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10 Ways to Explain the Sitter Kissing on the Job

Posted on March 3, 2012 by admin

It’s an unfortunate truth that most kids learn about subjects beyond what’s age-appropriate from teenage babysitters. Because sneaking a boyfriend (or girlfriend) into the house while the kids are sleeping is also a time-honored babysitter tradition, it’s fairly likely that a kid who wakes up in the middle of the night will encounter a bit of kissing. Should your child find themselves observing something that confuses them, there are ten ways that you can explain the whys and hows of a sitter that was caught kissing on the job.

  1. Figure Out How Much They Saw – The level of explanation required will depend, first and foremost, on how much your child witnessed. If he or she walked in the room during a relatively chaste peck, the explanation won’t need to be as in depth as it would be for a full-blown make-out session.
  2. Determine How Much They Already Know About Kissing – As with many other subjects, kids can surprise us with how much they understand beyond our expectation. Before launching into lengthy lecture about things your kids already understand, figure out what they understand and what they don’t.
  3. Be Prepared in Advance – Tackling the subject of sexuality and kissing is inevitable, especially if your child will be in the care of teenagers or young adults that are still in the process of exploration. Parents that are taken off guard by the subject are more likely to fumble through the conversation than those who are prepared in advance/
  4. Make Your Explanation Age-Appropriate – Tailoring your conversation to the age and comprehension level of your children is absolutely imperative. Just as too much information can be overwhelming for a little one, explanations that are too vague for older kids will only add to their confusion.
  5. Use Yourself and Your Partner As an Example – Unless you’ve made a concerted effort to avoid displays of affection in front of your kids, they’ve almost certainly seen you and your partner kissing. Using this relationship and your kids knowledge of it as a jumping-off point can help to put it into a perspective that they understand.
  6. Talk About Favorite Film Characters – If your kids are fans of Disney films and others of their ilk, they’ve been exposed to the love stories that are a central part of such tales. These situations, paired with explanations including the real-life couples that your children know, can also help them understand the situation.
  7. Answer Questions – Opening the conversation with an opportunity for your children to ask any questions that they have serves the dual purpose of determining what they’re confused about and helping them to feel that they’re active participants in a discussion, rather than on the receiving end of a lecture.
  8. Avoid Mystifying the Subject – Though you’ll probably want to avoid any long and overly-detailed explanations, vague answers that shroud the subject in mystery will only increase a child’s curiosity and make them more likely to explore it on their own.
  9. Keep It Relevant and Simple – A talk about kissing can lead to more awkward territory very quickly, even if your main goal is avoiding anything deeper. Keeping your statements relevant to the topic at hand and as simple as possible can help you avoid meandering conversations that end up embarrassing you and confusing your child.
  10. Don’t Blow the Situation Out of Proportion – Approaching a talk about anything related to sexuality while you’re upset or uncomfortable can cause you to have a more dramatic reaction than necessary. Avoid making a scene that can cause your child to feel awkward or confused about what they’ve seen and your reaction to it.
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10 Reasons Kids Don’t Play Cowboys and Indians

Posted on February 27, 2012 by admin

Kids nowadays don’t play the games we used to play years ago. For better or worse, they’ve got different options than we had. You may argue that the age of high tech has made children lazier and stifled their imaginations; or you might see that they are more technologically advanced than their predecessors, and are better equipped to function in a digital world. Whichever way you slice it, there are 10 reasons that kids don’t play Cowboys and Indians anymore:

