Why Isn't 20-month-old Talking Yet?

Is your 20-month-old not Talking Yet?
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, at 1 to 2 years of age, children should:

    * Say more words every month.
    * Use some one- or two- word questions ("Where kitty?" "Go bye-bye?" "What's that?").
    * Put two words together ("more cookie," "no juice," "mommy book").
    * Use many different consonant sounds at the beginning of words.

They also have a number of things you can do to help your granddaughter improve her speech development now and when she's older.

One of the things they recommend is that you ask open ended questions instead of yes / no questions:

      "For example, rather than asking, 'Do you want milk? Do you want water?', ask, 'Would you like a glass of milk or water?' Be sure to wait for the answer, and reinforce successful communication: 'Thank you for telling mommy what you want. Mommy will get you a glass of milk.' "

This addresses something that I see many parents and other caregivers do. It's so easy with everything we have going on in our lives. We get busy and maybe we're making breakfast in a rush and we just want to get the job done. We don't always leave room for lengthy verbal interactions. We also may not be in the habit of offering choices to our toddlers because they've been so dependent on us to make every decision for them since infancy. (If this sounds like you, start offering choices and you'll see much more than just language development taking place. You'll often see a reduction in behaviors like saying "No" and temper tantrums.)

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Shortcuts To Improve-Your-Appearance

Improving your appearance doesn't need to be a daunting task, nor does it necessarily entail an expensive overhaul of your closet or a grooming makeover. In fact, there are plenty of easy, simple tricks that every guy can use to enhance his appearance. To find out how to make the most of yourself without shelling out tons of cash, read these 10 tips.
 No.1 Throw on a blazer

Improve-Your-Appearance

 There are some pieces of clothing that instantly make you look and feel more classy and confident, and a blazer is one of them. No matter what you're wearing, a blazer will take your ensemble to the next level, even if you're just dashing out to buy beer at the convenience store. What's more, a blazer's structured style means you also appear more dominant, which will score you points at work and in your social life.






No.2 Smile

Improve-Your-Appearance

It's seems so simple, but putting a smile on your face will completely revolutionize how others interact with you. People are naturally drawn to those with positivity, so it's worth it to make an effort in this department. Try playing some fun tunes or listening to your favorite comedian before you leave your house for the day (or night) to enhance your mood.






No.3 Stand up straight

Improve-Your-Appearance

Proper posture improves your appearance in so many ways. Not only does it make you look taller, it also pulls in your belly so that your stomach is more taught and your body seems leaner. Additionally, you come off as more confident when you stand up straight. To correct your posture, imagine a rope running through your body and pulling you up by the top of your head.

 



No.4 Pluck Stray Hairs

Improve-Your-Appearance

Getting rid of unsightly hairs on and around your face is a quick way to enhance your appearance. Women, especially, will appreciate your effort as obvious nose and ear hairs are a major turnoff to them. Also, tweeze unruly eyebrows or eliminate your unibrow if you've got one. For best results with your brows, go to a salon -- spending $10 to $15 here will mean you'll always look sharp rather than goofy.

No.5 Iron your clothes

Improve-Your-Appearance

It's a shame how many men regularly wear wrinkled clothing. Sure, it takes a couple of hours out of your schedule to properly iron your clothes each week and dress shirts can be particularly tricky, but the payoff is worth it as it will take your appearance from sloppy to polished. To make this chore a little more fun, use the time to simultaneously catch up on your favorite TV show. If you're really bad at ironing or have a time-crunched schedule, cut down on the amount of time you have to spend at the board by sending your shirts to the dry cleaner to get pressed.



No.6 Wear a shirt with a V-neck

Improve-Your-Appearance

The chief way that a V-neck shirt can improve your appearance is by shifting others' gaze away from the lower half of your body. Because V-necks draw the eye upward, the emphasis is on your face so that you're at your most handsome no matter what your body type. To further increase the flattering effects of your V-neck, try one in a bright shade or in a hue that complements your eyes as pops of color tend to enhance your complexion.



No.7 Use fabric softener

Improve-Your-Appearance

A surprisingly versatile product, Bounce fabric softener sheets not only make your clothes more touchably soft than using detergent alone, it also gives them a long-lasting scent of clean and even help repel unwanted lint and hair from your clothes. Layered here and there between the clothes in your dresser, it's also a smart, easy way to keep your drawers smelling fresh. Other clever places to keep a few sheets include your running shoes, gym bag and even a suitcase when you're traveling.



