Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Free Demo Classes and Mommy Massages!

Looking for a fitness class for you and your baby but don't know which one is right for you? Then come to a FREE Yogi Beans or Stroller Strides Demo class!

*Yogi Beans - (12 to 24 month old)
Friday, October 1st at 1:00pm
Call 310-998-1981 to RSVP

*Yogi Beans - (6 weeks to crawlers)
Friday, October 8th at 10:00am
Call 323-469-5300 to RSVP

Tuesday, October 5th at 9:30am

*Mommy Massages
with Robyn Schwartz, LMT-CIMI
Tuesday, October 5th at 10:00am - 12:30pm

*Yogi Beans - (6 weeks to crawlers)
Tuesday, October 5th at 11:00am
Call 805-777-7179 to RSVP
 Attendees get:
20% off all Regular priced merchandise (in store only)
Additional 25% off all clearance (in store only)
  Sign up for a Yogi Beans Class Now!
Thursday, October 7th
9:00am: for Babies 6 weeks to crawlers
10:00am: for babies 12-24 months
Classes run for 10 weeks
Space is limited. Register today!
Call 310.604.3399 or register online at yogibeans.com

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Another reason to be sooooo glad that you are breastfeeding your baby!

Similac Recall 2010: 
How to Keep Your Kids Safe
(Lot Numbers)

(CBS) In the wake of the recall of certain Similac-brand baby formulas, parents are frantically searching for details and specific lot numbers to make sure their kids are safe.

Abbott, the manufacturer, said they feared the "remote possibility" that some product may have beetles or their larvae.

"While the formula containing these beetles poses no immediate health risk, infants who consume formula containing the beetles or their larvae, could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat as a result of small insect parts irritating the GI tract," the company said in a press release. "If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, a physician should be consulted."

As of Thursday morning, Abbott's recall website was unresponsive, making it difficult for parents to figure out if they purchased recalled formula. Abbott public relations rep Melissa Brotz told CBS News that the company had expanded phone lines at their hotline to help.

Parents can call (800) 986-8850 for information.

Here's what we know.

Affected Product Lines Include

  • Certain Similac powder product lines offered in plastic containers.
  • Certain Similac powder product lines offered in sizes such as 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans.
About.com is reporting that the following products are included. Abbott has not yet confirmed this list to CBS News.

  • Similac Advance
  • Similac Advance EarlyShield
  • Similac Sensitive
  • Similac Isomil Advance
  • Similac Sensitive Isomil Soy
  • Similac Organic
  • Similac Organic and Similac Advance Organic
  • Similac Sensitive R.S.
  • Similac Sensitive for Spit-Up
  • Similac Go & Grow
  • Similac Go & Grow EarlyShield
  • Similac Go & Grow Soy
Lot Numbers

According to one aggregator, the following lots are included in the recall.  CBS News was able to confirm the first two numbers with Abbott's website before it crashed. The manufacturer has not yet responded to confirm the other numbers.

87932T20, 88117T26, 78208T2,88136T20,91433t20,800-986-8850,800-545-5216,800-515-7677,800-986-8800,847-937-6100,(847) 935-8865,(847)935-3456,66128RB6,61251 RB6,61347RB,84314 RB,85454 T2,86580 T20,88137T20 and 90372T20

The lot number should be located on the bottom of the product. Click here for a bigger picture.

What's Not Recalled

  • Similac powder formula in cans with the following letter and/or number combination in the middle of the lot number - T3 or RE or 9V or NT - are NOT being recalled.
  • All Similac liquid formulas are NOT part of the recall.
  • Powder and liquid specialty formulas, such as Similac Expert CareTM Alimentum?, Elecare?, Similac Expert CareTM Neosure?, Similac? Human Milk Fortifier, and metabolic formulas (for inherited disorders) are NOT part of the recall.
What to Do

Abbott urges parents to send recalled products back to them at no cost. You need to call the hotline at (800) 986-8850 (24/7) or try the website at www.similac.com/recall to complete the process. Here's the full press release from the FDA's website.


Posted by Neil Katz
CBS News
www.cbsnews.comhttp://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20017390-10391704.html

Monday, September 20, 2010

ERGObaby Performance Carriers - Free Sling Clinics

ERGObaby listened when Moms and Dads all said their other carriers were just to heavy and hot, especially with the inserts. Performance Carrier features lighter weight fabric with a mesh panel or in ERGObaby speak a "cooling panel for extra wicking." Still sounds pretty cool. The Performance is 1/3 lighter than their Standard Carrier.

