MY PROFILE
Welcome, Guest.
Please sign in or you can click here to register an account for free.
Did not receive activation email?
Email:
Password:

Refer-a-Friend and earn loyalty points!
FORUM NEWS + ANNOUNCEMENTS
[6 Sep] Get the BEST of BrillKids at a VERY SPECIAL price (for a limited time only!) (More...)

[05 Apr] BrillKids HQ is relocating: there may be minor shipping delays (More...)

[17 Jan] Looking for WINK TO LEARN coupons? New coupons now available for redemption! (More...)

[22 Jul] More SPEEKEE coupons available at the BrillKids Redemption Center! (More...)

[22 Mar] Important Announcement Regarding License Keys and Usage of BrillKids Products (More...)

[26 Feb] MORE Wink to Learn coupons available at the BrillKids Redemption Center! (More...)

[08 Jun] NEW: Vietnamese Curriculum for Little Reader! (More...)

[15 May] Hello Pal Social Language Learning App Has Launched! (More...)

[3 Mar] Update: Hello Pal now Beta Testing! (What We've Been Up To) (More...)

[11 Feb] Sign up for our Little Reader Vietnamese Beta Testing Program! (Sign ups open until FEB. 15, 2015 ONLY!) (More...)

[26 Jan] More Wink to Learn coupons available at our Redemption Center! (More...)

[18 Nov] Get your Arabic Curriculum for Little Reader! (More...)

[21 Oct] EEECF News: Get 30% Off from Hoffman Academy! (More...)

[22 Sep] The EEECF is now registered in the UN and we now accept donations! (More...)

[13 Aug] The Early Education for Every Child Foundation (EEECF) is now a registered charity on AMAZON SMILE! (More...)

[12 Aug] ALL-NEW Transportation & Traffic Category Pack for Little Reader!(More...)

[21 Jul] Get 10% off our NEW Actions and Motions Category Pack for Little Reader! (More...)

[14 Jul] Get 10% off BrillKids Books! IT'S THE BRILLKIDS SUMMER BOOK SALE! (More...)

[25 Jun] BrillKids store and website now available for viewing in Arabic! (More...)

[09 Jun] Get your Russian Curriculum for Little Reader! 10% off introductory price! (More...)

[09 May] Free Little Reader, Price Changes, and Promotional Discounts! (More...)

[28 Apr] Get BabyPlus Discount Coupons at the BrillKids Coupon Redemption Center (More...)

[13 Mar] Get your FREE Chinese Curriculum Update for Little Reader! (More...)

[20 Feb] FINALLY, introducing our Spanish Curriculum for Little Reader! (More...)

[24 Feb] We're looking for Content Checkers and Testers for our Arabic Curriculum! (More...)

[10 Feb] Volunteer with the Early Education for Every Child Foundation (EEECF) (More...)

[24 Jan] Check out our NEW Thai Curriculum Pack for Little Reader! (More...)

[20 Jan] Get Discounts from BrillKids Product Partners! (More...)

[10 Jan] Introducing our New Category Pack: Exotic & Wild Animals! (More...)

[27 Nov] Sign up for our LR Spanish Beta Testing Program (LIMITED SLOTS ONLY!) (More...)

[19 Dec] Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! NOTE: BrillKids office closed on holidays (More...)

[16 Oct] Announcing the WINNERS of our BrillKids Summer Video Contest 2013! (More...)

[04 Oct] Get Little Reader Touch on your Android device! (More...)

[19 Jul] BrillKids products now available for purchase at our Russian Online Store! (More...)

[31 Jul] BrillKids Video Contest Summer 2013 - Deadline EXTENDED to August 31st! (More...)

[20 Jun] Join the BrillKids Video Contest Summer 2013! (More...)

[17 Jun] India Partners: BrillKids products now once again available in India! (More...)

[22 Apr] Little Reader Touch Version 2 Now Available (More...)

[21 Mar] French Curriculum available now for Little Reader! (More...)

[16 Apr] Spain Partners: BrillKids products now Online in Spain! (More...)

[07 Feb] Update to Little Math Version 2 now! (More...)

[07 Feb] Check out the *NEW* BrillKids Downloads Library! (More...)

[27 Feb] Singapore Partners: BrillKids products now Online in Singapore! (More...)

[20 Feb] Vietnam Partners: BrillKids products now Online in Vietnam! (More...)

[22 Jan] Important: About Sharing License Keys (More...)

[07 Nov] Update to Little Reader v3! (More...)

