teaching your child

Teaching Your Child: Why Leading by Example Matters

May 22, 2024 Children

BEING A PARENT CAN BE TOUGH!

There’s no instruction manual, and not all of us had great examples of parenting when we were growing up. A lot of us are just figuring it out as we go along, and that’s ok!

From what I’ve learned as a parent, the most important thing is to love your children, followed closely by setting a good example. Babies start copying things they see really early on. You smile, and they smile back. Toddlers use this copying in their play, like pretending a toy is a phone or acting out stuff they’ve seen at home or on TV.

examples of parenting

As parents, we’re the ones they watch and learn from every day. Even when we think they’re not paying attention, they are. For example, I was so embarrassed when my son blurted out a swear word at daycare. Where did he learn it? Unfortunately, from me at home. It taught me that my child is learning from me all the time.

SO, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

It means we need to think about our own behavior – how we act, our habits, manners, how we treat others, what we watch, our work habits, and our relationships. Simply telling your child something isn’t enough anymore. We have to show them how to behave.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words,” and it’s especially true with kids. For instance, if we tell them to eat their veggies, we should eat some too. Or if we tell them not to yell at their sibling, but then we yell at them for doing it, it’s confusing for them.

Basically, if there’s something you don’t want your child to do, you shouldn’t be doing it either. Is it hard? Yeah, at first. But don’t give up. It just takes practice and being consistent.

flower

One thing you can do to help is to ask yourself, “Would I want my kids to copy this behavior?” If the answer is “No,” then it’s something you need to change.

What if you make a mistake? It happens to all of us. Just own up to it, fix it, and try not to do it again.

Remember, no parent is perfect!
Not even the ones who look perfect on social media!

Here’s something to think about:

  • ! As a parent, you’re not just taking care of a child. You’re also teaching a person who will one day be independent, perhaps even a parent themselves, too. You’re giving them skills they’ll use for the rest of their life and make an impact on future generations to come.
  • ! Your child’s first and best teacher is YOU. Lead by example, and you’ll both learn and grow together.

Feeding a 6-7 Month Old

Feed solids with a spoon and from a bowl, never from a bottle.

Feeding a 10-12 Month Old

Breast milk is the most important source of nutrition for your baby, even after you start offering solid foods.

Feeding a 8-9 Month Old

Feed solids with a spoon. Never put cereal in a bottle.

Tips

Mom new born home

Breast milk and formula feeding:

Around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of age, babies may experience a growth spurt when they feed more often.

As they grow babies can hold more milk, so feedings may become further apart and take less time.

To prevent choking, always hold your baby when feeding. Never prop up a bottle to feed.

Start offering whole milk when your baby is one year old.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months and beyond.

feeding solid foods

Feeding solid foods:

Wait to offer solid foods until your baby:

  • Can sit up and hold up their own head.
  • Opens their mouth when they see food.
  • Can close their lips around a spoon.

To prevent choking, always hold your baby when feeding. Never prop up a bottle to feed.

Try one new food at a time. Wait 5 days before trying another new food to watch for allergies. Food allergies may include wheezing, rash, or diarrhea.

Introduce peanut butter around 6 months. Spread a small, thin smear of peanut butter or nut butter thinly on a cracker.  Watch your baby for any reaction for the next 2 hours.

Babies under one year should NOT have honey due to the risk of botulism. Also, babies should not have foods that can cause choking like nuts or whole grapes.

All babies are different. Talk with WIC or your baby’s healthcare provider about your baby’s needs.

Feeding Cues

Feeding a 4-5 Month Old

Before teeth come in, wipe gums with a soft, clean wash cloth after each feeding, especially before bed.

Feeding a 0-3 Month Old

Newborns have tiny tummies and need to be fed often. In the first few weeks, you may need to wake your baby to feed if they sleep longer than 4 hours.

Growth Spurts

Many babies are fussy during a growth spurt and will want to nurse longer and more often. This is called cluster feeding. This is your baby’s way of helping you increase your milk supply so that you can keep up with their needs. Remember, the more your baby nurses, the more milk your body makes.

Growth spurts can happen at any time, and every baby is different.

They often happen at these ages:

two-three-weeks

2 to 3 Weeks

6 Weeks

three-months

3 Months

six-months

6 Months

What foods can I get?

Authorized Food List
Authorized Food List

Where can I shop?