Mary Pat doesn't fly around with a black umbrella, but she does have 20 years of experience as a Child Development Expert. This column will answer questions about child development concerns & managing your employee/employer relationship.

Q: The little boy I care for just turned 2 and has started throwing horrible temper tantrums both at home and in public. How do you suggest I approach this issue? -Anna

A:  Dear Anna,
Occasional temper tantrums are a normal part of a child’s development and are common among children aged 1 to 3.   Toddlers are trying to master their own world and when they aren’t able to do so, they vent their frustrations the only way they know how – through tantrums. The child might simply be acting up because he or she isn’t getting enough attention- and remember that, to a child, negative attention (your response to the tantrum) is better than no attention at all. When possible, I would suggest keeping off-limit objects out of sight so that they do not become grounds for such a struggle. You might also try distraction tactics by offering a replacement for the object the child is craving (e.g. candy at the grocery store) or beginning a new activity to replace the forbidden one. Of course, you should discuss your concerns with your employer, especially if the tantrums occur on an increasingly regular basis.


Q:  I have such a hard time getting the children I care for to eat their fruits and vegetables with lunch and dinner. Any suggestions? -Kris

A: Dear Kris,
My suggestion is to sneak those fruits and veggies into some of their favorite meals. Pizza is a great way to add vegetables to the diet and you can make them less visible by placing them under the cheese before cooking. Another great tip is adding vegetables to macaroni and cheese – everything is better doused in cheese.  Substituting frozen yogurt for ice cream and mixing in some berries is a great dessert idea. The traditional grilled cheese sandwich can become instantly healthier by cooking in canola oil rather than butter. Throw some sliced tomatoes in there as well.  You could even try color themed meals to get the children to eat everything on their plate. Serve that macaroni and cheese with carrots, sweet potatoes, and orange slices. 

  
If you have a question you want answered, you can send an
e-mail to: marypat@tandcr.com and it will be covered (anonymously) in an upcoming newsletter.

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