ParentTalk Forums / ParentTalk / Toddlers (1-3 years) / Baby & Toddler (0-3 years)

Dance studio?

RizzIE — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:47:08 GMT

Hi there,

Does anyone know of a good dance studio that I could enrol my active 3 year old son in? I'm in the Durham area, but Scarborough is do-able as well.

Thanks!

feeding my 3 year old niece

bsobaid — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 22:18:36 GMT

Hi,

My 3 year old niece just does'nt want to eat. [did it rhyme?? lol] and I am looking for some tips and tricks to make her have her food on time without crying. Me and her mom have to run after her for atleast an hour for every meal of the day.

She starts crying out loud and wants to run away. Only food she is interested in is all this junk food which we never never bring home. Its only when she is at her cousin's or once in a long while we order pizza, she jumps in and eat as much as she wants.

Thanks,

Update on Katherine

puckthefool — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:08:29 GMT

Ok so here we go Katherine now goes to Daycare/preschool it is in the church across the street from us great program they help with potty training teach them ABC's and 123's how to write their names and a bit of bible study. She goes 3 mornings a week. Ok now for the problems we are having she is almost 3 and is now into a stage where when she gets upset she hits, pinches, kicks, bites mommy we working on trying to break her of this as fast as we can. She was doing great on the potty even started useing the big potty but lately she is not doing either we think it might be because mommy is now going to school to learn some stuff to make it so she can get a job and is not spending too much time with Katherine.

preschooler book suggestions site/resource

chestnutsmom — Mon, 26 May 2008 16:06:28 GMT

As a family we've gone through so many books that I thought to set up an online parent/caregiver resource site of some of the best we've been thru (best = books that have been read and reread and reread and reread and...did I mention reread? (lol)). I am a happy Toronto mom/wife/booklover of an almost 2 yr old boy and almost 5 yr old girl (two birthday parties to plan...aaah!). We started reading to the kids very early, the books listed are generally suitable for 1.5 - 5 yrs. I'm trying to highlight books that don't feature TV characters, there are just so many good books out there that don't get any press.

Every month there will a new list as well as printable activities that I developed (and my daughter and I have tested!). I'm hoping to get the contact/feedback page set up this month so I can get some more suggestions from other parents with great book suggestions.

In the meantime, any feedback on this site would be appreciated. Hope you find it of value! http://www.metomi.com

Sleeping issues

Jennee — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 21:14:17 GMT

I have a problem with my DD she has been sleeping with me for the last few months. She is 2 and I got her a her own bed and decorated her room in her favourite Dora. When comes to bed time she will cry and cry and scream and then I can't take it and will sleep beside her bed. She use to sleep in her room at 1 but it stopped. My husband works nights so he isn't home. Does anyone have any ideas how to get her to stay in her room without me. Plus I have been putting her in her room for the last 3 weeks and every night it the same. She tells me she is scared?????????????/ Help I'm desperate!! I need some sleep.

Nail biting

TBear — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 19:28:37 GMT

DD who is 2.5 yrs old has taken to nail biting and her nails are so short. She bites at the skin at the side of her finger nail too. We don't bite our nails so I am not too sure where she would have picked up that habit from.

Anyone else have that problem or have any suggestions on what to do to get her to stop?

I have tried ignoring it and not making a big deal hoping she will forget about it but that didn't work.

Almost 2 and still on bottle

mommyfun — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:50:41 GMT

Hi, I'm a mother of 2 under 2, daughter who is 21 months old and a son who is 6 months old. I am having a hrd time trying get my daughter to take her milk from a cup. She has no problem with cups, as she constantly takes her water from one everyday, but she refuses to give up the bottle with her milk. Please help, does any one have any suggestions?? I am worried my daughter will be starting kindergarten and she will still be on a bottle. HELP

Toilet training

kematch — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:41:36 GMT

My 26 month old is ready for toilet training but he doesn't like tot potty's. He saw a "dirty" potty at a pal's house and will not use it again. I bought a toilet seat to cover the seat but his legs are spread too far apart and he wants comfort when he sits(as we all do). What can be done?

Names for Private Parts

kitkat29 — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:33:18 GMT

My 3 year old is coming home from daycare with labels for his private region. I do not believe in teaching my child anatomically incorrect names such as "wee wee" or "pee pee" so I taught him the correct names.

Two days later, I received a phone call from another mother complaining that her son blurted out the word "penis" in front of her and her husband when asked, her son told her that my son had taught him the "correct" word.

