Gymboree Level 2

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Cause and effect in play...

Shamindra has just entered Level 2.

At this stage babies can learn about cause and effect and how they can make things happen (i.e. shaking a bell generates a sound). They use all the skills they're developing to make an impact on, and learn about, the world around them.

A child's understanding of cause and effect is critical for developing an understanding of how the world works, their ability to communicate and connect with others and a sense of competence and self-confidence.

6th month update

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Shamindra is in his 6th month.

His neck and arm muscles are stronger now. He rolls over – employing it as a method to get around when left on the floor. It is quite nerve-wrecking for us, especially on the diaper changing area when he attempts to wriggle and roll over during a change.

Shamindra’s actively communicating with a variety of sounds and a combination of vowels. And they each seem a little different depending on the request and need. He loves making a wet razzing sound. And can stand, bearing some weight on his legs, when held upright. He seems to somewhat work to get a toy that’s out of reach.

Exciting times indeed….

 

The Sound of Music

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

"If music be the food of love, play on." - Shakespeare

Music has always been an integral part of Ayanna's development and everyday activity. So naturally we were eager to further her interest in music appreciation.

Being exposed to music benefits any child - studies show that music increases a child's brainpower. Apparently experts say kids can start formal music training as early as three. It's when brain circuits for learning music mature.

We personally think Ayanna may not be as ready for formal music lessons at the moment. So we enrolled her in Kindermusik.

Building a city as part of her music class activity at Kindermusik; while learning the different sounds that a city is filled with

Ayanna seems to be enjoying Kindermusik, which focuses on fostering a love of music, rhythm, and self-expression through a variety of interesting activities, and projects. Ayanna has been exploring how different music instruments sound, how different genres of music such as classical and jazz sound, how music makes her feel (certainly more exciting in helping her to learn to appreciate music rather than practicing scales). Also, Kindermusik allocates 15 minutes for parents to participate which I love. It helps the parent to bond with their child as they share in an activity.

However, we would still love for Ayanna to undergo formal music lessons in the future. We are considering the piano. She already loves banging on the piano keys. Piano is a good instrument, according to experts, to start with as the finger movements are less tricky than those for a guitar or violin. Ultimately we want her to enjoy herself with an instructor who works well with young kids and in a class that's fun. We don't want to push. We want it to be an enrichment process. We've heard great feedback about Yamaha and their method of instruction. 

What are your thoughts on music and preschoolers? Does your kid attend a formal or music appreciation class? If yes, please share your experience.

First Foods...

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

My spinach boy

Shamindra has been getting a taste of a variety of fruits and vegetables. We’ve been introducing new foods every three days and one at a time. First foods are typically single ingredient fruits and vegetables, mixed with rice cereal to obtain the right consistency.

He’s had a taste of carrots, pears, apples and spinach.

Babies take time to familiarize with each new taste and texture. At this stage, all food is mushy. Babies will press the food against the top of his mouth and then swallow.

Experts are talking about some new rules to introducing solids – that it’s okay to introduce more spice and seasonings. Babies, apparently can handle all sorts of interesting pureed food before age 1.  After all breastfed babies already get a taste of diverse foods through breast milk.

Ultimately, exposing baby’s palate to a wide array of fruits and vegetables is a good thing– each colour group provides different vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Introducing Solids

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

yum yum

Now that Shamindra has crossed over into his sixth month, it’s time for solids!
The bibs, bowls and soft-tipped spoons are ready. So let the show begin-

First course (for the first week): two teaspoons of rice cereal. Beginning just once a day before increasing to two feeds a day.
Review: As expected, it was more food out on the ground than in the mouth as Shamindra got a taste of solid food. He licked and smacked; and tried to master the art of sucking or slurping up his food from the spoon.

Second course (for the second week): two teaspoons of carrot puree with one teaspoon of rice cereal.
Review: The second week has been more successful than the first. Shamindra’s keeping more of his food in and seems to be liking his carrots. Though there are times when a little theatrics is needed to attract his attention or to keep his eye on the food.

Pointers: Timing is important – if Shamindra is sleepy, he totally refuses to eat. So we’re setting up a routine and trying to stick to it.
We’ll be introducing another food type soon, perhaps some pear puree in a day or two. Be sure to wash all your fruits and vegetables before cooking for baby. Sterilizing feeding spoons and bowls are important for the first year. Heating of food is not necessary so babies are used to room temperature foods.
We’re currently using the Bumbo seat to hold Shamindra in. A proper high chair with chest straps is next to help keep him in one position.

Eating at this point is more for practice and pleasure than to fill a dietary requirement.

Glad to have Daddy home

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Me and my Daddy

We're so glad Daddy's home.

Dads have a very important role in parenting. Nothing can substitute a father's influence over his child. Studies show that children benefit from a beneficial rapport with their fathers - providing something so precious and valuable to their child's development. Dads have an inimitable way of playing with their kids, caring and communicating with them.

We Love You Daddy!

Soothing a Cold

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

It's simply impossible to keep the two siblings apart, even when Ayanna has a cold and cough. It was only time before Shamindra picked up the cold and cough. There's no medication that has proven effective on babies, if any they only eliminate the symptoms.

It's important that Shamindra gets enough milk; and we use the saline drops and extract if there's too much mucus. This time round, I used an organic chest rub (Badger brand) containing traditional herbs such as rosemary, eucalyptus, and tea tree to soothe and ease coughs, colds and runny noses. It supports the body's innate ability to heal itself. I must say it did bring Shamindra comfort while he slept .

Do you have an alternative method to soothe your baby during these times?

Fifth Month Update

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Shamindra is on the tail end of his fifth month- 5 months and 3 weeks to be precise.

He’s responding rather well – laughing at funny expressions; he recognizes his own name and turns his head when he hears us call him. He’s thoroughly entertained when we talk to him. And is able to interact somewhat with us by babbling or with laughter and smiles.

Physically, he has rolled over and back; and seems to be busy trying to push himself up (as if he were about to sit). Putting him in a variety of sitting positions is recommended. The Bumbo seat is great for this, giving him the right amount of support he needs.

 

My Serious Dawdler

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

My dawdler

This morning was particularly tough – Ayanna simply refused to get out of bed and when she did took a very long time to brush her teeth, get dressed and head downstairs. She was a serious dawdler. Mornings are sometimes not the easiest times to be creative while trying to get Ayanna ready for school on time. So opting to urge her to ‘hurry up’ didn’t’ quite help. No matter how many times I urged her to do so, she did the exact opposite.

Three year-olds don’t have a firm understanding of time, so the threat of lateness falls on deaf ears. So I guess the key lies in adding humor or fun - telling her what’s coming up next to motivate her or trying to make a game of it to see who comes out first.

How do you deal with a serious dawdler? I’m running out of ideas…

Happy Mother's Day

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

To all mothers

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Everyday around the world, moms make a difference with all the things they do - big things and little things. Today we celebrate you - because you're super special.

From the three of us