Independence

15 mos
You should begin to ween your baby from her bottle. She should be able to drink from her sip cup,from a straw and a regular cup with your help. You should now introduce her to the idea of feeding her self from a regular cup. You should purchase a small cup (3. ounces) you will give your baby one ounce of liquid in the cup. She does not understand quantity if you give her too munch liquid she will try to drink it all at once and it will be all on her clothing. Giving her a little  allows her to practice . She will spill it but it will not be as frightening for her. You are building your baby's self- confidence  therefore you need to give her  activities that she will be able to accomplish.Always remember to celebrate when she drinks from her cup each time, by saying wow you did a wonderful job feeding your self.

Potty training

15 months
Now your little one is learning to control his body function. He is 15mos and now sleeps through the night without bring wet. Now is the time to introduce him to the potty. You should let him observe you using the potty. Purchase a small potty and keep in the bathroom and when you are using the big potty allow him to sit on his. All these new discoveries takes time and patience therefore it is very important for you to introduce the process early. Your infant/toddler will move at his own pace  during the developmental stages,however if you do not introduce her to the next step she will not be able to thrive.
You are your child's best teacher.

Happy holidays

Did your baby get some great age appropriate  books and developmental toys for the holidays?

Allow your child to explore

 Your baby should be able to have a safe area to explore. Your baby is a scientist always trying to discover something new. If they have a toy in their hand and you want to carry them to another area, don't take the toy from them allow them to carry it with them.  You have no idea what "thought" you are interrupting when you break them away from the exploration.  If you insist on taking the toy away you could say something like, "oh sweetheart you have a  red spoon. Let's put it down and go over..."

You may think your little one isn't processing what's going on but she is and be mindful of that when selecting your words and actions. The brain is always developing even though your little does articulate coherent words.

Sabree Education Services would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday.

Books-- Skills it will teach

Books are very important it helps with a number of skills for your infants/toddlers.
Here are just a few ways that books help:
Language development
Multiculture
Geography
Independence
Listening skills
Develop a love for reading
You should purchase  board books for your infants/toddlers. The books should also have large print and few words, children's attention span is limited and you want to teach your child how to focus and pay attention. It's a gradual process.
These books can be a little expensive but you can find great books at the thrift store. We need to recycle anyway so why not. So many trees are already cut down.

Science

You should begin to name the body parts when you give your baby a bath. You should start  by saying  John we are going to wash your hand now.  I think that you should start with the obvious . I know that you are an expert I am just adding to what you are doing.Most parents do not tell their children the names of their "private parts" I do not understand why when it is a part of their body. you need to tell your child the correct names ,penis and vagina. You child should be able to name his body parts when he is three years old.

Toys-building self-esteem

It is very important to purchase developmental toys for your infants and toddlers. They need interactive toys. They need toys that they will use to   develop their finger muscles and their wrist control. These skills are need for writing. give your baby a wipe and allow him to pretend he is wiping up a spill. This helps to develop his wrist control and his finger muscles . He is also modeling you.You should also provide your baby with a few empty  containers with their covers observer him go to work. You should start with two items. You do not want to frustrate your baby. The objective it to have your baby develop self-confidence . You must give activities that   he will be able to accomplish and as he masters the activity you introduce something else . Remember to celebrate when he accomplishes the activity.Muscles will not developed  if they are not used then your son will need occupational therapy.

You should also  introduce finger painting to your baby at 14 mos.

Interacting with your baby

It is very important that you interact with your baby. Yesterday(12/16) I was at the doctor's office . There were families there with their babies and young children. The babies were restless and the young children were also . The mothers kept yelling at the children" sit down". The babies were crying.
When you go out out your home remember to take a  toy for your  infant/toddler along with a few books. It is ok for you to put the baby on the floor and allow her to move around. It is very difficult for  infants and toddlers to stay still. Remember they have just discovered that they can move around and that is their focus.

language development

You should speak with your baby in whole language not baby talk. Remember that the brain is developing and communication is very important. Speak with your infant/ toddler as if you are speaking with any of the family members.Also do not allow your infant/toddler to keep a pacifier in his mount all the time.Do not have your infant/toddler watching a lot of T.V .
 This will delay his speech . Young children need human interaction in order to develop.

Play

Play is very important. You should teach your infant/toddler how to play. Young children love to play the chasing game . You can also play peek-a-bo and  observer that big smile on their face.They love to be tickled ,scratching their foot bottom,telling them a secret is also fun for infants and toddlers.You want to have a happy baby who loves to laugh.You want your baby to  see the world as a happy and your are their mirror.

Sensory activities

Pre writing skills
You can introduce finger painting to your  baby you can start this at around 14 months.As your baby gets a little older you can introduce brush painting. These activities are very help full for pre- writing . Finger painting helps with a number of things,it helps  wrist control,develop finger muscles,and a number of other things.Brush painting  also helps  to prepare children for writing,it is very relaxing and children will be able to admire their master piece. This is a great way to introduce the colors also.Children learn many skills form one activity. As the brain is constantly  developing.When you purchase paint you should purchase the primary colors ,red,blue,yellow. Young children loves to paint.It is great to give your infant/toddler these experiences at home.

Being in tune with your child's cues

Yesterday I  was went out for lunch when I got there there were two women with two young children . They were eating at the time. When they got finish the children were ready to go ,however the adults were not reading the cues . They both sat there talking as the children expressed their frustration by trying to climb on  the furniture,going under the tables etc. The ladies kept picking them up and tying to keep them sitting still  on their laps. Forty five minutes later they were still there. As a care give you must be in tune with your baby and this will allow you to read her cues. The whole idea is to make your baby enjoy their infant/toddler developmental  stage. The next time that you are our with your infant/toddler read his cues.

