As a parenting group facilitator, many parents/caregivers have asked me "will praising my child spoil them or feed their ego?" Actually, praising children nurtures their growing brain with positive attention, love and reinforces that you believe in them while fostering self-motivation in your child. There are key ingredients to praising effectively which apply to both… Continue reading A recipe for praise
Author: Graciela Vecchia, R.N, M.N
As a Public Health Nurse, I have the priveledge to work with prenatal families and parents/caregivers with children, through one on one home visits or when I faciltate parenting groups. My work experience with various community agencies has taught me the importance of collaboration between families and the community to support and promote optimal health in children. In reflection as a parent myself, I truly believe parenting is a learning process, we can't always be the perfect parent and we can only do our BEST within our capacity as parents. "We work together to put children first".
Common vision problems in children
The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends that children have their first eye exam at 6 months of age and again at 2-3 year of age and every year after that. In Ontario, eye exams for all children 19 years old and under are covered by OHIP. As recommended I took my 3 year old daughter… Continue reading Common vision problems in children
Let your mobile device wait: The power of attentive parenting
I vividly remember walking into a pediatrician office and seeing a child in the car seat on the floor, crying for her parent's attention. The parent then rocked the car seat with their foot while continuing to text and browse on the cell phone. This is a common scenario many children face every day including… Continue reading Let your mobile device wait: The power of attentive parenting
Safe sleep tips for your baby
Finding yourself confused about the safest way to put your baby to sleep? Well, you're not alone. The fact is, with so many products being advertised to help comfort your baby and put them to sleep, parents/caregivers may feel overwhelmed by the choices. There are many ways to soothe your crying baby which may help… Continue reading Safe sleep tips for your baby
Great minds with small hands: The importance of fine motor skills
I will never forget the moment my daughter was about 2 months old when she first discovered her hands. She lifted her arms up in front of her face while in her swing and carefully turned her hand as if she was saying "What is this? How do I use it?" From baby's first… Continue reading Great minds with small hands: The importance of fine motor skills
Let’s play…the dishes can wait!
Have you ever found yourself doing the dishes as your child is tugging away at your pants, along with a sweet smile and voice asking, "play with me, please". All that runs through your head is "I need to finish the dishes, then, laundry, prepare for the next day…." the list goes on and on.… Continue reading Let’s play…the dishes can wait!
My baby is almost 18 months old – now what?
Now…your baby's officially entitled to the Enhanced 18 Month Well Baby Visit. As a nurse, I often see parents who attend our parenting programs amazed by the growth & development their baby has experienced over the last 1.5 years! Look at all the great things your child is doing at 18 months: walking, saying 20… Continue reading My baby is almost 18 months old – now what?