I Spy Baby "Insight" blog

For toddlers who’s verbal skills are starting to develop, “why” may be the only question they are capable of asking.  Asking “why” all the time can potentially be wearing so it may help to understand that “why” doesn’t always mean why at all.

Asking “why” helps children connect with the people around them.  It’s a conversation starter and it certainly attracts attention.  It can give you some insight into what the child is thinking about and what their interests are.  Answering the questions directly doesn’t always satisfy the child’s curiosity and can lead to more “why” questions.  So what can you do about that?

Direct the question back to them.  If a child asks why it rains, respond with “why do you think it rains?”  You can try to answer the question matter-of-factly but if this creates more questions you can try to schedule question-and-answer sessions.  Often dinner time can be an opportunity to talk through some of the topics the child is interested in.   That way you can respond to your child with “let’s talk about that at dinner time with the family”.   Older children may respond to writing down the question.  Some children get anxious about needing to know the answer now before they forget the question.  Having a questions book or notepad, combined with some scheduled “question time” can help to relieve the intensity.

Source: http://childcare.about.com/od/behaviors/f/why.htm and http://whyzz.com/why-children-ask-why

When I had my first baby I joined a mothers group organised by the local Early Childhood Centre.   We originally met at the Baby Clinic and learnt settling techniques and other baby related things over coffee and biscuits.  We eventuated to meeting at each other’s houses each week…. all 17 of us!  Now slowly as some mothers went back to work, moved away or just stopped coming we’re down to 10 of us that get together a couple of times a year, and 4 of us that catch up almost weekly as we’re still able.  And that is 9 ½ years down the track!  My experience with Mothers Group saved my sanity (still does) and they’re now some of the closest friends I’ve ever had.

Not everyone has this fortunate experience though.  Some mothers, for various reasons, become competitive, judgmental and opinionated which, when you’re feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable with a new-born baby, can be isolating.  My mother’s group experienced a little of this but as many of us started having our second and/or third baby this calmed things down.  We’ve all had our ups and downs; even some pretty decent blow-ups, but have somehow been able to move forward with renewed understanding.

A newly released book called “The Mothers Group” by Fiona Higgins tells the story of a Sydney Northern Beaches Mothers Group.  Each of the mothers struggle in their own way to become the best mother they can be and become reliant on the friendship and support from the members of their mothers’ group.  This is all challenged one day when an shocking event tests their friendship and reveals hidden secrets.  It’s getting rave reviews, and may just be appropriate for a 10 Year Anniversary gift for all my Mothers Group Friends.  See www.fionahiggins.com.au

Take care of your baby teeth!!

A recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report found that half of all 6 year olds have had decay in their baby teeth.  Much of this can be attributed to high sugar diets and poor hygiene.  There are a few hidden traps that some parents may not be aware of.

Fruit juice is full of sugar.  Even homemade fruit juice has a high concentration of sugar.  Most studies indicate that a child should have 1 to 2 pieces of fruit per day but it can easily take 5 or 6 squeezed oranges to fill a glass.  Of course, soft drink is a big “No, No”.

Don’t put your baby or toddler to bed with their bottle as the sugars contained in the milk stay in the mouth whilst the baby sleeps.  And as tempting as it might be to give a dummy dipped in honey, don’t make it a habit.

As soon as your baby’s teeth arrive you can use a soft cloth or infant toothbrush to brush them clean.  Toothpaste is not recommended until after 18 months of age.  The Australian Dental association recommends a first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth or by their first birthday.  And once their 6-year-old Molars appear it may be worth a visit to an orthodontist to see if any early intervention is required on their journey to a perfect adult smile.

On Monday 26^th March many Australian schools and business will be holding a Purple Day to support Epilepsy Australia’s seizure awareness campaign. Every dollar raised will help Epilepsy Australia achieve its goal where every household, school and workplace is seizure aware.

If you would like to register to participate in Purple Day 2012 in your state just call 1300 852 853 or visit www.epilepsyaustralia.net for other ways to get involved.

For me, the start to this year wasn’t the greatest. I sadly lost a dear friend to cancer at just 38 years old and I am struggling to help another close friend of the same age with significant health problems.

Baby Jaxon

After I also turned 38 in late January, I found myself reflecting on not only the current sadness and frustrations in my life but also the things that bring me joy, contentment and a sense of achievement in my life. Like most people would at a time like this, I struggled to find motivation or feel particularly positive with anything resembling a clear head.

In early February I went to one of my best friend’s 40^th birthday party. Prior to the party my mood was pretty sombre but as she is very important to me I was going to go regardless. At the party I met another of her good friends who had just given birth to a beautiful little girl, (her 4^th child – a wonderful surprise) and I was given the opportunity to have a cuddle with her.

As I held this precious little bundle it all came flooding back to me why we put one foot in front of the other each day. Babies have an amazing ability to put life into perspective for us all. They are helpless, so we are needed, they love unconditionally, (instant ego boost!), their capacity to learn given their age is nothing short of amazing, and let’s not forget the divine cuddles that you could continue with until the end of time.

Some of my very favourite life moments to date have been when someone close to me has their very first baby. The huge sense of achievement that is felt by these new parents is indescribable and to hear a first time Mum or Dad talk about their new baby like they are the first people in history to ever give birth is to me just magical (& often quite cute & hilarious too!)

One of my closest friends, Grant & his gorgeous partner Mel have just had their first baby together in early February, a darling little boy named Jaxon. Grant is the epitome of a first time Dad, giving me Jaxon’s birth story in detail, talking to me about baby products like an expert and bragging about his newfound sleep patterns. Even though I am yet to meet this little boy, I have been allowed to share in Grant & Mel’s joy at his birth and I truly feel like I know him already and am a part of his new life. I am excited to watch Jaxon grow up and shape his own future with the loving support of his adoring parents.

As quickly as I was immersed into sadness and frustration I was able to remerge with a reminder of why it is important to live life to the full. Simply put, children inspire me and make me happy. Although perhaps I didn’t necessarily realise it at the time, it is no surprise to the people that know me well, that I co-founded a business that basically centre’s itself around children and their needs.

So with just a little cuddle and of course the birth of the divine Mr Jaxon, I feel back on track and reminded of the joy that only little people to bring to us.

Regards,

Cass