[19 Oct] We're Looking for Translators for our Little Reader Software (More...)

[15 Oct] More Right Brain Kids coupons available at our Redemption Center! (More...)

[25 Sep] CONTEST: Get A Free Little Musician by helping EEECF reach your friends and colleagues! (More...)

[17 Sep] Give a child the gift of literacy this Christmas: 20,000 children need your help! (More...)

[29 Aug] Little Musician wins Dr. Toy Awards! (More...)

[29 Aug] VIDEOS: Perfect Pitch at 2.5y, and compilation of Little Musician toddlers! (More...)

[09 Aug] Get Soft Mozart Coupons from the Points Redemption Center! (More...)

[03 Aug] Welcome NEW FORUM MODERATORS: Mela Bala, Mandabplus3, Kerileanne99, and Kmum! (More...)

[03 Aug] Winners of the Little Reader Video Contest (Part 5)! (More...)

[25 Jul] Bianca's Story - What happens 10+ years after learning to read as a baby/toddler (More...)

[27 Jun] Updates on our Early Education for Every Child Foundation (EEECF) (More...)

[27 Jun] Join the Little Reader Video Contest (Part 5) (More...)

[04 Jun] Being a Successful Affiliate - Now easier than ever before! (More...)

[18 May] LITTLE MUSICIAN - NOW LAUNCHED! (More...)

[30 Apr] Winners of the Little Reader Video Contest! (More...)

[28 Apr] The Early Education for Every Child Foundation - Help Us Make a Difference (More...)

[20 Apr] Little Reader Curricula on your iPad or iPhone - now possible with iAccess! (More...)

[12 Apr] LITTLE MUSICIAN - now in OPEN BETA TESTING (with a complete curriculum) (More...)

[12 Mar] *NEW* Little Reader Content Packs now available! (More...)

[01 Feb] Join the March 2012 Homeschooling Contest: Create a Monthly Theme Unit! (More...)

[27 Jan] Join the BrillKids Foundation as a Volunteer! (More...)

[20 Jan] BrillKids Featured Parent: Tonya's Teaching Story (More...)

[17 Dec] Dr. Richard Gentry joins the BrillKids Blog Team! (Read Interview on Early Reading) (More...)

[08 Dec] Little Reader Touch promo EXTENDED + Lucky Draw winners (More...)

[01 Dec] Affiliate Success Story - How Elle Made $4,527 in Sales in just 30 days (More...)

[22 Nov] Little Reader Touch now available in the App Store! (More...)

[09 Nov] Winners of the September 2011 Video Contest (More...)

[01 Nov] Another free seminar and updates from Jones Geniuses (More...)

[16 Sep] SPEEKEE is now a BrillKids partner product! Get Speekee coupons at the Coupon Redemption Center! (More...)

[02 Sep] Little Reader Wins Another Two Awards! (Mom's Best Award & TNPC Seal of Approval) (More...)

[05 Aug] Little Reader Deluxe Wins the Tillywig Brain Child Award! (More...)

[28 Jul] LITTLE MUSICIAN beta-testing NOW OPEN! - Sign up here. (More...)

[14 Jul] Little Reader Wins Another Award! (PTPA Seal of Approval) (More...)

[13 Jul] Jones Geniuses FREE Seminars & news of Fall classes (More...)

[30 Jun] Little Reader Wins 2011 Creative Child Awards! (More...)

[11 May] The *NEW* Little Reader Deluxe - now available! (More...)

[06 May] Do you blog about early learning? - Join the BrillKids Blogger Team! (More...)

[21 Apr] Aesop's Fables vol. 2 - *NEW* Storybooks from BrillKids! (More...)

[15 Apr] BrillKids Foundation - Help Us Make a Difference (More...)

[08 Apr] Get READEEZ Discount Coupons at the Forum Shop! (More...)

[06 Apr] The new Parents of Children with Special Needs board is now open! (More...)

[06 Apr] Join the Jones Geniuses online workshop for BrillKids members this April 21st! [FULLY BOOKED] (More...)

[04 Apr] Get TUNE TODDLERS Discount Coupons at the Forum Shop! (More...)

[21 Mar] BrillKids Discount Coupons - Finally Here! (More...)

[21 Mar] BrillKids on Facebook... We've MOVED! (More...)

[15 Mar] Get KINDERBACH Discount Coupons at the Forum Shop! (More...)

[08 Mar] WINNERS OF THE VIDEO CONTEST: You, Your Baby and Little Reader Part 2! (More...)

