This document provides parenting tips and advice for issues faced by parents today. It discusses topics from A to Z, with 3 sentences or less summarizing each letter's topic. The document encourages parents to be informed about child development but not feel pressure to be perfect, as every child and relationship is unique. It emphasizes the importance of self-care for parents and accessing available resources for support when needed. The goal is to better understand children's behaviors and needs.

1. PP41539513
ISSN
1929-1841
FROM
A
TO
Z
|
SPECIAL
EDITION
from
to
S
P
E
CIAL EDIT
I
O
N
Free
Take it!
ENGLISH
PARENTING
TIPS

2. 2
Welcome aboard!
Between us
Geneviève Doray
DIRECTRICE NAÎTRE ET GRANDIR
Joy, pride, dismay, fun, frustration,
helplessness, tenderness, anger,
guilt... let’s face it, parenthood
brings on a whole range of emotions!
It’s also true that the lives of parents
are changing rapidly. New and
not-so-simple issues such as gender
identity, work-family balance,
positive parenting, screen time
dilemmas or anxiety compound the
challenges of bedtime, emotions,
routines or boo-boos.
Better understanding
what’s going on in
your child’s body, head
and heart will reduce
your stress.
Whether or not it’s your first child,
you can only benefit from being
informed. The goal is not to become
a perfect parent—that’s not only
unrealistic, it’s impossible! Being
informed, however, can help you
better understand your little one’s
behaviour and why they’re having a
temper tantrum at the supermarket,
for example. It’s with this in mind
that we have prepared this special
issue in collaboration with CHSSN
and their partners, which I would
like to warmly thank!
Written as an ABC book, it
covers the most common issues
and challenges faced by parents
today. But please, don’t see this
as us trying to tell you what to
do—you’re in the best position
to make decisions about your
children based on your values
and lifestyle! Every child is
unique, as is every parent-child
relationship and every
motherhood and fatherhood
experience. Every child has their
own adventure!
Remember that you are the
parent of a wonderful little
person who still has a long way to
go on the road of learning. Take
care of them, but take care of
yourself, too. And don’t forget
that even if children don’t come
with an instruction manual, there
are many resources that can help
you (see page 23), so don’t
hesitate to consult them!
Special Edition
Naître et grandir is an initiative
of the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation.
2001 McGill College Avenue, Suite 1000
Montreal, QC H3A 1G1
naitreetgrandir.com
DIRECTOR
Geneviève Doray
MANAGING EDITOR
Julie Fortier
COPY EDITORS
Prisca Simoes, Marilyne Dubois
CUSTOMER SERVICE COORDINATOR
Sylvie St-Pierre
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Pascale Roy
DIGITAL AND GRAPHIC PRODUCTION MANAGER
Alexandre Gosselin
WEB INTEGRATORS/PROGRAMMERS
Antoine Bergeron, Carlos Cornejo
CAMPAIGNS AND PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
MANAGER
Laëtitia Parriaux
ART DIRECTOR
François Sybille
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Marie-Josée Forest
PRINTING
Imprimeries Transcontinental
LEGAL DEPOSIT
National libraries of Quebec and Canada
ISSN 1929-1841
Reproduction may be permitted, upon receipt of a written
request, for educational and not-for-profit purposes only.
© 2021 Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation
All rights reserved.
Naître et grandir®
is a
registered trademark
of the Lucie and André
Chagnon Foundation.
PHOTO :
NICOLAS
ST-GERMAIN

3. Content
Anxiety 4
Behaviour 4
Crying 5
Daddy 5
Emotions 6
Free Play 8
Grrrr 9
Health 10
Imagination 10
Judged 11
Kindergarten 12
Language 13
Multilingual 13
N.U.T.S. 15
Outdoor Play 16
Positive Parenting 16
Questions 17
Routine 17
Screen Time 18
Tragedy 19
Unrealistic Expectations 20
Violence 20
Work-Family Balance 21
X and Y 21
Zzzz for Sleep 22
Useful Resources 23
From
to
EN COUVERTURE : RIDVAN_CELIK | GETTYIMAGES

