Moving Onwards: Your One-Year-Old By Robert Myers, PhD / July 6, 2015 /

Babies, Child Development, Child Psychology, Expert Parenting Articles

Continue reading at https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/moving-

onwards-your-one-year-old/#gs.bnx25v | Child Development Institute

As your baby grows, she’ll be developing so quickly that you’ll barely notice

the changes. It’s fun to watch your child get older and see her personality

starting to emerge. It’s also natural to want to help her through her

development, but how do you know what she should be capable of by now or

what you can do to help her?

Continue reading at https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/moving-

onwards-your-one-year-old/#gs.bnx25v | Child Development Institute

Your child will be more mobile than just a few months ago. If she’s not

walking, she’ll be shuffling around on her bottom. It’s likely she’ll be able to
stand up and sit down without falling over. Stairs will become appealing to

her; she’ll need constant watching since she’s not yet capable of

understanding the concept of danger. She’ll be using both hands to hold and

move things and may even show a preference, although you won’t be able to

tell if she’s going to be left or right-handed for a while longer. She’ll have a

pincer grasp that allows her to pick up small objects and put them into a

container. Having mastered the tripod grasp, she’ll be able to hold and bang

things together. You’ll also notice that your child finds dropping and throwing

toys amusing, even if you don’t. Her eyesight is probably as good as yours

now, and she’ll spend long periods watching the world around her; people,

animals and moving objects will be particularly fascinating. She’ll recognize

familiar people and will turn at the sound of her name. She’ll also look for

hidden objects, understanding that they haven’t ceased to exist just because

she can’t see them anymore. This is an excellent time to focus on games that

will help her to develop motor skills. Gross motor skills are improved by

anything she does to move herself or larger objects around. Push and pull

toys that help her to be more mobile are helpful. Stacking toys and shape
sorters will allow her to improve her dexterity skills and the ability to

manipulate objects. This will also allow her to exercise problem-solving skills

while enabling her to gain a greater understanding of concepts such as

shape, color, volume, and size. Anything that requires your child to use her

pincer grasp is useful for developing fine-motor skills, although you may

need to teach her it’s not okay to practice on people. She’ll enjoy drawing or

painting, not necessarily on the paper provided, and the practice in holding

and using crayons will pay off when it comes to learning to write later on. It’s

never too early to introduce a baby to books; choose hardcover books early

on since they may appeal to her more as chew toys at first. Reading to your

child, or even just talking about the pictures in the book, will help her learn

the rhythm and patterns of language, improve vocabulary and foster

creativity and imagination, a sound foundation she’ll need later. It will take

time for your child to learn these skills and praise and encouragement will go

a long way to offsetting some of the frustration she feels at not being able to

succeed the first, second, or even the third time. This is the developmental

period when your baby is moving into toddlerhood, and as a parent, you have
a significant role in helping your baby grow into a happy, healthy child.

Continue reading at https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/moving-

onwards-your-one-year-old/#gs.bnx25v | Child Development Institute

Gender Neutral Parenting – Is This a

Right Approach?
By

 Mrunal

 -

December 6, 2018

What are all of us taught while growing up? That blue is for a boy and pink is for a girl, right?

But nowadays, some parents are opting to raise their child as gender neutral. It is an

unconventional approach which is constantly under debate. If you are however thinking of

going the same route with your own child, there a few things you should keep in mind. Let’s

discuss a few details about gender-neutral parenting below, which  may help you decide if

this is the correct approach for your child or not.

What is Gender Neutral Parenting?

Gender neutral parenting is when parents raise their child without forcing any preconceived
gender norms upon them and allowing them to choose which one they would rather adopt
for the rest of their lives. This allows the child not to be put into a box and grow up
according to the conventional gender rules. For example, parents would address the child
as ‘Baby’ in their conversations and not ‘Boy’ or ‘Girl’, allow their children to dress in what
they want – Whether it means boys wearing pink, or girls wearing blue, keep room decor
and the type of toys their kids play with neutral and in general avoid any kind of gender
stereotyping. Some would go to the extent of hiding the gender of their child from everyone
except their closest family members.

Is It Healthy for Your Child?

This question really depends on the different mindsets of people. One viewpoint talks about
how gender-neutral parenting is a major pro as the child can grow up free without
conforming to any of the artificially created disadvantages society places around gender.
Gender norms can make kids feel they need to force themselves to be something they are
not, impeding their happiness and health. One parent says her 4-year-old son grew up
wearing jeans and dresses, playing with all types of toys and having long hair. He told his
parents that though he identifies as a boy, he still would want to wear girl’s clothes.
Whereas, several experts say that if children are not raised as either a boy or a girl, they
might end up feeling lost and confused about their own identity and grow up without any
clarity as to who they are.

