But hang on a minute; its a bit of a strategic mission to spend the day with your family.  How on earth will I cope with a holiday for a week or two? you ask.

Let’s just take it one step at a time.

1. Consider a destination closer to home.

Unless you’re travelling for a specific purpose try choosing a destination closer to home.  Preferably decide on a plane or car trip that is no longer than a couple of hours.  Each child is different and you really won’t know how yours will react to long distance travel.

Most parents are concerned about how their baby’s behaviour is affecting those around them, so a shorter trip gives you less time to worry about your baby’s reaction to the journey.

The first holiday is really about getting your feet wet for future trips.

2. Do some research?

What attractions and activities do you want to see and do?  Will it be easy to push baby around in a pram or would a baby carrier be easier?  Do these attractions require baby to stay quiet?  Can you stop, feed and change when it suits – will there be baby change facilities nearby?

Look at your accommodation; do they have cribs and high chairs available?  Maybe you might like a babysitter for a night out on your own – do they offer this service?  Has your baby started on solids; then you will probably like to have at least a kitchenette available.

How are you going to get about? Public transport can be fairly easy to navigate with a pram.  Perhaps you might like to hire a car; you will need a car seat.  You could bring one from home or hire one from a baby hire company.

3. What should you pack?

Now this list can get pretty long, look what you take to visit the family for the day.

To start with you need: nappies, nappy rash cream, change mat, wipes, nappy disposal bags, and possibly a dummy.

You may need a few medical items like: teething relief, baby paracetamol, baby sunscreen, and baby insect repellent.

Then consider your baby’s age and eating habits.  If they are still on breast or bottle then you only need bottles and possibly formula – take a bottle brush and some detergent.  If you are travelling somewhere between 4-6 months maybe take some rice cereal if they decide they want to start solids.  If your baby has started solids take a selection of foods that your baby likes.  Some babies will eat whatever is put in front of them, others are fussy.  You know your baby best so make a judgement call.

Of course don’t forget the clothes.

Going on you first family holiday doesn’t need to be scary it just take a little planning and research.  Finally how your baby acts at home is highly likely how they will react when travelling.  So remember you baby’s schedule and remain flexible.  And have a great time!

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Hi my name is Sally-Ann Brown I write a “Toddlers on Tour”.  I am a wife and mother who has always had a passion for travel.

When I had my son in 2008 and joined a Mother’s Group I realised many mum’s needed tips and advice on travel with kids. “Toddlers on Tour” was formed.

My advice is based on my 20 years’ experience in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, a Bachelor in Tourism and Marketing, plus researching many travel books, websites and blogs.

I hope that my advice helps you to have an enjoyable journey.

Sally-Ann @ http://www.toddlersontour.com.au

It feels like years have past by in the blink of an eye. Nappies have changed into pull-ups, eating solid foods and before you know it, it’s time for your cherished toddler to begin school. But how can you make sure that they’re properly prepared for the transition?

Is your toddler school ready?

Starting school is an important step in your toddler’s life. It’s also a new and exciting time for the whole family. But, let’s be honest, it’s also a little terrifying. After all, there are many different things to consider … all of which leave you wondering: is my toddler ready for school? 

Here are some basic questions you can ask to determine whether your toddler is ready for school:

• Does my toddler listen well?
• Can my toddler follow instructions?
• Is my toddler curious?
• Can they use the toilet by themselves?
• How does my toddler compare to others their own age?
• Can they dress themselves?
• Are they comfortable around their peers?
• Can they share?
• Does my toddler like books?

These questions will help you gauge whether or not you believe your toddler is ready for school. And while their early education will predominantly focus on using play as a means of learning, it is still worthwhile making sure that they will comfortable and confident in the classroom.

Although early education focuses on learning through play, still ensure your child has the skills to feel confident in the classroom.

Easy guide to making the shift to school

Once you’re assured that your child is ready for school, you can begin to prepare them for the transition. This might mean focusing on the areas they’re not doing as well in, or the questions that you couldn’t answer with positively. Or it might even involve preparing them mentally for spending the day with adults and other children. 

