Not so worried anymore.

About a month or so ago, I mentioned my worries with my son and his eating habits.  Thankfully, it seems like he's getting back to normal.  We went from five bottles down to four or three in a day and he's finally eating our food with less hassle.  I thought I was going to go nutts trying to figure out a way, besides pureeing his food, to feed him.  I read online that this kind of behavior is normal, but that didn't stop me from worrying about it.  That said, I guess it is normal and they do snap out of it within a month or so.  

He finally opened up when I gave him bananas with KIX.  Then, the next day he ate a peanut butter sandwich, with no problem, rice and beans (not too much, but he did eat a few spoonfuls) and peanut butter with jelly. 

Now, don't get me wrong.  I was giving him the stage 2 gerber foods, but I felt like he should have been passed that, especially with 8 teeth out, willing and able to chew.

So, if you're a first time mom, like me, who's child is toddler age and being picky with food, don't fret.  Keep on trying & be patient, eventually they'll be at the level we all hope for.  I hope this advice helps.

Toddler eating habits, feeding toddlers, what to feed your toddler, picky eaters, one year old eating habits, advice  on getting toddler to eat.

Read full history - Not so worried anymore.

Arroz con Dulce

When I get the cravings, I'm off to the supermarket.  After that, I'm in the kitchen, working it out.  Today, I'm sharing Arroz con Dulce.  (Rice Pudding)

Puerto Rican Arroz con Dulce

Ingredients:
2 cups Rice
2 cups Water

10 Cloves
2 Cinnamon Sticks

1 can Condensed Milk
1 can Evaporated Milk
1 can Coconut Milk
1 tsp Ginger
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Half cup Raisins

Dash Cinnamon


*Please Note* Always cook uncovered

In deep pot, add water and rice.  Bring to boil.

• Lower the heat to simmer, add the cloves and cinnamon stick. Stir.
• Let this cook on low until the water has evaporated.
• Add the remaining ingredients (except the pinch of cinnamon), stir gently, and again let simmer on low until all liquid has evaporated.  [This will take some time, 20 mins to half hour, as the rice will rise to meet the height of the liquid.]
• Once thickened, transfer into a serving dish, garnish with the pinch of cinnamon and refrigerate.

Read full history - Arroz con Dulce

We love Pork!

Pork Adobo

We really do loves us some pork. 

We love it so much that we eat pork about 2 or 3 times a week.   Since my preference for pork is any variation with vinegar -

here, I share one of my favorite recipes- its called Pork Adobo and it's Filipino style.

I will cut right to the chase and post the recipe below.

MY PORK ADOBO RECIPE

Ingredients:

1 - 2 pounds of CUBED pork butt or CUBED rib tips

1 - 2 cups of vinegar

1-2 cups of kikkoman soy sauce

1 -2 cups of water

5 - 6 spoonfulls of minced garlic

pepper corn

In a deep pot put in your washed pork cubes. 

Add the 5 or 6 spoonfulls of minced garlic

Add a few pepper corn

Cover and brown the pork.

After the pork is browned, add one cup each of the vinegar and soy sauce.  

Add one cup of water.  If this does not cover the pork, add more of each but in equal portions - until your pork is covered in liquid.

Boil on medium low, COVERED for about 1 hour.  (stir it occasionally)

And that's it-  you're done..  Simple, right?  

Usually served with white rice.

Read full history - We love Pork!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

My Christmas Decorations:

Faux Fireplace.  

What do you guys think?  hahaha.. 

Even adults have wants...

Read full history - Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

Baby Teeth

 Babies, teeth and teething.

At four months he had all the signs, crankyness, drool etc.  The fifth month was marked by red cheeks.   So at that point, I'd whip out the HUMPHREY pellets. It's so refreshing that I still clearly remember how at  5 years old, I'd indulge on those pellets.   (I had two toddler siblings at that time. )


But back to the subject, My son started showing teeth at around 6 months, namely two on the bottom.  I remember him catching a slight fever which I took care of with tylenol.  But after that, he was pretty much symptom free.  I think at times he has been in pain, but he's a tough kid and from what I notice, he's more active at times.  Meaning, he tries to keep his mind off of whatever is making him uncomfortable.  Otherwise, he's a pretty chilled out kid.

As you can see in the picture on the right, he had 8 teeth by 11 months and today at 14 months, he still has those same 8 but they are much longer and pushed closer together.  Many people seem shocked, but I don't understand why.  

I'm interested in finding out how many teeth your child had at 12 months?  And what symptoms did your baby show?

Say Cheese.  Look at my teeth!

Read full history - Baby Teeth

What's Next?

Mommy and Me meet-up Groups!

Read full history - What's Next?

Filipinos sue CA hospital ??

There was an article on yahoo titled "Filipinos sue CA hospital over English-only rule" and I thought I'd write my take on this since I have family members of this race.

Think about this, what word sounds softer:
ya, ak
-how about between
ak, ar ?
I'd say ya and ar.   Right?
All of those sounds are parts of languages which, and let's face it, can sound rougher than others.
It is my experience that when Filipinos start talking their language in front of people, they're really not taking into account what they sound like, or how they come across. That, in addition to the fact that they don't pay attention to who is around, they will often do it around one person. How awkward must that feel?

So, Just as Arabs and Chinese sound like they are mad when they speak their language, Tagalog just sounds harsh, harsh enough to make the person who doesn't understand it think it's a negative.  Filipinos are very nice people they just need to see things from an outsiders point of view and realize that when they speak, with their tones, they really make others feel like outsiders.  Since they do, they should be kind enough to accommodate that by simply repeating to whom ever doesn't understand what it is that they are speaking of.   Case closed!

Below is a copy of the article...
By AMY TAXIN, Associated Press
Amy Taxin, Associated Press –

Tue Dec 7, 5:52 pm ET

LOS ANGELES – Dozens of Filipino hospital workers in California sued their employer Tuesday alleging they were the sole ethnic group targeted by a rule requiring them to speak only English.

The group of 52 nurses and medical staff filed a complaint accusing Delano Regional Medical Center of banning them from speaking Tagalog and other Filipino languages while letting other workers speak Spanish and Hindi.

The plaintiffs are seeking to join an August complaint filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Kern County federal court over the hospital's enforcement of a rule requiring workers to speak English.

Filipino workers said they were called to a special meeting in August 2006 where they were warned not to speak Tagalog and told surveillance cameras would be installed, if necessary, to monitor them. Since then, workers said they were told on a daily basis by fellow staffers to speak only English, even on breaks.

