Civitas - Tools For Shaping Children's Lives

To help you keep up with your child's ongoing development, Civitas provides you with research-based information, tips and tools for everyday use on the issues that matter most to parents.

Help Me Make it Through the Night!
Babies typically develop night sleep organization at about six weeks when they can:

Identify darkness as a time cue
Sense the slowing down of activities and become quieter
Distinguish routines associated with going to sleep

From the video Begin with Love.
Learn more about Sleep.

Spanking Hurts!
Child development research suggests that spanking as a regular form of punishment can lead to a host of outcomes that are detrimental to a child's development. However, 61% of parents of young children incorrectly believe that it is appropriate to spank a child as a "regular form of punishment."

From the national benchmark survey What Grown-Ups Understand About Child Development.

Get more information about discipline as well as other behavior issues in Behavior.

What's the best child care choice for you? Ask yourself the questions below to find out what type of child care is best for your situation:
1.	Can you or your spouse afford to stay home with your child?
2.	Do you have relatives who can help?
3.	How much can you afford to pay?
4.	Does your company offer a child care center, allow you to bring your baby to work with you, or let you work at home?
5.	Would your child benefit the most from group play or individualized attention?
6.	Does your child have health issues or needs that require special attention?
7.	Do you prefer structured play and activities for your child or are you comfortable with a more free-form environment?
From the book Understanding Children. Find out everything you need to know about Child Care.

Want to be an Involved Dad? Follow these four simple steps:
1.	Define your role. Dads can be diaper changers, bathers and soothers. You can particpate in a number of ways. The key is to be involved-play, touch and talk to your child as much as you can.
2.	Create your own rituals. Establish consistent one-on-one time with your child. Turn everyday activities like running weekend errands into regular routines for you and your child.
3.	Take on your own responsibilities. Be the primary caregiver whenever you can. Directly caring for your child goes a long way in earning the trust and appreciation of both your child and your spouse. And, it will make you feel good about yourself and your fathering skills.
4.	Try to balance work and family. While being involved is critical, be careful not to overdo it. Wearing yourself down does no favors for anyone.
From the book Understanding Children. Find more tips and tools in Fathering.

	*KidBasics* Tips, tricks and answers to help you care for your young child price: $7.95


	*Understanding Children* 207 pages price: $25.00


	*Begin with Love* 30-minute VHS color video price: $16.95

Are you worried about staying close to your child while you're on the road? Use the checklist below to find out new ways to connect with your child when you're away from home.

Talk to your child before your trip
o	Tell her where you're going and when
o	Explain in simple terms why you're going
o	Mark a calendar together with your return date
Phone home
o	Call at a specified time each day
o	Ask questions that require something more than yes and no answers
o	Make surprise calls every now and then
Get creative with
o	E-mail
o	Postcards
o	Digital photos
o	Videotapes
o	Cassettes
From the book Understanding Children

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