Every child is unique and will need their own tailored preparation, but to help you get started here are some of our easy tips:

• Start their education before they hit the classroom. There are plenty of opportunities in day-to-day life to turn fun and playtime into a learning experience too. You can explain how water freezes into ice when you add ice cubes to their drink, or you can give them an arts and crafts lesson with feathers, paint and pencils. Get them into the mindset of learning wherever they are, no matter what they’re doing.
• Introduce them to books. Reading and writing will form the foundation of their learning throughout their education so it’s worthwhile getting them interested and involved in reading as early on as possible. Initially, you can use textile books that your toddler can touch, poke and prod. Then you can move up to more ‘grown up’ books when your little one is ready.
• Get them into a routine. One of the hardest parts of transitioning to school is adjusting to a new routine and new habits. To make this transition as smooth as possible, begin introducing a new routine, piece by piece, well before they start school. You can begin having set times to wake up and nap, and set times for eating. This way, by the time your toddler starts school, it will feel less unusual or strange for them.
• Start asking them to fulfill simple instructions. This will help them become familiar with requests and learning situations for when they are in school.
• Socialise your child. A crucial component of a successful school transition is making sure that your toddler is well socialised. This will help immensely in the daily interactions your toddler has with their peers, as they will know how to communicate, share, listen and play.

And lastly, have faith that your toddler will be okay in their new environment. Often it’s just as hard (if not harder!) for the parents to adjust to the new daily routine. Having your little one around less can be heartbreaking for many Mums. But as long as you have faith in your toddler, trust your instincts and understand that it’s okay to feel emotional at the transition, everything will work out fine. For more parenting advice and tips make sure you check our blog regularly. And if you have any questions you want answered, make sure you send us over an email. We’d love to hear from you. 

However, in this particular ‘three seconds’ I was unaware that my 4 year old son had wandered into the room where I had the straightener on, and to this day I can still hear the shrieking cry that accompanied my son yelling, “it attacked me Mummy”.  In horror, I ran into the room, looked at his hand where instantly a blister had covered his whole thumb.  I rushed to the sink, turned on the tap, somehow grabbed a chair and together we stood crying for the next 20 minutes”.

Perhaps not quite the end of the world, but I knew how much that would hurt and kicked myself for not thinking about how hot and dangerous a hair straightener can actually be.

Burns, no matter what size are one of the most painful and potentially damaging injuries you can ever encounter.  If your child is ever burnt;

• INSTANTLY cool the burn with gently flowing WATER! WATER! WATER! For up to 20 minutes
• If in doubt call an AMBULANCE ‘000’ – especially if the burn affects airways, genitals, face, hands or feet or is bigger than a 20c piece
• For larger burns place you and your child in a gentle flowing cool shower
• Remove clothing (including nappy) and jewellery (do this once submerged in water) – but NEVER remove items if stuck to the skin
• NEVER EVER put lotions, creams, powders, butter, ice, garlic, tomatoes, toothpaste, hummus or ice cream on any burns!!! (you would be surprised what I have been told)

Prevention is obviously key, but in the event of such emergency ‘water’ is your best friend and never hesitate to contact medical aid.

Now, needless to say, several hours later my little man was still sobbing and his thumb had become permanently attached to a bowl of water.  The blister of course healed and the only other major drama I had was explaining to my husband why his ‘son’ was playing with a hair straightener! My response was simply, ‘not that there is anything wrong with that!’

Mary Dawes – Owner and Creator of FIRST AID FOR YOU. www.firstaidforyou.com.au. Specialising in baby and child first aid. Mary has over ten years experience in First Aid training along with first hand knowledge the ‘real life’ dramas that can pop up when you have two very active little boys!

The secret of educating your toddler’s listening skills

There’s nothing worse than trying to communicate with a child that isn’t, and has no intentions of, listening to you. Add in a high-pressure situation like being in a public place or urgently needing your toddler to do something and it can be a recipe for disaster.

The good news is that you don’t have to be a toddler whisperer to get your little one to listen to you. In fact, the truth is that the key of toddler training is actually more straightforward than you might think: you just need to get their attention.

Now while this might not seem like a big deal, it is actually the secret ingredient of getting your toddler to actively listen to you. Because if you don’t hold your toddler’s attention, you can rest assured that they aren’t listening to you. And although it is completely normal for your toddler to have the attention span of a goldfish, there are tips and tricks you can employ to capture, and hold, their attention on demand.