  1. Politically Incorrect – For one thing, it’s no longer considered proper to even refer to them as Indians, but as Native Americans. After all, that whole Indian thing came about over a navigational miscalculation on the part of Columbus.
  2. It’s Not Available on PS3 – Let’s face it, parents. If it hasn’t been developed into a video game, then it can’t be worth playing. Today’s battlefields are more sophisticated to match the times, anyway, so …
  3. Aliens vs. Predators – This sort of thing is more likely to be the kind of match-up between kids looking to do play battle, complete with high-tech weaponry. The trappings of the Old West have lost their appeal in the Digital Age.
  4. Duke is Out – Kids today are more likely to want to emulate Lil Wayne than John Wayne, and are more into shooting the bull than in Sitting Bull.
  5. Television – Back when Cowboys and Indians was a popular pastime with American youth, there was a glut of Westerns on TV. You couldn’t go an hour without seeing one: Bonanza, Death Valley Days, Gunsmoke, Rawhide; Have Gun, Will Travel, etc. Now? The only tribe you see on TV are the Kardashians.
  6. History – Fundamental to its past appeal was the erroneous belief that Cowboys and Indians  was a good guys (cowboys) vs. bad guys (Indians) game. Kids are better educated about such historical inaccuracies now.
  7. Merchandise – A lack of marketing appeal due to the absence of any entertainment media to promote it (movies, TV, video games), means there is no merchandise for parents to buy their kids even if they wanted to play.
  8. Diversity – Children are growing up in a world where there is a greater emphasis on diversity, and an appreciation for different cultures, than existed back when Cowboys and Indians was a popular game.
  9. Indoors/Outdoors – Kids in general aren’t playing enough of any games that require being outdoors and which involve physical exercise.
  10. No Role Models – For most kids, a big factor in a game’s appeal is in their ability to associate roles within the game with real-life role models, or at least heroes that were manufactured by the entertainment industry. Who would a young boy imagine himself to be today, were he to strap on a pair of spurs and don a ten-gallon hat? Besides George W. Bush, that is.
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10 Serious Choking Hazards for Babies

Posted on February 23, 2012 by admin

There are dozens and dozens of objects and items that could potentially cause your child to choke. A rule of thumb to follow is: if it is small enough to be in their mouth then it is probable they could choke on it. Below are common choking hazards in your home and foods you give your child, so take note and be prepared:

5 Household Items

Toys- Be aware of toys your child has. Lots of toys come with little pieces that can come off or fall off. Try getting toys for your kid that are larger than your fist and that do not have easily removable pieces.

Coins- Keep your change jar up and out of reach. Those shiny pieces are fascinating for a child and if their curiosity strikes them they will have no problem swallowing and then possibly choking on your change.

Jewelry- Just like coins jewelry around the home is an easy target for your kid. It’s shiny, different and interesting. Make sure to store your earrings, pendants and other jewelry in a safe area.

Pen/Marker caps- These are small and can get lodged in your child’s throat. The different colors and odd smell entices them to taste it. Supervise your child while they are using pens and markers and then store away, out of reach.

Toothpaste caps- A common household product that everyone uses that are small and tasty for your little one. The mint flavor excites children, to avoid this purchase the toothpaste that have an attached flip cap.

5 Food Items

Grapes- These delicious kiddie snacks are unfortunately the perfect size for choking. Be sure to cut the grapes in to small bites before serving your child their meal.

Ice cubes- While taking a sip from a grown up’s glass their little mouths will open too wide and swallow an unexpecting ice cube. Use straws or skip the ice!

Chewing Gum/Candy- These little treats can get stuck very easily, your child will get carried away with the chewing and sucking on the candy while playing or talking. As much as your child wants these sweets, try to avoid them.

Popcorn-Light, yummy and way too easy to inhale as your child is munching on popcorn. The best way to allow your child to eat popcorn is to supervise and teach them not to take large handfuls at a time. Make sure that they chew completely before swallowing.

Hot Dogs- Because of their size and texture these yummy inexpensive lunch time meals are a common choking hazard. Cut the hot dog into tiny pieces before allowing your child to eat them, may take away from the fun of eating a hot dog, but it’s best to be safe.