Effects of Gender Neutral Parenting on Children

The most common question is what effect will gender-neutral parenting have on children?
Let’s look at a few things to keep in mind:

1. Impact on Social Life

Strict gender-neutral parenting is virtually impossible, if your child goes to playschool or
daycare. If he does not get in social situations with other children and is at home with you
most of the time, only then will it be possible. The reason is that a gender-neutral child’s
dress sense or playing style might attract awkward questions from his classmates or
parents of his classmates which might cause issues for you and your child. It might even
result in bullying or teasing from other kids.
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2. Impact on Playtime
Gender neutral parenting should not affect playtime as parents would typically encourage
their kids to play with a wide variety of toys or let them choose whichever toy they want to
play with.
3. Impact on Sexuality
Gender neutral parenting has less effect on sexuality than you would think. Research shows
that homosexuality is more due to biology and genetics and less due to the environment. In
fact, 85 % of gender nonconforming children go on to become heterosexual adults.

Gender Neutral Parenting Pros and Cons

What are the pros and cons of raising your child as gender neutral?

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Pros
Let’s look at the pros first:

 Gender neutral kids are more creative thanks to having the freedom of expression
and choice
 Children who get to choose between ‘Boy’ and ‘Girl’ toys regardless of their gender
have the ability to enhance their insights and interests.
 They also have the ability to have more interests and hobbies.
 Your child can be truly who he is, regardless of any constriction.
 Your child will get familiar with the interests of the opposite gender.
 Being gender neutral can increase your child’s awareness of identity and his self-
esteem.
 Children who get the freedom of such choice early in life are more likely to become
confident and be leaders rather than followers later on.
 Gender neutral children are more likely to be agents of gender equality both in school
and in their own cultures.
 Gender neutral kids grow up with the ability to never have any bias or stereotype in
any situation.
 Gender neutral children do not feel any added pressure to make choices they are not
sure whether they like or not.

Cons
Now, let’s see some dangers of gender-neutral parenting:

 If the child is raised without the concept of gender, they will become confused about
their identity when they attend school and meet other kids.
 It will be challenging for parents to avoid all gender-specific pronouns at home like
him, her, she or he.
 There is no way of avoiding gender in the child’s future due to surrounding society so
giving them exposure early will help them decide who they are and what they want to be.
 Be careful not to slip and put your child into another ‘type’. They’re people, not
‘gender neutral children’.
 You also have to be careful not to push gender-neutral parenting onto your child. If a
boy likes only blue and sports, then it’s okay. Similarly, if your girl likes pink and
princesses, that’s okay too.

How to Raise a Gender Neutral Child?

Gender neutral parenting psychology can be tricky. Here are a few science-backed tips:

1. Reduce Gender’s Importance

Don’t use the term gender neutral but help your kids be free of any gender restrictions. You
can do this by removing labels on gender from your language. Like replacing ‘What a smart
girl you are!’ with ‘What a smart kid you are!’.

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2. Avoid the Pink and Blue Themes

Watch out for attributing gender stereotypes and any stressing of difference between boys
and girls. Never associate pink with a girl and blue with a boy. This can change their
thinking and behaviour to adapt to norms early on. You can get them gender-neutral
children’s clothes and encourage them to wear gender neutral colours.

3. Encourage Girls and Boys to Play Together

It is vital for children to be comfortable playing with the opposite gender as this will make
them ready for future relationships at work, at home and in school. You can enter your child
in mixed gender activities, sports, and playgroups.

4. Don’t Eliminate Gender Entirely

Your goal should not be to erase gender but to encourage your child to pursue all interests,
careers, and hobbies. By making sure their opportunities and choices are not restricted by
gender, you can better emphasise how irrelevant gender is in society.
5. Introduce Them To Role Models
Expose your children to role models like male nurses, female engineers and mechanics and
so on. Your child will be encouraged if he learns about people who challenge gender
stereotypes and express themselves in a gender fluid manner.

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6. Focus on your kid as an independent individual

Studies show that there is no difference between a male brain and a female brain. Although
both genders have biological differences, in other aspects they have a mix of things
characteristic of both sexes. Hence, it is essential to focus on your child as a single human,
rather than anything which attributes gender.

7. Help Them See Being Different is Okay

It is important to teach and reassure your child that being gender neutral might be slightly
different to others but is still completely okay, positive and normal.

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8. Encourage Free Expression in a Safe Space

Allow your child to explore and experiment in a safe environment, in activities like role play
and dressing up. Support them in whatever choice they make. However, they can choose to
express themselves whatever gender they may be. Keep their possibilities open.

9. Teach Them About Sexism

Help your children recognise stereotypes and how the society and world we live in has
gender divisions. This will equip them better for the future and help them realise gender
division is not due to the difference in ability, but due to a culture which is stereotypical.

