1.
How can I find daycare for my child(ren)?
Starting Point (216-575-0061) is a good resource
to help families find suitable daycare. Whether considering
a child care center or one in someone’s home, check
it out carefully. Ask questions of the staff and members.
Talk to other parents of other children at the center. Look
over the center carefully. Ask lots of questions:
· How many children are there for each staff member?
The fewer children each staff members is responsible for,
the better.
· How does the center care for sick children?
· What about staff training?
· Are house/building and playground safe?
-back to top-
2. When is my baby supposed to scoot, roll
over and walk?
Skills such as these and smiling for the first
time, and waving “bye bye” are called developmental
milestones. Children reach developmental milestones in playing,
learning, speaking, behaving, and moving. Take a look at the
Developmental Milestones section of this website for some
common milestones. Talk to your health care professional about
what to expect in your child’s growth and development.
If you have any concerns about your child’s development
talk to your health care professional or call Help Me Grow
with your questions. Remember that every child is unique.
-back to top-
3. When should I start toilet training?
Most children are ready to begin toilet training
around their second birthdays, but others need more time.
Different families (and different cultures) have different
ideas about the best time to start. Just keep in mind that
toilet training is a process, not an overnight event.
-back to top-
4. How can I make separations easier for my
child?
From
about 10 months to two years of age, many children are especially
anxious about being away from their parents, but this separation
anxiety can also be common among 3 and 4-year-olds as well.
You can help your child by allowing time to adjust gradually
to a new place and unfamiliar people. You may want to take
a short visit well in advance of the day she’ll be there
on her own. Remind your child that you will be coming back
and then returning when you said you would. Despite your best
efforts, your child may still show fear, anger, grief at your
departure. Before long, however, most children make adjustments
to new settings and begin to enjoy these experiences.
-back to top-
5. What should I do if my child won't eat?
Just like adults, appetites can vary for children.
If your child won’t eat a particular meal, consider
the possibility that she simply isn’t hunger and allow
her to skip the meal. Treat this in a casual manner, but don’t
offer special snacks or treats either. Many families find
it helpful to have a daily routine of meals and healthy snacks
and to stick to it. Others might take a more casual approach.
Of course, if your child refuses to eat for a prolonged period
of time, you should consult your health care professional.
-back to top-
6. How can I help
my child be a reader?
You are your child’s first teacher! Learning
to read is a skill that takes a long time to develop and it
begins early on in a child’s life. Babies first learn
about reading by learning to speak and understand language.
When you respond to your child, you are building your baby’s
skills. Research shows that babies who hear many words in
their first years of life and who are actively communicating,
do better in school. Go to our section on early learning and
literacy for more ideas on how to get your child off to a
great start for building reading skills. To learn more about
literacy and your child, click
here.
-back to top-
7. Can I spoil my
baby?
Recent research shows that responding to a
baby’s cries will not spoil your baby and, in fact,
babies who are responded to quickly and consistently, especially
in the first six to eight months of life, actually cry less
than babies who have been left to cry. One of the most important
things for a baby to learn is that others will respond in
a caring way. Of course, you may not be able to always respond,
but usually responding promptly should be enough and you can
use a variety of ways of responding to your baby—just
the sound of your voice may be enough.
-back to top-
8. How can I best
support my child's development?
From the moment they are born, babies are learning
and growing. As a parent, you should focus on supporting the
healthy development of your baby by offering positive experiences
and protecting your baby from negative experiences. Feed your
baby well and respond to his or her needs for love, comfort
and play. When babies feel comfortable and safe, they can
put their energies towards playing, learning, and growing.
-back to top-
9. How can I help
my baby to move?
Infants and toddlers love to move!
And movement helps them grow and develop. There is an order
to motor development. For example, babies will likely lift
their heads before they sit, sit before they crawl, and crawl
before they walk. Children will move through the order of
movement development at their own rate and in their own way.
Differences are normal. If, however, development seems off-track
to you, consult your health care professional. Remember, movement
is healthy and playtime is essential and fun!
-back to top-
10. What should
I do if I have a concern about my child's development?
First, you’ll want to talk
with your health care professional. Your health care professional
might offer a developmental screen or can refer you to Help
Me Grow. Help Me Grow will provide a developmental screen
or evaluation at no cost to you and help answer your questions.
You can also call Help Me Grow directly at 216-698-7500 and
talk with someone about your concerns. Remember, the earlier
a developmental concern is identified and your child receives
special help, the better!
-back to top-
Don't see
your question here ?
Send us your questions about babies and toddlers
and we'll post answers here. Send your email to: hmgoutreach@helpmegrow.org
-back to top-
-back
to babies and toddlers main page-
|