Always be aware and always be prepared. Take inventory of the things in your home and glance over your grocery lists for things that could be a possible choking hazard. Also learn what to do if you child begins to choke. There are many classes offered in your city that will teach you how to perform things like CPR, black blows and thrusts. So when it comes to foods and items, the key thing to remember is: if you are ever in doubt, don’t give it to your child.

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10 Common Ways Kids Make Other Kids Cry

Posted on February 21, 2012 by admin

Even though it’s difficult for any parent, hurt feelings and minor injuries are part of growing up for every child. When tears are the result of another child’s influence, it can be even more painful to witness; here are ten of the ways that children often make each other cry.

  1. Teasing – Once considered a normal, if unpleasant, part of childhood, emotional bullying has become an issue of national focus. While most parents agree that this behavior is wrong and hurtful, there are still those holdouts who refuse to stop the taunting and teasing their children inflict on their peers.
  2. Physical Bullying – Much like teasing, the recent emphasis on bully prevention has led many schools to crack down on such behavior. Zero tolerance policies have become the norm in most public schools, but that doesn’t always stop the more determined bullies. Being injured by a tormentor, especially in the presence of his or her peers, is a humiliating experience that almost always reduces a child to tears.
  3. Stealing – Despite a parent’s best efforts to instill a sense of generosity and teach the importance of sharing, some kids struggle with the concept. When a favorite object is forcibly removed from a child by one of his or her playmates, they tend to express their anger through tears.
  4. Scary Stories – More often than not, the scary tales that children pass along are intended to be spooky, but fun. The teller of the story generally doesn’t expect to inspire real fear in their friends, but it can happen. Nightmares that result from a ghost story marathon almost always end in sobs.
  5. Intimidation – Threats can be just as painful as actual physical injury, and most bullies know this. Resorting to intimidation tactics keeps kids from violating zero-tolerance violence policies, while still allowing them to assert dominance over other children. When a child is afraid of being assaulted, fighting back tears can be difficult.
  6. Accidental Injuries – Youth-league sports, gym class or even schoolyard play can lead to inadvertent injuries. Colliding with another kid or being hit by a baseball might be accidental, but it still smarts; tears might be unavoidable.
  7. Ostracism – There generally are no rules stating that kids have to be inclusive, which means that there’s always at least one child in the group that doesn’t fit in or isn’t well liked. Being picked last for sports teams, passed over for birthday party invitations or sitting alone at lunchtime can all hurt a socially-inept child, who may wear a brave face in front of their peers but have a breakdown at home.
  8. Tattling – Some kids tattle because they’re genuinely invested in abiding by the rules and being sure that others do the same. Others do it specifically to get another child in trouble, whether or not the child actually committed the offense they’ve been accused of. Being reprimanded or facing disciplinary action for something that they didn’t do is an upsetting situation for any child; crying out of sheer frustration is a common response.
  9. Pranks – Well-intended pranks are part of the way that some groups of children operate, and typically aren’t a problem. However, sometimes these pranks go too far or target a child that’s not part of the group, and end in hurt feelings.
  10. Being Too Honest – Anyone with kids knows that there’s just no predicting what they’ll say. Without realizing that it’s unacceptable, they might call a heavier person “fat,” point out physical flaws or say something that, while perfectly honest, is hurtful. Adults can usually shrug these things off, at least on the surface, but a delicate child is likely to react by becoming upset.

Children make each other cry in so many ways; sometimes they’re truly unintentional, but that’s not always the case. If you suspect that your child is a bully, or is a victim of bullying, it’s important to take action immediately.

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10 Great Birthday Party Ideas for Toddlers

Posted on February 21, 2012 by admin

Throwing a birthday party for your toddler is a great excuse to let your inner child run wild; brightly colored cake, festive decorations and balloons delight young and old alike. These ten themes are surefire party hits for the little one in your life!

