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.