Ways to Prevent a Toddler Tantrum Before it Happens

Toddlers are known for having the ability to change their mood – from happy to extremely upset – within seconds. This can be very stressful for parents, especially if the “meltdown” happens in public. Fortunately, there are some things parents can do to prevent a toddler tantrum before it happens. Watch for Warning Signs Pay close attention to your toddler’s body language. Has he suddenly become extra grumpy, or more whiny than usual? Is she playing, but taking lots of breaks to lie down on the floor? Has your toddler started throwing their books, toys or food? These are some … Continue reading

4 Reasons to Helicopter Parent Your Pet

It has been said that helicopter parenting might not be the most ideal parenting style. Kids need some room to make mistakes and learn from them. That being said, there are a lot of great reasons why you should helicopter parent your pet. Reasons Why You Should Helicopter Parent Your Pets Pets Don’t “Grow Out of It” Babies and toddlers go through a stage where they put everything they can grab into their mouths. They will grow out of this stage eventually. Pets, however, will always have a tendency to try and eat things that may or may not be … Continue reading

Toddlers and the Flu Vaccine

Every parent, who has children under the age of five, quickly discovers that little kids are “germ spreaders.” One cannot be too surprised by this revelation. Toddlers, for example, tend to put things into their mouths, to pick their noses, and to strongly resists all parental attempts to wash their little faces and hands. As such, it is recommended that toddlers receive the flu vaccine. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the LAIV (live attenuated influenza vaccine) be given to children ages 2 through 8 years old. In addition, they recommend that kids between age 2 … Continue reading

Hitting the Pool with a Toddler

I used to think watching a naked toddler run around a swimming pool was cute. Of course, that was when it was my kid baring it all and not a stranger’s tot trotting around in his birthday suit relieving himself in the same water my family’s swimming in. Due to the serious nature of wading in a pool contaminated with human stool, it’s vital your toddler be clad properly. If your toddler is not potty trained you will want to invest in swim diapers before you head to the pool.  Regular diapers may fit snugly around his thighs and waist, … Continue reading

Avoid Swimming Pool Sickness

And I thought chasing after a wet, naked child in public was a problem… Imagine taking your kids to the city pool to cool off on the first day of summer vacation, then being forced to spend the next week nursing them back to health. A growing number of kids are getting sick from swimming in public pools.  The problem has become so widespread the Center for Disease Control recently issued a warning to parents about protecting their children from recreational water illnesses. Heath experts say even regularly maintained pools can contain contaminants like cryptosporidium.  If a person doesn’t shower … Continue reading

Safe Swimming With Your Toddler

Ah, summertime. There is nothing that calms an overheated and cranky toddler like a dip in the pool, lake, river, ocean, or even the bathtub. It is important to play it safe around water, and most parents know the basics of water safety. Things like supervising your toddler’s watery adventures, making sure your toddler gets out of the water before they get too cold, and teaching your toddler how to be safe in the water are probably second nature to most parents. There are some hazards, though, that you may not necessarily know about. Recently, at least one child that … Continue reading

When Your Cat Eats Furniture Foam

One of my first articles on the Pets Blog was about my dog and cat; I called it, “Cats and Dogs Really Can Get Along.” Another early article I wrote was: “Dogs and Toddlers: The Uncanny Similarities,” listing ways in which care for dogs and tiny humans can seriously overlap. I should write a piece that combines the concepts from both these articles: “Cats and Dogs Really Are Quite Similar.” It’ll chronicle my experiences as a simultaneous owner of both cats and dogs, and how alike they can be. Cole and Chihiro especially seem to have learned habits from each … Continue reading

How Emotional Abuse Steals Your Sense of Security

At the most basic level, emotional abuse robs you of your sense of security and value. In an attempt to bring order out of chaos, even the regularity of abuse can be substituted for a sense of what is normal. One of the deepest needs of children is for consistency, including the certain knowledge that they are unconditionally accepted and valued by those who love them. Small children crave the repetitive, constant nature of certain stories in which the same words or phrases are used over and over again. Children know what to expect, anticipate with delight the coming use … Continue reading

Sick Days

It’s that time of year, the time when everyone is getting sick. Tonight in Utah we are supposed to get our first freeze of the year but it seems that everyone is getting sick ahead of the really cold weather. It sucks when your child is sick, when you are feeling under the weather it’s even worse. For the past few days my back has been bothering me. Annoying but I’ll live. Now Hailey has the stomach flu and I feel something catching up with me. I’m very run down and just want to sleep. Not at all possible when … Continue reading

Getting Your Toddler to Listen

Does it ever feel like you tell your child something ten times before you get a response out of them? I know I’ve felt that way countless times with my three year old. It feels like he never listens to me! However, if you are consistent and follow these simple strategies it may make your life a little bit easier when it comes to teaching your toddler to be a good listener. Be clear with your child about what you expect from them. At two and three they really don’t need a big long explanation of why you ask them … Continue reading