I see nothing wrong with this and I don't understand why this mother would be so angry at me for teaching my kid a word that her son will learn eventually anyway.

Cleaning toys

HotMami — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 16:17:18 GMT

I usually clean my little ones toys once a week. I fill up the bath tub and clean them with soap and rince in hot water, her stuffed toys i put in the washing machine and The toys that use batteries i just wipe down with a damp cloth but i feel that doesnt really clean all that well. It is a little time consuming and with our second child due in march i wanted to know if there are any antibacterial wipes (safe and non toxic) for childrens toys? I think that would save me some time. She has this one stuffed tigger that is her favorite and she cant sleep with out it. It plays music and lights up so i cant put it in the washing machine it will get ruined. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how ot clean it?

Frequent Nosebleeds

violet1amythest — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:03:43 GMT

My 3 yr old is getting a lot of nose bleeds. And a lot of the time they will last about 10 min before they will stop. I know part of the problem is because of the changing air but I live on the coast and it doesn't get THAT dry here any time of the year. He was getting them in the summer also.

Some of the times he will wake up at night crying about it because he doesn't like the tingle feel it makes in his nose. Some of the time he will be sitting on the couch not touching his face and will get a nose bleed. Other times he will get a nose bleed if he is changing and his nose getspushed by the shirt or if his nose gets bumped playing.

My MIL asked a doc about it and was told that it's from the air and as long as it stops it's ok. But my MIL has changed her mind (she's also a nurse) and now thinks there is something wrong with him (like many times before). I know this isn't totally "normal" but I don't know how it can be prevented by going to a doc. Have any of you had a similar problem?

1st Birthday

HotMami — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:21:02 GMT

My little ones 1st birthday is coming ina few weeks and i am worried about the cake. She has a sensitive stomach and if something doesnt agree with her she throws up pretty bad for a few hours. I want ot get her ice cream cake because she has had ice cream before but dairy queen told me that nuts and or peanut butter may come in contact with the cake. I cant find anywhere else that sells ice cream cakes. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on an alternative?

Party games a 2 yr can play

violet1amythest — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:32:56 GMT

It's that time of year again. Birthdays. Soon it will be Carter's 2nd b-day and I am not sure what to do to keep them occupied. For my first 2nd yr b-day with Cole, they kids just ran wild as I didn't think they would really play games or anything. I also had way to many kids/moms here. Renting a pool or anything is not an option as we simply don't have the money. The theme will be Thomas the train as my MIL has already planned that part of the party (more in the vent section) but there was no games to do in what she bought. Pin the tail type games I really don't think would work for him and the other kids as he doesn't like his eyes covered. Any suggestions on what to do with a bunch of little little ones for 2 hours?

When to move to a toddler bed, use bigger blankets and pillow?

ecj — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 10:52:55 GMT

My son is 27 mths. He is happy in his crib for now, but wakes up every once when the blankets come off. I worry about putting thicker blankets on his bed. He also seems to sleep better when he's in our bed and on a pillow (wether or not we are in the bed with him, doesn't matter) When do you make the move from sleeping with light/ medium blankets to comforters (small size) or even add a pillow.??

Lead poisoning worries? PC writer wants to talk to you!

kirav — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:23:46 GMT

Hi there,

I'm a Parents Canada writer working on an upcoming story about lead poisoning and kids. I'd love to do a couple of quick 10-minute phone interviews with parents who worry about the toy recalls we keep hearing about. Especially those who have found and thrown out toys covered in lead paint. Or parents who have concerns about lead poisoning in general (lead can be in old homes, water etc.). Maybe you've done renovations lately and worry about the dust? Or maybe your own child has been diagnosed with lead poisoning. Luckily, this is very rare though.

If you're interested in talking to me, feel free to drop me a line at: kira@vermond.ca or at 1-877-826-9883 and we’ll set up a time to talk.

Thanks!

Kira Vermond

HELP - 1 year old waking during the night

TBear — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 09:11:42 GMT

I have no idea why but my 13 month old son wakes during the night, usually around 2:30-3:00.

I try giving him a bottle but he just drinks that and cries again when he is done so I have to sit on the couch with him, usually for an hour, and then put him back down.

I tried letting him cry but he stands himself up and cries loud. I tried going in there and laying him down, pat his back a bit and leave.... no luck.

Any other suggestions? I have to get up at 6:30 for daycare child so I need sleep!

