Posted on Feb 23, 2010 under Uncategorized |
To the casual observer a child who is drawing or coloring in, is merely scribbling. The marks seem to be decidedly random, almost meaningless. But there is much more happening in your young child’s mind as s/he engages in the physical act of drawing and coloring.
In fact, examining a child’s drawing gives us important insights into how drawing fits into the overall physical, emotional and cognitive development of the young child. From toddlerhood through to primary school, children choose to draw and color, but the process actually starts much earlier – during toddlerhood.
At around the age of 18 months, toddlers become interested in scribbling. It seems to provide sensory enjoyment, but the child is also interested in the marks that are made. The act of scribbling can serve several useful purposes for the young child. Small muscle coordination and control improve with practice, cognitive abilities are exercised, opportunities for social interaction arise, and the physical movements provide emotional release.
Because a toddler’s fine muscle control is not fully developed, he may approach the coloring sheet by grasping the marker with his or her fist and may have difficulty placing the marks exactly where he or she wants them. Movements are typically large, involving the entire arm with very little finger or wrist control. This is due to the fact that the pattern of physical development proceeds from the center of the trunk outward.
With practice, your child will naturally improve his or her control. Full control, however, will not be achieved until much later. Some toddlers will rest their forearm on the drawing surface to give them additional control. A repetitive scrubbing motion is common among two-year-olds. This provides them with sensory enjoyment and making drawing a very physical act.
By providing children with the materials and opportunities to scribble a parent can promote physical skills. Just as babbling is a natural way to gain language, scribbling is a natural gateway to muscle control and coordination.
Form an intellectual point of view young toddlers care about both the process and results of their art. They really do not intend to represent objects at first. Instead, they are concerned with color and line. However, they may actually look at the scribbles they have made and, in surprise, recognize a shape and name it. While they may not have intended to draw a car, a house or a tree, the scribbles suggest the shapes. Children interpret, rather than intend. This is called fortuitous realism and becomes common as a child approaches three years of age.
As a parent you can encourage your child to draw and color by offering him or her opportunities to do so. Let them loose on blank sheets of paper or provide them with a coloring book or coloring sheets, many of which are available online. Little boys may enjoy coloring images of cars and trucks or of favorite characters such as Spiderman and at sites like Spiderman Coloring you’ll find Spiderman color page as well as coloring pages, funny pics and more. For little girls search for coloring pages of princesses or fairies or anything else she may be interested in such as Disney characters or even trucks!
Remember to always supervise toddlers while they draw and color – due to the choking hazard that crayons pose.
Posted on Nov 13, 2009 under Uncategorized |
Where do you get baby furniture? What kind of baby furniture do you need? How much is baby furniture? These are all questions you can have answered at a baby furniture warehouse. The best place to shop for these items is at the baby furniture warehouse!
You have the wonderful news, and have told all of your family! You are expecting that perfect little baby, the one that will make you a happy little family! But now there are lots of decisions to make. What will you call the baby? What color are you going to paint that spare room and more importantly where are you going to purchase the baby furniture you need? But wait a minute, Do you even know what baby furniture you need? Wow! what a lot of information you have to deal with.
But not to despair. We’re going to give you a bit of help in that area and point you in the right direction. Firstly, prior to running to get baby furniture you should stop and think about what you like. For instance, what colors do you like? In the past, most people would choose white. But that was because in prior years it wasn’t possible to tell if the baby would be a girl or a boy – so parent’s hedged their bets. But today, the case is different, you need to decide whether you want traditionally white or some other color such as oak, cherry, or even blue, or pink.
Now that you’ve agreed on a color, think about what kind of furniture you’d like in the room. One of the best places to get ideas is a baby furniture warehouse store. There are numerous warehouse stores nationwide that you can choose to shop in, and nearly all of these will be a better place to shop at then the local children’s boutique for several reasons. They’ve more of a choice, the furniture is priced cheaper, and for the most part, the sales people are more knowledgeable and offer a better service than the store clerks at the smaller baby stores.
A baby furniture warehouse is huge. Because they stock so much furniture, they have a much better set of choices of baby furniture. Some of their items, you’ll never find in your local baby store simply because of limited room. Here, however, you’ll find complete sets of furniture, one of a kind pieces, or pieces you can mix and match with others.