An easy way to start is by engaging your toddler in dialogue. Lure your toddler into an interesting conversation (about them of course) and you’ll be surprised at how quickly their attention focuses on you.

Remember, at this age your toddler’s world revolves around one thing: themselves. And once you have your toddler’s attention, you have access to their world.

At this age your toddler’s world revolves around one thing: themselves.

Five ways to get your toddler to listen to you

Now for the part you’ve been waiting for – the how-to guide. Read on for some of our favourite tips and tricks to get your toddler to listen to you:

 1.      Take it down a level

You’ve probably already learnt that standing above your toddler and demanding their attention does nothing but infuriate them. A lot. So if you’re looking for cohesive 1:1 communication, we recommend getting down on their level. Sit down on the floor, or squat down in front of them. Ensure that you are at eye level with them, no higher or lower.

2.      Don’t underestimate them

Next, it’s crucial that you don’t immediately assume that because your toddler isn’t listening to you that they can’t hear you or don’t understand what you’re saying. They do. In fact, they understand perfectly. But sometimes when they’re making car noises and trying their hardest to ignore us, we can forget exactly how intelligent they are.

3.       Give them something to listen to

Can you imagine if you had the option of not listening to a whining partner, a moaning boss or a complaining co-worker? You’d snatch up that opportunity quick smart, right? For your toddler, this is exactly the option they have. Of course they don’t want to listen to demands, complaints or orders. So they don’t.

But what they do want to hear about is their favourite topic: themselves. As you learnt previously, the secret of toddler taming is in capturing their attention. If you can engage your toddler in a conversation, you’ll likely discover some triggers or insights into how you can persuade your little one to listen to you and do as they’re told.

It’s all about a change of perspective – appeal to your toddler’s base wants and cravings and you’ll have yourself a very active listener.

4.       Why so serious? 

Being serious, stern and solemn is for adults, not for toddlers. There is a time, and a place, for seriousness in a toddler’s life and more often than not it isn’t when you desperately need to get their attention.

Instead, turn up the dial on your enthusiasm and your energy. Do a dance, make up a song and muck around with them. As soon as they are giggling and laughing, you have an opening for communication.

5.       Be affectionate

If you’re right on the edge of losing your temper, you decrease your chances of having a willing, listening toddler. And while it might seem impossible to calm down when your little one is being exceedingly difficult, if you make an effort to push the frustration aside and embrace them with affection instead, the results will be much better. Hug them, cuddle them and speak in a low, gentle tone.

And last but not least, be patient. At the very least, your toddler will listen to you eventually. Maybe in a few years … just kidding! But seriously, persistence is the key. Keep trying and eventually you will find the secret button that encourages your toddler’s listening skills.For more parenting advice, make sure your check back soon for another of our segments.

The must-haves

To begin with, ensure that your nappy bag is filled with all of the following basics:

• Nappies (aim for up to 8)
• Disposable bags
• Baby wipes
• Baby powder
• Hand sanitiser
• A spare set of clothes (for you as well)
• A set of cool or warm clothes (depending on what your little one is already wearing)
• Cozy blanket
• Bib
• Food (i.e. a bottle if you’re still bottle-feeding or baby food. Don’t forget the spoon!)
• Burp cloth
• A hat and sunscreen if you’re going outdoors
• Your child’s favorite toy or dummy
• Changing mat

 The nice-to-haves

If you only have a small nappy bag, you can stop here. Otherwise, feel free to include a few of the following nice-to-haves too:

• A variety of toys and entertainment items
• Complete first aid kit
• Breast pads if you’re nursing
• A sling or wrap to carry your child in
• Tissues
• Panadol for babies
• Insect repellant

The luxury items

And if you’re the type of person that takes pride in always having just the right thing on hand, then why not pop in some of these items too:

• Camera
• Baby nail clippers
• Book or magazine for you
• Papaw ointment for your chapped lips and your baby’s nappy rash

And remember to check that you have everything you need too before you walk out the door.  Do the old ‘phone, wallet, keys’ gig, and make sure you always have a bottle of water with you.

