Poor Kids Have More Sleep Problems

Compared to middle-class children, youngsters in low-income families are more likely to have sleep problems, which can affect their health and performance at school, a U.S. study finds.

The study compared the sleeping habits of 64 healthy inner-city Hispanic and black children, ages 4 to 10, to those of middle-class white children.

Parents provided information about their children's amount of sleep, sleep anxiety, night awakenings, night terrors, bedwetting, sleepwalking, sleep-disordered breathing, daytime sleepiness, bedtime resistance, and the time it took to fall asleep.

The incidence of sleep problems was 25 percent higher among low-income children than among middle-class children.

The study was expected to be presented this week at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting, in Boston.

"While these results aren't surprising, they need to be followed up with a study involving a larger number of children, since sleeping problems can have a negative impact on a child's health and may hinder a child's performance at school," study author Anuj Chawla, of Tulane University's School of Medicine in New Orleans, said in a prepared statement.


-- Robert Preidt, HealthDay News

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Kids' Sleep Problems Can Hurt Parents' Health

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Children's bedtime problems may not only make parents lose sleep, but could also take a toll on their physical and emotional well-being, researchers reported Monday.

In a study of more than 10,000 families with infants or preschoolers, Australian researchers found that parents who said their children had sleep problems tended to report poorer physical health and more emotional distress.

Mothers appeared to be particularly affected, the study found. Whereas only infant sleep problems were linked to poorer health among fathers, sleep difficulties at any age seemed to affect mothers' physical and psychological well-being.

This may be because mothers are usually the ones who deal with their children's sleep issues, according to the study authors.

They report the findings in the current issue of the journal Pediatrics.

The bottom line for parents is that they shouldn't simply live with sleep problems that are draining them physically and emotionally, said study co-author Dr. Harriet Hiscock, of the Royal Children's Hospital and the University of Melbourne.

"They don't need to 'put up with it' if their child's sleep is a problem for them," she told Reuters Health.

She suggested parents talk to their pediatrician about behavioral techniques for helping their children fall asleep and stay asleep.

A popular technique for helping babies learn to sleep through the night is "controlled crying," where parents gradually let their child's crying go on for increasingly long stretches before checking on them. When they do check in, it's a low-key visit, with no lights or playing.

Consistent bedtime routines can also help when preschoolers are resistant to the idea of turning in, Hiscock noted.

She and her colleagues based their findings on a national survey of 5,107 families with infants and 4,983 with preschool-aged children. Based on parents' responses, 17 percent of infants and 14 percent of preschoolers had a moderate or severe sleep problem.

Overall, mothers of these infants had poorer scores on standard measures of general health and psychological distress, while fathers had lower scores for general health. Similarly, mothers who preschoolers had sleep problems tended to show poorer general health.

There are no hard definitions of child sleep problems, Hiscock said. "In reality, if parents think that their child's sleep is a problem, then something needs to be done about it," she explained.

Typically, infant sleep problems include frequent wakings not related to feedings, and difficulty going to sleep in the first place, according to Hiscock. With preschoolers, bedtime resistance tends to be parents' top complaint.

By Amy Norton, Reuters

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Toilet Training Tricks: Products That Help (age 2 to 4 )

Time flies! You probably have vivid memories of changing your baby's first diapers, and now your child is learning — or ready to learn — how to use the potty like a big kid. Here are some common stumbling blocks you may run into, along with products that can help this important growing-up step go smoothly.

How do I get started?
If this is your first child, potty training is probably a bit of a mystery. Everyone masters it eventually — but right now it may be hard to imagine your little one doing something so grown up.

What helps:

 Potty training videos. Fun videos and DVDs can help your child get familiar and comfortable with the idea of potty training. They usually feature animated characters singing songs and showing how to use the potty. (You can even find different versions for boys and girls.)

 Potty training books. Since kids love hearing the same stories over and over (and over) again, try adding a potty training book to your home library. A story with kid-friendly characters who are learning to master the potty just might just inspire your child to give the toilet a try.

Tip: Once potty training has begun, let your child pick out "big kid" underpants in a favorite color or with a familiar character on them. Some well-chosen underwear can inspire kids to say goodbye to diapers.

How do I motivate my child to use the toilet?
Your child may not be as eager to be potty trained as you are to make it happen. In fact, as your child grows up and learns new skills ranging from reading to riding a bike, you'll probably find this is often the case.

What helps:

 Staying positive. Avoid punishments, pressuring your child to give up diapers, or getting upset about accidents. Stay calm and supportive, and praise even small improvements.

 Potty training incentive chart. Let your child put a sticker on the chart (or calendar) for every visit to the potty. A certain number of stickers (you decide how many) earns a reward. At first, make it easy. For instance, three stickers might earn your child that coveted little toy car. You can gradually increase the goal, and the size of the prize.

 Potty "targets." Flushable targets that float in the water, often in animal shapes, can also motivate kids. Targets work especially well for boys because they can "aim," but some girls love them, too. Pieces of O-shaped cereal are also great for target practice, and won't harm plumbing.

 Stepping stool. For kids motivated by doing it "myself," a stool can help by letting them use the big potty and wash their hands on their own. Plastic stools are lightweight enough for a child to move from toilet to sink.

Tip: Put a few drops of blue food coloring in the toilet. When your child urinates in the potty, the water will turn green. Children are so amazed by this phenomenon, they'll want to make the water turn green over and over again!

How do I soothe my child's fears about the toilet?
Going from diapers to potty is a big transition, and it's natural that some children will be afraid. The noise of an adult toilet flushing, the whirl of water going down, and even the size of the toilet seat opening can be scary to someone so small.

What helps:

 Potty chair. Some children don't feel secure on a regular-size toilet because their feet dangle. A low-to-the-ground potty chair makes it possible for even the smallest toddler to sit on the toilet independently and comfortably, feet on the floor. You can even put it in front of the television and let your child watch a favorite video — preferably one about potty training — while sitting on it.

 Potty seat insert. Light plastic or padded mini-toilet seats that sit right on top of the regular adult seat are more suited to small bottoms and help some kids feel safer when they sit down.

Tip: Avoid flushing the toilet while your child is sitting on it or standing in front of it. Some children are frightened by the noise or afraid that they'll accidentally be flushed down. Instead, let your child flush the toilet.

How do I help my child do a better job of wiping?
Many children aren't great at wiping until preschool age, or even older. If you think about it, wiping is a pretty complicated motor skill.

What helps:

 Pre-moistened wipes. A child who's having a hard time wiping may find pre-moistened wipes easier to use. They're softer on a child's skin than toilet paper and clean more effectively, too.

Tip: Include hand-washing as part of the potty training incentive chart. Let your child put a sticker on the chart after washing up at the sink.

