Raymond Parenting - Kitty's Blog

Ways to Play With Your Child Without Becoming The Playmate

2012-01-30T19:40:33+00:00

Most parents want to spend playful time with their child but become uncomfortable when they've played so well that their child can't bear to have them leave. Suddenly, the toys are boring if no adult is involved in the play. If this sounds familiar, you may have slipped into the role of playmate and need help to get out. This happened to me. While I really enjoyed watching my child engaged in play, I prefered observing from a distance. My eyes tend to glaze over if I am the playmate. Yet, even back then, mommy guilt would send me back in again.

Posted January 30, 2012

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Filed under: Daily Routines, Play

Do Toddlers Need Other Toddlers to Be “Socialized?”

2012-01-19T17:30:37+00:00

This week I spoke with Nancy, mother of an 8 month old and a 2.5 year old toddler. She wonders if her kids will miss out on becoming "socialized" if she decides to stay home rather than put them into a daycare or day home. "Don't they need the company of other children their own age for socialization?"

I've heard this concern before. Some parents who expect to have a single child feel they, in particular, should maximize efforts to have their baby or toddler be in the company of other toddlers for reasons of "socialization." In this context, what exactly do parents mean when using the word and what is it they expect to have their child learn during this "socialization" process - that wouldn't be learned if their child was at home in the care of a warm, engaged parent, grandparent or nanny?

Posted January 19, 2012

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Filed under: Interesting Parenting Matters

When Naps Are Still a Challenge

2012-01-12T16:54:09+00:00

Even after successful night sleep training, naps can remain problematic for a baby or toddler and, hence, - for parents. If only we could tell these young kids that naps play a vital role in providing them with energy and curiosity to bring to their playtimes, helping them make it gracefully to the end of the day and in helping them spend an easier night sleeping. The better the naps, the better the nights.

Posted January 12, 2012

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Filed under: News from Kitty, New Research, Sleep

Helping Your Child Learn to Play Independently—a NEW Raymond Seminar

2012-01-07T21:04:04+00:00

Teaching a child from an early age to play independently is to give them a life-long skill. Play is a child's work and it paves the way to learning about the world. To be able to entertain oneself with one's own thoughts and ideas leads a child toward a rich inner life. Parents can start as early as 6-8 months but if you have an older child -- it's never to late to start!

This January I'm presenting a NEW seminar entitled Helping Your Child Learn to Play Independently. I hope you'll join me. Here are the details:

Posted January 7, 2012

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Filed under: News from Kitty, Play

Feeding Tips - New Research

2011-12-15T15:07:55+00:00

The following Feeding Guidelines were presented at the Zero to Three 26th Annual Conference on Early Childhood, held in Washington DC in early December, 2011. The presentor was Irene Chatoor, M.D., Professor and Vice-chair of Department of Psychiatry and Director of Infant Toddler Mental Health Program at Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C. I've chosen to focus on five of Dr. Chatoor's Feeding Guidelines I believe will be of special interest to readers.

Posted December 15, 2011

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Filed under: Holidays with Children, Feeding and Eating

Survival Tips for Visiting Relatives Over the Holiday

2011-11-25T15:53:03+00:00

While it might make sense for grandparents to visit your family over Christmas, I observe that most young families are the ones to make the trip "home" or to other family locations at this time of the year. On the one hand, this may save you having to produce Christmas dinner for 25 people when you have 1, 2 or 3 children needing daily care but on the other hand, of course, you'll be headed into the family fishbowl where yours and your childrens behaviour will be on display.

"Why are you putting him down for a nap when he doesn't even look tired?" "Lets go shopping. He'll be fine in the stroller." "Are you really OK with him crying like that in the crib? I could go get him for you." "Is that really all she eats?" "We always made you kids eat one bite of everything when you were little." "When you kids were young we never had to baby-proof the house. One little slap on the hand did it!"

Posted November 25, 2011

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Filed under: Holidays with Children

Are You Trying to Get Your Toddler to Clean Up Her Toys?

2011-11-20T17:39:00+00:00

In recent years and for a variety of reasons, parents have grown increasing concerned about howand when to teach their toddlers to clean up their toys. This may be because parents are raising children later in their careers so adult work ethic issues create higher expectations of toddlers or maybe it's because parents tend to buy more toys for their child than any previous parenting generation and are being driven crazy by the clutter.

"How soon can I get him to start cleaning up?" is a common question in parent's minds these days. My thoughts on this matter may surprise you.

Posted November 20, 2011

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Filed under: Daily Routines, Interesting Parenting Matters, Play

Can’t Attend a Seminar Before Christmas? Book a Phone Appointment with Kitty, Instead

2011-11-13T21:36:49+00:00

As you head into the busy season ahead, you may wish you could attend a parenting seminar but just can't manage the time or the driving distance. Rest assured - you'll still have access to the seminar content from your own home by booking a 55 minute Telephone Appointment with Kitty. And, as a bonus, Kitty will tailor the information specifically to suit your family and your particular situation with the child you are calling about.

Posted November 13, 2011

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Filed under: News from Kitty

Your Child’s Christmas List

2011-11-10T17:59:13+00:00

Wondering how to make Christmas morning a hit for your child without breaking the bank or bring more brightly colored plastic toys into your house? I have some time-tested ideas for your consideration. I'll list them according to the age of your children. Some items listed will be of interest to all ages, so you can mix and match!

BABIES and YOUNG TODDLERS

Box of Kleenex to explore and watch each new piece pop up (It's only Christmas once a year!)

Toilet paper roll to explore (keeps baby busy while others open gifts)

One of your baby's own soothers packed into a box with easy-to-rip tissue paper wrapping (they love to unwrap and discover familiar items in a box)

Posted November 10, 2011

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Global Calgary Morning News - Calgary’s Child: Kitty Raymond

2011-10-25T22:16:25+00:00

Mon, Oct 24 - Potty training tips from pediatric behavioral specialist Kitty Raymond

"Talk to the Shower Curtain" is the catchy title I used in this T V clip to describe the toilet training strategy I teach in my Toilet Learning the Easy Way seminar. The clip is only 2.5 minutes, but you can get the full version by registering for this November 22 seminar. Click here to register.

Posted October 25, 2011

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Filed under: News from Kitty, Interesting Parenting Matters