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How to Choose the Best Baby Play Gym for Your Child

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Do you want to provide your baby with the ideal environment to develop and thrive? If so, here’s how to choose the best baby play gym available.

Motor and cognitive skill development begin the moment your baby leaves the womb. As they enter the world, their senses are constantly being stimulated.

Babies soon learn how to move their head around, lock eyes with mom and dad, laugh, smile, and play. They start to develop teeth, crawl, and grab things too.

During these stages of growth, it’s crucial to have a baby play gym for your child. The right play gym can further promote sensory development, as a supplement to their daily interactions with the world around them. But, not all baby play gyms are made alike.

Here’s how to find the right one for your child.

Are the Toys Easy to Detach and Clean?

You child’s baby play gym is something they’re going to be using every day. They will crawl all over it, put toys in their mouth, and maybe have an uh-oh or two while playing, as well.

As such, you need to make sure the toys and mat are easy to clean! Think about the material everything in the gym set is made with. What can you wash with ease, and what will you have to soak and scrub to make sure it’s clean?

Also, always opt for a baby play mat rather than a chair or a cushion. Not only is the mat easier to clean, but it can be more supportive for your baby. When he or she is on the ground, rather than on a cushion or in a chair, they’re better able to feel shifts in their body and learn how to move the head, arms, and legs around.

Can You Take the Baby Play Gym Anywhere You Go?

Another thing to consider is where you plan to put the baby’s play area. Even if you and your little one tend to spend most of your days in the living room or their baby room, it’s still best to have a baby play gym you can easily move around.

This gives you plenty of options for where to play in the home. More so, a play gym that is easy to pack and carry can go with you to grandma’s house, to drop off at daycare, and on any short weekend trips, you’re planning to take.

The baby play gym then offers comfort and consistency, wherever your little one goes.

What Skills Are Being Stimulated?

As you’re deciding between the play gym with more toys or the one that’s easier to carry, consider this: which one best promotes healthy physical and mental growth?

That is always the best option to go with. At the end of the day, this is the main purpose of all baby play gyms! You want to choose something that will help your baby with everything from head motions to crawling, from color differentiation to recognizing sounds and movements.

The more a play gym does this – safely and effectively – the better.

Growing up and Learning New Things

The play gym you choose for your child helps them take an important step in their development.

But, this is just the beginning! There is so much more for them to learn as they go through school, make friends, play sports and venture into the arts, and grow up.

One thing will always be constant, though – your role in their life. Throughout all the lessons a child learns, they will always be looking to you for guidance. That’s a big comfort, but also a big responsibility.

For simple, easy-to-remember ways to be a good role model, click here.

Top Ways to Boost Your Child’s Personal Development

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Every parent wants their child to be a success in life. For most this blends some of the staple things such as financial stability, happiness and contentment and helping them achieve this is a priority in both lifestyle and educational ways. Assisting children to realize their potential in both recreational and school situations helps them to build self-confidence, which can boost their motivation to try and experience new things. For children to become self-assured, happy and finally successful in life, they need to be nurtured and encouraged to develop their skills and take every development opportunity that comes along. To help them along this sometimes tricky path, take a look at some of the ways you can contribute to their personal development journey.

Teach them to solve problems

Alongside their development at school, problem-solving in the real world should also be a huge part of their learning. Helping your child to work through problems however small, rather than doing it for them gives them a push to face the frustrations that come with resolving issues. It’s important to stand by and offer advice when needed, but ultimately they should try to solve these issues by themselves to learn the process.

Good education

School is where they will do the majority of the academic learning plus it’s the place they’ll build relationships with teachers and peers. Choosing a unique and exceptional Private School in Essex can provide some of the most exceptional teaching and superb facilities to support your child’s development. This stage in their life is one of the most important for them to meet and interact with others and gain as much knowledge as they can for later life. Supporting them through this education and helping them obtain the best results they can, will also prepare them for future careers and personal progression.

Give them responsibility

To help your child understand the basics of fundamental responsibility, giving them chores to do could help build a respectful bond between the both of you. Simple things such as making their own bed or helping to do the dishes are the ideal avenues to channel their learning skills and use them for implementing in real life situations. Explaining the importance of their contribution can also give them the understanding that people won’t be around every minute of the day to pick up after them, and when they eventually fly the nest, they’ll have this responsibility all to themselves.

