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Mom-to-Mom WISDOM


Calming Advice for More ‘Good Days’ with Fretful Kids


by Beth Davis P


arenting has more than its share of stressful challenges, and to- day’s moms are often frustrated by


conflicting advice. As families search for answers to daily issues, a more ho- listic and natural approach, known as conscious parenting, has been gaining momentum.


According to Lori Petro, founder of


TEACH through Love, a child advocacy group and educational resource for progressive parents, conscious parent- ing comprises the spirit of cooperation, instead of traditional models of disci- pline and control. “We want to teach our children how to live in the world, explore, be creative, compassionate, learn appropriate expressions of emo- tion and think for themselves,” she says. To help maximize the rewards for


all, Natural Awakenings asked several forward-thinking moms for their best tips on how to handle some of parent- ing’s biggest challenges.


Surviving the First Year As a certified Happiest Baby educator, mother of three and owner of Gummy Giggles Baby Boutique, in Yukon, Okla- homa, Lori Simmons provides parents with essential tools and knowledge to help calm unhappy babies. She notes


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that while dealing with a crying infant is simply part of being a parent, colic is a condition moms dread the most. Making the baby feel as if he or she is still in the womb is key, she advises. “People try to not make any noise, but the reality is, babies often cry because it’s too silent.” She recom- mends swaddling the baby, swaying and shushing quietly in the baby’s ear—all to mimic the comforts of the womb. The best advice that


she gives any new parent is that it’s okay not to know everything. “Just listen to your instincts and under- stand that each child will learn and grow at his or her own pace,” she says. “Most importantly, relax and don’t sweat the small stuff.”


Weathering Tod-


dler Meltdowns Petro says we can better meet the challenges of these years—including temper tan- trums, biting, toilet training and sleep problems—if we understand these situations in the context of


Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon Co. Edition NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com


a child’s development. During early growth, exploration and change, chil- dren typically have trouble expressing their thoughts and feelings, and that can prove overwhelming for everyone. So, what can adults do in the middle of a toddler meltdown? First, remember that it’s the rare parent that hasn’t had to deal with a tired, cranky, screaming toddler. Simmons admits to having handled her share of tantrums. “They don’t understand their own


frustration, so it’s difficult for parents to understand the reason for outbursts,” she observes. Her strategy is to take the stressed child out of the situation. It helps to know that some hitting and biting is considered normal for toddlers, especially if they see it as an effective way to get what they want. Parents can put an end to it much the same way they deal with other inappro- priate behavior, advises Petro. She sug- gests remaining calm, finding the root cause of the situation and acknowl- edging the child’s feelings and needs.


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