Nosebleeds

When your child gets a nosebleed it can be a little scary.  The first time it happens you might start to panic and think something is terribly wrong.  However, once it happens enough times you start to get used to it and realize it's not as bad as you thought and there's ways to manage it.  Nosebleeds are common in young children and are not usually cause for alarm.  Our four year old (almost five year old) daughter started getting nosebleeds when she was three years old.  When she gets a nosebleed it normally stops after a couple of minutes.  

When our daughter started getting nosebleeds my husband and I were concerned because we didn't know what was causing them.  We brought her to the doctor and he said nosebleeds can be caused by dry air.  He also said if she's putting her fingers in her nose that could also cause a nosebleed.  If your child picks his/her nose and has nosebleeds be sure to trim their nails often.  He suggested we put a humidifier in her room, so we did and it worked pretty well.  She still gets nosebleeds but not as often as before. 

When your child has a nosebleed the best thing to do is remain calm.  Using a tissue, gently pinch the soft part of the nose and have them lean forward.  Try to avoid having your child lean back as the blood can go down their throat and cause vomiting.  Reassure your child and keep them comfortable. 

Temper Tantrums

Children throw temper tantrums when they're angry or frustrated about something.  Usually if they don't get their way, they're over tired, hungry or they just want your attention they start to throw a temper tantrum.

When children are having a temper tantrum they might start to cry, scream or throw themselves on the floor.  When my four year old gets angry or frustrated she starts to cry and whine.  I always tell her she should be an actress because she's so dramatic.  She usually does that when she can't get what she wants or when she's hungry.  My three year old is a lot more emotional.  When she was younger she used to throw herself back onto the ground.  I was always afraid she was going to hurt her head. Now when she's having a fit she cries and runs around the house screaming.  Sometimes she throws things or runs upstairs to her room.  She usually acts that way because she's hungry and especially when she's tired. 

When your child is having a temper tantrum the best thing to do is ignore them and stay calm.  Don't give in to your child or reward that behaviour.  If they continue to act that way put them in time-out and explain why.  Don't go out with your child if they're hungry or tired.  When you do go out with your child make sure you bring a snack for them. 

After your child has a tantrum and you both had a chance to calm down, get rid of what caused the tantrum in the first place.  Talk to them and give them lots of hugs and kisses and praise them for behaving better.

Children Staying Active

It's important for children to participate in physical activity as there's many health benefits.  Children who stay active will have stronger bones and muscles and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

We like to enroll our children in extra curricular activities that they enjoy to keep them active.  Both of them go to swimming class and dance class every week and our four year old is also enrolled in gymnastics.

Parents should encourage their children to be active.  Take them to the park and run around with them or take them for a walk.  Doing things as a family is a fun way to stay active together. 

Potty Training

In my opinion, potty training is one of the hardest things to do.  I remember how stressful it was potty training my first daughter.  I started potty training her when she was eighteen months old but she was not potty trained until she was three years old.  Sometimes I think I might have started too soon with her.  I used to put her on the potty every half hour or so and if she went I would give her a treat.  I used to do flash cards and read stories to her when she was on the potty to pass time. I even tried putting underwear on her but that didn't work either.  Then my husband suggested we get one of those portable potty seats and it worked!  Within three days she was completely trained!  She's four years old now. 

My second daughter is three years old and I'm in the process of potty training her, but she is not interested at all.  I started potty training her when she was two but I gave it a break because even though she seemed ready she wouldn't use the potty.  I have taken a break a couple of times but I really need to get her trained as she starts kindergarten next September.  I know it's a whole year from now, but time flies.  I also have an almost four month old daughter so I have a really hard time putting her on the potty all the time.  It's frustrating because if I put her on the potty every half hour she gets angry and does not want to go.  If I wait too long then she goes in her pull-up.  I tried putting underwear on her but that didn't work.  I might go to the dollar store and buy a bunch of little things and wrap them.  Then whenever she goes I'll give her a present.  I did that with my older daughter but it did work that well with her.  Every child is different so my three year old might respond better.  I guess we'll see what happens.

Potty training takes a lot of patience.  I have learned potty training my older daughter that the child has all the control and when she's ready she will be potty trained. 