10. Keep in Mind Toys Have No Gender

Do not gender stereotype toys as boy toys and girl toys. This can affect your child in their
psychological and physical development if you are raising them as gender neutral. Let your
child play with a wide variety of toys which are not segregated as being blue or pink
Most importantly, the decision to raise a gender neutral child should not be to make the
child a symbol of social change; it should be to give the child freedom to decide his own
identity free from any gender limitations.

Step Parenting – How To Prepare

Yourself for the New Role
By

 Mahak Arora

 -

March 20, 2018

Being a step parent can be extremely rewarding as you get to play a major role in moulding
a young mind. The responsibility of having to be a role model must be seen as the opening
up of brand new opportunities and not an unrequited chore.

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Most Common Step Parenting Problems

Stepping in as a parent immediately changes the dynamics of all the inter-personal
relationships between you and the other members of the family. As it were, you, or your
family, are merging with another family, with a history of their own.

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Below are some of the step-parent struggles you would have to face as well as solutions to
tackle them:

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1. Differing Parenting Styles

The joy and energy you’ve found in the romance department has left you hopeful of enjoying
a warm and stable domestic life. However, you may find that things change when a child
comes into the equation.

Solution
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It all comes down to communication, communication and more communication! Not only
will you both have different styles of parenting, but your experiences would be vastly
different as well. New parents, usually discover the dynamics of parenting as their child
grows up and we suggest that new step-parents wade into this territory slowly. Two things
are for sure, you are in this together, and you are the adults here. Like the aeroplane safety
instructions say, you need to secure your own oxygen mask before you can help others, so
all issues between you and your partner need to be solved first.

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2. Relationship Between Step Parent And Step Child

Now, this one is where step-parents think they actually are prepared. After all, you’ve been
stressing out about being accepted by your partner’s child since the moment you learnt of
them. Like we mentioned before, overreaching may come across as either scary or weak.

Solution
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Remember that your stepchild has their own personality, history and life experiences. It is
easy to be weirded out by a full-grown adult that is relatively new to them trying to impose
themselves into their life. Take your time. Familiarity comes slow – you aren’t there to play
a fixed role, the best you can do is to be you and form a genuine relationship with the
person that is your stepchild.

3. Relationship Between You and Your Child

Now this is a tricky one! Just as you find yourself adjusting to life with your new partner and
their child, your child finds their life toppled over too. The customs and habits of the new
people seem odd; they are required to share space and attention and possessions with
more siblings now rather than fewer, it’s a big challenge for them!

Solution
You need to talk to your child about what to expect. It can all get overwhelming easily. Let
them know that you are in it together. Even as you assure them that you are in it together,
steer clear away from creating an atmosphere of us vs them.

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4. Relationship Between The Step-Siblings

It is true that children make friends easily. For the most part, that is the case, as long as
those friends are classmates and schoolmates that they see for a fixed amount of time in a
neutral setting. Siblings on the other hand, are legendary spatters. However, siblings, in the
end, are siblings. Forced siblings are a different matter!
Solution
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Do not encourage them bad mouthing their new step-siblings or step-parent in any way;
however, shutting them down outright is not helpful either. Let them share their troubles, be
understanding. The first goal is simply co-existence.

5. Relationship Between Your Partner And Their Child

One needs to accept that step-parent struggles include things out of the boundary of one’s
control. The relationship between your partner and their child is one of these aspects of life
as a step parent.

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Solution
Letting go is part of parenting too. Do not force your issue and do not try to convince your
partner their child needs “fixing”. Discuss constructive changes and systematic behavioural
training that equips the child positively instead of looking for fast-track ways to make them
accept you.

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Tips For Step Parenting Preschoolers And Toddlers

Step parent advice for parents of very young kids differs significantly from those of more
mentally developed children.

1. Spend Time With Them

Young kids can respond to you and grow accustomed to having you in their life, much more
easily than older ones. For the first few months, spend time with them in the company of
your partner and later, move on to spending alone time with them.

2. Get In There
Being a step parent doesn’t mean you are exempt or ineligible to help out with your
stepchild’s daily routine. Support your partner by helping with meals, baths, changing
diapers, etc.

3. Consistency
Though hard, you will need to be with your stepchild every day. You cannot have one
meeting with them and not show up for the next two weeks. Let them get used to you and
know that you are a part of their life.

4. Stay Tight
If a toddler perceives that you are comfortable and respectful to their biological parent, they
are more likely to warm up to you, as they won’t see you as a threat.

5. Learn To Love Them

Children know when you love them, and when they feel loved, it is reciprocated!

Tips For Step Parenting Older Children

Parenting older children is tricky territory. With their life experiences and prejudices, it may
prove to be a tough job.