Age approriate behavior

As  care giver it is very important to understand that young children are not able to sit still for a long time. The have just discovered that they can move around and explore their surroundings. When you are our with your little ones remember to back a favorite toy,a book etc. Your little one is  learning how to self regulate  and it takes time.When expect behaviors from a young child that is not age appropriate it becomes frustrating for both of you. You want your baby to have a sense of accomplishment there you should  require behaviors that are age appropriate.

Use of books

Your toddler should have learned how to care for books because she had had lots of experience with books.She should be able to decide what is her favorite book.She should request that you read it with her.

Cognitive Development

Listening skills -
Remember that you are preparing your baby for life and school listening skill is very important.Here are a few ideas to help develop your baby's listening skills:

1. Read to your baby while you are pregnant
2. Play soft music for your baby while you are pregnant
3. Read to you baby each day read short books
4. Play different type of music for your baby
5. Provide a variety of board  books for your baby put them in a bin on the floor
6. Play hand games with your baby eg- Patty Cake,Head and Shoulders, etc.

 Following directions
 Begin by giving your baby one directive - provide a container that the  baby can put items in and observe her as she add them in you can say "Sara wow you just put  doll in the box". As time going on when it is time to clean up you will say to her now let us put the doll in the box.One she gets the concept you can give a directive,Sara can you please put  your doll in the box.
You are also giving her language skills.

Attentivetiness/persistence

People usually complain that children have a shot attention span.I have observed my grand son engaged in an activity for more than 10 minutes. When children are interested in what they are doing they will stay  engaged.you should also provide interesting activities for them.
Give your baby tummy time
Here are some things that you can do at home. You can start these activities at three months
You can pot some dry beans in a small  plastic bottle and give to you baby she will enjoy shaking it.
Provide a pot cover and a spoon and watch  make music 
Provide  a couple empty bottles and tops for her to play with. When you give your play items they should be big as this is called the oral stage where every thing goes in their mouth.When it is big they will not be able to swallow it. You should also clean the items .
You can also provide an empty box for your baby and observe how excited she gets as she  explores the box.

Approaches to learning

Initiative
birth -18mos
You should take your baby to different places  that will allow her to experience new places.Your baby should be exposed to different adults that will give her the opportunity to interact with different people.
Your baby should begin to show interest in self-help skills ,eg  help to take his shirt off,want to clean up a spill . You should give your baby the chance to do these things. This is the root of  independence and self-esteem.Take your child to play with other children also this will practice her to share with children outside the family.
18mos-36mos
When given a new item your child will explore it for a while. our child should be observing when a new item is in the home and will explore it on his own.He should  want to dress himself. At times parents are always in a rush and neglect the initiatives that infants and toddlers are making. Children need time to practice with repetition and guidance.Please get up on time this way you can give the baby a chance  to help with out you rushing.
36-60mos
At this stage your toddler should be asking others to join her in play. She needs practice with that because if you did not give her the language  she will not be able to. Your child should be able to express her needs clearly.
Each child develops  at a different pace however,children must be given the opportunity to  take the initiative.
Have you  observed your baby taking initiatives?

Discoveries in infancy

 0-18mos
This is also referred to as cognitive development and learning
Infants are born wanting to learn however they must be given the opportunity to learn through discoveries.
Here are some things that you can do at home:

• You can put some dry beans in a small bottle and give it to your six month old. Observe how she uses it. Do not tell her how you think it should be used.You should also  give her interactive toys that are developmental.You should allow your baby to discover and explore the new item/s.
• Your baby should be reacting to new people or sounds.
• Your baby should show interest and curiosity in learning new things. Your baby must be given the opportunity to do these things. You should allow you baby to discover with our interruptions. It is important for you to create a safe space.
• Give your child a large empty plastic bottle the she can put items in provide  her with items  for example bottle tops small toys and observer her 
•  
• Did you know that at this stage your baby is discovering distance ?

18-36mos
Your child should be asking simple why questions. You should answer the ones that you can and don't be afraid to say I do not know but I will find out and let you know.When you spend time with your child ask about his day.Engage in conversation with your child.
You should also allow your child to take risk  this builds self confidence. You should there to support your child for example- you child may climb on the chair in order to get to an item that is on the table don't rush over and prevent the child from his plan be supportive .
36-60mos
Your child should be asking for information for example - what is that ?She should be investigating and experimenting with materials. Children must be given the opportunity to develop these skills .  Encourage your child to ask open ended questions and  you should also play questions .

Please try a few of these and let us know you observations?

Is your child at his stage

Do you feel that your baby is functioning on his developmental stage?

Social Emotional Development

Self-control-Feelings and impulses
birth-18 mos
Your child should be able to stop crying when she is comforted ,especially when  held gently.  Here is an example : you should hug your baby a lot and be gentle with your baby.You should provide your baby with  a comforting item,her favorite teddy,blanket or book etc.

18mos-36months
Name emotions when you are talking with your toddler , eg happy,sad,tired,scared.Help your toddler too calm down. You should be patient when teaching your toddler how to control her impulses.You should  also read books with your toddler that discuss emotions. You should talk with your child about emotions.
36-60mos
During this stage of development your toddler will be expressing strong emotions and it should be appropriate as you have given her positive guidance from birth. Your child should be able to explain that "I am upset and do not want to play at the moment". You should also provide support if your child is having a challenge regulating his emotions. This is a skill that takes time to accomplish.Once the child is calm you can then discuss the behavior.

