Category: Toddler

Soothing A Doctor's Visit: Tantrums in Toddlers

12/1/2014

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Your toddler is having a meltdown that takes the effort of four nurses just to get a look at her ears. Ten minutes later, they are still trying to get her to say "ah" to do a quick strep test. If this sounds like your child, you could use some help soothing those doctor's visit tantrums. The methods I used on my own children have been put to the test and proven successful time and again.

Bring distractions to the doctor's office. Healthy snacks, like trail mix, work wonders for keeping kids in a good mood. It also keeps them busy during less comfortable moments. Books and toys can come in handy for the waiting time, as well as during stressful times. Crayons and a coloring book can soothe the nerves and keep a toddler's mind off other things. When tantrums occur, distractions are often more effective than words for toddlers. They may tune out your voice. But their eyes may light up at the sight of something fun.

Role play beforehand. If you know that your toddler may throw a tantrum at the doctor's office, you can prepare ahead of time. Try purchasing a doctor's kit or making one from random household items. Let your toddler pretend to be a doctor. You or even a favorite doll or stuffed animal can be the patient. Then, reverse the roles and pretend to be the doctor, explaining what each item will be used for. If your child is nervous even with just toy instruments and mock examining, let a doll be the patient instead. You can do things like look inside the ears, listen to the heartbeat, and so on. Sometimes acting it all out gives the child a better understanding that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Have a soothing item handy. Even if you use other items for distraction, always have a special item for dire situations. This should be whatever soothes your toddler. In case a tantrum occurs at the doctor visit, this will be your secret weapon, so to speak. It might be a favorite blanket or toy. As long as it is something your child is very attached to, it will do the trick for the moment. Use the other distraction items for minor issues and keeping your little one busy. Only save the special item for the critical moments, such as getting shots or any other moments your child may have a tantrum.

Hold your child during the examination. Most pediatricians understand that kids can get a little frightened. When my kids were toddlers, the doctor would let me hold them during the examination. Most every child sees their parent as a comfort zone. It's also easier to keep your child's arms from grabbing at the doctor or his instruments when he needs to get close. Plus, you get to hug your child right after the examination is complete, which will be a great soother for you both.

Make it fun. Try turning the doctor's visit into something to look forward to. If you make it into an adventure, your child is likely to follow suit. During the moments when the doctor is not in the room, you can show your child around and explain things. Emphasize on what a cool place it is. You can make comments such as "Isn't it neat how the doctor can see all the way inside your ears with this?" "It's so cool that he can tell if you're sick or not just by doing this." "Good thing we have doctors to help us out." When kids hear these things, it is definitely more soothing than "Sit down and relax" or "Don't touch that. It's dangerous." You can keep them safe without making the doctor's office seem so scary and dangerous.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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The Clingy Toddler

11/28/2014

by Charlene Little, Contributing Writer

VanessaQ @ wikimedia commons

If you have a clingy toddler, you know all too well that it can be a hassle. They demand to be carried everywhere, you can't leave the room without them tagging along, and you get absolutely nothing done when you are at home. I, too, know the feeling, and after through research, I can help you break the chain your toddler has you on.

After my youngest son was born, my 20-month-old developed a suction cup and refused to be removed from his daddy's side, even by me. When daddy went to work, I was enough to make him happy, at least until daddy got home. It didn't matter if we were in the middle of a fun game, the second daddy walked through the door, mommy didn't exist until the next day when daddy went to work.

I was determined that my child was going to remove himself from his daddy long enough for me to enjoy giving him a bath and playing with the little toy boats, just like it used to be. I hit the computer and started researching. Now, I want to share with all of you how to get your child to break your leash and enjoy life through their eyes, instead of from your hip.

Why Do Toddlers Cling:

Toddlers cling for many reasons. The first thing you must do is determine why your child is clinging to you so tightly. In most cases, clinginess is a reaction to their environment. Typically it means that they have anxiety about something, or they are fearful of something. Many times, this is a fear of being separated from the person that provides most of their care. Other times, the clinging child is responding to a change in their environment and feels that life is unpredictable. This is especially true if their is a new baby in the home.