How do I get my child to use the toilet away from home?
Especially in the early stages of potty training, it may be unrealistic to ask a toddler who's just learning how to use the familiar toilet at home to sit on a seat and go to the bathroom in a strange place.

What helps:

 Folding "travel" potty seat. A plastic travel seat that fully covers a standard-size toilet will keep germs from public bathrooms away and make your child feel more at home. These seat can be folded to fit in a diaper bag. Look for a seat that comes in a storage bag, and carry wipes with you so you can clean it before you put it away.

 Travel potty. Various types of potties are made especially for carrying with you. So whether you're on the road, at the park, or at the beach, you don't have to worry about finding a bathroom — and your child will have a familiar potty wherever you go. These potties usually have a carrying case, or they fold up to fit in your diaper bag. Plastic bags or liners that you dispose of after use make cleanup easy.

Tip: At first, try to plan your excursions around bathroom trips. Encourage your child to use the bathroom before you leave the house, and don't forget to bring a change of clothes (and paper towels to clean up puddles) with you wherever you go, just in case.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Handling Unwanted Toilet Training Advice(age 3 to 4)

How toilet training philosophies have changed
The parenting philosophies of a generation ago were quite different from those in vogue today. It's common for grandparents these days to think their grandchildren should be toilet trained at an age when many children are still in diapers. Today most experts believe that toilet training, like many developmental achievements, should be child centered, which means parents take their cue from the child rather than vice versa. However, many grandparents believe that waiting for a toddler to decide that he's ready or interested doesn't provide enough structure.

What you can do when you disagree about toilet training
Sometimes grandparents will make remarks about toilet training as part of general criticism about the way their grandchildren are being raised. A remark such as "You mean you haven't started toilet training yet?" may be attached to comments about your other parenting decisions.

If your preschooler's grandparents frequently take care of him, you may want to discuss your toilet-training strategies. Some grandparents will be interested in learning more about current toilet training ideas, and showing them some of what you've read here may be helpful. You may also agree to disagree, asking your child's grandparents to direct any comments to you, out of your child's hearing.

What you should do if the grandparents watch your child
Even if your 3- or 4-year-old doesn't seem ready to you, he might be ready to practice using the potty part-time with Grandma (who cares for him during the day). Since your preschooler probably won't have the same need to assert his independence or act negatively toward his grandparents that he does with you, he may be more cooperative with them when it comes to using the potty. As long as you feel comfortable with the general approach your child's grandparents are planning to take, it's reasonable to let them start potty training even if you'd planned to wait a little longer. However, consistency is key for a preschooler, so it's important to get everyone on the same page before you begin.

Also, let your child's grandparents know they shouldn't make too big a deal of his efforts to use the potty or he may feel that he's let them down when he has an accident — which is almost inevitable. And, of course, when he does have an accident, talk to them about how important it is not to scold or punish him, or he may begin to resist training. Most importantly, don't put your child in the middle of any disagreement about toilet training between you and your parents or in-laws; handle any tense discussions well out of his earshot.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Toilet Training Girls (age 3 to 4)

Are girls really easier to toilet train than boys?
Yes, although no one, including expert T. Berry Brazelton, seems to know why. In her book Toilet Learning, Alison Mack says the difference may be partially due to the fact that moms are usually the primary toilet-trainers in a family. If that's true, girls have the advantage of observing someone with the same equipment — so the process may click a little sooner.

Is there anything special I should know about toilet training my daughter?
The only gender-specific tip you should know is a carryover from your diapering days: Wipe from front to back. As your daughter learns to use the toilet, make sure she knows to move the toilet paper from front to back, especially when she has a BM, to prevent bacteria from her bottom from coming into contact with her sensitive vagina, which can lead to infection. If this seems too complicated for her to grasp (it requires having to remember to go in a certain direction), teach her to pat the vaginal area dry after she pees.

Bladder infections, although uncommon, seem more frequent among girls of toilet-training age. If your daughter seems to urinate more often than usual, finds urination painful, wets her pants after having established good bladder control, has abdominal pain, and feels sudden, urgent needs to pee, call her pediatrician and have her checked out.

What if she wants to try standing up?
If your preschooler sees her older brother, father, or one of her friends from school stand tall at the toilet, she'll probably want to give it a whirl, too. Let her. Sure, you might have to clean up a wet mess or two, but she'll quickly understand that she just doesn't have the equipment for the stand-up approach, and you won't have to engage her in a power struggle.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Toilet Training In Three Easy Steps (age 3 to 4)

Toilet training doesn't have to be a tug of war between you and your preschooler. If you know when to start and what to do, it can be easy. Here's how you can best help your child tackle toilet training:

Ready

Some kids start toilet training around age 2. Others don't start until age 4. What accounts for the wide age range in mastering this skill? It's mostly a matter of physical and emotional readiness. To make sure your child is ready, check out this helpful article:

l Toilet training readiness checklist

Set

Once your toddler is physically ready, be careful not to pressure her to use the potty. When she's ready to learn this new skill, she will. Read on for tips on the best ways to toilet train boys and girls:

Toilet training boys

Toilet training girls

Go

Now that your child is ready to begin toilet training, you can introduce a potty chair or a special seat that attaches to your toilet. A footstool to keep feet from dangling is helpful, too. Encourage your little one to get comfortable with her potty seat. Let her play with it, look inside, or pop it on her head. Have her sit, fully clothed, on her potty once a day — after breakfast or before a bath — so she gets used to it.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Developmental Milestone--Toilet Training (age 3 to 4)

Toilet training: What to expect when
Most children are toilet trained by the time they're 3, but don't worry if your 3-year-old isn't; some kids aren't ready to start until they're about 4.

If you're starting the toilet-training process now, it will likely be brief because your child is ripe at this age. If your child is already trained, she has probably used a potty rather than a toilet. Now, in preparation for preschool, she needs to feel comfortable using the toilet both at home and elsewhere. If she hasn't mastered the skill already, she should also start to stay dry at night.

Signs of readiness
Your preschooler must be physically ready to start potty training before you have any chance of success, meaning she can hold urine and stay dry for three hours or more (this indicates that her bladder muscles are sufficiently developed to store urine). She also needs to be able to recognize the physical signs that signal when she has to go, and act on them before anything comes out (no small feat when you've never had to think about this before). It makes it easier, too, if she can pull her clothes up and down by herself.

Physical and mental readiness aren't the only factors involved. Motivation is key. If your child demonstrates a desire for independence and shows an interest in imitating others' bathroom habits, it may be an auspicious time to plunge into the process. Children may figure out how to have a bowel movement before they learn to urinate in the potty because they typically only have BMs once or twice a day, usually at the same time.