DS ends up by sleeping in until 8-9:00'ish.

I'm new. HI!

sonshine — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 02:27:43 GMT

Hey, so I'm new to this whole computer talking stuff, so here It goes. I have an almost 3 yr old. I love the things he says and does. I would love to hear funny stories, things said or done. To me those are the most precious moments. I also don't care about getting caught up in the experts opinion. You are the expert and love them no matter what. I enjoy the lighter side, but I am not ignorant to real problems, or concerns! I have read every friggin' book under the sun. They all made me worried, instead of enjoy! Mothers instinct is real, reinforce it with education!

stuborn 2 1/2 year old

scraphappen — Fri, 25 May 2007 00:08:25 GMT

My 2 1/2 year old is so much more stuborn than my first(now 9) This one still isn't potty trained. Girls are supposed to be easier than boys. She knows she is even going she stops and tells me after the fact! Today her sister was asking why she wanted more. The two year old said" I show you" and she pulled down her underware herself( she has never done it yet, I always have to do it for her) and sat down, peed and got up cleaned up and pulled up her underware by herslef. ( again she tells me she can't and needs help) I was shocked. I guess anything for a candy!!

But she is more stuborn about everything. My other child when she whined or had a tantrum it was nipped in the but before now. This one seems to have them on a daily basses and is very whiney. Alwyas whining about something. I must hear my name mooooommmmyyyy a billion times in one hour!! Does anyone ahve any ideas for a stuborn child how to get this to stop!!

Ps. I hope the potty training goes well like today. it's been a very slow start!!

WIN!!! A child developmental gift pack...

mumtwoboys — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 20:25:56 GMT

Win, just by completing a short survey!
I am a parent, and currently a marketing student, conducting a market research study of beliefs, values, and consumer habits of parents of young children and parents-to-be. By completing the survey, you will be eligible to win a child developmental products gift pack (value $50) and you will be helping a fellow parent at the same time! Thank you so much for you help!!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=MlQC8zOIleof4mdbKIOFJg_3d_3d

Worried about the "#2"...

codysmom — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 19:41:04 GMT

I'm a sahm of a baby boy 2.5 yrs old. Lately, I've been trying my hand at potty training him. He gets the general idea that he has to pee in the potty, but when it comes to going #2, it's not so easily understood. He refuses to sit down on the potty or even the toilet, and tends to hold it in until it gets painful for him to even go. Is there anything I could do that may help him?

Trying to toilet train

JayKay — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:25:16 GMT

My little girl will be 3 next week. She shows some interest in using the toilet. She asks to sit on it but has yet to do anything in it! We went shopping for "big girl underwear" and she picked out her own. While wearing a pair she peed and now wants nothing to with underwear or the toilet! Anybody else with similar stories?

Woohoo My Little one made it to 2 years old

puckthefool — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 18:19:40 GMT

It was a bumpy year with all the falling down she did and the new stuff she learned to do but I am so happy she is now 2 years old I now wonder what the next year will have for us and how much she will grow in that year. My wife says we have the amazon baby because she towers most 2 or 3 year olds in her play group seeing she stands at 34 inches tall but seein both me and my wife are 5' 11 " and we have alot of tall people in our family I can see why she is tall for her age.

Head banging

violet1amythest — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:32:53 GMT

Carter is getting closer to the 2 yr mark and has recently started banging his head on anything and everything he can when he gets mad or frustrated. If we are holding him he will bang his little head against us. He gave me a bad nose bleed one day from it. Or he will hit his head on the walls or floor. Which ever is closer at the time.

Once he has banged his head enough to actually hurt he will start crying because his head hurts. But he's still mad when he's looking for comfort so he will often bang us with his head.

I know that this is his way of dealing with frustration and anger over something like not making his toy what he wants or getting something he wants like a cookie instead of an apple. But I am not sure how to help him find a different way of dealing with it all. I've tried calming him down. But he is so far gone that I can't get through to him over his screams and thrashing. I have tried to help him before it gets to far but that's not always possible. I've nicely told him he shouldn't bang his head but he's not even 2 yet so taking advice from mommy isn't his strong suit. What do you do with your little head bangers?

what's with the tears?

violet1amythest — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 13:01:03 GMT