"I felt like people were always watching us," said tearful 56-year-old Elnora Cayme, who worked for the hospital from 1980 to 2008. "Even when we spoke English ... people would come and approach us and tell us, 'English only.'"

A message was left at the hospital seeking comment.

In its lawsuit, the EEOC has accused the hospital in California's San Joaquin Valley of creating a hostile working environment for Filipinos by singling them out for reprimands and for encouraging other staff to report them. The agency is seeking an injunction to protect the workers against future discrimination.

[Rewind: Politician caught in English-only controversy]

The EEOC has seen an increase in complaints alleging discrimination based on national origin amid a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment, said Anna Park, a regional attorney for the EEOC. That's especially the case in California's central valley, where a greater share of the complaints the agency receives relate to such issues than in the nation as a whole.

In this case, the current and former hospital workers filed a separate complaint under state law in part because monetary damages are capped by federal law, said Julie Su, litigation director for the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, which represents the plaintiffs. They want the English-only policy to be changed and for hospital staff to be trained on the new rule.

[Political candidate's statement: 'This is Alabama, we speak English']

Under California law, employers may require workers to speak English if there is a business necessity, Su said.

Delano Regional Medical Center is a 156-bed hospital located about 30 miles north of Bakersfield.

Read full history - Filipinos sue CA hospital ??

Coquito for the holidays

The HOLIDAYS are here!!!  Cheer them on with a nice bottle of DELICIOUS homemade Coquito.

Yes, Coquito!!!!! A delicious coconut cream liqueur which is a holiday tradition in Puerto Rico. Impress your family and friends with this yummy beverage this holiday season.

Coquito means little coconut.  

Based on a traditional recipe, my Coquito is utterly delicious and unforgettable. Enjoy a mixture of flavors which include coconut, vanilla, cinnamon, and more.
 

Coquito can be poured into glass bottles (wine bottles) and given as a gift to the host/hostess of a party. Just remember to keep it cold.  

Surprise your friends with something different by gifting them some delicious home made coquito.

My Coquito Recipe

1 can of condensed milk (i use magnolia),

2 cans each of evaporated milk and coconut cream (i use coco lopez)

2 tsp of ground cinnamon

2 tsp of vanilla

1 bottle of Bacardi (375ml)

**

Directions:  

In a blender, put together the condensed milk, evaporated milk and coconut cream. 

Blend so it mixes well.  

Next add your cinnamon, and vanilla and blend it up again.  

Last, add half of the bottle of bacardi.  

Taste it. 

If it doesn't have the kick you are looking for, keep on adding.  

I usually use the whole bottle.

For storage, glass bottles are best however, you can use plastic.  From what I understand, as long as the Coquito is refrigerated, since there is liquor in it, it can last up to a year!  

Buen provecho!  

If you use this recipe, please leave a comment.  I'd love to know what your thoughts are.

**Please note, some recipes call for eggs.  Since I know people with egg allergies, we just don't use it.  You can store the mix in a glass or plastic bottle.  I have tastes great mixes coming from both kinds of bottles.  However some people, like me, prefer glass.           

:o)

Read full history - Coquito for the holidays

Love the face

I am so ridiculously in love with this little boy. No matter how tough a day may seem, just looking at his face makes it all seem worth it. How can I stay mad at a face so precious as that? How do I keep myself from melting or giving in to all his demands?

I never knew that motherhood was this emotional, with this overwhelming feeling of love, this enormous amount of love that makes you feel complete. Even though I have never even heard him say "I love you" somehow I know and feel that he does. This is true love in the simplest yet complex form.

Read full history - Love the face

ABC by mom

Soooo....

I was messing around with a few programs and this is what I created. Its silly and kind of boring but it's the beginning of me using technology to help my baby boy figure out the world.

Read full history - ABC by mom

Nikki Minaj

This is Nikki Minaj

I have to say it.. Nikki Minaj is to me, what baggy jeans and hip hop were to my parents... Absolute nonsense...  (chuckles)

It makes me feel weird how people find this "BARBIE" chik amazing.

TO ME... There's nothing amazing about someone who took rap and remixed nursery rhymes.  Sure her sound is catchy but come on, give me a break!  She's made the hip hop game a children's riddle, why don't these youngin's see it?   Its as if Taylor Swift made an E,I,E,I,O country song... Get what I'm saying.

Listen "Nikki Minaj" leave the nursery rhymes at the daycare. I don't care about the itty bitty piggies in the market.  Dungen dragons were cool and all, but seriously? It upsets me that your songs are so catchy, and although I hate em, I end up singing along to your nonsense. Stop confusing the youngin's, if your making up something new, call it that.. Don't mix your work with rap or hip hop.  Maybe your doing Chip Chop... calling yourself a BARBIE! HAHAHA! Of course the younger generations think your hott cause really, no real rap chik is signing on, going commercial and sellin' out like her.  



I mean seriously, what was P. Diddy thinking?

Oh! I know- he saw dollar signs, and thought, let's commercialize this. Let me arrange some featuring with the top names in the game, Let's style her so that she reminds the fans of the female rappers of the 20th century, causes a controversy. She's not LADY GAGA, and even that's a clever name when compared with the Minaj. Diddy, listen to me for a second - you cant compare or confuse or blend 21st century rap with 20th century rap. That's like mixing disco and rap. There's a whole underground going on, full of talented people who won't sell out and sign with record labels because they know there's politics to it. They are going to have to change their flow, their style. Rap is deep, deeper than silly nursery rhyme metaphors. Leave that to lil MS WILLOW .. You heard NIKKI..

My support goes to the one and only, Lil Kim

Read full history - Nikki Minaj

Baby laugh

Welcome to the best baby laugh contest!

This is a pretty simple and straight forward contest.

Here's what you do:

1. Record a video or audio of your baby or any baby laughing.

2. Submit the content.  

(I suggest uploading to youtube and then leaving the link as a comment.)

3. Let people know so that they can support you and vote for your entry.

Here's what I do:

Once the entries are in, I will ask for votes and then I will announce the winner. 

Pass it on and get others involved.  

Let's hear it!                          Best baby laugh

Read full history - Baby laugh

Eek! I'm worried.

My toddler hasn't been able to eat carrots, sweet potatoes or anything orangy for almost 3 weeks now and since then, I noticed he has been very picky.  I'm seriously about to start sticking food in the blender and making it soupy because if there is any texture to it, he spits it out and plays.  He takes about a half hour or more of insisted self feeding until he realizes he's still hungry and now tired of fooling around.  

"Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" he screams at me, kicks his tray and slams his hands on it repeatedly.  I try to feed him and he shakes his head - NO!  Slaps the food off the spoon and sometimes is fast enough to slap the spoon off my hand.  The only way to calm him down is to immediately follow up with the bottle.   Talk about bossy!!!    

I've started adding rice cereal to his greens and today I got away with adding cooked ground meat to the rice and greens without him bothering to do his spit and examine routine.  I also mix his milk as a shake often adding banana or apples and even chocolate and rice cereal for a tasty and hearty shake.

Read full history - Eek! I'm worried.

Potty Training?

Imagine potty training this 13 month old. Is it really possible? Or are we fooling ourselves as parents?

So, I am a member of this group called Circle of Moms and the topic of this week was potty training at 13-14 months. Are you thinking what I am thinking? Are they nutts?

They mention something about EC (elimination communication) which is how infants or toddlers communicate to you that they are ready to go. What cracked me up about this EC method was how other mother, who have tried it, say it is done. For example, one mother said when she sees the signs of her baby going poop she removes the diaper and places the baby on the potty, so that they make the connection. Are you kidding me? Why not wait for the child to be able to tell you or at least point out that they need to poop or pee.
Personally, my opinion is that I don't understand what the rush is all about. Maybe diapers are too expensive to dirty. Who knows right? But am I crazy or old fashioned that I don't see the logic in EC???

Read full history - Potty Training?

Activities

He knows where home is. 

Our favorite activities include taking walks to the store, every day.  He passes by a variety store, where he is the star.  Then by the Chinese restaurant,  where they always give him a fortune cookie.  Of course, I don't let him eat it but it's cute that they always give him one when he passes though to see them.  We have a dog, but he lives around the corner with 3 other dog and a really nice family.  So when it's nice out we pass by there too.  But if we come home without passing by the train tracks, he throws a fit at the front door.  It's soo cute.  We also take trips to the library, but no one really pays us much mind there.  We go in, look at the people, I pick up a book and usually he tries to take it from me, so before he gets all rowdy, we go.

At home, he has a room where he can make a big mess of all his toys.   He usually gets an hour of alone time there.  When that hour is up, and I'm done with my house chores, we play together.  My favorite is when I ask him to give me things.  Many times he doesn't but once in a while he does.  He has a few favorite TV shows which include, Yo Gabba Gabba, Olivia, Oobies, and the Upside Down Show.  I can  dig all of them except the Upside Down Show, it's just too weird for me.  You know, those two grown men, but they are admittedly silly.

There's a learn and play teddy which sings songs like, ABC's and Head Shoulders.  He's really into head shoulders but still not sure how to coordinate his hands.  He loves clap time.  He actually learned to clap at 13 months.  I thought that was a little late but as they say, better late than never!  

Read full history - Activities

Umpa Lumpa

So, it is totally possible to have an "umpa lumpa" toddler. 

My son loves carrots and sweet potatoes and because he does, he has some everyday.  Little did I know that by not eating peas or green beans, there would be an effect on his skin color.  At his one year check up, the first words out of the doctor's mouth was, "Does your son eat alot of carrots?"  I was shocked that she knew he liked carrots and at that same instant I wondered if it was his shiny black hair or stature that gave it away.   So, I replied, "Yes.  Why do you ask?"  To my surprise, her response was that she noticed his skin looked a bit yellow or orangy.  Then she opened his palm to point out where there too we observed the orangy tone to his skin.  

To make a long story short, she ordered some blood tests but assured me that it was probably the food because his eyes and lips were of normal color.  In other words, if the whites of his eyes were yellow or his lips and gums were discolored, then there is something to be alarmed about -one such problem is called bilirubin.  I am still waiting on the results of the test and I really do hope and pray it was the food.  

But who would have thought, that carrots and sweet potatoes could actually turn your skin tone to an orangy yellow????  I think I've found a way to keep my tan all year round.  

Updated: So, I went back and found out that his blood test results were normal. It really was the carrots and sweet potatoes. She said it will take some time for his skin to return to normal color. She also said, "Tomatoes are good!"

Read full history - Umpa Lumpa

Ever hear of Listeria?

You can get very sick from some ready-to-eat foods if you wait too long to eat them. The sickness is called Listeriosis. A germ called Listeria causes it. It's unusual because it can grow at refrigerator temperatures where most other food borne bacteria do not. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Only heat can kill it, but if heated food cools, listeria may grow again.

You should avoid some foods and take special care with others to prevent listeriosis

Who’s at risk?
• Pregnant women and their unborn babies
• Older adults
• People with cancer, AIDS, and other diseases that weaken the immune systems.

How can I reduce my risk?
• Keep your fridge set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit/4 degrees Celsius or colder.
• Use precooked and ready-to-eat foods as soon as you can.

Danger: Avoid These Foods
All pregnant women and others at risk should not eat certain foods.
• Don’t eat soft cheeses:
– Mexican-style soft cheeses including: queso blanco, queso fresco, queso de hoja, queso de crema and asadero
– feta, brie, Camembert, blue cheese, and Roquefort
– cheeses made from raw milk.
You don’t have to cut all cheeses from your diet. Cheese can be a good source of protein, vitamins, and calcium when you are pregnant.

• These cheeses are safe to eat:
hard cheeses (such as cheddar and Swiss); semi-soft cheeses such as mozzarella, pasteurized processed cheeses such as slices and spreads, cream cheese, and cottage cheese.

• Don’t eat refrigerated smoked seafoodright from the package:
- like salmon, trout, whitefish, cod, tuna, or mackerel. They might be called “nova-style,” “lox,” “kippered,” “smoked,” or “jerky.” It is safe to eat smoked seafood if it is cooked in its dish, like a casserole.
- Canned seafood is safe. Examples are canned salmon or tuna in a pouch.

• Don’t eat refrigerated pâtés or meat spreads. Canned meat spreads and pâtés are safe.

• Don’t eat raw (unpasteurized) milk or foods that contain raw milk.

Be careful with these foods:

• Ready-to-eat foods: Hot dogs, cold cuts, lunchmeats, deli counter meats, and other ready-to-eat foods. Eat these foods only if they’re reheated until steaming hot. Even cured meats such as salami must be heated.
• Meats and seafood: Cook these all the way through. Stay away from rare meat and seafood.
• Leftovers: Reheat all until steaming hot.
• Fruits and vegetables: Listeria can grow on some fruits and vegetables. Do not buy sliced melon. Wash all fruits and vegetables with water. Scrub hard produce such as cucumbers and melons with a clean produce brush.

