How Things Change When Your Baby Gets Home

Delta vs. Constant with a Newborn

*Delta means "Change" in math

A lot has changed since our baby was born. Our daily routines, weekend schedules, and to-do lists for short and long-term plans. But, we are still who we were. We still enjoy the after-dinner Netflix hours, daily catch-up during dinner, and the weekend cleaning. New parents go through a lot of emotional changes. We figured that keeping some constant events would help us to maintain who we are. The first month or so, deeply into caring for the baby, we might have lost focus on each other a few times. It's very important for the parents to not lose the relationship over the baby-duties. In this blog post, we will explore the changes when the baby comes home and the things to maintain for your family's relationship.

Daily Routine

Before the baby, I went to work every morning from Monday to Friday. Returned home whenever the work was finished. My wife was doing her master's program, finished her last semester right before the baby was born. We didn't get to travel as much as we wanted to, but we took short trips around on the weekends quite often. During the weekdays, after work was mostly having dinner and watching Netflix for couple of hours, then go to bed before 12. 

Constant: About 40 days old girl started to get into the sleep routine from 7 PM to 11PM, one feeding and falls asleep, then wakes up at 7 AM. We got to keep our dinner, Netflix, and the quality married couple time. 

Delta: Every hour is planned. Planned for the baby's essential needs: diaper, feeding, and sleeping. 

Noise Level

We really enjoyed a lot of movies. We bought a LG large screen TV and a Vizio sound bar to get into them. All has changed. In about 30 days after birth, our baby started to hear things and hear them very well. Noises would wake her up and startle her. We had to keep things quiet. 

Constant: We still watch movies on the big screen.

Delta: The sound bar is kept at the lowest noise level most of the time. We started to using the Apple Air Pods and the Galaxy Buds a lot more.

Weekends

The weekends were our stress outlets. Going into nature, looking at new and expensive things, or finding a local hot spot for exotic foods. For the first month or so, we barely went out except to get groceries. Our baby was sleeping most of the times; we were exhausted with the sleepless nights. Once the baby got used to sleeping in the car seat and enjoyed looking at things through the sun screen of the stroller, we took as much chances as possible to go out and see the world. 

Constant: We still go out and relieve our stress.

Delta: Our selection of destinations became very exclusive. The place needs a clean bathroom, diaper changing station, not too much crowd, able to return home within a hour or less, etc. No out-of-blue trips. 

Conversation

Before the pregnancy, we heard from the married couples with kids that a couple tends to lose conversations when a baby is born. And it is very unhealthy for the family if the mother and father doesn't share their feelings and events unseen. 

We didn't think much of it, but we caught ourselves only talking about the baby. We didn't share anything about each other. We had to bring back our common interests and fire up the conversations.

Constant: If we don't express it, we won't know it. The need hasn't changed. We still wanted to encourage and build each other up. 

Delta: There are actually a lot of things that needed to be talked about the baby. We got caught up with the needs and forgot about wants. Our focus shifted from each other to the baby. 

Conclusion

Our roles changed from a husband and wife to a father and mother. Our sense of responsibility went to a whole new realm. We were so busy perfecting our new roles, we neglected some duties of the older but still current roles. People have a desire to have the perfect family deep inside. We can't let go of the role as a loving husband and wife, even when new role that seem to be so important came upon us.  We got used to the new routines and preparations. Though we might miss the spontaneous trips later, we surprisingly enjoy having to plan ahead and shortening our stress relieving trips. The joy of being a family of 3 is far greater than just a couple.  

How I Chose My Baby's First Stroller

Picking the Best Stroller 

Choosing the perfect stroller is a tough job. For Dads, purchasing anything with wheels becomes a serious consideration. I've done my fair share of research on my own: specs provided by the manufacturers, product reviews by the sellers, and reviews from the users. There are so many good choices to consider. A recommendation that stuck with me when buying any of the baby products was "Think of what you need now, not what you want your life to look like."

Things do change when the baby comes home, but your preferences will most likely not vary too much. For example, you are not going to jog outdoors pushing the stroller every day if you are not a regular jogger. Of course, you'd like your child to experience outdoors more, but is it going to be a challenge for you? Then you'd be better off looking at other options.

After a long period of consideration, we picked the Nuna MixxNext stroller. It best suited our lifestyle and it looked really luxurious.  In this blog post, I will introduce you to my thought process in picking this handsome stroller for my baby girl.