1. Show Up
While you can’t muscle your way into a person’s mind, you can still be a steady source of
comfort. Older children have their own mind and make it up as they see fit. While they may
not take to you immediately, having a constant source of support in their life is essential,
and as a parent, that is what you are there for!

2. Don’t Rush It
Your stepchild is dealing with a new adult living with their family in the same house. It’s
overwhelming ,and every step-parent should avoid coming on too strong. Familiarity comes
slow.

3. Get Them Involved

Mutual respect is the key to establishing a meaningful relationship. Show them you value
their input by involving them in planning household activities and chores. You have to be
vulnerable sometimes. As Benjamin Franklin observed, one of the quickest ways to turn
around the negative attitude of a person toward you is to ask them for their help.

4. Do Not Seek To Substitute Their Biological Parents

This step is self-explanatory. Your partner’s alone time with your stepchild is sacred. The
same applies to their other parent, if they are still involved in the child’s life.

5. Stay Consistent
As a step-parent coming into the life of a child, keep in mind that you are not entirely
responsible for the relationship. Every relationship is a two-way street, and just because you
show up, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will too! So, don’t take this personally. This may
be the most important of the rules to follow as a step-parent!
Do’s And Don’ts For Successful Step-Parenting
The Do’s
1. Be Yourself
Recognize that your stepchild is a person of their own, just as you are, and be yourself, just
as you would be with a friend or colleague. Being yourself is one of the usually unsaid rules
for step parenting that holds a lot of importance.

2. Observe And Learn How You Parent

Parenting is a two person job and you and your partner need to work out your
methodologies. Communicate with each other. Your own style of parenting is something
that develops over time, so be careful to observe what works and doesn’t and evolve your
parenting method as you go.

3. Don’t Be Afraid To Be Alone Together

You will need to spend time alone with your step-child. This may be just for convenience
sake or out of circumstance. Helping your child out with their school and extra-curricular
activities is a great way to get to know them and vice versa.

4. Let Them Spend Time With Their Biological Parents

Let your stepchild know that you value their relationships with their biological parents –
with your actions. A child will respect this importance you place on family connections.

The Don’ts
1. Expect Everything At Once
It would be convenient for you if everything went smoothly, i.e., your new stepchild accepts
you right away, and you can dive into your new family life without a hiccup. Hoping this is
the case will impair you from working effectively in forming a connection with your
stepchildren.

2. Come In Hard
You and your stepchild are two persons that are unfamiliar with each other. So, don’t treat
them as if you’ve known them for their whole lives. This is the absolute basic fault that
classical fairy tale storytelling uses to portray step parents as villains (think Cinderella or
Snow White!).

3. You Are Not Their “Real” Parent

You may almost certainly be subject to hearing the stereotypical rant of “You are not my
real Mom (or Dad)”. Do not take it personally. It only changes in the long run.
4. It’s Not Personal 
Always keep in mind that as tough as the new role of being a step parent may be for you, it
is tougher to accept for your stepchild. When they react badly or seem aloof, it is not always
because they do not like you as a person or because you failed at step-parent rights and
wrongs.

Take pride in being a step-parent, for it is a connection as pure as any can be.

Bad Parenting Signs and How They Can

Affect Your Child
By

 Mahak Arora

 -

June 24, 2019

One of the hardest tasks to achieve is to have a good and consistent parenting style. There
are instances of bad parenting that can have lasting consequences on children. Most
parents use their own upbringing as a blueprint for parenting, which is not recommended
due to evolution of society and social environment. It is proven that certain practices of
parenting are more harmful than they are beneficial to your child.

What is Bad Parenting?

Bad parenting is a series of actions that can seriously harm the child’s demeanour and
psychology. Bad parenting isn’t restricted to a single act; it is a collection of these acts that
are usually what contributes to a harmful effect on the child. Most poor parenting may not
be intentional, but this does not reduce it’s negative impact on the child. Some parents are
not aware of the consequences of these actions and some might not even care. Bad
parenting might stem from not knowing enough to be a better parent or from a general lack
of apathy to learning the right way.

Bad parenting can have many adverse effects on your child. With our lifestyles being as
fast-paced as they are today, it might seem easy to just tell your child what to do. However,
you must remember that your child is an individual who requires care and nurturing from
you. Make the time to join parenting groups and forums and bring up any issues you might
be facing. Have an honest conversation with other parents and listen to any advice they
might have. If there are any signs of the effects of poor parenting in your child, it might be
best to consult a child psychologist.

Signs Of Bad Parenting

There are several actions and incidences that could make you a bad parent. Here are a few
examples of bad parenting that you must avoid at all costs:

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1. Reprimanding the Child Excessively

If your child does something wrong and you reprimand or scold him excessively for the
mistake, it can have a negative influence on your child. This practice can have a worse
effect if your child has displayed honesty and has confessed to making a mistake.