Build their self-confidence

As children get older, they enter a particular stage in life where they may become self-conscious about what they look like or how they feel. Helping them to explore these feelings and boosting their confidence can improve their self-worth and perception of their body image. It can be a delicate phase especially when teenagers hit puberty so assisting and not pushing is key to driving their personal development.

The work to raise happy and content children starts from a young age, but helping them through their development can help your child achieve their goals.

Top Tips For Finding and Dealing with a Pediatric Specialist

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Having to take your child to a pediatric specialist can be scary and overwhelming. Use these tips to find the right doctor and handle the situation with grace!

Have you ever stopped to think about how doctors have seen most people even before they’re born? Like how you’ve seen an obstetrician/gynecologist when you were still pregnant?

This goes to show how important medical and healthcare professionals are in keeping your family healthy. And this means knowing when to see a pediatric specialist.

Here’s a quick statistic to put things in perspective:

A 2015 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that 93% of children met a healthcare professional in the past year.

As a parent, you only want what’s best for your child. This said you want to ensure your team of health caregivers also consists of a specialist.

How exactly do you go about finding one though?

To make the search easier, check out this list of the top tips to find the right specialist for your kids.

1. Does Your Child Need to See a Pediatric Specialist?

As a parent, it’s understandable that you constantly worry about your child’s well-being. But not all cases of colds actually warrant a specialist.

It’s for this reason that you should consult with a family physician first. Although they don’t have specializations, they still trained to provide accurate diagnosis and corresponding treatment for common childhood illnesses.

Aside from handling minor health problems, physicians can also deal with serious diseases.

In other words, they’re your first point of contact. And in case your child needs special services, they can refer you to the appropriate doctor.

2. Know the Most Common Specialists Seen for Children

Did you know that there are more than 150 health care specialties and subspecialties?

That’s right. There are many kinds of doctors, and it’s comforting to know that they specialize in every imaginable component of human health.

At the same time, this makes it more challenging to search for the right pediatric specialist when the need arises.

As such, knowing which type of doctor is best for your kid’s needs is the first crucial step. Below we list the most commonly-visited doctors for children’s specialized health care needs.

Allergists/Immunologists

These doctors focus on treating disorders of the immune system. For instance, if your child has asthma, allergies (food, insect sting, pollen, etc.), or eczema, this is the kind of doctor you’d want to see.

Behavioral

Behavioral pediatricians have in-depth understanding and knowledge of developmental and learning disabilities in children. They deal with children suffering from emotional trauma and anxiety issues.

Keep in mind though that they aren’t automatically psychiatrists/psychologists. They will, however, refer you to the appropriate mental health care professional if need be.

ENT Doctors (Ears, Nose, and Throat)

These specialists focus on disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. For instance, if your child suffers from an ear disease, such as earaches, hearing impairment, infection, or trauma, then you should take him/her to a pediatric hearing doctor.

They also specialize in rhinology (nose and sinuses), laryngology (voice box and GERD problems), as well as allergies (sinusitis, rhinitis, respiratory infections, hay allergies, etc.).

Neonatologists

A neonatologist is a pediatric specialist with a focus on premature babies and newborns with critical illnesses. They treat conditions such as congenital abnormalities and life-limiting, even life-threatening prematurity.

Other Children’s Health Specialists

There are also pediatric cardiologists, pulmonologists, and rheumatologists among many other types of pediatric specialists. So, as you can see, it all boils down to the specific needs of your child.

3. Recommendations and Research

Once you figure out the exact kind of specialist you need, it’s time for the research.

Recommendations from family and trusted friends and colleagues can help. And for the most part, this can also prove reassuring.

In case no one in your personal network has experience with the specific kind of doctor you need, the next best step is to check with your health insurance company.

Your insurer can provide you a list of the specialists included in their network coverage, as well as insight on their doctor’s fees and other charges. Checking with the insurance company also lets you determine each doctor’s standard measures of quality.

4. Don’t Forget Potential Out-of-Pocket Costs

Your child’s health and well-being are a top priority. Equally important though, is your budget.

This is especially true when it comes to out-of-pocket costs. Many parents tend to forget that their insurance may not cover all costs.

For instance, in 2014, parents made personal payments towards children’s healthcare services averaging at $472 per child.