When your child is completely comfortable using her potty, buy a child-size seat for the grown-up toilet, and provide a step stool so she can climb up and down herself. Take her shopping with you, and let her help pick it out. She'll be much more excited about using it. After she's happily made this transition, you can put her potty away. Little boys typically sit down to urinate in the early stages of toilet training, but as preschoolers, they begin to copy their dads, older brothers, and friends, who stand up to pee.

Occasional nighttime wetting (as often as twice a week) and daytime accidents (when your child is engrossed in play or laughing herself silly) are perfectly normal and to be expected for at least six months to one year after she's mastered toilet training. If your preschooler consistently wets the bed at night, she may have a small bladder or may not have developed the ability to wake up in response to the call of a full bladder; this problem will usually pass as she gets older. Another solution is to limit liquids at night and before bedtime.

What you can do
You can make using the toilet a cinch for your child by dressing her in clothes that can be quickly and easily undone without your help. Elastic-waisted pants and shorts are perfect for this job; a dress with elastic-waisted underpants works just as well.

You may also need to assist boys making the move from sitting to standing. A step stool can help here, along with giving your son a target — a few Cheerios tossed in the bowl may do the trick. Be prepared to do some cleanup around the toilet for a while because it may take him some time to perfect his aim (practice makes perfect).

When you're out and about, teach your child to recognize rest-room signs, and encourage her to use them with your help and supervision. She'll also need to learn that sometimes (such as before a long car trip to Grandma and Grandpa's place) it's smart to visit a toilet before she feels a strong urge to go. You'll also need to prepare her for occasions when a bathroom is needed but not available — on a hike, for instance. That's easy for boys, of course, but little girls need to learn how to squat so their feet and clothing are safely out of the way. You can help your daughter by demonstrating how to squat and physically supporting her as she mimics you.

You'll also need to teach your child how to clean herself after she's been to the bathroom. Be sure to instruct girls to wipe from front to back to avoid infections. And, of course, you'll want to encourage hand washing after the job is done.

Be careful not to make a big deal about the occasional nighttime mishap. If your preschooler starts bed-wetting after a long dry period, she may be responding to some change or stress in her life. Once she's more relaxed, the problem will probably go away. If she wets the bed several nights in a row, downplay these accidents, and make sure she understands that they aren't her fault. Consider having her wear pull-on nighttime diapers again for a while — when she begins waking up dry, stop using the them. Don't punish her or make fun of her; she really can't help it and you'll only make her feel more ashamed.

What to watch out for
If your child has frequent accidents during the day and night, dribbles urine constantly, strains while she pees, or complains of burning or pain when she goes, she may have an infection or other health problem. Call her pediatrician as soon as possible. You should also talk to her doctor if her urine is cloudy or pink, if she has redness or a rash in her genital area, or if she soils herself on a regular basis. These guidelines apply to boys as well.

A small percentage of children may routinely soil themselves. This can happen if a child doesn't respond to the urge to have a bowel movement. If she ignores the impulse and holds it in, the stools become harder, larger, and more painful to pass, which further discourages toilet use. If your child has infrequent bowel movements (less than three per week), if she passes either large stools or hard, pebbly stools, or if it is difficult for her to pass a bowel movement, talk with her doctor about possible constipation.

If a child starts wetting the bed after a long dry period, there may also be an underlying emotional cause. "I'd talk with her doctor about any emotional stressors you think might play a part," says Denise Aloisio, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician in Rochester, New York. "Things like going to a new school, changes in the family (such as separation or divorce), or physical abuse can all be triggers."

What's ahead
In preparation for kindergarten, you'll want to help your child become completely self-sufficient in the bathroom. She'll need to be able to pull down her clothes, use the toilet, wipe herself, pull her clothes back up, and wash her hands. Typically, 5-year-olds are dry both day and night, with only occasional accidents.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Handling Unwanted Toilet Training Advice(age 2)

How toilet training philosophies have changed
The parenting philosophies of a generation ago were quite different from those in vogue today. It's common for grandparents these days to think their grandchildren should be toilet trained at an age when many children are still in diapers. Today most experts believe that toilet training, like many developmental achievements, should be child centered, which means that parents take their cue from the child rather than vice versa. However, many grandparents believe that waiting for a child to decide that she's ready or interested doesn't provide enough structure.

What you can do when you disagree about toilet training
Sometimes grandparents will make remarks about toilet training as part of general criticism about the way their grandchildren are being raised. A remark such as "You mean you haven't started toilet training yet?" may be attached to comments about your other parenting decisions.

If your child's grandparents frequently take care of her, you may want to discuss your toilet-training strategies. Some grandparents will be interested in learning more about current toilet training ideas, and showing them some of what you've read here may be helpful. You may also agree to disagree, asking your child's grandparents to direct any comments to you, out of your child's hearing.

What you should do if the grandparents watch your child
Even if your 2-year-old doesn't seem ready to you, she might be ready to practice using the potty part-time with Grandma (who cares for her during the day). Since your child probably won't have the same need to assert her independence or act negatively toward her grandparents that she does with you, she may be more cooperative with them when it comes to using the potty. As long as you feel comfortable with the general approach the grandparents are planning to take, it's reasonable to let them start potty training even if you'd planned to wait a little longer. However, consistency is key for 2-year-olds, so it's important to get everyone on the same page before you begin.

Also, let your child's grandparents know they shouldn't make too big a deal out of her efforts to use the potty or she may feel she's let them down when she has an accident — which is almost inevitable. And, of course, talk to them about how important it is not to scold or punish her when she does have an accident, or she may begin to resist training. Most importantly, don't put your child in the middle of any disagreement about toilet training between you and your parents or in-laws; handle any tense discussions well out of her earshot.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Developmental Milestone--Toilet Training (age 2)

Toilet training: What to expect when
No magic age signals the ideal time to start the process of toilet training. Some children develop the necessary physical and cognitive skills as early as 18 to 24 months, whereas others aren't ready until they're 3 or 4 (boys are often slightly later than girls). Some children get the knack in a few short days, while it can take others a year or more.

What accounts for the wide age range in mastering this skill? Timing. Pediatricians have a saying about toilet training: If you start at 2 you'll be done by 3; if you start at 3 you'll be done by 3. "If you catch them when they're ready, it may only take a month," says Denise Aloisio, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician in Rochester, New York. "But if you miss the signals or don't wait for their cues, it can take six months or more."

Signs of readiness
Your child must be physically ready to start potty training before you have any chance of success, meaning he can hold urine and stay dry for three hours or more (this indicates that his bladder muscles are sufficiently developed to store urine). He also needs to be able to recognize the physical signs that signal when he has to go, and act on them before anything comes out (no small feat when you've never had to think about this before). It makes it easier, too, if he can pull his clothes up and down by himself. Steer clear of overalls if he can't undo the clasps.

