Stages of Reading Fluency In the initial stages of learning to read, a reader is so focused on decoding the words on the page that they don’t have much mental energy left to spend on meaning. To decode the words, a beginning reader sounds out the words—they are connecting sounds to the letters they see and are trying to blend those sounds together to form words. Then they must know what the word means....
An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the area between the vagina and the anus, which is called the perineum. It is sometimes used to enlarge the vaginal opening before delivery. After the baby is delivered, stitches are used to close the incision as well as repair any tears. Here are a few things you should know about caring for episiotomy stitches, as well as signs of infection to be on the lookout for as you heal....
In addition to the stress that naturally comes with infertility issues, many fertility drugs can cause mood swings. Clomid, for example, is particular known for causing changes in mood. Just as many people experience mood swings before their periods, fertility drugs can affect your hormones and emotions in a similar way. Unfortunately, our society often discourages acknowledging sadness. On the contrary, we’re usually encouraged to “look on the bright side” and “stay positive!...
Why Kids Spit Sometimes, kids just spit for fun. They may simply spit on the ground because they think it’s entertaining. If they get a reaction from anyone, it can make spitting even more fun. Preschoolers tend to spit out of anger. When they aren’t able to verbalize their feelings of frustration, they spit to show how upset they feel. A child who knows not to hit may think spitting is a better alternative....
The question may be spurred by the fact that you or your partner is pregnant, or someone you know has just had a baby. It’s natural for a child to be curious. If you have been caught off guard, take a few minutes to compose yourself. Make a cup of tea and find a place where you and your child can sit comfortably without making it a big deal. Once settled, there are some things you can do to help guide your explanation....
The following steps, from the initial referral through the provision of services, are adapted from the U.S. Department of Education’s “Guide to the Individualized Education Program,” which details everything you need to know about the IEP process for your child. Getting an IEP
“Babies tend to suck their thumbs as a self-soothing measure,” explains Heather Sever, DO, a pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “They also have natural rooting and sucking reflexes in the newborn period.” Although thumb-sucking is a completely normal practice that sometimes begins in the womb, it is not one you want your child to continue. For this reason, you should help them break the habit and learn other ways to self-soothe or cope with stress—especially before their permanent teeth start to emerge....
In fact, college life can seem a bit daunting those first few months. From getting acclimated on campus, to adjusting to new roommates and absorbing college-level material, there is a lot to take in. But perhaps the biggest stressor for college freshmen is the idea of making new friends. After all, you are leaving behind friendships that you took a lifetime to build. The thought of finding new friends to spend your time with can seem like an impossible task....
Some parents worry that they will do the wrong things for their child or that they aren’t smart, talented, or educated enough to provide the types of experiences their child needs. However, all it really takes is a little understanding and creativity. Here are some ideas to get you started. General Guidelines for Nurturing Gifted Children Your first task as a parent is helping a gifted child to make the most of their abilities by learning what it means to nurture them....
No matter how your child reacts to the news—with joy, with anger or with seemingly no response at all—it’s normal. A lot of it will have to do with age (a 3-year-old won’t understand about the change in the family dynamic quite as much as a 5-year-old will) but in any case, learning about their evolving feelings and how they react to them is a big part of a young child’s emotional development....
You’ve probably been told in neonatal lingo, what a “brady” is and what a “desat” is and may have even started referring to them as “episodes.” But truly knowing and understanding the “what” and “why” of all the wires and the monitor can help put your mind at ease. Cardiopulmonary Monitor Every baby in a neonatal intensive care unit will be on a cardiopulmonary monitor. Basically, this is a system that consists of wires with electrodes that stick to the baby—two on either side of the chest, and one on the lower abdomen or on a leg....
As she sat sleeping in her car seat in the middle of the living room floor, my husband and I debated and finally argued over what to do with her. Should we lay her in her new crib? Maybe she should have a change of clothes. Finally, she woke up and cried, giving us an opportunity to try out all of our new parenting skills. The good news is that taking care of a baby’s basics needs is very simple....
Tips for Talking About Puberty With Your Disabled Child Here are some tips to help you navigate the conversations you will have as their bodies change. Start the Conversation Early While having conversations about puberty can seem overwhelming at times, you need to be sure you are having them sooner rather than later. Do not wait until your child is in the throes of teenage hormones and body changes to start having conversations about puberty....
However, there are two different kinds of joint custody: joint legal custody and joint physical custody. Parents may also request a combination of both joint physical and joint legal custody. Parents should consider each option carefully as they prepare for child custody proceedings. Joint Legal Custody Joint legal custody allows both parents to make legal decisions for a child such as choosing schools and doctors. Parents interested in a joint legal custody arrangement should first consider the level of communication between themselves and the child’s other parent....
How Blood Type Impacts Pregnancy Your blood type is made of two parts: the blood-type group—A, B, O, AB—and the Rh factor. Rh factor is a type of protein on the surface of red blood cells. When present, a persons blood type is Rh-positive (such as A+ or O+). When the Rh protein is absent, the blood type is Rh-negative (such as AB- or B-). Most people are Rh-positive and, in general, your Rh factor does not impact your life unless you need blood or are pregnant....
With all that said, dads in most cases are no longer wanting only the role of “breadwinner” and are looking to be more involved and spend more quality time with kids. Fathers want to be involved and are trying to spend more quality time with their kids. Research from a U.S. Department of Education study indicates that the role of fathers in school and childcare helps with the achievement of children....
In fact, significant research points to the profound mind-body benefits (from stress relief to flexibility) yoga offers. Listen to Your Body Long before any outward manifestation of pregnancy begins to get in the way of doing poses, your body may begin to feel different on the inside. Yoga can help you tune in to your body. You may think you know yourself and what your body can do, but yoga teaches you to respect the cues your body gives you, an attitude that can help you prepare for listening to your body during childbirth....
What to Know About Planks During Pregnancy As long as your doctor gives you the OK, planks are generally safe to do while pregnant. In fact, abdominal work has several benefits for pregnant women including: Support for your pelvic floor muscles, preventing issues like frequent urination during pregnancy and postpartum. Increased lower back support, improving back pain caused by the pull of your baby bump. An easier labor and postpartum recovery...
This standard doesn’t mean that all baby formula brands are exactly the same. But any of the major brands, such as Enfamil, Similac, or Gerber, as well as store brands from Walmart, Target, or Kroger, will meet your baby’s basic nutritional needs when prepared and fed as directed. Never make your own homemade baby formula, which can be very dangerous to your baby’s health (it may not offer complete nutrition and there is a risk of introducing harmful bacteria)....