How can I keep my kitchen safe?
• When you buy pre-cooked or ready-to-eat foods that go in the fridge, use them as soon as you can.
• Clean your fridge often.
• Make sure that the refrigerator always stays at 40 degrees Fahrenheit/4 degrees Celsius or colder. Use a refrigerator thermometer.
• Read labels. Follow instructions on foods that must be kept in the fridge or have a “use by” date.
• Wash your hands with warm soapy water after you touch raw foods. Wash any knives or other tools you used with hot, soapy water before you use them again.

You can get sick from two to 30 days after you eat food. Pregnant women can start early labor if the infection spreads to the unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you get any of these symptoms:
• fever and chills
• headache
• upset stomach
• throwing up

Check out www.fda.gov/food for more information.

Read full history - Ever hear of Listeria?

First year, food and baby.

Before the baby, I seriously thought that they (all babies) drink milk up until they are two or three.  Call me ignorant but didn't really think that after their 1st birthday, feeding time would be a heck of a lot different.  Nonetheless, I got it together and figured out a few things when it comes to my baby and nutrition.  I wanted to make sure my son was being fed the right way and that's why I did some research.  In a nutshell, I've figured out that calcium can come from a number of other sources besides milk.  For example tofu, kidney beans, broccoli, whole wheeat bread, canned salmon, sweet potatoes and fortified orange juice are all excellent sources of calcium.  Another vitamin, Iron can come from dried beans, winter squash, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, egg yolk, meat, poultry, and grains (farina and cereals).

Today, he still drinks from a bottle at 13 months.  I've tried the sippy cup and the regular cup but he's very picky about having his bottle.

Here is an example of a day's worth 

of eating for a 1 year old.

  For breakfast I prepare 4oz of milk, a quarter cup of farina and half a banana.  The banana is the messiest part of breakfast time because I let him do it alone.  

At snack time, he gets another 4oz of milk, a boiled egg and a few graham crackers.  

Lunch comes complete with another 4oz of milk, half of a cheese sandwich, a quarter cup of peas and a half of a peach. 

Afternoon snack is usually a 4oz cup of juice, and half a cup of dried cereal.  

Dinner time is definitely chow time with another 4oz of milk, a chicken leg, a quarter cup of rice, a quarter cup of carrots, and a cup of ice cream to top it all off.

Read full history - First year, food and baby.

Qondio Review

Content is Power.

Qondio is a site where you can add your own "intel" something similar to a squidoo lens, however, with Qondio you can earn backlinks to your website or blog.   

As you know, these links are what help give a site some importance, especially when they are of high quality.  

This has worked for me and it is unfortunate that I ran into a blog, by some guy names James Colin, which calls Qondio a "low-level scam".  I hate to even link to his post but here it is for those of you looking to read his gossip http://blog-money-wiki.com/blog/2010/10/qondio-is-a-low-level-scam.php.   And what is ironic is that when you comment on his blog, it has to wait for moderation from Mr. Colin.  Low-level, huh?  What's low level, the fact that they are only charging $5?  Mr. Colin, when the web world wakes up people like you who blog about sites gaining traffic in order to gain some yourself (SEO) give the real SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION PROFESSIONALS a bad rap!  


Wouldn't it be ironic of James Colin is actually a member and is only discouraging others from Qondio so he can reap the benefits of his marketing agenda.  James, keep it real - you blog to make money from people who ran into your blog as a result of your SEO tweaking- not because you are an authority and I can see that you definately do not blog to give real advice and tips from experience.  You're something like the News - making your blog seem important when in reality, it's far from all that and a bag of chips. 

Add content, gain back links & meet intersting people.. 

Just click here to visit and see for yourself.  Qondio 

======================================================================
Hey Mr. James Colin why don't you and anyone else who needs to learn more about online karma, SEO, and online marketing take a minute to visit the Free Industry resource center .   Browse the selection of 600+ complimentary Industry magazines, white papers, webinars, podcasts, and more available to professionals such as yourself.   Don't worry, no credit cards, coupons, or promo codes required.

Try it today!

Read full history - Qondio Review

Pregnancy and Medicine

I have come to realize that, for the most part, you still can use many medicines when you are pregnant or nursing.  In my opinion, it's best to avoid anything that isn't natural.  That's just my opinion!  In my experience, due to a wisdom tooth growing the wrong way, I used tylenol for almost a month as a pain killer, with the o.k. from my doctor.  Then, during the 7th month of my pregnancy, I was referred for oral surgery to have it removed so that I would have no more pain and thus, no need for tylenol. So the main idea to remember is talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about keeping you and your baby safe but here is some advice.

Know the facts
• If you’re not pregnant yet, you can
help your chances for having a
healthy baby by planning ahead.
You can make choices about
which medicines to use before you
get pregnant. Always talk to your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist first!
It’s very important that you keep
getting treatment for any health
problems.
• Your heart and kidneys work
harder when you are pregnant.
This makes some medicines pass
through your body faster than
usual. Your doctor might need to
give you a higher dose of your
medicines or make you take them
more often.
• Some drugs can harm your baby
during different stages of your
pregnancy. At these times, your
doctor might tell you to stop
taking your regular medicine until
it is safe to go back on it. Your
doctor may put you on a different
medicine that is safer for your
baby.

Read the label and ask questions
• The law says that all drug labels
must list the risks for women
who are pregnant or trying to get
pregnant.
• Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist
can help you choose the
medicines that are right for you.



Don’t take:
Aspirin
• Don’t take aspirin during the last
three months of your pregnancy,
unless your doctor tells you to.
Aspirin can cause problems for
your baby or cause problems
when you are in labor.
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
• Like aspirin, it may cause
problems during the last three
months of pregnancy and when
you are in labor.
Products like herbs, minerals,
amino acids
• No one is sure if these are safe for
pregnant women, so it’s best not
to use them. Even some “natural”
products may not be good for
women who are pregnant or
nursing.

 Vitamins
Women who are pregnant should
not take regular vitamins. They
can contain doses that are too
high.
• Ask about special vitamins for
pregnant women that can help
keep you and your baby healthy.

