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Questions Answered by Expert Melissa Payne

Subject	Date Asked
Bruxism	2/6/2012
Q: I have been writting to you off and on abt my daughter.She is now 4 yrs and 2 months old and goes to ... A: I'm not really sure, given her age. I've heard that there are inserts that can be used for adults ...
2year old Behavior	1/17/2012
Q: Iam worried about the behavior of my 2year old son.He is my first son,so i feel i dont know how to ... A: Nimra, I am not very familiar with the combined living situation that you are dealing with. I ...
9 month old will not sleep	1/10/2012
Q: My son is a week short of 9 months, and he refuses to sleep at night. He wakes 4 or 5 times per ... A: He's waking up because he's still hungry in this case. Is he on solids? Try giving him some solid ...
shreiking baby	1/6/2012
Q: I've asked you a question before. I hope it's okay if I ask another. My 8 month old is a shreiker! ... A: Te, sorry it took a few days to get back to you. Beyond having 4 kids, I work 2 jobs, so rest is at ...
shreiking baby	12/31/2011
Q: I've asked you a question before. I hope it's okay if I ask another. My 8 month old is a shreiker! ... A: Te. You are welcome to ask me as many questions as you feel you need to. I don't mind and will tell ...
Delay in talking	12/20/2011
Q: My Sister in law son is 3 years old and he is still unable to speak, i mean at this age a child ... A: I have never heard of any foods or anything that either help or hinder speech. I would suggest an ...
2 year old son waking up grumpy.	12/16/2011
Q: I have a wonderful, curious, independent, somewhat hyper 2 year old son. He for the most part is ... A: Based on personal experience, I believe it is either a stage some children go through or, as I joke ...
help!	12/14/2011
Q: Please consider this a follow up question, and am so sorry to ask this, but i asked you a question ... A: Sorry about the delay...I had originally answered the question on my cell phone, which doesn't allow ...
Three year old daughter is destructive and not listening	12/14/2011
Q: I have three year old fraternal twin girls, and an 8 month old son. My one daughter has always been ... A: You certainly have your hands full! I would try to continue everything you are doing completely - ...
Floor dangers/etible floor finds	12/14/2011
Q: I am asking this question because I am genuinely upset and confused here about an issue. I ... A: Don't panick and don't listen to those yahoo idiots! You did not scar your first child for life and ...
security blanket	12/13/2011
Q: I have a 5 month old daughter who uses her spit rags as security blankets. She has done this for ... A: It's fine to let her have this...especially if it is a comfort. Just don't let it get to the point ...
New baby on the way	12/13/2011
Q: ) I have two questions Me and my partner of four years have been caring for my nephew (Nathan) ... A: If Nathan's current room is smaller than the others, try suggesting that since he is a "big boy" and ...
unhappy toddler at daycare	12/9/2011
Q: I am a grandma of a 15 month old girl. My daughter went back to work 4 months ago. Jessie is in ... A: Given that you say she is well adjusted and happy in other circumstances, I believe that it may just ...
27 month old boy with severe stranger anxiety	12/8/2011
Q: My 27 month old has been extremely alert since he was 3-4 months old and at that time he wouldn't ... A: This does sound like he is more than just a little shy, especially with it starting so young and ...
Know it all mommy	12/8/2011
Q: I am a new stay at home mommy-my daughter is 4 1/2 months old-and started going to a mommy group as ... A: I don't think you are over reacting. There are many parents, especially those who have had a ...
3 year old and counseling....	12/6/2011
Q: My name is Jennifer, I have a 3 year old little boy named Lyall. In the last year his father and I ... A: I think maybe a child psychologist wouldn't be such a bad idea, especially if he is acting out with ...
aggression in 20 month old boy	12/1/2011
Q: He has hit all of his developmental markers ahead of schedule and has a clean bill of health from ... A: Given the situation he was born into, this suggests to me that he witnessed personally a LOT more ...
Hitting @15 months	11/23/2011
Q: I read a response on hitting but need further information. I've been doing the advice of putting my ... A: At 15 months old, I am a believer that smacking their hand is appropriate when they hit. It teaches ...
Baby who won't stop crying.	11/22/2011
Q: My daughter who is 10 months old, doesn't stop crying until I hold her. Her father has been her life ... A: A lot of children go through this, especisally if thry have been held a lot as an infant. The ...
14 month old doesn't eat solids	11/14/2011
Q: my son has had a lot of difficulties eating...he refused to nurse and didn't want a bottle (some of ... A: I certainly understand your concern regarding his eating. If I were you, I would be willing to ...
Can you scold a 2-year-old child?	11/3/2011
Q: My son is 2-year old and I'm confused what a parent should do when he cries asking for wrong things. ... A: I wouldn't necessarily scold him for this. Try getting a couple age based computer games and give ...
My 2 year old grandson's behavior	10/28/2011
Q: My grandson will be 3 in January. We placed him in a new daycare this week. He has done fine until ... A: He probably doesn't think there was anything wrong. Given that he is now in daycare, he probably ...
Potty training problems	10/16/2011
Q: My daughter is 2 years 7 months. She initiated potty training herself 4 months ago and used to tell ... A: This may have to do with the changes going on right now. It's common for a child to regress after ...
My 3 1/2 year old son acting out	10/2/2011
Q: To begin my question i want to make aware that my sons father and i aren't together and were never ... A: The behavior is his way of acting out because of his confusion with the situation. Kids at this age ...
Sleep & Potty Training	9/30/2011
Q: I actually have two non-related questions about my 2.5 year old. The first is sleep related. Up ... A: Do not go back to the binky! Consistency is key on that one. Is the rest of his bedtime routine the ...
