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Dear Readers...

Toddlers have unique communication skills which are hard to manage (understatement), they know no boundaries and will resort to any tactic to get what they want when they want it, NOW! It is our role to remain calm and consistent when under fire, easier said than done I know. Hopefully this weeks edition may be of help to those of you currently battling it out at the front line.

Many of you will be considering school readiness, it is never too early to encourage and develop a love of reading. I have written about my daughter and her delay in taking up reading in past newsletters and recently tried the Reading Eggs Program and can report that the change in Emily’s attitude to reading was instant and is ongoing. It’s fun and over the five week trial she really did ‘crack it’. Reading Eggs is designed for children aged between 4-7, and it really does work. I don’t usually personally endorse products or services but Reading Eggs is ‘Eggsceptional’ and until August 24th the 5 week trial is free!  

We have not sent a newsletter for a couple of weeks as we have all had the flu. My son and I were very unwell and our lovely neighbour, a mother of 3 children aged under 7, went out of her way to deliver food to us and make sure we were ok. If there were more Nerida’s, the world would be a better place... Thank you Nerida!

Jane King
Mother to Emily 8, Cristian 14
Founder of Parenting Australia

Mommy bloggers share their toddler taming experiences
Nobody can tell you what the Terrible Twos are like.  You have to experience them for yourself with your own child.  And when you do, you understand why the phase is dubbed a terrible one.  Nothing is fun about a toddler who is pushing the boundaries. Read more... 

Who's driving this relationship?

When I think back to the time before I was a mother, it never occurred to me it would be hard to get a toddler into a car. I’d seen toddlers throw tantrums and planned how I’d react to those, but I assumed my child would just walk to the car when asked. Not the case. Read more...

Parenting Australia Competition

Uberkate embosses your special dates, phrases and messages onto exquisite silver jewellery for you to wear always.
Uberkate and Parenting Australia have a Secret Tablet (RRP $365) and a Secret Tablet Mini (RRP $190) Mother/Daughter set up for grabs! Both come with sterling silver chain and black leather, and will be customised to the winner's specs!

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE PRESENTS:
BABIES PROMS: MUSIC BOOK '09
15 - 23 AUGUST
Join us to celebrate the most fabulous children's stories, storytelling and music. Coinciding with Children's Book Week, the Babies Proms Orchestra performs an engaging musical repertoire incorporating celebrated Australian stories.

Toddler Tips

Child proof – Pack away any really valuables and dangerous objects while your children are still young. Make sure your toddler has interesting things to do. Leaving them to their own devices or with things that don’t interest them can lead to problems.

 

Divert and Distract -   Everyday tasks can be fun with just a little bit of effort. If you try and make a game or make it exciting you will have more chance of your child going along with what you want him or her to do. Using phrases such as "Look at this" or "I'll race you to the bath" Using these tactics may work only if the child is willing to cooperate and if they are not tired.

 

Tired Toddlers - Minimise this by making sure your child has their daily sleep. If they are not willing to have a sleep try teaching them that quite time each day will help them feel better.  Other things that may help with tired children is a bath,  playing their favourite music, reading their favourite story or rocking them to bring them comfort. 

 
Give Attention - Attention is something that all children need. If there are any disruptions to your child’s routine they may require extra attention from you. They want this attention as it provides them with love and security.  It is always best to prepare them for any change that you may know about in advance. Explain to them what is going to change and what this means. 
 

Separation - It is not uncommon for Toddlers to often cry or scream when left with someone else other than their parents. This is because they are frightened of being separated from their parents and may need some reassurance from you.  When leave your children at daycare, preschool, grandparents etc you should say goodbye letting them know when you will return. This may include telling your son or daughter that you will be back at 3pm to pick them up from preschool.

 


Parenting Australia Competition

Whether it is ‘on the go’‚ at home or when comfort is more the order of the day‚ be hands-free while sharing your day's activities with Bubba Moe Baby Slings.

Bubba Moe and Parenting Australia have a Moe Tie Carrier (RRP $89.95) and a Bubba Moe Sling (RRP $69.95) up for grabs!

Predict and prevent toddler tantrums - Read more...

Toddlers and tantrums - Read more...


The Parent Pardon

Don’t forget to take some time for you. As the parent of a toddler you are very busy and can become tired and run down which make it harder to deal with the little things in life. You need to make time for you so you can recharge. This will help you deal better with your toddler’s behaviour and with these tools hopefully less tantrums.

Special editions of Parenting Australia’s eNews to look forward to

18th August
25th August
1st September
16th September

Fathers Day Edition
Party Party Party!
Family Home
Breakfast

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The content of this article is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner.