Help Me Learn to Stand
Now that I’m moving around on the floor and can hold my head up pretty well, I’m going to start getting curious about the world above me. You might see me pulling at the edges of furniture, like our couch…
Help Me Learn to Sit Up
When I start having better control of the muscles in my neck and shoulders, it’ll be time for me to start learning how to sit up. This will help a lot when I start eating table foods or want to…
Help Me When I Feel Upset
You probably noticed right away – I cry a lot! Crying is the way I communicate to you since I don’t have any words yet. It’s okay for me to cry, but there are things you can do to help…
Help Me Look At You! (Even If You Aren’t Here)
Even if you aren’t at home when I first start to look at the things and people around me, you can still do things to help me look at you. If you are able to call me with video, make…
I Can Support My Own Weight (With Your Help)
Even though I can’t stand or pull up by myself, I can start practicing putting my weight on my legs with your help. Help me take these first steps to standing all by myself by holding my hands and letting…
Help Me Learn to Stand (Even If You Aren’t Home)
When I’m learning to stand, the person who is taking care of me can help by holding my hands and helping me balance. But that doesn’t mean you can’t help too! I’ll try to pull myself up when I see…
Help Me Build My Self-Confidence
Even though I’m still very small, I’m now starting to understand that I can make an impact on my world. I’ll be exploring and learning new things every day, and with every discovery, my self-esteem and confidence will grow. Give…
Use Objects to Help Me Learn to Move
Now that I’m starting to go pro with tummy time, I’ll be ready to start moving even more! Before I walk, I’ll use all kinds of ways to move – rolling my body around, scooting with my belly, and, eventually,…
Helping Me Grow Strong With Tummy Time
Even though it’s hard for me to move my body around now, before you know it I’ll be crawling and walking! You can help me learn how to control my movements and gain strength by giving me lots of tummy…
Helping Me Grow With Books
I know you want me to do well when I am old enough to go to school, and you know reading is really important. If you read to me every single day, I’ll see these words and realize that they…
Parent Helper
It is often difficult to parent alone, and there are times you need a little help. Even if you don’t work outside of your home and don’t require child care, there will be times when you want to get out…
It Takes a Village
Most children who aren’t military connected grow up not far from grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and lifelong family friends. When you are military, you move frequently and can’t rely on the usual extended family support for daily life. As…
Quiet Time
Get in the habit of taking a “quiet time” every day when your child has quiet time. As you create your child’s routine of nap time, he will understand how important it is if he sees you also slowing down,…
“Must Do” or “Want to Do” List
Parenting is a very demanding and busy job! It isn’t the only thing you have to do, either. Make a list every day of what you think you have to do. Then, review your list. If there is anything that…
Hear the Music
Pick music that you find relaxing, preferably music without any singing. Get comfortable, either sitting or lying down, and listen to the music. Try to slow your breathing; let it follow the beat of the music. Listen to the instruments…
Just Breathe
It is amazing what breathing can do for you when you are feeling tense, worried, flustered, or stressed. Take the time to do two cleansing breaths. To do this, relax your body as much as you are able. Concentrate on…