  1. Character Themed Party – The characters of kid’s shows and movies are always a popular choice for birthday party themes. If your little one has a favorite character in particular, it’s a great way to personalize the experience for the pint-sized guest of honor.
  2. Destination Party – Destination parties are also a popular choice because they allow kids to visit a fun-filled locale and keep the mess to a minimum for busy parents. These facilities often have birthday party packages that include most or all of the supplies as well as space rental.
  3. Under the Sea Themed Party – Kids are fascinated by sea creatures, which makes the Under the Sea theme a perennial favorite. Decorations and supplies that fit this theme are always easy to find, and will wow little guests.
  4. Arts and Crafts Party – Most little ones have a wide creative streak; catering to it with an arts and crafts themed party is sure to create a memorable experience for the birthday boy or girl and all of their buddies.
  5. Circus Themed Party – Bringing the excitement of the circus to your child’s birthday party can be as simple or as elaborate as time and budgets allow. Hiring a clown who’s skilled with balloon animals is almost always more than enough to keep kids enraptured.
  6. Magical Themed Party – With the popularity of fantasy films and television shows, magical themed birthday parties are in high demand. Local directories can help you locate an illusionist for the event; these professionals can tailor their act to your child’s age group.
  7. Farm Themed Party – Country dwellers and urban babies alike are sure to be thrilled with a farm-themed party; the decorating and game options are almost endless with this down-home delight.
  8. Tea Party Theme – If your little princess loves  to dress up and throw tea parties for their dolls and stuffed animals; why not arrange a larger-scale version for her special day? Encouraging frilly dress and serving dainty desserts will enchant your little darling.
  9. Costume Party – Kids of all ages love costumes, including the toddler set. It’s also a great way to keep kids engaged on a budget; all you have to do is provide the refreshments and neutral decorations. The kids will do the rest themselves!
  10. Zoo or Safari Theme – Animals are always a hit with children; the more exotic the better. If there isn’t a zoo nearby or the season prevents throwing your toddler’s party there, the next best thing is safari or zoo themed décor!

Online retailers can have a wider variety of available themes or party supplies than brick and mortar stores with display constraints. A quick search can point you in the right direction; browsing their selection might even give you ideas you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

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10 Bedtime Stories Parents Love

Posted on February 19, 2012 by admin

It’s the end of the day, desert has been served, teeth have been brushed and now it’s time to take your little one to bed. Bedtime stories are a time where a parent can escape with their child to a far off place. Here are 10 books that parents love to read:

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein- A book about a young boy and his relationship with a tree and it’s progression over the years. This one will definitely tug at your heart.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown- A sweet bedtime story about a bunny on his way to falling asleep. The soft words and delicate rhymes are almost like a lullaby for children.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak- A classic that most parents read as child about a misbehaving boy named Max and his made up world. If the story doesn’t capture your child’s attention the graphics will, the artwork is beautiful.

Ferdinand the Bull by Munro Leaf- One of the older classics, this tale is about a bull that would rather enjoy the little things in life than fight with other bulls. A great life lesson for your children on staying true to oneself than doing what others think you should be doing.

Guess How Much I love You by Sam McBratney- A baby bunny and a daddy bunny show each other how much they love each other by sweetly battling who loves the other more.  Some bunny loves you.

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams- An adored classic of a toy rabbit’s search to become real with the love of his little boy owner is an everlasting, cherished story. Your kid will be holding his/her stuffed animal a little tighter tonight.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch- Your child may not understand why this book causes you to tear up, but a parent does. A mother sings the same lullaby to her child through years, only to have the child return the same lullaby many years later.

How Does A Dinosaur Say Goodnight? By Jane Yolen- This book is about a silly and colorful little dinosaur that catches the flu and needs to rest.  A very light-hearted and fun read for your little one before bedtime.

Are you my Mother? By P.D. Eastman- A story about a baby bird that is hatched while his mother is away from the nest. Throughout the book, the baby bird sets out to find his mother asking all walks of life “Are you my mother?” A great read for your youngest.  Show More Show Less

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: A colorful book about a little caterpillar eating his way through the book to become a big and beautiful butterfly. This is a simple and short read to get your child in bed, asleep and fast.

