Parenting 101: 26 October 2012

Jenni Johnson, our resident ‘Baby Whisperer’, has been a practicing child-care practitioner for 15 years, and owns a busy ante and post natal clinic in Durban. This week she talks about genitals and reading, among other things.  

* The more things change, the more toddlers fight for everything to stay the same and this is especially applicable to food. If you have a picky eater then let your child eat this way, but only offer healthy foods and only keep healthy food in your house.
 
* If your baby is drinking formula, there’s no need to warm the bottles. Prepare cool boiled water bottles in correct amounts, and set aside out of the fridge. When the bottle is required mix in the formula, shake & give.
 
* When establishing a breast milk supply, resting, eating 4-5 small meals per day, drinking plenty of fluids and feeding baby frequently are imperative. Limit caffeine and don’t drink alcohol.
 
* Do not worry if your child becomes curious about body parts. This is normal and is particular to the 4 year old. Always use the correct words for genitals. Modesty and a desire for privacy begins to emerge at this age - let your child know that you think this is good.
 
* One year olds love simple picture books and will point at objects, animals and people as you name them. 2 year olds love simple story lines with large pictures. 3 year olds love ‘reading’ their books and having the same books read to them. They love poetry and nursery rhymes.

* Catch Jenni on-air every day just after 10am with her tip of the day.

At Jenni’s ante and post natal clinic in Durban, parents are taught a system that gives them structure and routine to the baby and childhood years. Jenni has a nursing background. She’s a registered nurse, midwife, psychiatric nurse and private nurse practitioner.

Jenni’s online clinic, can be accessed online via www.jennisays.com. For appointments, e-mail [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter via @JenniSays or on Facebook by 'liking' The Berea Baby Clinic.