[07 Mar] Please welcome our NEW FORUM MODERATORS: Skylark, Tanikit, TmS, and TeachingMyToddlers! (More...)

[22 Feb] Do you BLOG? Join the BrillKids Blogger Team! (More...)

[11 Feb] Affiliate Program – Use BrillKids Banners to promote your affiliate link in your blogs and websites! (More...)

[31 Jan] Important: Please Upgrade to Little Reader v2.0 (More...)

[26 Jan] BrillKids Blog - Criticisms of Teaching Your Baby To Read (More...)

[21 Jan] Share your Little Reader Success Story! (More...)

[08 Jan] Little Reader available on the iPad today! (More...)

[17 Dec] Aesop's Fables vol. 1 - New storybooks from BrillKids! (More...)

[13 Dec] Infant Stimulation Cards - New at the BrillKids Store! (More...)

[08 Dec] Christmas Sale: Give the gift of learning with BrillKids! (More...)

[29 Nov] Upgrade to Little Reader 2.0 [BETA] Now! (More...)

[19 Nov] Get Discounts for products from JONES GENIUSES! (More...)

[17 Nov] Join the HOMESCHOOLING CONTEST: Create a Monthly Theme Unit! (More...)

[08 Nov] Piano Wizard Academy Offer - Exclusive to BrillKids Members! (More...)

[23 Oct] Should music be a birthright? Is music education for everyone? (More...)

[20 Oct] Introducing the BrillKids Presentation Binder Set! (More...)

[12 Oct]Get to Know Other BrillKids Parents in Your Area (More...)

[14 Sep] Teaching your kids about music - Why is it important? (More...)

[10 Sep] The new ENCYCLOPEDIC KNOWLEDGE Collaborations board is now open! (More...)

[10 Sep] Meet other BrillKids Members In Your Area! (More...)

[27 Aug] Traditional Chinese Curriculum Add-On Pack for Little Reader - Now Available! (More...)

[20 Aug] Little Reader Chinese Curriculum Add-on pack - Now Available! (More...)

[5 Aug] Take Advantage of our Special Affiliate Program Promotion! (More...)

[3 Aug] Encyclopedic Knowledge Categories for FREE, made by all of us! Please join in! (More...)

[16 Jul] WINNERS OF THE VIDEO CONTEST: You, your baby and Little Reader! (More...)

[24 Jun] Be a BrillKids Affiliate and Get Rewarded! (More...)

[24 Jun] Need help from Native Speakers of SPANISH, RUSSIAN and ARABIC for Little Reader curriculum!

[01 Jun] Deadline for Submission of Entries for the LR Video Contest - Extended Until June 30! (More...)

[19 May] Facebook "LIKE" buttons are now in BrillBaby! (More...)

[25 Mar] Introducing the all new Little Reader Deluxe Kit from BrillKids! (More...)

[18 Mar] More Signing Time Coupons available at our Forum Shop! (More...)

[11 Mar] BrillKids Discount Coupons - Coming Soon! (More...)

[09 Mar] Little Math 1.6 and Semester 2 are now available! (More...)

  Show Posts
Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 7
1  EARLY LEARNING / Teaching Your Child to Read / Re: Flashing 2 languages on: August 22, 2010, 12:45:14 PM
Go to this website for much more information about language learning for children.  It has a lot of information and also a great forum.  You'll love it.

multilingualchildren.org

From all the reading I've done, there are different ways to have your child exposed to multiple languages.  One way that works well is OPOL (One parent one language) where each parent speaks his native language to the child.  Another way is to have a home language and a community (going out) language.  Another way is to have a different language for different days.  There are advantages and drawbacks to each method and it depends on the strengths of each parent, the number of hours of interaction, the goals you have for your child, etc.  But a very helpful thing is to establish your language 'rules' and be consistent about it.  I've even read from people who weren't very consistent and their child still managed to learn the two (or three or more!) languages... children are amazing and their whole environment is designed to learn languages (imagine if you had a private tutor speaking to you all day everyday about the things you're keenly interested in at the grammatical level you are at... you'd learn the new language just like that too!).  But it is helpful to establish a consistent rule because then you're more likely to stick to it (in fact, after a few months or years, if you want to change the rule for some reason, like moving, then it can be awkward to switch the rule), and also the child will learn to sort the two languages apart more easily.  Children will usually mix the two languages a bit when they are little, but not to worry... they will soon sort it out... we don't worry if a two year old says "I eatted a banana" instead of "ate" because they will sort out those grammar rules too.  And I wouldn't worry too much either if your pronunciation isn't native sounding in Hebrew either.  Well, look at the website and you'll probably get some answers for all your questions/concerns.