Physical and mental readiness aren't the only factors involved. Motivation is key. If your child demonstrates a desire for independence and shows an interest in imitating others' bathroom habits, it may be an auspicious time to plunge into the process. Children may figure out how to have a bowel movement before they learn to urinate in the potty because they typically only have BMs once or twice a day, usually at the same time.

What you can do
Your job as a parent is to make the toilet-training process as natural and non-threatening as possible. Keep a relaxed and positive attitude, and encourage your child to get accustomed to his potty. Let him help pick the potty out at the store, then let him play with it, look inside, sit his teddy bear on it. Then, ask him if he wants to sit on it — with his clothes on at first — so that he can get used to how the seat feels. If he wants to take a rain check on this, don't push it. Explain how the potty is used in simple terms that he can grasp: "This is for making pee and poop in when you're ready to stop wearing diapers." (Use whatever words you're comfortable with for urine and feces, but be sure he understands them.)

By now your child has probably seen you and your partner use the toilet on many occasions. He may be more interested in just watching at this point. Role models take the mystery and fear out of new things, so let him watch. After about a week of familiarizing him with the potty with his clothes on, empty the contents of his diaper into the potty, so he sees what's supposed to go in there.

Once your child is willing to use the potty, make it part of his routine — start with after breakfast or before his bath — and gradually increase from once to several times a day. Praise him for his success and brush off accidents or no-shows.

Don't rush to flush: Kids see pee and poop as an extension of their own bodies. They may be fascinated by and proud of what they put in the potty. Some children also like to wave bye-bye to their BMs.

Be careful not to push your child or nag. Just like grown-ups, children are much less receptive when someone is constantly on their case than when they feel like they're in charge. Instead, watch your child for changes in posture or facial expressions that signal he has to go. If he grabs himself or grunts, for instance, let these be your cues to gently remind him about the potty. Handle accidents and setbacks calmly and kindly. Just clean up the mess matter-of-factly and suggest that next time he try using his potty. You may also want to switch from plastic disposable diapers to cloth diapers at this stage.

You're more likely to have success with toilet training if you choose a time to plunge into the process when all is reasonably quiet on the home front. As a deadline-oriented adult, it might seem logical to start training a few weeks before the next baby is due, just before your child goes to preschool, or when you're planning to move to a new house. But 2-year-olds are contrary creatures, and the more they sense your not-so-hidden agenda, the less inclined they are to go along with it. So ditch the deadline, act casual about the whole thing, and let your child "own" the experience.

What to watch out for
If you find yourself getting angry or frustrated about potty progress, or if your child seems to resist toilet training, consider it a sign that you both need to take a breather. Too much pressure to perform can sabotage the whole exercise, so wait until you've regained your patience and your child seems more open to the idea — it could be a couple of days, or even months. If you choose this battle, you will inevitably lose — toilet training can only be mastered with your child's voluntary cooperation.

You should also stop the toilet training if your child is reluctant to use his potty or becomes constipated. If your child has infrequent bowel movements (less than three per week), if he passes either large stools or hard, pebbly stools, or if it is difficult for him to pass a bowel movement, talk with his doctor about possible constipation. Address his health problem first by varying his diet (bananas are good for firming up BMs while prunes and other fruits are good for loosening them) and getting him to drink lots of liquids. Then you can try toilet training again.

What's ahead
Once your child is using the potty regularly, you'll gradually make the move from diapers to training pants during the day. In preparation for preschool, you may also need to help your child make the shift from the potty to the toilet. Most children take longer to conquer naptime and nighttime dryness. Don't worry, though, if your child is not ready to take these toileting steps. When he's ready to learn these new big-kid skills, he will (and not a moment sooner).

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center--Toilet Training : Toilet Training In Three Easy Steps (age 2)

Toilet training doesn't have to be a tug of war between you and your 2-year-old. If you know when to start and what to do, it can be easy. Here's how you can best help your child tackle toilet training

Ready?

Some children start toilet training around age 2. Others don't start until age 4. What accounts for the wide age range in mastering this skill? It's mostly a matter of physical and emotional readiness. To make sure your child is ready, check out this helpful article:

l Toilet training readiness checklist

Set:…

Once your child is physically ready, be careful not to pressure him to use the potty. When he's ready to learn this new skill, he will. Read on for tips on the best ways to toilet train boys and girls:

l Toilet training boys

l Toilet training girls

Go:

Now that your child is ready to begin toilet training, you can introduce a potty chair or a special seat that attaches to your toilet. A footstool to keep feet from dangling is helpful, too. Encourage your little one to get comfortable with his potty seat. Let him play with it, look inside, or pop it on his head. Have him sit, fully clothed, on his potty once a day — after breakfast or before a bath — so he gets used to it.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

When Should We Switch From Diapers To Training Pants?

When should we make the switch from diapers to training pants? To underwear?
When she is truly using the toilet independently (which is what the term toilet training should mean), your child is able to dress and undress on her own. The main reason to switch from diapers to training pants is because your child can't remove her diaper by herself. So keep her in diapers until you can see signs (such as straining, grunting, or holding her genitals) that she is about to go.

Don't switch to underwear until she's toilet trained. Because underwear really can't hold or absorb children's waste, switching a child to underwear as a way to coerce her into being toilet trained is often a mistake.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center--Toilet Training : Successful Toilet Training For Boys (12 to 24 mo.)

You'll miss many things once your baby grows up, but changing dirty diapers probably won't be one of them. Still, it doesn't pay to be in a hurry: Teaching your son how to use the potty will require time and patience on your part, and a reasonable degree of cooperation and motivation on your son's.

The key to toilet training success is starting only when your son is truly able to do so. While some kids can start as young as 18 months, others may not be prepared to learn until well into their fourth year. As you may already have discovered, boys tend to stay in diapers longer than girls, and second (or subsequent) children often learn faster than firstborns. There's no point in trying to get a head start; studies show that when parents begin potty training too soon, the process simply takes longer to complete. In other words, you arrive at your destination at the same time, no matter when you start. So the first thing to do is use our checklist to see whether your son is primed for potty training.

Once you've determined that your son is ready, focus on timing. Make sure your child's routine is well established; if he's just started at preschool or has a new sibling, he may be less receptive to change, or feel too overwhelmed to tackle this new challenge. Wait until he seems open to new ideas so you can potty train successfully. To train, follow these steps:

Let him watch and learn
Toddlers learn by imitation, and watching you use the bathroom is a natural first step. He may notice that Daddy uses the potty differently from Mommy, which opens up a great opportunity for you to explain the basic mechanics of how boys use the bathroom. When talking about body parts, it's important to be anatomically precise. Teaching him to call his penis a "pee-pee" when every other body part has a more adult-sounding name may imply that his genitals are embarrassing.