A great tip: when you get home try to replenish any items, such as nappies, that you may have used.

But potentially not every member of the family will be thrilled at this new development. Introducing a new baby to your toddler can be a confronting and difficult situation if not managed correctly.

Luckily, there are some strategies you can utilise, both before your baby’s arrival and after, to ensure happy baby and toddler relations.

Preparation is key

The Australian Breastfeeding Association suggests that for smooth toddler/baby relationship sailing, you should introduce the concept of the new baby to your toddler as early as possible. They recommend using books and pictures to help your toddler understand that there is a baby growing inside of your belly and that soon, they will have a new baby brother or sister.

Try to keep everything upbeat, enthusiastic and positive. Reinforce that a new baby is a good thing for your family and something that they will enjoy.

Next, you’ll want to start planning the integration of the new baby into your existing household. Likely, you’ll already have routines in place for the care and feeding of your toddler. You’ll also have set bed habits. Consider whether any of these things need to change when the new baby arrives and make adjustments well in advance so your toddler doesn’t associate the new baby with too much negative change.

Things to consider include co-sleeping (will this continue when the baby arrives?), breastfeeding (whether this will continue for your toddler or if they will be weaned off), the birth (will your toddler be present at the birth?) and future daycare for your toddler.

If you’re concerned about the reaction of your toddler to a new baby, why not enlist them in a course at your hospital? Many hospitals offer education courses for toddlers to wrap their heads around a new baby and how this will impact them.

The introduction

Next comes the introduction, and you know what they say: you only have one chance to make a good impression!

To keep your baby and toddler introduction civil, make sure that the focus is on your toddler. Don’t ignore your toddler or assume that once they’ve said hello to the new baby they will entertain themselves. Not only will they be interested in the new baby, but they’ll likely miss you too. The first few days are crucial for fostering positive emotions towards the siblings.

Some good tips are to:

• Have some presents on hand so that both the new baby and your toddler receive gifts. Often toddlers can become irritated and petulant when they see the new baby receiving all of these soft toys and presents, but they are left present-free.
• What to Expect suggests relating everything back to your toddler, illustrating how they used to be just like the baby when they were younger, in order to help them feel included.
• Offer your toddler the chance to hold the baby (under strict instruction and supervision) so they can develop a bond.

Happily ever after

Once your toddler has met the new baby, it will be happily ever after, right? Well … if you’re very lucky, sure. But more often than not, there are still teething problems that come up as your toddler becomes accustomed to sharing toys, your love and your attention.

Here are some of the roadblocks that may pop up along the way and some suggested ways of tackling them:

• Dr William Sears says to expect some regression in your toddler. He suggests that you manage this regression by remaining positive and going along with the ‘babying’, while reinforcing the benefits of being a toddler. Things like the fact that they can climb up on your lap, play with different toys and eat special things should be incentive for your toddler to drop the baby act after a while.
• Be prepared for tantrums and anger. It’s only natural that your toddler experience some negative emotions when they’re no longer getting the lions share of your attention and focus. So be patient and sympathetic to their needs and try to ‘share’ yourself as much as possible.
• To avoid feelings of exclusion, make sure that you include your toddler in baby experiences too. Ask for their help in preparing baby’s bath, choosing clothes or setting up a nappy change. Reinforce that the baby is ‘theirs’ too.
• What to Expect suggests that some toddlers may feel threatened if they believe that they have to share their toys. To clear up any confusion and soothe toddler tempers, ensure that your toddler can choose with toys are ‘out of bounds’ for the baby and then stick to your toddler’s rules.
• Australian Breastfeeding Association recommends having ‘special time’ with just you and your toddler. You’ll likely be spending a lot of alone time with the baby and this may anger or upset your toddler. Try to time-share as much as possible so they don’t feel left out.

And finally, keep it all in perspective. You are a wonderful parent and your toddler will adjust to having a new baby in the house. Take all of the tears and tantrums in perspective and remind yourself that this is just a short-term dilemma. Before long, your toddler and your baby will be BFF and you’ll forget that there ever were any difficulties.

