WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR CHILD:
TWO THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
1. Your toddler can understand what you are saying and can say words. With a blossoming vocabulary of approximately 15 words in addition to 'Mama' and 'Dada', he'll soon be able to say short 'sentences'. You may find yourself starting to resume speaking in more 'adult' tones and using longer sentences. Keep talking. The more he hears, the more he will pick up.
2. Your toddler may be ready to explore the world on her own and venture a bit further away from you. No sooner do you sit down than she's out of sight and you have to jump up to find out what she's getting up to. Rather than run after her all the time, catch her attention by saying, 'Bye-bye!' Then take a step or two in the opposite direction. She will most likely run after you after a few moments. But be prepared to run if she doesn't. Enjoy her emerging independence and revel in the fact that she still wants you close by.
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YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH AND SAFETY
It's time to take a look at the amount of fibre in your child's diet. Experts recommend that a child's daily fibre intake be equivalent to one gram of fibre for every year of life, plus an additional five grams. So, your one-year-old should eat six grams of fibre per day. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of fibre. For fussy eaters, try whole grains in breads and cereals.
Double-check your safety precautions. Your toddler's physical abilities have advanced significantly since last year. Take a few minutes to inspect gates, cupboard and drawer locks, and plug socket covers. Have you pushed table and countertop items back at least 12 inches from the edge? Are your window-shade strings rolled up? Have you made certain your child cannot climb onto any windowsills? Have you secured exterior doors with locks that are out of reach if your toddler is now able to open doors? Spend a little time reviewing and revamping your safety precautions, and rest assured knowing your family will be as secure as possible.
You may wonder if it's appropriate to undress in front of your child. While the issue of parental nudity in the presence of a child is a highly personal one, experts advise that naturally occurring nudity (i.e., showering or dressing) is not considered inappropriate. In fact, this type of nudity may actually boost your child's self-esteem by showing him that you are comfortable with who you are and that the human body is not something to be ashamed of. Of course you'll need to reassess the situation as your children grow toward puberty, making sure you consider every family member's need for privacy. But for now you may want to keep the door open, if only to keep an eye on your toddler while you dress.
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FUN ACTIVITIES
Make a family photo album. Carefully constructed albums or scrapbooks will preserve your memories for years. How about getting the whole family involved? Try creating a scrapbook from your most recent holiday. Let each family member decorate a page with his or her favourite photos and memorabilia. A family collage is another fun way to showcase your memories. Ask each family member to gather pictures and other items. Then sit down together and assemble your collage. This wonderful keepsake item can then be passed through the generations.
Explore marine wildlife. Aquariums filled with fish, colourful rocks and plants can be entertaining and relaxing for your child. You can also take him outside to a pond, stream or lake, being sure to keep a close eye on him. Sit and watch birds and insects play by the water's edge. Then take a closer look at the many creatures that make their homes in the water.
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SIMPLE WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Eating well, exercising, reducing stress and getting enough sleep are the best ways you can take care of yourself. Continue by visiting your doctor regularly and discussing any problems you may have. Keep a diary of any persistent symptoms and be prepared to discuss them. Don't be afraid to ask questions or, if necessary, request a second opinion. While having routine checks may be a bit nerve-racking and inconvenient, it is your best defence against potential problems. Your whole family will rest more easily knowing that you are taking care of yourself as well as you care for each of them.
Make time to make love. Lovemaking is a precious physical expression of your feelings that can also provide you and your spouse with some wonderful health benefits. In addition to being a great stress reliever, it's a fun way to burn calories. Plus, regular sexual activity can even help reduce the possibility of male prostate problems. With so many wonderful reasons to make love, what are you waiting for? Take time out tonight to rediscover this quality time with your spouse.
You might be thinking about having another baby. Your adorable bundle of joy is now a little bigger than a bundle. She's grown so quickly this past year. She's a marvel to look at, and you wouldn't swap her for the world. Still, you are probably missing the tiny hands and feet and the helpless baby that you brought home such a short time ago.
If you're now 'oohing' and 'aahing', you may be thinking about another baby. Chances are you've probably had enough consecutive nights of uninterrupted sleep to consider this proposition. The addition of one more child to your family would be another life-changing event.