Self-Control

birth-18mos
Your baby should be learning that his needs will  be met and will not need to throw a tantrum to get what she wants.He should be able to calm him self down.

Social skills-

Cleaning up-he is 14mos
 My daughter has been singing the clean up song with  to her son while she put his toys away  and his books. Tonight a  book was on the floor and he picked it up  and put  it in  the container with the other books . "Good job Ajani ", he had a big smile on his face and he began to clap.
His mom has been singing the clean up song while she have him help her to clean up.  Children learn through experience, repetition and patience.

Socialization-Self-concept

birth-18 mos
Your child will begin showing self-concept in many ways .  I will discuss a few ways that she will indicate that she is working on this skill.
She will show preference at to who she wants to stay with. For example if her dad is home she will but her hands up indicating that she wants to be picked up by him or by another care giver. Infants and toddlers begin making decisions very early.You should cuddle your infant /toddler and be responsive to his needs. This helps to build trust and helps with attachment. You should also use your child's name when you are referring to her.Your child will begin to help you when he is getting dressed.
We welcome your comments.

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Self Concept-abilities and preferences

 birth-18mos

You should have a variety of books and developmental toys for your infants/toddlers this will allow her to make choices as to the ones that she prefers. Observe and you will notice that she will play with some items more than others.Your infant should have access to them this means that they should be on the floor.You should also acknowledge your child's action (eg. you can clap and say yeaa you did it,you  put the top in the box). You will  observe a big smile on your infant/toddler face.

Adaptive Social Behavior in -Diverse settings

 birth-18mos
 We need to help our infants and toddlers to to function in diverse settings. Last week my friend invited my to an event in the city. She did not inform me that we may be the only person of color there. We arrived and half way through the event it clicked. This is not unusual . I am on committees where  I  am the only person of color. As people come in I would  introduce my self and  some people were open to conversation while others had a question on their face.  I introduced my self to this one lady and she responded" O I did not know that you are a part of the group, how did you know about the event"? . She is so accustomed to be just with her group that she questioned my being there. We really need to help our infants/toddlers to function in  diverse settings as you are growing them to live in the world.You do not want them to form their perception of others just from what they see on the T.V.
Children need to have these skills before they get to kindergarten.
This is a skill that many  adults struggle with.What are your thoughts?

Adoptive Social behavior-Group Activities

birth-18mos

This is a very important skill that young children need to have. We live in a very diverse city however at times you would not believe it. Yesterday  My daughter and I took her 14 month old son to an open house. There were about 70 children there from infants to about 5 years old. We were the only people of color there . That is not unusual for us but it seams uncomfortable for many of the parents. I observed many parents moved their children to another activity once my grandson got close to their baby/child. Not one of them said "John" I think this baby wants to play with you.I am sure that behavior is so normal for the parent that they do not see it as a problem. At one point my grandson was in the container of balls with a few other children. One child just went over and attacked him. His father was there and  pulled him out. He did not say to the child "that is not how you play you have to be gently"He should  have  allowed the child to play but with more supervision. When you remove children from conflicts that does not teach them how to solve it and move on.
I think the child attacked my  grandson because he may have not seen a child that looks different from him before? or he may need an evaluation because he is impulsive,developing a personality dis-order.
What are your thoughts?

Example of language development

Understanding your child's cues

Ajani is 14 months now, he says a few words. Even though he doesn't articulate many words he is able to identify his needs by pointing; I'm in tune with his cues. For example he may want to drink from a cup I'm drinking from, he will indicate with sound or pointing to the cup and I then know he wants some of what I'm drinking. When he wants to listen to his children's music he will walk over to the stereo and point to it. Many people think a child is not comprehending what they are being taught simply because they can not speak; however they are. Remember their brain is still developing and that is why it's important to speak with them in your language, not baby babble/gibberish.

The most effective communication is wordless also known as non verbal communication; as adults we use it and once we pay attention to it we can learn a great deal.

Reeshemah
Daseta's daughter
Ajani's mom

An example of guidance

Guidance vs. Discipline: guidance, focusing on the behavior you want the child to learn in using a positive approach

When Ajani was between 8 and 10 months old he would throw down his bottle when he finished drinking. I began to tell him not to throw it. My mother and sister would tell him the same, that brings about consistency.

At 11 months old he started to hold his bottle and wait for one of us to take it from him. If we are not in his immediate view or we don't notice he's done with the bottle he makes a sound to indicate he's finished rather than throwing the bottle down. I would walk over to him, take the bottle and say thank you.

Reeshemah
Daseta's Daughter

Adapative Social behavior

Empathy-  14mos
Your baby is now 14 months you should provide a mirror that will allow your baby to see emotions on the face. You should being discussing emotions with your baby. At this stage your baby likes, to bite and when she bites you, you need to explain to her that biting hurts and it will make you sad. Pretend to cry and observe your baby's reaction.
 Last week my grandson bit his mother and she pretend that she was crying and he began to cry.I noticed that his mom has not complained that he has  bitten her since. He has learned that biting hurt and he felt her pain.(empathy)
Older children that constantly bite their peers did not learn empathy during their infant toddler years. This is a part of social emotional development.It  you have an only child it is good to get the child a pet.

