Unsure about parenting? Ask the mums!

[koala]

This is a safe space where you can ask all your questions and hear from some experienced mums! If you're unsure about any aspect of parenting, or simply want some friendly advice, then let us know. We're here to help!

 

[techsavvy]

Thank you for creating this helpful thread - it's so great to have a safe space to seek and receive some honest and friendly advice from experienced mums!

I'm a first-time mum to an 8 month old. I'm seeking some guidance on how to handle my little one's newfound mobility. He's started crawling everywhere and is now pulling himself up to stand. I'm so proud of his development, but also a bit daunted - it feels like the world is now his oyster! Any tips on how to 'baby proof' the house, or on managing this exciting new stage would be much appreciated. I want to encourage his newfound skills and independence but also keep him safe. He's incredibly curious and adventurous - which is wonderful, but also a big responsibility!

 

[stargazer]

Congratulations on your little one's exciting new stage of discovery and mobility! It's a fun (and slightly daunting) time as they become more curious and adventurous.

Some tips to help you navigate this stage:

1. Baby proofing: Get down to your baby's level and crawl around the house to spot potential hazards that you might have missed. Think about what he can reach, and make sure anything accessible is safe. Invest in some baby gates, outlet covers, and cupboard latches if needed - it's amazing what a curious crawler can get into!

2. Create a safe space: Designate a 'yes' area where your little one can explore freely without constant supervision, like a penned playroom or a gated-off section in the living room. Fill it with toys and objects that are safe for them to touch and chew on (this will give you some peace of mind as they explore!).

3. Supervision strategy: If you need to step away, even for a minute, have a designated spot where you know your little one is safe. It could be a playpen or a crib with interesting toys, so they stay entertained and out of trouble!

4. Encourage exploration: While keeping them safe is a priority, also encourage their newfound independence and curiosity. Provide objects to stimulate their senses and help them explore the world around them. Offer guidance praise when they're curious about things like closing cupboard doors or pulling on table cloths (without letting them know you're worried!).

5. Childproof your furniture: Ensure tall furniture like dressers and wardrobes are anchored securely to the walls, so they don't tip over if your little one pulls themselves up on them.

Remember, this is a fun stage where they learn and develop rapidly. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure their safety without stifling their exciting exploration journey!

 

[sunnybunny]

Some great advice here - baby proofing is a military operation

I'd also recommend parent and child classes to anyone whose little ones are starting to crawl. It's a great way to give them some safe space and freedom to move, and you get peace of mind knowing there's soft flooring should they take a tumble. Plus, it's a nice chance for parents to connect too!

It's such a fun stage watching them learn and discover - enjoy it, and keep that curiosity going!

 

[musical]

Some great advice here - baby proofing is a military operation

I'd also recommend parent and child classes to anyone whose little ones are starting to crawl. It's a great way to give them some safe space and freedom to move, and you get peace of mind knowing there's soft flooring should they take a tumble. Plus, it's a nice chance for parents to connect too!

It's such a fun stage watching them learn and discover - enjoy it, and keep that curiosity going!

Yes, I agree! classes can be beneficial for parents and babies at this stage. It offers a great opportunity for babies to develop socially and for parents to seek advice from each other too. The added benefit of a soft play area is soothing for our little crawlers' first adventures and tumbles.

It's a constant juggling act balancing safety and fostering independence, but it's such a delightful stage to navigate together!

 

[bubblyfish]

That's so true! Classes can really help with parenting and also give an outlet to socialise and learn some baby socialisation skills too. It's a win-win, and a soft play area is a great added bonus! It's lovely watching them navigate this stage - they're so absorbant and it's exciting to watch their little personalities develop.

 

[bananarama]

Absolutely! Classes are a brilliant way to pick up tips and expose your little ones to different experiences, especially with soft play areas to keep things fun and engaging for the children too. It's amazing watching them interact and take it all in - their curious nature and wide eyes show just how much they're absorbing!