Should a toddler take a nap?	9/29/2011
Q: Could you pls tell me whether a toddler should take a nap after lunch or during the afternoon? The ... A: Kevin, I believe in letting the child determine whether they need a nap. Unless by early afternoon ...
Why does my son slap his face?	9/18/2011
Q: I was wondering if you could help me with this question. I have a two-year-old son. Even though was ... A: I wouldn't necessarily worry so much about autism right now. Especially if he is not showing any ...
Solid foods	9/15/2011
Q: I am Anu from India. My baby boy is 6 months old. Our doc had asked us to introduce solid food to ... A: I don't see where a little salt would hurt depending on the food. When I introduced my kids to ...
concerned mother of a 4yr old flasher	9/8/2011
Q: Just recently a mother of my sons friend had called and said that her son had told her that my 4 yr ... A: Kids at this age are very curious about their bodies and such. It it a normal stage that my kids ...
Baby doesn't want me	9/8/2011
Q: I am a father to a 10 months daughter. And i feel like she doesn't want me...i work 5 days a week ... A: It's not that she doesn't want you. My oldest daughter was the same way towards me when she was that ...
Mean 3 year old	9/1/2011
Q: Our 3 year old son has been so mean to his baby brother (10 months) for quite some time now. He is ... A: Try anger management. Get him a large body pillow or bean bag chair to move from room to room and ...
phobia	8/15/2011
Q: My three years old grandchild (girl) has developed a phobia and does not want to get out of the ... A: Given her age, my first concern is that if she is not able to explain what had her so upset when she ...
18 month old sleep issues	8/5/2011
Q: My 18 month daughter was such a great sleeper since she was born. Sleeping through the night at only ... A: My son is almost 3 yrs and is just going through this stage. I am not one for forcing my kids to ...
belly pains	7/16/2011
Q: My daughter is 15 months old and for the past couple of months she has been having belly pains, I ... A: Has she recently had a change in diet (formula to regular milk) or anything like that? My second ...
sudden change from breast milk to formula	7/13/2011
Q: I'm a first time mum with a 4 week old baby girl. About 5 days ago i went off breastfeeding cause my ... A: I don't know if you would have access to a breast pump...try talking to the doctor that delivered ...
9 month old son	7/11/2011
Q: I have a 9 month old son. He recently has become EXTREMELY needy. He cries non-stop if I am not ... A: I wish I had a simple answer for you. My youngest is the same age and doing the exact same thing. We ...
hair twisting	5/25/2011
Q: my 3.5 yrs old daughter twists her hair when she is sleepy and sumtimes when uneasy.i was reading ... A: I am not one for pushing a child when they feel uncomfortable, so I wouldn't really do anything to ...
Seperation...	5/24/2011
Q: Melissa, to give you background, my son is 26 months, I have had sole managing conservatorship since ... A: Joe, For one, I commend you on raising your son and realizing that the time with his Mom and "other ...
thumb Sucking in 4 months old	5/22/2011
Q: Recently my 4 months old daughter has found the fun of thumb sucking.I breastfeed her when home and ... A: If I knew the exact secret to stopping thumb sucking, I'd share it gladly...My husband and I almost ...
I need advice.	5/17/2011
Q: I have a 23 month old son he will be 2 on June 8th of this year,he's very strong willed.When it ... A: My son turned 2 back in September, so I know right where you are at with him...this is the age where ...
Problem sleeping	5/16/2011
Q: I have a four month (nearly 5 month) old teething baby who up to now has been a diamond sleeper. ... A: Once I answer this, I can't pass it along to others. You would have to post to each expert ...
Teaching a 3 month old to self-soothe	5/15/2011
Q: Since birth my son would wake twice each night to nurse. I would feed, swaddle, then put him right ... A: This could tie in with a growth spurt, however most children will usually sleep a little more often ...
Time out with my 2 year old.	5/15/2011
Q: My 2 year old is getting out of hand. She starts screaming when she doesnt get her way. I put her in ... A: This can be usual behavior for this age, and consistency is best to deal with it, however you could ...
kids bedtime routine = Spousal frustration	5/13/2011
Q: My Wife and I are at odds about our 4-year-old daughters bedtime routine, and the frustration is ... A: Jason, I wish more fathers were trying to be such a part of their children's lives! I am glad to ...
Blisters on her tongue	5/13/2011
Q: I have a 1 year old daughter and I just realized she Has tiny white blisters on the tip on her ... A: Sometimes, this can be caused by a minor virus, or by not having her gums cleaned often enough ...
Problematic One Year Old Ugh	3/23/2011
Q: I take care of a one year old little boy who is a terror. This child pulls everything off of ... A: Given his age, I would say it will just take patience and persistence to deal with him right now. ...
fear of jelly	3/21/2011
Q: my son is 14 years old ,his fear of jelly began when i had the unfortunate event of a child choking ... A: I would suggest getting him into a child psychologist (you can either check with your pediatrician ...
2 y/o tantrums	3/18/2011
Q: I have only 2 children (b/g twins) and my son is autistic. My daughter is not in any way but i do ... A: Under most circumstances, I would suggest anger management techniques (which it seems you are ...
Potty Training	3/10/2011
Q: I have a 2 year old boy. He pee's in the potty standing up, when he wants too. He has never sat down ... A: You can try teaching him to sit down, especially if he refuses to poop in the potty for you. Don't ...
Potty Training.	3/6/2011
Q: My husband and I have been potty training our 2 year old since September 2010. We are taking it slow ... A: I've had more than a few of those nights with my children also...don't feel alone. You're not the ...
