenthood-weekly/ http://mama2mamatips.com/preparing-for-parenthood-weekly/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:24:19 +0000 Summer M http://mama2mamatips.com/?p=301

Family jump

Preparing for parenting does not end once the baby is placed in your arms. As children grow and change, what seems like daily, it helps to prepare as often as you can.

Each week we hold a family meeting. It is a time to discuss what happened in the last week and what we want to happen in the next. Beyond just plans and events, we also take the time to talk about the emotional health of our family. Our meetings are times to share our, and our children’s, expectations for the week and to share what we can do to meet those expectations thoughtfully.

As our children grow, we also have a private weekly discussion just between the parents. We talk about milestones and developmental stages that are coming up. It helps to be prepared together when a growth spurt is common in the baby. It also helps when one of the children starts acting out, if we can pinpoint it to a stage that is normal and then find ways to smooth the situation better.

We use our meeting time as an extra moment each week to bond, connect, and share. We give everyone a chance to communicate, in their own way. It may be just a comment about dinosaurs from the toddler, but giving him his own space to speak up opens the doorway for him to communicate with us later. Whatever they have to say is taken as important, even when we disagree with it. Disagreements often give us a chance to better explain a rule that we had assumed was explained enough already.

Though we try to maintain some sort of structure, it is important for us to let the kids know that at the meetings they have equal say. We are not the bosses or in charge of what is said. Some things might be written down to explore more later, but we make an effort not to brush aside their thoughts and feelings. This helps to keep the doors of communication open between us all.

A family meeting can benefit any family, big or small. Taking time specifically to share and talk helps to build bonds and foster attachment long after the cuddly baby stage is passed. We would be lost without it.

This post is part of the 2010 API Principles of Parenting blog carnival, a series of monthly parenting blog carnivals, hosted by API Speaks. Learn more about attachment parenting by visiting the API website.

Creative Commons License photo credit: Evil Erin

]]> http://mama2mamatips.com/preparing-for-parenthood-weekly/feed/ 0 When Your Child Is The Bully http://mama2mamatips.com/when-your-child-is-the-bully/ http://mama2mamatips.com/when-your-child-is-the-bully/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:37:44 +0000 Summer M http://mama2mamatips.com/?p=294

remorade.

Bullying is back in the media spotlight, unfortunately because of a teenage girl who committed suicide after her relentless bullying. Many parents are wondering what they can do if their child is on the receiving end of a bully. But I want to look at the other side. What can parents do when they discover their child is the bully in question.

It can be hard for some parents to accept that their child could be capable of bullying. Especially to such extremes that it causes emotional distress and pain. Yet staying in denial of it will not help the situation, and can actually make it worse. Parents need to meet their children head on and be willing to get to the deep reasons why they are acting in such a way. Some kids bully because they feel insecure. Belittling other children helps them to feel stronger, better, or tougher in their own lives. Others have a need to be in control, and bullying other kids can help them gain that sence of power over the situation.

An ongoing pattern of bullying and aggression can be signs of a deeper emotional issue. Perhaps they are feeling hurt, angry, or frustrated yet lack proper ways of expressing those feelings. They may require counseling with a qualified professional to help them learn to release those feelings without hurting others.

  • Parents need to let their children know that bully will absolutely not be tolerated. Bullying needs to be taken very seriously and firm rules need to be established. Bullying should not be tolerated as “something kids do.”
  • Parents need to help their children learn how to treat and respect others. Both through conversations, and also through example. Telling children to treat others kindly does no good if they see you acting in a hateful or bullying manner towards another group of people.
  • Encourage good behavior through affection. If your child only receives your attention when they are acting negatively, they will increase those actions to get more attention. Instead, make an effort to call attention to positive behavior that you see.
  • Be a part of your child’s social life. Know who their friends are, where they go, and what is going on. You can then influence positive actions, discourage negative relationships, and foster tolerance among your child’s peers.

Stopping bully will not happen over night. Some children need professional counseling to help them move past the issues that push them to bully others. Stepping up and taking control of the situation is so important when your child is the bully.

Creative Commons License photo credit: Mindsay Mohan

]]> http://mama2mamatips.com/when-your-child-is-the-bully/feed/ 3 Toilet Learning, Not Potty Training http://mama2mamatips.com/toilet-learning-not-potty-training/ http://mama2mamatips.com/toilet-learning-not-potty-training/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:36:48 +0000 Summer M http://mama2mamatips.com/?p=284

Bathroom Remodel

There is a debate among some parents over the term “potty training”. Opponents say training is what we do to animals, not our children. That going into the process of moving from diapers to toilet with “training” in mind makes the entire stage into something more complicated that it needs to be.

Toilet learning, however, is about gently helping a child learn to use the toilet. Often, without doing anything at all.

