March 16, 2008

Benefits of Messy Play

young toddler finger paintingby Patricia Hughes

For adults, messy play can be a lot of work and feel stressful. However, there are many benefits to messy play. Early childhood education experts say that play is the work of the child. This is true for all kids, but especially for babies and toddlers. Don’t be afraid of the mess. Roll up your sleeves and enjoy some messy play time with your little one.

 Messy play stimulates the senses. The tactile experience gained during messy play helps little ones experience a variety of textures. During messy play, babies and toddlers are developing eye hand coordination and fine motor skills. What looks like a mess on the surface is truly a learning experience for your child.  
 
Fun and Messy Activities
 
A sand and water table is a great messy activity. In warm weather, this activity is perfect outside. When the weather is chilly, kids can still enjoy water play indoors. A small water table can be put on top of towels and filled with a small amount of water. The table can be filled with just water for younger infants and toddlers, if you are concerned about sand in the eyes.

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February 10, 2008

Learning to Pick up Objects

baby grasping daddies fingerBabies are born with the grasping reflex. From birth, your baby can grasp an object, usually your finger. You will need to put your finger against the palm of the baby’s hand to get her to grasp at it. As your baby grows, she will develop the coordination to actually pick up things and hold them.
 
For the first two months of life, the grasping reflex is not a voluntary action. The baby will only grasp objects that are placed on the palm of his hand. At about two months old, the baby will discover his hands. He will begin opening and closing his fist and watching his hands as they move. At this age, he may begin to grab objects, such as his clothing or a blanket. This is not a voluntary movement either. The baby will grab objects that brush his hands.

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January 27, 2008

Milestones 24 to 36 Months from Toddler to Preschooler

little girl learning to somersaultThe milestones that your child meets in the first year or two of life are more obvious than the changes in the toddler and preschool years. This doesn’t mean that the changes aren’t happening nor does it mean that these changes are any less exciting than ones that happened earlier in life. Watching your baby grow into a child is an amazing experience. Seeing the changes that your child goes through and the speed that your child is going through these changes is equally as amazing. While some people tend to call these the terrible-twos there are so many other things going on in your child’s life to focus on. This is the time your child matures from a toddler to a preschooler.

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January 13, 2008

Do Babies Benefit from Playgroups?

moms and their babies playing togetherYou may be wondering if you should join a playgroup with your baby. Will the baby really benefit from social interaction at such a young age? Do they really need to attend a regular playgroup? While babies do need social interaction, a playgroup isn’t absolutely necessary to meet that need. However, there are benefits for mom and baby in joining a group of other moms and children.

When looking for a playgroup, there are several factors to consider. One is the location of the playgroup’s meetings. Do they meet in a central location or do members take turns hosting the group in their homes? Is the location and schedule at a time and place that fits your needs? A playgroup that meets in the middle of your baby’s nap, it may not be the right fit.

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December 30, 2007

The Second Year - Baby Milestones

little toddler playing in snowDuring the first year of life you watched your baby start as a helpless infant to a budding toddler. The second year of life is even more exciting. This is when your baby starts to really show personality. Your baby learns eating skills, speech skills, walks and learns how to play during this year. Temper tantrums may begin during this year as your baby pushes to become independent. Every new discovery is greeted with enthusiasm and each month takes your baby a little closer to independence.

13th Month

During the thirteenth month of life your one year old is a toddler. At this point in life you have a strong bond with your child. Speech and independent travel (walking, and running) is being perfected as are feeding skills. At this point your baby can:

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November 25, 2007

Baby Milestones - The First Year

mommy encouraging baby to crawlWatching your baby grow is one of the most amazing and exciting experiences of parenthood. Each infant is individual and will learn and grow at their own pace. With this in mind, there are some milestones to watch for through baby's first year. The milestones are a general guideline and aren't going to be exact for all children. Below is baby's first year broken down by month.

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