Parenting and Baby care	3/4/2011
Q: My baby is going to reach 2 years old next month. From last two months small white spots seeing on ... A: You can look into this website ...
my baby seems to be fussy.	2/25/2011
Q: my baby seems to be much more fussy and cranky than my friends baby. i am worried that she isn't ... A: Some babies are just fussier than others naturally. Not knowing the age of your little one makes it ...
kinder	2/23/2011
Q: My son turned 5 in November,he was attending Kinder OK. Now The teacher said he is at "risk" he ... A: I think they may be pushing him a bit. My daughters were both born in November - the oldest is 6 ...
22 month old girl constantly crying & whining	2/19/2011
Q: I am a mom of a 2 wonderful kids; a 3.5 year old boy and a 22 month old girl. My daughter has ... A: It's too early to actually try to diagnose her with anything. It could be the age (my son turned 2 ...
Toddlers Bi-Trilingual Education.	2/18/2011
Q: My wife is pregnant and our baby is to be born in a couple of months. We both speak Portuguese as a ... A: Mauricio, Glad to have been able to help. Like I said, don't try to push the multiple languages too ...
Toddlers Bi-Trilingual Education.	2/17/2011
Q: My wife is pregnant and our baby is to be born in a couple of months. We both speak Portuguese as a ... A: Mauricio, Your child will have a wonderful life from what I can tell (between the travelling and ...
Prepairing for baby	2/15/2011
Q: Since i'm not a mom yet i'm not sure what excalty to get them. What are some must needs (i know ... A: The blankets portion is a little overrated, however you are right about the wipes! You can never ...
three year old jealous of new baby cousin	1/30/2011
Q: my boyfriends three year old granddaughter. she and her mother live with us but she has been acting ... A: Jealousy is common with children, however it's rare for a child to become so jealous of a child not ...
for parent advice	1/19/2011
Q: I am a preschool teacher and I have a parent who told me that their child doesn't want to come to ... A: You can try printing this article for the Mom http://www.whereincity.com/india-kids/articles/121 I ...
no sleep!	1/9/2011
Q: I have a 9 month old daughter, still breastfeeding. She's never been a good sleeper but especially ... A: Is she on foods yet? Do you pump so she gets bottles (you can add rice cereal this way)? Sounds to ...
Sleeping	1/8/2011
Q: Ok my baby is 8 months old, and he is still not sleeping on a normal sleeping schedule. Im very ... A: Does he have a consistent nap tome during the afternoon? (ie gets laid down for nap at 1pm every ...
Potty training	12/10/2010
Q: My son will be 3 years old in February. He is our third child out of 4. He was three months early ... A: Having had a three month preemie daughter myself, I know where you are at. My preemie is now 5 ...
my child and toilet trainig	11/30/2010
Q: i'm a mother for a tow years old boy. i have started toilet training with my son for 40 days and ... A: As a Mom of a two year old boy myself who is "mostly" potty trained, I understand where you are ...
14 month old not eating well	11/29/2010
Q: I live in India and have a 14 month old daughter who does not eat very well. She was exclusively ... A: It's good to see you are working to introduce so many new foods to her. This will help. As for the ...
Visitation Pending a Divorce for my 2yr old daughter	11/26/2010
Q: My husband and I have been separated for about months now. Christmas is coming up and my soon to be ... A: I'm not too familiar with divorce situations, but I don't believe you can legally keep him from ...
My son prefers his dad.	11/21/2010
Q: I have a 3 year old son. HIs dad and I separated when he was 7 months old and since he was 1 he ... A: The hardest part is hearing your son do this, I know. Given his age, he is learning to try and play ...
Growth	11/18/2010
Q: My baby will be 18 months old by 3rd of next month, but she does not eat very well, she only takes ... A: I don't know what everyone's diet in the house usually consists of, so it's a little hard to guage. ...
Growth	11/16/2010
Q: My baby will be 18 months old by 3rd of next month, but she does not eat very well, she only takes ... A: Keep introducing small amounts of new foods, one at a time with each meal of something she already ...
Can smoothie yogurt help my baby increase his weight?	11/13/2010
Q: Can smoothie yogurt help my baby increase his weight? Mine is a 17-year-old boy. I would like to ... A: I looked online for information on this, as I am not familiar with trying to get children to gain ...
toddler refuses to eat	11/12/2010
Q: my son is 23 months old.he hates to eat food or drink milk or juice.He stopped drinking milk 8 ... A: I'm really not sure. Sometimes, when a child stops drinking milk, it may be hurting their stomach. ...
items for baby	11/7/2010
Q: Hey there! I have a flexible spending account through work and a $600 balance that needs to be spent ... A: K.C. Given how expensive babies are, it won't be hard to go through this money! Infant Tylenol (or ...
My 3yr Old frequent urination	10/30/2010
Q: I a bit concern that my 3 yr old boy urinates almost 1-3 times within the hour. Should this be ... A: It may be nothing, but then again, it never hurts to check. Keep track of how often in a day he ...
my 2.6 yrs daughter throwing tantrums	10/29/2010
Q: My daughter weighs 11 kg and doesnt eat properly.She throws tantrums at home and hits me a ... A: Get her a large stuffed animal or a bean-bag chair. Explain to her that she will get in trouble if ...
2 year old daughter calls for her dad and his new girlfriend	10/25/2010
Q: I am not sure how to handle my current situation.. My ex and I are going through a divorce. He ... A: Given the age, she is at a stage where she is just learning how to deal with people - and learning ...
Humping in children with developmental delays	10/24/2010
Q: I am the mother of a four-year-old preemie. She was born at 31 weeks, and she spent her first four ... A: It's normal for most children to go through this stage, not just the developmentally delayed ...
discipline	10/21/2010
Q: My daugther is 27 months old. Although she is really cooperative, she keeps on peeing her armchair ... A: Apparently, she is comfortable in the chair and doesn't want to interrupt her tv time by going ...
crying and vomiting	10/21/2010
Q: My 27 month old son (who was a 15 oz. micropreemie) will vomit if he cries too hard. We are having ... A: Having had a preemie myself, I can understand where you are coming from, though mine was a little ...
holding	10/20/2010
Q: I have a beautiful baby girl that just turned 3 wks and she is a total blessing to me but I have a ... A: I know holding a little one can seem very intimidating. Don't let it panic you, though. I wasn't ...