How to Handle a Clingy Child:

Dealing with a clingy child can be difficult. Most likely, your nerves are shot, your house is a mess, and you are ready to pull out your hair. Responding to this feeling does not help the child it only causes more negative feelings. If your child is clinging to someone in particular, you should see that as a positive. They feel safe and close to that person and they have a way to feel comfort when they are upset. Do not punish the child for this behavior. The key is to gently persuade the child to release their proverbial suction cup on their own.

Identifying the Reason:

Identifying the reason for your stick tight may not be easy, but it is an important step. If your child responds the same way at the same time of day, pay attention their cues to determine what they want. Are they tired? Do they want to play? Are they just ready for some quite time? Once you figure out why your child is being clingy, you can then explain to them how they feel. Explaining to them how they feel can help you explain this to them in a way they can understand. If they can talk, it is even better because you can teach them how to express what they are feeling rather than cling to someone.

Predictability Issues

Making things predictable for your child can be very beneficial to both of you. If they know what to expect they are less likely to have anxiety. Even if you have the same schedule for your child everyday, they may not understand this.

Toddlers have limited, to no sense of time which can make things difficult for them to predict. Reminding them of that schedule can help them to limit anxiety. Let them know what happens next in their day. For instance, if they are playing, give them a ten minute warning before nap time. Not only will this reduce their anxiety, but it will also help build a sense of time and coordination.

Following these steps is a great start toward building independence in your toddler. It worked for me, and it will work for you!

Originally Published on Yahoo! Voices

5 Ways to Use Potty Training Pants Effectively

9/7/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Potty training effectively involves many factors, such as patience and consistency. If you have decided to use training pants as effective means of potty training your child, there are some things you'll need to know. As a mom of multiple children, I'm sharing 5 ways to effectively use potty training pants, based on my experiences. These are methods I've tried with success.

Don't Use the Potty Training Pants Like Diapers
Never treat the potty training pants the same as diapers. Using them as diapers only confuses the child. Use diapers during nap times and at night until training is done. When accidents occur, unless the potty training pants are messy, have the child sit on the toilet and wipe instead of treating it like a diaper change. This helps teach the child that the toilet is now the proper place for restroom duties and that potty training pants are not a diaper.

Be Consistent
Once you start using potty training pants, do not revert to diapers on some days and use potty training pants on others. This only confuses the child and could actually hinder the potty training process. If you are going to use potty training pants, stick with that plan. That will help the child understand the importance of the task. Consistency is key.

Be a Teacher, Not a Dictator
Children don't always get everything right on the first try. In fact, sometimes they aren't even willing to try at first. While using the toilet is a natural thing for us, it is new to children and maybe scary. Be gentle and explain how to properly use the potty training pants. Do not just give orders. Help the child understand and get it right. When the child gets it wrong, simply go over the lesson again. Say things like "When it's time to use the potty, use your big kid pants the way I showed you." You may have to repeat such phrases often. In doing so, be a teacher, not a dictator.

Use Potty Training Pants Geared Toward Your Child
Pay attention to your child's activities and make other observations to determine which potty training pants to use. If your child likes the diaper area cleaned immediately, potty training pants that have wet strips may be a good idea. Pampers Feel N' Learn is one example. Another thing to pay attention to is any skin sensitivities or issues with the way the potty training pants fit.

Let the Child Choose From Types That Work
Once you know about a variety of options that work for your child, let your child choose his or her potty training pants. This makes them seem even more special in the eyes of some children. Not only will they proud of themselves when they use them properly, but they may even brag that they picked them out themselves. Kids love to be a part of decision-making. It makes them proud. For some kids, this will make them more open to using the potty training pants.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Soothing A Doctor's Visit: Tantrums in Toddlers

The Clingy Toddler

Why Do Toddlers Cling:

How to Handle a Clingy Child:

Identifying the Reason:

Predictability Issues

Recommended Reading

5 Ways to Use Potty Training Pants Effectively

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