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How to Feed the Growing Brain

Ever look at a baby and wonder what she's thinking? Well there's a lot more going on in there than previously thought. According to the newest brain research, babies' brains begin crackling with activity before they're even born!

At birth, an infant's brain houses 100 billion nerve cells, or neurons. Immediately, connections -- or synapses -- between the cells form as the baby experiences her surroundings and makes attachments to caregivers. This network of neurons and synapses controls various functions, such as seeing, hearing, and moving. By the age of three, a child's brain has about 1,000 trillion synapses -- twice as many as an adult. But if a child's brain is not stimulated from birth, these synapses don't develop, impairing her ability to learn and grow.

What does this mean for parents?

"Basically, the latest research confirms the importance of what many parents do instinctively, such as reading, cuddling, and talking to their children," says Angie Dorell, director of curriculum at La Petite Academy, the nation's second-largest preschool. She says these five parenting practices will help ensure a child's healthy brain development.

   1. Be warm, loving, and responsive: Studies show that children who receive responsive caregiving, such as touching, rocking, talking, and smiling, cope with difficult times more easily when they are older. They are more curious, get along better with other children, and perform better in school than kids who are less securely attached.

   2. Talk, read, and sing to your child: Communicating with your child gives him a solid basis for learning later. Talk and sing about daily events. Read stories in a way that encourages older babies and toddlers to participate by answering questions, pointing to what they see in a picture book, or by repeating rhymes and refrains.

   3. Encourage safe exploration and play: While many of us think of learning as simply acquiring facts, children learn through playing. Blocks, art, and pretending all help children develop curiosity, confidence, language, and problem-solving skills. Let your child choose many of her own activities. If she turns away or seems uninterested, put it aside. Let her pick it up again later when she's interested.

   4. Use discipline as an opportunity to teach: It is normal for children to test rules and to act impulsively at times. Parents need to set limits that help teach children, rather than punish them. For example, tell your child what behavior is acceptable and communicate positively: say, "Feet belong on the floor, please," instead of "Get off the chair!"

   5. Choose quality childcare and stay involved: Research shows that high-quality childcare and early education can boost children's learning and social skills when they enter school. For free tips on how to choose quality care, call Child Care Aware at 800-424-2246. After choosing your provider, stay involved. Drop in unannounced, and insist on progress reports.

Courtesy of www.life.familyeducation.com

How Early Should Dental Care Begin For Your Baby?

By: Chris Hinde

The majority of people take a long time before they embark on taking dental care for their kids. Before reaching age five, twenty five percent of children have their first cavity, and a lot more cross that number also – 50 to 70 percent of children will have at least one cavity when they are in the grade schools. Because we are grown ups, we can value the need of the right care of our teeth. But our children should also be made abreast of the importance. You should begin dental care before a baby gets his or her first tooth. Below are given some methods:

Infant Dental Care:

1.After the baby consumes anything solid or liquid, you should rinse their gums with a damp cloth and clean the gums with it. Decay can begin even without any teeth.

2.Do not let your child go to bed with a milk bottle or formula because that would be in his mouth the whole night.

3.When the first tooth of the infant appears, you can begin the process of dental care by using a soft brush and infant toothpaste for their precious pearl.

4.Visit the dentist just after the baby gets their first teeth. The maximum number of doctors asks to see the child when he is around 1 years of age. However, if you notice anything that can be cause for concern then visit the dentist before. This will again assist them to be more adjusted getting dental care in the times to come.

5.Brush your child’s teeth twice every day, once in the morning, and once surely at night.

Children:

1.When the whole set of teeth has made its appearance, definitely visit the dentist without waiting any longer.

2.Provide guidance to your child when he brushes his teeth for the first 6 years of his life.

3.When your child grows permanent teeth, with your assistance he should learn how to floss his teeth.

4.When a child loses his tooth or teeth, take both the child and his tooth to the doctor. The teeth may be restored when kept in a bowl of cold milk for sometime.

5.After the age of seven or eight, dental care for your child can begin serious earnest.

About The Author

Chris Hinde is a day care worker and author. See more of her articles at http://www.babytrends.info/.
Courtesy of http://www.articlecity.com/