Expectations

When choosing a stroller, the first thing to consider is your lifestyle.  I do workout from time to time, but mostly at the gym within the apartment complex. I liked to take a walk outside, just not every day. The neighborhood doesn't have the fairest pavement on the sidewalk. So, I wanted the one with bigger wheels and a good suspension. We live on the second floor of an apartment without an elevator. I would've liked a lighter option, but bigger wheels and weight always go together. It was a fair trade-off. Knowing us, we are not the most prudent people on the planet, we sure needed the stroller to be durable. 

We can manage the weight. Figure out a way to avoid heavy lifting on my wife's weakened wrist. But we definitely wanted a premium design and safe materials for the spots where the baby will be touching. 

Candidates

The market is flooded with awesome strollers. First time at Buy Buy Baby (Rest in Paradise), we were struck by how many strollers exist and they don't even carry all lineups per brand! A simple Google search will return all these names and plus:

• Doona
• Uppababy Vista, Cruz
• Mockingbirds 
• Graco
• Bugaboo Donkey, Butterfly, Fox5
• Nuna MixxNext, triv, trvl, tavo, demi grow
• Babyzen Yoyo
• Joolz 
• Baby Jogger
• Thule
• Cybex

I categorized and ruled out the smaller ones and stuck with the "Deluxe" size, infant strollers. They are the ones with big wheels, great suspension, and a lot of safety features. I narrowed the list down to Bugaboo, Uppababy, and Nuna. The signature lines all have competitive prices and great features. 

How I tested them

Buy Buy Baby, unfortunately, didn't carry Nuna strollers at the time. Nordstrom carried all three brands and their stock came in and out. Visiting multiple times over a month, I got to test most models. I was focused on the Deluxe line: Mixx Next (Nuna), Fox 5 (Bugaboo), and Vista V2 (Uppababy). I also tested the lighter models and double strollers (for 2 kids), but we looked into what we actually need now. 

I compared the weight, push-feel, stability, durability, and design all based on my own judgment of the physical product. Bold is the winner.

• Weight: Bugaboo < Nuna < Uppababy
• Push Feel (Smoothness):  Bugaboo < Uppababy < Nuna
• Stability: Bugaboo < Uppababy < Nuna
• Durability: Bugaboo < Nuna < Uppababy
• Design: Bugaboo < Uppababy < Nuna

Nuna Mixx Next wins.

Special Edition

While researching Nuna Strollers online, I found out that Nuna has a wide range of color options and a few exclusive colors: Nordstrom and Pottery Barn Kids collaborations. When I visited Nordstrom, they were cleaning out the "Refined" color inventory and told us there was a new color coming in a month. When we were actually about to purchase, the new color "Curated" came out with light beige with a hint of gray. Any uniqueness added to the premium-looking stroller was a huge plus.

Available Accessories

Nuna has quite a bit of accessories: a Cup holder, sling bag, rain cover, wheeled padded travel bag, child tray, and organic cotton infant insert set.  None is included in the purchase of a stroller. We decided to find better-priced products from Amazon. 

Conclusion

I spend a lot of my break time looking into strollers. At first, I had to learn new vocabulary words. The more I learned, I could see why people recommend certain products over others. And as I understood more, it became more fun to compare and find the best match. The key, as mentioned in the beginning, is not to over think how your life will change when the baby comes. Most of it stays the same. Find a stroller that suits your lifestyle the best.

Halloween 2023: Costume Ideas for Your Family

Fun&Creative Costume Ideas for Halloween

Halloween is a chance for your family to become someone else for a night. Children love to dress up as superheroes, princesses, monsters, robots, etc. In this blog post, we will explore some of the hot themes of costumes for your family for Halloween 2023.

