June 10, 2009
· Filed under Thumb/Finger Sucking, Uncategorized · Tagged fingers, mouth, teeth, thumb
Many babies suck their thumb or finger. It is a way of calming or settling themselves and can help them get to sleep. Many children do stop before the age of 5, a lot stop when they start school and there is an occasional few that carry it throught for a few more years. Often when they get loose teeth it discourages them.
What are some of the problems thumb sucking can cause:
- upper and lower teeth pushed out
- the palate changing shape eg. narrowing and become distorted
- incorrect bite of the teeth
- unable to close the lips and/or mouth breathing
- speech problems and sounding out words
- calluses or sores on fingers
How can you help them stop? Be as positive as you can. Encourage them not to put their thumb in their mouth or gently remind them to take it out. Use the good old bandaid around the finger and put it on at a time when you know they suck the most eg, watching tv, bedtime, concentrating or even star charts are helpful if your child responds to them. Take them to the dentist and have the dentist explain what needs to be done – sometimes coming from somebody else eg. dentist or orthodontist, weighs more.
What are some ways other parents have found works with stopping the thumb sucking? Would love to hear about it.
December 22, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized
Being a new mum can be really challenging at times. New routines, not as much adult conversation, home alone with a new baby, nappies to change, meals to make, washing to be done, maybe no job to go to every day 9-5, lack of family support, friends not in the same situation as you and many more new changes. Where do you go for your support?
To help stay connected it is benefitical to find a group that works for you and your baby. There are so many varied groups around, for example:
- Mothers groups
- Play groups
- Kindy Gym groups
- Church groups
- Local sewing groups
- Book clubs
- Groups that are structured or unstructured
Why not check out your local newspaper, call the local clinic or church to find a time and group that suits you. This is a great way to meet people if you are new in the area and also helps fight post natal depression as you have people to support you and talk to you.
What great groups have you found that you’d like to share with other mums?
December 12, 2008
· Filed under Too Busy, Uncategorized · Tagged activities, balance, busy, relaxing
Do you find you get caught up with society and send your kids to all sorts of activities every afternoon? Spending most of your time in the car and rushing them from here to there. What happened to the good ol’ days where kids came home from school and just hung out doing unstructed play in the back yard and not running around everywhere to activities.
As you embark on a new year my challenge to you is to find the balance between unstructured play and scheduled activities. If you find your children are always tired and cranky, they don’t want to go to after school activities, fighting you all the time and have no time at home with the family – then maybe it’s time to reassess.
Think about trying to bring in some free home time and possibly drop one activity if you decide to pick up another. Find your child’s passion and focus on that.
In the end it’s your family that will benefit and mum’s won’t feel as stressed because the kids aren’t as anxious or stressed. But in the meantime enjoy the Christmas School Holidays, remember to hug your kids today and tell them you love them 
.