It’s quite common to encounter difficulties when you’re trying to get your baby to sleep through the night. After all, your little one is led by her hunger urge and doesn’t know the difference between daytime and nighttime. When she’s hungry – she’s hungry. Now.

But getting your baby to sleep through the night is an essential part of their development. So, how do you do it? Should you subscribe to the ‘cry it out’ method? Or is the nursing method better suited to your needs?

Join us as we explore two sleep methods so you can discover which works best for you.

Cry It Out Method

The cry it out method is, essentially, exactly how it sounds. This is a form of sleep training that suggests that you routinely allow your baby to cry, without your interference, in order to teach them sleep boundaries.

While this method is very controversial (and emotional for both mother and baby), it does serve its purpose. A study published in the Developmental Psychology journal supports this method of allowing babies to self-soothe and learn to fall asleep without interference from parents. Another Australian study has surmised that there is no harm in using sleep training techniques, such as the cry it out method.

On the other hand, Dr. Sears believes that the cry it out method is not suitable for teaching your baby to sleep through the night. Sears states that the ‘cry’ of your baby has a purpose and by ignoring the cry you are putting your baby’s health at risk.

Dr. Sears also suggests that it’s not biologically correct to ignore your baby’s cries, that in fact, the hormones and physiological response of a mother to a baby crying is impeded and builds stress in both mother and child.

The baby sleep site advises that the cry it out method is not a replacement for nighttime feeding or parenting. They also believe that this method should not be used if your baby is unwell, hungry or has a soiled nappy. It’s also not an excuse to ignore your baby during the night because it’s more convenient for you.

Nursing Method

Another method that is favoured by mothers is the nursing method. This involves feeding your baby until they fall asleep. However, many parties believe that this method can lead to difficulties in the future when your baby is unable to go to sleep by themselves.

But what do you do if your baby naturally falls asleep while your nursing? Are you then meant to wake her up before putting her down to bed?

Trisha Thompson, the Parenting.com expert, believes that this advice seems counterintuitive because it is counterintuitive. If it feels unnatural to wake your baby when they’re already sleeping, then don’t do it, she suggests. Instead, follow your instincts and do what you believe is best for you and bub.

According to the Baby Bond, nursing your baby to sleep is actually a good way to promote happy, content sleep as well as stimulate the release of various hormones that comfort both you and your baby. The skin-to-skin contact also boosts oxytocin levels and develops the bond between baby and mother.

Another method, where you comfort your baby if and when they cry during the night is meant to aid in the emotional development of your child. According to Baby Sleep Advice, comforting and soothing your baby during their first year is also meant to reduce crying during her second year. It also decreases the risk of postnatal depression and sleep deprivation and improves bonding.

But at the end of the day, the method and strategy you choose to get your baby to sleep is entirely your decision. You have to do what feels right for you, and your baby, and choose the option that resonates with you. Remember, despite your concerns and fears, mother knows best.

Image Source: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Transitioning from nappies to toilet training is a big stage in your toddler’s life. And when done successfully, it can also be a highlight of their toddler years.

But how can you guarantee successful toilet training? Well, the reality is that you probably can’t. However, there are training tips and tricks you can use to increase the chance of a seamless switch to the toilet.

When should you start toilet training?

Most experts agree that your child should be ready for toilet training between the ages of two and three. Occasionally, they will be ready earlier or later than these ages but this is a good general guideline.

If you’re looking for signs that your toddler is ready for toilet training, Choice has the following advice:

• Your toddler can pull their pants up and down by themselves
• Your toddler is good at following instructions
• Their stools are now soft but properly formed
• Your toddler tells you in advance when they have soiled their nappy, or when they are about to
• Your toddler doesn’t like the feeling of a soiled nappy
• Your toddler displays an interest in what happens when you go to the toilet

Tips and tricks for successful toilet training

Once you’ve established that your toddler is ready for toilet training, you can start implementing some of these tips and tricks.

