You are your child’s first teacher. Scary stuff, but there it is. That little being you created, he or she comes into this complex world without a clue. It is up to you to equip them as best you can on their journey to discovery. Living in an age where every single product comes marketed to the hilt this is no easy task. Type the words “educational toys” into any internet browser and instead of in-depth reports on the correlation between play and motor function you get links to a plethora of toy stores. Sucks to be a consumer sometimes, doesn’t it? You simply can’t go around taking people, blogs or forum posts (or even this article) at their word any more – you have to check it out for yourself. The following should give you a good foundation in your quest for clarity.

As the foreseen world-wide recession continues to put pressure on consumer s’ purse-strings, the educational toy category is one of a few surprising growth areas in an increasingly saturated toy industry. This can be attributed to a new-found belief that parents need to supplement school-based learning, especially with regards to an ever-evolving job marketplace. Marketing teams pounce on this kind of development and hence you now find every vendor of kids’ toys parading the ‘educational benefits’ of their products.

The simple truth is that whether your child plays with illuminated Rubix cubes, small purple elephants, canisters of holy water or pieces of string, they will always learn. All experiences develop the brain. Many years of research have shown that experiences create neural pathways in the brain. Specific types of experiences stimulate certain sections of the brain, which in turn corresponds to both physical and mental skills. Thus, you have to decide what specific set of skills you want to develop before you set out to go shopping for kids’ or baby toys.

During your child’s first developmental stage (from birth to 18 months), they take part in their own learning without any real understanding of what is happening. The type of play they engage in at this stage is called ‘sensorimotor play’ and at first involves mainly early reflexes, which then evolves into intentional action. A baby is interested in watching, tasting and touching everything in the strange and wonderful world around him/her. Thus, their first playthings are the senses. At this stage of development it is important to remember that your child has very limited vision, so invest in toys that are brightly coloured, vary in texture and makes high, tinkly sounds.

From eighteen months onward, your child begins to separate themselves from the the world around them. This is the time to give them plenty of opportunity to play, experiment, talk, and enjoy their surroundings. Toddlers are mainly interested in getting around, using their exciting new bodies to learn interesting things. Objects from the ‘real’ world excite them most. Playing with pots, pans, telephones, umbrellas and gardening tools (or their toy equivalent) gives toddlers a sense of accomplishment because they are allowed to use the things grown-ups do.

It is at about the age of three to four that children develop an interest in constructive play. Children at the constructive level manipulate objects and materials in their world to achieve a planned end product, such as a chalk picture, a block tower, or a sand mountain. They enjoy drawing, building with blocks, digging in the sand, and so forth. As children become skilled in manipulating objects and materials in their environment, they also become more skilled in expressing thoughts, ideas, and concepts.

By the age of five, children become interested in structured games that require rules and, at times, have two or more sides. Games with rule play are paramount during the middle childhood years, a time when children’s thought patterns become more logical. It is at this level of play that children begin to realize that activities such as Red Rover, Simon Says, and card games won’t work unless everyone follows the same set of rules.

These developmental phases are not set in stone, sometimes they may even overlap. Every child is unique and special, additionally, if you, as a parent then take the time to observe their actions and development properly it will be easy to anticipate their needs. So, instead of taking a bunch of advertising executives and parenting books at their word, why not trust yourself and your knowledge of your child the next time you go into a toy shop in search of educational toys?

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After you determine what type of daycare you need, be it in-home, drop-in or full time daycare center supervision, there are several guidelines to follow. A checklist should include the following information, as well as obtaining references and visiting the facility.

Does the provider or center have enough supervision; are the children supervised even when they are sleeping How many caregivers are there at all times (For babies, there should ideally be a two to one ratio.) Are the providers trained in first aid and rescue breathing Are the children within a caregiver’s sight when they are with another caregiver Have the caregivers had background checks

Is the director and teachers qualified to run a daycare facility with bachelor’s degrees in a child related field Has the staff worked in child care for at least one year (for teachers) or longer (two years for directors) Is the licensing up to date Does the staff show a genuine love for children or is this just a job

Is there a common bathroom available for older children to use to wash their hands, before and after toileting and before meals Are the diapering areas clean and the diapers disposed of in a proper manner Are the other children kept up to date on their immunizations and are these records available as proof Are toxic materials locked away and poison information posted Are medications kept safely out of reach of children

There should be an emergency plan in place if a child gets hurt or lost; is there a first aid kit on the premises Do they practice fire drills and is there a program in place for disasters such as earthquake and tornado

Lastly, are the playgrounds and play areas kept clean and in good repair Is the sandbox clean, the playground surrounded by a fence Are the toys age-appropriate

This list may seem excessive at first, but a visit to the daycare center or family home can give you a quick overview of the surroundings, and the general questions you would ask would not make you the first parent to inquire of such. A concerned parent does whatever is necessary to ensure the safety and well being of their child, even if it means giving the daycare provider what seems like the third degree.

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Advice and tips from other parents on the process can be very helpful and comforting. Just know that your boy will be potty trained when he is ready and not before. Here are a few tips on how to potty train your son.