Warehouses always get the best price deals and these baby furniture warehouse stores are not different. They purchase in huge quantities from the leading manufacturers. And because they buy such large quantities they often get much better prices than regular baby stores do. More often than not, they pass these savings on to their customers. The furniture warehouse buys the same quality made furniture from leading manufacturers as the department stores do, but they offer much better prices because they sell higher quantities.
You’ll also find that the customer service at most of these warehouse stores is outstanding. The staffs are well trained, they typically know the latest baby trends, the best furniture brands and they know what a new baby typically has to have, what things are optional and which ones are required, and what is comfortable for the baby. They’ll help new parents to set up their baby registry so their friends and family can make that perfect purchase for baby. Buying your furniture from a baby furniture warehouse is one of the smartest decisions you’ll make.
Posted on Nov 13, 2009 under Uncategorized |
Exercising is important for every person, and many mothers choose to jog for their daily exercising. It isn’t an easy thing to do though with a regular baby stroller as they are not very easy to push around. Exercising to jogging is the idea and not having to struggle with your baby stroller. Manufactures have taken care of this problem by designing baby jogging strollers just for the purpose of making jogging easy while keeping your child comfortable. When you are shopping around for a baby jogging stroller, you are going to come across quite a few different ones, and you may wind up confused about which of the baby jogging strollers is the right one. In truth there probably isn’t any real wrong choice when it comes to these types of strollers, but there are some things that you need to know about them before you make your purchase.
Wheels
Baby jogging strollers come in three basic wheel sizes: 12 “, 16 in, and 20 in. The 12 inch wheels are the best choice for walking on smooth terrain, like tracks and sidewalks. While the strollers with 16 inch wheels are well suited to the same purpose as the 12 inch wheels, they also can be used on more bumpy services such as grass and pathways. The 20 inch wheels allow you to walk or jog on rough terrain, and are typically used in longer distances.
Materials
Make sure that the hubs on your wheels are made out of an alloy material rather than that of steel. You are not going to have the weight and rusting issues that you have with steel when you have wheels made out of an alloy. The alloy is much lighter and easier to take care of.
The material that makes up the frame is important as well. Some models have metal tubing that is only connected with plastic joint pieces, while others are made from aluminum and are welded at the joints. You are going to want the latter for your baby jogging stroller. The aluminum alloy is going to allow the stroller to be a lot lighter anyway.
Swiveling wheels
There are some baby jogging strollers that will have swiveling wheels. If you plan on using your jogging stroller like you would an ordinary stroller than this is the perfect choice for you. The swiveling front wheels of the baby jogging stroller can also be locked so that you have the tracking and stability for jogging.
Safety harness
Probably the most critical part of any baby jogging stroller is the safety belt system installed for your child. This harness is what will keep your child safe while riding inside the stroller. The safety belt system in the stroller should be at least five point system. If something happens and you lose your grasp of the stroller, you want to make sure that the safety wrist tether isn’t going to cause your child to fling out of the baby jogging stroller head first.
Chances are you’re going to consider the price of the baby stroller as well as the points stated above. Like anything else baby jogging strollers are going to vary in their pricing. Pricing of baby jogging strollers is dictated by the materials that they are made from as well as the brand names.
There are so many different brands and styles of child joging strollers out there today it sincerely does make the decision making tough. Take a look at these listings of baby jogging strollers and you will see some truly forward designs.
Posted on Oct 08, 2009 under Uncategorized |
This past summer, I watched in horrifying amusement as my friend went from interview to interview, each worse than the next. She was looking forward to returning to work after an extended maternity leave. Alas, she had to extend it a month longer. She was afraid it was going to be even longer than that until another friend (and mother) of ours who has been happily employed told us about Nannies4Hire – a database designed for our very purposes. She found a quality nanny with her exact specific needs with no trouble at all. Once my friend registered, she found a perfect fit for her baby; a great nanny named Julie. Now, she’s just returning to work and the family couldn’t be happier with Julie.
Posted on Sep 22, 2009 under Uncategorized |
The uttering of the baby is what is called babbling, baby talk or twaddling. It looks as though that the babies make these sounds so as to prepare themselves to utter the sounds used for acquiring the language. However, they are not able to utter words that can be recognized. In the first year the larynx descends which allows the pharynx to develop to utter all the sounds that would be required to make up the speech. The baby begins to make noise when 5 to 7 months old. It is only when the infant is a year old that this baby talk transforms to recognizable words. Syllables are repeated by the baby. This is called reduplicative babbling. The baby begins to babble with a mix of syllables. This is called variegated babbling. Children usually babble much more when calm as compared to when they are excited or upset. The babies prepare themselves to speak the language with the basic sounds. Babbling is an innate response of babies as can be deduced by the fact that the deaf babies too.