Children need time to move into the toilet stage. Some will cross over at around 2-years, others may take much longer. It can feel frustrating when you want to get rid of diapers quickly, but your child is a slow mover. Many child experts agree though, the longer you wait the easier to can be. When a child is ready on their own time they are much more willing to make the transition.

Being open about toilet use can also help a reluctant child. The toilet can be a loud, scary thing for a small child. When he or she watches parents and older siblings it can ease some of the fear and help the child understand better what to do. Being exposed to the sounds of the bathroom can help move a child into toilet use.

For some parents, using the toilet begins at birth. Elimination communication is a toilet practice where parents do not use diapers on their infants, instead using cues and timing to help their child use a toilet. A good deal of communication is required for this to work, but those who do are often thrilled to be rid of diapers immediately.

Creative Commons License photo credit: Jeremy Levine Design

]]> http://mama2mamatips.com/toilet-learning-not-potty-training/feed/ 0 10 Parenting Posts You Should Read This Year http://mama2mamatips.com/10-parenting-posts-you-should-read-this-year/ http://mama2mamatips.com/10-parenting-posts-you-should-read-this-year/#comments Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:43:59 +0000 Summer M http://mama2mamatips.com/?p=282

Danielle & Lilliyan

I know the year is new, but there are already more than a few great bloggers out there sharing the fun and the agony that parenting can bring. From not giving up the TV to meeting your needs, these bloggers are opening up about what it can take to make this year one of the best yet.

If 2010 already has you stressed and uncertain, take some time to read through these posts to feel inspired and ready to blossom!

This are only some of the amazing posts that have been written already this year, and there are so many more to come. What parenting blog posts do you think all parents need to read this year? Please add your suggestions to the comments!

Creative Commons License photo credit: Robert Whitehead

]]> http://mama2mamatips.com/10-parenting-posts-you-should-read-this-year/feed/ 5 Dealing With Nightmares in Children http://mama2mamatips.com/dealing-with-nightmares-in-children/ http://mama2mamatips.com/dealing-with-nightmares-in-children/#comments Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:28:02 +0000 Summer M http://mama2mamatips.com/?p=272

Sleepy Subway Days

Nightmares are fairly common in young children, decreasing in amount as a child ages. During the early years, when nightmares are common, parents can be frustrated trying to deal with fears and loss of sleep. However, children need to be moved past a nightmare very carefully.

For a young child there is very little separating reality and imagination. A frightening dream can rock a child almost as much as a real horror might. Anxiety, fear, and nervousness can linger for hours or days after the dream is over. The first thing a parent needs to do is understand that the dream is incredibly real to the child. Brushing it off as “only a dream” may cause your child to repress their fears and anxiety, but it does not make those feelings go away. Ignoring the emotional threat will also work to build a block between you.

After a nightmare a child needs reassurance that she is safe and that the dream is over. Some children may need closeness with their parents to feel more secure and able to sleep. Co-sleeping after a nightmare can help comfort a frightened child.

Nightmares that occur frequently with a common theme may be a sign of something troubling your child. Violent television shows or video games, stressful events, and scary people in their lives can all cause frightening dreams. Eliminating the source of the nightmares will help prevent them from reoccurring.

What tips would you give to parents dealing with nightmares in their children?

Creative Commons License photo credit: Tina Keller

]]> http://mama2mamatips.com/dealing-with-nightmares-in-children/feed/ 0 Typical Toddler Speech Development http://mama2mamatips.com/typical-toddler-speech-development/ http://mama2mamatips.com/typical-toddler-speech-development/#comments Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:40:05 +0000 Summer M http://mama2mamatips.com/?p=266

kids

Children begin speaking at different ages, though most parents can expect to hear the first word between 9 months and 1 year. After that first word language tends to explode into babbling as the baby grows into a toddler. By age 5 many parents have a non-stop chatter box on their hands.

But what is the typical growth of speech in toddlers?

For most toddlers by age 2 their language is limited to about 50 words. They can link two or three words together to create simple sentences and are able to use basic adjectives to describe things around them. Their words are not always clear, especially to strangers or people not used to the unique tone of toddler speech. But parents are able to pick up what they are saying at least half the time.

By age 3 a typical toddler can use pronouns (I, we, us, you) and remembers the plural form of many simple words. They can describe the objects around them more easily as their use of adjectives has increased. Speech may still not be entirely clear, but it is gaining ground and many people outside the family are able to translate some of what your child is saying.

When your toddler turns 4 speech levels have generally increased tenfold. They speak clearly and with much more detail. Basic language rules are used and strangers are able to understand what they say. Though they may still use quaint or unusual quirks of speech, a 4-year-old is capable of great feats of speech.

Speech develops at different rates in children, yet most follow this basic pattern of growth. If at any time your toddler seems to be developing speech slowly or they cannot be understood clearly his doctor may want to test for hearing problems.

Creative Commons License photo credit: Belzie

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