So grab a few of these classics and read them to your little one. You will be surprised that your childhood favorites will become your child’s beloved. Start reading and don’t forget not to let the bed bugs bite!

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10 Dangerous Toys Kids Can’t Help But Love

Posted on February 13, 2012 by admin

The safety of children used to be primarily the concern of the parents. Today, toy makers have to be more concerned with the safety of their toys than they were in the past. Toys are made with warning labels to protect the manufacturers from liability if parents allow them to be used inappropriately. Some toys that kids love the best also happen to have a measure of danger involved with their use. Here are ten of them that are very popular. 

  1. Skateboards – The simple fact that skateboards are operated on concrete brings the possibility of injury to a high level with this very popular item. Scraped knees, elbows and hands are the minimal injuries that can be sustained by the novice or even expert skateboarder. Broken bones and concussions are at the further end of the spectrum of possibilities.
  2. Slingshots – Little boys have been slinging rocks with slingshots since Biblical times. The story of David killing the giant Goliath with a sling and stones has been an inspiration to many would-be giant slayers and the cause of a few broken window panes, as well.
  3. Trampolines – What’s more fun than bouncing into the air on a trampoline? Beds aren’t made for jumping on, Mom always told us, but trampolines are. Unfortunately, their height off the ground and the unpredictability of the direction a bounce might take can mean landings on hard ground, which is a lot harder on human body parts than the mat of the trampoline.
  4. Lawn Darts – This outdoor game is great competition and easy for almost anyone to participate in. At the same time, large pointed metal objects being tossed through the air is a description that has been used of dangerous weapons for centuries. Although injury isn’t the intent, it most certainly can happen if these ‘game pieces’ make contact with a body of flesh while sailing across the lawn.
  5. Pogo stick – A bouncing stick, just like the trampoline is a lot of fun. Like the skateboard, you do need a smooth hard surface to operate this toy on, which can make for hard landings if you fall. Most injuries from pogo sticks, however, have been as a result of kids trying to use them on surfaces that aren’t flat, such as going down steps or an incline.
  6. Sleds – This simple form of winter fun is another item that has been used by kids as long as there has been snow and hills. Sleds come in many varieties: From the small round saucer to the long toboggans to inflatable tubes. The danger that comes with these fun toys is the amount of speed that can build up during a slide down the hill and the inability to steer away from objects or people that come into your path.
  7. Scooters – The scooter could be described as a skateboard with a handle, though scooters are usually much narrower than a skateboard. Again, it is the speed combined with the concrete or asphalt surface that scooters are ridden on that create the danger of injury.
  8. BB Guns – In reality, this item should not really be classified as a toy, though many people have listed it as such for many years. In spite of how small the metal pellets are that are shot through these small guns, they are capable of doing injury to people and property.
  9. Bicycles – There are very few kids who haven’t owned and ridden a bicycle during their lifetime. Bicycles are also used for adult transportation, so it is hard to think of them as being dangerous in any way, but they can be. Bicycles can easily swerve into the path of a car when riding along a street or highway. BMX bike riding carries even more risks as riders fly over jumps and drive at high speeds around a dirt track.
  10. Baseball bats – There is more than one picture in a family album of a little kid with a shiny black eye that was received either from the swing of a bat itself or a baseball that came flying off the end of a bat. Many windows have been replaced also, after a ball was batted in the wrong direction out in the yard.

Yes, there are still plenty of ways that kids can hurt themselves and others or damage property, while playing with seemingly harmless simple objects. We can’t protect them from everything, and we certainly don’t want to protect them from the fun to be had with most of the items on this list.

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10 Pranks Kids Seem to Always Pull in Movies

Posted on February 12, 2012 by admin

Kids and teenagers in film are notorious pranksters; whether the target is an adult or another student, there are no shortage of practical jokes in cinematic history. From the well-intended joke to the humiliating stunts of movie bullies, here are ten of the classic film pranks kids pull.