From birth to 4 months the baby coos and gurgles. When the baby is 4 to 6 months old, it begins to babble. Babies enjoy babbling until they are about a year old or so. The toddler starts imitating sounds as well as words making their babbling meaningful when they are between 12-18 months. At the age of 12 and 18 months the toddlers start to repeat words. Meaningful words start emerging from the babbling. There are some 50 words or so that they can handle. They, of course, understand many more. They start forming short sentences. But they use familiar words wrongly. The baby progresses from crying and then moves on to cooing which becomes vocal play. Canonical babbling follows and then moves on to conversational babbling.
An effective means of communication that the babies use is the sign language. Babies often do not find the appropriate sound which gives them frustration. This can be avoided if they are also taught the sign language so that they can express themselves. Priscilla Dunstan proposed that universally there were only five words that babies use and each of them have a distinct meaning. She then released The Dunston Baby Language DVD in 2006 which teaches how these sounds can be recognized.
When adults respond to the babbling of babies with babbling, it helps the development of babies. Vocabulary development can be assisted by integrating some adult speech with the babbling. It benefits in the cognitive development of the baby. Whatever may be, the baby will be able to speak the local language in the end.
Posted on Sep 16, 2009 under Uncategorized |
Possibly one of the most important factors you should take into account when choosing a pushchair is its weight. Weight is so important as you will probably use your new pushchair most of the time, and often have to lift it and fold it on your own. It is therefore most practical to look at some lightweight pushchairs when making a decision about which one to buy.
Think about a typical day for you and your child, and create a list of activities that you do that involve a pushchair. Then use this list when thinking of features to consider in a pushchair. For example if you use public transport regularly you will have to lift the pushchair onto and off buses and trains. If you have a car you will have to fold the pushchair and regularly lift it in and out of the car.
Generally in every day use you will also encounter stairs, curbs and other obstacles that you have to manoeuvre around or lift a pushchair over. So it will make life much easier if you have a lightweight pushchair.
Look at the weight of all the pushchairs you are considering but don’t forget to add the weight of your child to that when working out what you’ll be pushing around. It’s important to consider the weight of the pushchair for lifting and folding it but also for pushing it with your child in it.
Pushing can be hard work, depending on the terrain you are covering and also the distance. If you do a lot of walking it can get very tiring pushing a heavy pushchair around all the time and a lightweight pushchair would make things easier. You need all the energy you have to look after your baby so there’s no need to waste it pushing a heavy pushchair around all day.
Lightweight pushchairs definitely improve the daily lives of many parents but it is important to take weight into consideration alongside the other features you might need from a pushchair. Make sure you do some research and compare several pushchairs before making a final decision about the one that’s right for you and your baby.
Posted on Sep 11, 2009 under Uncategorized |
In America, babysitting has always been a respected job among young people; something near to home to make some extra money without the usual downfalls that come with a part-time job. Teenagers would often plan their strategies for summer break on how best to promote their services, getting as many good quality babysitting jobs as they could manage. But these days babysitting jobs are starting to fade.
As a youth worker, many hours of my week are spent with high school students, who, not long ago, were the CEO’s of the babysitting industry. But of the many I’ve spoken to, only a small amount even consider babysitting to be a viable option for a summer job, and none of them are actively trying to promote themselves and get jobs. It surprised me. Only less than two decades ago, babysitting was a thriving economy. My own sister was a babysitting entrepreneur who brought in a healthy $400 a month, all from babysitting work she had found.
Things have begun to change. Though babysitters seem to be needed more now than ever, the demand for them has seen a sharp decline. The only feasible explanation is the growing lack of trust and security in our neighborhoods. Fifteen years ago or so, when babysitting was in full swing, kids would often spend entire days playing in public parks with friends, unsupervised yet generally safe all the while. I myself can still hear the quintessential line called out from my mother as often I would sprint from my house: “Make sure you’re home by dinner.”