On a personal note, I have parents who were raised in Holland and came to Canada where they raised us.  They only spoke Dutch to each other when they were talking about money or family (what we weren't supposed to hear) and to other Dutch speaking people.  We learned a surprising amount of Dutch (and a lot about other family members too!), but now that I'm older and I want very much to learn to speak Dutch better, it is so difficult because there just aren't the resources available (library books, DVDs with subtitles and language tracks, etc.).  The same would be true about Hebrew I would guess, and so I would encourage you to support your child's Dutch learning while she is young, especially because it will be harder for her to learn them later if she lives where those languages aren't spoken.  For me, that I don't speak Dutch very well, it feels like a part of me is missing... a part of my roots or something... because it was there almost everyday in some way when I was little, and now it's not... I don't feel I can keep a conversation with my Dutch relatives and that part of me feels incomplete/unfinished.  But still, I know that the exposure I did have was beneficial to me -- I was very clever in school and when I consider my childhood, I strongly believe that the exposure to two languages had a lot to do with that.
2  Parents' Lounge / General Parenting / Re: occupying child with something other than tv while you are busy on: September 26, 2009, 12:53:47 AM
Lately I've been looking at Montessori ideas too to keep these littles occupied and content.  lorenp77... your ideas sound so Montessorish.  We had company last weekend and the 14mo old was getting fussy in his highchair (he was tired, so I knew putting him on the floor wouldn't help either), so for only a few minutes more of peaceful conversation I grabbed an empty toothpaste box from the counter and two straws and showed him how to put the straw in the box, out the box, in, out..... then left him to it and it kept him busy for quite a while before I put him to bed.  Maria Montessori formed all her learning ideas from closely observing children.  I think the most important thing I've learned from my reading lately is to try not to interrupt a child who is intensely preoccupied with something.... try to stay out of his 'work' and only assist them the littlest you can if they get frustrated.... in this way the ability to focus and concentrate on an activity for a prolonged period of time is developed.  One of the notable things about Montessori classrooms is how peaceful and relaxed the children are as they go about their 'work'.... Maria Montessori observed that play (work to a child) that is meeting their developmental needs does not tire them out or leave them cranky.  Also what I find appealing about Montessori teaching is that they encourage the little ones to practice and learn the practical life skills early on (pouring, food preparation, dressing oneself...)... to a mom of many, getting them to do-for-themselves a.s.a.p. sounds wonderful!  Google "homemade Montessori", "Montessori homeschooling", or "Montessori preschool activities" to find some really cool ideas of activities to present to your little ones to keep them happily engaged in developmentally appropriate 'work'.  If you're looking for toy ideas (for birthday or Christmas) try googling "Montessori toys" for some ideas of quality toys that are also good for their development.
3  EARLY LEARNING / Early Learning - General Discussions / Re: Face-to-face organizations devoted to early learning? on: September 10, 2009, 07:39:53 PM
Barrie?!  Hi neighbour!
What about Montessori?  At the library (the Barrie Public Library) I have signed out some books about Montessori, and I've begun reading them a bit.  They don't seem to focus much on very early literacy.... they start with a phonics approach, but from what I've heard, they are very successful at getting those little angels reading fairly quickly at a relatively young age.  I think they focus quite a bit on teaching the kids life skills, with the theory that learning to pour, sweep, use those little sewing cards, or get yourself dressed all helps develop the hand/eye coordination that is preparation for learning to write.  Also I read lots of insight about how to interact with little children in a way that encourages development of concentration, compassion, confidence, independence, self-discipline, self-motivation.... encourages them to be a well-rounded child.  They use lots of games and play in their teaching, so even though I have no interest (or money!) for sending my little guys off to school (we homeschool), I am interested in getting more fun ideas to make the learning fun and natural.  Well, that's not Exactly what you were looking for I think, but it came to my mind.
4  EARLY LEARNING / Teaching Your Child - Signing, Speaking, Languages / Re: Dutch children's book and movie suggestions? on: September 01, 2009, 01:28:31 AM
Really?!  So many people are saying that it won't work.  That would be nice if it does because it is very very hard to find movies for North America that are in Dutch or have a Dutch language track with them... (I'm particularly interested in Disney movies... I find them so universally appealing across all age groups).  I've heard it is the same problem for VHS and DVDs alike... are you finding it works for you with VHS or DVD?
5  EARLY LEARNING / Teaching Your Child - Signing, Speaking, Languages / Re: Minimum time needed to teach 2 non-native languages successfully? on: August 29, 2009, 01:53:22 AM
You would find a lot of answers at the website  multilingualchildren.org
They have a huge and open forum and lots and lots of articles and good advice.  This is just what you're looking for to answer your questions, ease your mind, formulate a good language learning plan.... little children are incredible when it comes to learning languages!
6  EARLY LEARNING / Teaching Your Child - Signing, Speaking, Languages / Re: Dutch children's book and movie suggestions? on: August 29, 2009, 01:16:40 AM
