Every child and every parent has different needs and desires. Personally I think a two year old does not NEED any kind of preschool especially with as great a mom and it sounds like you are. On the other hand if you would be a more relaxed and happy parent by having your child go to the church for a couple of hours a week while you get some quiet time i think there are some great benefits to that choice. I also love local play groups where children can experience new toys, crafts, snacks, and other children while their moms are still in the room with them as they explore. Good luck!

Most hospitals here in America won't even mention a water birth as a possibility (because they don't make as much money that way) they tell you how it will be done and then ask if that's okay with you. I would recommend contacting a midwife, preferably one who specializes in water births, and ask her.

I have heard several conflicting theories on water babies. One of which, from an OB-GYN, that all babies born in water are prone to respiratory problems from the gunk in the water. The baby doesn't even breathe until the cord has been cut so I don't see how that would happen.

Another is that water births are a higher risk of infection for the mother. I don't really believe this either.

Several of my friends have born their babies in birthing pools and both they and the babies remained healthy. I have decided that my next will be a water baby.

I think it is definitely better to encourage making choices at an early age. Rather than saying 'you have to clean your room' try saying 'would you like to clean your room now or after lunch?' Then, once your child has decided, make sure they stick to it. It also can be encouraged while shopping. You could say, 'you can get that one big toy, or these two little toys'.

Helping your child choose for themselves is an important life lesson that will help them out later.

Also, making sure your kids have lots of 'parent' time AND lots of free-play time will teach them independence and self confidence.

at least, thats how i see it.

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/febrile_seizures/detail_febrile_seizures.htm

Sorry to hear that. Hope this site helps!

Definately, relaxing is the key! keep yourself calm as possible. Take a walk in the park or go swimming. make sure you take YOU time. whatever it is you do to relax, make sure you do it as often as possible. Congratulations!!!!

So, lately my 4 year old boy doesn't want to have anything to do with my 6 month old boy. My 4 year old used to be so attached to little josh, but now he acts like the baby doesn't even exist most of the time, and he throws a fit when little josh plays with any of his toys. What would cause such a drastic change and how can I get my boys back together?

Please help!

we have a dog and some fish. at first the kids tried to feed the fish cereal and stuff, but now that they've been around eachother for a while it is getting easier. they still think they need to hold the fish though, I found my 4 year old with his arm in the tank up to the shoulder trying to pet them. definately, if you have aquatic pets get a locking lid or put something heavy on it to keep the kids from falling in.

I like to go hiking alone. something about the quiet in the mountains that just fixes everything.

thank you so much for that! I try to let my kids have play time on their own anyway. It gives me a mental break I think that is important to the kids as it is for me.

Another thing that might help is developing a before-bed routine. This helps your child's body know when it becomes time for him to wind down. my kids have a bath, then brush teeth, pick up toys, read a story, tell a story, tuck in and then sleep. I think it helps because they know that when the hands of the clock get to the 8 they just start getting ready on their own. Another thing is to make sure you don't bend the rules. they need to know they always do this before bed, no questions asked. It will be hard for the first few days getting them to do it, but after that they will just do it of their own accord.

I have shared a bed with my children. Usually it is the fathers who roll over on the baby because they don't have that 'mommy's instinct'. I think the only time parents should not sleep with their kids is when they are on heavy pain medication or sleep medication, also anyone who drinks or does drugs.

I firmly believe that if i hadn't shared my bed with my son that he would have died in his bed. He had a breathing problem. I think that sleeping next to him helped his body 'remember' to breath. most often he slept on my chest. aside from being a great way to bond with your kids i am convinced that mom and baby should share a bed until the baby is at least 2 and their bodies are more self sufficient.

Besides, from what I have understood, most children who have died from sids were in a bed by themselves.

you could try just loading them up in the car and driving around for a little while when they get out of hand. sometimes the motion of the car and feeling securely locked into the seatbelts will help. works for my kids when they are unruly.

My 4 year old refused to brush his teeth until i bought him one of those toothbrushes that he can hear the music in his head while he brushes. now he dances at the bathroom sink instead of screaming! thank you inventors!

I think it all just depends on the kids, My son just started using the toilet one day and he has been using it ever since. he still has an accident at night sometimes, but usually he's ok.

I agree that it is all about balance. it should also be about the personality of the child and what their interests lead them to choose. I have always thought of most extra curricular activities being very complementary to educational activities. For example, when children learn to work together during a team sport this will cross over into how well they can function in a classroom environment.