• Better Health Channel suggests that you begin by having an ‘education session’ with your toddler to explain what purpose the toilet serves.
• Choice advocates weaning your toddler off nappies by having hours or afternoons that your toddler is nappy free. This will help them adapt to the feeling of not wearing a nappy and support bladder control.
• In the beginning, encourage your toddler to sit on the toilet or potty regularly. You can ask them at regular times whether they need to use the toilet and start encouraging the habit of using the toilet when they need to wee or poo.
• Kleenex recommends that you keep your expectations low and be prepared for the occasional accident. It’s probably best to restrict your toddler to tiled and outdoor areas and keep them away from carpet until you’re confident there won’t be any accidents.
• Keep some ‘special’ soap in the bathroom for your toddler to wash their hands with once they’ve been to the toilet.
• WA health suggests that you choose either a potty or a special toilet seat. If you choose a potty, be prepared to carry it around if you and your toddler leave the house. A special toilet seat will require a footstool or a step so your toddler feels comfortable, can access the toilet, and feels safe.
• Huggies advises that you can set a positive example by asking older siblings to demonstrate how to use the toilet, or by using a favorite teddy or doll to show what happens on the toilet.
• Huggies also recommends that you remain positive about toilet training, even when accidents happen, and that you dress your toddler in easy to remove clothing so there is no stress or pressure for your child when it comes to using the toilet.
• If your toddler hasn’t been able to successfully use the toilet, Better Health recommends that you don’t force them to stay on the toilet. Keeping them on the toilet for long periods will make them feel like they’re being punished.
• Kleenex advises that as accidents do happen, it would be wise to start your toilet training campaign during summer so you can wash and dry your toddler’s clothes easily.
• Choice recommends buying some waterproof sheets for your toddler’s bed while they are toilet training.
• Wiping is best left until your toddler is completely toilet trained.

And finally, remember to stay calm, positive and supportive of your toddler during this time. Reward them for their progress and develop a system where they receive a sticker or a treat when they successfully use the toilet. We used stickers for doing wee’s and 1 mini M&M for doing poops in the toilets. Even now, almost a year later, she will still ask for an M&M for having done a poop. I figure she isn’t asking for a whole snickers bar, and sure beats cleaning poop out of her undies!! J

Toilet training your toddler is a great opportunity to further develop your bond together and instill positive toilet habits. So stay positive, smile and where possible enjoy the experience of toilet training your toddler.

Image Source: www.freedigitalphotos.net

Teaching your two-year-old how to share is one of the more, er, challenging parts of toddlerdom but handled correctly it can also be one of the most rewarding.

To discover ways you can transform your toddler into a sharer, just read on.

Erase the ‘brat’ theory

As much as this is probably not what you expect to hear, teaching your toddler to share actually starts with you. Your perceptions and attitude can impact your toddler’s behaviour and the level to which they adopt sharing.

The first step towards developing a healthy sharing attitude is to erase the perception that your little one is a brat. They are far from it, and in fact at their age it’s completely normal to not want to share.

In fact, William Sears, an M.D. and paediatrician  believes that until your toddler is four or older, it’s unrealistic to expect them to share willingly. At a young age, they are unable to separate the difference between sharing and possession. They fear that if they ‘share’ a toy, they will never get it back again.

Which is why it’s important to have a healthy amount of tolerance and patience when you’re teaching your toddler to share. And while they may not really understand the sharing theory until they’re older, it’s still a good idea to start teaching them from as early on as possible.

Walk the walk

Next, once you’ve erased the brat theory you can start modeling good, share-friendly behaviour to your toddler.

Your toddler learns their words, acceptable actions and attitudes from you. So if you show them that sharing is a positive and encouraged behaviour they’ll likely view it in a much better light.

This does mean that even if you don’t really want to share your super special chocolate biscuits, you’ll probably have to set that attitude aside for now. Share your food and belongings with your toddler and your family too. For example, pass your partner one of your chocolate biscuits and say “I’m sharing my chocolate biscuit with Daddy so we can both enjoy the treat.”

If there’s something that’s definitely out of bounds for your little one, you can navigate this sharing minefield by making it clear why you’re not sharing. Practical Parenting advises that you should tell your child that what they want isn’t a toy and can’t be played with, or that they could hurt themselves.

Make it a group activity

Learning to share not just in a one-on-one situation, but in a group situation is also important. Sometimes toddler relations can break down when sharing is required across a group.

