This time of year is very exciting for families. However, the festivities can be a little much for toddlers to handle. Overnight guests, lots of people in the house, travelling, and unending activities can leave toddlers over-stimulated and missing their old routines. The result can be stress and lack of sleep. Use these tips to ensure that your holiday season is full of fun instead of stress.
1) Keep your toddler’s sleep schedule in mind when visiting family and friends this holiday season. If festivities interfere with bedtimes or nap times, try to make arrangements for your child to stick to their schedule. Ask ahead of time if there is a quiet place where your child can lie down for a nap. Plan quiet activities for older children during rest periods. Toddlers need sleep to recuperate after playing and visiting. Their immunity and development are hindered if they don’t get the rest that they need.
2) Don’t let your toddler get lost in the excitement. Sometimes adults get so caught up in visiting with each other, keeping the house clean, and preparing big meals, that they neglect to pay attention to their toddlers. Toddlers need time with people who love them to relax and center themselves. Plan some reading time, quiet lap time, or even some kid Christmas movie time where your toddler can relax and enjoy some human touch. Most relatives are happy to help you by reading to your child or taking them on a quick stroll.
3) Don’t neglect outdoor play time. Outdoor play is important, especially if your child is visiting houses where they are not allowed to run and play like usual. Designate at least thirty minutes, twice a day, and take the kids outside. If weather doesn’t permit, try to spend time by windows or on covered porches where they can still get some sunlight. The vitamin D that we get from the sun on our skin helps us to keep a sunny disposition throughout the winter months. It also helps us to sustain energy during the day and sleep well at night.
4) Plan age-appropriate activities. This is your chance to have your child create something that you may treasure for the rest of your life. Homemade Christmas tree ornaments are fun to make and make wonderful gifts and keepsakes. Plan activities that all of the children in the house can participate in. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies. Print out photos of each child and let them make ornaments and cards. Have a scavenger hunt or announce that it is hide-and-seek time. Being directed by adults helps children learn to listen and get along with each other.
5) No matter what you do, just make sure that there are things planned for your toddler. A good mix of quiet and exciting activities will help them to keep their stress levels down while teaching them about your traditions and having fun. Provide learning toys or preschool toys for visiting toddlers to play with. An activity table will not make a mess and will encourage cooperative play among friends and family. A good variety of children’s rugs, soft play toys, and daycare toys will quietly entertain toddlers while you enjoy the holiday season.
Childhood obesity affects children in the same ways that obesity affects adults. Children who are overweight are more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, lowered self esteem, and breathing disorders such as asthma and sleep apnea.Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in the United States. Today over nine million children over the age of six are considered obese. Childhood obesity is caused by many different factors including environmental, social and genetic. This article will discuss each of these causes and what you can do as a parent to prevent obesity in your children.Childhood Obesity Can be Prevented – This is probably the best way to combat obesity in children. Unfortunately, not every parent has this luxury. If you’re a parent whose child doesn’t yet have a problem with their weight, begin to take a proactive approach to their diet and exercise.Lack of regular exercise is a factor that has contributed to this being one of the causes of childhood obesity. Children who spend a lot of time watching TV programs will have a greater risk of child obesity than those who go outside playing or sporting. This is typically true when the children are eating fast food while watching television or playing video games.Childhood obesity is a major problem that most of the developed countries are facing today. It has alarmed the whole world and frightfully, if not cured during childhood, will result in your child being overweight throughout his or her adult years. This may also result in a number of serious diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.Lack of physical activity, poor eating habits, when children are exposed to others who promote sedentary behaviors, and socioeconomic stresses. There is one factor that cannot be helped and that is genetics. When a child has genetics from an obese background their chances of becoming obese greatly increase.Childhood obesity can increase the chances that a child will develop issues with asthma, and obesity can further complicate existing asthmatic issues. Experts are now finding that there may be a link between the onset of asthma and obesity. Further, since extra weight strains the body physically, it can also strain the already weakened respiratory system of the child suffering from asthma and asthmatic attacks.We need to start early as possible by introducing our children to a healthy diet as soon as they start eating solid foods. Toddlers should be allowed to sample a wide variety of different flavors and tastes. Starting early with a varied healthy diet is a good basis on which to build good eating habits.Genetics: It has to be conceded that no matter what action parents, society, or the children themselves take, the genetic hand that the child was dealt will have a great impact on the outcome of any choices whether good or bad. However, the good news is that many negative genetic factors can be overcome to at least some extent by wise choices, which we will discuss in a few minutes.Encourage the child to participate in sports and other physical activities. Physical activity is very essential for slimming. This will restrict fat formation in the body. It is essential that physical activity should be done daily and regularly.