Buy the right equipment
Most experts advise buying a child-sized potty, which your toddler can claim for his own and which will also feel more secure to him than a full-size toilet. (Many toddlers fear falling into the toilet, and their anxiety can interfere with toilet training.) If you prefer to buy an adapter seat for your regular toilet, make sure it feels comfy and secure and attaches firmly. If you go this route, you'll also need to provide your son with a stool, since it's important that he be able to maneuver his way on and off the potty easily any time he needs to go and to stabilize himself with his feet to push during bowel movements.

When buying a potty-chair for your son, look for one without a urine guard (or one you can remove). While they may protect your bathroom from a little stray pee, more often they tend to bump into and scrape a boy's penis when he sits down on the potty, potentially causing him to associate going to the bathroom with pain. Yikes!

You may also want to pick up a few picture books or videos for your son, which can make it easier for him to grasp all this new information. Everyone Poops, by Taro Gomi, is a perennial favorite, as is Uh, Oh! Gotta Go! and Once Upon a Potty, which even comes in a version with a doll and a miniature potty.

Help your child get comfortable with the potty
This early in the process, your child needs to get used to the idea of using the potty. Start by letting him know that the potty-chair is his very own; you can personalize it by writing his name on it or letting him decorate it with stickers. Then have him try sitting on it with his clothes on. After he's practiced this way for a week or so, you can suggest he try it with his pants down. If he seems at all resistant, avoid any temptation to pressure him. That will only set up a power struggle that could derail the entire process.

If your child has a favorite doll or stuffed animal, try using it for potty demonstrations. Most children enjoy watching their favorite toy go through the motions, and may learn more this way than from you telling them what to do. Some parents even construct a makeshift toilet for the doll or stuffed animal; while your child is perched on his chair, his favorite toy can be sitting on its own potty.

Motivate with cool underwear
Get your son focused on the benefits of being potty trained by taking him on a special errand: buying underwear. Let him know that he gets to choose whatever kind he wants (superhero briefs or boxers, or ones emblazoned with other nifty designs). Talk up the outing ahead of time so he gets excited about being old enough to use the potty and wear "real" underwear just like his dad's or older brother's.

Set up a training schedule
Getting your toddler out of diapers will depend on your daily schedule and whether your son is in daycare or preschool. If he is, you'll want to coordinate your strategy with his daycare provider or teacher.

You'll have to decide whether to use the back-and-forth method of switching between diapers and underpants or the cold-turkey method of going to underwear full-time. While disposable training pants are convenient, many experts and parents find it's best to transition right into underwear or old-fashioned cotton training pants, both of which allow your son to feel immediately when he's wet. That, of course, will make it more likely that you'll be cleaning up some accidents. You'll have to decide what's best for you and your son; his pediatrician may recommend one or the other. For a while, at least, you'll want to continue using diapers or disposable pants at night and on long trips out and about. And your daycare provider or preschool teacher will have her own opinion on when to switch to underpants at school.

Teach him to sit first, then stand
Since bowel movements and urine often come at the same time, it makes sense initially to have your son sit for both poop and pee so he learns that both belong in the potty. Also that way he won't get distracted by the fun of spraying and learning to aim when you need him to concentrate on just mastering the basic procedure.

Once your son is comfortable going to the bathroom sitting down, he can try the standing position (but there's no reason to rush this; he can sit as long as he likes). This is where having a readily available male role model is key. Make sure your son can follow Dad, an uncle, or a good family friend to the bathroom to watch him pee. When your son seems to get the idea, let him give it a try. If he seems reluctant, try floating a few pieces of O-shaped cereal or other small, flushable objects in the toilet bowl for target practice, and expect to clean up a few messes as your son perfects his aim. If you're not squeamish about him peeing in the yard, you can paint or tape a target on a tree.

Set aside some naked time
Nothing helps your toddler figure out when he needs to go like letting him spend some time bottomless. Put the potty in an accessible area while he plays, and encourage him to sit on it at regular intervals. (But of course if he's going to play naked, you'll have to steel yourself not to get upset when the floor gets wet. Putting plastic over the carpets can help with this.) Watch for signs that he has to go (clutching himself or jumping up and down in place) and use these cues to suggest it's potty time. You can do this on several consecutive days, in the evenings when the family is all together, or just on weekends. The more time your child spends out of diapers, the faster he'll learn.

Celebrate triumphs
He will undoubtedly have a few accidents, but eventually your son will enjoy the accomplishment of getting something in the potty. Celebrate this moment with fanfare. Reinforce the idea that he's reached a significant milestone by rewarding him with a "big kid" privilege such as watching a new video or getting an extra bedtime story. But try not to make a big deal out of every trip to the potty, or else your child will start to feel nervous and self-conscious under the glare of all that attention.

If at first he doesn't succeed, try, try again
As with any other skill, the more he uses the potty, the better he'll be at it. But there are some things you can do to make it easier for him. Dress your child in loose-fitting clothes that he can easily take off himself, or buy underpants a size too big. If he still has trouble with the concept, don't overreact or punish. Nothing can disrupt toilet training faster than making a child feel bad for having an accident. Keep in mind that even children who have used the toilet successfully for months occasionally have accidents when they are engrossed in an activity. If you feel frustrated, remind yourself that scolding your child for wetting his pants might mean months of diapers ahead.

Raise the fun factor
If you approach potty training with a little panache, your child will be more likely to stay motivated throughout the entire process. Drip some blue food coloring into the toilet and your child will be amazed at how he can turn the water green. Put several favorite books in the magazine rack next to the toilet so he can read them whenever he has to go — or better yet, read to him. Maybe he'd like to cut out paper shapes and use them for target practice.

If your child starts to lose interest but is well into toilet training, you may want to consider offering rewards. One popular method is to use stickers and a calendar to keep track of his successes. Every time he goes to the potty, he gets a sticker that he can then paste onto the page. Watching the sticker bounty accumulate will keep him inspired. If the stickers themselves aren't enough of a thrill, you can offer an additional reward such as a treat from the candy aisle at the supermarket or a wished-for toy when he amasses enough stickers or stays dry for a certain number of days in a row.

Move into night mode
Once your son stays dry all day, you can start formulating a game plan for nights. Wait until he's securely toilet trained, then start checking his diapers in the mornings and after naps to see if they're dry. Many children start staying dry during their afternoon naps within six months of learning to use the toilet. Nighttime training is trickier, because it depends on your son's body being able to hold the urine for an extended period of time and on how deeply he sleeps. If he wants to try sleeping without diapers, go ahead and let him. Should a few nights of this experiment show he's not ready, put him back in diapers in a non-judgmental way. Tell him that his body is not quite ready for this next step, and reassure him that he'll soon be big enough to try again. If your child stays dry three out of five nights, make your "all-underwear, all-the-time" policy official. Support his attempts to stay dry by restricting how much he drinks after 5 p.m. and getting him up for a final bathroom trip before you go to bed. But if your child takes longer to stay dry at night, don't worry; nighttime accidents are considered normal up to at least the age of 7.