10 month old and sleep	9/27/2010
Q: My almost 10 month old son has only been getting a total of 10.5 - 11 hours of a sleep a day. About ... A: The only suggestion I can give to try and get him to sleep longer at night is to limit his afternoon ...
toddler repeating	8/25/2010
Q: My 20 month old son who is a "late-talker" constantly say this or that to point out something. For ... A: This is completely normal. My 23 mo old son does the same thing...he will see something and repeat ...
Baby strains and turns red in high chair but is not constipated	8/19/2010
Q: So about a week ago my 9 month old daughter started doing this strange thing EVERY time I put her in ... A: If it is only when she is placed in the high chair, I don't believe that your concern is the actual ...
need help	8/11/2010
Q: how the environment will promote stabilty in infants? how it will make them feel they belong? how ... A: I take it you are discussing a daycare setting for infants? If this is the case, having separate ...
need help with care for babies	8/11/2010
Q: how you take care of the carer to ensure they can give optimum care to the children? how you ... A: Make sure the number of children to each caregiver is limited to 3-4 infants per caregiver. ...
toddler still doesn't sleep through the night	8/8/2010
Q: I have a 4 month old who already sleeps through the night, but my 2 year old wakes up numerous times ... A: Don't feel like you are alone - my son will be 2 in Sept and he still wakes during the night. I ...
behaviour changes	7/29/2010
Q: .i have a son who will turn 3 on the nth of august.he is a very fun loving child but at d same time ... A: The biting action can sometimes be related to a lack of being able to communicate. Other times, it ...
behaviour changes	7/28/2010
Q: .i have a son who will turn 3 on the nth of august.he is a very fun loving child but at d same time ... A: There could be many reasons. I understand all too well having to yell at a child to get them to ...
Is this toy attractive to a child?	7/27/2010
Q: I would like to buy this toy for my 12-month-old son. ... A: My son does have one very similar to this. Yes, it is very good for children as it helps with their ...
Why does my child like the remote control?	7/27/2010
Q: Mine is a 13 month old boy. We have bought a few toys for him. For example, baby dolls, a ... A: My son does the same thing. It's nothing to worry about and perfectly normal. Children at this age ...
excessive crying	7/26/2010
Q: My son is 21/2 years old and started kindergarten a month ago. he refuses to settle in every morning ... A: It's common for children to go through separation anxiety at the start of a new school year. Don't ...
Raising a Toddler whose parents are separated	7/23/2010
Q: My question is a little bit more in-depth, here's why. My son, Brayden just recently turned two, ... A: Wow - you are in a situation...unfortunately, at this age, it's hard to tell if Brayden is acting ...
sleep problems	7/15/2010
Q: I have a 7 month old daughter and we are having problems putting her to sleep now. I used to breast ... A: I'm guessing she is now receiving formula feedings? Have you tried adding rice cereal to her ...
Nursery and a child's language skill?	7/12/2010
Q: As you know, many working parents have to send their children to a nursery during day time while ... A: I've seen children in daycare from the age of 2 1/2 to 3 that have one native language and speak ...
3yr old behavior	7/7/2010
Q: my 3 yr old will not listen to me, when i tell her no she keeps on acting the exact same way and ... A: Given her age, she's mainly testing you. When I worked at the daycare, we had a child that went ...
3yr old behavior	7/7/2010
Q: my 3 yr old will not listen to me, when i tell her no she keeps on acting the exact same way and ... A: At this age, they do that quite a bit. My children are 5 yrs, 4 yrs and 1 1/2 and I'm going through ...
baby stool diaherria	7/4/2010
Q: Mine is 5 months old baby girl and she had been suffering from diaherria since last 15 days.. we are ... A: As long as she is still eating properly, gaining or holding a steady weight (not losing significant ...
Is my child likely to have a speech problem?	6/28/2010
Q: My first son was born in June last year, two months early. At the moment, after one year, he seems ... A: I wouldn't worry too much as long as he is developing normally in every other way. Is he following ...
Sleeping in Swing	6/21/2010
Q: My son is 6 ½ months old and will only sleep through the night if he is in his swing. For the past ... A: Given his age, it may be the motion that is soothing him. You may want to look into a bouncer chair ...
Kid no interest in speaking	5/14/2010
Q: My baby is 2.5 years old.She doesn't take any interest in speaking words/sentences. She is a very ... A: I've known many children that start speaking late. Given that she understands everything said to ...
10 month old baby girl	5/10/2010
Q: i am a 1st time mom i got a 10 month old baby. we got a problem with her sleeping habit she starts ... A: It could be that she is still hungry at night, is she on baby food yet or is she being given cereal ...
Obsessive Behaviour	4/28/2010
Q: my 5 year old is obsessed by 'germs'. With all the hype about H1N1 Flu and schools making sure they ... A: My oldest daughter is 5 and recently went through that. It seemed to be a brief stage for her. ...