Cole is just over 2 and has never really been an overly emotional kid. But lately he has been in tears daily. Today he cried because I wanted to get him dressed, when we were at story time he was taking stuff away from other kids saying "MINE" and when I told him he had to share with them and they could play to he screamed and turned to tears when I took him away from the other kids. As soon as he was sitting on my lap with another toy he was a happy kid again. Then it was time to go and he was in tears when I put him in the car. And again when it was nap time. He didn't want to lay down and it was earlier then normal but he was half asleep when he was eating lunch. And I'm sure when he wakes up he'll be in tears again as he's very moody when he wakes up from his nap. I swear he's still tired but he won't go back to bed once he's up. I don't give in to him when the tears show up. I'm very stubborn about it and if I've said no, it stays no. I have tried distaction which sometimes works but not always, tried time outs when he's done something or isn't doing something he should be. He has even given himself a time out if you can believe it. I've tried asking him why he's crying which I normally don't get an answer from, I don't really expect one since he's only 2 but he will usually calm down when I'm talking to him. If it's a more real reason to cry like if he wants my attention but I'm not able to give him full attention, I'll give him hugs to tie him over till I can give full attention.

I don't know what else to do about it. And here I was thinking that girls were the emotional ones.

drinking from a sippy cup

hsexton — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 12:18:38 GMT

Hi; My little guy is 8 months old and he is my first. All the books say that he should be starting to drink out of a sippy cup between 7 and 8 months but I can't seem to get him onto it. I have tried the cup with the straw, and I have also tried the cups with the spout but he just chews on the straw/spouts. I realize that this is all part of the learning stage but will he ever get on to it? Does anyone have any suggestions? I would appreciate any help I could get. Is it too early for the sippy cup?

sleeping issues

mommyfun — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 14:08:33 GMT

My 21 mth old daughter has to fall asleep in our arms to go to sleep for the nite. Otherwise she won't sleep. Just recently she starting going to sleep right in her crib for her afternoon nap. I mean, I have to be there til she falls asleep but at least it's not in my arms. My next problem is that she cries in the middle of the nite because she wants us. Considering my husband works long hours, we hate to hear her cry because we don't get much sleep and we feel it will hurt her. So recently we have been picking her up and putting her in our bed. What a big mistake that was. Now she is so used to it, she wakes up earlier and earlier every nite so we get her and bring her to our bed. Never mind, she wakes up 5 am to start her day. I barely get any sleep considering too that I have a 6 month old. If any one has any suggestions, they would help. Thanks

your toddler/pre-schooler's social life

emmasmommy — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 20:17:34 GMT

I'm wondering what to do with my daughter to get her used to other children . She is old enough for the pre-school programs in my community but she is a late potty trainer ,so she cannot attend until she is fully trained . (sub question ....my daughter uses the potty at home on her own , but cannot reach a regular toilet even with a stool . I'm afraid she'll fall in or at least get wet and yucky trying to scootch back with her pants around her ankles ) What do you all do ?

Terrible Threes?????

momof2cuties — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 13:36:37 GMT

My son will be three on March 2. It seemed like we went through the "terrible twos" and they weren't terrible. Maybe one tantrum every month or so, but no hiting or biting ect.

But it seems that the past few days he has morphed into a little monster. He was hiting and shouting and having meltdowns about everything. Plus he has decided that he dosen't have to listen.

I don't know what is causing this or why....I have asked him if he is upset he says no...there has been no major changes in the house or anything

So are the other women I have asked about this right, that's it's just a stage or is it more than that???????

Please help...

~NEED FIRST B-DAY IDEAS~

butterflyangel — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 23:49:38 GMT

Hello!!!

My son is turning a year old next week!!! I will be having two parties for him. Once at my house, with my friends (about 15-20 people) and one at Chuck E Cheese with Family (about 10 kids, and 25 adults) I need some ideas of what to do ay my house. There will be 3 kids here, all under the age of 2. Also I need some cake ideas. I need a cake for my house, and I'll also be bringing a cake to Chuck E Cheese! I want to buy him some things that say "First Birthday" ...like, a shirt, bib, hat, etc. ...where can I find these??? Any ideas would be GREAT! ...Thanks!

Angel!

Bday party locations in the DUrham Region

mummyno1 — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 15:03:49 GMT

Hi all:

I live in the Durham region and need to find a place to host my upcoming 2nd birthday party for my son.

Anyone have any suggestions????

I have been to Check-E-Cheese and I find them a bit too mature to handle my guests and my son (all but 2 will be under the age of 6.)

toddler snacks...

muffin — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 11:41:07 GMT

Just wondering if anyone has any really good (and easy) toddler snack ideas. I'm running out of creative ideas....and find it especially hard to find ways to get veggies into my little one at snacktime. Thanks!

baby photos contests?

