Archive for March 2011
Stress in Kids
It is a general misconception that only adults suffer from stress. On the contrary, there are various reasons and circumstances that can cause stress in kids. Every person faces stressful situations in his life since childhood due to scholastic problems, family problems or even peer pressure. Examinations and scores are the major cause of worry and stress in children. Similarly stress is also caused if the child finds out that he is different from the rest due to any physical deformity.
Children find it difficult to endure stress and the problems can become more serious and complex when the children grow up. Excess stress can lead to problems like stomach upset, colitis, migraine, irritability, tantrums or even complete withdrawal. Therefore, it is important to follow stress management techniques for kids. Parents/guardians or teachers play an important role in helping kids for stress management.
Stress Management for Kids
- Healthy communication between parents and children is essential for parents to try and understand their child’s problems. Many times it is observed that children do not clearly discuss their problems with parents. Therefore, parents should keep a check on any unusual behavior of their child and if the child does not speak up, the parents must try to communicate and understand the problems of the child.
- Children learn from the attitude of the parents and hence, it is very necessary for parents to have a positive attitude and also inculcate this quality in children. Negativism often leads to worry and stress whereas, optimism can help to relieve stress. Parents must try to convince their child that there can be a solution to a problem and they do not have to worry a lot.
- The parents must keep in mind that physical touch is very important for a child and it also helps a child to get over stress. Hence, parents should not hesitate to hug or convey their love to their child. Parents must make a child realize that they as parents will always be there to support and protect the child.
- Sports and games are great stress busters. Puzzles, darts and card games will be most useful as they need a lot of concentration. Parents must also encourage kids to play outdoor games which can refresh their minds immediately.
- Similar to adults, exercising regularly has found to be one of the most important and best stress management tips. Breathing exercises, walking, cycling, stretching exercises can help to reduce stress while, punching, kickboxing are most effective to relieve stress and also tension. Aerobic exercises or dance is also recommended.
- Friends play an important role in a child’s life and also help in stress relief as children are more comfortable talking and being with them. Children of all age groups need time to relax and enjoy with their friends. Similarly, playing with pets can also help kids to overcome stress.
The sure sign of your baby going through a growth spurt is that he would suddenly start clamoring for more food. It may seem unfair, but it is a fact that just when you’re finally getting the hang of a reasonably set breastfeeding schedule, your newborn suddenly changes course and begins eating every hour! Moreover, though he’s done, he still acts like he’s ready to have more, making you wonder if he is getting enough milk. But don’t worry, he’s not starving even though he’s acting like it! About five baby growth spurts can happen anytime during the first year, and perhaps, he’s just hit his first baby growth spurt. Here is how to recognize growth spurts in babies.
Growth Spurts in Babies
Doctors say that growth spurts happen soon after the birth, the first one between one and three weeks, and the next one between six and eight weeks. After that, you can expect your baby’s growth spurts at three months, six months, and nine months. But it is possible that your little one forgot to read that part of the book and may have more growth spurts than that!
You have to keep it in mind that one of your baby’s most important jobs this year is to grow bigger. Your baby might triple his body weight by the time he celebrates his first birthday. You should know that a lot of that growth happens in short, intense bursts. The growth spurts in babies account for drastic changes in their height and weight and have the greatest impact on a nursing mom. The good news is that infant growth spurts usually last only 2-3 days, so your baby (and your life) should get back to normal soon. Here are the signs of growth spurts in babies.
- Your baby may want to eat nonstop.
- Changed sleeping patterns may affect your routine. Your baby may howl for a midnight snack, then perhaps after every two hours, at 2 A.M., 4 A.M., and so on. Older babies too wake up earlier from their naps.
- Baby may be crankier than usual. All those late nights disturb his moods and he might be extra fussy at the breast. Latching and unlatching can be observed because he is expecting more milk and cannot get it as your production might not be up to speed yet.
This is always difficult, but it’s no different to being an ordinary parent; there are just a few more people involved, so it’s a little more complex in some ways, but complicated situations can ALWAYS be simplified. Who pays for what is the usual problem, but there are plenty of others.
There are several techniques for keeping your own mind reasonably straight, all of which I’ve used. The woman I was involved with had a 5-year-old daughter, and a violent ex-boyfriend. One of the first things I encountered was “Are you my new daddy?” Wow! Tough question. My answer was: “No, I’m not, but you can think of me as another dad, so you’ve got two dads.” This answer was acceptable, and sometimes I imagined schoolyard arguments; “I’ve got TWO dads! So There!” (I take my amusement where I can find it.)
Moving from ‘single’ to instant parent required some serious cogitation, and kept me constantly re-evaluating my position. Was I her dad? What was my role? How do I deal with her biological father? I initially resolved it by placing my first priority on my new partner. Ok, some radical changes in my lifestyle were required, like changing to kid-friendly restaurants.
As much as possible, I simply did not get involved in any conflict between my girlfriend and her ex; that was something they had to resolve between themselves. I did suggest to both of them that they resolve their issues via a third party, but neither was prepared to do that, so sometimes I did get caught in the middle. The worst was that both of them sometimes used to use the child against each other. This gives real meaning to the phrase: ‘When elephants fight, the grass gets trampled!’
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Facts About Single Parenting
Single Parenting is a difficult call. The reason is actually, the solitary mother or father has to perform the role associated with a mom, father, baby-sitter and also a teacher. At times many single mother and father tend to be responsible their own children develops faster compared to the children of the dual parenting and don’t appreciate their own years as a child. There are lots of myths as well as information about single parenting. Running away from the actuality as well as details isn’t the solution, instead understand the ground actuality and take the details.
Single Parenting does not always mean the children come from damaged house. Sometimes, it is better to provide a child a stable as well as tranquil atmosphere. You will find cases, separated mother and father are prepared to take the obligation of the child/children. In such instances a child gets the best of each houses.
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