Popular Movies

• Barbie 2023: The world-famous dolls in live action. This movie came out this year depicting the dolls and animation in real life. There are enough characters for you to choose for your family. Link to Amazon for a lead:  Amazon Barbie

• Lightyear 2022: My all-time favorite movie is the Toy Story series. If I had a son, he would've been the Buzz Lightyear every year until he'd started to decide. Toy Story theme also has a variety of characters that all family members can dress up as.  Link to Amazon for a lead: Amazon Buzz Lightyear
  

• Top Gun: Maverick 2022: Who hasn't had a cool pilot wannabee phase in their lives? The sequel to a successful movie "Top Gun (1986)" was a big hit in the theaters last year. 36 years between the series covers a wide range of audiences. Father, son, and grandfather all can enjoy the theme. Link to Amazon for a lead: Amazon Top Gun

• The Little Mermaid (2023): Despite the controversy and little success of the movie, the Little Mermaid is a popular story and one of the favorite themes of Halloween costumes. Since the movie was released this year, there are going to be a lot of products in stores.  Link to Amazon for a lead: Amazon Little Mermaid

• Wednesday 2022: Wednesday Addams from the Netflix show 'Wednesday' is a spooky daughter from the old-time show 'The Addams Family.' It features the perfect character for Halloween. Link to Amazon for a lead: Amazon Wednesday Adams

Classic Family Costumes

• Space Astronauts: The whole family can be super-smart scientists traveling to the Moon. It's easy to pick the matching outfits and accessories. Amazon Astronauts

• Pinkfong Baby Shark: It's been around for a while now. This is an easy costume for multiple people. It even has the roles all figured out for the family. Once in the costume, you can never get the song out of your head. Amazon Baby Shark

• Skeleton Family: Another very easy one to put on. Onesie pajamas with skeleton printed. Amazon Skeleton

• Ketchup, Mustard, and Hot Dog: The parents can become the perfect pair with Ketchup and Mustard costumes while the child is the Hot Dog. It's the perfect combination that always goes together. If you have one more child, let him or her be the hot dog vendor.    Amazon Hot Dog,  Amazon Ketchup and Mustard for Parents, Amazon Hot Dog Vendor

Conclusion

Halloween is a fun day to make tons of memories with your children. Don't let them have all the fun, join them and have fun together. Be involved in their trick-or-treating this year. You can use a lot of creativity in picking out the costumes. You might not even have to buy anything new. Pick a character that nobody dares to. If your child is old enough to choose, have a discussion with him or her. Let them learn how to convince the others to follow their ideas. ;) Happy Halloween!

Behaviorism: What You Need Know

Easy, Good to Know Information About Behaviorism for Your Child's Development

Congratulations, new dads! Parenthood is an incredible journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless opportunities to learn. One essential aspect of understanding your child's development is grasping the basic concepts of a few learning theories. In this blog post, we'll break down behaviorism theory in a simple engaging way, tailored specifically for dads like you.

What is Behaviorism?

The most popular example is Pavlov's dog theory. The one with conditioning a dog to salivate when they hear a bell ring. No, we are not trying to make our kids salivate when they hear a bell. We can utilize some of its principles in training our kids, like bedtime routine.

Behaviorism is the theory that focuses on observable behaviors rather than thoughts or emotions. It suggests that behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment and can be modified through rewards and punishments.

The Basics of Behaviorism

1. Classical Conditioning

Think Pavlov's dog. Discover how simple associations can influence your child's behavior. Make a connection between an incident and an action.

2. Operant Conditioning

Learn how consequences shape your child's actions and decisions. It's like teaching them the ropes of life! You can condition certain behaviors by giving rewards or punishment.

3. Behavior Modification

Explore practical strategies to encourage positive behaviors and address challenging ones. Using both conditionings, you can guide your child's development to the desired spot.

Why Behaviorism Matters for Dads

1. Building Strong Bonds

Discover how understanding behaviorism can help you connect with your child on a deeper level.

2. Effective Parenting Techniques

Learn how behaviorism principles can guide you in making parenting decisions that work.

3. Problem Solving Skills

Equip yourself with the tools to address common parenting challenges effectively.

Applying Behaviorism at Home

1. Positive Reinforcement

Praise and rewards can motivate your child to behave well. Focus your words on your child rather than the result. 

Ex) You got a 100 on your math test! Good Job! (x)

       You are such a hard worker! (o) 

2. Setting Clear Expectations

Learn the importance of communication and consistency in shaping behavior. Don't send mixed messages; it will confuse your child. Especially if you are trying to correct a behavior. If Mom says no, but if Dad says okay, it will confuse the child.

3. Time-Outs and Consequences

Explore when and how to use consequences as a teaching tool. Make sure not to combine multiple undesirable behaviors into one punishment. Soon the the consequence follows an undesired action, a better connection will be made.

Conclusion

As you embark on your parenting journey, understanding behaviorism can be a valuable asset. By focusing on observable behaviors and applying the principles of behaviorism, you can foster a loving, nurturing, and positive environment for your child to thrive.

