April Fools' Day

2011-03-31T06:48:00.000-07:00

What's April Fools' Day without some pranks and practical jokes? Kids will sure to be amused with these fake crafts and fun activities, which will have them rolling on the floor with laughter!

Prank Gift Box

You'll giggle and squirm when you give this gift that the recipient can't get open! Read More

Fake Cake

Trick your friends and family this April Fools' Day with this tasty looking fake cake!Read More

Prank Letter

Make your parents laugh when they read this silly prank letter disguised as a project list from your teacher. Read More

JOIN Us This SUNDAY!

2011-02-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

Come join us at our Booth this Sunday at the 2nd Annual MACsKids Expo!!

A Fun day for the entire family! Print and Present the coupon for 2Free Kids Admission!

Parenting tips for toddlers: Encouraging good behavior

2011-02-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

Toddlers are infamous for tantrums and other behavior issues. To encourage listening and cooperation, follow these parenting tips for toddlers.

Life can be frustrating for toddlers. Though often eager to show their independence, toddlers may not be able to move as swiftly as they'd like or communicate their needs. This combination can easily lead to tantrums and misbehavior. But you can teach your toddler to behave well by providing love, attention, praise, encouragement and a degree of routine. Consider these parenting tips for toddlers.

Show your love

Positive attention tops the list of parenting tips for toddlers. Make sure your displays of affection for your child outnumber any consequences or punishments. Hugs, kisses and good-natured roughhousing reassure your child of your love. Frequent praise and attention also can motivate your toddler to follow the rules.

Accept your child

As your child grows, he or she will display certain personality traits. Some of these are learned, others genetic. Respect your child's developing individuality and don't expect him or her to be just like you. While you're likely to notice features of your child's temperament, avoid labeling these features — which can encourage bad behavior. Instead, nurture your child's personality by finding ways to help him or her feel confident. A strong-willed child, for instance, has perseverance. Build on your child's strength by encouraging him or her to play with a challenging toy.

Minimize rules

Rather than overloading your child with rules from the outset — which may frustrate him or her — prioritize those geared toward safety and gradually add rules to your list over time. Help your toddler follow the rules by childproofing your home and eliminating as many temptations as possible.

Prevent tantrums

It's normal for a toddler to have temper tantrums. But you may be able to reduce the frequency, duration or intensity of your child's fits by taking these steps:

Know your child's limits. Your child may misbehave because he or she doesn't understand or can't do what you're asking.

Keep it friendly. Use a friendly tone of voice when you ask your toddler to do something. Phrase your request as an invitation rather than a command. Say "please" and "thank you," as in, "Please stand still while I put on your coat."

Take 'no' in stride. Don't overreact when your toddler says no. Instead, calmly repeat your request.

Pick your battles. Only say no when it's absolutely necessary.

Don't make deals. Bribery may teach your child to break a rule when you don't reward him or her.

Offer choices, when possible. Encourage your child's independence by letting him or her pick out a pair of pajamas or a bedtime story.

Avoid situations that may trigger tantrums. If your child always seems to have tantrums at the grocery store, hire a sitter the next time you go shopping. Also know that children are more likely to act out when they're tired, hungry, sick or in an unfamiliar setting.

Make it fun. Distract your child or make a game out of good behavior. Your child will be more likely to do what you want if you make an activity fun.

Stick to the schedule. Keep a daily routine as much as possible so that your child will know what to expect.

Encourage good communication. Remind your child to use words to express his or her feelings.

If your child has a tantrum, remain calm and distract him or her. Ignore minor displays of anger, such as crying — but if your child hits, kicks or screams for a prolonged period, remove him or her from the situation. Hold your child or give him or her time alone to cool down.

Enforce consequences

Despite your best efforts, at some point your toddler will break the rules. Consider using these strategies to encourage your child to cooperate:

Natural consequences. Let your child see the consequences of his or her actions — as long as they're not dangerous. If your child throws and breaks a toy, he or she won't have the toy to play with anymore.

Logical consequences. Create a consequence for your child's actions. Tell your child if he or she doesn't pick up his or her toys, you will take the toys away for a day. Help your child with the task, if necessary. If your child doesn't cooperate, follow through with the consequence.

Withholding privileges. If your child doesn't behave, respond by taking away something that your child values — such as a favorite toy — or something that's related to his or her misbehavior. Don't take away something your child needs, such as a meal.

Timeout. When your child acts out, give him or her a warning. If the poor behavior continues, guide your child to a designated timeout spot — ideally a quiet place with no distractions. Enforce the timeout for one minute per year of your child's age. If your child resists, hold him or her gently but firmly by the shoulders or in your lap. Make sure your child knows why he or she is in the timeout. Afterward, guide your child to a positive activity.

Whatever consequences you choose, be consistent. Make sure that every adult who cares for your child observes the same rules and discipline guidelines. This reduces your child's confusion and need to test you. Also, be careful to criticize your child's behavior — not your child. Instead of saying, "You're a bad boy," try, "Don't run into the street." Never resort to punishments that emotionally or physically harm your child. Spanking, slapping and screaming at a child do more harm than good.

Set a good example

Children learn how to act by watching their parents. The best way to show your child how to behave is to set a positive example for him or her to follow.

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Visit Our Website

2011-02-05T22:49:00.001-08:00

ABOUT US

2011-02-05T21:42:00.000-08:00

Only a Mother's Love Child Care is an in-home daycare facility. This center offers a quiet and residential setting, and the staff works with parents to customize a care plan for each child. Children will look forward to the occassional field trip and three meals daily. After-school care and homework help are available for older children and adolescents.

Only a Mother's Love introduces and acclimates children to computer use. Children learn such computer basics as safely exploring the web and writing e-mails. The staff is certified to perform first aid and CPR.

Hours: Mon - Fri, 7:30am - 5:30pm; Sat, Sun, closed

Handicap Accessible: No
Founding Date: Oct 1 2007
What makes this community great?: It's a quiet, family-oriented and safe neighborhood.
Payments accepted: Personal Check, Cash
Parking: On-street: free
Ages: 6 mos. - 12 years
Services (child care, day care): Pick-up, Drop-off
Insured: Yes
Licensed: Yes
Average personnel experience (years): 15
Average personnel training (years): 4

Only A Mother's Love Childcare