We also wanted an improved sleeping hood and a little zippered stash pocket for keys. Got it! How about a better fit with more back support? The new straps are thinner and contoured. It also has a 5 inch longer extended waistband (fits 25" to 48"). No need to buy the waist extender (and don't bother, it doesn't work on the new carrier). The new chest strap is on slider which adjusts easier.

We've already sold a number of these and they are getting great reviews. Please share your thoughts with us. We always love to hear from you.

Also let us know if there are any products you find in the store that you wish were on our website. Let us save you a trip!

Grey

Spring Green

Get a pair of sucking pads too.

And don't forget out Free Sling Clinics. It's an hour class that demonstrates a variety of slings and carriers including the Maya Wrap, New Native, Baby Pouch and the Ergo Carrier. Our experienced Sling Clinic instructors will work with you one-on-one to find the right position for you and your baby.

The Sling Clinic is FREE and open to anyone who wants to learn to wear their baby.

Clinics run weekly, call for day and time.

Santa Monica: (310) 998.1981
Hollywood: (323) 469.5300
Westlake Village: (805) 777.7179

Fit Body - Fit Mind - Fit Family Afternoon This Friday

Who has time for a step class once your little one comes home? No time and too much belly, no wonder some moms get depressed. Never fear, Pump Station is here with Stroller Strides. As part of our Fit Body - Fit Mind - Fit Family Afternoon we are offering a Stroller Strides Intro Class, FREE! Best part of stroller strides, you always have a workout buddy.

That's not all, we are also holding a Yogi Beans Intro class, FREE! What is Yogi Beans? Don't confuse it with Boo-Boo's best bear pal. Yogi Beans is a yoga program for little monsters ages 2 1/2 to 10 years old. Children are naturally joyous, imaginative and inherently aware of energy around them; yoga helps them maintain these gifts and appreciate their natural mind-body connection. This Friday's class has been tailored for parents and with babies 6 Months to Crawling.

Fit Body - Fit Mind - Fit Family Afternoon This Friday Sept. 24, 2010

Cookies & Milk - Free!

Mini Chair Massages sponsored by Berlin Wellness - Free!

» call about tonight's class from Berlin Wellness (see below)

1:00 - 1:45pm Stroller Strides Intro Class - Free!

1:45 - 2:30pm Yogi Beans Intro Class - Free!

2:30 - 4:00pm Open Registration for future groups & classes


Attendees get:
20% off all Regular priced merchandise (in store only)
Additional 25% off all clearance (in store only)




Gertie Ball



Sunny Sunscreen



Cups n Cargo





Berlin Wellness Sizzling Hot Topic Class tonight 9/20 in Santa Monica:
Bringing Baby Home: Is your Relationship Ready for Baby?
6-9pm $49 per couple


Call The Pump Station & Nurtury for more information:
2415 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 998-1981

» see more classes

Friday, September 17, 2010

Jesse Zilberstein, CLE on The Doctors

See Jesse's Tips on getting to latch correctly
on The Doctors'
"What to Know Before: Breastfeeding"

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Watch our very own Jesse Zilberstein, CLE on The Doctors

Tune in! Watch our very own Lactation Educator Jesse Zilberstein, CLE, MPA on an episode of The Doctors this Friday, September 17th answering Moms breastfeeding questions!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Mom's Love Mommy and Me


Have you tried our Julie Wright's Mommy and Me™ classes yet? Learn and have fun! Mommy and Me Classes are a highly interactive experience, with an emphasis on mindful parenting, attachment theory and a relational approach to optimizing your baby's development. This ongoing group meets weekly for 90-minute classes throughout your baby's first year. Below are some great reviews from one of our Moms.


1) you knew our names and never forgot them
2) there are bouncy balls to help soothe babies
3) you speak to us and with us, not at us.
4) you never judge or have a tone of judgment
5) you have vast experience with every issue that comes up
6) you respect the babies' space and set a great example for us as moms
7) you have the calming magic touch with babies
8) you tell stories about your child growing up that relates to what's going on with us


Sign up for a Class Today!

Also don't forget about Dad, look into the Father Talk, It’s about time… Class run by Chen Z. Oren, Ph.D. Currently only at our Westlake store.