4. 4
B
Behaviour
Rules and boundaries keep your little one safe and help them build good
relationships with others. Rules are reassuring to your child. They let them
know which actions and behaviours are acceptable, and which are not. Keep in
mind that the rules you enforce should be clear, short, consistent, and age-
appropriate. You may need to frequently remind your child of certain rules
and boundaries. This is perfectly normal, as they need time to fully
understand and learn to respect them. Congratulate your child when they
follow a rule. This will encourage them to keep up their good behaviour. Teach
your child what they should do rather than what they shouldn’t, as this will be
easier for them to grasp. A young child may know a rule but break it anyway
because they’re still struggling to control their impulses. It’s important to try to
be patient and not get angry. Instead, repeat the rule firmly and consistently.
GLOBALMOMENTS
|
GETTYIMAGES
A
There’s a lot of discussion about
anxiety these days. Anxiety is
an emotional overreaction to an
imagined threat. It’s different
from fear, which is a reaction
to a real threat. It’s normal for
kids to feel anxious from time to
time. However, anxiety becomes
problematic when it causes
them to avoid certain situations
and disrupts their day-to-day
lives. Symptoms of anxiety include
behavioural changes, stomach
aches, and sleep problems. It can
be triggered by a life change or
by external events. A child may
also be more anxious if they
lack routines or if their parents
are anxious. To help your child,
listen to them and be supportive.
However, you shouldn’t avoid
putting them in situations that
make them anxious, as it’s
important that they gradually
learn to face their fear. Little by
little, they’ll develop greater self-
confidence. If you’re concerned
about your child’s anxiety, talk
to a doctor, contact your CLSC,
or call Info-Social at 811.
Anxiety

5. NAÎTRE ET GRANDIR | Special Edition 5
C
D
Daddy
Spending time with your
child is a great way to get to
know them better and create
a special bond. This bond will
allow your child to steadily
become more independent,
better control their
emotions, be more sociable
with other children, and have
the confidence to explore the
world around them.
When you spend time taking
care of your child, you also
gain confidence in your
parenting skills. You develop
your own way of behaving
with your little one, and
studies have shown that this
stimulates your child.
Parents complement each
other when it comes to
child-rearing, which is good
for your child’s development.
Research also shows that
fathers who can count on the
support of their partner in
bringing up their child feel
more confident and capable.
Crying
Did you know that crying is the
only way a baby can express its
needs? Babies cry the most
during the first three months.
When your baby cries, it’s
important to comfort them
quickly, as they need you to
soothe them. Consoling your
child won’t spoil them, and they
may even continue to cry despite
your best efforts. This doesn’t
make you a bad parent.
However, if you’re afraid of
losing your temper, put your
baby in their crib and step away
for a moment. Never shake
your baby, even if you’re at
your wit’s end, as this could
cause serious injury. Remember
that when your child cries,
they’re usually trying to
tell you that something’s wrong
(e.g., they’re afraid, they want
something, they’re tired,
something hurts). If your little
one can talk, encourage them to
say what they’re feeling. With
your help, they’ll gradually learn
to express themselves in other
ways besides crying.
The importance of your social circle
Aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends, and neighbours can be
important figures in a child’s life. In fact, the people in your social
circle can have a positive effect on your child’s development.
Spending time with them allows your child to build relationships
with people other than their parents. This helps broaden their
horizons and sparks their sense of curiosity.
MIODRAG
IGNJATOVIC
|
GETTYIMAGES

6. 6
E
Emotions
Emotions are spontaneous reactions to
a situation. They can lead to physical
manifestations (e.g., pounding heart) or
psychological manifestations (e.g., mood
swings). Joy, fear, and anger are examples
of emotions.
It’s normal for your child’s emotional
reactions to be over-the-top sometimes.
Emotions are brand-new to them;
they need to learn how to respond
appropriately. It may take time, but as
your child gets older, they’ll develop
greater self-control and learn to put their
feelings into words. Knowing how to
manage our emotions is an important life
skill that’s useful in many aspects of our
lives. For example, your child will have an
easier time building healthy relationships
and dealing with conflict.
You can help your little one recognize
basic emotions such as joy, anger, sadness,
and fear. When you name your child’s
emotions, they learn to put their feelings
into words. Reading together can also be
a great opportunity to discuss the
characters’ emotions and help your
child recognize them. For example, you
can ask them how a character is feeling,
and what they could do to calm down or
feel less afraid.
You can then show your child appropriate
ways to express their emotions. For
example, suggest taking deep breaths
when they’re angry or hugging their
stuffed animal when they’re sad.
Even if your little one’s emotions seem
exaggerated at times, remember that
they’re very real for your child. It’s
therefore important to take them
seriously. If your child feels understood,
they’ll find it easier to communicate
their emotions in words. If you’re
worried because your child seems to be
having trouble learning to control their
emotions, don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor
or contact your CLSC.
KIMBERRYWOOD
|
GETTYIMAGES

