HOW TO RAISE A HAPPY BABY

I must admit, personally, I am not quite sure whether there is a certain universal formula for this but I guess there are things that definitely help in keeping babies happy and hopefully grow up to be positive and happy people. Undoubtedly, various sources would have some slightly different opinions or suggestions but here is what comes to my mind as a mother of two and as a person who reads and discusses about kids related topics fairly often:

Physical Needs: Even the richest or the most famous person in the world can't enjoy their luxurious lifestyles or the items that normally make them happy unless their tummies are full and the need to go to the toilet has been met. First thing first! Make sure your baby is not hungry, overtired, sleepless, cold, hot, wet, has a soiled nappy on etc. (I think most babies are quite happy once this stage is successfully passed which is not always the easiest thing in the world, I must admit-especially sleeping). So, be responsive to your babies' needs and read the signs well.

Emotional Needs: How many of us don't need or want to feel some warm hugs, hear some softly spoken nice words, look into the eyes of a person with love that can be read in their eyes too and so on. Babies are the same. They need to feel that they are loved and cared for and are secure. I am not sure who can't get enough of hugs and feels happier in our case; me or my babies/children? So, give your baby hugs, touch/rock them gently, be connected with them.

Right Atmosphere and Environment: Of course some calm music etc would be helpful but I am actually referring more to a safe, fight free (as much as possible) environment with a good vibe in general here. Consistency is a significant need too. Last but not least, make sure you provide her with lots of opportunities to have fun.

Other: Playing together is a great way to keep babies happy now and in the future I believe. I don't mean play together at all times but I do mean often. They sure need some time alone or with others and it is a very important part of their physical, social, emotional and mental development. However, playing with you and feeling the responsiveness and affection help them build confidence which also leads your baby to be an independent, resilient and a happy person. Furthermore, it is also significant that you talk to your child. Regardless of the age of your precious one, your child will benefit heaps from your talk and the soothing voice of yours. It is never too early to start talking to your baby! Yes, you can and should definitely start talking to your little angel even before the birth, when pregnant.

Please feel free to add or discard any suggestions in the comments section if you believe that is needed.

Enjoy your lovey-dovey day with your baby today!

SELF CARE

Here is some further notes from a Positive Parenting course (I have posted some other notes previously)

I have no doubt that we all know that we should take time for ourselves for a healthy lifestyle and to be able to help our loved ones better but sometimes we need to be reminded of it.

Lets start by saying: TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF: YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Self care is important because;

• this is the only self you ever have
• you deserve yourself at your best
• this is a gift you give to others
• it builds and demonstrates self-respect and our entitlement or be treated with respect by others

Some suggestions:

• write
• paint, draw
• read,
• exercise,
• play an instrument,
• visit a museum,
• take lessons,
• engage in your favourite hobby,
• go to the gym,
• go for a long walk,
• paper yourself and go to the hairdressers,
• take a bubble bath,
• watch a movie,
• read a trashy novel or good book,
• listen to music,
• paint your toenails,
• cook your favourite meal, or try a new recipe,
• wear a nice perfume,
• simply take a nap,
• get in touch with a supportive friend or relative,
• meditate or pray,
• do some gardening,
• dance - play your favourite music with a good beat and dance to it,
• do something new,
• check out a yoga video or DVD from your local library, and make time to do it,
• daydream,
• smile,
• set a timer, close your eyes, and breathe deeply for five minutes,
• sit outside and breathe fresh air and enjoy the sun on your face,
• get up fifteen minutes early so you can linger over a cup of coffee,
• bake a scrumptious dessert just for you,
• re-read something that has been especially encouraging to you,
• write in a journal,
• go to a park and sit on the swings with your kids,
• go to bed an hour early,
• watch the sunset,
• listen to soothing music,
• grow something, such as a house plant or fresh herbs,
• sit with a cup of hot chocolate or some hot tea,
• give yourself permission to say 'no' to something you really don't have time for or are not interested in,
• say 'yes' to something you'd really like to do,
• express your creativity,
• lend a hand to someone in need,
• hug your kids!

Have a type of day that you deserve!

MR. JUNIOR'S FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY

We are so excited this morning as it is Mr. Junior's first graduation day at school. We can't wait to take a part in it. We were informed that Mr. Junior and his group will put on a concert too. It is hard to believe how much he has already grown! As they say, time flies when you have fun. I am just an excited and (as always) a proud mum today.

Enjoy your day while we are enjoying ours!

SUNDAY SPECIAL

There is nothing like a Sunday morning when all the family members gather around a breakfast table and just eat and chat. Especially if the cook is a person like Mr. Hubby, it becomes even more amazing and I feel very lucky and blessed to have such a luxurious quality time with my family! One thing I never forget is that I can never take it for granted.

Today, I was able to have one of those beautiful mornings with the family. Mr. Hubby told me a few days ago that he's recently found a new taste at a cafe near his workplace that he had really enjoyed. Unlike me, he is pretty good at telling what a certain food has in it even without having to talk to the actual chef. This particular avocado spread/dip is different than the usual guacamole dip and  is one of those ones that Mr. Hubby has recently tried, liked and decided to try making a homemade version of.


This spread (or dip) has only three ingredients which are:

• Fresh mint (preferably from your own garden)
• Spreadable cheese
• Avocado

Coarsely chop/tear the fresh mint leaves and add it into the cheese and avocado. (Mr. Hubby decided after tasting the pictured below dip that it would have been better if the cheese was much less in ours).  

We enjoyed it on a piece of toasted Italian style cabatta bread for breakfast but you could easily use it as a sandwich spread (perhaps at work?) or on flat bread chips (see my previous post titled HEALTHY, YUMMY, QUICK and EASY CHIPS? on 27/11/2011) or it could be placed in a finger food platter for a party.

Enjoy a delicious day with some loved ones!

DID YOU KNOW ...? (2)

Australians invented notepads (1902), the surf lifesaving reel (1906), aspirin (1915), the pacemaker (1926), penicillin (1940) the Hills Hoist clothesline (1946), the plastic disposable syringe (1949), ultrasound scanner (1961), the wine cask (1965), the bionic ear (1978), dual-flush toilet flush (1980) anti-counterfeiting technology for banknotes (1992) and long-wearing contact lenses (1999).

See here and here. 

A ZERO COST HOMEMADE CUBBY HOUSE IN A MINUTE

Make a cubby house under a table. Just put a sheet over the table big enough to cover it (or if the table is against a wall, it should be big enough to cover the other sides) and let your child's imagination go crazy! You will be surprised how much he/she will enjoy it (especially if they have a play friend too).

Have a fun day!

ARSENIC IN APPLE JUICE

According to HealthDay News (28/11/2011), the toxic arsenic was found in most tested apple juice samples in some low levels. 160 samples were tested on and 95% revealed some low levels of arsenic in it while 8% had high levels of it.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has told that it has increased its monitoring of arsenic in apple juice and it will also establish what levels of arsenic is safe.

I personally don't know what to trust anymore! Everyday something new comes up and challenges my previous knowledge or something that I haven't given much thought to appears right in front of my eyes. I just hope that it will not be too late when we learn about things the next time. One more reason why HOMEMADE IS THE BEST!