NEW ErgoBaby
Performance Carrier


Tuesday, September 14, 2010

This Weeks Specials: HOTmilk, Maya Wrap and more

This week specials are up! The Weekly Specials are 25% OFF Displayed Price and until Sunday evening 9/19/2010. We are really excited to offer HOTmilk's She Blushes in Delight Nursing Bra . This bra has a six setting back closure and we are carring up to size G. Who says nursing mom's can't be sexy? It's not us, and not HOTmilk. We just made this HOTmilk bra available for online purchase yesterday and we will be stocking their NEW Luminous Bras soon.



HOTmilk
She Blushes in Delight

25% OFF
Display Price


Maya Wrap

25% OFF
Display Price


Munchkin Sun Shade

25% OFF
Display Price

Also this week a couple of our favorite Plantoys are on sale. Everyone loves the old fashion wooden toys like the Clatter and Banjo. Little one's love these wooden toys. All PlanToys® are made from non-toxic, natural materials with non-formaldehyde glue and non-toxic, water based dyes. We love them because the are safe and FUN!

» see all Weekly Specials

» See more PlanToys

Shhh, a heads up for our blog family, this is not apart of "this week's specials," but starting tomorrow, Wed Sept 15th...
» Kissy Kissy Basics 25% OFF On Sale until Sept 24, 2010.
The Kissy Kissy Fashion line is on sale in stores only.

And Don't leave home without your Hippo!

Milkies Milk-Saver

Milkies Milk-Saver Breast Milk Collector has won many awards and been given great reviews on many websites. Simply slip it into your bra-cup on the non-nursing side before you breastfeed. The milk-saver collects the breast milk that leaks out when your milk lets down. You can store this milk and save it. The Milk Saver comes with carrying case that can also be used as a a stand.

The milk saver holds up to 2 ounces and attaches to a milk storage bag (any brand) to collect 4 ounces or more. The Milk-Saver has been rigorously tested to ensure zero chemical leaching and contains no BPA or phthalates. It's recyclable, too!

It was chosen as a top $$$ saver for new parents on Good Day New Mexico, a top product for Canadian mothers by Salut Bonjour Weekend! and received the Mom's Best Award.

The Pump Station has carried Milkies Milk-Savers in our stores. NOW we are happy to make it available for you on the web.

Shop at Home! Get one for home and keep an extra in your diaper bag or at the office.

BONUS: It's on Sale this Week. Take an Extra 25% OFF the displayed price.

»  See More Reviews & Awards at My Milkies

Monday, September 13, 2010

Bosom Baby + Back Pillow for $100

At the Pump Station we love Luna Lullaby's Bosom Baby Nursing Pillow. It creates the perfect position to raise your baby up to breast level, making the latch-on process easier. Even better, it's great for your head and neck while reading or watching TV. (Size: 45 x 18 x 7 inches )

Continuing to do the best for our family, we noticed many Bosom Baby Nursing Pillows were purchased with our Pump Station Back Pillows. We already lowered our price for the popular Bosom Baby 6 dollars and lowered the back pillows by 7 dollars, but you spoke and we listened. Buy the Bosom Baby with a Pump Station Back Pillow, both for $100! That's saving ANOTHER $9.90 off the Back Pillow.

Don't worry we have a calculator right here, that's a $23.00 saving when you buy any Bosom Baby with any Pump Station Back Pillow.
»See All our Nursing Pillows and Stools

Also for September Safety Month select KidCo safety products are on sale, 25% Off Displayed Price. That includes stove knob stoppers, lever locks, toilet locks, anti-tip straps and window guards. Also if you have a KidCo Safety Gate, we still have a few gate extensions on sale 50% Off the Displayed Price.

» On Sale Kidco Safety Products
» On Sale KidCo Gate Extensions

Friday, September 10, 2010

Vote 4 @TheGoToMom

Babble is holding a contest for the Top 50 Twitter Moms. Our vote is going to Kimberly @TheGoToMom. (Look for her somewhere between about 15 and 20).

Who is the Goto Mom? Kimberley Clayton Blaine is a national child development expert and a licensed Family and Child Therapist who specializes in working with children ages newborn to six years old. That is the formal part.

To us she is one of our favorite educators and speakers. Her students and us like her so much we hope she will be holding more groups at the Pump Station. And of course, she is a mom. She has two children of her own and has been working with families and children for over 23 years.

Go to Babble and Vote Today for @TheGoToMom or your favorite twitter mom.

The Goto Mom.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Julie Wright's Safety Tips

September is Baby Safety Month!