To report a problem Contact the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
Website: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/
Phone: 1-888-463-6332

These websites can tell you more about the risks of certain drugs before, during, and after pregnancy:
FDA Pregnancy Registries
http://www.fda.gov/womens/registries/default.htm
The Safe Motherhood Initiative
http://www.safemotherhood.org

Read full history - Pregnancy and Medicine

Fall is here..

Its autumn! What a huge difference in temperature from the heat wave of a summer we experienced this year. As for me, I like the heat, so I kinda miss it. The cold that the fall and winter bring, give me dry skin (so I use Johnson's Body Care, Deep Hydrating Extra Dry Skin Lotion), not to mention a pale complexion and a really good reason to stay home.


Anyway, fall! There's plenty of that going on in my world now-a-days and plenty of demands to add to the stress associated with the falling. Now that the baby is a toddler, he loves walking about. In fact, his personality is really beginning to shine. He's a smart and tough kid. It takes him one to two shots at learning a lesson on his own. I've watched as he flung a toy around, hit himself with it and learn- 'ok, that hurt. I shouldn't do that'. Just the other day, I left him playing in his room while I went to use the bathroom. Of course, as our luck would have it, he bumped his head and was screaming. I ran to him & I asked what happened while I searched for a red spot, bump, or something. He was screaming but I didn't see any marks on his face, arms, legs, back, or head. So I set him down and the moment I did that, he stopped crying. Completely! Classic example of how they weren't playing when they said, "children do not come with manuals."


He is very confident & he knows what he wants. If he doesn't want to be in the 5 In 1 Convertible Crib, or hi-chair, I'll know. If he doesn't want me to lock the gate in his room, I'll know about that too. If he wants to touch something, he will go for it. If I say no, he will try it anyway - over and over and over again. When he's full, he'll push the spoon, bottle or food on his tray to the side and shake his head. His way of saying, no more mom. Well, sheesh, you're only 12 months buddy. Take it easy! But I really love how when I say, "come here and kiss me" and he does. So for every tantrum that he throws or mess that he makes, just knowing I created him and also being with him day in and out (which although can be quite overwhelming at times) makes not having a manual, meaningful.


I belong to that group of moms that are dedicated to being with their child, out of necessity. I sometimes wish I had the luxury of family nearby, who could pick him up, spend time with him and also give me some time to either rest or peacefully complete chores. When I find myself wishing for that, I take a look at how I'm doing and end up patting myself on the back for a job well done so far! I don't go out with the girls, or my hunny for drinks but I sing, dance, cook, clean and devote my undivided attention to them.

Read full history - Fall is here..

We made it through our first year, together.

 

My baby will soon be turning 1. I am so proud that we made it through this first year in one piece. Here are 12 random things I've learned over the past 12 months.

1. It really doesn't matter whether the formula is Enfamil, Similac or Good Start, if you are not breast feeding and are using formula, you can go with a doctor recommended brand or any brand you like. (Notice the word is brand in bold?  That's because the only difference between them is that - the brand.  But if your baby is allergic to this kind of  cow milk formula and needs a special diet like soy milk formula then none of these brands will work for your child.) When I first brought my baby home and the breastfeeding was giving us trouble, I went to Walgreens and felt so confused when I saw all the brands. I thought there was a specific one and I didn't know what that was so I felt stuck, I felt dumb and I almost panicked. Eventually, I realized it didn't matter. Not that day though.

2. For me, it is more comfortable to have the bassinet/crib, in our bedroom. It helps me feel secure.

3. I must always stand up for, speak for and protect my child. I can tell people not to kiss, hold, grab, pull, bite, swing around my baby and keep my baby away from shady people without feeling bad about it.

4. I carried my child to sleep for the first 4 months of his life, thereafter, he decided it was easier for him to fall asleep on his own in the crib. (Which surprised me but I was very thankful for) I didn't buy into the advice of don't always carry your baby & it's ok to let him cry for long periods of time. I did the total opposite. I didn't and still don't like the sound of my baby crying.

5. The one time I had to let my child cry for more than two minutes, (b/c I was cleaning a mess and then had to prepare his bottle) I was relieved when he didn't actually "blow up" as I had previously feared. There was just a bunch of boogies covering his upper lip and mouth. It was actually cute.

6. Rice cereal mixed with the formula and baby food is a time and headache saver. Since he was about 4 months, every single bottle had rice cereal added. When spoon feeding became a challenge, baby food mixed in there worked way better than having him slap the spoon out of my hand or spit out what just went in.

7. I am the best toy available to my child. I have tickled him so much that one of his favorite words, so far, is "tickle".

8. Aside from tummy time, I feel that babies do not need to be propped up to sit or walk. As their bodies grow and they become stronger, they will do it entirely on their own. I gave my child tummy time on our bed from 2 to 4 months but once the baby started rolling over, I left him in his crib to practice. Soon enough, at about 5 months, he would sit up on his own and eventually at 7 months, he started standing up and at 8 months, would walk around the crib. Then one day, I caught him! Not holding on to the railing!!! I placed him on the floor and off he went, WALKING, @ 10 months.

9. It is very important to be careful of your language around babies, the really do pick up on the sounds your most frequently used words. That's why when we are alone, I read to him. This way, I have something fun to chat about.

10. When around children that are the same age, they get ideas from each other and germs, so be ready & be proactive.

11. Its better to wake the baby up if they take a nap too late in the day than to let them sleep and consequently, keep you up the whole night.

12. As a stay at home mom, I have had a year of sacrificing a great deal when it comes to me. I see that some moms quickly claim "me time" & feel comfortable leaving their child with a sitter or family member. I feel as though my child is safest with me and when it comes to sacrifices, the way I see it especially after a year, is that they grow up fast and with so many milestones to look forward to, the sacrifices aren't really sacrifices..

Read full history - We made it through our first year, together.

Talking Babies

Babies love hearing your voice. When you answer your child's sounds with sounds of your own, she learns that what she "says" has meaning and is important to you.

What to Do

• Talk to your baby often. Answer her coos, gurgles, and smiles. Talk, touch, and smile back. Get her to look at you.
• Play simple talking and touching games with your baby. Ask, "Where's your nose?" Then touch her nose and say playfully, "There's your nose!" Do this several times, then switch to an ear or knee or tummy. Stop when she (or you) grows tired of the game.
• Change the game by touching the nose or ear and repeating the word for it several times. Do this with objects, too. When she hears you name something over and over again, your child begins to connect the sound with what it means.
• Do things that interest your baby. Vary your tone of voice, make funny faces, sing lullabies, and recite simple nursery rhymes. Play "peek-a-boo" and "pat-a-cake" with her.

