child development, child safety, health, momblog, Relationships

How Parents Can Help with Childhood Anxiety & Fear

Children are happy creatures, right? But we must also acknowledge the fact that they can feel anxious and fearful at times.  Although they were seemingly born without any conceivable problem yet, there are those rare moments when we see them cry, frown, and feel agitated. What could be the cause of their anxiety? Why do they become scared of certain circumstances and environments?

In this article, we will look into the reasons why babies, toddlers or young children may feel anxious and afraid, and the ways by which parents can help them overcome these emotions.

Reason Number 1: Separation Anxiety


The natural comfort zones of infants, toddlers, and children are their parents. Some infants who have already developed their sense of attachment to their parents or caretakers would easily cry when separated even for a few seconds from them. Most babies who are breastfed also experience a great degree of separation anxiety that’s why they would eagerly hold onto their moms and refrain from being carried by other people even by their own family members. Separation anxiety may continue to present itself until children reach their preschool years when they finally become accustomed to being with their teachers and classmates.

What can you do?

Be strategic in letting your child spend time with other family members so that you can also do other activities without feeling the guilt of being separated for a while. It would be ideal to bring your child wherever you go, but if that proves not to be mentally and physically healthy for you, then just make sure that you communicate the need to go somewhere and promise to be back after a certain time.

Reason Number 2: Presence of Strangers


Do you notice that most infants simply look so adorable when they suddenly giggle and smile upon seeing other people? That’s particularly because they still haven’t fully developed their sense of familiarity. But as these infants grow older, they slowly become less welcoming towards strangers. This continues until the age of five or six when these children would shy away from interacting with people who are new to them.

What can you do?

It is definitely not advisable to let strangers touch your child just to prove that your family is approachable and friendly. When you go to a party or walk in the neighborhood, do not force your baby to like the people around her. Give her a sense of space and allow her to normalize the new environment until she gets used to seeing other people.

Reason Number 3: Animals and Stuffed Toys

Is your child among those who get afraid of large stuffed toys or baby dolls? Don’t ever think that it is abnormal. Some children simply feel afraid of large animals such as lions, dogs, and gorillas because they are naturally wired to perceive these images as uncommon and fearful.


What can you do?

Do not force your child to like the gorilla drawn on the book or the large barking dog of your friend. Acknowledge her fears. Put away these stuff for a little while but be sure to introduce them little by little through stories or short interactions until your child gets used to whatever image makes her afraid.

Reason Number 4: Being Alone

Admit it, even adults like us can be uneasy when left alone somewhere. We are social creatures and very few of us would be comfortable being left alone. What more would kids feel when they are the only person left in a room?


What can you do?

As much as possible, do not leave your child alone anywhere even during her slumber most especially when your baby hasn’t passed the one-year-old mark yet. The likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome increases when infants sleep alone in their own bedrooms.

Reason Number 5: Darkness

LCBD-storiesMost kids do not like the dark except when you have trained your child to sleep with the lights turned off. Our babies and toddlers perceive security, assurance, and comfort with what they see with their eyes. They are highly visual beings, thus their emotions also depend on their ability to clearly see the people and things around them.

What can you do?

If your toddler can already speak or express her emotions, you may start asking questions why she is afraid of the dark. From there, you could have an idea whether your child thinks that monsters or other scary creatures may be lurking in the dark. Reassure her that there are no such creatures and that you are always ready to protect her.

Reason Number 6: Sudden Loud Noise

ear-acheHow does your toddler react when an airplane passes through the skies above you? Some children immediately seek comfort from the people around them upon hearing a sudden loud noise such as a car’s engine, a vehicle’s horn, a dog’s bark, or any other loud sound.

What can you do?

Offer physical comfort by hugging your child so that she can feel safe and secure with your embrace. Once the loud noise ends, do not fail to give an explanation of its source. Explaining circumstances will help your child overcome certain fears.



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child development, health, healthy food, momblog

7 Useful Tips On How To Soothe A Teething Baby

via 7 Useful Tips On How To Soothe A Teething Baby

Teething is a tough phase for your little ones. It happens sometime in the first year when your child is around 6 months.