  1. Short Sheeting a Bed – A staple of boarding school and summer camp movies, the act of short sheeting a bed makes the surface look perfectly normal, until the target attempts to get in and finds that they can’t extend their legs.
  2. The Falling Bucket – The contents of the bucket can vary, but it’s almost always placed over a door so that an unsuspecting victim attempts to enter the room and finds themselves coated in the substance of a prankster’s choosing. Popular choices include water, flour and even blood in the horror classic Carrie.
  3. Flaming Bag on the Porch – Films that rely on gross-out humor often include this perennial favorite; a bag of excrement is placed on a porch and set aflame, then the doorbell rings. The victim’s first instinct is to stomp on the fire, leaving them with a foul surprise on their feet.
  4. Ding-Dong Ditch – Ringing a doorbell and then running away to hide is known as “Ding-Dong Ditch,” and is a staple in the bag of kid tricks. For maximum effect, the process is repeated several times to the growing frustration of the target.
  5. Shaving Cream and Feathers – Sleepovers, summer camp and boarding school films often feature this standby; a sleeping victim’s hand is filled with shaving cream, then pranksters use a feather to tickle the sleeper’s nose, leaving them with a face full of shaving cream when they bat the feather away mid-slumber.
  6. Hand in a Bowl of Water – Another prank perpetrated against an unsuspecting, sleeping victim is placing their hand in a bowl of warm water. Film lore states that the victim will wet the bed as a result.
  7. Toilet Papering Houses – Petty vandalism is another staple of kid and teen cinema, with the toilet-papered house being one of the more popular variations. Within a short scene, young characters are able to wreak paper-covered havoc on a lawn and home.
  8. The Wedgie – Film bullies for decades have been fans of the Wedgie; this humiliating and painful tactic is usually a plot device that indicates the mean spirit of a character in order to inspire viewer sympathy for the tormented kid, who will inevitably rise up and get revenge on their tormentor.
  9. The “Kick Me” Note – A slapstick variation on the embarrassing bully prank, youth-cinema protagonists can often be seen walking unsuspectingly down school hallways with a “Kick Me” sign taped to their back. Laughter follows him or her until they discover the sign; on occasion, this discovery will prompt their vow of revenge.
  10. Shoe-Lacing – Falling asleep in a movie classroom opens one up for this slapstick prank; a clueless victims shoelaces are tied together; when they wake up and attempt to walk away, the restraining laces cause them to lose their balance and tumble to the ground.
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10 Embarrassing Moments That Happen in Front of Your Kids

Posted on February 8, 2012 by admin

There’s something about a humiliating moment that seems amplified if your children are present. Our faces burn a little bit hotter when the kids witness our less-than-stellar moments, but it’s an inevitable part of life and also of parenthood. Here are ten of the moments that we all wish our children wouldn’t see.