Remember, every child is unique, and parenting is a learning experience for all. Embrace the journey, adapt to your child's needs, and use behaviorism as a helpful tool in your parenting toolbox.

If you want to find out more about Behaviorism, click on the link below:

Behaviorism

For comparison to other learning theories:

Learning Theories

Living With Kittens vs. Baby

Taking Care of Kittens vs. Baby

My wife and I didn't have a fine blueprint for our family when we got married. Then we decided to adopt a Russian Blue kitten because she was too adorable.

We got along pretty well. She is an intelligent cat. One that is so adorable. 

A few years passed by, my wife and I started to get busy with life. Our little furry friend looked lonely. So, we decided to adopt another kitten, a friendly, hyper-active cheese tabby.

We thought they were a big responsibility. We couldn't go on a vacation for extended periods of time, we had to break them apart when they got into a catfight (literally) and visit a vet's office.

Now came the baby. It's a whole different story. Two cats were easy. They didn't even need potty training! 

In this post, we will explore some differences between raising a kitten and a baby.

1. Independence vs. Dependency

• Cat: Cats are generally independent animals. They groom themselves, use a litter box, and don't require constant attention or supervision. In fact, a lot of cats dislike it when human keeps tailing them around. 
• Baby: Babies are entirely dependent on their caregivers for all their needs, including feeding, diaper changes, and emotional support. They demand round-the-clock care and attention.

2. Communication

• Cat: Even though our cats respond when we call their names, English isn't their strong suit. They communicate non-verbally through body language and vocalizations. We need to observe carefully to understand their needs.
• Baby: Babies communicate through crying, facial expressions, and eventually, words. It is much easier to understand their non-verbal cues than the cat's. 

3. Development Stages

• Cat: Cats go through distinct life stages, from kittenhood to adulthood. They were cute little kittens for about 2 months and then boom, all grown cats.
• Baby: Babies go through complex developmental stages, including physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. Milestones encompass motor skills, language acquisition, and emotional bonding.  

4. Healthcare

• Cat: Cats require routine veterinary care, vaccinations, and preventive measures like flea control. Health concerns are typically more straightforward.
• Baby: Babies need regular medical check-ups, vaccinations, and monitoring of developmental milestones. Caregivers must be vigilant about various health aspects.

5. Social and Emotional Bonds

• Cat: Cats can form strong bonds with their owners, offering companionship and comfort. However, these bonds are different from human relationships.
• Baby: Parenting involves deeply emotional and complex bonds with your child, shaping their emotional well-being and future.

Conclusion

Raising a cat or baby is both very rewarding experience with ample share of challenges. Across the species, between the living beings, we can build life-long relationships. I still think back to the moments when the 2 cats and our baby all first came into my arms and falling asleep safe and sound. It was a feeling like "I have no one else in this world but you to depend my life." The soul to soul connection is an unforgettable moment. Kittens and human babies have a lot of differences, but after all, they are all really cute.

Learning Theories to Guide Your Child's Development

Understanding Learning Theories: Behaviorism, Cognitive Constructivism, Social Constructivism

If I am going to teach my child, I want to do it right. Learning about teaching in college, I thought the knowledge would not only feed me, but it would be useful for my child. I drifted back and forth between a career in education and industry business. Some of this useful knowledge became hazy in my memory, but I think this blog is a great way to recall and share with those dads in need.

Theory

noun. A set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based.  

It might be an intimidating word but fear not. As a parent, you don't have to deep dive into the world of educational psychology or educational science. All you want to know is how to help your child learn better starting at an early age. In this blog post, we will take a look at the fundamentals of three learning theories and how this might help your child: Behaviorism, Cognitive Constructivism, and Social Constructivism.

Why It Matters

It had never occurred to me that I felt a need to name a phenomenon that seemed to happen naturally. Learning was one of those. We call it "discovery", "mistake", "achievement", or many other names. These "theories" are just a collection of repeated incidents of learning that seem to have a pattern. But they're based on trustworthy data accumulated over many years. These are not THE TRUTH. Each theory takes a perspective in learning. So, you can agree with some parts of one theory but not the others. It depends on our own experiences, cultural background, education we were exposed to, etc. So, just know where they are coming from and how we can effectively use them to better our children's development. 