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2. Disciplining the Child in Front of Everyone

You might lose your patience and scold, yell, or even hit your child in front of others. This
will have a serious impact on your child’s confidence, and the feeling of shame arising from
this method of discipline will be hard to shake off.

3. All Advice, No Encouragement

You dispense advice about everything, from brushing teeth to picking the right clothes
rather than encouraging your child with support.

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4. Withholding Affection
You do not give your child hugs or say ‘I love you’ to your child often. This will make your
child feel emotionally disconnected from you.
5. Not Setting Rules
Children need structure and boundaries in order to grow up to be healthy individuals. If the
child does not grow with discipline, then he/she will suffer in situations outside the home
environment.

6. Lack of Support
Children need support, especially during stressful times like a performance at school or
examinations. You could be more concerned about your work, and this might leave your
child feeling anxious.

7. Comparing Your Child

You constantly tell your child that he/she should be like other children and emulate their
positive traits. This is a sign of bad parenting.

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8. Not Proud of His/Her Achievements

You never praise your child for his/her achievements and do not show pride in hard work.

9. Using a Criticising Tone

Using a tone that shows disapproval of all your child’s actions will leave a negative mark on
him/her.

10. Not Respecting His/Her Feelings

You do not take the time to have a conversation with your child and understand his/her
feelings. When opinions and feelings are disregarded and not addressed in a healthy
manner, it could adversely affect kids.
11. Being a Poor Example
Your child will pick up on all your habits and behaviours. You might want to think about why
and where your child has picked up a particular behaviour from.

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12. Not Giving Him/Her a Choice

You do not give your child a choice and instead expect him/her to do something because
you have said so.

13. Too Much Pampering

You might think that your child is the most special child, but for the rest of the world he/she
just another child. Making him/her feel entitled could lead to bad behaviour that causes
social isolation.

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14. Being Overprotective

You protect your child from every imaginable danger out there. This will make your child
fearful and afraid of taking any type of risk, from making new friends to trying new
activities.

15. Lack of Trust

You do not allow your child to make decisions because you are sure that they will be the
wrong choices or you do not believe him/her.

16. Not Giving Your Time

You are always too busy to talk or play with your child or just have no interest to do these
things. Being glued to your phone screen while your child is talking to you can make them
feel neglected.
Impact Of Bad Parenting On Children
Bad parenting can have a lasting adverse impact on your child in terms of behaviour and
psychology. Here are a few effects of bad parenting:

1. Antisocial Behaviours
When your child does not consider how his actions might affect others, it is known as
antisocial behaviour. A severe form of this can lead to substance abuse, mental health
problems, crime, and poor health. Bad parenting actions like parental drug abuse, domestic
violence, and maternal depression usually contribute to this condition. This is also observed
in children whose parents displayed critical, negative, and coercive behaviour.

2. Poor Resilience
Children learn how to cope with emotional, mental, and physical trauma from seeing how
their parents deal with any hardships themselves. In this case, bad parenting comes in the
form of not shielding the child from a crisis or not being able to handle negative emotions,
which in turn, rubs off on the child.

3. Depression
Many studies have shown that parents who have a negative approach will have children
with a higher susceptibility to depression. Bad parenting actions that lead to depression
include low levels of emotional and physical support, physical punishment, and an
unhealthy expression of negative emotions.

4. Aggression
Many studies have shown that kindergarteners who have explosive anger issues usually
have a poor relationship with their mothers. Negative parenting techniques like rough
handling and expressing negative emotions towards the child during infancy will cause the
child to have high levels of anger.

5. Lack of Empathy
If the child is treated with indifference at home, then chances are high that he/she will
behave the same with others outside.
6. Difficulty with Relationships
Parents who do not help the child express their emotions in a healthy manner will find that
their children are unable to maintain friendships. Bad parenting also could cause the child
to question trust and develop low self-confidence.

How to Be a Good Parent?

One of the biggest steps you can take is admitting that you have a few bad parenting
techniques. You can always learn new ways to overcome these shortcomings. Here are a
few tips on being a good parent:

1. Hands-on Parenting
Get involved with your child’s life and take it upon yourself to teach your child some of life’s
most important lessons. Focus your energy on building an emotional rapport with your
child.

2. Do Not Shout at Your Child

Instead of shouting at or scolding children, try to calmly reason with them. Give them a
time-out if they’re being difficult and then sit down and listen to why they were upset in the
first place. If it has to do with school, then calmly ask your child to explain the difficulties
he/she is facing. Explain to your child why his/her actions are wrong and the larger
consequences of those actions.

3. Give Reasons
If you want your child to do something, then explain to him/her the reasons behind your
request. If you want him/her to finish school work before going out to play, then explain the
reasons behind it. A great way to explain it would be to say that the second he/she finishes,
play time begins. This also works as motivation.