The Pump Station is proud and happy to provide tips from Julie Wright, MFT. Many people know Julie from her extremely popular Mommy and Me groups here at the Pump Station. Today we will share a couple of, often over-looked, but important tips from her 10 years of experience in the field of infant and child development.

1) Once your baby can roll, always change diapers on the floor. Many people may not realize the danger in using changing tables once a baby is able to roll. Little ones have been known to break their femurs in a split second, much to Mom's surprise. Babies of very conscientious Moms have had to experience this awful event. Please forward on this information and help prevent future accidents.

2) Pay attention to the room temperature while your little one sleeps. Many parents keep the thermostat in the 70s at night, especially when the night is cool. The recommended temperature for SIDS prevention is 65 - 68 degrees. One of the newer recommendations also says to keep air gently circulating at the level of the mattress surface. Some parents use an air purifier or a gentle fan to accomplish this.


If you're local check the look call the nearest Pump Station to attend one of Julie Wright's Mommy and Me Classes.

For more info visit Julie's website at juliewrightmft.com.






Santa Monica HollywoodWestlake
2415 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA
90403
(310) 998.1981


Map|Directions
1248 Vine St.
Hollywood, CA
90038
(323) 469.5300


Map|Directions
Village Glen Plaza
2879 Agoura Rd.
Westlake Village, CA
91361
(805) 777.7179

Map|Directions

» Check Out All Classes

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Top 10 Nanny Safety Tips

September is Baby Safety Month. The Pump Station has contacted various professionals from our excellent resources. Today we happy to provide some simple but highly important tips from one of out Hot Topics instructors, Lindsay Heller, PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
  1. Know your nanny - conduct a thorough background check and acquire a copy of her or his current driving record.

  2. Make sure your nanny is CPR/First Aid certified.

  3. Create a House Book - keep a binder in your home with important safety information, such as any pertinent emergency phone numbers, hospital and pediatrician addresses, copies of your children's medical cards, a consent release for your nanny to make decisions in an emergency, etc.

  4. Provide your nanny with a cell phone.

  5. If your child has allergies, make sure your nanny is well-aware.

  6. Be sure your nanny knows your family's emergency plan.

  7. Your nanny should always carry your child's medical card, pediatrician's address, and the address of the nearest hospital.

  8. First Aid Kits - one for the home, one for your nanny's car, and a travel-size kit for the stroller.

  9. Provide a neighborhood map to be kept in your child's stroller.

  10. Positive communication is key! You don't want your nanny to be afraid you when an emergency arises.
» see more at The Nanny Doctor and The Nanny Doctor Blog

If you're local mark your calendars to attend Linda's Find the Right Nanny Hot Topic Classes.
Santa Monica Oct 29th
Westlake Village Nov. 29th
Call to confirm, class dates subject to change.







Santa Monica HollywoodWestlake
2415 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA
90403
(310) 998.1981


Map|Directions
1248 Vine St.
Hollywood, CA
90038
(323) 469.5300


Map|Directions
Village Glen Plaza
2879 Agoura Rd.
Westlake Village, CA
91361
(805) 777.7179

Map|Directions

» Check Out All Classes

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Precious Prints this Sat. in Santa Monica 1:30-4:30pm. Make appt today!

Precious PrintsCome create a unique and priceless keepsake of your little one's hands and feet for yourself, your spouse or the grandparents! Precious Prints is at the Pump Station this weekend, get a jump start on Holiday gifts too!

Precious Prints will be at the Santa Monica Pump Station this Saturday, September 11th from 1:30pm - 4:30pm

The clay used is non-toxic and completely safe for children of all ages. Precious Prints offers over 40 designs - check out the website at www.clayprints.com for a sneak preview. How long do clay prints actually last? Forever!

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are always welcome.

Call Kristan today at (310)802-8013 to create your keepsake!



The Weekly Specials! Pajanimals, Body Silk and Mambino

This week specials are up! The Weekly Specials are 20% OFF Displayed Price and run through Sunday 9/12/2010. We are really excited to offer The Good Night, Pajanimals! DVD. Anyone remember Fraggle Rock? This DVD includes characters built by Jim Henson's Creature Shop and content created with the help of Sleepeasy authors Jennifer Waldburger and Jill Spivack. The episodes help comfort preschool viewers about bedtime. Each show deals with issues regarding being away from Mom and Dad at night, nightmares, sleeping through the night and being afraid of the dark.


