David Withers

David WithersSenior Parenting Advisor David Withers brings over 15 years of expertise in child development and family dynamics to his role as Senior Parenting Advisor at Makes Parenting Watch. A respected voice in the parenting community, David has worked extensively with families, helping them navigate the complexities of raising children through every phase of life—from infancy to adolescence. His articles are known for their evidence-based approach, offering parents practical, actionable tips on topics such as sleep training, positive discipline, developmental milestones, and fostering emotional resilience in children. In addition to his writing, David conducts workshops and webinars to provide personalized advice to parents dealing with specific challenges. His deep understanding of child psychology and development ensures that Makes Parenting Watch remains a valuable and reliable resource for parents seeking guidance in today’s fast-paced world.

Mother wrapping the baby

Caring for a Newborn’s Umbilical Cord: Essential Do’s and Don’ts for New Parents

Importance of Umbilical Cord Care Caring for a newborn’s umbilical cord is crucial for preventing infections and promoting proper healing. An untreated cord stump can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to severe health issues. Cleaning and monitoring the stump minimizes risks. The umbilical cord stump typically falls off within the first 1-3 weeks […]

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Babys First Bath A Step by Step Guide for New Parents

Baby’s First Bath: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Parents

Understanding the Importance of Baby’s First Bath Bathing a newborn serves more than just cleanliness. It’s a bonding experience that strengthens the emotional connection between parent and baby. When babies enter a warm bath, they feel comforted, reminiscent of the womb, instilling a sense of security. A baby’s first bath also offers parents a hands-on

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Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding vs. Formula: Making the Right Choice for Your Baby’s Nutrition & Health

Breastfeeding Basics Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits but also comes with its own set of challenges. I’ll detail these aspects to help you understand what to expect. Benefits of Breastfeeding Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies that boost a baby’s immune system. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that breast milk offers ideal nutrition and supports

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Effective Positive Parenting Techniques for Toddlers and Teens A Comprehensive Guide

Effective Positive Parenting Techniques for Toddlers and Teens: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Positive Parenting Positive parenting focuses on building a nurturing and supportive relationship with children. It emphasizes mutual respect and employs strategies that encourage good behavior and emotional growth. Core Principles of Positive Parenting Benefits for Toddlers and Teens Positive parenting techniques benefit both toddlers and teens but in different ways. Toddlers gain a sense

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Parent with Kids

Balancing Discipline and Compassion: A Modern Parent’s Guide to Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids

Understanding Modern Parenting Parenting in the 21st century presents unique challenges. Technology evolution, societal shifts, and busy lifestyles create complex dynamics in families. Parents must navigate these influences while maintaining core values like discipline and compassion. Modern parents often face the dilemma of balancing work and family life. According to Pew Research Center, 56% of

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Encouraging Good Behavior Effective Positive Reinforcement Ideas for Kids Pets

Encouraging Good Behavior: Effective Positive Reinforcement Ideas for Kids & Pets

Understanding Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement involves rewarding desirable behavior to increase the likelihood of it recurring. This method relies on offering something appealing when the desired action happens. Concrete examples include giving treats to pets for obeying commands and praising children for completing tasks. Key components of positive reinforcement are timing, consistency, and relevance. Timing

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Effective Tips for Dealing with Sibling Rivalry Advice for Peaceful Parenting

Effective Tips for Dealing with Sibling Rivalry: Advice for Peaceful Parenting

Understanding Sibling Rivalry Sibling rivalry usually begins after the arrival of a new sibling and continues through adolescence. It typically manifests as jealousy, competition, and fights over attention, resources, and validation. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it’s a normal part of growth and development, yet it can be a source of stress for

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Kids Having Tantrums

Effective Strategies for Managing Tantrums: Tips That Really Work

Understanding Tantrums Tantrums are sudden emotional outbursts, often seen in toddlers and young children. They’re typically characterized by crying, screaming, and physical actions like kicking or hitting. Understanding why they happen is the first step in managing them effectively. Developmental Phase Tantrums are part of normal child development. Children around 1-3 years old experience them

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Happy Kids

10 Simple Tips for Raising Resilient Kids: Empower Your Child to Thrive

Understanding Resilience in Children Resilience in children refers to their ability to bounce back from setbacks and handle stress effectively. It’s not an inherent trait, but rather a skill set that can be developed. According to the American Psychological Association, resilience involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that anyone can learn and develop over time. In

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