4. Set Rules
Structure is important for your child’s development. However, whatever new rules you do
put in place, do make sure to discuss the same with your child. In case you want your child
to take up a chore around the house, then have a discussion with him/her about which
chore he/she would like to do and to what degree you want that chore to be done. Ask your
child to set up a schedule for this new chore. Sticking to this new schedule will boost self-
esteem.

5. Give Your Child Choices

Talk to your child about the different options he/she might have. It can be something small
like deciding if he/she wants to go to the park with you the next day. Allowing your child to
make choices will boost  confidence in making decisions.

6. Listen
One of the most important aspects of parenting is listening to your child. Even if what your
child says seems mundane to you, you must listen, as it might be something important to
him/her.

7. Be a Good Example
Children are known to pick up habits and actions from the people around them. As a parent,
your child will be looking up to you for advice on almost everything, particularly in the
younger years. Practice healthy habits and your child is bound to pick them up
himself/herself.

8. Don’t Raise Your Hand

You’ll encounter numerous times during your parenting journey, when your child may
misbehave or disobey to a large extent, making you lose your patience. However, take a
deep breath and count before you raise your hand on him/her. Physical violence can have
serious psychological effects on the child, affecting development. In turn, this causes
children to emulate the same behaviour when they become parents/

9. Inculcate Reward and Punishment

Reward and Punishment is by far, the best way to discipline a child. Reward good behaviour
and punishing bad behaviour sets a touchstone to the child on which behaviour to follow
and which to avoid. Make sure to set punishments that are non-physical.
10. Don’t Suffocate Your Child
Rather than being too controlling and constantly hovering around your child’s every step,
give them some element of freedom. If they know the consequences of bad behaviour, they
are likely to misuse the freedom they’ve been given.

Bad parenting is not just harmful to your child at the moment, but will definitely have a
lasting negative impact on your child for years to come, which could stay on, even as an
adult. Remember that parenting is not just about imparting wisdom to your child, but about
allowing them to grow and find their own lifestyles. This includes raising them to be
responsible for their actions and accepting responsibility for the decisions they make and
the actions they take. How you decide to impart the knowledge and teach them about
responsibility can be the key element to raising your child. This should not be forced onto
them in any manner. Talk to child psychologists to learn how to communicate with your
child. It is recommended that as a parent, both your partner and you attend parenting
seminars, talk to counsello8 and work out a manner in which to develop and navigate
through your parenting philosophy.

Coming up with a parenting philosophy can be a challenge due to the numerous hurdles in
both faith and conscience that you will face. Remember that the past generations of
parenting are not just to be followed blindly but to be used as a platform to evolve from. In
the past hitting your child was acceptable, but research shows physical intimidation does
more harm than good when it comes to raising your child. Establishing mutual respect and
a line of open communication is important, so is allowing your child to make mistakes and
encouraging them to recover from their failures. A point every parent must remember is not
to overwhelm the child with restrictions. Letting your child grow while having fun and being
social has numerous benefits to their mental health.

The Most Common

Behavior Disorders in
Children
Raising children is difficult, and raising difficult children can be life disrupting.
But being able to tell whether your child is just going through a stage, or if
something is really wrong isn’t always that easy.

A tantrum doesn’t automatically mean your 2-year-old has a problem with

authority, and a kindergartner who doesn’t want to sit still doesn’t necessarily
have an attention disorder. When it comes to understanding our children’s
behavior, experts say diagnoses and labels should be kept to a minimum.

Defining “Disorders”
Child psychology experts from the University of Oxford and University of
Pittsburgh say that the term “disorder” should be used cautiously for children
up to 5 years old, and question its validity. Professors Frances Gardner and
Daniel S. Shaw say the evidence is limited that problems in preschool indicate
problems later in life, or that behavioral issues are evidence of a true disorder.
“There are concerns about distinguishing normal from abnormal behavior in
this period of rapid developmental change,” they wrote.

That being said, a conservative approach to handling behavioral and

emotional issues in this age group is best.

Early Childhood Behavioral and

Emotional Disorders
Rarely will a child under 5 years old receive a diagnosis of a serious
behavioral disorder. However, they may begin displaying symptoms of a
disorder that could be diagnosed later in childhood. These may include:
 1. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
2. oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
3. autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
4. anxiety disorder
5. depression
6. bipolar disorder
7. learning disorders
8. conduct disorders

Many of these you’ve likely heard of. Others are more rare or aren’t often
used outside of discussions about childhood psychology.

ODD, for instance, includes angry outbursts, typically directed at people in

authority. But a diagnosis is dependent on the behaviors lasting continuously
for more than six months and disrupting a child’s functioning. Conduct
disorder is a far more serious diagnosis and involves behavior one would
consider cruel, to both other people as well as to animals. This can include
physical violence and even criminal activity — behaviors that are very
uncommon in preschool-age children.

