Nanny Joe

Q: How do i talk about sex to my pre-teen daughter?

A:

Talk and Teach your daughter regarding topics like:

• Privacy. Children need to understand from the time that they’re very young that no one is allowed to touch their private parts unless Mommy or Daddy says it’s OK (at the doctor’s, for example), and that the child should tell a trusted adult about any such touching. Kids sometimes play doctor, or “I’ll-show-you-mine-if-you-show-me-yours” — that’s common because children are naturally curious about each other’s bodies — but let them know in a gentle way, that other forms of play are better because they respect everyone’s privacy.
• Safe Surfing. Kids have to know that when they surf the Internet, they shouldn’t “talk” to someone unknown to them any more than they would if a stranger approached them on the street.

Beyond talking the talk, you can take action to limit your young child’s exposure to inappropriate sexual messages. Take these steps for starters:

• Monitor the television shows and movies your kids watch so they don’t become overstimulated and desensitized to sexual acts; keep any erotic tapes, magazines and books out of little ones’ reach; and call your cable company about locking out channels unsuitable for youngsters.
• Go to GetNetWise.com or safekids.com for information and filtering software to help block children’s exposure to inappropriate Internet materials.

Beyond the Birds-and-Bees Basics
Though schools often include sex education in the curriculum — they might impart some information about AIDS and pregnancy, for example — parents, too, should be involved with educating their children about these issues of physical health, and about the moral aspects of sexual behavior. Prepare your middle school-aged kids for puberty so they’re not caught with their proverbial pants down — offer your child the information in small doses, experts recommend, rather than in one “big talk.”

Q: When is it the best time to talk on sex to my child?I have a 8 year old daughter.Is it too late?

A:

The time to introduce the subject of sex is when a child wants to know what their “peepee” is. By talking to your children in a developmentally appropriate way, you remove the taint of taboo.

Experts recommend that you consider buying a children’s book on sexuality to guide you through the tougher topics, and when possible broach a sex-related subject in terms of a TV show or movie you and your child have seen, or a book he or she has read.

The goal is to inform and protect your children while making them feel good — not ashamed — of their bodies.

Q: When do i purchase a rear-facing convertable child seat?

A:

A convertible seat is used in the rear-facing position from birth until your baby is heavier and taller-(usually up to 30-35 pounds). It can then be switched to face forward.

Check the seat instruction manual or seat label for weight and height limits.

Once your infant reaches at least 1 year and at least 20 pounds, the seat may be turned forward-facing and used until he reaches about 40 pounds.

Note however that your child should remain rear-facing until reaching the max weight for his child safety seat, as long as the top of his head is below the top of the seat back. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should remain rear-facing as long as possible until at least 1 year and at least 20 pounds.

Using the harness correctly
Convertible seats use several different types of harnesses:

• 5-point harness. This common type buckles between  legs and uses two straps to hold the baby at shoulders and 2 straps holding the hips.
• Tray or overhead shield. A padded bar swings over your baby’s head and buckles between her legs. These shields may not protect smaller infants well enough because they are positioned high relative to a child’s size.
• T-shield. This less common seat has a” “T” or triangular plastic piece permanently attached to the shoulder straps and rests on the abdomen. Because this shield is stiff, it may not make full contact with your child’s body, especially in smaller babies.