7. NAÎTRE ET GRANDIR | Special Edition 7
Help kids express
their feelings.
HAPPY
EMBARRASSED
SCARED
PROUD
SURPRISED
SAD
ANGRY
CALM
EXCITED

8. G
F
Free play
Young children don’t often have
a lot of free time. At home and at
daycare, they’re expected to
follow a routine and obey
various rules. That’s why it’s
important to set aside time for
your child to play freely. When
kids get to choose their own
games, rules, and playmates,
they get to know themselves
better. Free play lets them feel
more in control of their
environment, which helps them
develop self-confidence.
If your child always has a full
schedule, they may have a
hard time choosing a game on
their own when a free moment
comes along and you’re not
available. Try suggesting
activities they can do while you
make dinner (e.g., draw, build a
block tower, play with modelling
clay, do a puzzle). This will help
guide their decisions while
fostering their autonomy.
Little by little, your child will
learn how to have fun on their
own. Whether they reach for
their building blocks or action
figures, their stuffed animals
or toy cars, they’ll no longer
need help deciding what to do
or play. A child usually needs
about 15 minutes to invent a
game, so don’t be afraid to let
your little one get bored. They
need enough time to use their
imagination when playing on
their own.
Many parents’ instinct is to
prevent their kids from getting
bored. Some also feel that when
their child is doing nothing,
they’re wasting time. On the
contrary, having time to reflect
and observe is important at
any age, even for young
children. If your child is bored,
don’t feel pressured to find them
something to do. There’s no
harm in doing nothing. Feeling
comfortable being alone will
help your child feel comfortable
being around others. Besides,
it’s often during periods of
boredom that the best games
are born!
8
SOLSTOCK
|
GETTYIMAGES

9. NAÎTRE ET GRANDIR | Special Edition 9
MELPOMENEM
|
GETTYIMAGES
G
Grrrr
Temper tantrums are a normal part of your
child’s development and usually occur when
they’re 18–36 months old. While some are
over in minutes, others can last more than an
hour. Some kids are more prone to tantrums
than others.
Your child may throw a tantrum for many
reasons. They may be overtired or want
something they can’t have. Overwhelmed by
emotions they don’t know how to express,
they may resort to screaming, crying,
kicking, rolling on the floor, and so on.
Start by trying to soothe and calm your
child by naming the emotion they’re
feeling. For example, you might say: “I can
see you’re very angry!” Don’t be too insistent,
however, as trying to reason with your child
may only make things worse. They’re not likely
to be in a listening mood while in the midst of
a tantrum.
If your child is too upset to listen, the best
thing to do is take a step back. Don’t intervene
unless they become aggressive, and stay calm
to avoid creating more tension. Be patient! If
your child is throwing a tantrum because they
want something, don’t give in. Otherwise,
you’ll send the message that they can use
tantrums to get what they want. When your
child has calmed down, reassure them and
help them talk about what happened.
Praise your child when they’re able to talk
about their feelings.
Temper tantrums generally become less
dramatic and less frequent by age 3 or 4.
By this time, your child has gotten better at
controlling their impulses and expressing
themselves in words. If you have concerns
about your child’s temper tantrums, don’t
hesitate to speak with an expert.

10. 10
H
i
Health
It’s important for newborns to have regular checkups with a
family doctor or pediatrician. Appointments for the first two
years are usually scheduled at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months,
4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and
24 months. At each visit, the doctor will check your baby’s
growth, development, and health. They’ll also ensure that
your child’s vaccines are up to date and may discuss topics
such as nutrition, sleep, and safety. After the two-year
appointment, one checkup per year will suffice, unless your child
is ill. The annual checkups won’t be much different from the
ones before. The doctor will also assess their social skills and
behaviour. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and raise any
concerns you have during these appointments.
Imagination
Young children are very curious about
other people and the world around them.
Since so much is new to them, their
imagination sometimes takes over to
supply answers to questions or things
they can’t explain. Creativity and
imagination also play a role in a child’s
development. For example, games
involving role-play help foster your
child’s social skills. When playing
teacher or pretending to be a parent
comforting their baby, your little one
develops empathy, listening skills, and a
better understanding of the world.
To help nurture your child’s imagination,
give them opportunities to engage in free
play, where they get to make the rules.
Remember, it’s important to give kids
enough time to tap into their
imagination when making up their
own games. It’s also a good idea to let
your child play with items like boxes,
empty containers, and pieces of fabric.
These offer more scope for creativity
than toys designed for a specific use.
ANTONIO_DIAZ
|
GETTYIMAGES