Ditch the diapers
By the time your child's ready to say good-bye to diapers altogether, he's accomplished a lot. Acknowledge this and reinforce his pride in his achievement by letting him give away leftover diapers to a family with younger kids or send them away with the diaper delivery service one last time. Or assist him in choreographing a joyful jig around the house and call it the "No more diapers" dance. The entire family can form a conga line and head to the potty when nature calls.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center--Toilet Training : Successful Toilet Training For Girls (12 to 24 mo.)

You'll miss many things once your baby grows up, but changing dirty diapers is probably not one of them. Still, it doesn't pay to be in a hurry: teaching your daughter how to use the potty will require time and patience on your part, a reasonable degree of cooperation and motivation on your child's.

The key to toilet training success is starting only when your daughter is truly able to do so. While some kids can start as young as 18 months, others may not be prepared to learn until well into their fourth year. Lucky for you, girls tend to toilet train faster than boys. And second (or subsequent) children almost always learn earlier than first-born siblings. There's no point trying to get a head start; studies show that when parents begin potty training before a child is physically or emotionally able, the process simply takes longer to complete. In other words, you arrive at your destination at the same time, no matter when you start. So the first thing to do is use our checklist to see whether your daughter is primed for potty training.

Once you've determined that your daughter is ready, focus on timing. Make sure your child's routine is well established; if she's just started at preschool or has a new sibling, she may be less receptive to change or feel too overwhelmed to tackle this new challenge. Avoid periods when her natural toddler resistance is high, and wait until she seems open to new ideas. To train, follow these steps:

Let her watch and learn
Toddlers learn by imitation, and watching you use the bathroom is a natural first step. When talking about body parts, it's important to be anatomically precise. If you teach her to refer to her vagina as her "wee-wee" when every other part has a more adult-sounding name, she may infer that there's something embarrassing about her genitals.

If your daughter has seen her older brother, her father, or one of her friends from preschool or daycare stand tall at the toilet, she'll more than likely want to try peeing standing up. Let her. Sure, you'll have to clean up a couple of messes, but she'll probably get the idea fairly quickly that she doesn't have the equipment to make it work, and you won't have to engage her in a power struggle. If she persists, have her watch you and explain how mommies and their daughters have to sit down to pee.

Buy the right equipment
Most experts advise buying a child-sized potty, which your toddler can feel is her own and which will also feel more secure to her than a full-size toilet. (Many tots fear falling into the toilet, and their anxiety can interfere with toilet training.) If you prefer to buy an adapter seat for your regular toilet, make sure it feels comfy and secure and attaches firmly. If you go this route, you'll also need to provide your daughter with a stool, since it's important that she be able to maneuver her way on and off the toilet easily any time she needs to go and to stabilize herself with her feet to push when she's having a bowel movement.

You may also want to pick up a few picture books or videos for your daughter, which can make it easier for her to take in all this new information. Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi is a perennial favorite, as well as Uh, Oh! Gotta Go! and Once Upon a Potty, which even comes in a version with a doll and miniature potty.

Help your child get comfortable with the potty
This early in the process, your child needs to get used to the idea of using the potty. Start by letting her know that the potty chair is her very own; you can personalize it by writing her name on it or letting her decorate it with stickers. Then have her try sitting on it with her clothes on. After she's practiced this way for a week or so, you can suggest she try it with her pants down. If she seems at all resistant, avoid any temptation to pressure her. That will only set up a power struggle that could derail the entire process.

If your child has a favorite doll or stuffed animal, try using it for potty demonstrations. Most children enjoy watching their favorite toy go through the motions, and may learn more this way than from you telling them what to do. Some parents even construct a makeshift toilet for the doll or stuffed animal; while your child is perched on her chair, her favorite toy can be sitting on its own potty.

Motivate with cool underwear
Get your daughter focused on the benefits of being potty trained by taking her on a special errand: buying panties. Let her know that she gets to choose whatever kind she wants (underwear festooned with a favorite movie character or bright design is usually a big hit). Talk up the outing ahead of time so she gets excited about being old enough to use the potty and wear underwear just like mommy's or her big sister's.

Set up a training schedule
Getting your toddler out of diapers will depend on your daily schedule and whether your daughter is in daycare or preschool. If she is, you'll want to coordinate your strategy with her daycare provider or teacher.

You'll have to decide whether to use the back-and-forth method of switching between diapers and panties or the cold-turkey method of going to underwear full-time. Some experts recommend making the move to disposable training pants, which are essentially like diapers but can be pulled up and down like underwear. But others disagree, saying it's best to transition right into underwear or old-fashioned cotton training pants, both of which will allow your daughter to feel immediately when she's wet. That, of course, will make it more likely that you'll be cleaning up some accidents. You'll have to decide what's best for you and your child; her pediatrician may recommend one or the other. For a while at least, you'll want to continue using diapers at night and on long trips out and about. And your daycare provider or preschool teacher will have her own opinion on when to switch to panties at school.

Teach her to sit and wipe
One of the most important things you'll need to teach your daughter is how to wipe properly. Explain that she needs to make sure she moves the toilet paper from front to back, especially when she has a BM, to avoid contact between her bottom and vagina that can lead to infection. If this seems too complicated for her to grasp (and it can be for many girls because it requires having to remember to go in a certain direction), teach her to pat the vaginal area dry after she pees.

Bladder infections, while not common, seem to be more likely in girls around the time of toilet training. If your daughter needs to urinate frequently or feels a sudden need to go, says it hurts, complains of abdominal pain, or starts to wet her pants after having established good bladder control, call her doctor and have it checked out.

Set aside some naked time
Nothing helps your toddler figure out when she needs to go like letting her spend some time bottomless. Put the potty in an accessible area while she plays, and encourage her to sit on it at regular intervals. Watch for signs that she has to go (jumping up and down in place, clutching her legs together, or swaying from side to side), using these cues to suggest it's potty time. You can do this on several consecutive days, in the evenings when the family is all together, or just on weekends. The more time your child spends out of diapers, the faster she'll learn.

Celebrate triumphs
She will undoubtedly have a few accidents, but eventually your daughter will know the accomplishment of getting something in the potty. Celebrate this moment with fanfare. Reinforce the idea that she's reached a significant milestone by rewarding her with a "big kid" privilege such as watching a new video or getting an extra bedtime story. But try not to make a big deal of every trip to the potty or else your child will start to feel nervous and self-conscious under the glare of all that attention.

