Interview with Julie Grejtak: A Child Development Expert

          For this particular blog, I spoke with a child development expert, with hopes she would be able to answer some questions many parents struggle to answer themselves. Julie Grejtak graduated from IUP, with a plethora of information to share.

Question #1: What are some ways to “discipline” a toddler in a positive way?

Like the rest of us, young children learn by doing, so when your child throws his bowl of peas off the highchair tray, for example, it's because he's curious to see what will happen, not because he wants to upset you or mess up your clean kitchen floor.

Action: Your toddler's made a mess under her highchair. When they are finished eating, lift them up, set them on the floor, and ask them to hand you some peas so they’re "helping" you take care of it. Talk to the child about what you're doing: "Okay, we made a mess with the peas so we have to clean it up."  With that said, you don't have to stand by while your child does something you don't like. And you definitely don't want to stand by if your little one's grabbing for something dangerous. Take the object away or physically move your baby away from it. Then give them a safe, less-messy or less-destructive alternative. Substituting something else will prevent a meltdown. Make sure you explain what you're doing to your child, even if they’re too young to really understand. You're teaching a fundamental discipline lesson that some behaviors aren't acceptable, and that you'll be redirecting them when necessary.

Emphasize the positive! Tell your child when you like how he's behaving, rather than speaking up only when he's doing something wrong. It takes a bit of practice to get in the habit of rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad, but it's more effective in the end.

Real-life application: It's nap time, a potential battle zone with your sometimes resistant toddler. Head it off by praising even small steps: "It's so great that you stopped playing with your blocks when I asked you to. That means we have extra time and can read a story. If you lie down right away, we'll have even more time and can read two stories." Keep praising each improvement they makes even in their nap time routine, and make it worth their while with rewards such as stories or songs!

Question #2: When is the appropriate time to start weaning your child?

1.      Your baby may begin eating solid foods at 4 to 6 months of age.

2.      At this point, you may want to offer cup-feeding to supplement breast or bottle feedings. Over the next 6 months, your baby may show signs that he or she is ready to wean.

3.      Your bottle-fed baby should continue to get nutrition largely from formula until he or she is 12 months old. After that, allowing your child to continue drinking from a bottle may lead to problems such as baby bottle tooth decay.

It is important to switch gradually to the cup! Although some mothers stop breast- or bottle-feedings abruptly, the baby may not be ready. Babies find comfort from sucking and also may need the closeness and comfort breast- or bottle-feeding provides. Always think about your baby's emotional needs, age, and readiness as well as about your own needs, when switching from breast- or bottle-feeding to a cup. Toddlers (ages 1 to 2) may tolerate abrupt weaning better than babies.

Question#3: Of course every parent wants to know their children are safe while they are at work. What are some things new parents should look for when trying to find reliable childcare?

Choosing child care is an important decision. Good child care arrangements can improve the daily lives of children and parents. In addition, children in high quality care can have higher levels of success when they enter school. Yet, it can be difficult and confusing to know what to look for in a program. Many parents feel that having their child feel safe and secure and getting lots of individual attention is the mark of quality child care. A safe, loving, stimulating environment is important! Your child also needs a place to be challenged to learn, reach his potential and eventually prepare for elementary school.

Whether you are considering a commercial day care center or one in someone's home, you should check it out carefully. Ask questions of the staff, and talk to parents of other children at the day care center. Look over the center carefully! These are questions that you would want to ask during an interview.

• What are the training requirements for staff members?
• Are all staff members certified in basic first aid?
• Are all staff members trained in child development?
• Are all staff members trained in preventing illness and injury?

• Does the center have rules about careful and frequent hand-washing? This is key to reduce the spread of illness among the children. All staff members must wash their hands each time they diaper a child and before fixing meals or snacks.
• Are poison control phone numbers and ambulance phone numbers clearly posted?
• Does the playground have impact-absorbing surfaces, such as wood chips, under the swings and slides?
• Are the children protected from strangers?
• Are fire drills held at least every month?
• Are there smoke alarms throughout the building?
• Are safety gates used in areas for small children?
• Are electric outlets covered?
• Are sharp corners of furniture covered?
• Are the toys kept clean? Washable toys should be washed every day with a disinfectant cleaner, such as Lysol or a solution of water and bleach.
• Does the day care staff regularly clean all surfaces with disinfectant?

A special thanks to Ms. Grejtak for giving our readers an insight on how to deal with situations we parents have to deal with on a day to day basis. I found all of this information very useful and have even applied some if not all of it to raising my son.