This may seem small a price to pay for ensuring your child’s health. But it still has a large impact on your household, so it pays to find out how affordable the rates of a pediatric specialist are.

5. Location is Critical

It’s best that you keep your team of pediatric health professionals local. This way, you can rest easy knowing that if your child gets sick, you can easily contact the right doctor. Working with local pediatricians and specialists can also make a huge difference during emergency situations.

And when it comes to your child, you can’t afford delays in seeing a doctor in times of emergency.

6. Credentials

Once you’re done with step 5, you most likely have narrowed your list.

So, the next thing to do is to conduct research on each prospect. Take a closer look at their credentials.

Do they have board certifications? What exactly are the cases they have successfully treated?

While most doctors have a long list of accomplishments to brag about, not all of them have experienced first-hand serious conditions in children.

7. Set the Appointment Up

Contact the pediatric specialist to for an initial consultation. But before you head to the doctor’s office, you want to list down the most important factors to look for.

These include the facilities, the staff, and the behavior of other patients. Do they look relaxed under the circumstances? How long does it take before a patient gets to see the doctor?

All these are important things to look for in any kind of doctor. Their clinic reflects their practice, so you’ll learn a lot during the first consultation.

8. You Always Have the Choice of a Second Opinion

You want to find the right pediatric specialist for your child ASAP. But sometimes, this means seeking a second, even third opinion. So, as a final reminder, feel free to see another doctor in case any reservations arise from your first choice.

Need to further expand your practical knowledge of children’s health? Then you should visit our blog. It’s full of useful tips that you should include in your parenting arsenal.

How To Tell Your Child You Are Getting a Divorce

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Photo of a gloomy young family with a sad little bou hugging a teddy bear, and his parents with depressed looks

Before you have the hard conversation with your kids, make sure you’re prepared. Learn more about how to tell your child you are getting a divorce here.

Divorce isn’t fun for anyone, and for most couples, the decision to part ways doesn’t come without a lot of careful consideration and long, difficult discussions.

It’s especially difficult to have the divorce discussion with your children. When divorce is imminent, many parents struggle with how to break the news.

Divorce presents a very emotional, confusing time for kids of all ages. They may have mixed feelings of relief at the prospect of parents no longer fighting all day but also great sadness and difficulty coping.

It’s so important that parents take the time to talk to their children about impending divorce so that they are more prepared for the process. You may be struggling with how to tell your child you are getting a divorce because you worry about how they will respond.

Though telling your kids about your divorce isn’t going to be easy, by using these tips you can help soften the blow and help them through this challenging time:

How to Tell Your Child You Are Getting a Divorce

If you’re struggling with how to tell your child you are getting a divorce, one of the most important first steps is to be honest and upfront.

Your child is probably already aware that you and your partner have not been getting along for a while. Explain to them in short and simple terms that their parents no longer get along and are going to separate.

Banish Blame

Children and teenagers tend to put a lot of the blame on themselves when their parents are going through a divorce. They will wonder if they might have prevented their parents’ divorce had they only been better behaved or more obedient.

Reassure them again and again that the divorce is in no way their fault.

Resist any urge to place blame on your children’s other parent as well. This goes beyond the initial talk and well into the future as they come to terms with the divorce.

Your kids don’t want to feel like they have to take sides or favor one parent over the other. Keep negative thoughts about the other parent to yourself.

Don’t Limit the Listening

After you’ve broken the news, children will probably have a lot of questions that they need to be answered and feelings of their own that they need to share. Be willing to listen to each child and their worries about how the divorce will change their lives. Acknowledge their sadness and be understanding. Talk them through their feelings as they come up and don’t interrupt.

Let them know that you understand if they are feeling angry and hurt. Tell them that you will be there to listen any time they want to talk about the divorce and how it makes them feel.

Reassure Them of Your Love

Make it clear to each child that the divorce won’t change the way their parents feel about them. Emphasize how much you still love them and always will. This is very important for children of all ages whose foundation is shaken when their family unit is changed so dramatically.

If they act out verbally or physically, try to put your own anger and frustration aside. Continue to reassure them that you won’t ever stop loving them. Reassure them that they will always be your child and that the divorce doesn’t change that.

Be Patient

You may be surprised to find that your child takes the news of the divorce much better than you anticipated only to be blindsided the next day by intense emotions about the split.