If you are not totally sure if baby’s discomfort stems from teething pain then here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for:

  • Rubbing an ear or earlobe
  • Reddened cheeks
  • Excessive drooling
  • Slight temperature
  • Teething rash around mouth and chin
  • Crying and irritability
  • Waking during the night
  • Refusing food and/or milk

Teething can be distressing for some babies but there are ways to make it easier for them. Here are tips on how to help soothe your child’s pain:

1. Cold food or drink and low inflammation diet


If baby is eating solids, white foods such as refined sugar and flour, potatoes, and even dairy can cause inflammation. Focus on paleo-type foods—a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, pastured meats, wild seafood, ample healthy fats (coconut, avocado, butter, and whole eggs.)

To help prevent choking, place the fruit in a mesh feeder, and give that to your baby to lick or suck on.

Below are some cold foods many of us have that could bring relief:

  • Cold cut up cucumber slices. Cucumbers are also thought to have anti-swelling properties in them.
  • A frozen cheese stick. You can also serve it unfrozen, but frozen may provide more relief.
  • Cold celery. Not only is it cold but it is sturdy and the pressure from biting will also bring relief.
  • Cold soft foods like applesauce and yogurt. It’s a yummy snack with cold relief.
  • Cold water in a sippy cup with ice cubes. Your little one can chew on the cup and enjoy cool relief.
  • Frozen fruit juice slushy. You can make your own combo of fruit and freeze your blend in a 4 oz. zip-lock storage container. Then slightly thaw and serve it when needed. Frozen slushy pears mixed with apples were one of my son’s favorites.
  • Frozen breast milk. You can freeze this just the same as the fruit slushies and serve.


2. Use a cold washcloth or spoon


Soak a small washcloth in water, squeeze out water, then freeze for at least an hour. Let baby chew on the washcloth after it comes out of the freezer. However, don’t leave your child unattended while she’s sucking or chewing on the washcloth, as this can be a choking hazard.

Put a metal spoon in the fridge for at least 15 minutes when the spoon is cool, gently rub the back of the spoon against your baby’s gums.

3. Teething toys

  • Silicone teething rings: Made of safe silicone, rather than latex or plastic, this teether is a safe choicebaby-teething-toys
  • Wooden teethers: What works for one baby may not work for the next, so if silicone and rubber don’t do it, try a wooden teether. Just be sure to choose a brand that uses natural water-based sealants or food grade dyes. It should be unfinished or finished with organic flax seed oil.
  • Teething necklaces for mom are made of silicone and are great for baby to use while sitting in mom’s lap or in a baby carrier.15-facts-about-baby-teething-and-its-products

Also, never tie a teething ring around your baby’s neck, as it may be a choking hazard

4. Comforting distraction

A nice warm bath helps to distract a teething baby. This gives them the chance to take their mind off the pain by splashing

Breastfeeding: simply holding your little one close and breastfeeding them can help soothe your little one.

Dry the drool. Excessive drool is a large part of the teething process. Keeping it wiped up will prevent skin irritation, which will only make the process more of an ordeal for your baby.

5. Natural remedies


Parents have been using herbal remedies for hundreds of years to help ease their baby’s teething pain. Chamomile, Rosehip, Catnip or Clove tea, may be something to consider for teething relief. It helps to relax and soothe irritability.

6. Give your baby plenty of cuddles


Make sure your baby gets lots of hugs. Sometimes, the biggest comfort for a teething baby can be cuddle time with parent. Play and cuddle with your little one. Distract your child with a game like “peek-a-boo” to help take their mind off their discomfort

7. Medication

Different medical pills and bottles

If your baby is in pain or has a mild raised temperature (less than 38C), you may want to give them a sugar-free painkilling medicine that’s specifically for babies and young children. These contain a small dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen.

However, never give aspirin to anyone under the age of 16 years, as this can cause Reye’s syndrome.

Always follow the instructions that come with the medicine. If you’re not sure, consult your doctor or pediatrician for advice on using medication to help with baby teething symptoms.