Read full history - Talking Babies

Touchy Subject

Family

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I found this.. It's nice..




Sexual Feelings During Sexual Abuse by Kali Munro, M.Ed., Psychotherapist, 2004
Many sexual abuse survivors have trouble dealing with the fact that their body was sexually stimulated and felt aroused during the abuse. They may feel guilty and ashamed that they responded to the stimulation, and confused about why they did.
Feeling aroused during abuse is not an issue for every survivor. Some survivors never felt any kind of sexual arousal during the abuse. Others felt some sexual arousal, but readily accept that it didn't mean anything more than an automatic reflex response to touch. Still others experienced some pleasurable feelings in their bodies during the abuse, but because those feelings were overshadowed by the pain of the abuse, it isn't an issue for them either.
However, there are many survivors who are deeply affected by their bodies' natural responses. Some agonize over how their bodies responded to the stimulation; they experienced the sexual arousal as a humiliation, and believe it reflects negatively on them that their body responded at all. They perceive their body's response as a betrayal, with the abuser "winning," and they hate their bodies for it. This is compounded by the fact some abusers deliberately try to force a victim to have an orgasm so that the survivor will mistakenly believe that they wanted or enjoyed the abuse.
Other survivors enjoyed some of the bodily sensations that came from the stimulation, but feel guilty, ashamed, and/or secretive about that fact because they believe - or fear - that it means there is something wrong with them because they're "not supposed" to feel that way in the context of abuse. These survivors often keep their experience a secret for fear that no one will understand how they could have liked some parts of it.
Some gay survivors remark that it was only during sexual abuse that they became aware of the possibility of same-sex sexual activity, and while they know that what they experienced was abuse, they learned something about their sexuality, and may have liked some of the stimulation. It is very concerning that some gay youth only learn about same-sex sex in the context of abuse!
In all cases, if a survivor found some of the stimulation during the abuse pleasurable, it does not mean that it was not abuse, that they weren't hurt by it, that it wasn't serious, or that it had less impact. Abuse is abuse, regardless of how the victim's body responded. Further, for boys, achieving an erection does not necessarily mean that they are aroused; boys can have erections when they are afraid.

Why is this issue rarely addressed?
The impact of having been sexually stimulated or aroused during abuse is rarely addressed, and when it is it is given minimal attention. One reason why this is such a neglected subject is that we live in a culture that is uncomfortable with the thought that children can have sexual feelings at all, let alone during abuse. Many people like to think that children are asexual, and believe that those who suggest otherwise are sexual perverts. To further suggest that children who are sexually abused might experience some sexual arousal is to risk being viewed as promoting sexual abuse, or at very least minimizing it. But how are we to help survivors deal with this issue unless we are prepared to talk about it while not minimizing the abuse?
Just as it is shocking for many people to think that sexual abuse could lead a child to feel aroused or to feel pleasure in their body, it is equally, or perhaps more shocking, to survivors themselves to acknowledge this. Many survivors suffer about this issue in silence, wondering if their body's feelings and reactions meant that they liked, wanted, caused, or encouraged the abuse, or worse, made them as bad as the abuser.
I understand not wanting to talk about this issue for fear that it will fuel the argument that "sexual abuse isn't so bad because some kids like it" - a false argument which is used to minimize the impact of abuse. But by acknowledging that some children feel aroused reduces the emotional charge, or stigma, associated with it, and helps survivors to heal.
Feeling sexual arousal in the context of abuse does not mean that the abuse was okay, nor that the abuse did not negatively effect the victim. A parallel argument can be made that if the love of your life suddenly dies, and you receive tens of thousands of dollars from life insurance, money that you desperately need, this doesn't mean that you like the fact that your partner died or that you're not suffering from that loss. Liking that you have money to support you, or needing that money, does not change the basic fact of what happened, or how devastated you feel at the loss of your lover.

Children can feel sexual feelings
Given that children can feeling sexual feelings and can be sexual stimulated during abuse, it's understandable that some children like the feelings of sexual arousal that can happen during abuse, however, that does not mean that they enjoy the abuse nor want to be abused or stimulated in that manner; they enjoyed their body's natural reactions and sensations, and perhaps some aspects of how the perpetrator treated them. If the abuser gave them attention or was kind to them, that may have felt enjoyable too. It's also understandable if that child, later as an adult, feels upset if someone tells them that they couldn't have enjoyed any part of it because it was abuse. How does the adult survivor reconcile the reality that her/his body did feel sexual when they "weren't supposed" to? They feeling guilty and ashamed. On the other hand, it's also understandable if that adult survivor feels upset about her/his body having felt aroused since it occurred in the context of abuse.

How to deal with this issue
If you are a survivor and your body responded to the sexual stimulation during the abuse, it's important to find positive ways to reconcile that reality within yourself without concluding that you are "sick" or "bad," or that your body is. The first step is to acknowledge to yourself how your body felt, and later to a supportive and understanding person. Try to do this without judgement, but if you can't, simply telling yourself and someone else (who is non-judgemental) how you felt will help reduce some of the guilt, shame, isolation, and secrecy.
If you feel judgemental about yourself, remember that feelings are simply feelings, nothing more. They are not facts or statements; they do not say anything about you or anyone else, other than you are a fully feeling human being. It's normal to experience a range of feelings during abuse, and one of those feelings may be sexual. It might help to remember the other feelings you felt during or after the abuse, because you did not simply feel sexual feelings, but you also probably felt betrayal, sadness, fear, confusion, and hurt, even if you didn't realize that until you were much older.
There are different ways of thinking about this issue, and survivors have come up with different ways of dealing with it. Some survivors conclude that the arousal they experienced was a physiological reaction that had nothing to do with the perpetrator, and everything to do with their own body's natural responses. That is true. Others conclude that while there was some element of arousal that arose from the physical stimulation, the relationship with the perpetrator was important, and contributed to how they felt - for instance, they liked/loved the perpetrator, had a friendly relationship with her/him, felt taken care of during the abuse, and this led to feeling pleasure. They let go of their guilt or confusion by acknowledging that they felt a draw to the relationship out of their emotional needs, vulnerability, and/or neglect, and by recognizing that it was okay that they felt and responded that way.
Some survivors take the position that regardless of how they learned what they learned about their body and their sexuality (what they enjoy sexually, how to have an orgasm, that they are attracted to the same sex, etc.), they like what they know about their body and intend to enjoy it without guilt, because this knowledge is about them and their body, not the perpetrator. Even if they learned some of those things from what the perpetrator did, that doesn't mean that the perpetrator "owns" those things. They are the only ones who can own their body's responses and sexuality.
Some survivors find that they are able to accept their feelings of physical arousal, without judgement when they feel compassion for themselves, and other survivors include feeling compassion for their abusers. Their compassion helps them to let go of judgement, and to see themselves as the innocent children they were.
Some survivors find that feeling shame about having sexual feelings prevents them from fully processing their memories. As soon as they remember and feel sexual feelings, they distance themselves from the memory and can't go any further with it. They're stuck there, unable to release their emotions or fully process the memory. When they released some shame and could think about the whole incident(s) by writing the memory out or telling someone their story, they were able to step back and see the situation with a new perspective and understanding. That process helped them to accept what happened and feel at peace with themselves.
How you feel about having sexual feelings during the abuse (as well as when you remember the abuse and/or read about sexual abuse) has a direct impact on how you view the abuse and yourself, and what you think about the abuse affects how you feel, which is why it's important to work on releasing feelings and critiquing what you think. Some survivors need to think a lot about it first, and others need to feel their feelings first. If you're stuck in one mode, try the other mode. For example if you're stuck in the thinking mode, let yourself feel what you felt - then and now - without judgement. Your feelings will pass, in time, and that alone will help you to think about yourself with more objectivity and less judgement.

