March 2020 - The Parenting Cafe

Developing Motor Skills: 8 months – 3 years

March 23, 2020/in 1 - 3 Years, 4 - 12 Months, Motor Developement /by Sonja Preston

Last week I wrote about the development of motor skills from birth to 8 months old. Let’s look at how they next develop….

During 8 – 14 months babies learn to pull to standing, walk along furniture, and may walk alone. There are known as Gross Motor (GM) skills. They can stand and then lower themselves to the floor (not drop down), and they begin to go up and down stairs, usually by climbing. They now use the pincer hold – they pick up objects using their fingers (instead of the palm of their hand), and are beginning to stack blocks. These are known as Fine Motor skills (FM).

You can help your toddler by: Once the baby is able to pull to standing, you can encourage the next level of movement, by placing an interesting object just a few steps along the sofa or whatever they are resting against. Finger food is great once they start using the pincer hold – give them small piece of appropriate food, whilst supervising in case of any choking hazards.

Developing Motor Skills: Birth – 8 months

March 16, 2020/in 4 - 12 Months, Birth - 3 Months, Motor Developement /by Sonja Preston

Motor development refers to the muscles – both large and small, in our bodies.

Gross Motor (GM) are the large muscles in our head and neck, arms and legs.

Fine Motor (FM) refers to the small muscles in your fingers, and eyes.

Children develop their muscles from top to bottom, and inner to outer. This means that babies’ muscles develop and strengthen first from the head, then torso, then legs; and from their arms and then out to their fingers.

Remember that wobbly, very heavy head when babies are first born? Gradually over the first few weeks they are more able to control their neck muscles to hold their head upright.

Children develop their muscles through opportunity to exercise them, at the appropriate time. Here’s a summary of the muscle skills they are developing, the approximate time frames for them, and how you can help them:

Parent or Friend?

March 9, 2020/in 1 - 3 Years, 3 - 5 Years, 4 - 12 Months, Birth - 3 Months, Parents, Pre-Natal, Social - Emotional /by Sonja Preston

Over the years of being a Parenting Consultant, I’ve spoken with may parents about what they see as their role, and what they want for their children. So many parents have said, that they want to be their child’s friend.

I believe that when you gave birth, you became a parent, and that is your role!

Over their lifetime, your children will (hopefully) have many friends – some short term, some long term, but they will only ever have you as parents – that is your role!

All children need parents to guide, teach and encourage them – and that is your role.

Telling Stories

March 2, 2020/in Language, Social - Emotional /by Sonja Preston

As parents we know of the importance of reading to our children regularly, to encourage our children’s love of learning, and excitement about what books have to offer.

We also know that books can be a part of the night time routine, to help settle children down with quiet time before bed.

Reading to children is also useful when children have to sit whilst waiting at the Doctors, where they need to be quieter for a while.

Children often grow to love stories and books, via our enthusiasm and by the tone of our voice when we read to them.

Another thing which children grow to love is when you actually tell them stories. Read more

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