11. NAÎTRE ET GRANDIR | Special Edition 11
IRA_EVVA
|
GETTYIMAGES
Do you feel hurt sometimes by other people’s
judgments or criticisms about your parenting
approach, your life choices, or your child’s
behaviour? It’s okay if not everyone agrees with
how you do things.
However, if you’re constantly afraid of being
judged, you’ll find it harder to thrive as a parent
and make the right decisions for your family. Try to
stay true to your values and what you think is best for
your child without worrying about outside opinions.
To stop being afraid of what other people think, take
a step back. Sometimes, people are truly being
judgmental, but other times, we’re simply in our own
heads. Get into the habit of asking yourself
whether your thoughts are based on facts. Did
someone say something to you? If the answer is no,
try to think logically: “When other people see my son
having a tantrum, are they really thinking negative
things about me? Is it such a big deal if they are?”
Remember: you know your child better than anyone
else. There is no one better qualified to make
decisions that concern them. Naturally, it’s good to
be well informed and to seek advice on care and
discipline, but you ultimately have the final say.
It’s also helpful to think of criticism as an
opportunity to learn rather than a personal
attack. Criticism can sometimes lead to real personal
growth if you keep an open mind.
Finally, try to stay away from people who are
constantly putting you or other people down.
If someone criticizes your parenting skills without
bringing anything constructive to the table, keep
your distance.
jJudged

12. K
Kindergarten
Kindergarten is part of
preschool and ensures a smooth
transition from home or
daycare to elementary school.
Kindergarten starts at age 4
or 5. Kindergarten for 4-year-olds
can be particularly helpful
to your child if they’ve never
been to daycare.
The daily schedule in kindergarten
includes both playtime and
guided activities, just like daycare.
However, part of the teacher’s job
is making sure your child is
prepared to enter Grade 1.
Through play, your toddler will
learn numbers, letters, and
sounds, as well as notions of
time and space (tomorrow,
yesterday, up, down, behind,
etc.). They’ll also learn to assert
themselves, listen to others, stay
organized, and be more
autonomous. In addition, the
teacher will evaluate your child’s
progress using report cards and
may give small assignments for
you to help with at home.
Starting kindergarten is a huge
step for your child. The place
may seem small, but it’s still far
bigger than any other building
your child has explored so far.
There will be many new places to
get used to, including the
classrooms and hallways, the
gym, the playground, and the
daycare. Your child also needs to
get used to being in a larger
group, since kindergarten class
sizes are usually around 15 to 20.
Kindergartens follow a class
schedule, and you must notify
your child’s school if your child
will need to miss school, arrive
late, or leave early. A daycare
service is available for kids who
need to stay at the school
outside of class hours.
If your child doesn’t come home
for lunch, it’s your responsibility
to pack them a lunch and
snacks for the day. Some schools
offer a paid lunchtime catering
service that you have the option
to use.
12
L
FATCAMERA
|
GETTYIMAGES

13. NAÎTRE ET GRANDIR | Special Edition 13
M
Multilingual
Babies who are regularly exposed to two
or more languages since birth can be
expected to say their first words at
around age 1, just like children raised in a
monolingual environment. However, it’s
perfectly normal for a multilingual child to
have variable abilities in their languages.
For example, they might produce longer
sentences in French but have a richer
vocabulary in English. What’s more, their
dominant language may change over time
(after they start daycare or school, for
instance). You may also notice your child
switch languages mid-sentence when
they don’t know a word in the other
language or use the sentence structure
of one language while speaking the
other. This is very common and nothing
to be concerned about.
Parents are encouraged to speak to
their child in the language in which
they are most at ease. However, if
you're also learning French, take the
opportunity to develop your abilities
with your child. For instance, you can
read to them in French. Having the words
and sentence structures in front of
you can help provide a model of the
new language.
L
Language
Each child develops language at a
different rate. Some kids are talkative at a
very early age, while others show quicker
progress in their motor skills. This is
perfectly normal—every child is unique!
Nonetheless, most babies say their first
word at around 12 to 16 months. By age
2 to 3, they’re usually able to string
together two- or three-word sentences.
The most valuable thing you can do to
stimulate your child’s language
development is to interact and speak with
them. When your little one tries to
communicate, say aloud what you think
they’re trying to express. Speak clearly
and not too quickly so that it’s easier for
them to understand. You can help them
learn new vocabulary words by naming
things in your vicinity and describing
your actions. It’s also good to read to
your child as much as possible. Reading
books together allows your child to
associate the words they hear with
pictures, which makes them easier
to learn.
DUSANPETKOVIC
|
GETTYIMAGES

