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Bedtime conversation
T: I have one question (although, it is not).
Me: Okay.
T: Lucky (our cat)sleeps in the morning and is awake at night.
Me: Do you want to be like Lucky? (thinking that he likes to stay up late)
T: No, I'm not a cat.
Me: Why not?
T: Because the light from the sun keeps me awake.
Me: Then you cant be a cat.
T: Plus I'm a person.

Very entertaining conversation.

******

Last week, I got to pick him up early from school and was able to talk to one of his teachers. Just to catch up. I was told that he is at the top of his class. That day, they watch a movie and then were asked what they can remember and some of his friends just made up stories about it. The Tatapilla told him if they were just making it up. I was told he is so switched-on and loves to talk. The teacher can have ten of him in her class. Plus he is well behaved.

I'm so pleased.

******
We had some alone time together last Saturday doing some shopping and library visit. At the library we did a bit of colouring. There was a movie so I left him watching while I browse around for some books. When it was time to leave, I approached him and he was so well behaved - didn't even complain that the movie isn't finished yet.

At the shops, there were toys that he likes but I told him that he had plenty and we only buy what we need. No complaints at all. At the food shops, we bought him some treats which he really appreciates. No Dunlop Strings to insist for. Just pure old junk food. :)

*****

It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real!

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Good Food

There's a stage in one's life especially toddlers that good food are not acceptable. It's hard being a parent because you know what's good for your child yet you don't want to have any battle and struggle between you and your child. One has to have tricks.

I have learned that exposing The Tatapilla to sports and superhero themed movies will encourage him to eat good food. He aspires to be all of them and the trick is to eat good food, have rest, exercise and sleep.

But here's a tip from bodyandsoul.com.au.

Stay calm

Toddlers will do almost anything to get a reaction out of people. Next time they fling food on the ceiling or straight out refuse it, walk away. Count to 10, take a deep breath and try again. Be consistent and calm in your nonchalant approach, and the drama, for the most part, will stop.
Sneaky tactics

Stashing vegetables in meals is a constant game of hide and seek for fussy kids who only eat finger food. Try adding grated carrot to meatballs, zucchini to frittatas, mushy peas to sandwiches, spinach to lasagne, avocado to wraps or roast some potato and pumpkin wedges.
Fussy phase

Most toddlers go through a stage of eating limited favourites. As long as they are not terribly unhealthy choices, you have nothing to worry about. It's only a phase; it will pass. To encourage an adventurous palate, try harmless peer pressure and invite other toddlers around for lunch.
Stick to one meal

When picky kids are offered a second meal because they hardly touched the first, they might get clever and try it every time. This is not only exhausting, but mostly unnecessary. Offer one meal you know they will like and when they have had enough, offer some fruit.

One sometimes resort to bribery but it doesn't have to be American silver eagles. Sometimes, I have to feed him and most of the time.. playing and having fun works too.

*****

It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real!

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Early Bedtime

This is from bodyandsoul.com.au.

The proverb, "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise" seems to have some scientific merit for kids.

Studies into children and sleep are piling up and the latest suggests it's not only how much sleep they get that matters but also what time they go to bed.

It seems sleep is one of the most important parts of a child's general wellbeing.

The latest University of South Australia study on sleep times found children who go to bed earlier are less likely to be obese than those who stay up late

This indeed is true. I reckon the same go with adults. I am sure everyone noticed that when they didn't sleep good at night, they don't function as they do when a good night sleep occured.

Time is of the essence as well. As a parent, you are aware and have a fairly good idea when is your child tired and when that sleep is needed. But sometimes, they are not met due to circumstances - like putting up that teak wood patio furniture that everyone is excited about.

This is also a reminder for me although I am very much aware of it. The Tatapilla is active like an adult because he always evades sleep.

*****

It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real!

Read More