Thank you so much for your reply... that is very thoughtful.  However, I think that there is the problem of video regions and I don't believe I would be able to play a VHS video from your region in my region without a special video player.  I have found out all this after researching more since writing my post.... even if I ordered from Europe, I wouldn't be able to play the videos.  There is a store selling Dutch books and movies in a very large city about an hour from where I live, and I'm planning to make a trip there one of these days... I assume they would only be selling videos for this region there... hopefully I'll find some materials there (we are getting very bored of the stuff we have!)  Well, again, thank you for your reply though.
7  Parents' Lounge / General Parenting / Re: Potty training - interest at naptime/bedtime but no other time on: August 28, 2009, 03:35:13 AM
Well, I think the disadvantage to pull-ups is that they don't have the consequence of getting soaking wet and being uncomfortable that should motivate them to try to stay clean.  There are pull-ups that actually will feel cold and wet.... maybe that's an improvement.  One time when my little guy was getting better at using the potty like your little guy is, he went to the toilet and then into bed and a few minutes later he said he needed to go again.  I was so sure it was a delay tactic, but lo and behold he produced a #2 (something he had only done a couple of times so far).... then after he had been in bed for several more minutes, he said again that he needed to use the toilet.  This time I was so sure he just wanted to get out of bed, but he really insisted, so I took him to the washroom.... another #2.  Wow... I think this breakthrough maybe happened at that time because during the day he is always so busy playing and he doesn't want to stop to get to the bathroom.  After that night, pooping in the toilet started happening a lot more often.  I'd just go with it for a little while.... it's good practice anyways, and like most of those little habits they like to try it out for a while but pretty soon the excitement wears off and they're onto some new thing to try out.  Maybe that miracle breakthrough you're waiting for will happen at some inconvenient time too.  Good luck... I'm sure there isn't one right answer to that... every kid is different, eh?  But I have noticed that 'ideal window of opportunity' or not, I don't know a single healthy 6yr old or 12 yr old or adult who hasn't learned to use the toilet .... it seems to me that you are absolutely guaranteed to succeed at this.  It's going to happen.
8  EARLY LEARNING / Homeschooling / Re: socializing toddlers on: August 28, 2009, 02:47:30 AM
We've been homeschooling for many years now (more than 10!)... I am surprised still that that socializing issue is always people's top concern when they find out that we're homeschooling.  I don't think toddlers have a real huge need for socializing beyond what parents, siblings, grandparents, and occasionally a visit with some friends' kids can take care of.  I don't think you are planning to live in seclusion as your child gets older either.  My kids have each other to play with, it's true... but we don't make a huge effort to provide 'socializing opportunities'.  I'd say about an average of 2x in 3 weeks they have some opportunity to play with friends (meeting at a park, having company, etc).  Other things they do is sometimes they are with other children for swimming lessons or something like that.  Social behaviour is not really learned best from other immature little beings though... they learn appropriate social behaviour from the example of adults in their life.  Being with friends is really more of an opportunity to play, which is important for children of course.  Even in school, kids only really become good friends with a few other kids... maybe only one or two.  They don't need dozens and dozens of friends.  One thing that homeschooling parents find is that their homeschooled children are much more comfortable with adults and children of all ages.... the kids that go to school don't seem as confident talking to adults and don't seem to be able to integrate different ages into their play as easily... I've often heard schooled children asking 'what grade are you in', and it almost seems like they're checking it out if that kid is someone they can play with.  Many of my homeschooling friends have said that people comment about how friendly people say their kids are... they say the same about my kids too.  'Easy to talk to', 'confident young lady'.... and they comment on the difference they notice from schooled children.  Now if the socializing concern is that maybe homeschooled kids won't be just like schooled children.... it's true.... my 12yog doesn't talk or think obsessively about boys, my 9yob doesn't have foul talk in his vocabulary, my 16yog doesn't talk about boys, boys, boys, music, music, music, clothes, clothes, clothes.  I don't mind it one bit that my kids aren't 'normal'... they are happy and confident and interesting and well adjusted.  It seems to me that spending your days with people of all ages in lots of different social situations is perhaps a more natural and healthy socializing than spending your days somewhat unsupervised with 30 other children the same age as you in school everyday.  I wouldn't worry about it at all... socializing toddlers and homeschooled children is nothing of great concern at all.  I'm not any kind of psychologist or anything, but my experience and the experiences of homeschooling friends has proven to me what a positive thing homeschooling is for socializing children.  If you are friendly and nice to people and comfortable talking to or meeting new people... if you can have good conversations with people and get along with everyone... then that is exactly what your children will learn to be like because they learn most of that kind of thing from your example... it's not something you can put on a flashcard or really 'teach' them... they will all have their personalities of course, but they learn more than you think from your example.  So just relax and don't worry too much about it.
9  EARLY LEARNING / Teaching Your Child - Signing, Speaking, Languages / Re: Minimum time needed to teach 2 non-native languages successfully? on: August 19, 2009, 03:46:24 AM
Why did I not list 'finding a native speaker' as one of the first things to try?