 No.8 Wear dress shoes

Improve-Your-Appearance

Particularly if your footwear of choice for daytime is sneakers, switching things up and donning dress shoes will really make you stand out. Slipping on some dress shoes will result in a more professional, gentlemanly look, making you more popular both with your boss and the ladies. Bonus points (read: a promotion, more dates) for upping your game and adding dress pants and a button-down once a week.




No.9 Part your hair

Improve-Your-Appearance

Parting your hair signifies a certain level of pride in your appearance and is universally flattering when done correctly. And though it takes only 10 seconds to do, it makes a dramatic difference in your appearance, imparting a clean-cut, well-groomed vibe to your look. Right now, the hottest way to wear your part is with a short, classic cut that's maintained with a trim every four to five weeks. For men who already part their hairstyle, try moving it around a little to see if an alternative can further improve your appearance.

 
No.10 Shine your shoes

Improve-Your-Appearance

Nothing can ruin an otherwise fantastic ensemble faster than a pair of dirty shoes, so once every couple of weeks, take a quick glance at your shoes to determine their scuff factor. If they look anything less than nearly new, it's time to break out your cleaning kit and buff them until they're soft and lustrous-looking once again. For those with a tightly packed schedule, as well as those unmotivated to undertake this maintenance task, dropping your shoes off at cobbler is a great option to keep your shoes in top condition as it doesn't cost much and the end result will be superior to what you can achieve at home.

How Much Privacy Should Dating Teens Have

You know trouble can happen when you leave teens who are dating alone, but you want to trust them a little, right? How much privacy should teens have when they are dating? How much privacy should your teen have when they are at your home with a date? Read what our parenting community has had to say.
Comments 
Our middle and high schools reflect a scary story, nation wide that something is amiss. Our tv reality shows now reflect teen pregnancy as an intertainment show ! Humm , what is wrong with this picture? Obviously, we parents “may” need to rethink how we feel about “Teen Privacy” because something is awful wrong going on.


Teen Dating Should Be Social
I believe teen dating should a social activity. In our house, visiting with friends has always been with doors open. At this age, teens need more practice on social interaction than sexual action. I explained it to my teens that the sexual aspect of any long-tern relationship constitutes a very, very small percentage of what those relationships are made of. It's all the other times and activities that really count to keep two people committed to each other. To that end, if an activity can't be done in public, then it shouldn't be done. Now, that doesn't mean teens shouldn't have some privacy. I offer that privacy by keeping out of hearing distance, out of sight when they are in a public venue, and only asking general questions about their times together.


No Privacy, All in the open
If you allow dating teens privacy, the devil may make them commit sin. So they should be where all eyes will see them always.


I think it's based on trust.
I think it depends on how much you trust your teen to control themselves. Now, I don't believe in leaving them alone for hours and their is no cuddling on the couch, but I feel we can leave my son alone with his girlfriend for a period of time. We are in the house and able to walk in at any time and we do!

How Much Privacy Should Dating Teens Have

None... or close to it!
I don't think teens NEED privacy - or not much! Really the more they get the more they will take advantage of it. A few minutes to say goodbye on the porch, they can play a card game in the kitchen, with people walking in and out, etc. No need for make out sessions on the family room couch.


Close to the Main Part of the Home
I agree with much that has been stated before me. I think semi-private in family areas, but never bedrooms or rooms that are off and away from the general run of the house. Too much alone time can lead to so. much. trouble. (speaking from experience.)


Don't Drive Them Away
I think any room is okay as long as the door stays open. You don't want to drive them to going "parking." That can be too dangerous. One of my friend's daughters was parking with her boyfriend and was robbed at gunpoint. Thankfully, they weren't hurt.

How Much Privacy Should Dating Teens Have

Some, Not a Lot
It's a balance, isn't it? Because I'd rather have them at my house so I can keep an eye on them, but certainly I don't want them in my child's bedroom with the door closed. I think I'd be comfortable leaving them alone in a public space (family room, living room, kitchen, etc) but not a bedroom.


Teens privacy
Ahhh, so much potential trouble! I think we should go back to arranged marriages. Or no dating without chaperones till they're 30. No? Sigh. OK, I've always favored quasi-privacy -- they're hanging out in the family room or the kitchen, I'm a room or two away. Or if I have to go out or be at work, well, pesky little siblings can be very good at de-romanticizing the setting


Stay Out of Their Way, But Don't Go Away
I think it's a balance. You want to give them privacy but not too much. Also you want to get to know your teens date. So let them study or hang out together without you around, but then have everyone sit down together for dinner.


Family Room - Yes, Bedroom - No
I think allowing them some privacy in the living room or family room is appropriate but not for hours at a time.

How Much Privacy Should Dating Teens Have