Whether you are a parent, a grandparent or a professional working with young children, you are facing one of life's most rewarding yet challenging experiences-raising or caring for a child. And at some point, you probably could use a little help. "When do babies start getting solids?" "Why is play so important?" "Will a time-out help a toddler behave?" Well, you've come to the right place. We have answers on all caregiving topics, to help you do the best job at the most important job you'll ever have.
Behavior
Due to recent research findings, the "spare the rod, spoil the child" philosophy of discipline has seen its day. But while many caregivers know to avoid physical forms of punishment, they may find themselves wondering what to do instead.
- Understand what discipline is and when children begin to learn from it.
- Learn basic "do's" and "don'ts" for encouraging good behavior at all ages.
- Figure out the most effective methods of discipline according to age and stage of development with our discipline tip sheet.
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Child Care
When it comes to child care, quality is king. But what does that mean?
- Find out what factors make for the best child care environment.
- Different children have different needs; understand the various options of child care.
- Use our caregiver checklist to assure high quality child care.
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Development
A baby's brain development depends in part on his genes, in part on his relationships and environment. How can you help a baby make the most of what he's got?
- Discover the vital connection between experience and brain development.
- Learn how to create the type of environment that promotes a child's ability to learn.
- Test your knowledge with the "Are You Baby Smart?" quiz.
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Fathering
Breastpumps, onesies, Nuks, Huggies. How does a dad become involved when the homestead seems like foreign territory?
- Understand how children benefit from having an involved dad.
- Follow four simple steps to determine how dads can be more involved.
- Use our checklist of suggested activities just for dad.
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Grandparenting
All grandparents share the same basic and fundamental role to provide unconditional love and support. However, no two grandparents fulfill this role in the same way.
- Consider the different roles a grandparent can play.
- Learn creative ways that grandparents can connect with their grandchildren.
- Engage the entire family with our family history project.
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Health and Nutrition
A child's physical well-being goes hand-in-hand with a well-balanced diet. So how can you help ensure that a child gets the nutrients he needs for a healthy start?
- Understand the benefits of breastfeeding.
- Learn when to introduce a child to solid foods.
- Come up with foods that will both nourish and appeal to young children with our meal planning ideas.
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Trauma and Maltreatment
With so many of our children touched by trauma every day it's our duty as their caretakers to know what trauma is, to recognize what it looks like, and to understand how it's treated.
- Familiarize yourself with the signs and characteristics of trauma.
- Use our tips for assisting a child suffering from trauma.
- Help a child or group of children heal from a traumatic loss by making a paper quilt.
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Play
When a child plays, he's actually hard at work learning about himself and the people and things around him. In fact, play experiences can boost both confidence and learning ability. What does this mean for a caregiver? Not only does play matter, but the way you help a child at play matters, too.
- Understand why children play and how it helps them develop.
- Take away valuable "how-to's" for making a child's play more meaningful.
- Convert our song sheet to memory and engage a child in playful activity anywhere and anytime.
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Prenatal and Childbirth
Every minute that a baby spends in utero is critical to healthy development; the time to start nurturing is now.
- See, month by month, how a fetus forms into a person.
- Learn "sensory" tricks for communicating with a baby in utero.
- View our clear and colorful pregnancy nutrition chart.
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Sleep
What's all the fuss about sleep? Understanding a baby's sleep periods is one of the first steps in promoting healthy development.
- Grasp the science that drives a newborn's sleep and how and when you can help organize it.
- Help your baby develop good sleep habits.
- Use our sleep diary: get a clearer picture of a baby's seemingly unpredictable and disorganized sleep habits.
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