HWT Gray Block paper does so many amazing things all at once to help a young child learn to write. I had to take the Handwriting Without Tears assessment class twice to really understand why it works. All you have to do is read this blog post. This paper is intended for children that write…… Continue reading Is HWT Gray Block Paper All You Need?
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The Safest Crib Bumper Might Be Deeper Sleep
Most pediatricians will tell you to avoid all crib bumpers. The American Academy of Pediatrics feels that no bumper is 100% safe. They discourage parents from using even the most breathable mesh fabric, tied onto your child’s crib. I totally believe parent reports that a baby that isn’t swaddled can get a limb caught over…… Continue reading The Safest Crib Bumper Might Be Deeper Sleep
The Difference Between “The Hold” and The Happiest Baby on the Block? Sleep!!!
I love it when baby calming is in the news! This week “the hold”, pediatrician Dr. Robert Hamilton’s method for calming newborns, received a lot of attention. I watched the video, just like a few million parents and professionals. Then I thought about how this fits in with The Happiest Baby techniques that I am…… Continue reading The Difference Between “The Hold” and The Happiest Baby on the Block? Sleep!!!
Toddlers and Holiday Decorations: Another Approach to “Don’t Touch That!”
I watched a toddler laugh in unbridled glee yesterday, amazed at the garland and lights draped on his staircase. You don’t get more holiday cheer than that sound! He wanted to touch every nutcracker and every candle. I had to think on my feet when answering his grandmother’s question: “How do I get him to…… Continue reading Toddlers and Holiday Decorations: Another Approach to “Don’t Touch That!”
Sensory Differences and Holiday Events: Simple Life Hacks for Happy Memories
Kids with sensory sensitivities may need some assistance to enjoy the holiday season. Here are some simple ways to make it merry and bright for all! Select your holiday celebrations with the spatial, sound, and visual complexities in mind. Many children are completely overwhelmed with large spaces (auditoriums, church halls, etc.) and the multi-sensory experience…… Continue reading Sensory Differences and Holiday Events: Simple Life Hacks for Happy Memories
Safe Winter Swaddling Strategies
When the weather gets colder, some parents think that they need to run out and buy a thick fleecy swaddle blanket or swaddle garment right away. Being too warm is a risk factor for SIDS, so it is worth making a thoughtful plan to swaddle safely in the winter months. Here are some ideas about…… Continue reading Safe Winter Swaddling Strategies
Low Muscle Tone and Dressing: Easy Solutions to Teach Independence
When a child says “I do it myself” most adults are thrilled. Kids with low muscle tone want to do things like the big kids too, including dressing themselves, but they often end up in a tangle of sleeves or twisted pant legs. Here are a few suggestions to make learning to get dressed and…… Continue reading Low Muscle Tone and Dressing: Easy Solutions to Teach Independence
Stretch Your Toddler’s Patience The Easy Way, Starting Today!
I spent some time yesterday with the mother of a spirited toddler who pointed out that even though she saw that The Happiest Toddler on the Block technique of patience stretching works, she found it hard to be cheerful and upbeat after hours of her son’s whining and hanging on her legs. At the end…… Continue reading Stretch Your Toddler’s Patience The Easy Way, Starting Today!
Defiant Kids Can Change With Dr. Kazdin’s Simple Plans
Dr. Alan Kazdin wrote “The Kazdin Method for Parenting the Defiant Child” in 2008. His follow-up book, “The Everyday Parent Toolkit” came later. He is the director of the Yale Parenting Center, and he has seen some hardcore kids. You do not get the feeling that he has treated a lot of children younger…… Continue reading Defiant Kids Can Change With Dr. Kazdin’s Simple Plans