I am always looking for research, tips and ideas for good parenting. I mean the kind when you feel like you have accomplished a lot during the day and when you see your children learning and growing into healthy individuals (mentally, spiritually, and physically). It's tough and some nights I just want to give up and run away, but I AlWAYS wake up with a new set of mind; ready to face the battleground. I love my kids with all my heart and keep going everyday for them. I want to help and teach them everything (in my power), so that they never ever struggle in life. Anyhow, I had to get that out of my system. I would like to share some strategies that help me raise my toddler and preschooler:
- Daily Schedule: I keep things consistent by following a schedule. When I was working after I had my first, I found my oldest to be very subdued and relaxed during the weekdays. However, on the weekends his behavior was out of control. So for that reason, I had to come up with creative ways of keeping that negative energy at bay. I started doing a lot of child-led play activities such as play dough, dinosaurs, cars, bath-time, cooking, sports, building blocks, etc. I always tried my best to interact; Bye bye social life! I have successfully integrated my toddler into a similar routine.
- Nap time & Night Sleep: my preschooler does not take a nap since he turned 3 years old. If he does then it's very hard for him to fall asleep at night. My toddler only naps between 12 and 2pm, if he wants to sleep at night. However, for the past year, my toddler always wakes through the night and needs comforting to fall back asleep. This can get very tiring for me and him, as you know interrupted sleep at night can be very exhausting on the mind and body. Also, it is very important for kids to fall asleep that they are well nourished/fed, bathed, and relaxed (Life saver tip).
- Food: it is very hard for me to remember all the nutrients they need for eating healthy. I have a handy magnetic notepad on my fridge where I write all of the fruits and veggies, dairy, proteins, and grain products they need (according to their age). This helps me prepare our meal according to everyone's daily food intake. For example, a 3 & 4 year old needs 2 servings of dairy daily so I make sure that if they are not drinking milk, I give them a grilled cheese sandwich or a milkshake. Usually, the kids eat what the adults eat at the dinner table (sans the spice). On special occasions like birthdays or celebrations, I will make kid-friendly food items.
- Education/learning: this part of the day is very important for me because I value education and would like my kids to grow up to be well-educated individuals. Education during the day can be anything (i.e. following the preschool schedule or practicing our table manners). Throughout the day, we focus on math, literacy, social, science, art, life skills, manners, cooking, cleaning/organizing, and religion. With the toddler I focus on child-led play.
Overall, I have tried all these strategies with both my kids. Each child is different so keep in mind that some of these strategies may need modifications to suit your child's needs. The pressure of good Parenting can take a toll on one's health but if you find the joy in little things, you can survive.
That smile or laugh on your child's face when they are having a good time with you is priceless.
Annie
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