If at first she doesn't succeed, try, try again
As with any other skill, the more she uses the potty, the better she'll be at it. But there are some things you can do to make it easier for her. Dress your child in loose-fitting clothes that she can easily take off herself, or buy panties a size too big. If she still has trouble with the concept, don't overreact or punish. Nothing can disrupt toilet training faster than making a child feel bad for having an accident. Keep in mind that even children who have used the toilet successfully for months occasionally have accidents when they are engrossed in an activity. If you feel frustrated, remind yourself that scolding her for wetting her pants might mean months of diapers ahead.

Increase the fun factor
If you approach potty training with a little panache, your child will be more likely to stay motivated throughout the entire process. Drip some blue food coloring into the toilet and she'll be amazed at how she can turn the water green. Or put her favorite book in the magazine rack next to the toilet so she can read it whenever she has to go.

If your child starts to lose interest when she's well into toilet training, you may want to consider offering rewards. One popular method is to use stickers and a calendar to keep track of her successes. Every time she goes to the potty, she gets to paste a sticker of her choice on the page. Watching the sticker bounty accumulate will keep her inspired. If the stickers themselves aren't enough of a thrill, you can offer an additional reward such as a treat from the candy aisle at the supermarket or a wished-for toy when she amasses enough stickers or stays dry for a certain number of days in a row.

Move into night mode
Once your daughter gets the hang of daytime training, you're ready to move into the next phase. Wait until she's securely toilet trained, then start checking her diapers in the mornings and after naps to see whether they're dry. Many children start staying dry during their afternoon naps within about six months of learning to use the toilet. Nighttime training is trickier, because it depends on her body being able to hold the urine for an extended period of time and how deeply she sleeps. If she wants to try sleeping without diapers, go ahead and let her. If, after a few nights of this experiment, she's clearly not ready to stay dry, put her back in diapers in a non-judgmental way. Tell her that her body is not quite able to tackle this next step, and reassure her that she'll soon be big enough to try again. If your child stays dry three out of five nights, make your "all underwear, all the time" policy official. Support her attempts to stay dry by restricting how much she drinks after 5 p.m. and getting her up for a bathroom trip before you go to bed.

Ditch the diapers
By the time your child's ready to say goodbye to diapers altogether, she's accomplished a lot. Acknowledge this and reinforce her pride in her achievement by letting her give away her leftover diapers to a family with younger kids, or by packing up the cloth diapers and sending them away with the diaper delivery service one last time. Or assist her in choreographing a joyful jig around the house and call it the "No more diapers" dance. The entire family can form a makeshift conga line and head to the potty when nature calls.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center--Toilet Training : What Works (12 to 24 mo.)

To make toilet training as smooth a process as possible for you and your toddler, take a moment to learn what tends to work — and what doesn’t. What works:

Waiting till your child is ready
There's no magic age for being ready to start learning to use the potty. Most toddlers develop the necessary physical and mental skills between 18 and 24 months, while some kids aren't there until closer to age 3 or even 4. Keep an eye out for physical, cognitive, and behavioral signs that your toddler might be ready to give it a try.

If your toddler is facing changes such as a new school, a new sibling, or travel, you may want to wait till the seas are calmer before taking the plunge.

Once you do start, if you've been trying for three months without success, that's a sign your toddler's not ready. Wait a few weeks — or until you see signs that the time is right — and try again.

Making a plan
Before you even buy your toddler a potty seat, it's important to have a plan for the training process itself. Decide when and how you want to start, how to handle accidents, when to back off, and so on.

At the same time, prepare to be flexible. There's no way to know how your child will respond to toilet training attempts or what techniques will work best. Keep in mind that as with most developmental milestones, success doesn't necessarily happen in a linear fashion — your toddler may make initial progress only to regress at one or more points along the way.

Discuss your plan with your child's pediatrician and sitter or daycare provider. They'll probably have plenty of experience and advice to share. Once you've decided on a strategy, be sure you and everyone else who takes care of your child sticks to it — barring unexpected setbacks and other toilet training challenges, of course.

Taking it slow
Mastering the various steps of toilet training can take a long time. Yes, some children will have it nailed in just a few days, but most need weeks or even months, especially when they're working on staying dry at night.

Don't push your toddler (or let others push him) to get through toilet training faster than he's ready to. Let him take his time and get used to this new, multipart process. He'll move from one stage to the next at his own speed. Of course, it's perfectly all right to try to motivate with gentle reminders and encouragement. If he balks, though, ease up.

Praising your child
Throughout toilet training, your toddler will respond to positive reinforcement. Whenever he moves on to a new step or tries to use his potty (even when he doesn't quite succeed), tell him he's doing well and that you're proud of him. Compliment him now and then on his dry underpants or diaper. But be careful not to go overboard: Too much praise might make him nervous and afraid to fail, which can lead to more accidents and setbacks.

Accepting that there will be accidents
It's likely your toddler will have numerous accidents before being completely potty-trained. Don't get angry or punish him. After all, it's only recently that his nervous system has matured enough for him to perceive the sensation of a full bladder or rectum and that his muscles have developed sufficiently to allow him to hold in his urine and stool — and that's if he's on the early end of the developmental spectrum. He'll get the hang of the process in due time. When your toddler has an accident, calmly clean it up and suggest (sweetly) that next time he try using his potty instead.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Tooth Care (age 2 to 4)

What's the best way to brush my child's teeth?
While your child's early teeth are still coming in, you can clean them with a wet washcloth or a piece of gauze. By the time her back molars have come in (around 18 months), you can switch to a soft nylon-bristle child's toothbrush. Using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, gently brush the teeth on both the outside and inside surfaces twice a day. Brush her tongue as well (if she'll let you) to dislodge the bacteria that can cause bad breath. Replace the toothbrush as soon as the bristles start to look worn or splayed out.

When should I let my child start brushing her own teeth?
As soon as she is willing and able, it's a good idea to let her try to brush her own teeth, even though she probably won't be able to do a good job of it until she's about school age. Brush your teeth while she's doing hers, and then "check" each other's teeth to see if they're clean. If her teeth sparkle and reflect light, she's done a good job. If not, tell her you think she "missed a spot" and finish the job for her. Most children do not have the coordination to brush their teeth adequately until they have mastered using a knife and fork.

What should I do if my child won't brush?
If your child fusses every time it's time to brush, it might help to buy her a toothbrush or paste with a special cartoon character on it. According to Liz Birka White, a mother of three in Diablo, California, this worked well for all of her children: "Adam, my firstborn, really hated brushing until I bought him an Elmo toothbrush. From that day on, he couldn't get enough. It was just the ticket I needed to interest him in brushing." You can also let your child have several brushes in different colors so that she can choose the one she wants when it's time to brush.