14. 14
XXXXXXX
|
GETTYIMAGES
The ultimate toy
for toddlers

15. N
N.U.T.S.
Stress is a natural physical and psychological
reaction to an event or thing that threatens
our safety or well-being. When we feel stressed,
our brain produces stress hormones that help
us mobilize the energy we need to respond to
the situation.
Stress hormones are triggered when a situation
involves one or more of the following four
elements:
Novelty (the situation is one we’ve never
experienced)
Unpredictability (the situation is unexpected)
Threat to the ego (we feel our abilities are being
questioned, which may hurt our confidence and
make us feel humiliated) – The ego can be
defined as our self-image, how others see us
and how we see ourselves.
Sense of control (we feel we have no control
over the situation)
An easy way to remember these elements is
to use the acronym N.U.T.S.
For a child, any situation where at least one of the
four elements applies can cause stress. Examples
include a parent suddenly losing their temper;
a change in daycares, schools, or teachers; a move
to a new home; or the arrival of a new baby sister
or brother.
Changes in behaviour are the best clues as to
whether your child is experiencing stress. For
example, they may become more withdrawn, develop
a stutter, cry more often, throw tantrums, have
trouble sleeping, or have less of an appetite.
To help your child when they’re stressed, reassure
them that what they’re feeling is normal. Help
them put their feelings into words and explain that
while they can’t control the situation that’s causing
their stress, they can control how they react to it.
Suggest calming activities, like yoga or meditation,
and allow your child to burn some of their energy,
such as by running around or kicking a ball, so they
can relieve a bit of stress and feel better. If you see
that the situation isn’t improving, don’t hesitate to ask
for help (doctor, CLSC, psychologist, Info-Social 811).
STOCKPLANETS
|
GETTYIMAGES
NAÎTRE ET GRANDIR | Special Edition 15

16. 16
P
O
SBYTOVAMN
|
GETTYIMAGES
Positive parenting
Positive parenting is a
parenting style that
involves putting yourself in
your child’s shoes so you
can get a better sense of
their perspective and
communicate with them
more effectively. According
to this approach, when a
child misbehaves, they’re
expressing a need. For
example, if a 3-year-old hits
another child, they’re not
doing so out of malice, but
because they’re frustrated
and don’t know how to
express it. It’s up to adults
to show children the
appropriate way to behave.
Advocates of positive
parenting believe that
punishment causes only
hurt and humiliation
rather than teaching
proper behaviour. Parents
who follow this approach
will instead enforce a
logical consequence or
encourage their child
to make amends when
they misbehave. The
goal is to teach children
to trust themselves,
talk about their
emotions, communicate
respectfully, and
recognize other people’s
feelings.
Outdoor play
Home to parks, trees, dirt, sand, water,
and more, the great outdoors is fully
equipped to keep your little one
entertained. Children need to play
outdoors. What’s more, they’re twice as
active when they’re outside as when
they’re indoors. Being outside makes
them want to run, jump, throw, and
climb. All of these actions improve
their motor skills and help them
become more in tune with their bodies.
Outdoor free play also allows kids to use
their imagination and invent or choose
their own games. It’s great for their
development. Your child gets to figure out
their interests and learn about
themselves, all while being more active.
Once you’ve made sure your child isn’t
exposed to any dangers, let them explore.
Trust them! Let them get dirty and do
risky activities, like scaling a big rock.
They’ll come to see what they’re capable
of and gain self-confidence.

