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I promised myself I'd read the Sunday Times every week. I usually just scan through news headlines online, but I promised that I'll buy a physical copy of the paper every week, put everything aside, sit down, and read. And since I'm reading, I might as well share interesting parenting and kiddo stuff that I come across.
Last week's Sunday Times published this article called 'Too big for your booties' (17 June 2012). They brought in experts and specialists who share information about when kids are ready for stuff like feeding themselves and staying home alone. The full article is pretty informative. What I have here is just a summary. If you're interested in the article, one of the sources to go to is newspapers.nl.sg.
When to quit the stroller
No hard and fast rule, but a child aged two to three should be encouraged to walk and move about so that he can develop his agility and curiosity by exploring his surroundings. Under supervision of course. A child younger than two cannot walk longer than 15 minutes (gosh, little dude and I spend like half-an-hour or more at the playground). A two-year-old can walk independently for up to half an hour. A four-year-old may tire or get sleepy after an hour or so of walking. So, use the stroller appropriately.
How old is a boy too old to go with mum to a female toilet?
It is highly recommended that he goes to the male toilet by the end of preschool years - that is six years old.
When to junk that milk bottle
It is unusual for children to continue bottle-feeding beyond three or four years old.
Pacifier put away
Children should stop using the pacifier between two and four years old. The sooner, the better. Prolonged usage may cause the top front teeth to protrude and the bottom front ones to tilt inwards. In more serious cases, his upper and lower jaws, teeth and bite may become misaligned.
Home alone
If the parents need to be away for a function at night, it is alright for parents to encourage children about to enter their teens to be on their own.
Shower in solitude
Depends on the child's ability. But usually by seven-years-old.
Chauffeuring
He should be able to travel independently by Secondary one or two.
Self-feeding
Children should be able to self-feed by four-years-old, with minimal help.
When to junk that milk bottle
It is unusual for children to continue bottle-feeding beyond three or four years old.
Pacifier put away
Children should stop using the pacifier between two and four years old. The sooner, the better. Prolonged usage may cause the top front teeth to protrude and the bottom front ones to tilt inwards. In more serious cases, his upper and lower jaws, teeth and bite may become misaligned.
Home alone
If the parents need to be away for a function at night, it is alright for parents to encourage children about to enter their teens to be on their own.
Shower in solitude
Depends on the child's ability. But usually by seven-years-old.
Chauffeuring
He should be able to travel independently by Secondary one or two.
Self-feeding
Children should be able to self-feed by four-years-old, with minimal help.
