Help Your Child Become A Successful Adult

By Irene Sherwood

In today’s competitive society it is very important to give your child the tools to become a successful adult. This extraordinary eBook contains information about pregnancy, preparing for your baby's arrival and how to raise your young child to become a successful adult. You will learn how to help your child develop the skills needed to network with others, to think outside the box and to become a person of power as an adult. There is a wealth of invaluable information and techniques regarding pregnancy, infant care and early childhood development. Also included is a set of over 45 downloadable flashcards. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or have a young child this eBook will show you how to give your child the edge needed to become a successful adult in an extremely competitive society

• Language: English
• Publisher: Irene Sherwood
• Release date: Mar 13, 2012
• ISBN: 9780981201801

Irene Sherwood

Dr. Irene Sherwood has been counseling families for over twenty years. In addition to her latest book Help Your Child Become A Successful Adult she has written numerous articles on a variety of general and family issues.

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INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

Introduction

Parents want their child to be successful in life but it is becoming more difficult for that to happen in this current competitive society. Experts agree that there are several areas that need to be focused on in order to help your baby become a successful adult. Parents can teach their child how to learn and study in order to be a success and they can help their child learn the social skills necessary to become successful. Most important perhaps is giving your child unlimited love and caring without stifling his ability to become independent.

From the time a woman finds out she is pregnant the baby is already developing so it is important for a woman to follow the proper diet and fitness program to keep herself and her unborn baby fit throughout her pregnancy. By eating the right foods and taking the necessary vitamins along with doing exercise recommended by her health care advisor she can help ensure her baby will be born healthy.

A healthy strong baby will grow into a healthy strong adult. It is extremely important for a newborn infant to be given proper food and that as the infant grows into a child he learns to eat properly and to keep fit. If parents help teach a child how to eat healthy and also set an example for him by keeping fit and eating properly themselves they can help their child to become a successful adult.

When baby is born he can interact with his parents. Parents can teach their child to learn from their surroundings, to think ‘outside the box’ and to interact with others. It takes time and patience to teach a child but is a parent’s invaluable gift to their child.

Children are all unique and will develop at different rates so the information in this book is only a guideline. Let a child move forward in life at a pace he is comfortable with and give him options when he is able to start making decisions.

From the care of the unborn baby, infant care and early childhood care this book will give you information to help your baby become a successful adult.

Always contact your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions regarding your pregnancy, your baby or your young child.

Some General Parenting Guidelines

It is impossible for parents to spoil a child with love. Children are usually spoiled by parents giving them too many material possessions, by being too lenient or by having very low expectations causing the child to fail to reach his potential as a successful adult. You never can give or show a child too much love. Let him know that you will always love him no matter what happens and that you will always try to be there for him. Give him lots of hugs, kisses and cuddles as well as lots of smiles. You will boost his confidence and self-esteem.

Parents need to be involved in their child’s life which takes time and hard work as well as sometimes sacrificing what you want to do and instead doing what your child wants to do. You have to be there mentally, physically and emotionally in order for your child to learn how to become a successful adult.

Parents have to set an example for their child as children watch their parents and learn by what their parents do.

Parents have to let their child learn how to do things on their own in order to learn. For example if a child is having difficulty doing his homework help him with it by explaining how he can find the answer but don’t do it for him. If you check and correct your child’s homework without his input you’re preventing him from learning. You are also preventing his teacher from knowing what he is learning which could cause problems for him.

Parents need to be consistent so their child doesn’t become confused with what he is allowed to do or not do. Explain the rules and the consequences of breaking them. Never hit, slap or spank a child but use other forms of discipline such as time out.

Let your child be independent but set boundaries and rules such as bedtimes because it will let him know that his parents are concerned about him. Be respectful of him. Pay attention when he is talking, be polite, respect his opinion and try to help him when you can. Teach him to be courteous to others. Use positive reinforcement when he does what you asked him to do.

Listen to him and show an interest in what he’s doing .Let him know that he can come to you with any questions or problems no matter how small or large they may be.

Don’t favor one child over another but treat them equally. If two siblings are fighting be fair and neutral without choosing sides. If you and your spouse are arguing don’t argue in front of your child as it will make him feel insure and afraid but let him see that when people disagree their differences can be discussed peacefully.

Always be there for your child but also let him have some space and some privacy. If he is in his room knock before you enter and request that he does the same if he wants to go into your room while you’re in it.

Teach him responsibility by giving him chores to do and reward him when he finishes them. Take away a privilege if he refuses to do the chore. Teach him that there are consequences for his actions. Teach him right from wrong and set an example for him. You can’t tell him to do something if you’re not willing to do it yourself.

Give him a healthy lifestyle by making healthy meals and snacks and by making sure he has proper sleep and exercise. Don’t force him to eat something he doesn’t like – a young child’s taste in food will change and what he doesn’t like this week he may like next week.

No one automatically becomes the perfect parent and it does take a lot of hard work in addition to it being a lifetime commitment. Read and do as much research as possible. Ask other parents who have young babies or children what they are doing to raise their child.

Remember when you support, teach and help a baby, toddler or young child you are helping him become a successful adult.