But these days, kids stay close to home, only going to parks with their parents. With the decay of perceived security in our neighborhoods, it looks as though babysitting jobs are dwindling as well. But the problem deepens. During the “good-old-days” that few of us remember, it was common for neighbors to show up on the doorsteps of other neighbors with cookies to welcome newcomers and get to know them. But in today’s day and age, with documented lists of registered sex-offenders available to the public, scores of neighborhoods countrywide are being put on alert when dangerous persons move into town. Neighbors are often distrustful of those living near them, and wouldn’t jeopardize their children by hiring someone as a babysitter unless they know them very well.
Though such caution is merited, it’s a shame to watch the decline of babysitting jobs. Babysitting was once the perfect job for high-schoolers on summer vacation, or those just wanting a little cash without having to look for part-time work.
Posted on Aug 28, 2009 under Uncategorized |
The benefits of a quilt are not well known among folks looking for baby room decor. Quilt fabrics in colors that complement your nursery’s decor along with your baby’s quilt being soft and wonderfully warm complete the design. Crib bedding can give the baby’s room a traditional appearance that draws the viewer in, and a handmade quilt is a simple, visually pleasing decorative element that’s also a cozy wrap for your baby.
Learning to construct quilts is easier than ever today because there is a wealth of information on the internet about quilt sewing and design. To help with selecting the right quilt design for your baby’s bedding, you may search online for no charge. There are many quilting books with many designs and if you need extra help,there are kits with pre-cut pieces.
Beginner quilters will find a simple design is the easiest way to get into the hobby. Beginner and hobby quilters will find that their pattern comes with easy to follow instructions and helpful tips. Anyone with confident quilting skills can design a template and create a striking and original quilt for a new baby. If you are serious about making bedding quilts, so many tools–like frames that help stretch the fabric for alignment–are available.
Baby bedding usually has a theme, such as animals, that can be appliqued. A simple pattern may only require sewing quilt squares together. Before choosing fabrics for a quilt, make sure you know the theme of the room to better coordinate your colors. Even a beautiful, intricately-designed quilt can clash with a room’s decor, diminishing its visual appeal.
If you just don’t have the time required to complete such a project by hand, there are quilting machines for sale that can help you get the job done quickly. Hand sewn quilts bring in top prices, but machine sewn quilts go together much more quickly allowing you to free up your time.
If you have leisure, you can learn quilting. It calms people and relieves stress. Expectant mothers can take up baby bedding project enjoyably.
Posted on Jun 15, 2009 under Uncategorized |
How do the Chinese name their baby and girls? There are a number of methods. The most common one is based on the aspiration of their parents. As the name stays with the person throughout his life, it serves to remind him of what his parents expect of him.
Generally speaking, these aspirations can usually be classified into six categories. They are moral accomplishments, intelligence and scholarly achievements, health and beauty, wealth and position, safe and smooth life and independence and willpower.
Another method of naming is based on the seniority of the siblings. Some Chinese families cherish the tradition of giving names based on a specific method that was handed down from generations to generations. Whenever a baby is born in the family, he or she is simply given a name using a series or methodology defined by its ancestor.
Another way of naming a baby is to give them a name that reflects the historical events or the culture that are a part of Chinese history.
The last method is based on astrology. With the astrological method, a child’s name may be determined according to the time, month, and season of his birth. The child’s birth year animal signs may also determine the name. The Five Elements may also play a role in the names.
Because a parent’s hopes will be different for a boy than for a girl, there are differences between the ways a boy may be named and how a girl’s name is derived.
A good man is expected to have good moral character and to devote himself to his country and people. He should be healthy, ambitious, firm, have wisdom and ability and bring honor to the family.A good man will possess a character that is above reproach, and will be dedicated to his family and his homeland. He should possess good health, strong ambition, a firm stance, and a powerful sense of honor that he brings to the family.
For this reason, baby boys may be named in a manner that honors a specific ancestor and promotes the continuance of family business, as well as tradition. This can also include having high hopes, a strong character, a tremendous power of will and determination, a good sense of responsibility, physical strength and vitality, an open mind, great intelligence, and the willingness to be of service to the country and its citizens.
How about Chinese names for infant girls? Parents aspire for their girls to be virtuous, chaste, and loyal to family. They should be mindful of housekeeping, take good care of the family, and have strong affection for their siblings. Girls are expected to exist in harmony with their neighbors. Furthermore, they should possess a combination of grace, intelligence, and beauty.
As such, names given to baby girls will be reflective of the parents’ desire that their daughter turn out to be virtuous, tender, beautiful, smart, clever, graceful, and elegant.
Now you know!