Physical development

wrist control
Babies need to learn how to control their wrist. You can give your baby a large empty  bottle and  the top. Observe her try putting the top on.Look at the wrist movements that she needs to use at first it will be a little challenging as she will not have good wrist control. You can give her three bottles and their tops. Remove  tops and observe as your baby try to figure our which one fits each bottle.This is also called eye hand coordination. Purchase  baby broom and a dust pan for you baby to play with.

  Your baby is doing problem solving  activities such as these form the root for critical thinking that your baby will need for life.Plus develop the wrist and finger muscles. These activities are pre writing skills. In order for your baby to use a writing tool she must  be able to control her wrist and finger muscles.If you do these activities you will avoid  having your child bein referred to the occupational therapist.

The importance of socialization

Socialization: interacting with peers/negotiation


On Wednesday I took my 14 month old son (Ajani) to the doctor.  My son was playing with the toys in waiting room. Another parent entered with her son in a stroller (I think he was 2 years old); my son began to help the little boy by trying to undo the strap on the stroller. Once they sat down my son went over to them to investigate the toy the little boy had. My son took the toy to study it and the mother said, "excuse me" and then snatched the toy from Ajani. I looked at her. Then I went over to them and started to tell Ajani what the toy does and has on it, it was making sounds and had purple numbers. I said, "sweetheart that's his toy" and then he gave the toy back. We walked away.

I actually walked away feeling sad, here is a mother that didn't understand how to speak to an infant; she simply snatched the toy from my son and gave it back to her son.  Some parents would have spoken to Ajani and their child by saying, "Ajani would like to look at your toy; you are sharing that's very good".

This would be an example of teaching your child how to socialize.  The changes of this child learning how to share and play with others in a positive manner are slim because the mother is not introducing him a key milestone, socialization.


Reeshemah
Daseta's daughter

Physical fitness

Daily activities:
Your infant needs to develop her muscles and must be given activities that will give her the opportunity .
You  give your infant a container with items in it that she can shake- you can put dry beans  ,sand or anything that you have at home. Make sure that you secure the cover as you know everything goes in the infant mouth.Give the baby a pot and a spoon and watch her play music. The motion by hitting gives the arm muscle a chance to develop. Young children love to shake things. This is also an introduction  to music as different items  make different  sounds.You should  change the items from time to time.You should provide developmental toys.Your baby should be taught hand clapping by singing clapping games,Patty Cake is a good one.You should also play dance music for your infant.  I am sure that you are creative and will  come up with a host of ideas. Let me know the results.

Self control

Domain 2 -Social emotional development
Social  emotional development is very important. You will need to teach your baby self control during the infant toddler years. This skill is very important when your baby gets to school. My grand son who is fourteen months is now working on that skill. Because he is not talking as yet he cries for to indicate his need at times he will point to what he needs however,he does not understand the concept of wait. If he needs his bottle he will walk to the kitchen and begin to point and cry.His mother  will say to him"Ajani I know that you want a bottle but just give me a minute and I will make it. She  begins the process while he is observing. Half way through the process he stops crying and keeps observing. Here is your bottle I told you that I was making it". As time goes on with practice and your patience the infant will understand that he does not need to throw a tantrum because his need will be met. Infants/toddlers will learn self -control once you explain to them what is happening and they are able to see the out come.Young children learn through consistency and repetition.They should be able to predict what will be next.If you start this during the infant/ toddler years you will avoid having a four year old throwing a tantrum in the street.

Music for your infants/toddlers

 Brain development-
Music is a great way to teach your infant/toddler listening skills. This is a very important skills that your child needs in  school.Music also teachers infants/toddlers to follow directions. You should play the same songs all the time until your infant decides which song  is her favorite. Play music that has clapping in it. Your child should have learn how to clap since he was seven months now at 14 months he is an expert  at clapping.At 14 months your infant will listen to music that has clapping and will clap when the song gets to that part. Your infant has learned how to follow directions when listening to music.You should also begin to give your infant directions -for example Tom let's put this toy in the box,now let us take it out of the box.  Then you will want the  baby to help you put a soiled diaper in the garbage. As you practice this eventually you can  give him one direction activity and he will be able to do it.
You should introduce your baby to different types of music. As you play music for your baby watch her change her body movements based on the  beat of the music.
We have been playing music for my grand son since he got home from the hospital . Yesterday he was listening to a song and a line said"everybody clap and you hear them clapping". I observed him clapping.There are three places that clapping occurs . I observed him listening for the direction and as the song said every body clap. He started clapping with a big smile on his face.
Young children are  wired to learn but they must be given the experiences that will help them connect the wires in the brain.

Dumping

 The foundation of math
Provide your baby with items  and a container. Babies love to put things in containers and dump the out. You can use a dish from the kitchen and some small cups or small bottles. Observe her put the items in the container and dump them out . While she is doing this you should say wow Johnny I see that you are putting the cups(name items) in the dish and now you are dumping them out. You are teaching your baby  the words that goes along with the behavior that she is doing. These concepts are needed for school. You can say to your baby lets put one cup in the  dish .

 The baby's brain is wired for learning and you only need to introduce something once he will not for get it. Yes your baby is not talking as yet but her brain is being developed. When you are born your brain is 25% developed and by age 5 it is 95% developed. The foundation for learning must be formed during  ages 0-3yrs.

