(Lets face it kids are full of honesty, they say it as they see it. This is a new column written from the ‘HONEST’ observations from our children. It touches on all aspects of the process of growing up and how we as parents can improve ourselves from a child’s point of view)

Dear Santa,

Good Tidings and what not…so we’ve got the Christmas décor up, Mum’s thawed the turkey and doing her tropical twist on it, and the Christmas cookies sit in their bowl, waaay out of my reach taunting me mercilessly.

But I was pondering, whilst sitting in my playpen, chewing on my Teddy’s ear. Does SANTA really know what I want for Christmas???..I mean has he looked into my soul, listened to my deepest yearnings , felt what makes my heart beat loudly.

So I thought enough with the morse codes signals, I’m just going to spell it out to you Santa, make it a little more easier and what not. I’m telling you now in the strongest possible way, I won’t take too kindly to many more cutisie onsie, that’s says “Who’s Mommy’s’darling” or “He’s trouble”..I mean C’MON I’m cute as it is and then I have to wear clothing to emphasis my cuteness, such wasted material send those over to little Kalon just born the other day, I know the cuteness is going to hit that fellow sometime this week, but at the moment with all that hair and milia, he could use some help!.

Anyways, I digress it ain’t happening this X-Mas Father Noel, I mean I was just born last Christmas so I was helpless, as these people called my parents dressed me up in bows, and ribbons and polka dots. No way hoaz, this Xmas it’s going down. I need stuff and really good stuff. Okay got your IPAD Santa Claus, take some short notes quick, here I go.

First of all, even though I might be just one I’ve got great flexible thumbs, just throw me one of those brand new Playstations, games fully equipped, the lights mesmerize me, a word to Mummy she’s definitely going to thank you for it one day for that will keep me amused for years.

Well I’m kinda attached to the Teddy I have, but hey we’ve been through some rough times, and he’s looking quite worn out, you know kinda cramping my cool style.

Also its gets lonely in my playpen, I like someone to hear my thoughts you know, plan my next devious assault on Big Sister, so Santa baby I want a walking talking new Teddy, sshhhh..just do to when the old Teddy’s not watching.

Okay this is not really stuff but more like a wish, hey SEEE I’m not one of those materialistic children of the 22nd century.
So this the thing, Mummy thinks, because I’m all grown up now, I should start the potty training early…hmmmm, eeek who wants to do their business in some plasticy shaped bowl that looks like a giraffe, hey I don’t want to crap on a giraffe okay.

Going into a corner and letting go in my diaper is kinda my thing, the sense of release, the freedom…she’s trying to take all that away from me Santa, and she can do that she’s Mommy I mean you know what I’m taking about I bet Mummy Santa still gives you times outs no? Make sure understand Santa, that I love my diapers!!!

Okay then the other stuff I’ll be real quick about, sweets, candies, lollipops, jujubes, smarities…just anything with sugar I’ll be happy.
So looking back on my list,I think it’s a reasonable request, you could do it Santa..also just a word of encouragement I did see you kissing Mommy last night, ..yeah yeah you thought I was all tucked up in my crib…and I’m not sure if you know that my Daddy is a Mixed Martial Arts master….ground and pound was his nick name at school….hey albert he watches most of it, but he could have you in a right mess real fast..you kissing Mommy and all.

So if I were you I’d just forget the rest of the world, KAPISH my list should be right on top. LOVE YOU SANTA, see you XMAS DAY Buddy!

What does a newborn look like?

Parents often dream of what their new baby may look like, thinking about a pink, round, chubby-cheeked and gurgling wonder. It may be surprising for many parents to see their newborn the first time - wet and red, with a long head, and screaming - nothing at all like they had imagined.

Newborns have many variations in normal appearance - from color to the shape of the head. Some of these differences are just temporary, part of the physical adjustments a baby goes through. Others, such as birthmarks, may be permanent.

The fine, downy hair that might be covering your baby's body called lanugo will fall out within the next few weeks.  Slated to go, too, may be the luxurious mane your baby might be sporting.  That first head of hair is likely to be replaced by locks that are entirely different in texture and color.

Muscle stretching for kids.

During the first year of life, you need to help your baby's muscles develop so those muscles will be better able to perform tasks as your child ages.

Exercises for stretching can be done during play, and are a good way for you to promote muscle development while spending quality time with your infant.

Tummy time can offer your infant the opportunity to stretch and strengthen muscles at the same time. Time spent on the tummy promotes flexibility of the spine while strengthening the muscles of the back.

While your baby is lying on her back, help her with hip and knee range of motion and flexibility by engaging them in bicycle kicks. Take one foot in each hand, and guide her legs in a circular motion like when pedaling a bike. Be gentle and keep the pressure light.

Potty Training

Children are able to control their bladder and bowels when they’re physically ready, and when they want to be dry and clean. Every child is different, so it’s best not to compare your child with others.

Bear in mind the following:

·    Most children can control their bowel before their bladder.

·    By the age of two, some children will be dry during the day, but this is still quite early.

·    By the age of three, 9 out of 10 children are dry most days. Even then, all children have the odd accident, especially when they’re excited, upset or absorbed in something else.

·    By the age of four most children are reliably dry.

It usually takes a little longer to learn to stay dry throughout the night. Although most children learn this between the ages of three and five, it is estimated that a quarter of three-year-olds and one in six five-year-olds wet the bed.
 

By Mayuri Jayasinghe