Autism, meanwhile, is actually a broad range of disorders that can affect

children in a variety of ways, including behaviorally, socially, and cognitively.
They are considered a neurological disorder and, unlike other behavioral
disorders, the symptoms may begin as early as infanthood. According to
the American Psychiatric Association, about one in 68 children are diagnosed
with an autism spectrum disorder.
Behavior and Emotional Problems
Far more likely than one of the above clinical disorders is that your young
child is experiencing a temporary behavioral and/or emotional problem. Many
of these pass with time, and require a parent’s patience and understanding.

In some cases, outside counseling is warranted and may be effective in

helping children cope with stressors effectively. A professional could help your
child learn how to control their anger, how to work through their emotions, and
how to communicate their needs more effectively. For obvious reasons,
medicating children at this age is controversial.

Parenting for Childhood Success

Parenting styles are rarely to blame for childhood behavioral problems. And if
you’re searching out solutions to help your family cope, that’s a pretty good
indication that you aren’t causing your child’s issues. Still, parents play a
crucial role in treating early childhood behavioral issues.

Parenting Styles: Which One Is Right for You? »

When we talk about parenting styles, there are four main types, one of which
is most effective in raising well-adjusted and well-behaved children:

1. Authoritarian parenting: Strict rules with no compromise, and no input

from the children.
2. Authoritative parenting: Strict rules, but parents are willing to listen
and cooperate with their children. More of a democracy than
authoritarian parenting.
 3. Permissive parenting: Few rules, and few demands put on children.
There is little to no discipline in this home, and parents typically take on
the role of friend.
4. Uninvolved parenting: No rules and very little interaction. These
parents are detached and may reject or neglect their children.

Authoritative parenting is most likely to raise well-adjusted and happy children.

Uninvolved parents are most likely to raise children lacking self-esteem, self-
control, and general competency, say experts.

What we can learn from these parenting styles is that children need clear
rules and consequences, but they also need a parent who is willing to listen
and guide.

Be Patient with Your Children

Empathy, a cooperative attitude, and a calm temperament are crucial traits for
parents to adopt as their child struggles. Also, knowing when to ask for help is
key.

If your child’s behavior becomes disruptive to the regular running of your

household or their education, or if they become violent, it’s time to talk to a
professional.

Raising children with behavioral problems isn’t easy. But before you rush to
diagnose them or turn into a strict disciplinarian, reach out for help. Your
pediatrician can provide insight into whether your child’s behavior is normal for
their age, and provide resources for assistance.
 Responsibilities of nurses working with babies
Many nurses enter the field with a goal of working with babies. Some have a
preference to work in the maternity unit (labor and delivery), in pediatrics or to
specifically work as a neonatal nurse.

Working in the maternity unit requires nurses to work with both the mothers
and the infants, usually providing care leading up to, during and post-labor.
Maternity nurses monitor the vitals of both the patient and the infant, assist
the doctor during labor and help teach mothers how to feed, change and
bathe the newborn.

Working in pediatrics includes working with infants, children and

adolescents.

Specific responsibilities depend on the location, as pediatric nurses can be

found in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics or even surgery centers. Similarly,
becoming a neonatal nurse is a subspecialty of nursing, requiring work with
newborns who may have a wide variety of medical issues. There are different
levels of care needed, depending on the severity of the issue, but these nurses
are usually working with the infants for up to the first month of their life.

Regardless of which of the three-abovementioned areas you end up working

in as a nurse, if you are caring for babies in some capacity, there are significant
responsibilities to be aware of:

Professional Responsibilities

Below is an overview of the professional responsibilities you would have in

each role:

Labor and delivery nurse job duties:

 Provide emotional and medical support for the mother during labor
 Monitor the vitals of both the fetus and the mother
 Track the strength and timing of contractions
 Administer any necessary medications and/or tests
 Assist the doctor during labor
 Support the mother during delivery
 Assist the doctor if any complications arise
 Monitor the infant post-delivery
 Educate the mother on how to properly feed, bathe and care for the
new infant

Pediatric nurse job duties:

 Be knowledgeable about the developmental stages of a baby

 Test the appropriate stage/interactions of the baby
 Help treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical issues
 Help provide care during a wide variety of surgical conditions
 Take appropriate vitals
 Provide education and instruction to families
 Specialize in disease management, prevention and assessment

Neonatal nurse job duties:

 As a neonatal nurse, job duties become even more serious, as you will
be working in life-sustaining care for the new baby up until a month old
 Administer appropriate medications
 Monitor vital signs
 Provide life-sustaining nutrients to the baby
 Monitor the infant’s breathing
 Monitor appropriate lung development
 Assist in treatment plans and examinations
 Maintain and update records of patient’s care
 Educate parents on necessary at-home procedures

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

As a nurse working with babies, there are also significant legal and ethical
responsibilities to consider. You are going to be working in an incredibly
complex organization. Every day, both legal and ethical issues are embedded
into your nursing practice. This includes your direct work with patients,
families and physicians, but it also includes your role and rights as a nurse.