Sibling Rivalry

It can be stressful for parents when young siblings fight.  I have a three year old daughter, an almost five year old daughter and a three month old daughter.  My three year old and my four year old are really close.  They do almost everything together and they are best friends.  They get along most of the time, but sometimes they do fight.

Some of the fights they have are minor, but they can get a little intense at times.  When one has something the other one wants, especially a toy, it can be overwhelming.  Even if my husband and I buy each of them the exact same thing they still find something to fight about.  Boy is that frustrating! 

So what do you do when your young siblings fight? In my opinion, the best thing to do is separate them for a little while to give them time to calm down.  Sometimes when my three year old is tired she gets impossible to deal with.  She does not really nap anymore, but when she starts to cry for no reason I know a nap is the best thing.  If they start to fight over a toy or something, we usually take it away and redirect them to another activity and let them know that they can't have it unless they share.  I notice they get along very well when they're playing on the computer, so when they fight and don't know what to do with themselves I let them play games together on the computer. 


It's important for parents with young children to remember they have to be role models.  If parents have a conflict with each other they should try and settle it calmly and be respectful of each other.  If children see their parents yelling and slamming doors they will think that behaviour is acceptable.


I think quality family time is important.  We do a lot of things together as a family, especially on the weekend.  We've gone to Canada's Wonderland a lot this summer and last summer.  We all have season passes and it's great!  When we can't find something to do we pack some things, hop in the minivan and head to Wonderland.  Sometimes we take them to the movies and if we don't feel like going out we watch movies together at home.  Sometimes children fight for parents' attention so doing things as a family often can help lessen the conflict.

Back to School

Well, it's that time of year again.  Summer is almost over and parents are rearranging closets and drawers to make room for new school clothes they have to buy.  All the summer activities are coming to an end and it's almost time to enroll children in the fall activities.  This transition can be a little overwhelming for children, but especially stressful for parents.  There are things parents can do to make it a little easier.

Two weeks before school starts parents can start to transition their children into the back to school routine.  Put them to bed at an appropriate time and wake them up early the next morning.  Talk to children about what to expect when school starts so there's no surprises.  Spend some time of each day doing educational activities with them to get them used to doing school work.  For example, I have a four year old (she's turning five in November) and she goes to senior kindergarten in September.  She started practicing writing her name and I noticed she still needs help with her "s" so I'm going to do worksheets with her so she's prepared.

Talking to children about all their friends at school helps gets them excited about going.  Take them shopping for new clothes and shoes and have fun with it.  If they're like my daughter, they will get excited about all the new clothes and shoes they will get to wear.  If they're going to school for the first time assure them they will have fun and make new friends and that you will be back very soon to pick them up.  Of course, sometimes the first day of school is emotionally harder for the parents.

Picky Eaters

What do you do when your children are picky eaters? I have a three year old and a four year old and they are extremely picky with what they eat. Most children like hamburgers, hot dogs and chocolate milk, but mine don't. Weird huh?

My girls don't like change at all. They usually have the same thing for breakfast and lunch every day and they love "Cheerios." If I try to introduce something new they won't eat it. Ashlee (four year old) isn't that bad but Haylee (three year old) is a challenge. When she was smaller she used to eat everything, and then one day it all changed. She used to like spaghetti and now she won't touch it. I've tried giving it to her with and without pasta sauce, with margarine only and with margarine and shredded cheese but she won't eat it.  Ashlee likes it with margarine only. Haylee doesn't like potatoes but she'll eat fries. They won't eat vegetables at all so I'm really glad they eat fruit. Both of them don't like meat. The one thing I know Haylee will eat is macaroni and cheese. Ashlee likes it plain with only margarine. Both of my girls like pizza with cheese only and most of the time they peel everything off the top, but at least they eat it :)

I hope this is just a phase. Ashlee used to be worse but now there's a little more variety in her diet.  Hopefully Haylee comes around too...fingers crossed!

Book Signing

I'm doing a book signing at Coles in the Burlington Mall on Friday September 7th, 5pm to 7pm!

Radio Interview

I'm going to be interviewed on "The Authors Show" on Saturday August 25th at 10am!
http://www.wnbnetworkwest.com/WnbAuthorsShowChildren.html

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