Although no one seems to understand why, it does take longer to potty train boys than it does for girls. The difference may be partially due to the fact that moms are usually the person responsible for potty training.

Without a male role model to imitate in the bathroom, boys may take a little longer to get the idea. Boys have more steps in the learning process as well. They first learn to potty sitting down and then learn how to potty train standing up.

Make sure your little boy become comfortable with using a potty chair before you transition to the main toilet. Having their own potty seems to encourage quicker potty learning. Give him enough time to pace his learning and often times when he is finally allowed to use the main toilet, he will become interested in potty training again, as he will feel like he is a big kid.

Getting him accustomed to the main toilet means sitting down to urinate. Once he shows that he can control himself consistently, it is the right time to demonstrate how to urinate while standing up. This part of the toddlers potty training process is more easily demonstrated by his father or another male family person.

Once he has mastered urinating sitting down, he can move up to the standing position. Try to arrange for Dad or an older brother to help with this step. Allow him to watch the process and then let your son try it out for himself in his potty chair.

Boys love a challenge, so if he seems disinterested, try floating a few Cheerios or other small targets that can be flushed in the toilet bowl. Until he refines his aim, expect to clean up a few training potty messes!

You should always encourage your son during the potty training process, even if it means he doesn’t get it right the first time or on subsequent attempts. It is just part of the training process to try and fail until the concept is mastered.

With commitment and patience, you can teach your little boy the correct way of using the toilet, though there may be many difficulties to contend with along the way. Hopefully, these potty training tips have helped you figure out how to potty train your son.

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If you have twins you know that everything is more expensive for two. Not to mention more cumbersome, heavier, bulkier and generally more inconvenient. That is why it is so important to put in the time to research before buying a double stroller for your twins. The stroller you chose will either make life easier on you or all around more frustrating. There are many variables that you must consider when shopping for your stroller and there is a stroller to meet every persons needs.

The first thing you must consider when shopping for a twin stroller is durability. You are going to rely on this stroller for the next three years. You don’t want to waste your money buying a cheap stroller with plastic joints that will warp and break. Save yourself the headache and the money of replacing the stroller by buying a more expensive quality double stroller the first time. This doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank, it just means that a $350 BOB jogging stroller is likely to last where as a $200 InStep may not (personal experience).

The next thing you want to consider is your lifestyle. Do you love to go on long walks every evening or will you need to weave in and out of racks at the mall? Maybe you are planning on jogging off the baby weight. Do you live in a big city where you will walk everywhere or will you need to fit your stroller in the trunk of your car most days? For most the answer will be yes to at least two of these questions so you will want to find a versatile stroller that can meet all of your needs or get two strollers, one for the mall and one for jogging, for example. A narrow jogging stroller with free moving front wheel will work for most situations. It will be comfortable on a long walk through the park, the zoo, and even the mall (although no side by side can fit through the racks of a small store). Some good quality, compact side-by-sides are, the Ditto Manhattan DLX and my favorite the Mountain Buggy Urban Elite Double Jogging Stroller.

The last things to consider are style and convenience. You want a double stroller you are comfortable pushing. Style is not all about superficial looks; it is about comfort and compatibility with your life. You may be more drawn to a front/ back tandem stroller or you may prefer a side by side jogging stroller. Whichever you prefer, you want to get one that you like. Remember, you will have to be attached to this stroller every time you leave the house. With that in mind convenience is a big issue with double strollers. You need a stroller with enough storage, and cup holders for you but you also want one that will give comfort to your children. A big canopy that is completely adjustable is great to keep the sun out of little eyes. Comfy padded seats will keep the kids happy and removable washable fabrics will keep you happy.

With so much to consider and the wide range of brands available it can seem overwhelming to shop for a double stroller for your twins. Buying a stroller should be a fun experience though. There are so many styles, colors, shapes and sizes to choose from that you can find a fit for just about any personality.

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While you as the parent may be ready, with the potty seat, underwear, books on how to potty train, DVDs and a reward system established for positive reinforcement, you need to make sure you have prepared your child for the big event. It helps them understand that changes are coming and you will be there to help guide them along their way.

First, establish the language or lingo your family will use to describe urinating and defecating with your toddler. It can be the formal terminology or something simple, like “poop” or “pee pee.” Whatever it is, make sure that everyone, including Grandma and Grandpa and any extended family members, know the words so they can also help with the potty process.

Begin by allowing your child to see you use the facilities. Showing them how it is done is much better than just explaining how to potty train. If your child is curious, then have him or her flush the toilet. If it is possible, have someone of the same-sex show your child how to use the potty.

Kids learn by imitation, even in the restroom. To potty train boys, it is a great help to have someone who looks like them anatomically to show them what to do.

Give your child a potty chair and make a production of how it is his or her very own big kid chair. Initially, allow your child to sit fully clothed on the potty seat, like it is a regular chair. Let your child to leave the potty chair at any time they want and remember to never force your child to spend time sitting on the chair.

Take your child to the potty chair whenever he or she gives you the signal that they need to evacuate. You will usually have a good idea when they need to go as their facial expressions may change. You may also need to act as a reminder since toddlers tend to get absorbed in what they are doing and only realize they need to go when it is too late.

