• This is a biweekly column presented by the Kaua‘i Good Beginnings Council, Public Awareness Committee. It will run every other week on Wednesday and will discuss issues relevant to the first five years of a child’s life. (It is
• This is a biweekly column presented by the Kaua‘i Good Beginnings Council, Public Awareness Committee. It will run every other week on Wednesday and will discuss issues relevant to the first five years of a child’s life. (It is in the Sunday paper this week but will return to the regular Wednesday spot in the future — the next column will run Nov. 15).
Breakthrough brain research has recently shown that the first five years of life are more important for emotional and intellectual growth than previously thought.
Most of a child’s brain development takes place after birth, when the child’s 100 billion brain cells eventually connect in networks that allow thinking and learning to take place.
Children need adults to guide them, and to help them learn what is acceptable behavior and what is not. You have done this by responding to your baby’s needs consistently and lovingly. A baby whose basic needs are met feels comfortable and calm. This is the beginning of the development of self-control.
Birth to 12 months
Discipline is never appropriate for babies. Since they cannot control their actions, they should not be held accountable for them. At this age, babies simply need your attention and affection. Therefore, you should pick up your baby when he cries, and try to read and respond to all of his needs. You cannot spoil your baby at this age. As your child gains mobility your focus should turn to safety and exploration:
• Be aware of your environment, place harmful things “out of baby’s reach”
• Childproof your home
• Never use physical punishment
12 to 18 months
Your child’s growing sense of independence will push her to test her behavior with you. This is the right time to set a few limits. Your child’s first rules should help protect her safety and be enforced clearly and consistently. You can also try these age-appropriate discipline techniques:
• Distract or redirect your child from unsafe objects or activities.
• Save “No” primarily for safety issues. If your child hears “No” too often, she will start to tune it out.
• Keep explanations short and simple
• Encourage and praise good behavior
Tips for parents
• Take care of yourself. Becoming a parent is overwhelming and exhausting.
• Make sure you get plenty of support from friends, family or community groups.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Call your doctor if your “baby blues” last more than two weeks.
• Your moods and lack of energy can affect your child as well.
• Take breaks from your child to rest and re-fuel.
Information from this article was adapted and excerpted from “Born Learning, Your Child,” 2005.
This is the first of a two-part series.
For more ideas, information and resources on how to understand, help and enrich your child’s development, call Anna Peters, Kaua‘i Good Beginnings coordinator at 632-2114 or Cathy Shanks of PATCH at 246-0622.
This article is provided by the Kaua‘i Good Beginnings Council Public Awareness Committee comprised of Phyllis Kunimura, Kaua‘i Independent Daycare Services School, Cathy Shanks, PATCH, Nancy Golden, Nana’s House, Margaret Smith, Healthy Start, and Anna Peters.
by THE GARDEN ISLAND
Whether it’s an earthquake, a tropical storm, flash flood, mudslide or other unforeseen disaster, Dr. Becky Rhoades, Executive Director of the Kauai Humane Society, said the single most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to take them with you if you have to evacuate. Animals left behind can easily be injured, lost or killed. Animals left inside your home can escape through storm- or earthquake-damaged areas, such as broken windows.
Animals turned loose to fend for themselves are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, or accidents. Leaving dogs tied or chained outside can be a death sentence.
Don’t wait until the last minute to get ready. Start preparation now.
A pet’s disaster kit should include:
• A carrier or crate to safely transport and house each pet. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time.
• Leashes, collars, harnesses, etc. to safely walk each pet. Make sure all are marked with a pet name and your name.
• Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a first aid kit.
• Identification. Pets should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. Your pets need to be micro-chipped (for just $5 each) at the Kauai Humane Society so you can be notified if someone else brings them in. Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated and to prove that they are yours.
• Food and water for at least three days. Each pet needs bowls, cat litter, litter box and a manual can opener.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.
• Toys. Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them, do to reduce stress.
If you live in a flood or earthquake evacuation zone, make arrangements well in advance to evacuate with your pets to a friend’s home on higher or safer ground. Be sure the person is comfortable with you bringing your pets with you.
If you need to evacuate to a shelter, call the Kauai Humane Society (632-0610) to confirm emergency sheltering for your pets. No matter what, take your pets with you. If your home isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets.
If your family and pets must wait out a storm or recover from another disaster at home, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together. Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and make sure they are always wearing identification.
Planning and preparation will help you weather the earthquake or storm but your home may be a very different place afterward, whether you have taken shelter at home or elsewhere.
Don’t allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations.
Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible.