No Naps	3/24/2010
Q: please receive my cordial greetings from Panama, Republic of Panama. I found this website in ... A: Adriana, Your English is excellent. I am able to understand your situation perfectly. I am not ...
toddler wont sleep in her bed	3/24/2010
Q: I have a very independent and strong willed two and a half year old daughter. From the time i ... A: Although not napping will not really affect her overall health, it does make for a child that is ...
my son goin back to smearing	3/16/2010
Q: my son had stopped smearing his feces everwhere a few month ago, but about a week ago he started ... A: If there have been any changes in his routine, this may have caused a slight regression. Obviously, ...
what is a good nap?	3/15/2010
Q: my daughter is 16mons. N i am tring to get her on a good sleeping pattern she does sleep all night ... A: A nap of 2-3 hours isn't necessarily a bad thing, as some children require that amount of sleep. Do ...
toddler always asking for nana	3/13/2010
Q: I am a single mom, and staying home and sacrificing a lot to be the best mother I can be. I am with ... A: Oh, I know how you feel very well!!! I went through this a LOT with my Mother - the guilt trips. ...
toddler always asking for nana	3/13/2010
Q: I am a single mom, and staying home and sacrificing a lot to be the best mother I can be. I am with ... A: Don't feel bad - most children form a very strong bond with their grandparents. Growing up, my Mom ...
Moving with a 2 year old	3/11/2010
Q: I was hoping you could help me with a concern of mine. My wife and I are planning on moving and she ... A: Don't worry too much about how he will take the move. Children, in general, are more resilliant ...
Interrupted sleep - 5 months	3/10/2010
Q: Since birth, my daughter was what I considered a good sleeper. A few weeks after birth she dropped ... A: She may just be hungrier than you think. My 2nd daughter went through this - she would take 2-3 oz ...
hard bed time	3/8/2010
Q: so Im about to hit the end of my rope. my kids have always gone to bed at 8/830 my daughter naps ... A: I take it from your comment about talking that they might share a room. This would make it more ...
3-4 y/o sexual exploration	3/2/2010
Q: I do not think it is appropriate for older boys to have their pants off in a room with a younger ... A: I agree that the system needs an overhaul and that people making false accusations should have some ...
Mommy attachment	2/14/2010
Q: I am a first time stay-at-home mother to a wonderful 17mth old daughter. Recently, she has gotten ... A: I would not pick her up every time she calls out to you - just answer her. This will create a ...
I need help asap	2/8/2010
Q: I have a one and a half year old who even the doctor says has behavioral issues. He has no respect ... A: I believe the problems may lie with too many people in charge and the conflicting instructions in ...
help	2/1/2010
Q: my 1 year old so will not stop screaming. he screams and cryes when i leave the room, even when he ... A: Odds are you held him a lot as an infant (especially if he is your only child). Boys are ...
children' s activity planning tool	1/29/2010
Q: Please, For each of the three children (Sally, Jesse and Jack), Sally Dennis, aged 11 years Jesse ... A: For a childcare center situation, you could still do the activities that I suggested, even expanding ...
children' s activity planning tool	1/26/2010
Q: Please, For each of the three children (Sally, Jesse and Jack), Sally Dennis, aged 11 years Jesse ... A: I'm not sure what kind of setting you are looking for these activities for - daycare, home daycare, ...
Routines	1/17/2010
Q: I have a 6 week old baby girl and i am getting myself very worked up that we have no routine at all. ... A: My dear, at 6 weeks old - there is no such thing as a routine other than sleep, eat and poop. Allow ...
Sesame Street project	1/7/2010
Q: We are currently doing a project that has to do with events that were big in history. I am doing the ... A: 1. Sesame Street impacted children by teaching them letter and number recognition using catchy ...
bowl movement	1/5/2010
Q: My daughter is going to be 4 year old Jan 10,2010 for the past week she has been pooping on herself ... A: My first question would be have there been any significant changes in her life recently? Obviously, ...
Kindergarten for 18months old babies	12/15/2009
Q: What are the positive and negative effects of taking your 18months year old to a kindergarten system ... A: I would be careful in making sure that everything threy have is non-toxic because children at that ...
toddler scared to have a bath	12/9/2009
Q: i have 20 months old boy. before this he was just loved to have a bath. About three weeks ago i ... A: Don't panic. I have been the same way all my life. My daughters are, too. My son likes the water ...
!2 month old baby vaccinations	11/27/2009
Q: Is this a sideeffects from the needles or should I take him to the doctors? Any help appreciated ... A: It can either be from the shots or from his transitioning to more solid foods. My son is going ...
My 3 yr old son	11/24/2009
Q: I don not know what to do anymore my 3 yr old is none stop bad does everything that you tell him not ... A: Miranda, Don't let it discourage you. He is just starting to really feel his sense of self and ...
2 year old doesn't want Daddy	11/18/2009
Q: My husband and I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter. We recently (3 weeks ago) lost a baby (at 26 ... A: First off, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can honestly say I know what you are going through. I lost ...
11 1/2 month old baby crying at night.	11/17/2009
Q: I have an 11 1/2 month old baby who ever since stoping breast feeding about 2 weeks ago and ... A: Could be the milk. How are her poops? Normal or constipated? Regular color or clay color? If those ...
co-sleeping	11/10/2009
Q: My husband and I have two girls, a 4 yr. old and a 3 yr. old who throw major tantrums if my husband ... A: This is a hard situation to fix. Our girls are 4 and 5 and by morning, they are in bed with us, ...
Toddlers Interview ideas	10/29/2009
Q: Please, I have to design an interview example that I could use with a 5 years old child’s parents. ... A: You have a good idea of what you want to ask listed in your question. Write out a list of what you ...
Pottytraining.	10/27/2009
Q: I have 2 daughters they are 13 months apart. They are 5 and 4. The older one Nicole was easily ... A: I like the way you are handling thbings with them. My daughters are about a year apart and I went ...
help children share ideas	10/26/2009
Q: Please, Sally is one of the older children in the children service centre and likes to assist in ... A: Emma, The best way to address this issue with Sally is to have her write out the rules of the game, ...
excursion suitable for children	10/24/2009
Q: Please, I would like to know about excursion suitable for children in the Children’s service Centre. ... A: Emma - it sounds like you are trying to write a business plan for a child care center you are ...
childcare centre	10/23/2009
Q: Natalie and Richard, parents of Eleni have been invited to attend as a part of their orientation in ... A: The main safety issues in a childcare center relate to the environment the children are in...is it ...