17. NAÎTRE ET GRANDIR | Special Edition 17
Q
R
Routine
When children know what to expect
in their day, they feel safe and
secure. That’s why routines—things
that we do every day, in the same
order, at the same time—can be
reassuring to your child and help
make their day feel less
unpredictable. Routines also give
your child a sense of time. For
example, when a child knows their
bedtime routine (e.g., brush their
teeth, take a bath, listen to a story),
they feel safe and have an easier
time falling asleep. Most of a child’s
basic needs, such as eating,
drinking, sleeping, bathing, and
getting dressed, also lend
themselves well to routines.
Routines help your child develop
autonomy and evolve as they grow
older. At first, they need you to do
everything for them, like dress
them. Before you know it, they just
need a helping hand, and eventually,
they can get by on their own.
Questions
“When will my baby take their first steps?” “Is it normal for children to have
temper tantrums?” “Are my child’s language skills developing at a normal
pace?” Having lots of questions is a perfectly normal part of parenthood.
Getting answers will allow you to enjoy being a parent and feel less stressed
about your child’s development. You can do this by talking to your doctor or
nurse when you have appointments and by looking up information on
reputable websites or in books. Have faith in yourself and remember that
it’s okay to make mistakes. There’s no such thing as the perfect parent,
and nobody understands your child’s needs, reactions, and behaviour
better than you. In other words, the best person to make decisions about
them is you. Talking to other parents can also help boost your confidence
and offer a glimpse of how things work in other families. You’ll benefit from
hearing other parents’ experiences and have the chance to share your own.
JUPITERIMAGES
|
GETTYIMAGES

18. 18
S
FIZKES
|
GETTYIMAGES
Screen time
From smartphones and tablets to TVs,
computers, and game consoles, screen
devices should be used in moderation
to ensure the risks don’t outweigh the
benefits.
To develop properly, children need to
interact with others and do a wide
variety of activities (puzzles, arts and
crafts, sculpting with modelling clay,
reading, somersaults, playing catch,
etc.). Moreover, the best source of
stimulation for a child is their
interactions with their environment
and other people. The more time a
child spends in front of screens each
day, the less time they have to play
with and talk to others. That’s why
screens shouldn’t take up too much
space in their life. Excessive screen
time means less time to run around
and play freely. Consequently, a child
may have weaker motor skills,
struggle to socialize or control their
emotions, and develop health
problems, among other things.
From ages 2 to 5, your child should
spend no more than an hour a day in
front of a screen. While some web
programs and apps can boost
learning, they’re not essential to your
child’s development. It’s best to set
up clear rules to structure your
child’s screen time and to keep an
eye on them whenever they’re
using a screen device. It’s also
important to choose content that’s
age-appropriate. Since using screen
devices just before bedtime can
interfere with sleep, it’s recommended
to put away all screens at least
one hour before bed.
Lastly, avoid using your phone when
you’re with your child. Talking to
your child, playing with them, and
giving them your full attention is
essential to their development.

19. NADEZHDA1906
|
GETTYIMAGES
T
Tragedy
When a major tragedy such as a
bombing, plane crash, or
earthquake occurs in the news,
should parents talk about it with
their child? To avoid causing
unnecessary anxiety, it’s
recommended not to discuss
these types of events unless
your child brings them up.
However, if something happens
that directly affects them or they
ask about a particular news
story, it’s best not to minimize
what they’ve seen or heard and
to explain it in terms simple
enough for them to understand.
Don’t go into too much detail, as
your child could start to worry.
Emphasize that such events are
rare, and avoid letting on about
your own concerns.
You should also keep your
child away from any violent
images in the news, as they
could be traumatic. Don’t
leave the television or radio
on all day.
Since your child may not always
know how to express their fears
in words, keep an eye out for
subtler signs. For example, they
might ask a lot of questions
about the event or say they’re
afraid the same thing could
happen to them; their behaviour
might change (e.g., more
aggressive or impatient, more
frequent crying); or they might
develop sleep problems
(e.g., refusing to sleep alone,
nightmares, fear of the dark).
If your child is upset, you can
comfort them with your words
and presence. Remind them that
you’ll always be there for them.
Ask them what they know about
the event and correct any
misunderstandings. However,
don’t press your child if
they’re not ready to talk. Tell
them you understand if they’re
worried. Reassure them by
showing them you’re not going
anywhere and that they can
count on you, and ask what
would make them feel better.
If nothing seems to be helping,
don’t hesitate to ask for help.
You can seek advice from a doctor,
your CLSC, or a psychologist, or
call Info-Social at 811.
NAÎTRE ET GRANDIR | Special Edition 19

