Child Predicaments
The child/toddler years are a special time in the development of your child. However, parents are faced with many child predicaments such as temper tantrums, sleeping problems, potty training and many more. There is almost always a solution to your child dilemmas, and this section aims to put your concerns at rest and go through some of the common predicaments that parents face.
Some of the most common child predicaments are as follows:
Tackling problems with potty training
Many mothers often find it difficult to potty train their child. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as the fact that your child may not be ready to be potty trained. It is important not to force your child and to encourage them to potty train gradually. Children learn through imitation, so showing them how to use the potty may encourage them to go on the potty independently. Some parents find that their children may have a fear of using the potty. If this is the case reassure your child that the potty is user friendly and even pretend to sit on it yourself, so that your child gets the reassurance they need.
Preparing your child for a new sibling
Your child has always been the centre of attention but, once a sibling is introduced, your child may worry that the attention will shift. However, if you prepare your child and get them involved before the baby is born, you can encourage sibling bonding. Try to talk to your child about the new baby and let he or she know that they are going to be an elder sister or brother.
Give them some fun responsibilities like choosing matching t-shirts for the new baby. Perhaps you could get a t-shirt that says big or little brother/sister (depending on whether you know the gender or not). Give your child lots of attention, hugs and kisses and make special time for your child prior to the birth. Once the baby is born try to make quality time to spend with your child.
Tackling negative behaviour in children
Whether your child is behaving in an aggressive manor or simply expressing a temper tantrum, it can be a very upsetting and stressful time for parents. Some children start biting, hitting or scratching themselves or other people and this can be for a number of reasons. Sometimes your child may have picked up this behaviour from another child in nursery or they may be reacting due to a lack of attention at home.
Sometimes there is no apparent reason for this type of behaviour and they could grow out of it as they grow older. If you are really concerned about your child’s behaviour at nursery or at home you could arrange to see a health visitor, who will be able to give you further advice on tackling the specific problem.
Eating problems with your child
You may have a child who is a fussy eater or is not willing to eat what you have made for them. Many children go through phases where they become fussy eaters, so it is important to give them a variety of different types of foods to keep their interest high. Sometimes it helps to make them what they like on certain occasions. If your child wants to eat jacket potatoes then it is no harm making it for them, as long as they are going to eat it and it keeps them happy. Try devising a healthy meal plan for your child, such as a meal plan containing fruits and vegetables. This will help to keep their energy up and give them the nutrition they need at this vital time of growth.
Sibling rivalry
Many parents face the issue of sibling rivalry and it is important to try to establish sibling bonds at an early age. Don’t scold one child without listening to both sides of the story and try to arrange activities that both children will enjoy. Certain activities that the children can do together and work as a team can help promote sibling bonding.
Going on holiday with your child
Going on holiday with your child can often be a frustrating and worrying experience for some parents. Many mothers worry about how they are going to cope on the plane if their child throws a temper tantrum when everyone else is quiet. The truth is that there will be other children on the plane who quite possibly will be throwing temper tantrums too, and people do understand that kids will be kids. It is important not to worry too much and try to enjoy your holiday. Many airlines can arrange an individual seat for your child to sit in and activities to keep them occupied.
Sleeping problems with your child
You may have had a hard day at work and you just want to put your head to the pillow but, you can hear cries from your child in the next room who just won’t get to sleep. This is a common predicament for most parents and things will get better as your child gets older. It is important to find out the reason why your child does not want to sleep alone, if that is the case. It could be that your child may want the light on or might be unwell. Try to establish a solid bedtime routine that you use every day to prepare your child for sleep, as this could help your child to know when it is time to go to bed.
Temper tantrums
Almost all children have temper tantrums. This is very common and the main problem with temper tantrums is knowing the best way to handle them. Let your child blow off steam and calmly ask them why they are upset. Try to show affection to your child by hugging and kissing them; which will help to calm them down. Then try to talk to them about why they got angry and try to explain that head-butting the floor or stamping their feet isn’t going to get them anywhere. It is important to try to stay as calm as you can when your child is having a temper tantrum as, if you do start shouting, the situation may just become worse.
Children’s health
Your child’s health may be of concern to you especially if they are unwell with flu or the chicken pox. It can often be a distressing time for parents when their children fall sick and it is important to discuss any medication with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to further advise you on the relevant treatment for your child according to their illness.
Caring for your child:
- Caring for your child
- Children’s behaviour
- How to deal with sibling rivalry
- Dealing with bad behaviour
- Caring for your child’s feet
Mother, Baby and Beyond
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Mother, Baby and Beyond
- Baby calendar
- Newborn Baby’s Check-ups and Tests
- Newborn Babies’ Appearance
- Bonding with Your Baby
- A Guide to Sleeping for Mother and Baby
- Coping with a Crying Baby
- Sibling Bonding
- The Father’s Role
- Postnatal Health
- Baby Predicaments
- Sex after Childbirth
- Weaning and Moving onto Solid Foods
- Travelling with a Newborn Baby
- Losing Baby Weight
- Baby Health Concerns
- Breastfeeding
- Caring for your child
- Looking after Twins
- Baby vaccinations
- Caring for your newborn
- Mother and Baby Myths
- Mother and baby development FAQ
Related Guides
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Guide to Getting Pregnant
- Guide to Pregnancy
- Guide to Giving Birth
- Guide to Pregnancy Tests
- Mother, Baby & Beyond Guide
- Guide to Pain Relief in Labour
- Guide to pregnancy scans
- Pregnancy calendar guide
- Baby calendar guide
- Child development calendar guide
- Guide to miscarriage
- Guide to breastfeeding
- Guide to sleeping for mother & baby
- Guide to birth defects
- Guide to Post Natal depression