Sleeping	10/22/2009
Q: For the past week my 19 month old daughter hasn't sleep through the night. She wake up about 2 am ... A: For one thing, if she is trying to potty train (has she been on the potty at all or shown any ...
childcare centre	10/21/2009
Q: As a carers how can I meet the emotional and social needs of infants aged between 6 and 12 months ... A: For children in that age range, the most basic emotional needs they have are to be loved, feel that ...
Toddler not listening and eating	10/21/2009
Q: I have a 19 month old Toddler girl. She was a healthy baby and is a healthy toddler. The problem ... A: The eating is just a phase, don't worry too much about that. Keep trying to introduce some more ...
childcare centre	10/20/2009
Q: Natalie and Richard, parents of Eleni decided on a childcare centre for Eleni as they had been using ... A: Having worked in childcare, I've seen children cry for 10 minutes when the parents leave, some that ...
Children asking difficult questions about absent family members.	10/12/2009
Q: My little boy is nearly 5, and when he got back from playgroup yesterday, he asked me where 'daddy's ... A: Try simple and honest...explain that Daddy's Mom & Dad weren't always nice and that because they ...
Disciplining preeschool child	10/9/2009
Q: My 4 year old son almost always does the opposite of what he is told to do and never stops when he ... A: I would suggest perhaps a child psychologist simply for some guidance with his behavior overall, ...
follow-up to previous question	10/8/2009
Q: Here is the original question and answer. "Subject: Personality Change" Hello there, My son ... A: Some of the upset may be related to the conversation about death, given the whole "gone and never ...
infant/toddler sleeping problems	9/30/2009
Q: I have a 21 month old who I just recently stopped nursing 4 weeks ago. He still is having difficulty ... A: Perhaps skipping the nap, unless he gets into a really bad mood, could help. Yes, he may be a ...
sleeping arrangements	9/27/2009
Q: in dec. 08, my ex met a man, and moved into his mobile home with my 11 month old daughter. they were ... A: Given that I was in a situation where my husband and I had to have our oldest daughter in a room ...
Social Interactions	9/25/2009
Q: I have a 14 month old daughter, I am a SAHM. I worry because I do not have any close friends or ... A: I wouldn't necessarily worry too much given her age. Some play time with other children is great ...
bad sleeping	9/24/2009
Q: My 20 month old daughter is having trouble staying asleep at night. I have tried the teething ... A: There is a treatment called Melatonin which is a natural sleep herb. Try discussing this with your ...
toddler won't sleep	9/19/2009
Q: My 18 month year old is not sleeping well at all. Putting him down at night takes forever and we've ... A: Try either a night light or playing some soft music (either classical, jazz, or some of the sleep ...
sleeping	9/17/2009
Q: My son is 3 years old . Ever since we purchased him a toddler bed he has not slept through the ... A: He may not be getting into a deep enough sleep. Try talking to the pediatrician to see if they can ...
Does my 3 1/2 year old daughter have a problem?	9/16/2009
Q: A few people that are around my daughter a lot seem to think she has a problem. Her attention span ... A: similar, yes. my almost 5 yr old hates to get dirty but played with her poop (painting the walls and ...
behaviour problem of my 3 yr old daughter	9/15/2009
Q: I have a bright 3 yr old daughter who's has just started going to pre-school.today her teacher ... A: If this is her first time in this setting, she's going to try to test her limits. Advise the ...
18 month baby doesn't eat her dinner and makes up 3 times at night to be fed. How to let her eat?	9/14/2009
Q: I have twin daughters and they are 18 month old. Both don't like to eat. One of them is extreme. I ... A: I would cut back on the fluids. You're allowing her to fill up on fluids to the point where she has ...
sleep	9/11/2009
Q: My son is 29 months old. He has never been one to sleep through the night. He usually awakened at ... A: One thing I've done with my kids is to leave a night light in their room and leave a radio softly ...
sleeping patterns	9/10/2009
Q: I've been searching for some advice on my youngest child's sleeping habits. I've even talked with ... A: My oldest went through the same thing. She finally sort of outgrew it on her own (my husband and I ...
Daughter not playing with other kids of her age	9/10/2009
Q: My daughter is 2.5 years now. She is the only child we have. She started picking up things early as ... A: I would not worry too much. It may be that she is just becomming aware of herself. It may prove ...
My 2 1/2 year old	9/7/2009
Q: I have a two and 1/2 year old he s not like any child i have ever been around. He is non stop in to ... A: I would suggest having him see a child psychologist, perhaps someone that deals in anger management. ...
RAGE IN 3 YR OLDS	9/5/2009
Q: MY SON IS 3 YRS OLD. ONE MINUTE HE IS LOVING AND ADORABLE AND THE NEXT HE IF OFF THE CHARTS IN A ... A: Some children that are smarter than their age are just bored. Give him a few more activities or let ...
Phobia in 3 yr old girl	9/2/2009
Q: My 3 yr old girl locked her self in a room by mistake, We had to break the handle of the door to ... A: Given her age, I would consider significantly limiting what is seen on tv to cartoons and other age ...
Two year old who does not sleep	9/1/2009
Q: Melissa, I have a two year old who doesn't sleep. Not just some times not just doesn't want to but ... A: I can imagine that you could use some good sleep too! My 3rd child, my only son, is 11 mo old and ...
Not eating much food	8/30/2009
Q: you are a mother and know how frustrating it can be when your child will not eat. My son was never ... A: Ruth, Don't panic over his not eating. My oldest daughter is the same way. There are times she ...
