Importance Of Reading

     Reading to your  babies is very important for them to develop their speech skills. Even if they have no idea what the story is about, the only thing that matters is that they are hearing the words.

     At just a few months old, an infant is able to look at pictures, listen to your voice, and point to objects on cardboard pages. By drawing attention to pictures and associating words with both pictures and real world objects, your child will learn the importance of language. 

Learning To Walk

     My son Hayden just turned one year old, and now hes walking like crazy! Its very scary because just a year ago he was a newborn that i could hold, cuddle, and wouldn't move much. Now i cant hold him without him wanting to get down and move around. I didnt think he was going to walk for awhile, but he is! Dont rush your kids into walking, they will eventually do it when they are ready. Help your child to start walking though, arrange the furniture so their steps will take them around the room. When they fall, do not make a big deal out of it, just encourage them to get up and try again. When your child does begin to walk, block off stairs and other dangerous areas with baby gates, pad sharp edges on tables, and cover your electrical outlets. Then have fun watching your child grow and get into everything!

Written by Ryley Beckwith (Hope Academy Student)

Baby Skin Tags

     Acrochordon also commonly known as a skin tag are very common. Both males and females can equally get them, even small, little babies. When babies get them, depending on the place of the skin tag, doctors recommend removing it especially if it is uncomfortable. That's what they didn't do with my daughters. Hers was right on her private parts and every time she would try to pass stool it would cause her extreme pain. The doctor told us to do many different things, like put Desitin or A&D ointment on her bottom. That helped with the rash but the skin tag was still there.

     We were going to the doctor at least twice a week and they told us the same thing every time which was, "It will just go away". I couldn't just let her scream bloody murder every time she passed stool so i finally said, "Really help me or you'll lose me as a patient!". They finally gave me advice that helped. They told me to give her a bath every night, put A&D ointment on after every diaper change, even if only wet, and to just make sure she is always clean down there. Shes happier than ever! The lesson to learn is that skin tags can be treated and to always be assertive with your child's pediatrician if nothing is being done.

Written by a Hope Academy Student.

Example of a skin tag:

Caring For Tear Duct Blockage

     My experience when I first saw my sons watery right eye was being worried and scared. I didn't know what to do. I learned it was a blocked tear duct. Its when the eyes drainage system for tears is either partially or completely obstructed. The doctor said it was nothing to worry about and just massage it and it will eventually get better. The way to massage it is to put your finger to the corner of the baby's eye and massage it in a circular shape. Massage puts pressure on the lacrimal sac to pop open the membrane at the bottom of the tear duct.

Written by Tina Yang. (Hope Academy Student)

Example of a blocked tear duct:

Shots Or Not?

Lots of parents are very unsure about whether or not their babies should get all the recommended vaccinations. I just had the doctors give my son all the ones they felt were necessary because that's what my mom did with me so I just thought why not?

Reasons why some people are against vaccinations:

• They could break out in measles 
• They could get a rash
• They could have an allergic reaction
• The parent just does not see the point in getting them
• Some religions are against them

Reasons why people are for vaccinations:

• Prevent major health problems
• Some shots could even save your life

The Importance Of Play

Children need time to play alone but they also need lots of time to play with another person, whether it be another child or an adult.

Children crave time with parents. It makes them feel special. Parents are encouraged to find time to spend playing with their kids on a regular basis. This should include one to one with each child and group time with all of the adults and kids in the home. If you are a single parent or have an only child, occasionally invite family or friends over to play.

Some possible games to play:

• Play outdoors. Throw balls. Push kids on swings. Make mud pies. Go on a hike around the neighborhood. Take a nature walk in your backyard.
• 
  
• Play games – card games – board games – silly and wacky kids games. Help them learn to take turns, how to win and how to loose. Praise them. Encourage them. Laugh with them.
• Get involved in a craft project together. Build a jigsaw puzzle as a family. Bake cookies. Paint a picture
• .
• Listen to music together. Sing along. Play rhythm instruments along with music. Get out the guitar or keyboard and make music
• .
• Read a book together. Ask questions. Ask them to change the story or make up a new one.
• Watch a movie together. Find out what they liked – how they felt. Discover the child’s interests. Comment on and discuss any bothersome content either words or actions.
• Play kid games like: Follow the Leader – Guess What I Am? – Hide and Seek

Routines! Routines! Routines!

Routines are very important to have for your baby, it helps them develop a sense of security. 

Although toddlers do not like sleeping at times, most fuss when they are about to go to bed because they don't want to miss anything.  You may want to keep your toddler up later or put them to bed earlier to have more time for yourself, whatever it may be bedtime needs to be the same time each night.

What may help your child fall asleep more quickly? 

• Let them take one special thing to bed, whether it be a toy or a blanket
• Read them a story
• Breastfeed or give them a bottle
• Sing to them

This may take a half hour, but they need this time to relax. Do the same thing with your baby each night, this will make you and your child happy.

What Keeps Me Going?

Some of you may or may not know that I am an eighteen year old mom of a one year old little boy, and I am also still a high school student. Everything completely changes when you become a mom. For example your social life, you will loose friends because you can't just go hang out and party at the drop of a hat anymore, also you have someone else to think about and take care of other than just yourself. And the money, oh boy are they expensive! Being a mom is definitely the hardest thing I have ever done, but also the most rewarding. I have lots of support behind me like my mom, a few friends and people at school. On the other hand, I'm not going to lie though, there have been days when I feel like I can't take it anymore. Although just one look at my little mans adorable smiling face and I know everything is going to be okay. I wouldn't trade being a mom for anything. Yes, you have to give up and sacrifice alot, but you will get so much in return.