Refrain from expressing disappointment if your child does not urinate or have a bowel movement in the potty. Never punish your child for potty accidents or for their refusal to sit and use the potty, if he or she is resistant.

You put your child at risk for regression by doing so. Try working on building positive toddler behavior by seeking out good advice from family, friends, your doctor, or by researching online. This will lead to toilet training success.

Two suggestions you should try to remember when teaching your child how to potty. First, don’t use pull-up type training pants. They can confuse your child because they are very similar to diapers.

Secondly, don’t give your child any liquids within two to three hours before bedtime. That leads to accidents or the need to get up and go potty in the middle of the night.

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Because some babies like to feed differently than others, and because you’ll want both your baby and yourself to be comfortable in different surroundings and situations, these are three best breast feeding positions that I recommend.

The Cradle position

You may or may not need pillows for the Cradle position. First, place your baby on your lap with your baby’s head at the breast you intend to feed from. If your baby’s mouth is level with your nipple then you should not need to use a pillow. If you need a pillow find one that allows your nipple and baby’s mouth to be level with one another.

Once you feel that you have the right height you can try this position. If you’re feeding off your left breast, place your right arm up your baby’s back and support your baby’s head. With your left hand express a little bit of breast milk. It may help to a massage your breast first. Also have a wet nipple area can help to save your nipples getting sore.

Then place your thumb at the top of your areola and your second figure underneath your areola. Think of it as 6 o’clock on a clock face. Big hand at the 12 and small hand at the 6. Doing this helps to form your breast better for your baby get a better mouthful of your breast. Now your baby’s nose should be directly across from your nipple. Keep expressing a little breast milk to interest your baby to feed. When your baby opens his or her mouth wide quickly but gently move your baby’s head towards nipple. Do not be forceful; it could put your baby off.

The Rugby (or “Football”) position.

Some babies prefer to feed from one side. The best way to deal with this is to use the Ruby position (sometimes called the “Football” position). For example, say your baby likes to only feed on your right side and will not feed from the left breast. Place a pillows (more than one if you need to) on your left side under your arm. Again, check the level of your nipple and your baby’s mouth as we discussed above.

Place your baby on the pillows and lie him or her on their side. Check where your breast is in relation to where your baby is lying. If you have to maneuver your breast to your baby then you will struggle to feed comfortably. This is where a breast feeding pillow can come in handy, or an arrangement of pillows on your lap; whatever works for you to position your baby properly.

Do the same thing as described in the Cradle position, but with the baby on your left side, using your left arm to support your baby’s body and head. Form your breast as described in the Cradle position. This position makes your baby feel like he or she is feeding off your right breast instead of your left.

The lying down position

This position is easy on both sides, and is similar to the other positions. We are going to try feeding off our right side this time. So we are lying on our right side with your baby lying on his or her side so facing you. Adjust your position until your baby is lying where he or she can best reach your breast. Support you baby’s body and head with your right arm. Use your left hand to form your right breast. As with the other two positions, wait until your baby has a wide mouth before offering your breast.

It won’t take long

Before you know it, you’ll be used to using the position or positions that are most comfortable for you and your baby, and you won’t even have to think about what you’re doing. It will come naturally!

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Baby shower invitation ideas can be made fabulous and something worth remembering if we could spare a few moments to consult a few sources. Friends will always be an invaluable source of information, especially if they themselves have held baby showers before.

The Internet is also another source that could add to your already existing corpus of knowledge. It could give you tips on how to make your baby shower invitation ideas work for, and not against you.

Mixing and matching different motifs and patterns could add an eye-striking effect to the cards and decorations or wrappings that go with them. Always be sure to make your baby shower invitations ideas worth remembering.

Remember that every effort you strive to put into the whole task will not go unappreciated or unnoticed and this will go a long way in making you feel better about the whole event including the baby’s arrival.

Always endeavor to make the whole process fun, both for you and for the guests. This is may be difficult, putting in mind the different tastes of your guests, but on the other hand it is possible to achieve.

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This is why we are here to present to you some of the popular baby boy names starting from “L”. We have also included the origins of the names and their meanings. This will enable to choose the name that fits in your tradition and also in your culture. Also you can choose a name that has a great meaning and will make your son beloved of all. Whatever are your criteria for choosing the name, we are sure this list will be of much help to you. Let’s see the names now-

LABAN white (Hebrew)
LABHRUINN laurel (Gaelic)
LABIB intelligent (Arabian)
LABIB sensible; intelligent (Arabic)
LABID meaning unknown (Arabic)
LACH lives near water (English)
LACHLANN from Scandinavia (Gaelic)
LACO famous ruler (Czechoslovakian)
LADD attendant (English)
LADISLAV meaning unknown (Czechoslovakian)
LADON myth name (dragon of Hera) (Greek)
LAERTES myth name (father of Odysseus) (Greek)

Imagine your son being called Laco! It was the name of the famous ruler from Czechoslovakia. No doubt, the name will bring laurels to your son. Let him live like a king. The myth names like Ladon and Laertes are also popular. The parents are the initiators of good life for their children. Let this initiation start with choosing a good name. Your son will definitely thank you for that!

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