The abuser is responsible for the abuse, regardless of how you felt
No matter how you felt during the abuse or feel now, you are not responsible for the abuse. Even if you felt some pleasure or enjoyment; or you wanted some aspects to continue; or you were sexually attracted to the abuser; or you sought the abuser out, the abuser is always responsible for the abuse and not the child. Think about it this way: if a child sought you out for sexual stimulation, would you do it?
You are not to blame for what the abuser did, and you and your body are completely separate from the abuser. Even if it doesn't feel that way, it's still true. It doesn't matter what your body did or didn't do; you and your body were simply coping as best you could given the circumstances (which might have included a larger context of neglect and/or other forms of abuse and dysfunction too).
It helps to heal by acknowledging how you truly felt and how your body responded, to think about positive ways of interpreting those responses, to not judge yourself, to place the responsibility for the abuse on the abuser, and to view your body separately from the abuse and the abuse. Other things you can do to feel more comfortable with your body and sex include: being gentle with your body; holding and massaging emotionally charged areas with your hand and having a partner hold and massage the area as well (this will help the area to let go of some of the emotional charge - the feelings associated with the abuse); gently stroking any area of your body that defends, tightens, numbs, or otherwise reacts to sexual touch; taking sex slowly and stopping when you need to; breathing; laughing; and having fun with sex, touch, and holding. You are meant to - and can - enjoy your body and all of its beautiful sensations during sex.

It's possible to heal Experiencing sexual feelings during abuse is not something anyone should have to feel guilty about. Children feel what they feel during abuse, including sexual feelings, and there is nothing wrong with that. For some survivors the fact that they felt sexually aroused in an abuse context is embarrassing or shameful to admit but the more survivors - in fact, all of us - talk about this issue, the easier and less shameful it becomes. When we talk openly about something, we take away its power or emotional charge. Survivors reduce the emotional charge, connected to this issue, by talking/writing/drawing about it; not listening to anyone who tells them how they "should" feel; acknowledging and accepting how they felt and feel; recognizing that none of their feelings make them crazy or bad, or like the abuser; and by fostering compassion and understanding for themselves and their body. It's possible to feel better about this issue - one tiny step at a time.

Kali Munro, © 2004
Edited by Cheryl Rainfield
All rights reserved.
If you would like to reprint this article on your website, you may, providing you print it in its entirety, credit me, and give a link to my site - www.KaliMunro.com - I'd love to know, too!
 

Read full history - Touchy Subject

Your child can learn to read too!

Every step a child takes toward learning to read leads to another. Bit by bit, the child builds the knowledge that is necessary for being a reader. Over their first 6 years, most children

• Talk and listen.
• Listen to stories read aloud.
• Pretend to read.
• Learn how to handle books.
• Learn about print and how it works.
• Identify letters by name and shape.
• Identify separate sounds in spoken language.
• Write with scribbles and drawing.
• Connect single letters with the sounds they make.
• Connect what they already know to what they hear read.
• Predict what comes next in stories and poems.
• Connect combinations of letters with sounds.
• Recognize simple words in print.
• Sum up what a story is about.
• Write individual letters of the alphabet.
• Write words.
• Write simple sentences.
• Read simple books.
• Write to communicate.
• Read simple books.

Children can take more than one of these steps at the same time. This list of steps, though, gives you a general idea of how your child will progress toward reading.

Talking and Listening
Scientists who study the brain have found out a great deal about how we learn. They have discovered that babies learn much more from the sights and sounds around them than we thought previously. You can help your baby by taking advantage of her hunger to learn.

	Hearing you talk is your baby's very first step toward becoming a reader, because it helps her to love language and to learn words.

From the very beginning, babies try to imitate the sounds that they hear us make. They "read" the looks on our faces and our movements. That's why it is so important to talk, sing, smile, and gesture to your child. Hearing you talk is your baby's very first step toward becoming a reader, because it helps her to love language and to learn words.

As your child grows older, continue talking with her. Ask her about the things she does. Ask her about the events and people in the stories you read together. Let her know you are listening carefully to what she says. By engaging her in talking and listening, you are also encouraging your child to think as she speaks. In addition, you are showing that you respect her knowledge and her ability to keep learning.

read to your child

Reading Together
Imagine sitting your baby in your lap and reading a book to him for the first time. How different from just talking! Now you're showing him pictures. You point to them. In a lively way, you explain what the pictures are. You've just helped you child take the next step beyond talking. You've shown him that words and pictures connect. And you've started him on his way to understanding and enjoying books. While your child is still a baby, reading aloud to him should become part of your daily routine. Pick a quiet time, such as just before you put him to bed. This will give him a chance to rest between play and sleep. If you can, read with him in your lap or snuggled next to you so that he feels close and safe. As he gets older, he may need to move around some as you read to him. If he gets tired or restless, stop reading. Make reading aloud a quiet and comfortable time that your child looks forward to. Chances are very good that he will like reading all the more because of it.
Try to spend at least 30 minutes each day reading to and with your child. At first, read for no more than a few minutes at a time, several times a day. As your child grows older, you should be able to tell if he wants you to read for longer periods. Don't be discouraged if you have to skip a day or don't always keep to your schedule. Just get back to your daily routine as soon as you can. Most of all, make sure that reading stays fun for both of you!