Cognotive development

Board books -

I know that you have been reading to your baby. Now she is crawling around. You should have a bin of books on the floor that your baby can get when she wants. It is very important  that you expose your baby to different cultures at an early age.You should have books that shows different cultures . You should also have different kinds of books: books that make noises  babies love to push buttons so get them a few books like that.Books that have wheels ,babies love to spin wheels. Interactive books allows your baby to play alone and enjoy their play. The books should be attractive with few words and large print.As you observe you will see that she has her favorite book. Allowing your baby access to her own books allows her to begin making decisions and having choices.You are planting the roots for decision making and independent thinking. Your baby needs  these skills for life.By providing multicultural books you are teaching your baby that the world is made up of  many kind of people.

Daily living skills-Hygiene

Domain -1
birth -18mos
You can begin to teach your baby how to clean up. You can let him help you put his toys back into the container,while you sing the clean up song.When there is a spill and you are cleaning it give your  baby a piece of paper towel also and watch him do what you do. Your baby is always learning don't  forget but you need to provide the opportunities for her to learn.You are  providing the roots  for your baby's self-confidence and self-esteem.Your baby needs to fell that he can make things happen.

Lego

Fine motor skills and problem solving
Now that your baby is 13months old you should purchase a set of  large  lego for her. This toy is open ended and will allow your baby to decide how she wants to use it. You should also play with her because she needs to learn how to play,give her the opportunity to play alone also.Playing is a very important part of development.
Provide your baby with an old phone the ones with numbers that she will be able to press. Finger muscles  need to  development. This will help your baby with her pre- writing skills.You are getting your baby ready for school.You should also provide your baby with a bag with with a big zipper babies love to zip . This is a skill that she will need when she gets to school.These are just a few activities that you can do to develop your babies fine motor skills and eye hand coordination skills.

Sensory motor

Domain -1
Birth -18months
Your baby should be able to  coordinate eye hand movements. You should provide objects for your baby to put in a container and take out. You can provide a small box and some tops from the laundry detergent. Just wash the tops clean. These tops are also great for teaching  colors. You should introduce the concept of in and out. You should say " Tom  I  see that you put the red top in the box" and you will say the same thing when your your baby takes the object out of the box.  Your baby is not talking but her brain is wired for learning ans she understand.Provide different items for your baby to feel,touch  etc. Discuss the texture with your baby.

Physical fitness

Domain -1
birth-18mos
 When your baby starts walking he will  attempt to try new gross and fine motor skills.  She will climb on anything that is available.You should provide  a safe space for your child to explore  and take risk safely. You should not get excited when your baby tries a new activity such as diving from a small table. You should make the space safe and celebrate  and encourage risk taking. These activities build confidence and self esteem.
I do not recommend T.V for children under 2yrs . Children  under 3yrs learn beat from  hands on activities.

Physical Growth

Domain one- 0-18months
Your baby should be able to walk up the steps by holding and climbing the stairs. Your baby needs to have these experiences in order to  develop her muscles. Babies learn from repetition that is why you need to introduce your baby to different skills early  and allow time for her to practice.Learning is a natural  process however,if your baby is not given the opportunity to develop she will not be able to connect the wires in her brain.As time progress your baby will figure out that she can hold the rail and climb up and down the stairs.
You should also provide items  that your baby can push and pull.

What other activities can you suggest that will help with physical growth?

Social Emotional Development-Domain 2

 This refers to your child's ability to create and maintain relationships with adults and other children.
You should let your baby appreciate diversity ,have a variety of books that you read  with your baby also have  variety of   multicultural items that your baby can play with.Play different type of music for your baby.

Space to grow

Domain- 1
Your baby needs space to grow. The only time she should be in a crib(if you use one) is when she is sleeping. Keeping babies in cribs and play pens prevent them from developing their gross motor skills.Babies need to move around. You should provide a safe space that allows that. They love to explore. Provide a item that they can climb on.Add some cushion on the floor.
You are laving the root of self-confidence for your baby. Providing opportunities for her  that will allow her to fell that she  can make things happen is your goal. During  these  critical years you are planting the roots for life .Confidence is a skill that is required for school.

PCBs, other pollutants may play role in pregnancy delay

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

PCBs, other pollutants may play role in pregnancy delay
NIH study finds delays after exposure to pesticides, industrial chemicals

Couples with high levels of PCBs and similar environmental pollutants take longer to achieve pregnancy in comparison to other couples with lower levels of the pollutants, according to a preliminary study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and other institutions.

PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are chemicals that have been used as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment.  They are part of a category of chemicals known as persistent organochlorine pollutants and include industrial chemicals and chemical byproducts as well as pesticides.  In many cases, the compounds are present in soil, water, and in the food chain.  The compounds are resistant to decay, and may persist in the environment for decades. Some, known as persistent lipophilic organochlorine pollutants, accumulate in fatty tissues.  Another type, called perfluorochemicals, are used in clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, and the insulation of electrical wire.

Read the full release at http://www.nichd.nih.gov

Sensorimotor

Sensory motor
The use of the senses- sight,hearing,touch,smell,and taste.
You should play different kind of music for your baby. The music should not be loud to scare the baby.
You should hold your baby when she needs comfort.I see many mom feed their baby by just putting the bottle in the stroller and prop it  up . You should hold your baby and feed her it is a bonding moment.You are sending the worm message to your baby when you do that.You should also provide a different items for your baby to touch and talk to her about it.

Your comments

Do you agree that most of these life skills take roots  during the years of  0-3?
I do need your comments. Are you sharing the blog with your friends?

