The undisputed charm of all our Tiny Tots Corner entrants this month has once again left the Tiny Tots judges with tough choices regarding who to select as our top 3. Undoubtedly, we have the cutest little ones out there and yes folks, if you want to see your little one as one of our next winners, grab your camera (or cell phone) now! Just imagine what gorgeous pics you will be able to take of your tiny tots as we head into warmer weather. Remember, your baby must not be older than 24 months and please include all the necessary contact details we require, as set out in the Competition Rules box below. Good luck!!
Winner, 1st Prize:
Muhammad Ayyan Gafoor (12 months), is the son of Mubeen Gafoor and Nazia Alli of McDonald Street, Erasmia.
Winner, 2nd Prize:
Hlompho Nakeng (12 months), is the daughter of Malebo Nakeng, of Jewel Street, Laudium.
Winner, 3rd Prize:
Muhammad Sahil Wali (9 months), is the son of Salma and Imran Wali of 13th Avenue, Laudium.
Competition Rules
- The Editor’s decision is final.
- This competition is open to all babies, between the ages of six and 24 months, who live in the Laudium Sun main distribution area.
Closing date: Wednesday, September 15.
- Entries must include a recent, clear photo of your baby, accompanied by the full name and age of infant, and also parents’ names and addresses…as well as contact numbers.
- All entries must be hand-delivered to the Laudium Sun office in Laudium or e-mailed to: info@laudiumsun.co.za or posted to: PO Box 786, Pretoria, 0001, and are to reach us before the closing date.
10 Tips to Prevent Aggressive Toddler Behavior
As a toddler or pre-schooler, your child may lack the self-control to express anger peacefully and may sometimes lash out, perhaps hitting or biting in frustration.
While occasional outbursts are normal, especially during temper tantrums, there are certain things you can do to shape your child’s behaviour:
1. Teach the house rules. Children don’t know the rules of your home until they’re taught them, so that is one of your important parenting responsibilities. Toddlers are normally interested in touching and exploring, so if there are valuables you don’t want them to handle, hide or remove them. Consider setting up a separate portion of your home where your child can play with books and toys. Whenever children break an important rule, they should be reprimanded immediately to understand exactly what they have done wrong.
2. Threats are over-rated. It is always more effective to positively reinforce desired behaviours and to teach children alternative behaviours rather than just say, “Stop it or else.” Tell them that the next time they are angry, they should use their words instead.
3. Enter healthy distractions. While teaching your child other ways to respond, there’s also nothing wrong with distracting him at times or trying another approach. As long as you’re not “bribing” him to behave differently by offering sweet snacks. For example, there’s nothing wrong with intentionally changing his focus.
4. “Control yourself.” Well, they can’t yet. Remember, toddlers have little natural self-control. They need you to teach them not to kick, hit, or bite when they are angry, but instead to express their feelings through words.
5. “We don’t hurt each other.” Supervise your child carefully when she is involved in disputes with playmates. If a disagreement is minor, keep your distance and let the children solve it on their own. However, you must intervene when children get into a physical fight that continues even after they’re told to stop, or when one child seems to be in an uncontrollable rage and is assaulting or biting the other. Pull the children apart and keep them separate until they have calmed down. If the fight is extremely violent, you may have to end the play session. Make it clear that it doesn’t matter who “started it.” There is no excuse for trying to hurt each other.
6. Instead of fighting. Teach your child to say “no” in a firm tone of voice, to turn his back, or to find compromises instead of fighting with his body. Through example, you are teaching your child to settle differences with words—more effective and more civilized—than with physical violence.
7. “Great job!” Praise your child for appropriate behaviour and help explain how “grown-up” she is acting whenever she uses these tactics instead of hitting, kicking, or biting. And always reinforce and praise behaviour when you catch your child being kind and gentle.
8. Time-outs are OK. There’s also nothing wrong with using a time-out when your child’s behaviour is inappropriate, and they can be used in children as young as one year old. Understand when he is in the wrong, it is important to take responsibility for his actions and be willing to accept the consequences.
*Please consult your healthcare provider, for further advice. – sourced