What Does It Mean?
From the earliest days, talk with your child about what you are reading. You might point to pictures and name what is in them. When he is ready, have him do the same. Ask him, for example, if he can find the little mouse in the picture, or do whatever is fun and right for the book. Later on, as you read stories, read slowly and stop now and then to think aloud about what you've read. From the time your child is able to talk, ask him such questions about the story as, "What do you think will happen next?" or "Do you know what a palace is?" Answer his questions and, if you think he doesn't understand something, stop and talk more about what he asked. Don't worry if you occasionally break the flow of a story to make clear something that is important. However, don't stop so often that the child loses track of what is happening in the story.

Look for Books!
The books that you pick to read with your child are very important. If you aren't sure of what books are right for your child, ask a librarian to help you choose titles.

Introduce your child to books when she is a baby. Let her hold and play with books made just for babies: board books with study cardboard covers and thick pages; cloth books that are soft and washable, touch-and-feel books, or lift-the-flap books that contain surprises for your baby to discover. Choose books with covers that have big, simple pictures of things that she sees every day. Don't be upset if at first your child chews or throws a book. Be patient. Cuddling with the child as you point to and talk with great excitement about the book's pictures will soon capture her interest. When your baby becomes a toddler, she will enjoy helping to choose books for you to read to her.

As your child grows into a preschooler and kindergartner, the two of you can look for books that have longer stories and more words on the pages. Also look for books that have repeating words and phrases that she can begin to read or recognize when she sees them. By early first grade, add to this mix some books designed for beginning readers, including some books that have chapters and some books that show photographs and provide true information rather than make-believe stories.

	Choose books with covers that have big, simple pictures of things that she sees every day.

Keep in mind that young children most often enjoy books about people, places, and things that are like those they know. The books can be about where you live or about parts of your culture, such as your religion, your holidays, or the way that you dress. If your child has special interests, such as dinosaurs or ballerinas, look for books about those interests.

From your child's toddler years through early first grade, you also should look for books of poems and rhymes. Remember when your baby heard your talking sounds and tried to imitate them? Rhymes are an extension of that language skill. By hearing and saying rhymes, along with repeated words and phrases, your child learns about spoken sounds and about words. Rhymes also spark a child's excitement about what comes next, which adds fun and adventure to reading.


Show Your Child That You Read
When you take your child to the library, check out a book for yourself. Then set a good example by letting your child see you reading for yourself. Ask your child to get one of her books and sit with you as you read your book, magazine, or newspaper. Don't worry if you feel uncomfortable with your own reading ability. It's the reading that counts. When your child sees that reading is important to you, she may decide that it is important to her, too.


Learning about Print and Books
Reading together is a perfect time to help a late toddler or early preschooler learn what print is. As you read aloud, stop now and then and point to letters and words; then point to the pictures they stand for. Your child will begin to understand that the letters form words and that words name pictures. He will also start to learn that each letter has its own sound—one of the most important things your child can know when learning to read.

By the time children are 4, most have begun to understand that printed words have meaning. By age 5, most will begin to know that not just the story but the printed words themselves go from left to right. Many children will even start to identify some capital and small letters and simple words.

In late kindergarten or early first grade, your child may want to read on his own. Let him! But be sure that he wants to do it. Reading should be something he is proud of and eager to do and not a lesson.


How Does a Book Work?
Children are fascinated by how books look and feel. They see how easily you handle and read books, and they want to do the same. When your toddler watches you handle books, she begins to learn that a book is for reading, not tearing or tossing around. Before she is 3, she may even pick one up and pretend to read, an important sign that she is beginning to know what a book is for. As your child becomes a preschooler, she is learning that

	When your toddler watches you handle books, she begins to learn that a book is for reading.

• A book has a front cover.
• A book has a beginning and an end.
• A book has pages.
• A page in a book has a top and a bottom.
• You turn pages one at a time to follow the story.
• You read a story from left to right of a page.

As you read with your 4- or 5-year-old, begin to remind her about these things. Read the title on the cover. Talk about the picture on the cover. Point to the place where the story starts and, later, where it ends. Let your child help turn the pages. When you start a new page, point to where the words of the story continue and keep following the words by moving your finger beneath them. It takes time for a child to learn these things, but when your child does learn them, she has solved some of reading's mysteries.


Early Efforts To Write
 Writing and reading go hand in hand. As your child is learning one, he is learning the other. You can do certain things to make sure that he gets every opportunity to practice both. When he is about 2 years old, for example, give your child crayons and paper and encourage him to draw and scribble. He will have fun choosing which colors to use and which shapes to make. As he holds and moves the crayons, he will also develop muscle control. When he is a late toddler or early preschooler, he will become as eager to write as he is to read.
Your preschool child's scribbles or drawings are his first writing. He will soon begin to write the alphabet letters. Writing the letters helps your child learn about their different sounds. His very early learning about letters and sounds gives him ideas about how to begin spelling words. When he begins writing words, don't worry that he doesn't spell them correctly. Instead, praise him for his efforts! In fact, if you look closely, you'll see that he's made a pretty good try at spelling a word for the first time. Later on, with help from teachers (and from you), he will learn the right way to spell words. For the moment, however, he has taken a great step toward being a writer.


Reading in Another Language
If your child's first language is not English, she can still become an excellent English reader and writer. She is on her way to successful English reading if she is beginning to learn many words and is interested in learning to read in her first language. You can help by supporting her in her first language as she learns English. Talk with her, read with her, encourage her to draw and write. In other words, do the same kinds of activities just discussed, but do them in your child's first language.

When your child first enters school, talk with her teacher. Teachers welcome such talks. They even have sign-up times early in the year, though usually you may ask for a meeting at any time. If you feel that you need some support in meeting with the teacher, ask a relative, neighbor, or someone else in your community to go with you.

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When you do meet, tell the teacher the things that you are doing at home to strengthen your child's speaking and reading in her own language. Let the teacher know how important you child's reading is to you and ask for support for your efforts. Children who can switch back and forth between languages have accomplished something special. They should be praised and encouraged as they work for this achievement.

Read full history - Your child can learn to read too!