Phobia in 3 yr old girl	8/30/2009
Q: My 3 yr old girl locked her self in a room by mistake, We had to break the handle of the door to ... A: The best advice that I can give you is to teach her how to use the locks. Lock yourself in the room ...
three year old son	8/29/2009
Q: I have a three year old son who was born 4 weeks early. I was 18 when I had him, and he had sleep ... A: First of all - you are not failing as a Mommy. Spanking a child is a part of raising them. The ...
Big Bad Toddler	8/26/2009
Q: My daughter is 14 months old. She has had quite a bit of medical issues shortly after she was born ... A: The screaming and crying when not attached to you is a result of being held so much. This will take ...
toddler started waking in the night screaming!	8/26/2009
Q: my toddler started to wake in the night recently.She always is a good sleeper and would sleep 12 hrs ... A: She may be having nightmares. Have there been any new experiences or something she could have seen ...
5 month old	8/25/2009
Q: My daughter has recently turned 5 months old. She generally is happy to smile at most people she ... A: At 5 months old, if she's that interested in her toys, I give her credit - I wish my 11 mo old son ...
Strange beaviour with penis	8/24/2009
Q: I have a to year old boy which lately has been a little bit anxious about his penis, and I fear that ... A: Although I've never encountered this particular problem having worked in daycare with boys of that ...
2-year old behavior - masturbation	8/22/2009
Q: My 33-month-old son masturbates when he is alone. Let me tell you a little background about him. He ... A: Although I am aware that almost all children go through a stage similar to masturbation, which is a ...
Child wont Sleep	8/21/2009
Q: My daughter is 21 months old and wont go to sleep by herself. She ends up falling asleep on the ... A: Try leaving a night light and a radio playing softly, either jazz or classical, to keep her company. ...
sleep	8/21/2009
Q: my 2 and 3 yr olds are a nightmare at bedtime i can be up and down the stairs for 3 hours tryin to ... A: I can sympathize with you. I went through it with my children at those ages also (my daughters will ...
3 1/2 yr boy bad behavior	8/21/2009
Q: My son went to a home daycare when he turned 1 where he was with about 10 - 15 kids. The owner ... A: It's possible, but given his long-term activity level, he may be hyperactive (try asking his doctor ...
sleepless nights	8/21/2009
Q: My son in now 16 months old and is still not sleeping through the night. He wakes up as if to be in ... A: Try having him sleep tested...talk to the pediatrician about this. The diagnosis could be something ...
Playing with others	8/20/2009
Q: I am a stay at home mom and my 16 month old son is always with me and I'm starting to think that ... A: For one thing, I give you credit for raising such a loving child!! If the worst he is doing is ...
My 3 year old daughters behaviour	8/20/2009
Q: Can you please help me??? My 3 year old daughter Alina is a great girl!!! She’s very smart and ... A: Having a strong willed child is both a blessing and a curse...I know, my oldest daughter (will be 5 ...
Eye Contact	8/20/2009
Q: My daughter just turned 5 and will start Kindergarten next month. I have always noticed her lack of ... A: If she were younger, I would say to watch for autism, however given her age, this could pretty much ...
Behavior	8/19/2009
Q: Heya, i have been trying to get advice of the internet from alot of people but no one seems to be ... A: For one thing, don't allow the nagging...it leads to more backtalking as they get older. If you are ...
sleepless nights	8/16/2009
Q: My son in now 16 months old and is still not sleeping through the night. He wakes up as if to be in ... A: Try a nightlight or some soft calming music playing in his room through the night. This may help ...
heeellllpppp	8/5/2009
Q: okay i have an 8 months baby girl ava and a 18 months baby brooke also emme how is jut turned 4 and ... A: For one thing, make sure that you have a little time for you now and then - it will help your ...
my 3 year old	7/29/2009
Q: i have a 3 year old son named CJ. his father passed away when i was 7 months pregnant. i am a ... A: I don't really believe that it's something to be overly concerned about. It may not tie into your ...
Hands in Pants	7/29/2009
Q: My grand-daughter has been putting her hands in her pants both front and back, she too was preemie ... A: First off, my condolences in the loss of your daughter. Preemies are a little harder to figure out, ...
Potty training problem	7/28/2009
Q: My daughter will be three in October we started gradually potty training when she was two she now ... A: It may be an attention problem or, if there has been a recent change in her routine, it may tie into ...
3 Year Old son	7/24/2009
Q: I have a son who turned three in March. We recently changed baby sitters after almost 2 years, ... A: Some children don't deal with changes well. The fit is simply his way of expressing his displeasure ...
toddler and appropriateness	7/20/2009
Q: Is it appropriate to wear just underwear around a 13 month old? A: It depends on your level of comfort around your own child...personally, I wear at LEAST underwear ...
Leaving the bottle+Toilet training	7/13/2009
Q: I am a working mom of a 19+months old baby girl.I have a full time nanny at home for her.She will be ... A: First of all, talk to her teachers at the school. The majority of teachers should be willing to ...
my son is about to turn three	7/12/2009
Q: I was wondering if you can help me answer a question about how to help my son to used the potty. ... A: My daughters were the opposite - they were willing to poop on the potty, but not pee. Has he been ...
4 year old sleep habits	7/9/2009
Q: My 4 year old daughter used to sleep until an average of 8 am everyday, with a full nap as well. ... A: My oldest used to sleep until 9 am with a 9 pm bedtime and no nap...now, with the same bedtime and ...
Toddler prefers dad	7/8/2009
Q: My husband and I are in the middle of a divorce (very cooperative with one another)and separated ... A: Couple of ideas: Considering Aidan is already in the bathroom with you while you are trying to ...
