SHARING! Certainly, if your child is an only child, it is much more difficult to share YOU, or toys with someone else. However, there are some methods that have been found helpful. When playing with your child, saying things like: "Can you please share your toy with me? I will share MY toy that I am playing with, with you". OR, roll a ball back-and-forth to each other learning cause and effect. Even though I (child) is giving this ball up, it WILL come back to me! Always speak of sharing when giving your child something, or when your child gives YOU something. Always say "Please, and Thank you" if being shared!!
ROUTINE! Having a routine at home is critical to a child's life. As difficult as it may be at times, please keep in mind that it IS important that a routine remains a routine! Sleeping schedules are very criticle. Also, as much as parents love to snuggle in bed with their baby/child at night, or for naps, it does not help your child transition to "happy nappy" time at daycare. Please try to shy away from doing this. Believe me! I know it's hard NOT to snuggle like that! BUT, it's important for your child to learn to sleep by him/herself. They will adjust that much better at daycare! :o)
SPOILING? Is it possible? At what age??! Well, this is a difficult and very controversial subject. I will only speak of my experiences, and research. Spoiling IS possible. Of course, not at infancy, however!! I have seen the results of being spoiled (getting what you want when you want it), appear from as early on as 18 months old!! Please keep in mind that YES, we ALL want everything for our child(ren). However, if you DO say "NO", please do not change your mind. If you DO ask your child to put on his/her jacket, please follow through. At some point in time, children do not want to comply with this clothing issue! BUT! If you let it go once, your child will expect it to happen the next time. AND, if it does NOT happen, watch out!! Children do not understand, "okay, just this time" type of mentality! If your child tells you THEY want to sit where YOU are sitting? NO! Let them sit NEXT to you. NEVER give up your seat! Children are very egocentric for a LONG time! Patience, love, and calm voices show your child YOUR strength, authority and willingness to listen, but NOT give in!
FUSSY EATERS! Whatever you do, DON'T give in! It has been documented that children WILL LEARN to LOVE different foods if you KEEP offering it to them. It takes about 30 times for a child to see the 'new' food on their plate, to the time they sit and eat and actually enjoy it! Please don't offer your young child baby food, if they just got off it! It's easy for them to stay on it. It's what they know! Table foods should be started by 1 years old! No more baby food (unless medically necessary). Your child will eat what is given, when hungry enough. Then, before-you-know-it, your child will eat all different foods. Avoid a lot of juices and milk throughout the day -- those are filling. Pediatricians recommend ONE 4ounce cup of juice a day, along with 3 cups of milk per day.
As difficult as this may be, everyone in your child's life must be consistant with the way all strategies are being handled.
SEPARATION AXIETY! Certainly a difficult time (for parents, mostly!) to watch your child scream out to you, as you try to leave daycare, for work. As hard as it may be for YOU, you leaving ASAP is best for your child. Your child of course LOVES you, and wants you 100% of the time! However, as soon as you leave (or w/in one minute after!), your child is smiling and playing with friends! A kiss and hug at the door, removing the shoes and outter-wear, is all your child needs to help adjust! I'll take care of the rest! We usually read a book, or EAT! Those two things usually always help with transition!! :o)