Words You Need to Know 

Knowledge: What your child learns. It could be a fact, letter, word, action, pattern, color, etc. 

Learning: Process of gaining and sustaining knowledge.

Motivation: Internal or external drive to learn.

Pedagogy: Teaching method

Behaviorism

A learner learns through a passive absorption of knowledge presented to him or her. Repetition and positive reinforcement. Something that we saw a lot in our classrooms. The teacher presents the lesson, and students copy it to their behavior. 

Cognitive Constructivism

A learner learns by connecting the dots. New knowledge is connected to the pre-existing ones. Hands-on activities and discoveries. You can simply think about how one can learn through playing with Lego. (In fact, this became the basis for Lego Education)

Social Constructivism

A learner learns through social interaction and collaboration. Group projects and Peer Tutoring weren't just your teachers being lazy. Some people learn better when they have other people working with them. 

Conclusion

As I play with my daughter, I see her learning new things every day. Her thing today was holding her hands together. I didn't have to judge if it was behaviorism-based or cognitive constructivism-based learning. The key was that she learned and got better with her motor skills. Now that she knows how to hold her hands, I can build on that knowledge and give her a toy to hold with both hands (Cognitive Constructivism approach). There will be days when she copies what I say because I give her a hug every time she attempts to copy me (Behaviorism). 

If you want your child to take one extra step, you want to help him or her without disturbing the playing time. You can pick one of the theories to find the most effective way of doing it. You can make more educated choices tailoring the approach to your child's individual needs and preferences.

Celebrating National Daughters Day 2023

National Daughters Day: Honoring the Bond with Your Precious Girl

September 25, 2023, is the National Daughters Day. It is a heartwarming occasion that provides a beautiful opportunity for fathers to celebrate the special bond they share with their daughters. It originated in India, where it used to be more male-dominant, to remind people of the equal values that daughters have to their sons. In 2023, let's make this day even more memorable by taking the time to cherish and appreciate the wonderful daughters in our lives. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of National Daughters Day and share some heartfelt ways to celebrate this precious day with your little girl.

The Significance of National Daughters Day:

National Daughters Day, celebrated on different dates worldwide, is all about honoring and expressing love and gratitude for your daughters. It's a day to reflect on the unique and unbreakable bond between fathers and daughters. Daughters bring immense joy, laughter, and love to their families, and this day is an opportunity to celebrate their presence in our lives.

How to Celebrate National Daughters Day 2023

1. Quality Time Together: On this special day, set aside some quality one-on-one time with your daughter. Engage in her favorite activities, whether it's reading, playing, drawing, or simply having a heartfelt conversation. Make her feel truly valued and cherished.

2. Create a Memory Book: Craft a memory book or scrapbook together that captures your favorite moments and adventures. It's a creative way to bond and create lasting memories.

3. Write a Letter: Pen a heartfelt letter to your daughter, expressing your love, pride, and appreciation for her. Highlight her unique qualities and the joy she brings to your life.

4. Cook or Bake Together: Spend time in the kitchen preparing a special meal or baking delicious treats. It's a fun and interactive way to bond, and you get to enjoy the tasty results together.

5. Outdoor Adventure: Plan an outdoor adventure, whether it's a hike, a bike ride, a picnic, or a visit to a local park. Fresh air and outdoor activities can make the day even more special.

6. Family Movie Night: Have a family movie night with your daughter's favorite films or shows. Don't forget the popcorn and cozy blankets.

 

7. Gift of Gratitude: Consider surprising your daughter with a thoughtful gift that symbolizes your love and appreciation. It could be a piece of jewelry, a book, or something that holds sentimental value.

8. Express Your Love: Throughout the day, remind your daughter of how much she means to you. Shower her with love, hugs, and affectionate words.

9. Share Stories: Share stories of your own childhood or family history with your daughter. It's a wonderful way to connect generations and strengthen the family bond.

10. Plant a Memory: Plant a tree or flower together in your garden or a nearby park as a living symbol of your love and the growth of your relationship.

Conclusion

National Daughters Day 2023 is an opportunity to celebrate the love, joy, and precious moments shared between fathers and daughters. It's a day to make lasting memories and express your heartfelt appreciation for the incredible young lady in your life. Cherish this special day, and may your bond with your bond with your daughter continue to grow stronger with each passing moment. Happy National Daughters Day!

If you'd like to find out more about this day, click on the link below:

National Daughters Day