FCS7-180: Keys to Great Parenting: Key 2: Cuddle, Talk, and Read with Your Child

Carol Gnatuk | Mar. 24, 2010 (Major Revision)

Babies and toddlers love it when you hug and
cuddle them and smile at them. They also love you to listen, talk, and read to them. Doing both at the same time, such as cuddling while reading simple storybooks, develops a warm bond between you and your child.

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FCS7-182: Keys to Great Parenting: Key 4: Be Playful with Your Child

Carol Gnatuk | Mar. 24, 2010 (Major Revision)

Babies and toddlers love to play. Play is not only fun, it is a way for your child to learn. It does not have to cost a lot of money. Forget the boring flash cards and expensive educational toys. You as well as family members and friends will find in the fourth key, "Be Playful with Your Child," some ideas for inexpensive play and learning with babies and toddlers at various ages.

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FCS7-185: Keys to Great Parenting: Key 7: Practice Health and Safety

Carol Gnatuk | Mar. 24, 2010 (Major Revision)

Our babies and toddlers count on us to keep them strong and safe as they move and explore. This seventh key, "Practice Health and Safety," offers specific things you can do to help make your child's life as healthy and safe as possible.

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FCS7-181: Keys to Great Parenting: Key 3: Know How Your Child Develops

Carol Gnatuk | Mar. 24, 2010 (Major Revision)

Babies and toddlers grow and change at an amazing rate! Their weak muscles become stronger as they learn to roll over, sit, and walk. At first they coo, gurgle, babble, and cry in distress. Then they begin to show interest, smile, and laugh. Before you know it, they are putting words together, taking turns, and learning to share.

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FCS7-183: Keys to Great Parenting: Key 5: Show Your Child the World

Carol Gnatuk | Mar. 24, 2010 (Major Revision)

From the moment your baby is born, she has active brain cells--100 billion of them. They need to make trillions of connections with each other for your child to learn as much as possible while growing. She cannot learn without help. She needs stimulation--not only from you, but everyone and everything around her. That is why this key, "Show Your Child the World," is so important.

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FCS7-155: Parent Express: A Guide for You and Your Child 17 and 18 Months

Carol Gnatuk | Oct. 14, 2009 (Minor Revision)

You can help him understand his feelings by giving each of them a name. When a box won't open or a car won't roll, your little one may drop it or throw it in anger. Hold him and say calmly that you know it makes him angry when the toy won't work. These words show your toddler that you understand his anger. It also gives him a word that helps him understand his feelings.

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FCS7-158: Parent Express: A Guide for You and Your Child 23 and 24 Months

Carol Gnatuk | Oct. 14, 2009 (Minor Revision)

A child's self-esteem is his overall judgment of himself. It determines whether he likes, accepts, and respects himself. One of the greatest and most important challenges you face is to help your child feel good about himself.

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FCS7-161: Parent Express: A Guide for You and Your Child 29 and 30 Months

Carol Gnatuk | Oct. 14, 2009 (Minor Revision)

Language learning may be your child's most important accomplishment this year, and you are helping. Every time you sing a song, read a story, or repeat a nursery rhyme to her, she learns to enjoy language more. Remember, your child learns by imitating you and catching your enthusiasm.

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FCS7-164: Parent Express: A Guide for You and Your Child Months 35 and 36

Carol Gnatuk | Oct. 14, 2009 (Minor Revision)

Your child is almost 3 years old and growing more independent and capable every day. Encourage your child's cooperation; it will build his confidence and help him grow into a helpful, responsible person. This is the last issue of Parent Express. We hope the series has been helpful to you in your very important and exciting job as parents.

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FCS7-153: Parent Express: A Guide for You and Your Child 13 and 14 Months

Carol Gnatuk | Oct. 14, 2009 (Minor Revision)

You can look back over the last year with pride. You now have many memories of the times you have shared with your baby. Remember when you thought her crying would never stop? Remember the time she giggled with glee, and you felt good just enjoying her happiness? Now you and your baby are ready to move into the exciting second year.