Be patient with your child as they slowly come to terms with this big change. For most children, it can take years for them to fully accept the divorce. Show sympathy as they work through their many emotions.

Maintain Stability

In the weeks and months following the divorce, children and teenagers will find comfort in routine and stability. Help them see that everything in their lives doesn’t have to be turned upside down because their parents are no longer living under the same roof.

If you have a tradition of pancakes for breakfast on Sundays, continue that tradition. If homework is always done after dinner followed by story time, keep up the habit. If you always make it to their soccer games, continue to do so.

Keep enjoying the same fun family activities that you’ve always enjoyed together, even if both parents will no longer be present. If you’re able to continue some traditions in a friendly manner with your ex present, such as attending dance recitals or graduation parties, even better.

Many changes will be unavoidable with two households instead of just one. Communicate to each child what they can expect in each home moving forward.

Seek Professional Help

Once you’ve decided how to tell your child you are getting a divorce and have had that first conversation, don’t be afraid to seek additional professional help. Knowing how to tell your child you are getting a divorce can be so tricky and the reactions can be hard for any parent to work through without help.

There are so many trained therapists and counselors who have helped countless parents and kids as they work through the complicated emotions tied to a divorce.

If you feel like your child’s behavior has changed drastically for the worse since you broke the news, therapy may help. Your child might feel like they can’t be open and honest with you about some of their feelings because they don’t want to hurt yours.

If they have a neutral person to share their feelings with, it can encourage their ability to come to terms with the divorce. A therapist trained in treating families dealing with divorce can be a great resource for your child.

You can find recommendations for a good therapist by asking friends, family members, or even your divorce attorney at your family law office. Divorce attorneys often have helpful resources to assist families through the divorce process.

More Positive Parenting Tips

Talking to your children about serious subjects can be difficult, but as long as they know you love them, your relationship can remain strong.

For more tips on how to talk to, play with, and teach your children, follow our blog.

How Parents Can Help Their Children Succeed at School

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Even the brightest children will need a little help to achieve the best grades at school. Parents must, therefore, find ways to harness their children’s talents and help them reach their potential. Learn how parents can help their children succeed at school.

A Healthy Lifestyle

Children who feel tired and sluggish do not perform well in school. The food they eat can consequently affect how their brain and body performs. If you want your child to listen, engage, and learn, you need to ensure they regularly consume a healthy diet and enjoy plenty of exercise. Brain foods filled with omega-3 fatty acids are ideal, as the likes of salmon and walnuts can improve a child’s memory, which can support their education.

An Early Bedtime

Sleep is essential for a good education. If your child hasn’t experienced enough sleep, they will fail to listen, work hard, and engage with a subject. According to one recent US study, high school students who achieved A and B grades experienced 25 minutes more sleep each night in comparison to those who achieved C, D and F grades. You could support your child’s education by simply moving their bedtime forward.

Pick the Best School

The school you choose will determine your child’s academic success. Only consider establishments that have built a reputation for helping their children exceed national expectations in every age group, such as Colchester High School. Thanks to passionate teachers and a safe environment, your children will leave school with fantastic qualifications that can help them secure their dream career.

Read Together

Recent research has found that kids who read for pleasure are more likely to progress in spelling, vocabulary, and math between 10 to 16 years of age. In fact, it’s reportedly more important than either wealth or social class for education. So, aim to make your child fall in love with reading by setting some time aside to read a good book with your son or daughter.

Allow Your Child to Experience Consequences

Children must learn there are consequences for their actions. For instance, many children will want to avoid doing their homework after school. Rather than forcing them to do it, allow your daughter or son to experience the repercussions at school. While you might not like the thought of them getting into trouble with their teacher, it will be a steep learning curve for your child, as they’ll realize the importance of hard work. As a result, they will be more likely to complete their homework on time in the future. If you attempt to shield your son or daughter from their mistakes, they’ll turn into a dependent learner, so they will be less likely to use their initiative.

An Organized Home

Research has found that a dirty, cluttered, and noisy home can lead to poor health in children, which can affect their education. Parents must, therefore, provide an organized, structured home that helps to clear a child’s mind and easily manage their tasks. So, ensure you provide them with a clean, clutter-free home, regular mealtimes, and a daily schedule for the family to follow.

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