The root of independence

This morning my grandson was getting dressed and when his mom was changing his clothes he took his hand out of his  sweater all by himself. His mom said "good job" he had a big grin on his face and began to celebrate by clapping,his mom clapped also and remarked "you did it". This 13month old clearly had a feeling of accomplishment. He is building his self-esteem and his confidence. All these life skills begin during these critical years.

Fine motor development

 Domain -1
Provide your baby with a small toy that she can hold in her hand.You can give this to her once she gets  home. You are saying but the baby keeps a tight fist most of the time.Have it available as every baby is different. You should also have mobiles over the crib and also on her floor gyn. Your baby can develop her eye muscle.You will observe that in a few weeks your baby will begin reaching for the mobiles while she is on the floor on her back,this is called eye-hand coordination.Reminder you are preparing your infant for school.Once the baby is sitting you you can give her an empty bottle to play with that is big enough that she can put a small item in for example a ball.Just observe and see what she does.

Domains what are they?

Domains are the five basic areas of development that  we focus on  during the infant and toddler years 0-3years;
Domain 1-physicial well being health and motor development,
Domain 2-Social and emotional development,
 Domain 3-Approaches to
 Domain-4 Cognition and general knowledge
Domain 5-Language,communication and literacy
You should get familiar with the Domains this way you can help your infant  along the developmental process and  also  if your child is in  group care you will know the questions that you should ask.

Brain Development-Jumping

On Tuesday 10/27 my grand son who is 13 months today was jumping? How does he know to do that? What do you think?

My Experience-Traveling workshop at the Black Educators conference

Good morning,
Yesterday  I had a wonderful time facilitating my workshop. One of the things I enjoyed most about giving this workshop is the ice-breaker . It allows participants to share experiences and helps give them a clear understanding of the mile stones and it's importance to infants and toddlers development.
The participants enjoyed the in information and it was a an eye opener for them.Whenever I give this workshop the participants walk away knowing and understanding that each child's experience is different and  they must individualize  for them.
 As we ended the workshop they understood the importance of quality care for infants and toddlers and the importance of positive socialization and the life long benefits.

Cooping with with hurricaine

 Someone sent this to me and I just want to share it with you.

http://naeyc.org/newsroom/Resources_on_coping_with_disasters

Self Confidence-5

Do not have your baby sitting in a stroller most of the time. Now your baby is able to stand up and hold on  to furniture  and walk around. When you go outside have the baby hold  on to the stroller and walk a little. You should also have your baby walk up a few steps. Babies learn through repetition and they are born wanting to learn. Observer the joy of accomplishment on  her face. You only need to introduce a  a skill to your baby once her will always want to practice on his own or he will remind you .

Our Communities, Our Children... on now tune in

Our Communities, Our Children radio show Thursday, Nov 8 @ 7pm

Guest Daseta Gray, Infant/Toddler Specialist
she will be discussing the roots of socialization

This link can be used with phones.

http://allblackradio.primast.com7256/listen.pls

tune in online go to www.allblackradio.com

Self confidence-3

You should celebrate and encourage your baby when she learns or attempt a new skill. You can applaud and say " yea you did it great job". observe that big smile that will be on your baby's face. You will see that your baby will  begin to applaud each time that she  accomplishes a developmental  mile stone.

Building self-confidence-4

At  six months you should introduce snacks to the baby.  This will allow her to develop  the her fine motor skills and  eye hand coordination. You should also give your baby a small ball to play with,this also helps to develop her small muscles. You are preparing your baby for school . If your finger muscles are weak you will not be able to hold a paint brush or a marker.Give your baby an old pocket book that has a zipper that she can play with watch  her explore the bag .Here your baby will be using her problem solving skills.

Self Confidence

You should introduce new skills to your baby. You should exercise your baby's large muscles. You should allow your baby to stand up by holding her under her arms . You should  start this at three month you need to develop her muscles. Once your baby begins to crawl  you should have items available for your baby to hold on to and stand up. You should introduce that developmental stage to her.Your baby can be introduced to this at six months. There are some developmental toys that you can purchase that  allow your baby that skill.
Your baby must be allowed to move about as she needs space to grow.
Yes I do not believe in having children in cribs as it restricts them ,but if you have one the baby should only be in there when she wants to sleep.

A little about Pacifiers

My daughter belongs to a few parent groups. Someone shared the below information on one of the parent grousp. I thought I would share some info and the link to the full article with you.


Pacifiers—used by up to 85 percent of American babies—can be tainted with millions of harmful germs and fungi, from Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae to mold, according to a new study presented at the 2012 American Society for Clinical Pathology Annual Meeting.

What’s the Best Way to Sanitize Pacifiers?

If you choose to use pacifiers, there are easy ways to protect your baby’s health. The researchers advise these precautions:

• Any time a pacifier pops out of a baby’s mouth, it should be cleaned, no matter where it lands.
• Wash pacifiers with dish soap and water, then air dry; or soak them in denture-cleaning solution or baking soda solution (one teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in 8 ounces of water).  
• Bring several pacifiers, stored in a clean baggie, on outings, so you have spares if one is dropped or soiled.
• Replace pacifiers every 2 weeks, so they don’t grow a disease-causing biofilm.
• Also replace your baby’s pacifiers after an illness, to avoid reinfection.
  http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/pacifiers-teem-staph-and-other-germs#.UJhicM1m5qA.facebook 

Overview of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

You may think a person's needs begin when a child starts speaking, however from the moment they are born they have needs.

Making sure the baby is safe is ONE need.

