Setting Family Rules

Parents used to think that the only way children could develop into responsible adults was through the rule that children should be seen and not heard. This rule does not really help families talk to one another.

Even though your baby is only 8 months old, it’s not too early to start setting your family rules. For example, when you say, “Don’t touch the stove; it’s hot,” you are teaching a basic rule of safety.

Now is a good time to decide:

• What your family rules will be
• Who will make the rules
• How your baby will learn them

In teaching your baby about what is allowed in your family, be honest about your feelings and say what you mean. For example, if he does something you don’t like, tell him not to do it any more and explain why.

You will get your message across by being firm in your voice, in your manner, and in your actions. As your baby develops, he will learn what the limits are in your home, and it will be easier for all of you.

Take Time for Yourself

There never seems to be enough time to do everything you feel you need to do. It is important to prioritize and do what must be done, which includes taking care of yourself.

Make a “to do” list for each day, and put the most important things at the top.

Be sure to plan time for yourself. The fun and trials of having an 8-month-old in your life may cause you to feel tired at times.

Swapping baby sitting time with friends can be a way to arrange for some important get-away times for you.

Be realistic about what you want to get done each day. It’s easy to feel defeated when you think you should accomplish superhuman goals.

Don’t skimp on sleep or exercise. It is part of taking good care of yourself so you feel rested and refreshed.

How Are Things Working Out with Child Care?

Researchers have learned that babies do not bond more closely to their daytime child caregivers than to their biological parents.

Babies in high quality child care are just as smart as babies whose parents care for them at home. Unfortunately, some child care providers are not providing quality care.

It’s important for caregivers to like taking care of babies, to smile often, and to talk while dressing and feeding your baby.

Babies should be kept clean, dry, and comfortable. They need to hear gentle voices and cheerful sounds. They need to receive lots of praise.

Infants should have their own separate space for eating, sleeping, and playing. Centers with lots of infants should divide babies into smaller groups so they feel more secure. The environment should be bright and cheerful.

Cribs, high chairs, playpens, and toys should be clean and in uncrowded spaces.

Good caregivers wash hands carefully after diapering, dressing, and feeding each baby. They are careful that bottles and cups are not shared among babies.

Babies are shifted to new positions, new outlooks, new toys, and they also have time for peace and quiet. It’s not a good place if babies are kept in cribs or playpens for long stretches of time, with few chances to move around and explore.

Enough adults should be on hand to cuddle, play with, and hold the babies for bottle feeding, but they should not hold and carry the infants all day.

If you are not happy with the care your infant is receiving, it may be time to find another caregiver.

Variety is the spice of life, but babies need consistency. They like routines or doing the same things every day. If your baby has a bunch of child care providers, it may be hard to form close bonds. Your baby needs someone who responds to him quickly and gently, someone he can learn to trust.