Visiting A New Mom & Baby

If you've ever visited a new Mom you know that more than likely she's happy to receive an occasional visitor for some adult conversation. Over the Summer I visited a friend that is a new mom, and because it has been 16 years since I was a new Mommy, there were several things I had to keep in mind. While I was anxious to see her new bundle of joy, I couldn't help but remember all the things I wished I had the courage to tell people who visited me those years ago.

♥  Be considerate of their schedule and routines. It is important that you ask the family if they are open to having company, and when the best time to visit is. After you receive the green light to go see them, be flexible with your time. After all, baby is in control and chances are, everyone is winging it from moment to moment.

♥ Before you arrive, contact the family and ask if there is anything you can pick up on the way. You just might be saving them a unwanted trip to the corner store. New Mom's have so much to manage, what they need is a few more hours in the day (for a much needed nap), and another set of arms and legs. That stop for dish detergent, or cup of coffee could make their day. If you really want to save the day, take dinner for the family. They will sing your praises and dance a happy dance!

♥ If you're planning to take a gift, make sure it is thoughtful. A close friend and I used to have fun with giving each others children the kinds of gifts no parent would ever want to see their child open. Moon sand, noise makers and the ever popular play-doh are not the easiest to clean up, or live with. My personal favorite is something special for the new Mom. A gift card for her favorite spot is always a hit. Whether it's cupcakes, a spa day or a promise to babysit while she takes a nap, or goes out for a night on the town, spoiling a new Mom is always appreciated.

♥ Do not over stay your welcome! Babies and Mommies need their rest. Follow the babies lead and try to get a feel for the rhythm of their routine. If your gut is telling you it's time to say good-bye, it probably is. Especially if little one is fussy, or you know the family has a transition to make in their day. Your friend, or family member will surely appreciate not having an awkward moment and resuming her Mommy duties after catching up on all the latest.

I had such a great visit with my friend and her sweet baby, I hope your next new baby encounter is just as wonderful, and what I have shared helps to make it that much more special! n♥

. . .& the Nicknames That Shape Us

Punkin', Sweetpea & Tootie are just examples of nicknames that reflect childhood innocence. Back in March of 2016, I was thrilled to submit my first web article to the popular blog My Black Matters. In the article I share fun family memories and discuss the nicknames in my family. Reading it may stir some of your own family memories. Enjoy! n♥

Family Ties & The Nicknames That Shape Us

Lupus in Children

Just as adults, it is also critical that children surviving lupus avoid stress. Mindfulness is one way that the adults in a child's life can support them with developing healthy coping skills. Growing to become more widely practiced, mindfulness can be used to reframe negative emotions or occurrences. An example of this could be when visiting a dentist or pediatrician, to alleviate the anxiety and stress often experienced in young children you can have them think of a positive memory to replace those that were not so great. 

Here is a wonderful infographic from our friends at WholeHearted School Counseling that provides suggestions for practicing mindfulness in children in school. They can be implemented anywhere. n♥

*****

Lupus in Children does exist and is similar to lupus in adults. If your child displays symptoms such as, rash, extreme fatigue, an inability to concentrate, or joint/muscle aches and pains, you should notify your pediatrician immediately and request testing. An early diagnosis can lead to more positive outcomes in the long run. n♥

Walk to End Lupus Now, Atlanta: Donate to help end the cruel mystery of lupus today and get involved with your community. For more information, visit The Lupus Foundation of America.

Safe Kids/Hot Cars: Never Leave Your Child Alone

Meet The Artist. . .

*****

No matter a parent, or an early care and learning professional, by expanding our viewpoints children can begin to develop a global perspective.

Discovery! Here's a geography & art project that teaches children their place in the world and pinpoints their place in their own communities and homes. There are many reasons why this project is a fun and cool way to initiate a conversation with your little ones that touches on the environment, current events and diversity. It is imperative that children develop a sense of self that extends beyond their immediate surroundings. We all should be so fortunate.