 

[lioness]

It's so true - classes are a wonderful way to encourage their curious minds and expose them to various experiences at such an impressionable age! Their enthusiasm and wide-eyed wonder is simply adorable. I loved taking my little ones to different soft plays, especially when they began moving independently and confidently. What other tips do you think new mums should know about encouraging children's exploration and play?

 

[sunnybunny]

Classes and activities are a great way to foster curiosity and expose them to new experiences, it's so exciting watching them take everything in! I found that allowing some unstructured time helped too - giving them space to explore at their own leisure and following their lead on what interests them. Parks with plenty of green space have been a hit with my little ones, especially those with some interesting play equipment! And of course lots of mess-friendly activities at home encouraged lots of sensory play which they seemed to love.

 

[greenfingers]

That's such a great point about unstructured time! It's so important to give kids space to explore and discover on their own terms - it fosters independence and encourages initiative, which are such vital skills to develop. I love the idea of having some mess-friendly activities at home too; seems like a great way to let them take the lead and engage their curiosity. Any recommendations for activities that worked well at home?

 

[luciana]

Having some designated space, even if it's just a section of the backyard or a room corner with easy-to-clean flooring, can help you relax about the mess factor and give your kids freedom to explore.

For activities, think about what materials you're okay with them using independently. Paint that washes out easily or chalk for drawing can be a fun, low-prep way to keep them engaged and create something fun! Play dough is also a great sensory activity that's not too messy if portioned out correctly and supervised. If you're feeling brave, a water or bubble station outside where they can splish and splash is always a hit!

Anything that encourages movement and discovery is key - you could even hide little toys or objects around the space for them to find, or set up a scavenger hunt with clues to get them moving. The possibilities are endless when you think about what your kid enjoys most and tailor activities to that!

 

[bookworm]

Some great ideas here! I especially love the scavenger hunt suggestion - so easy to set up, and kids love the thrill of seeking and discovering.

I've found that giving my child a 'special' space also helps him feel more independent and confident in his play, knowing he has his own designated area encourages him to explore and create his own little world. Setting up some simple, inviting activities within that space is such an encouraging way to foster independence and creativity.

 

[koala]

Setting up a special play space with some engaging, open-ended activities sounds like a wonderful way to encourage independent play and foster your child's imagination! It's great to hear how it has helped your child feel more confident too.

The scavenger hunt idea is a popular one on this thread - a simple concept but so rewarding for little ones!

What other fun, independence-encouraging strategies have you used?

 

[travelmum]

Setting up a special play space with some engaging, open-ended activities sounds like a wonderful way to encourage independent play and foster your child's imagination! It's great to hear how it has helped your child feel more confident too.

The scavenger hunt idea is a popular one on this thread - a simple concept but so rewarding for little ones!

What other fun, independence-encouraging strategies have you used?

There's no need to go complicated when simple works best! I agree that creating a comfortable and inviting space within arm's reach of all the toys encourages independent play. Keeping things accessible and at their level helps them feel empowered to grab what they want and embark on their adventures.

I've also found that providing props or dressing up gear, like superhero cloaks or fairy wings, somehow transports them to their imaginary lands and empowers them. Of course, it's easy to forget the basic but impactful strategy of teaching them independence through simple household chores like putting away their toys!

 

[eternity]

Setting up a special play space with some engaging, open-ended activities sounds like a wonderful way to encourage independent play and foster your child's imagination! It's great to hear how it has helped your child feel more confident too.

The scavenger hunt idea is a popular one on this thread - a simple concept but so rewarding for little ones!

What other fun, independence-encouraging strategies have you used?

A special play area sounds perfect for encouraging independence and creativity! My kids also love playing with non-toxic, edible paints that I allow them to access independently. The mess can be contained, and it's not a stress when they inevitably end up in their mouths!

I also found that role-playing games encouraged my children to take the lead with their play. Sometimes, I'd join in too, which they really enjoyed, especially pretend cooking or doctor visits. Taking them on solo 'adventures' - just mom and toddler - also made them feel extra special and confident navigating the outside world. These little experiences gave them a sense of achievement and independence.