The other need that you meet is feeding and changing a dirty diaper.

Not only does your baby have needs from day 1, you can also help build a self-confident child (I will elaborate on that in another entry).

Take a moment to view this video and share your thoughts.

http://youtu.be/EH04OsNuvcw

The Brain--from a researcher

I have been sharing a great deal of information about the different developmental stages. A colleague sent me a link to a 2-minute video on youtube called "Smart Beginnings and the Workforce Pipeline".

I then decided to do a search on youtube and here is what I found.


It speaks about the brain and it's connection with early childhood. Take a look at it and share your thoughts.

The Impact of Early Adversity on Children's Development

 http://youtu.be/NG4Sejgtxgc 

I'll post a few more links in a separate entry. I would love to read your thoughts about the video.

Brain Development

The brain is just like your   the breaker at home if one wire is loose it disrupts the flow of the power. the brain is no different.This is called the architecture of the brain there are different sections  that is responsible for different things.Brain development  has an hierarchy  ,order from bottom to top: The Hind Brain(,cerebellum and brain stem) is responsible for motor regulation,balance,heart rate and breathing. The Mid brain- Limbic or Emotional Center is responsible for context memory,sexual behavior,emotion reactivity,appetite/satiety,blood pressure,body temperature.The Fore Brain (cortex) or Executive Center  is responsible for abstract thought,logic and reasoning.
With your infant you must develop all of these areas  together. When the child reaches five years old the  foundation must be set for life. If your child misses out on a stage of development it will cause her to be behind.

Self-confidence

What are some things that you  can do to begin  to develop self-confidence in your infant and toddlers?

First 2000 days---Brain development-books

How early do you think you should start reading to your baby and why?

Observation-Brain Development

This morning I was spinning(twirling) as my 13month old observed me. Just this minute I  looked and he was spinning. This morning while I was spinning he did not attempt to copy the behavior.It is amazing how the brain works. Once it is exposed to a stimuli it does not for get it.

The First 2000 days--building self-confidence

 Physical development
It is very important to build self-confidence in your infant and toddler. You should start by allowing your baby to  feel that she can do things for herself.  Once your  baby comes home you should give her tummy time each day, putting the infant on her stomach for a few minutes while you supervise.However,infant under six months old must sleep on their backs .
 Remember that young children learn from repetition  and will take a few months for your infant to grasp some skills. Once your baby is able to  hold up her head she will begin to feel that "I can do things". The root of self-confidence begins.

First 2000 days- Brain development-Books

People usually ask me what kind of books should I purchase for my baby? I usually tell them that the books must be age appropriate. The books should have few words and it should be a short story.You should buy board books for infants and toddlers,books that they cannot rip easily. When your baby begins to crawl you should have some books on the floor in a bin that is  the baby can reach.You should have books that you read to the baby that can be soft covers.You can purchase cloth and plastic books. Infants and toddlers love to explore and in doing so they love to rip paper I think they like the sound that the paper makes.
 Here are a few read aloud that you   should have:
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Luura J.Numeroff
Babies On The Move by Susan Canizares
A  Rain Bow All Around Me by Sandra L.Pinkney
Click Clock Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
Brown Bear ,Brown Bear What Do You See by Bill Martin Jr
Sometimes I'm Bombaloo by Rachel Vail
When Sophie Gets Really Really Angry by Molly Bang
Nino'o Mask by Jeanette Winter
There is a Big Beautiful Word Out There by Nancy Carlson
Dr. Suess collection is great also.
Chicka,Chicka  Boom Boom
Many of these books  are made in board books also.
I will add books each week.
If you are living in Harlem there is a great children's book store at 112 and Broadway and 122nd  close to Lenox.

The first 2000 days--Allow development

Development is a natural process, however if your infant is not given the opportunity the stages of development  will not happen remember that you  facilitating brain development.Your  baby must sleep on her back but each day you will need to give her tummy time. The first time she may just lay on her stomach but as time goes on she will begin to hold up her head because her brain told her to. The next time she will begin sliding backwards. If you do not give her these opportunity she will not be able to figure things out.Your baby begins to problem solve at  an early age.
I  would like to here your comments.

The first 2000 days----facilitating brain development

You should purchase developmental toys for your infant. Toys that will develop fine motor skills for example :  toys your that  your baby have to push with her fingers,grab and pull,has areas to open and shut.Toys that are interactive,baby can respond to the toy,toys that your baby needs to push for it to light up. You want your baby to begin to develop critical thinking.

First 2000 Days---Brain development: Nuturing

You should nurture the brain. Some babies can develop Neuro- developmental disorders
Many disorders are observable during the infant toddler years.It is good for you to learn how to observer your infant . As a care giver you will be the first to notice. If you notice something that you are not sure of you should speak to your child's doctor or another parent. If you notice that:

1. Your child socially isolate herself
2. Does not have eye contact
3. Has no empathy
4. Has poor language capacity
5. Is not sensitive to social surroundings
6. Frequency of extreme aversion to certain,stimuli, sounds,temperature and lights etc.

If you notice any of these  you should  get some professional advice because you can help your child at an early stage. Many children who are place in special education  could have been prevented only if you noticed a  problem within the developmental stage and said something.

The first 2000 days

Good morning,
What's on your mind today? How is your little one developing?

