My toddler is so picky about food.Her dad thinks we should bribe her to eat with rewards of TV or sweets but I don't agree.As she gets worse,we're now arguing about how to deal with it.
A:Toddlers are notorius for being picky about food and it's perfectly normal at this age.Bear in mind that if being fussy about food gets attention then your toddler has a good reason for behaving like that.
Even the fussiest toddlers will usualy eat enough to meet their needs,so try to avoid getting into rows over how to coax her to eat more.What's important is that you both respond consistently to her fussy eating.
Aim to keep mealtimes relaxed.Sit down and eat together as a family whenever you can and set a good example by letting your child see you enjoying mealtimes.Let her eat as much as she wants and remove her plate without comment at the end of the meal.That way she'll learn that being fussy doesn't get attention.Avoid using bribes to coax your child to eat,otherwise she'll expect something in return every time she finishes a meal - this is bad habit to get into.Reward your toddler by praising her and giving her a cuddle when she eats well.
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Q:How can I stop feeling so sick?
I'm nine weeks pregnant and feel so queasy.I have heard that exercise can help,but even the thought of it makes me feel even worse.Please help!
A:Poor you!Blame those raging hormones - they can make you feel sick,cause vomiting,loss of appetite and have an adverse effect on your bowel movements.Exercise can help,however.Regular exercisers find that nausea is absent during exercise,and although it may resume afterwards,it is usually less intense.Small,frequent meals may help,as will light,aerobic exercise such as brisk walking,stationary cycling,or swimming and weight training - using light weights with many repetitions.If you're feeling particularly poorly,a walk in the fresh air while concentrating on your breathing and posture may ease nausea.Small regular sips of water can also help,and will allow you to exercise for longer.
Remember,even though you may be suffering,your baby is protected and will be coping far better than you.If you experience extreme nausea and vomiting,see your midwife or doctor.
A:Poor you!Blame those raging hormones - they can make you feel sick,cause vomiting,loss of appetite and have an adverse effect on your bowel movements.Exercise can help,however.Regular exercisers find that nausea is absent during exercise,and although it may resume afterwards,it is usually less intense.Small,frequent meals may help,as will light,aerobic exercise such as brisk walking,stationary cycling,or swimming and weight training - using light weights with many repetitions.If you're feeling particularly poorly,a walk in the fresh air while concentrating on your breathing and posture may ease nausea.Small regular sips of water can also help,and will allow you to exercise for longer.
Remember,even though you may be suffering,your baby is protected and will be coping far better than you.If you experience extreme nausea and vomiting,see your midwife or doctor.
Q:I can't potty train my little girl
I'm finding it hard to potty train my 3-year-old daughter.I've tried reward charts and bribery,but she just doesn't seem to "get it".I've even tried taking her nappy off completely but then she refuses to poo and wets herself.Help!
A:Regardless of your child's age,they have to be ready to start toilet training and show an interest.
The first stage is when they are able to tell you that they are doing a poo or wee in their nappy after event.
The second stage is when they can tell you that they are doing a poo or wee,and the third stage is when they can tell you that they are about to do a poo or wee.
On reaching the third stage,a child needs to understand what the toilet or potty is for.They learn this most effectively by watching you,so consider taking your little girl into the bathroom with you.I'd suggest you take a brake for a few weeks and start afresh using the tips here.Be patient,stay upbeat and your little girl will soon get the hang of it.
A:Regardless of your child's age,they have to be ready to start toilet training and show an interest.
The first stage is when they are able to tell you that they are doing a poo or wee in their nappy after event.
The second stage is when they can tell you that they are doing a poo or wee,and the third stage is when they can tell you that they are about to do a poo or wee.
On reaching the third stage,a child needs to understand what the toilet or potty is for.They learn this most effectively by watching you,so consider taking your little girl into the bathroom with you.I'd suggest you take a brake for a few weeks and start afresh using the tips here.Be patient,stay upbeat and your little girl will soon get the hang of it.
Q:Will my body ever be the same?
I'm 36 weeks pregnant.Recently I've been worrying about my vagina being stretched and disfigured after giving birth.Will it ever go back to normal?
A:This is a very common concern.After a vagina delivery,some women feel as though they will never regain their pre-pregnancy tone and shape in this area.However,your vagina will gradually regain much of its former tone,and the pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the area in preparation for birth - your midwife will advise on how to do them.
You should be feeling more like your old self by about six months after the birth - your body does need time to recover though,so be patient and don't put too much pressure on yourself.
A:This is a very common concern.After a vagina delivery,some women feel as though they will never regain their pre-pregnancy tone and shape in this area.However,your vagina will gradually regain much of its former tone,and the pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the area in preparation for birth - your midwife will advise on how to do them.
