Parenting
- What kind of social and emotional skills should my child demonstrate at the end of this first year?
- What are some age-appropriate toys for my child, age 8–12 months?
- Health Warning Signs for 8–12 Month Olds. What are some warning signs that might indicate the need to contact my child’s pediatrician?
- How can I stimulate my baby's brain growth at 8-12 months of age?
- What do I do when I’m frustrated with my child’s behavior, and I’m at the end of my rope?
[top]Question : What kind of social and emotional skills should my child demonstrate at the end of this first year?
Answer :
Your child may be shy or anxious with people, but as he develops his self-concept, he will have less trouble meeting strangers. He may cry when his mother or father leave, show specific preferences for certain people and toys, or prefer his mother and/or caregiver over all others. He also might be fearful of some objects or situations, such as thunder or the dark. He will test parental responses to his behavior and actions during feedings. He will learn to extend his arm or leg when being dressed, finger-feed himself, and repeat gestures and sounds for attention.
Source :
Shelow, S.S. & Hannemann, R.E. (1998). Caring for the young baby and your child. Bantan Books, New York)
[top]Question : What are some age-appropriate toys for my child, age 8–12 months?
Answer :
At this age, children enjoy unbreakable containers and mirrors, bath toys that squirt and float, large building blocks, and “busy boxes” that squeak, move, and open. Squeeze toys, large dolls and puppets, plastic vehicles, balls, push-pull toys, toy telephones, and toys that you can stack are always a favorite. Paper tubes, empty boxes, empty bottles, cardboard books with pictures, and music are also good “toys.”
Source :
Shelow, S.S. & Hannemann, R.E. (1998). Caring for the young baby and your child. Bantan Books, New York)
[top]Question : Health Warning Signs for 8–12 Month Olds. What are some warning signs that might indicate the need to contact my child’s pediatrician?
Answer :
You should pay particular attention to some developmental milestones, including the ability to crawl, drag one side of the body while crawling, stand when supported, point to objects and pictures, and learn to wave or shake her head. She should also be able to say single words and search for objects that have been hidden while she was watching. Every baby develops at a different rate, but if one of these actions is not developed by 12 months, you should contact your child’s pediatrician.
Source :
Shelow, S.S. & Hannemann, R.E. (1998). Caring for the young baby and your child. Bantan Books, New York)
[top]Question : How can I stimulate my baby's brain growth at 8-12 months of age?
Answer :
To stimulate your baby’s brain growth, you can do several different activities, as well as providing for the baby’s basic necessities. First, be consistent in having warm, physical contact with your baby; it will establish her sense of security and well being. Provide a stimulating but safe environment where your baby can explore freely. Be attentive to her moods, and respond when she is both happy and upset. Talk or sing to your baby when you are doing routine things like playing or driving. If you speak a foreign language, speak it freely in the house. Read books to her everyday. Play games like peek-a-boo and pattycake. Teach her how to wave “bye-bye” and to shake her head “yes” and “no.” Encourage her to play with blocks and soft toys to develop eye-hand coordination, competence, and fine motor skills. Play on the floor everyday, and provide inexpensive age- and developmentally appropriate toys that are safe for her to play with. This is a very special period in which you should introduce her to other children and parents. It is always important to avoid subjecting your baby to stressful experiences and to make sure that those who supervise her understand that they need to form a comforting and consistent relationship with her.
Source :
Shelow, S.S. & Hannemann, R.E. (1998). Caring for the young baby and your child. Bantan Books, New York)
[top]Question : What do I do when I’m frustrated with my child’s behavior, and I’m at the end of my rope?
Answer :
Many parents get frustrated with their children\’s behavior and want a quick fix. However, there are no quick fixes in parenting. Discipline that is done in haste or by yelling, screaming, criticizing, or generally blowing up will backfire on you. To avoid this pattern, wait until you are calm to discipline your child. Try this tactic: tell your child that you need 10 minutes to calm down and to think about the situation, or leave the room for a while. Count to 10 or 100. Talk over the situation with your partner or friend; then act. Remember, discipline is about teaching appropriate behavior?not about punishing the child.
Source :
Molgaard, V.K. & Ouverson, C. [2000]. Guidance and Discipline for Early Elementary Children. Iowa State University Extension, PM 1547j