When does my child need fluoride and how can I tell if she's getting the right amount?
Developing teeth can certainly benefit from a little fluoride. This mineral prevents tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acids and harmful bacteria. Most municipal water supplies are fortified with fluoride. (Call your local water authority or ask your dentist about yours.) If it isn't, or if you get your water from a well, consider buying a test kit from a hardware store to determine the fluoride level in your water supply. If it's less than .3 parts per million, ask your pediatrician whether you should give your child a supplement (the amount recommended for children under 3 is .25 milligrams per day). He can prescribe a fluoride supplement in the form of drops or chewable tablets.

A little fluoride is a good thing for your child's teeth, but swallowing too much of it over time can lead to a condition called fluorosis that can cause white spots to show up on her adult teeth. If you live in an area with fluoridated water, your child is most likely getting plenty of fluoride. Bottled water and fruit juices may also contain fluoride, although the amount is rarely listed on the label. If your child is using a fluoridated toothpaste, you should let her use only a pea-sized drop each time. This is because young children tend to swallow their toothpaste rather than spit it out. Swallowing too much toothpaste over time can lead to fluorosis.

When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and most pediatric dentists say it's a good idea to bring your child to a dentist around the time she turns 1. If you haven't yet taken her for a dental checkup, consider making an appointment soon, especially if you notice any signs of tooth decay such mouth pain, particularly while eating.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Fun Activities To Promote Math Skills (Kindergarten )

As your child becomes a fluent reader, you can continue to encourage a love of reading. Make sure reading stays fun with these great activity ideas.

Because children learn in different ways, we've arranged these activities by learning style.But any child can benefit from the suggestions in all three categories.

For physical learners
Make a family newspaper Have your child write stories about what's happening in the family. Need some ideas? Recent birthdays, outings, and events at school all make good subjects for "articles." Then encourage her to read the paper to others.

Discover words to grow on Go to the library and check out a gardening book or buy one at the bookstore. Read through it to find plants, flowers, or vegetables that look interesting and then buy some seeds or plants from a local nursery and watch them grow.

Make your own bookmarks Cut a long rectangular strip out of white cardboard, punch a hole in the top, and let your child decorate each side with markers, stickers, sparkles, anything she wants. Then choose a ribbon and tie it through the hole as tassel.

Write a letter to a favorite author To help your child get started, ask her a few questions. What do you like about this author's book? How do you feel when you read these stories? Who is your favorite character? When it's ready, you can send the letter to the author care of the publisher. Check the title page of the book to find out who that is.

Make a dictionary As your child comes across words she doesn't know, have her write them in a blank book or notebook along with the meaning. This is a great way to help build vocabulary.

Give out book dollars If you don't want to use real money, you can draw your own. Dole out the cash for chores or other good deeds at home. When your child earns ten or 15, take a trip to the bookstore and let her spend the money.

Go to a book signing party Popular children's authors often make appearances at bookstores. Check local papers and bulletin boards at bookstores to find how who's coming next.

Build a reading fort In your child's bedroom, lean together some broom or mop sticks and drape blankets over them to create a tent. Invite your child to grab a book and a flashlight and climb in for story time in the dark. In the summertime you can do this in the yard.

Serve a meal from a book Use food coloring to make green eggs and ham, try to recreate parts of the Grinch's Christmas feast, or make your own batch of freckle juice from Judy Blume's book.

Throw a book-related party Read over your child's favorite book and think about what elements would work at a party. Can you decorate her room like the Hogwarts Academy in Harry Potter? You'll get your child and her friends talking about books.

For auditory learners
Go to story time at the library or a bookstore Nothing beats listening to a trained storyteller. Going to the library or a bookstore to listen to a tall tale is not only a fun outing, but your child will also learn about new books and meet other children. As a bonus, you may pick up a few tips to jazz up your own read-aloud sessions.

Write a menu for a weekend dinner Decide what you'd like to serve and then ask your child to write the dishes down with descriptions. Tell your child to use describing words (also known as adjectives) such as "green, fresh" salad, "hot" chicken, and "cold, sweet" ice cream. The next night, scramble the adjectives as a joke on the rest of the family!

Find a reading phone pal Teach your child to share the joy of reading. Call a friend or relative in another city and arrange a one-on-one book club. Have the children read the same books and talk about them each week.

Listen to books on tape You can check out tapes from the library for free or buy them at a bookstore (to save money, stop by your local used bookstore). Kids love listening to someone else tell them a story, and they can follow along in their own books.

Read a recipe and cook the dish together Start with an illustrated children's cookbook so your child can see how the dish might turn out. Read the recipe to your child while she follows along. Making the food will teach your child that books provide useful information.

Join a summer book club at the library Most libraries arrange summer programs with lists of books for each age group and awards for completing the books. To get credit for each book your child may need to retell the story to a librarian or volunteer. Your child will share the joy of books with others — and may even win some prizes.

For visual learners
Read a story that's out as a movie Then go see the movie. Your child will love seeing characters she already knows from a book up on the big screen. You can rent videos too. For a fun twist, make it a sleepover party and invite other kids to read and watch the video. Then have them talk about it to build reading comprehension. Some ideas: Charlotte's Web, Sarah Plain and Tall, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Make a photo scrapbook Have your child glue some favorite photos in an album (or on colored paper that you'll later punch holes in and tie together) and then write captions next to each one describing what's going on in the picture.

Subscribe to magazines Let your child browse the racks at the store. Aside from the obvious brown-bag restrictions, let her choose whatever she wants. Kids like to read teen magazines long before they're teens. Buy a couple of different magazines from a newsstand or bookstore, then ask your child to pick out a favorite for a subscription.

Imagine what happens next Have your child make up and write down a sequel to a favorite book.

Visit your child's favorite author's Web site Some great ones to try: the site for Gary Paulsen, author of Hatchet and other popular books, the site for the Goosebumps series, and the site for J.K. Rowling, of Harry Potter fame.

Leave notes for your child Put them in her lunchbox or book bag every day. Even if it's just a few simple words such as "I love you." You can also leave them around her room or next to her toothbrush.

Let her read comic books Everyone knows they aren't fine literature, but there's no denying that kids love them! Some great ones to try: Garfield, Archie, The Far Side, Calvin and Hobbes.

Illustrate a song Write down the words to your child's favorite song and have your child draw pictures to go with each stanza. Then read the song.

Set a family reading time For 15 or 20 minutes a night, everyone in the house reads a story together. If friends or neighbors are visiting, ask them to participate. Follow the reading time with a few minutes of discussion about the book to encourage comprehension.

Keep a diary Let your child pick out a diary with a lock and key and encourage her to write in it every day, even if only for a few minutes.

Follow along with a book project Find an instruction or how-to book based on your child's interests: How to draw cars, how to make perfume, how to construct a model, etc. Show your child how to read for information and then put that information to use.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com