First 2000 days--Brain development: Interaction

Last week I went to a doctor with my 1year old grandson . As I waited I observed most of the parents with their infants and there was little interaction. Many parents were on their phone while their infants stare into space. My daughter usually takes a book or an interactive toy that is developmentally appropriate for the baby. Your baby's brain develops the most during birth to age three and should be engaged at all times.This week we will discuss brain development. All babies are born equal (knowing nothing) however , what you do or do not do makes a big difference in how the brain will develop.Your baby's brain size is 25% and by age five it is 90% in growth. These years are very critical in shaping the foundation for life.

First 2000 days---Literacy: Print awareness

Print Awareness
You should begin to  let your infant/toddler become aware of print. You can begin by pointing out print to your infant/toddler. You can point out letters when you are reading to your  infant/toddler. there are many print at home that you can point out. You can use the  letters on the formula,the coconut old bottle etc.

First 2000 days----Literacy

Interest in books
Your four month old infant should begin to  pay attention to the pages of a book when you are reading to her.At six month she will begin to turn the pages . When your infant gets to age three she will have developed respect and love for books. Many children get  to  pre school  and lacks these experience and this causes them to fall them to fall behind.Your infant is new to the world and it takes time for them to acquire new skills. Repetition is how young children learn.

First 2000 days-Listening skills

Listening skills is a very important  skill that is need in order for learning  a child to be success in school and the world. Playing music for your baby  the minute she gets home from the hospital is very important. Music also helps the brain to develop. You should  play children's music for the your baby as the baby  however,you should also introduce a variety of music to the baby.

First 2000 days/

When do you think that we should begin teaching listening skills to infants?

first 200 days--Literacy

Age appropriate books
It is important that you purchase books that are age appropriate for your infant and toddlers. You should have a bin on the floor  that your infant/toddler can have access to. You should purchase board books . These books can take the ware and tare that  infants and toddlers offer. The soft cover books  are for you to read also get a variety of books  for your infant and toddler. Get books that teachers concepts suck an in and out ,colors etc. It is important to have multicultural books also.

Sneakers

Have you seen the new sneakers by Adidas the ones with the cuffs for the ankle ?

First 2000 days--Social emotional development

You should help infant/toddlers learn about intemacy
It is important for you to be gentle/loving with your baby. Don't say "you mean I have to change you again". You will let the bay begin feeling that she has done something wrong. Instead you may want to say" I know that you are uncomfortable in this soiled diaper let's get a clean one". The baby is developing relationships and  that is how they thrive. It is very important that babies have continuity of care,this means having the same baby sitter,the same nanny, the same childcare provider.If you baby is at a daycare  center that changes staff monthly that is not a good setting for your baby. You should also observe how you and your child is welcomed in the mornings.It is very important for the care giver to learn ,the infants/toddler likes.dislikes, and fears. You are laying a foundation for like and how you react to the infant/toddler needs is very important.
Intemacey is the fourth gift that you must give your infant/toddler.

First 2000 days--Social Emotion growth

Have you observed how some  care givers treat their young children so ruff,not gentle. You can clearly see that many mothers expresses their frustration by the way  that they treat their children. You are teaching your children that is how the word is and that is how they should treat other children.The young child takes this behavior to his pre -school  and makes it a part of his daily behavior.the roots of socialization begins with you and your child during the infant toddler years.

First 2000 days

 When do you think that we should start  teaching school readiness skills in infants?

First 2000 days--Social Emotional Development

Infants and toddlers need to develop confidence and trust in adults.
The baby is now learning that his needs will be met so he has develop trust in the care giver . He is also developing a sense of confidence in others he now learns that his needs will be met and the world will respond.Now the baby begins to develop a positive sense of self  and in so doing begins to trust the adults around her. Now she begins to understand what she can expect from people in the world.This is a third gift that you must give to your infant/toddler.

First 2000 days--Social Emotional Growth

Social competence:You should let young infants know that they can take care of their own needs on their own.  When you responds to an infant cues and satisfy their need in a caring and loving way they are learning that they are competent in taking care of their needs. If you all ways do things for the baby she will not learn about his or her own competence. Here are two examples-if the baby is not hungry,not wet,not sick but is fussing you may want to change the position that baby is in  if that soothe her , the next time she may want you to put her in that position again ;if the child is playing with a ball and it rolls away do not get if for the infant allow her to crawl  over and get it.This gives the baby a feeling of competence. As the baby grows you should allow her competence to develop.

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First 2000 days--introduction to music

Music  is also good for young babies . Music helps your baby to develop their brain . You  baby's brain is not wired so you need to do different  activities with your baby that will help to wire her brains. It is just like  wiring a house if you buy all the wires but do not connect them there will be no light in your house.You must help your baby to connect all the parts.

Workshop--Developmental Milestones of infants/toddlers

 Many people approach me asking questions about what to do with their infant/toddler to help get them to the next level. I decided to facilitate a series of workshops to help parents and caregivers. One day I explained to a friend how challenging it was to find space within the Harlem community to conduct the workshops. She suggested I do a traveling workshop, very similar to the tupperware model... you get a parent to host in their livingroom or community room, they invite friends over that have an infant or toddler.

So out of that conversation came.. Traveling Workshop Series.

Please join us for a discussion on the roots of socialization
How do you give your baby her emotional foundation for school readiness?
Come find out the ten caring gifts that your baby needs for life!!!!

When: Friday, October 5   

          2pm -4pm

Where: 303 West 126 st Clayton Williams Community Garden (btwn St. Nicholas Ave & 8th Ave)

Cost: $25 per person

 

I look forward to you joining us. Feel free to bring your infant or toddler.