Pregnancy, Parenting and Beyond

Courtesy Kindergarten dot com It is very important to make sure a child can sustain play .  When a child plays he or she is building social language, imagination and creativity.  Sustained play will teach a child how to focus on one topic at a time and help develop natural conversation skills .  More importantly, playing teaches a child new concepts, cognitive, fine and gross motor skills.  Using simple blocks as an example, a child may learn about construction, spatial awareness, balance, colors, sizes, shapes, etc.  If a child has delayed language, an adult could model a lot of functional language by simply talking about what kind of building he or she wants to build, suggest who might live in the building, or compare her building to something else. You may have a child that is easily distracted, hyperactive or sensory seeking.  He or she may not know how to play with a specific toy and become easily frustrated.  One of the best things you...

Shoulder Straightener: Squeeze your shoulder blades together, while sitting or standing and hold it for 10 seconds. Repeat this a few times during the day. The new curves that you body is taking on, makes you hunch forward. This move realigns your posture and stretches your chest and back muscles. Squats: Stand with feet hip-width apart and hold a chair. With you weight on your heels, slowly lower your body as if sitting, pausing at knee level. Squeeze your glutes and thighs to come up. Repeat 10 times, thrice a day. This helps to prepare your muscles during labor. Kegels: Contract your pelvic muscles (as if stopping yourself from peeing), hold for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10times, thrice a day. This strengthens the pelvic muscles and helps prevent leaking pee. Baby Hugs: Pull in your abs as if to "Hug" your baby, hold for 3 to 5 seconds. Do not hold your breath. Repeat this a few times daily. This helps to tighten muscles around the uterus that stretch and weaken as t...