PREGNANCY

Eating During Pregnancy

It is very important for a woman to eat properly during her pregnancy in order to ensure that both her and her unborn baby are healthy however some health problems can happen before a mother even knows she is pregnant. To avoid potentially harmful effects on a foetus every woman of child bearing age should eat properly and keep fit in addition to avoiding recreational drugs or excessive alcohol.

Before taking any herbs or other natural remedies during pregnancy ask your doctor or health care giver if they are advisable. Also ask your doctor about over the counter medications prior to taking any during pregnancy.

There are a lot of well written books and websites that give food guides for healthy living but your best source of information is your doctor or health care provider. In addition numerous government agencies have outlets containing pamphlets and information regarding food guides.

All the food you buy to eat during pregnancy should be as fresh as possible. Don’t choose overripe fruit or vegetables and make sure meat and fish are fresh. Sometimes frozen foods are necessary but make sure they aren’t kept in the freezer beyond the proper storage time.

Raw vegetables and fruits may be richer in nutrients and should be used whenever possible but when you are cooking foods make sure they are not being overcooked.

The following are a few foods that should be avoided during pregnancy:

Improperly cooked foods as they may contain bacteria harmful to yourself and your unborn baby. These include rare or medium hamburgers, steaks and improperly heated deli meats such as hot dogs.

Raw fish or shellfish including oysters and clams.

Fish from contaminated lakes and rivers which may contain mercury.

Unpasteurized milk or cheese products such as brie, feta, camembert or blue cheese (unless the label states it is pasteurized).

Unpasteurized fruit or vegetable juice.

Raw eggs or foods such as homemade mayonnaise, ice cream, custards or dressings which contain raw eggs as they may contain salmonella.

Raw sprouts such as alfalfa, bean or radish.

Drinks containing caffeine may affect your baby’s heart rate and breathing as caffeine can cross the placenta. Some experts feel that caffeine intake should be limited to 300mg of caffeine while other experts feel you should only drink 200mg.Ask your doctor or health care provider about the risk of caffeine, how much you are allowed to drink per day and whether or not you should avoid caffeine completely during the first trimester. Some studies suggest that high levels of caffeine may cause an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth or may cause a small decrease in birth weight.

Before drinking herbal tea check with your doctor or health care provider. Some herbal teas can be potentially dangerous to your unborn baby. Teas made with anise, chamomile, comfrey, ma huang, catnip, rosemary, sage, sassafras, yarrow, pennyroyal, licorice root, mugwort, hibiscus, lemongrass, sage, horehound and raspberry leaf are some that are potentially dangerous for a pregnant woman. Teas made from rose hips, ginger, lime blossom, peppermint, roasted barley and thyme may be safe to drink occasionally in small amounts while you're pregnant or nursing but if you have any concerns don’t drink them.

Studies have shown that consumption of illegal drugs during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, low birth weight, premature labor, fetal death, and even maternal death.

Drinking high levels of alcohol during pregnancy puts a pregnant woman at risk of having a baby with Fetal alcohol syndrome which can cause heart problems, facial deformities, mental retardation or low birth weight. Pregnant women who drink alcohol have a higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth and even moderate drinking can impact your unborn baby’s brain development.

Eating properly and avoiding recreational drugs or alcohol is extremely important at all times.

Vitamins and Minerals During Pregnancy

Eating a healthy diet is extremely important for a pregnant woman but it isn’t always possible to eat properly so taking a vitamin supplement may be necessary. Ask your doctor, nurse or caregiver what is the best type of vitamins and minerals for you as certain vitamins may actually be harmful if taken in large doses. The following vitamins and minerals are very important for both you and your baby’s development.

Vitamin A – This vitamin helps promote healthy skin and cell growth. It also helps you be more resistant to infections. Sources are liver, milk, eggs, carrots, spinach, green and yellow vegetables, broccoli, potatoes, pumpkin, yellow fruits, and cantaloupe.

Folic Acid – Folic Acid is a B vitamin which should be taken prior to you getting pregnant and for the first trimester of your pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings or anencephaly a condition where most or all of the brain does not develop. Sources are oranges, orange juice, green leafy vegetables, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, fortified cereals, pasta, beans, nuts, strawberries, beets and peas.

B1 – Thiamine (B1) is important for your baby’s brain development. It helps regulate the nervous system and raises energy levels. Sources are fortified whole grain cereals, wheat germ, rice, legumes, pork, pasta, organ meats, eggs, rice and berries.

B2 – Riboflavin (B2) is important for your baby’s bone, nerve and muscle development. Sources are fish, meats, poultry, eggs, dairy products and fortified cereal

B3 – Niacin (B3) is important to maintain a healthy birth weight as well as the baby’s length and head circumference. Sources are meats, eggs, milk, high-protein foods, peanuts, fish, fortified cereals and breads.

B6 –Pyridoxine (B6) helps form new red blood cells and is important for your baby’s brain and nervous system. Sources are fortified cereals, oranges, orange juice, green leafy vegetables, spinach, beets, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, nuts, pasta and beans

Vitamin C – Vitamin C helps iron to be absorbed and also is important for healthy gums; teeth and bones. Sources are citrus fruits, bell peppers, green beans, strawberries, papaya, potatoes, broccoli