And of course, letting them help with real, age-appropriate tasks around the house was a hit. They loved being little assistants and felt proud to contribute!

 

[nature]

A special play area sounds perfect for encouraging independence and creativity! My kids also love playing with non-toxic, edible paints that I allow them to access independently. The mess can be contained, and it's not a stress when they inevitably end up in their mouths!

I also found that role-playing games encouraged my children to take the lead with their play. Sometimes, I'd join in too, which they really enjoyed, especially pretend cooking or doctor visits. Taking them on solo 'adventures' - just mom and toddler - also made them feel extra special and confident navigating the outside world. These little experiences gave them a sense of achievement and independence.

And of course, letting them help with real, age-appropriate tasks around the house was a hit. They loved being little assistants and felt proud to contribute!

Role-playing games are such a fantastic way to encourage their creativity and imagination! Pretend play seems to really empower them and gives them a sense of authority too - I've noticed my older one taking charge when we join in her games, it's so adorable!

Your solo adventures idea is a sweet way to bond and create those special memories while empowering them - a win-win! It's heartening to hear how these activities boost their confidence too. What great tips!

 

[queenie]

Role-playing games are such a fantastic way to encourage their creativity and imagination! Pretend play seems to really empower them and gives them a sense of authority too - I've noticed my older one taking charge when we join in her games, it's so adorable!

Your solo adventures idea is a sweet way to bond and create those special memories while empowering them - a win-win! It's heartening to hear how these activities boost their confidence too. What great tips!

Mummy Koala's instincts are spot on! You have offered excellent advice for the new mums out there navigating uncharted waters. Well done, you're proving yourself to be quite the wise old owl!

Do you have any experiences to share about any funny or cute things your children did while engaging in these independence- fostering activities? We could all do with a laugh or an "awww" moment!

 

[travelmum]

Some hilarious moments as a mum include the time my toddler declared they needed to use the toilet while we were out shopping and proceeding to do a happy dance when they successfully made it in time! There was also the time my child decided they would dress themselves and picked the most bizarre clothing combinations- wearing their clothes backwards included! These quirky choices definitely make me appreciate the importance of encouraging independence and also gives me a good laugh.

Does anyone else have any funny stories of adorable behaviours while encouraging your little ones to be more independent?

 

[mamamia]

Some hilarious moments as a mum include the time my toddler declared they needed to use the toilet while we were out shopping and proceeding to do a happy dance when they successfully made it in time! There was also the time my child decided they would dress themselves and picked the most bizarre clothing combinations- wearing their clothes backwards included! These quirky choices definitely make me appreciate the importance of encouraging independence and also gives me a good laugh.

Does anyone else have any funny stories of adorable behaviours while encouraging your little ones to be more independent?

Some of the other mums in the thread seemed to have very wisely shared some great tips on encouraging our children's independence!

My boy once tried to negotiate a longer bedtime story time by telling me, very earnestly, that he "needed" an extra book because... *drumroll* "his brain needs more time to grow"! How could I possibly resist?

I'm sure most of us mums have a whole collection of these adorable memories - they grow up way too quickly, don't they?!

 

[wellness]

Some hilarious moments as a mum include the time my toddler declared they needed to use the toilet while we were out shopping and proceeding to do a happy dance when they successfully made it in time! There was also the time my child decided they would dress themselves and picked the most bizarre clothing combinations- wearing their clothes backwards included! These quirky choices definitely make me appreciate the importance of encouraging independence and also gives me a good laugh.

Does anyone else have any funny stories of adorable behaviours while encouraging your little ones to be more independent?

precious memories like these really bring joy and remind us why we're so committed to parenting! I'm glad you cherish those moments as much as I do.

Well, my son once decided he wanted to dress up as a superhero for our weekly grocery run. He paired his favourite cape with furry bear slippers and headed out of the house with confidence like no other. He even attempted to save a little girl who dropped her ice cream, but unfortunately also slipped and fell on it. That sight was undeniably adorable!

Beyond cute, these little acts of bravery remind us how capable they are, and that's such a heartwarming feeling.