I love to hear from other parents and I am especially appreciative when I get parenting tips here on the Toddlers site. Below, you'll find advice and parenting tips submitted by readers and you can submit your own advice for fellow parents in the trenches.
The World Health Organization has declared the novel h1N1 influenza (or swine flu) a global pandemic. It's the first time they've done that in 41 years. Governments are preparing for the worst. Pharmaceutical companies are readying more antivirals and working on vaccines. But what are you, as parents, doing at home? Are you doing anything differently or are you taking a watch and see attitude? Are you prepared to take off work for child care or other closings? If a vaccine becomes available to you or your children, are you planning to get it or not? Share with other parents any of the precautions that you're taking.
I just adore the snow. One of my favorite activities is to make ice cream out of the freshly fallen snow. Every time, my son was amazed at the transformation like it was some kind of magic. What are some of the things that you do with your kids when it snows? Get tips on fun things to do when it's snowing or share your own tips.
When I first started using time out with my son, I hate to admit, but it was a lot different that the way I practiced it as a toddler caregiver. Usually I was at my wit's end and would just send him to a chair mostly for my own sanity. Luckily for both of us, I eventually honed my technique into a series of steps that made my life simpler and positively shaped my son's behavior. So, how do you make time out work in your home? Where does your child have time out? What steps do you take to make it work?
There are those gifts that sit on the shelf for ages -- virtually untouched -- and then there are those your toddler can't seem to put down for a moment. Share what gifts have been your toddler's favorite (or your own) and why.
There are those gifts that sit on the shelf for ages -- virtually untouched -- and then there are those your toddler can't seem to put down for a moment. Then there's just the downright weird. Share what gifts your toddler's gotten that were completely awful and why.
Small enough to fit into toddler stockings yet large enough that they don't present choking hazards, parents are sharing things that make great stocking stuffers or small gifts for the toddler on your list. Share what you're going to stuff your toddler's stocking with this year or what you've done in years past.
Moving from a crib to a big bed is an exciting miletone for your toddler. Some parents make the transition slowly while others find a "cold turkey" approach works for them. How did you introduce your toddler to his new bed? What worked for you or what problems did you experience?
It's all so easy when your child is in a crib and those slats serve as a visual and physical barrier, keeping her in bed and safe and sound. When she moves to her own bed, however, it can be difficult for her to stay in bed and the bedtime routine can become one of chaos. How have you handled keeping your toddler in bed? What strategies worked for you?
I've yet to meet a parent who has gone through potty training without experiencing at least a momentary setback: After many accident-free days, there's suddenly a day full of nothing but. A toddler who was interested in sitting on the potty for weeks suddenly couldn't care less. The pee is under control for months but the poop accidents, well, there's no end in sight. What are the potty training setbacks you've had to deal with and how did you manage to get through it? Share your tips with other parents who might be in the same situation.
We all do our best to remain positive and supportive during potty training, but some days we just want to throw in the towel. Maybe for you it's the frustration of knowing your child can go yet seeing so many accidents or perhaps it's your toddler's absolute refusal to sit on the potty today when yesterday she wanted to sit and read there for hours. Whatever the issue, know that other parents have been there. Take a moment to vent about the most frustrating part of potty training. It's OK. We feel your pain.