20. FILADENDRON
|
GETTYIMAGES
V
Violence
Spanking, pinching, shaking,
slapping, or repeatedly shouting
at a child will not teach them to
behave. These actions are
ineffective and can negatively
impact a child’s development.
When a child is subjected to
physical punishment, they
become insecure and start to
believe that they’re a bad
person. They learn that violence
is acceptable, and avoiding pain
becomes their only motivation
for changing their behaviour.
They may also feel humiliated
and rejected and experience
fear, rage, or a desire for
revenge. Finally, physical
punishment can cause a child to
develop anxiety, depressive
behaviour, problems managing
their emotions, and low
self-esteem. If you’re unable to
control your temper or feel
there’s a risk you may harm your
child, call Info-Social at 811 or
LigneParents at 1-800-361-5085
as soon as possible.
20
U
Unrealistic
expectations
No two kids are alike. Where one child starts
walking at 10 months, another might start at
16 months. A good rule of thumb is to not
compare your child to others. All children
develop at their own pace, depending on
their genetic makeup, personality, family
environment, and preferences. That’s why
it’s so important to adapt your expectations to
their abilities. If your child feels like they’re
not measuring up, they may feel anxious or
become withdrawn.
When you maintain realistic expectations for
your child, they’re more likely to accomplish
what they set out to do. This is significant
because the more they achieve, the more their
confidence grows, which in turn gives them the
motivation to persevere. While it’s important to
recognize your child’s accomplishments,
acknowledging their efforts is equally crucial to
building their self-confidence. If your little one
can’t quite get dressed on their own, for
example, you can still commend them for trying.
This will give them a sense of pride and
encourage them to keep trying.

21. NAÎTRE ET GRANDIR | Special Edition 21
W
Work-family balance
Parents have a lot to do in a day: go to work, not miss the bus,
pick up the kids at daycare, bring them to their doctor’s
appointment, go grocery shopping, take care of household
chores—the list goes on!
Being well organized, splitting up tasks, and making full
use of weekends (e.g., doing groceries for the week,
preparing and freezing meals, making schedules) is also
essential to a healthy work-life balance, as these habits grant
you more quality time with your child during evening routines.
If you start to feel overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help
from friends or relatives. You can also look into what types of
family services are available at nearby community centres.
Keep in mind that, by law, you are entitled to 10 days of leave
for family reasons. The first two days must be paid. Moreover,
to be more accommodating of families, some employers are
offering measures such as flexible or reduced hours, or paid
family leave. Ask your employer for more information.
X
Y
X and Y
Children start to notice the
differences between boys and girls
around the age of 2. Most identify as
girls or boys, but their gender
identity doesn’t always correspond to
the sex they’re given at birth. Most
children express their gender
through their behaviour, clothing,
choice of toys or sports, friends,
and so on. However, gender
expression isn’t always indicative of
your child’s gender identity. Gender
identity is a person’s internal
sense of where they fall on the
gender spectrum. It can therefore
be different from the sex they’re
assigned at birth. A child may
identify as a boy, as a girl, or as
non-binary (i.e., neither boy nor girl).
Gender identity does not define
sexual orientation.
It’s very important to let your child
know that you love them as they are,
regardless of whether their gender
identity corresponds to their
assigned gender. They need to know
they have your unconditional
support and that you accept their
fundamental sense of self.
LEFT:
FILIPPOBACCI
|
GETTYIMAGES
RIGHT
ORBON
ALIJA
|
GETTYIMAGES

22. Z
Zzzz for sleep
Sufficient, restorative sleep is important
for your child’s development. As they
sleep, their brain consolidates what
they learned during the day, especially
when it comes to language acquisition
and motor development. Restorative
sleep also helps kids better manage their
emotions and strengthens their immune
system. Conversely, if your child is
sleep-deprived, they may be more irritable
or aggressive, or get sick more often. They
may also struggle to stay focused and
have a smaller appetite. Toddlers between
the ages of 1 and 2 need 11 to 14 hours of
sleep a day. By ages 3 to 5, they need 10 to
13 hours.
To help your child fall asleep more easily
and get a good night’s rest, create a calm
atmosphere at bedtime and establish a
routine adapted to their age. This routine
should consist of three or four steps
that your child repeats every evening
(e.g., take a bath, brush teeth, listen to a
story, cuddle, go to bed).
It’s essential for your child’s bedtime
routine to be carried out in a positive
and relaxed manner. Don’t be in too much
of a hurry, but keep things moving at the
same time. Children tend to want to
delay bedtime. To make things easier on
your child, let them know when you’re
nearing the end of their bedtime story or
when they have five minutes left to play
in the bath.
If your little one is afraid of the dark or
nervous about monsters under the bed,
try keeping a night-light in their room
or playing soft music. You can also leave
their bedroom door ajar.
Avoid letting your child play games or
use screen devices before bed, as they
may become overstimulated. Keep in
mind that the blue light emitted by
screens makes it harder to fall asleep
because it affects the secretion of
melatonin, the sleep hormone.
YURICAZAC
|
GETTYIMAGES
22

