Doctor G was really excited to be the keynote speaker at the International Nanny Association’s national conference this past weekend. One of the nannies was kind enough to ask this great question about how to help a child see her own capability when she’s feeling overwhelmed.

How have you taught a child to manage that feeling?

Last week Natalie from Mommy of a Monster (and twins) asked me to talk about ways we can yell less. well, I do yell – cause who can get under our skin faster than our kids (besides our parents and spouse? ) – but there are some things that help me do it less often. I hope you’ll check them out!

What do you do if your 9 month old shovels fistfuls of sand into his mouth, loves rocks, leaves, dirt, and hairballs, but cannot be bothered with the organic veggies his mom purees for him???

Michele, in CA  

There is a saying… “The world comes to babies through their mouths.”

Just as a dog will sniff any new object or person or animal it encounters in order to get to “know” it, babies put Every Single Thing into their mouths. This is not an urge to eat everything, this is an effort to learn about everything.

Your son has met your pureed organic veggies. The first time you approached him with a spoon he wanted to put it in his mouth. But now he knows those veggies. He does not recognize this new rock or that handful of sand or this fluffy hairball.

As the mom of a toddler who wanted to “get to know” the cigarette butts on the ground at the park, I feel your pain.

Don’t take this personally. He is inquisitive and adventurous… he’ll be fine. Don’t be offended, and do be vigilant. Those rocks are not as friendly as he thinks.

What is the weirdest thing your baby or toddler ever put in his or her mouth? One of mine ate a cigarette butt at the park!