Bravado Body Silk

20% OFF


Good Night, Pajanimals DVD

20% OFF


Ameda Nursing Pads

20% OFF

Also this week the Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra and Mambino Organic products including the popular Oh Baby Belly Butter are 20% off.Pediped Flex - Jake Light Brown

We talked our buyer into keeping select Pedipeds on sale too! Also 20% OFF displayed price. It's still time to pick up some cool kicks. The sale includes select Pediped Original and Flex shoes.

» see all Weekly Specials

And Don't leave home without your Hippo!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Join us for drinks and light appetizers!

Join us for drinks and light appetizers at a book signing party in Santa Monica and Westlake for Dr. Jenn Berman’s new book


SuperBaby: 12 Ways to Give Your Child a Head Start in the First 3 Years.


Monday, September 13th at 7pm
at our Westlake Location
Village Glen Plaza
2879 Agoura Rd.
Westlake Village, CA 91361


Thursday, September 16th at 7pm
at our Santa Monica Location
2415 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403


To RSVP please email SuperBaby@SterlingPublishing.com
and indicate which signings you’ll attend.

The first 50 people to buy two or more of Dr. Jenn Berman books at each of the signings will get a gift bag valued at $200 filled with Dr. Jenn’s favorite products from companies such as:
•Signing Time! •Hanna Andersson •Baby Legs •Seventh Generation •Uncle Goose •Putumayo •Parents Magazine •EcoSystem •Zoli Baby •Born Free •Naturepedic •SuperGoop •Retail Therapy •Gdiapers •CleanWell •Eat Cleaner •Farm Fresh to You •Earth Mama, Angel Baby •Happy Baby Foods •Homemade Harvey •Herban Essentials •Nature’s Paradise •Baggu Bags •EIO Cups •Sensible Foods •The Pump Station •The Little Seed •Healthy Child Healthy World •The Environmental Working Group •PETA . . . and many more…

*******

SuperBaby shares easy, everyday ways to nurture and encourage your
baby’s development.”—Diane Debrovner, deputy editor, Parents Magazine
SUPERBABY
12 Ways to Give Your Child a Head Start in the First 3 Years

By Dr. Jenn Berman
Foreword by Alan Greene, MD, author of Raising Baby Green

Raising a superbaby is not about creating an überbaby: a perfect, genius who will get into all the right preschools and colleges. Instead, it is about raising a child who is empathetic, resilient, and is emotionally intelligent. It is about nurturing a
baby to help her reach her full potential.

The first three years of life are the most important in a child’s development: babies start forming attachments, developing a sense of self, and learning to trust. During this time, there are critical windows of opportunity that parents can take advantage of—if they know how. In SuperBaby: 12 Ways to Give Your Child a Head Start in the First 3 Years (Sterling / September 7, 2010 / $24.95) Dr. Jenn Berman gives parents the knowledge they need to make the most of these windows for their child’s optimal mental and emotional growth.

In each chapter of SuperBaby, Dr. Jenn focuses on one of twelve areas that greatly impact a baby’s development. These include respectful communication, responding to cues, creating security and predictability, the importance of touch, promoting language development, sign language, foreign language, the importance of play, reading, screen (tv) time, reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, and eating & nutrition.
You’ll learn:
• Easy steps to reduce resistance and avoid tantrums
• The two “Qs” parents need to know about to promote language development
• The truth about learning toys and videos
• How to use play to develop key social, intellectual, and emotional skills
• When and how to start reading to your child
• The three ASL signs that will make your baby’s life easier
• The seven most important ingredients to avoid in your child’s food
• How to teach good sleep habits from the start
• Simple ways to reduce toxic chemical exposure at home

Dr. Jenn shares important research, her clinical experience, and her personal stories as a mother of twins. She has also included “From the Experts” sidebars from leading experts such as Dr. Harvey Karp, Dr. Bob Sears, Dr. Jane Nelson, Jim & Charles Fay, Dr. Tanya Remer-Altmann, Dr. Scott Cohen, Ruth Yaron, The Campaign for Commercial-free Childhood, The Alliance for Childhood, Healthy Child Healthy World, the Environmental Working Group, and many others. Filled with tables, lists, helpful scripts, recommended books, and resources, SuperBaby is a book you’ll refer to again and again for common sense and research-based advice on successful, real-world parenting.

