The Lion King 3D: Is it Right for Your Child?

The Lion King – I saw the movie in 3D and as an adult who loves the animated classic I enjoyed it immensely. The 3D makes you feel you could reach out and pet the soft lion cubs and the scenery is realistic and beautiful. The movie follows the original almost verbatim (adding a subtle but well done anti-bullying message). It’s a stunning movie – for adults and older children. But is is right for your child?

The Whining Child: Role Modeling

If your child is whining, it’s important to ask yourself whether they’re learning it from what you’re modeling at home.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Sleep

Sleep (or lack of sleep) affects all 24 hours of your child’s day (and therefore, all 24 hours of YOUR day!) The quality and quantity of your child’s sleep influences his mood, behavior, health, and even brain development.

Adequate, restful sleep is a vital component for your child’s healthy, happy life. Here are 5 things you may not know about sleep.

Rethink the Baby Holders — Use Your Arms Instead

Some call it a sign of progress. Some call it liberating. Some call it convenient.

What is it?

“It” is a lot of things: bouncers, jumpers, rollers, seats, strollers, and swings. These myriad fancy, colorful baby contraptions can contain your baby in every conceivable situation and position. They are a virtual arsenal of inconvenience-fighting ground forces. But what do they provide from a baby’s point of view?

Positive Thinking for Kids

During their growth and development, children go through many stages of self-doubt. They are always comparing themselves to others, and because it’s human nature to do so, they often see themselves as coming up short. As parents, we can offset this natural tendency in our children by giving them the skills to think more positively. It is important that you really listen to your children, and help them overcome their negative thoughts and beliefs. This is, of course, easier to do if you practice positive thinking, yourself.

Moving from a Rock ‘n Play Sleeper to the Crib

Many babies fall asleep (and stay asleep) much more easily in a bed that is gently moving rather than a still crib surface. But one of the most popular moving options, the Rock ‘n Play, has been recalled and is deemed unsafe for sleep. If you are one of the parents who is in a panic since the recall of this sleeper, help is here. The following ideas can guide you as you transition your baby to a safer sleeping place.

Three Helpful Ways to Encourage Daily Naps

Before birth, your baby slept 20 hours a day or more! Waking periods were random and for very short periods of time. (Much of pregnancy movement was made during sleep.) After birth, newborns begin to consolidate their sleep into defined segments. Most infants need to nap around eight hours each day. These nap hours are critically important to their health, growth, and happiness. In addition, quality naps will also help your baby sleep better at night. Sleep begets sleep when it comes to babies.