It is important to be an advocate for yourself and your patients to make sure

there is appropriate access to valuable resources that will lessen or alleviate
distress. You are going to serve as a guide to help families and their babies
along the journey of particular illnesses and medical issues. Helping people is
what brings nurses career satisfaction and fulfillment; however, this is also
when ethical challenges can arise.

For example, you will need to ask patients whether they understand the
differences between research and treatment procedures. You will at some
point be talking over the benefits and drawbacks of certain medications. You
will have the doctor beside you to provide his recommendation; however,
ultimately you will need to support the family in their decision. Other
situations may require you to have to calm an aggressive, angry or verbally
abusive patient who is drowned in grief.

There are going to be so many difficult decisions and situations you will be
faced with. It is incredibly important to be well versed in the policies and
procedures set in place in whichever setting you are working in and to also
remain true to the ethics of nursing. “How patient- centered care is defined,
organized, and delivered; how the rights and interests of patients and family
decision makers are upheld; and how evidence concerning safe and effective
—or harmful and ineffective—care in-forms practice and policy are but a few
of the areas of nursing practice that are shaped by a range of policy decisions
and by the interpretation of policy” (Ulrich, 1).

Take a look at the full list of the American Nurses Association code of
ethics here.

Emotional Responsibilities

Last but definitely not least, there are emotional responsibilities to consider.
This is in regards to both the babies and families you are working with and
also yourself. As a nurse, you are going to serve as a mediator between
patients and families, physicians and patients, and other significant parties.
This is a delicate balance that you will learn to become responsible for and
maintain while emotions are running high.

As a nurse working with babies, the balance becomes even more sensitive in
nature. As a maternity nurse, you will walk the fine line of teaching mothers
how to care for their infants and also acknowledging the mother’s intuition
and medical needs as well. As a pediatric nurse, you may feel strongly about
providing care in a particular way, but will have to abide by the doctor’s
decisions. As a neonatal nurse, you are going to be working in an incredibly
sensitive environment and will be taking care of severely sick babies, which is
already incredibly difficult in and of itself. However, you will also have to
consider the potential emotional grief of the families.

The incredibly unfortunate reality is that not all babies will survive the terrible
medical issues they have faced. You may bear witness to families losing their
infant after three weeks in the NICU. You may bear witness to a first-time
mother losing her baby due to complications in the delivery. Not only may
you see these unfortunate circumstances, you may feel emotionally connected
to the families enduring the pain firsthand. There may be images and
situations that stick with you. While it is part of your practice to offer some
level of support to families, it is also incredibly important to practice self-care.

As a nurse, self-care encompasses mental, emotional and physical. There can

be a great deal of stressors that come along with this also rewarding career.
The best way to start self-care is to be aware of your own personal stressors
and how they affect you. Being aware is the first step in knowing how to
handle situations and taking care of yourself accordingly. Reach out to your
supervisor, tap in to the support of your co-workers, have a family fun day of
your own.

Also know that there is of course good with the bad. There will also be plenty
of happy moments – a mother having her first child, surrounded by family and
love. Working with an infant and after two weeks being able to send him
home to his parents, healthy as can be. After days of practice, finally seeing a
mother and baby connect and successfully breastfeed. Let these be the
moments that stick with you.
 

Northwestern College will prepare you.

Northwestern College’s nursing degree is accredited by the Higher Learning

Commission and is approved by The Illinois Department of Professional
Regulation Division of Professional Regulation Illinois State Board of Nursing.

Graduating with the Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing from

Northwestern College will help prepare you to work in any setting, whether
you choose a hospital, clinic or private practice. If you are a nurse who wants
to work with babies in a position described above, you’ll be excited to take
courses such as “Pediatric Nursing” and “Maternity/Women’s Health Nursing.”
In these courses, you will learn the relevant, hands-on techniques to care for
infants. You’ll also learn how to work successfully and professionally with the
entire family unit. Read up more on specific course descriptions here!

Once you graduate from Northwestern College’s program, you will feel
prepared for the challenges and celebrations ahead of you. You will know
policy, theory and leadership skills. However, you will also gain confidence. In
gaining confidence, you will be able to trust yourself and your decisions. You
might be able to catch signs of post-partum depression in a new mother or
express without doubt your opinion on how to best educate parents on at-
home care for their new baby. Either way, know that your hard work now in
Northwestern College’s nursing program is going to set you up for success to
help change the lives of countless babies and patients in the future.