Tantrum Avoidance: Seven Simple Scripts for Real Life Moments with Babies and Toddlers

Adapted from SuperBaby: 12 Ways to Give Your Child a Head Start in the First 3 Years
by Dr. Jenn Berman

The way we communicate with our children is profound. Simple word choices completely change our children’s perception and the behavioral outcome. The following are some effective methods for reflecting children’s feelings, maintaining boundaries, and communicating respectfully. These easy-to-use scripts can be used over and over again in all kinds of situations that typically arise in the first three years.

Situation: Your baby cries as you are changing her diaper.
Instead of saying: “You’re okay.”
Try this: Narrate what you see. “I hear you crying. You sound really upset. I get the feeling you don’t want me to change your diaper. I will try to change it as fast as I can so you are not uncomfortable for long.”
Why: In that moment your child isn’t okay. If you were upset and your friend told you “You’re okay,” you would not feel heard. Narrating the experience your child is having allows her to know that you hear and respect her feelings. You are still holding the boundary (i.e., she is still having her diaper changed), but you are doing it with compassion. By reflecting her feelings, you also teach her how to be empathic, which helps in the development of emotional intelligence.

Situation: Your child drops a toy on the ground and has a meltdown.
Instead of saying: “Get over it! It’s just a toy!”
Try this: “I see you dropped your toy. You seem really upset! You look like you weren’t done playing with it.”
Why: Sure, to you or me, it is just a toy that fell on the ground, but to your child, this is genuinely upsetting. Demonstrating empathy is far more likely to help her calm down and to feel heard. By responding to her in this way, you become a safe and understanding source of comfort to her.

Situation: Your toddler does not want to climb into her booster chair.
Instead of saying: “Get in your chair, now!”
Try this: “Do you want to climb in or do you want Mom to put you in?”
Why: This gives the power back to your child while still setting the limit. Now there is less reason for her to resist. If she still refuses to get in the booster chair, you might say, “It looks like you are not hungry. Maybe you are too tired to eat. Your choices are chair or crib. You choose.” If she cannot choose, let her know that if she is unable to reach a decision on her own, Mommy will decide for her. be too tired to make a decision.

Situation: You’ve asked your toddler to come to bed and she is running around her bedroom like a wild child.
Instead of saying: “Settle down! I told you to get in bed!”
Try this: “I see you are having trouble stopping your body. It looks like you need me to help you.”
Why: Toddlers are not always able to stop their bodies. Their impulses and need to move are greater than their ability to stop themselves. Sometimes they need some gentle help. It is not fair to get angry with a young child who is not yet equipped with the development skills you’re asking her to use.

Situation: On a playdate at Sally’s house, your child takes a toy out of Sally’s hands.
Instead of saying: “Be nice!”
Try this: “You took that toy from Sally. I don’t think she was done with it. Let’s give it back and ask Sally if we can play with it when she is done.” If your child resists giving the toy back, give her two acceptable options: “Do you want to give the toy back to Sally yourself or do you need my help doing that?”
Why: While some children as young as eighteen months understand the concept of ownership, children don’t fully grasp the idea of sharing until they are closer to three years old. To a child, property is an extension of herself. Would you want to share your arm? Shaming your child into sharing only creates negative feelings. Explain that the toy belongs to Sally and that your child needs to ask before taking it.

Situation: Your child hits another kid over the head with a toy, resulting in tears.
Instead of saying: “Say you’re sorry!”
Try this: “You hit Carley over the head with that toy. She looks really upset. What can you do to help her feel better? Let’s ask her what we can do to help her.”
Why: Forcing a child to say “I’m sorry” does not magically make her feel sorry. Making children say they are sorry when they don’t really feel sorry teaches them to be insincere. It teaches them that what matters is saying something that will make people shut up, even if it is a lie. Encouraging your child to help the injured party teaches him about making amends and helping others.

Situation: Your child throws her food on the floor.
Instead of saying: “Stop it!”
Try this: “When you throw food on the floor, it makes me think that you are done eating. It you do it again, the meal will be over.”
Why: When children first get to sit in a high chair, they are curious to see what happens when they drop food. By following the recommended script, you let your child know the consequences of the action, you set up a rule, and you put the power back in her court. She can choose to end the meal by throwing food on the floor, but it is her choice. If she has a meltdown after you remove her from the high chair, your job is to hold your ground, but reflect her feelings (“I know you weren’t done and you wanted to stay in your chair. We can try again at lunch”). If you follow through with the stated consequence, the odds are that the situation won’t happen again for quite some time.

********