You should be feeling more like your old self by about six months after the birth - your body does need time to recover though,so be patient and don't put too much pressure on yourself.
Q:He doesn't want daytime naps
My 4-month-old baby used to nap really well when I took him out in the pushchair,but he now only catnaps for about 20 minutes and then is grumpy for the rest of the day - just like me!
A:Usually around 4 months,your baby is becoming much more aware of his surroundings and doesn't want to miss out on everything!The best solution is to use a good blackout shade for the pushchair when you're out and about so he can't see what's going on,which will encourage him to sleep.
Alternatively,consider putting him down in his cot at home at a set time for his nap.That way,at least he'll be having one fairly long nap during the day - and you get to put your feet up!
A:Usually around 4 months,your baby is becoming much more aware of his surroundings and doesn't want to miss out on everything!The best solution is to use a good blackout shade for the pushchair when you're out and about so he can't see what's going on,which will encourage him to sleep.
Alternatively,consider putting him down in his cot at home at a set time for his nap.That way,at least he'll be having one fairly long nap during the day - and you get to put your feet up!
Q:We are planning a house move with our six-month-old baby.How can we make settling into a new area as stress-free as possible?
A: Any big change is going to be stressful,no matter how positive.But you can make the experience less painful with a bit of planning.Start by making a list of everything that needs to be done.Work out which jobs are priority,which can be delegated,and how long each task will take.Then transfer the list to your diary to give you a timescale and plan.
You should also factor in time to research the area you're moving to.Find five things you could attend,such as local baby and toddler groups,then but the details in your diary - including directions.This can help you get integrated when you arrive.Also make sure you register for your new doctor's surgery in advance,so your baby doesn't miss health visitor appointments and check-ups.
On the day of the move,try and keep your baby's routine the same to avoid disruption.Pack a separate suitcase that travels with you and contains all the items you'll need for the first few days,such as feeding kit,toys,cot sheets and clothes.This will help you feel in control and your baby will be comfortable,meaning you can get on with the move.Once you arrive in your new home,help her feel at ease by introducing her to her new bedroom and setting up her cot in the same way as before,so she recognises it and is able to settle in more aesily.
A: Any big change is going to be stressful,no matter how positive.But you can make the experience less painful with a bit of planning.Start by making a list of everything that needs to be done.Work out which jobs are priority,which can be delegated,and how long each task will take.Then transfer the list to your diary to give you a timescale and plan.
You should also factor in time to research the area you're moving to.Find five things you could attend,such as local baby and toddler groups,then but the details in your diary - including directions.This can help you get integrated when you arrive.Also make sure you register for your new doctor's surgery in advance,so your baby doesn't miss health visitor appointments and check-ups.
On the day of the move,try and keep your baby's routine the same to avoid disruption.Pack a separate suitcase that travels with you and contains all the items you'll need for the first few days,such as feeding kit,toys,cot sheets and clothes.This will help you feel in control and your baby will be comfortable,meaning you can get on with the move.Once you arrive in your new home,help her feel at ease by introducing her to her new bedroom and setting up her cot in the same way as before,so she recognises it and is able to settle in more aesily.
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Q: I'm 14 weeks pregnant and would like to start swimming
I find doing lengths in the pool a bit boring - can you suggest any exercises that can make swimming a bit more interesting?
A: Water is a great environment to work out in,as it supports your bump and adds resistance,so your muscles work harder.
1.Jog in the water. Bring your knees up and push your arms forward and back.Keep jogging on the spot for 3 to 4 minutes to tone arms and legs.
2.Try bicycle kicks. Hold on to the side of the pool with your back against the wall.Start kicking your legs in front of you as if you're riding a bicycle.Continue for 3 to 4 minutes.
3.Tone those arms! Stand with feet apart,knees bent.Now lift your arms to the height of your shoulders,and back down.Pull your arms down towards you,breathing out as you do so,and push up again hard.
I find doing lengths in the pool a bit boring - can you suggest any exercises that can make swimming a bit more interesting?
A: Water is a great environment to work out in,as it supports your bump and adds resistance,so your muscles work harder.
1.Jog in the water. Bring your knees up and push your arms forward and back.Keep jogging on the spot for 3 to 4 minutes to tone arms and legs.
2.Try bicycle kicks. Hold on to the side of the pool with your back against the wall.Start kicking your legs in front of you as if you're riding a bicycle.Continue for 3 to 4 minutes.
3.Tone those arms! Stand with feet apart,knees bent.Now lift your arms to the height of your shoulders,and back down.Pull your arms down towards you,breathing out as you do so,and push up again hard.
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