Thanksgiving Food For Babies

Thanksgiving is approaching very quickly! Of course we all want our babies to have safe healthy food without having to make an entirely different meal for them, so here are a few things I believe would and would not be okay for your little one to eat!

Good For Gobbling:

• mashed or small pieces of turkey
• mashed potatoes
• sweet potatoes
• green bean cassrole
• peas
• carrots
• cranberry sauce
• bread or rolls
• pumpkin pie
• apple pie

Just small portions of the pies of course though because of all the sugar!

Pass On These:

• corn (it is not very easy to digest.)
• rich-tasting casseroles (they may not be ready for that many flavors and may spit it out.)
• stuffing (can contain onions, rich seasonings, choking hazards or seafood.)
• raw veggies from a relish tray (too hard and crunchy for baby to chew, choking hazard.)
• deserts with nuts or peanut butter (your child might have a nut allergy you don't know about.)

It is IMPOSSIBLE To Spoil An Infant

Lots of parents including myself were worried about spoiling our babies by holding them too much, but it really is impossible.

  "During the first six months, it's really impossible to spoil a child," reassures David Mrazek, M.D., chairman of psychiatry and psychology at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota. "Meeting an infant's need to be comforted, held, and fed in a predictable fashion helps him feel secure and builds a loving relationship between parent and child. It does not lead to spoiling."

Responding to your toddler also fosters independence, says Peter Gorski, M.D., an assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, and chairman of the American Academy of Pediatricians' National Committee on Early Childhood, Adoption, and Dependent Care. "A child will be more willing to explore boundaries and explore his world if he knows he can depend on his parents," Dr. Gorski says.

So, please do not ever think you can love and hold your baby too much, that little baby need all the attention from you that it can get.

http://www.parents.com/baby/development/behavioral/can-you-spoil-a-baby/

Baby Wearing!

Using a baby carrier can be very convenient and a relief on your arms if you have a big baby like I do!
I tried using the Soft Structured Carrier aka SSC, which is a carrier that you buckle around your waist then you put your baby in the pouch in front of you then buckle the shoulder buckle and you are good to go.

It was so nice having my son in it because I didn't have to worry about my arms getting tired or dropping him or anything, I definitely recommend this one.

There are also many other wraps that many people enjoy using.

Mei Tai aka MT: This is an Asian-style carrier that is tied. It features a body panel with two long shoulder straps coming from the top right and left hand corners to tie with two waist straps coming from either base corner. Various sizes are available: baby, toddler, preschool ect. Some also have padded waist and shoulder straps. Can be used for front and back carries. This one is very similar to the Soft Structured Carrier but that one buckles and this one ties.

Ring Sling aka RS: A length of fabric with a pair of rings sewn into one end. Used for one shouldered carries on front or hip, good for newborns up to preschooler. Great for quick up and down carries or a tired legged toddler.

Those are just a few of the many wraps. If you would like to find out more information on baby wearing, there is a La Crosse Babywearers group. The link for their facebook is:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/laxwibabywearers/

Simple Toys Are Best

You do not need to go out and spend a bunch of money on the latest toys that are out, because in relatiy, your child really will not care. My son was seriously happy with just about anything I gave him. Here are a few examples of things I gave my son and just things that most people have around the house.

• Empty water bottles
• Plastic measuring spoons and cups
• Pots and pans
• Keys

It is very important to remember not to give them anything that is less than one and a half inches, since they will put everything in their mouth.

Picture from amazon.com

No Baby Talk!

Speak Parentese, not baby talk.
Parentsese is not merely and English speaking pratice, its spoken around the world.

When we see a baby youll probably start talking in a high pitched tone and stretching out your vowels like "Whooose a prettyy baybeee?" This musical way of talking is called parentese. It helps caregivers connect to their babies and helps babies devolp their language skills.

How is Parentese different from baby talk?
Baby talk uses nonsense words and sounds. Parentses uses actual words, in short and simple sentences, often repeated over and over again. For example: "Who's my li-i-ttle baybee? Are you my littlee baybee? Yes, yoooou are!"
I have used parentses to talk to my son ever since he was first born, and now at one year old he says lots of words. And on his way to saying some sentences!

The link below is where I got all of this information, the site also has alot of other helpful tips.
http://www.pbs.org/parents/child-development/baby-and-toddler/baby-talk-speaking-parentese/

Picture from americanchild.org

Healthy Eating!

My son who is one year old doesn't eat meat so I try to find other ways for him to get his protein. Sometimes i don't try new things because he just throws the food off his tray and it just makes for an even bigger mess to clean up. But i am going to start trying more new things with him so he can get the nutrients he needs. Here are a few ideas of things i am planning on trying.

• Make chocolate pudding from avocados
• Put some peanut butter and raisins on celery
• Bean and cheese queseadilla 
• Put their favorite fruit in cottage cheese

Image from wellandgood.com

Crafting With Kids

I have a one year old and and sometimes it can be a  challenge finding different activities for him to do. So, I am just going to share some fun activities that you and your child can do together.

You can do tons of different projects with Popsicle sticks like make Halloween decorations. Such as, Frankenstein and pumpkin yard decorations!! I also shared a link below that has other Halloween Popsicle stick ideas. This is good one on one time with your kids, and they could also learn how to paint and cut things.

http://www.survivingateacherssalary.com/halloween-decor-kids-popsicle-stick-crafts/

Welcome

Welcome to my blog!

My name is Becca and I am a teen parent.

I got pregnant when I was a sophomore going to a regular high school. My counselor told me about this school in my area that was for teen moms.  They have a free day care at the school so our babies are just a room away from us everyday, which is super nice. We have a parent education group and a child development group. Everyone here gives us tons of support regarding our babies. So I am doing this blog because I know that being a teen parent is not easy and sometimes we take all the advice we can get.