Well, the first ideas to try that I listed are things that I can figure out how to do more easily and don't cost much money.  I think it is maybe hard to find a native Dutch speaker willing to come over a couple of times a week (we live 15 minutes out town--population of about 150,000 people) and also I think that when we are on the road to learning some Dutch already, then my husband will maybe see more of the importance of spending a little more money to support that learning opportunity.  Dutch speakers are all such good English speakers..... in my house there are 7 English speakers (going on 8 because the baby can understand English but not speak yet) and I think it would take that Dutch speaker (living in Canada.... very likely a good English speaker also) some kind of self-discipline to stick to the Dutch speaking, even with a bunch of kids all excited and yapping at him/her in English.  (Maybe they'd just have to agree up front to PRETEND that they don't know any English!)  You're absolutely right about the lack of idioms and common usage that I'd be able to offer them myself, but as for pronunciation, it is not a language I'm totally new at like your Chinese.... for all of my childhood I listened to Dutch speech almost daily, at the very least weekly, and several native Dutch speakers have told me that I say things just fine.... Dutch sounding.  So even though my parents didn't really try to teach me Dutch, I am still thankful that they used their Dutch often (when they talked about money or family! Or speaking with other Dutch speakers) and gave me the ability to learn Dutch easily and to make Dutch sounds.... that is often frustratingly difficult for an adult language learner who was never exposed to their target language as a little child.