To help your toddler adapt, organise for a group play date at your house. Then make sure that all of the toys and food for your group of toddlers is put out together. Have a plate of food that the toddlers have to share and emphasise the ‘turn’ policy. I.e. ‘It’s Taylor’s turn to play with the blocks now’ and ‘It’s Sarah’s turn to have a biscuit’.

Crisis intervention

Disney Family suggests that one of the most effective ways you can promote healthy sharing in your household is to actively prepare for sharing situations.

Before play dates, you should make sure that there is enough food and toys to go around without risking anyone missing out. You should also put away your child’s favourite toys so they don’t worry about losing possession of them forever.

Putting these simple methods into place before play dates or group activities will go a long way in making sure that your toddler is calm, comfortable and open to sharing.

Praise for sharing

And last but not least, you should try to make sharing fun. Praising your toddler for displaying sharing behaviour reinforces that sharing is a good thing and something that they should indulge in.

Make sure that they understand that every time they willingly share, you will praise them profusely. Before long your toddler will be looking for ways to share in order to get in your good graces. And if not, well there is always that bottomless patience we mentioned!

Happy sharing!

Image Source: www.freedigitalphotos.net

Simple. Take back control with these easy, fun and no-fuss ways and keep your little ones entertained.

Easy ways to entertain babies

We all know that a bored baby is usually an unhappy baby. And while you might initially draw a blank at the idea of entertaining your bub, it’s actually really easy to do. Firstly, while their options to play with objects and games are limited, babies are still far easier to entertain than you’d think.

A baby’s world revolves around their senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. So if you cater to their senses you’ll have an entertained and happy baby.

• Play music. Let your baby experience a variety of genres and styles.
• Sing. You don’t have to have a voice like Mariah Carey, as long as your baby gets to hear your voice they will be happy.
• While a baby’s sight doesn’t completely develop until their two months old, they are still very interested in what is going on around them. Try to expose them to a variety of human faces and after two months, bright, shiny objects.
• Take them for a walk. A walk in the park is a great way for your baby to hear and smell new things. After two months, they will be able to look around them and enjoy new sights too.
• Change rooms. Just like you get sick of hanging around in the same room every day, so too does your baby. Move their crib into different areas of the house and watch as they become interested in their environment once again.
• Lastly, just be yourself. Interacting with your baby is the best entertainment you could give them and it helps nurture the bond between you both.

Fun ways to entertain toddlers

While your little one might look like a gorgeous little angel right now, the truth is that if they’re not kept entertained and satisfied throughout the day they can easily transform into a little devil.

But for young toddlers, being entertained is a cinch. For inspiration, check out our fun ways to keep your toddler entertained.

• A toddler assistant. You, and everything you do, is probably the most interesting thing in the world to your toddler at the moment. Daily chores like doing the washing, cooking and cleaning seem otherworldly to your little one. So hire them as an assistant for the day and let them help out with the chores.
• Enlist the help of playdough. While it’s not the most modern form of entertainment, playdough is still one of the best. Ask your toddler to build animals, homes, flowers and people out of their playdough. Just make sure you’re close by in case they get any ideas that it might taste as good as it looks.
• Interactive books. There are an abundance of books and tapes on the market, likely with your toddler’s favourite characters included. Why not pick some up and spend an afternoon with your toddler exploring the stories? Books that have ‘surprise’ elements such as soft fur, shiny objects and noises are always a hit. And an audiotape is an almost guaranteed way to get your toddler to settle down for their afternoon nap.
• Videos, dvds and cartoons. For a limited time each day, the TV can be a great way to keep your toddler entertained. Just make sure you restrict TV time to no more than one or two hours a day and make sure they understand that it’s a privilege, not a right.
• Explore a new place. Toddlers love discovering new places and seeing new things. Take them for a trip to the park or the zoo and point out new animals, sights and sounds. Make sure they are well fed before you leave and keep an eye on their energy levels to avoid any toddler tantrums.
• Play dress ups. Dress ups are always a fun way to keep your little one entertained. You can even break out your costume jewelry, old hats, scarves and shoes.

And remember, you don’t need to try too hard. With your little ones, the more complex the game or activity is, the less likely they will be to understand and enjoy it. So keep activities simple, easy and fun. And keep in mind that the best entertainment you could ever provide them with is you.

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