v 3 issue 45: Problem Solvers

From baby massage to keys for preventing power struggles, this issue is packed with tips and tricks for problem solving with your child.


Cover byJessica Runyan









1 8 ounces of prevention in one jar! Nipple Nurture Cleansing Pads from Bella B are certainly one of our favorite problem solvers. Before and after cleansing helps prevent, or heal, cracks and soreness. 80 pads of all natural cleaning for only $9.99.

2 Through the gentle touch of massage, bond with your baby for a lifetime of love and security. A 2008 Lamaze International Recommended Resource, the BabyBabyOhBaby DVD teaches Moms & Dads the techniques of infant massage with simple & clear instructions, while providing realistic expectations about your baby's response. A great introduction for new masseuses.

3 Pocket bibs are great for keeping messy self-feeders neat, but the clean-up is no treat. Until, of course, the Snap-Pocket Bib came along. Now you can have your clean baby and easy clean-up too! Great prints available for girls and boys.

4 Stuffed animal meets pacifier and a Wubbanub is born. These beauties are great for babies and parents alike. Click on "about us" for the silly story of how these cuddly pacifier helper/holders came about and how they have been saving parents from sleepless nights ever since.

5 Solana Swaddle Wraps provide the benefits of swaddling to your baby in 100% lightweight cotton. Prevent overheating and increase the comfort and security of your infant with wraps big enough to fit the job. With the key word being "taut", the site includes clear instructions so you can swaddle like the nurses in the hospital.

6 "Little kids sit like big kids" with Kaboost the portable chair booster. This fantastic invention quickly snaps on to 4-legged chairs, creating an instant big boy (or big girl) seat. Kaboost stabilizes the chair and goes wherever you go! Comes in 4 great colors and is a great deal at only $37.95.

7 It takes just 30 minutes to sanitize bottles, pacifiers, toys...with the Germ Guardian Nursery Sanitizer. By using dry heat to kill 99.9% of germs, this cootie killer won't fade or shrink fabrics, and it doesn't melt rubber or plastic either. Keeps the toys and the kids safe!


Problem Solving with your young child

All parents want their children to be easy-going and fun loving, especially when in public. However when a child’s emotions spin out of control a parent can be faced with a big dilemma. Do I take her home? Shall I give her consequences or take away her favorite toy? I’m sure these thoughts have crossed your mind. It’s best to take challenging moments with your child as a time to bond. No need for a power struggle to ensue. Young children don’t have the ability to express the myriad of emotions that they feel and often act out as a way to communicate.

Below are some quick and easy tips on how to handle heated moments with your toddler while taking the opportunity to bond and get to know him/her better.

You are in the market and your child throws the dreaded tantrum, or you are at a play date and your child is being pushy and bossy. If your intervention is done through kindness, then your corrective measure is probably fine in public.

Tips to help guide your child in public when emotions are running high:

If you find yourself, angry, embarrassed and impatient, take your child aside out of the public view to discuss the situation and how to correct it.

Disciplining children in public can humiliate, embarrass and anger your child even more. Plus with an audience, she knows how vulnerable you both are.

Exerting too much control over your child and the situation will only bring on more defiance.

Take your child aside and softly explain what you see.

Ask how you can help fix things. If your child is under three years old, then she probably won’t be able to come up with something appropriate - offer empathy, encouragement and a plan.

If you child is over three years old, she may be able to help with a plan. Always speak matter of factly and let her know you are willing to help.

Acknowledge her feelings, and set up a plan so everyone’s needs are considered.

Remember, the more control based parenting you practice, the more resistant and difficult your child will be.

Read your child’s cues and use this moment to remind yourself to take preventive measures to lessen the chances of this happening in the future.

Here’s a formula to remember:

Address Child’s feelings first
State expected behavior
Explain how you will help
Reminder that prevention is key

Copyright 2008
Kimberley Clayton Blaine, MA, MFT is the mother of two boys and a licensed Child and Family therapist in Los Angeles, California. She is the creator and founder of an online parenting show called, www.TheGoToMom.TV

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