17 month old with lack of eye contact	7/8/2009
Q: I have a 17 month old that is developing normally in every way except he doesn't make eye contact. ... A: Don't panic quite yet. Although the lack of eye contact is a common autism symptom, I don't believe ...
Toddler prefers dad	7/2/2009
Q: My husband and I are in the middle of a divorce (very cooperative with one another)and separated ... A: Given that Dad lives with his parents, it may be a classic case of spoiling happening there (don't ...
toddler	6/22/2009
Q: I have a 2 1/2 year old boy. He is a great child most of the time but he is always getting into ... A: Don't feel bad, my daughters are 4 1/2 and 3 1/2 and still do it. The main thing is consistency. ...
my toddler	6/16/2009
Q: My 2 years and 10 month old toddler,is a good kid, and he listens to me sometimes,but doesn't know ... A: I raise my voice quite a bit, too. Don't feel bad - you're not alone. When you are in public with ...
sexual be4ahvior for a 4 year old boy	6/9/2009
Q: my 4 year old son has recently been touching his anus and then smelling his finger is this normal or ... A: This is a stage that children go through, although he may have picked it up from someone at the ...
4 year-old playing in vagina	6/9/2009
Q: I recently had my 4 year-old female god-child (who still pacifies herself by sucking on two of her ... A: My 3 yr old is going through a similar thing...she keeps shoving her hand down her pants (and is the ...
2yr old birthday party	6/7/2009
Q: My daughter wants a good sized bash for her 2 yr old. Mostly relatives aunts(2), uncles(5), ... A: The fact that she is looking at relatives only, I wouldn't worry about the guest list. I can ...
infant ideal weight and height	6/7/2009
Q: pls what is the ideal weight and height of a 7.5 month old baby? how can i improve my baby"s weight? A: Weight should be somewhere around 15 lbs. As for height, I don't believe in what the doctors list ...
Chewing obsession	5/31/2009
Q: I work at a in home daycare and we have a three year old boy. He very rarely eats and when he does ... A: Although I have no personal experience in this field in particular, I will attempt to give you some ...
eating issues	5/22/2009
Q: We always give him purreed food.Whenever we try to introduce a mashed food into his diet He just ... A: I'm curious to know what his doctor has said about the problems he is having. Have you discussed ...
development	5/21/2009
Q: my daughter is a sweetheart and very active,but she's not picking up her color or her letters,when ... A: Don't panic. She may just be one of those kids that doesn't like to let you know exactly how smart ...
My almost four year old son	5/19/2009
Q: So I am a single mother of a almost four year old son and he is having the most uncommon emotional ... A: Some of this behavior may have to do with how long you and Dad have been separated. If it was ...
Sleepless nites	5/15/2009
Q: My baby girl (3 months) seems very agitated at night-time. She is feeding well but wakes 5-6 times ... A: Believe me, as a parent, the hardest thing we ever do is watch our children cry, especially when ...
Sleepless nites	5/14/2009
Q: My baby girl (3 months) seems very agitated at night-time. She is feeding well but wakes 5-6 times ... A: The one unfortunate thing with babies is that they set their own schedules - usually one that ...
my son wont sleep	5/11/2009
Q: he is very active nd energetic ,when its time to go to bed its not difficult but he wakes up about ... A: First off, let me say I give you credit for having a child that will stay in their room when they ...
Baby Acting Out	4/28/2009
Q: My 8 month old baby is screaming and hitting people when she does not get what she wants how should ... A: This is usually a stage children go through when they get a little bit older, however you may have a ...
ear piercing doctors	4/26/2009
Q: I want to get my 3 month old daughters ears pierced by want to find a doctor. My pediatrician does ... A: I've never heard of a doctor doing ear piercing. Both of my daughters had their ears pierced at a ...
my 3 year old cries and lot while going to school	4/23/2009
Q: My 3 year son has taken admission in nursery and have started going to school as i am working i ... A: Was this time change at the same school or did he transfer to a new school? This might account for ...
Teething	4/21/2009
Q: She already has her moulers coming in. It seems like on day shes screaming and crying and the next ... A: My 7 mo old son is teething, too, so I know exactly what you are going through. I wish I could give ...
my 4 year old stepson is peeing everywhere	4/17/2009
Q: My stepson has had a real problem peeing anywhere he can. I have been in his life for 3 years and I ... A: I take it from your comment about seeing the problem "until he started going to school" that he ...
Three year old troubles	4/13/2009
Q: My name is Gina and I have a three year old son. This is my first child and I had him at the age of ... A: Although he is entering this stage a little early, it is normal. He is, more or less, doing it to ...
Granddaughter dont want to leave my home with her father	4/12/2009
Q: why would a 3 year old girl start screamng and crying when she is told that her dad is coming to get ... A: I will apologize for throwing so many questions at you to consider in regards to an answer, but ...
peeing	4/11/2009
Q: i pee my pants and i am 23 i have been to many doctors and they say it is fine what should i do? A: This is significantly out of the Infant/Toddler/Preschool range. Also, you did not explain what ...

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Melissa Payne

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Expertise

I can answer questions about children from newborn (including preemie) to preschool. I can also try to provide emotional support for people who have had a stillborn child. I am a stay-at-home Mom who also does property management for an investor.

Experience

I have 4 children - 2 daughters born November 2004, November 2005, a son born September 2008 and a son born in September 2010. My daughter born in 2005 was a preemie (3 months early) and I also had a daughter stillborn in 2006 and a miscarriage of a daughter in 2009.

Organizations
I am a lifetime member of Business Professionals of America.

Education/Credentials
I have a diploma in Child Day Care and an Associate Degree in Teacher Aide. I have worked in the Day Care field, as well as having my own children.

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