For more information on helping early learners to go global, please visit Kid World Citizen. n♥

*****

"Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up." ~Picasso

*****

From birth, children are budding artists. Toting art supplies for sweet babies support the development of their fine motor skills. Something as simple as a piece of junk mail and a crayon ignites pretend play and unleashes their imagination. Undoubtedly, children love pretend play and imagining themselves in our shoes while we're at "work" and it can lead to great conversation while in the car. I used to recite the grocery list for my son. He would listen attentively to the sound of my voice, and then wait for me to pause so that he could write (scribble) notes on his paper. As he continues to grow older, he still enjoys creative writing. n♥   

Cozy Corner. . .

As a general skeptic when it comes to social media, I am sometimes pleasantly surprised when I learn something new, or establish a viable connection with another. Recently, this conduit for information led me to a young lady pursuing her dream of influencing and inspiring her peers. Miss Aisley Bosier (I love listening to her pronounce her name!) is a fresh breath of air in a social climate that continues to fail children. Her spirited personality leaves you wanting to know more. Aisley's timely offering is on target, as now more than ever, children are left feeling defeated before they have an opportunity to discover who they are in our world. I Am Not The Hair I Wear is a book to impart confidence and a strong self image for young learners. I am certainly going to share her message this gift-giving season with the little mamas in my village! n♥

*****

Urban Girls: Adventures of Little Ladies in the City - Travel is a delightful tour of New York City through the eyes of a young child growing-up in the rich environment of such a large city.  In this colorful picture book, early learners will discover examples of the various modes of transportation in an urban setting, and develop insights into how children navigate their everyday activities.  The main character, and contributing author, Patience Kirkland-Epps, takes readers on a travel adventure as the pictures clearly depict travel on a bus, subway, ferry, taxicab and even with her Grandpa.  A glossary of terms is provided, in order to engage readers in their vocabulary, and includes a picture of a map.  This story is of particular importance for young children who may not otherwise experience what this book aims to achieve--adventure! n♥

*****

While making new friends at a local child development center and having a lot of fun observing a group of one-year-old toddlers during their Circle Time activity, a caregiver read from the book, Clap Your Hands by, Lorinda Bryan Cauley.  In this sing-along book, the children were encouraged to participate and respond to requests to "tap their nose", "count their fingers", and, "say ROAR like a lion".  The room was full of energy and served as a great transitional activity for the active group of toddlers. n♥

Bryan Cauley, L.  Clap Your Hands. (2006). New York, New York: Putnam Publishing Group.

*****

Reading to children opens windows to the world and peaks their curiosity.  Caregivers may be uncertain as to how they might achieve their goal of exposing early learners to language and literacy when they do not wish to be engaged. After all, sitting still for a story when there are so many other cool and stimulating things to explore is not always a favorite for toddlers. Introduce creative new ways to capture their attention.  For information on how you can engage your babies and toddlers, please follow the link to the noted resource, zerotothree.org. n♥

http://www.zerotothree.org/early-care-education/early-language-literacy/sharing-books-with-babies.html

*****

An early learner favorite is, Please, Baby Please by Spike Lee, and Tonya Lewis Lee.  It is easy to understand why young children love this book so much--it has to be the cadence and delight of what was to come with every page turned. The pictures are beautifully illustrated by, Kadir Nelson, which depict the fun and whimsy of a toddler who simply enjoys exploring her environment.  My son loved this story so much as a small child. In my bedtime Mommy voice, I would read, ". . .baby, please, baby, please," he melted every time. (Lee and Lewis Lee 2002).  It is bound to evoke fond memories shared and is recommended reading for children, two through five years. n♥

Lee, S., Lewis Lee, T. (2002). Please, Baby, Please.  New York, New York: Simon & Schuster.

WoRdS tO GrOw On. . .

"If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn." ~Ignacio Estrada 

*****

Early Impacts claims no ownership of the photos, videos and/or music appearing on this blog. They belong to their original copyright owners.