23. ABLUECUP
|
GETTYIMAGES
NAÎTRE ET GRANDIR | Special Edition 23
Info-Santé / Info-Social 811
bit.ly/sante-811 or 811
LigneParents
ligneparents.com or 1-800-361-5085
Priorité Parents
fqocf.org/parents/priorite-parents-en
Première Ressource –
Aide aux parents
premiereressource.com/en
or 1-866-329-4223
Naître et grandir
naitreetgrandir.com
Banques alimentaires du Québec
banquesalimentaires.org/en
Becoming a parent
bit.ly/becoming-parent
Les associations de consommateurs
du Québec
consommateur.qc.ca
Children Now
avanttoutlesenfants.ca
or 1-800-361-8453
Éducaloi
educaloi.qc.ca/en
Fédération québécoise des
organismes communautaires Famille
fqocf.org or 1-866-982-9990
Fédération des associations
de familles monoparentales et
recomposées du Québec
fafmrq.org or 514-729-6666
JuridiQC
juridiqc.gouv.qc.ca/en/separation-
and-divorce or 1-866-536-5140
LGBT+ Family Coalition
famillesLGBT.org or 514-878-7600
MediaSmarts
mediasmarts.ca or 1-800-896-3342
Ordre des psychologues du Québec
ordrepsy.qc.ca or 1-800-561-1223
Ordre des orthophonistes et
audiologistes du Québec
ooaq.qc.ca or 1-888-232-9123
RePère
repere.org or 514-381-3511
SOS Violence conjugale
sosviolenceconjugale.ca/en
or 1-800-363-9010
CHSSN members
Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Neighbours Regional Association
neighbours-rouyn-noranda.ca
or 819-762-0882
Bas-Saint-Laurent
Heritage Lower Saint Lawrence
heritagelsl.ca or 418-936-3239
Capitale-Nationale
Jeffery Hale Community Partners
(JHCP)
wejh.ca or 418-684-5333 ext. 1265
Chaudière-Appalaches
Megantic English-speaking
Community Development Corp.
(MCDC)
mcdc.info or 418-332-3851
Côte-Nord
Coasters Association
coastersassociation.com
or 418-379-2006
North Shore Community
Association (NSCA)
quebecnorthshore.org
or 418-296-1545
Estrie
Townshippers’ Association
- Eastern Townships
Partners for Health and Social
Services Network
townshippers.org
Estrie: 819-566-5717
Montérégie East: 450-242-4421
Gaspésie
Committee for Anglophone Social
Action (CASA)
casa-gaspe.com or 418-752-5995
Vision Gaspé Percé Now (VGPN)
visiongaspeperce.ca or 418-368-3212
Îles de la Madeleine
Council for Anglophone Magdalen
Islanders (CAMI)
micami.ca or 418-985-2116
Lanaudière
English Community Organization
of Lanaudière (ECOL)
ecol-lanaudiere.org or 450-834-2268
Laurentides
4 Korners
4korners.org or 450-974-3940
Laval
AGAPE – The Youth & Parents AGAPE
Association Inc.
agapeassociationinc.com
or 450-686-4333
Mauricie et Centre-du-Québec
Centre for Access to Services
in English (CASE)
casemcq.com
Drummondville: 1-833-850-5560
Trois-Rivières: 819-375-2332 ext. 1520
Montérégie
Assistance and Referral Centre (ARC)
arc-hss.ca
Greenfield Park: 514-605-9500
Haut-Richelieu-Rouville: 450-357-0386
Monteregie East Partnership for
the English-Speaking Community
(MEPEC)
mepec-pemca.org or 450-281-3732
Montérégie West Community
Network (MWCN)
mwcn.ca or 450-691-1444
Montréal
African Canadian Development and
Prevention Network (ACDPN)
acdpn.org or 514-737-3213
Collective Community Services (CCS)
ccs-montreal.org or 514-937-5351
East Island Network for English-
Language Services (REISA)
reisa.ca or 514-955-8370 ext. 2217
Outaouais
Connexions Resource Centre
centreconnexions.org or 819-557-0615
Saguenay―Lac-Saint-Jean
English Community Organization
Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean (ECO-02)
eco-02.ca or 418-543-4302
USEFUL RESOURCES

24. Your little one is learning
every day. Congratulate them
with Kittycat and friends!
CHILDHOOD MILESTONE
CERTIFICATES to collect
40
naitreetgrandir.com/en/childhood-milestone-certificates