August14 — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:35:49 GMT

Does anyone know of any legitimate baby photo contests? Either online or otherwise?

Thanks

Need a Nanny?

regev1 — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 01:13:43 GMT

Hi, we just wanted to share a site we came across that has lots of good info on finding/hiring/employing a nanny, including the details of the Canadian laws and regulations - we found it very useful actually. The address is:
http://www.ofek.ca

Toddler cradle cap

mamaneedanap — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 11:03:45 GMT

Hi: My son had cradle cap as an infant (nothing serious but there were some yellow crusts). I never treated it other than picking off the flakes I could see once in awhile and assumed it would eventually go away. He is 2 1/2 now and today I noticed that he still has it (he has strawberry blonde hair so it is very hard to see). I've read that it is rare for toddlers to have cradle cap. Has anyone else experienced it and do you have any remedies that worked for you? I've read baby oil can help but I've also read that it can make it worse. Thanks.

how to cut a toddler nails?

jana1 — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 03:22:55 GMT

I have a 15 month old daughter and I am having big trouble cutting her nails. I can cut maybe one and after that it becomes a battle. She cries and moves her hands and makes it impossible to do. She always been like that but now she is stronger and I need some help. Does anybody have a tip for a first time mom of Veronika?

Help Please

Katarinasmom — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 13:45:25 GMT

Hello.

My little one is 16 months old and still wants to nurse. I have no idea how to wean her off as she's very persistent (when she wants it she tugs at my shirt and asks for her nummies until she gets it!). She does eat solids and has since she was a wee little thing (3 months old), but does not like regular milk (has never liked a bottle either). I've tried sippy cups everything, but nothing works. She does take sippy cups for water and juice though...

Help please...

Can a 3yr old actually play party games?

violet1amythest — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 14:41:38 GMT

I was thinking of having some little games like pin the tail on the donkey or musical chairs for Cole's b-day but I wasn't sure if him and the other kids would actually grasp it well enough to play nicely. Some of the kids will be a little older and some a little younger so I'm not sure if I should have games or not. Last year there was no games as I was sure no one would understand them so I let them all play. Things got broke and it was utter kaos as I wasn't expecting the kids to run wild. even with their parents sitting right there.

What do you think? Any suggestions for other games they might understand at that age? The party must be indoors as it's not nice enough for them at that time of year to be outside. And it can't involve water as I have carpet. Thanks for the help.

How much sleep does your 2 year old get?

mamaneedanap — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 11:49:05 GMT

Hi: My son is almost 2 1/2 years old. He goes to bed around 7:30pm and sleeps for almost 12 hours (gets up around 7am). Then his afternoon nap is around 2 to 3 hours (from about 12pm to 3pm). He doesn't fuss at all about going to bed - plays with his toy cars for awhile in bed and then falls asleep. He wakes up in a good mood. Most people would be ecstatic to have this problem, but I'm concerned about the quality of his sleep. He is a restless sleeper and is constantly tossing and turning. I'm wondering if he has a sleep problem (I'm a very light sleeper and any sound wakes me up) and he naps so much becomes he is tired from not getting a good night's sleep. I'm wondering how much sleep other 2 year olds are getting?

Are girls easier to potty train than boys?

mamaneedanap — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 07:38:52 GMT

Any tips on how to potty train a boy? I admit I haven't been very consistent with it, but it is difficult as I also have an infant and it isn't fair to her to sit in the bathroom with us all day. I've tried the "cool feel" pull-ups but he doesn't seem to notice the feeling. I've tried underwear, but again being wet doesn't faze him. I've tried sitting him on the potty and reading books, but he'll hold it until he gets his diaper back on and then pee in that. He has peed a couple times in the potty but didn't seem to even notice that he had done it. He is fascinated with the toilet though and watching other people. He has peed once standing up and a few times sitting down. Is it better to teach standing up or down? Please let me know if you have any tips that worked for you. Thanks!

Valentine Treat for 1yr. old?

Kath16 — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:24:12 GMT

I would like to give my nephew a small Valentine treat, but as I don't really know much about kids (I learn as I go with my guy, but he is only 8 months!) I don't really know what to give him. Any ideas? Small and inexpensive is what I am looking for. Any treats that he can eat that I can give? Anything???