I have read and own and totally love Barry Farber's book "How to Learn Any Language"... and I think one of my first priorities should be to learn to speak Dutch fluently myself... I'm doing my flashcards daily again and started working my way through the rest of a Dutch language program I have.  But thank you for your post because I realize more the advantage and importance of getting someone to come into our home... for the kids, but just as much to complete my own Dutch learning.  I will definitely put the word out to friends/aquaintances in the near future about what I'm looking for and maybe I'll be fortunate to find that person at a price that we can afford.  Thank you for your inspiring post... you are giving your little blessing a great gift.
10  Parents' Lounge / General Parenting / Re: How do you put your baby to sleep? on: August 06, 2009, 08:50:30 PM
To more specifically answer your particular situation, I think at 10 months old, your little one is going to protest any change you make.  With other babies that I didn't start out with a sleep routine but changed it later, (#4 & #5), I changed their routines at the ages of 14months and 16months respectively.  With #4 I did this not so gradually, and with #5 I did this more gradually (different house, different reasons/situation)... in hind-sight the less gradual way worked quicker and therefore more kind for the baby I think, but it took powerful self-control to be consistent!  From needing to nurse to sleep and sleeping in our room (crib next to the bed), we suddenly needed him in his own room and able to fall asleep on his own.  So first I cut out the night nursing.... holding him instead.... that took a couple of weeks.  Then to his own room.... I nursed him in the family room (deciding that nursing wasn't going to happen in the bedroom... for consistency) and then brushed his teeth, and then put him in his crib and said goodnight and left the room.  The first night he screamed!  I would go into his room every 5 minutes or so and lie him back down and calmly tell him it's time to go to sleep.  I'd be brief, not wanting to 'reward' the crying with a whole lot of comforting.  The first night took about 45 minutes, the second just over 1/2 hour, the third about 15 minutes, and the next few nights only about 5 minutes.  After 2 weeks of being 100% consistent, he never cried for more than about 30 seconds and sometimes not at all.  After a couple more weeks he rarely cried at all anymore about going to bed.  He became happier in the daytime too, I think because he was finally getting a good sleep through the whole night.  Well, I'm glad we did it... It made such a differnce to our whole family, especially that I would finally have a little more time for the older kids in the evenings and they would be going to bed more on time too, and not have their bedtime story interupted if the baby woke up AGAIN int he evening.  As I said, I just think that the most important thing is the consistency... having the willpower to be 100% consistent (with a little flexiblity for illness and so on of course).  You have to decide what routine will work for your own family... having very regular bedtimes and naptimes, and stick to the same routine every time.
11  Parents' Lounge / General Parenting / Re: How do you put your baby to sleep? on: August 06, 2009, 08:24:36 PM
Very early (about 2 or 3 weeks old), as I started to see a little bit of a pattern to his sleep routine, I gradually aimed to have the same waking times & going to sleep times.  I was a bit flexible with this at first of course, but over the next few weeks, as the sleep times became more established, then I would stick to the 'schedule' more closely.  By 8 weeks old it looked something like this:  7am wake up, 9-11am morning nap, 1pm-4pm afternoon nap, a little evening nap of about 45minutes or so, 9pm to bed.  (I'm writing this from memory and he's over a year now, so I might be off a bit).  I also aimed to have him going down awake and falling asleep in the crib, so I would make sure that we did something relaxing beforehand.... nursing, or walking around in the sling for a bit.... but before he got too relaxed and fell asleep, I'd plop him in his crib.  For certain sleep-times this was easier than others, but gradually it happened.  I'd sometimes try to keep him awake a little longer, or wake him from a nap when it was 'time' so that we got to a very predictable schedule.  I followed his cues, and if the 'schedule' wasn't working for him, we changed it a little until we got to the right schedule that worked for him.  I always put the babies on their tummies... Doman recommends it for learning to crawl, but before I read anything about that, I did it anyways because infants often suffer from gas in their tummy and I just find they sleep much much better on their tummies.  My babies were all healthy, full-term and able to lift their heads up within days... also sleeping close at hand in those first few weeks... so I never worried about it.  If he fussed a little sometimes, I would leave him for a few minutes and often he would just go back to sleep.  Sometimes I just needed to pat his little bottom a bit, but I didn't wait until he was sound asleep, because I didn't want that to become a habit.  If he was really upset and crying a lot, I would pick him up, see if he needed to burp or needed a clean diaper, settle him just enough to be relaxed, and then put him down again.  By 8 weeks he was sleeping through the night from 9pm to 7am (he's woken in the night maybe 4 or 5 times since then, usually due to illness or something).  Between 8 weeks and 5 months old, I've let him 'cry it out' for as long as 10 minutes or so maybe 4 or 5 times in total.  By 5 months he was a very good sleeper, and now that he is 12 months old he has his own room (since 4 or 5 months old) and the routine is snack before bed, brush the teeth, go to his room and nurse him in the rocking chair and then I put him in his bed and say goodnight and that is the last that I hear from him until the morning.  I've done it differently with the first few children I've had.... and they were still needing me to be able to fall asleep when they were 3+ years old..... I like this way much much better, and I think the baby does too.  He gets a good night's rest, has a very consistent sleep routine, and if he's really really tired, it seems like he's telling me he WANTS to go into his bed and go to sleep.  I'm not against the family bed or any other method, but with 5 other children, this is what works for us and I just think that whatever routine you choose, the most important thing is the consistency.  When that little one know what to expect and when to expect it, then that is what they learn to be happy with.  Good luck finding what works best for your own family.