  1. Fight With the Spouse – Arguing with your spouse can be embarrassing enough on it’s own; add a room full of pint-size spectators, and it becomes an adventure in mortification.
  2. Drinking Too Much – Even the most conscientious parents can have one tipple too many on a festive occasion, leading to some silly behavior. Kids that accidentally witness your not-so-sober antics can make for an even more embarrassing morning after.
  3. Hangover – If you managed to slip past the kids when you had one too many drinks, you’re not out of the woods until you’ve ridden out the next day’s payback. Feeling sick and looking like roadkill is just the icing on an embarrassing cake.
  4. Slips and Falls – Trips, spills, falls and slips can do more damage to our pride than our bodies. Taking a header when you’re trying to show off is even worse; kids will scream with laughter as you struggle to keep the shreds of your dignity intact.
  5. Scolded By Your Own Parents – For some reason, parents have a fundamental inability to stop treating their adult progeny like children. When our parents scold us well in to adulthood, it’s typically just irritating. When they do it in front of our children, it’s humiliating.
  6. Getting a Speeding Ticket – There’s nothing like a brush with authority in front of the kids to take you down a few notches. Older children also have quite the talent for mildly taunting their parents about getting pulled over, which just adds to the shame.
  7. A Lecture From the Principal – Getting called into the principal’s office because of your child’s behavior is embarrassing in itself; when those antics lead to a lecture from the principal as your child looks on, it can feel as if your skills as a parent are being called into question.
  8. Altercation With the Neighbor – The snarly neighbor that loves to pick a fight can be an endless source of shame for a parent, as they typically don’t hesitate to make insulting remarks that can embarrass the toughest mom or dad. When your kids hear these cutting remarks, it can make the entire situation spin out of control.
  9. Fender Benders – Minor car accidents are just embarrassing, even more so when you’re the party at fault. When your kids are in the car, the whole experience can become a shameful one.
  10. Fighting With Your Siblings – Parents with more than one child spend a significant amount of their time trying to teach the importance of getting along with one another. All of those lessons go out the window the first time they see you fighting with your own siblings; this scenario can make a parent feel like a hypocrite.

Though it can be painful to have these experience in the presence of your children, it’s important to remember that your children can learn valuable lessons from them.

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10 Interesting Newborn Care Classes to Consider

Posted on February 6, 2012 by admin

The options for newborn care classes are almost endless; there are specially designed courses in every area you can think of when it comes to new babies and their needs. Here are ten options for educating yourself and your family about the care of your newest addition.

  1. CPR – All parents and caregivers of a newborn should be well-educated about infant CPR, which is quite different from it’s adult counterpart. These classes are available through the Red Cross in most areas.
  2. Breastfeeding Support – Many expecting mothers assume that breastfeeding will be easy and come naturally, because it is the natural source of feeding for an infant, However, up to 73% of breastfeeding mothers will seek support after the birth of their child. Taking a breastfeeding support class before your baby’s birth may prevent difficulties after her arrival.
  3. Infant Massage – Proponents of infant massage claim that babies who are regularly massaged sleep better are less fussy than their non-massaged counterparts. Many local instructors hold classes regarding proper technique and execution.
  4. Grandparents’ Classes – Designed to inform grandparents of developments in infant care and safety since their early parenting days and focusing on helping grandparents support their children as they become parents, these classes can be a valuable resource.
  5. Siblings’ Classes – Many community centers and places of worship have classes that focus on helping older siblings adjust to a new baby. Teaching basic newborn care lessons and helping children deal with jealousy, these workshops may prove to be a powerful tool in preventing anxiety in soon-to-be big siblings.
  6. Infant First Aid – Much like infant CPR, the basics of infant first aid are a bit different from the adult variety. Learning the safest and most effective ways to prevent and treat injuries is a great way to prepare for parenthood.
  7. Local Parenting Groups – Parenting classes offered by locally-based groups in your area will focus on the issues particularly pertinent to your community, and may be more personal than larger programs.
  8. Bringing Baby Home – Based on the groundbreaking work of Julie Schwartz Gottman and Dr. John Gottman, the Bringing Baby Home course covers the basics of infant care and also has a section dedicated to helping new parents protect their relationship from the strain of early parenthood.
  9. Online Programs – There are dozens of quality training programs available online, some of which are completely free. Many also have discussion forums, where new parents can seek advice from one another and offer support.
  10. Mommy and Me Programs – Many newborn care classes are designed to be completed before a child’s birth; programs that teach hands-on lessons with your new baby are a great way to learn what works for your child, with the security of a classroom setting.

Expecting parents may find themselves feeling anxious about the care of their coming bundle of joy, even after reading every book they can get their hands on and attending care classes. It’s perfectly normal to feel unprepared, even after your child’s birth. You’ll quickly learn what works best for your family after your baby’s arrival; don’t beat yourself up if you’re still nervous when you leave the hospital.

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