12  EARLY LEARNING / Teaching Your Child to Read / Re: Reading to your children/babies on: August 06, 2009, 11:45:31 AM
I didn't read so much with my first child until she was showing more interest in hearing stories.... about 4 years old or so.  Then we read every night before bed.  She was already old enough for shorter chapter books (like Roald Dahl or Arnold Lobel books), so that is what we read the most.... I found reading picture books with young kids wasn't settling them down for sleep (sleep being the goal!)  By that time, we had another little girl (3yrs9mnths apart) and so when I was reading, she was on my lap nursing or just listening.  By the time our second child was one, she was picking up picture books (which she handled with great care already by 12 months) and 'reading' them to herself.... she would look at the page and 'babble, babble, babble' then turn the page and 'babble, babble, babble' some more.  It was SOOO cute!  By the time she was 18 months or so, on the rare occasion we had a babysitter for the girls, the only way to get out the door without a bunch of toddler-tears was to instruct the sitter to start reading a book to her and she would be happy.  When our first was young, I became interested in homeschooling and read John Holt who advocates waiting until the child shows an interest... even if reading 'instruction' doesn't happen until they are 7 or 8 or older!  But I liked his ideas, so we waited with our first.  But when she was approaching 8 years old, I wasn't going to wait any longer and I imposed 'forced' daily phonics lessons.... which she disliked, but now she is a real book lover.  Shortly after I taught her to read, my second child asked to learn to read.  She was only 5 years old, but I was happy to teach her of course.  With only about 2 months of daily lessons using a phonics reading set, she was reading well.  After another month or two, there was no point in even sitting to listen to her read because she could read anything... this was before her sixth birthday.  She has loved to read all along, and everything else school related comes easy to her too.  And I really believe that all that listening to stories as a baby (even if they were intended for my older child) has had a really positive effect of her.  And that's my experience with reading to a baby.
13  EARLY LEARNING / Teaching Your Child Math / Re: i think its working!!!! on: August 02, 2009, 04:17:04 AM
yay!!!  Now you will be even more motivated to be even more consistent.... I love the quote near the end of one of Glenn Doman's books, "Success breeds motivation"... so true, so true.  Keep up the great work "Kyles Mom"!
14  EARLY LEARNING / Teaching Your Child - Signing, Speaking, Languages / Dutch children's book and movie suggestions? on: July 31, 2009, 02:31:00 PM
I would like to make a book order to bol.com but they have literally thousands and thousands of titles to search through.  I wonder if anyone can make any suggestions to me of Dutch children's books that your children enjoy.  I'd like stories for bedtime... my children enjoy Curious George in English... that kind of story.  In Dutch we had a "Dribbels Voorleesboek" from the library once and that is exactly the sort of book I had in mind (several stories in one book), but I can't find that exact book on bol.com.  Also, any DVD's that your children love?  Bob de Bouwer is one I'll get for sure... I think they'd love it.  My children are 15yog, 12yog, 9yob, 5yob, 3yob, 1yob... I'd love any movie titles suitable for the whole family, but any movies that aren't for preschoolers I can only find available in English.  Don't they make popular English movies into Dutch available somewhere?  (Like Walt Disney cartoons, Madagascar, Prince of Egypt for example.... all ages enjoy watching them).  Anyone know where I could get more Dutch resources like this.... I only know of bol.com.
15  Parents' Lounge / Coffee Corner - General Chat / Re: The Toddler Contract on: July 30, 2009, 12:55:23 PM
Yep.... I agree.  When I became a parent, I went to the La Leche League (great breastfeeding support group) where I was introduced to the idea of attachment parenting.  I still agree with their philosophy for an infant, when all their cries ARE for needs... but as they get older, they are also crying for wants and I find that for myself, the attachment parenting philosophies got translated into 'make sure your little one never cries'.  We got into some habits that just don't work anymore when you have more than a couple of children to look after... also, I find that the latest children we have are actually more happy and secure than those first couple of children ever were.  Just one example:  sleep routine is one area that has changed a lot over the course of parenting, and I have to say, it is much better for the child and much better for me and everyone else now.  With the first couple of kids it was a matter of YEARS before they were sleeping through the night or even able to fall asleep on their own (bedtime routine about 2 hours total!)... our little 1yo has been sleeping through the night since he was 8 weeks old and when I put him in his bed (awake but relaxed) he happily goes to sleep on his own without any complaint.  Better sleep for him; better sleep for us; evening time left to spend time with the older kids and husband.  I don't find anything inherently wrong with sleeping with your older baby.... but nothing wrong with the crib and nighttime independence either.... I think the key to whatever parenting choices you make are consistency and the underlying belief that you are parenting with (the belief that YOU are the parent and will set the boundaries and enforce them for the good of your inexperienced child.... you will lead him on the path he should begin in life so that those ways will become a part of his own core values and habits).  I don't know how anyone could parent more than one child with the "toddler contract"!
Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 7

TinyPortal v1.0.5 beta 1© Bloc

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.19 | SMF © 2013, Simple Machines

Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS! Dilber MC Theme by HarzeM
Home | File Downloads | Search | Members | BrillBaby | BrillKids | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2024 BrillKids Inc. All rights reserved.