tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20883415203624734672024-02-18T18:38:40.235-08:00International parents in BergenThe first few months after a new baby’s arrival bring exciting changes, some challenges, and plenty of learning opportunities. Join in on groups for parents and their babies and children, to find the support, information, networking and fun that new families need.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-35639097667590671652012-05-07T02:31:00.003-07:002012-05-07T02:31:59.343-07:00Play GroupPlay group has been happening for a few months now. There is a group of active 1-2 year olds who seem to be really enjoying the singing and dancing and starting to remember actions from week to week, while the smaller babies look on enthralled and amused.<br />
It seems like a few parents are getting quite a work out each week from joining in on actions too:-)<br />
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Play group will continue throughout May, but after that the youth hostel will be needing that room. If people are going to be around in summer, and would like a regular meet up to continue, we can start to think about and discuss different options.<br />
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Feel free to comment here or on facebook if you have been coming to play group and what you like about it.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-41172250879149904652012-01-24T09:20:00.000-08:002012-01-24T09:20:18.307-08:00Play group!From Tuesday 31st January you can come along to play group at the YMCA youth hostel in Nedre Korskirkeallmeningen, next to the cafe called Pygmalion.<br />
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You can come between 10am and 2pm. Bring along a toy you don't mind sharing, some lunch if you want to eat while at play group, and your dancing shoes (or at least your children's dancing shoes:-)<br />
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It will cost between 30 and 50kr, depending on how many come.<br />
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Send me an email if you've got any question.<br />
Hope to see you there!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-69194906548902350682011-12-28T08:22:00.000-08:002011-12-28T08:22:22.370-08:00New parent groupsIf you have a baby between the ages of 2 and 6 months, and would like to meet other international people as well as learn about parenting, then get in contact (parentsinbergen@hotmail.com).<br />
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New groups will be starting in the new year.<br />
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If you know of anyone who has, or is about to have a baby, then please pass on this information to them.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-16103910255266994012011-08-31T02:48:00.000-07:002011-08-31T02:48:23.115-07:00Kids Music!<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;">Hi!</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;"><br style="text-indent: 0px !important;" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;">It has taken a long time, but atlast I have been able to secure a room in the Fana Kulturhus for Kids Music. So if you have a child between the ages of 6 months and 6 years who likes music, singing and dancing, then come along to Kids Music on Thursday evenings from 17.00-17.30.</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;"><br style="text-indent: 0px !important;" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;">Fana Kulturhus is at the end of the Nesttun main street, so if you take the bybane to Nesttun, you simply walk up passed all of the shops and you will see it right at the end on your left.</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;"><br style="text-indent: 0px !important;" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;">Depending on how many are interested, I will start from next thursday (8/9) and continue until Thursday 27/10. This will initially be a trial to see how it goes to combine children in such a large age group. If there are enough people to form smaller groups, then I will be able to look into this after a while.</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;"><br style="text-indent: 0px !important;" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;">For the 8 weeks it will cost 1000kr for the first child and 500kr for siblings.</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;"><br style="text-indent: 0px !important;" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;">Please forward this on to anyone else you know who might be interested.</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;"><br style="text-indent: 0px !important;" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;">For those of you who have babies under 6 months, if you would like to come along to a parenting group, send me an email, and I will start a group that suits.</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;"><br style="text-indent: 0px !important;" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;">So send me an email expressing your interest, and I will keep you up to date with what is happening over the next week:-)</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;"><br style="text-indent: 0px !important;" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0px !important;">Looking forward to meeting you and having fun with you and your kids!</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-9522669538685011212011-05-18T01:09:00.000-07:002011-05-18T05:59:54.002-07:00Kids music throughout summerKids music groups will be continuing throughout the summer. Every wednesday we can get together from 11am-1pm for some singing and dancing fun, and then a chat and coffee/tea afterwards.<br />
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I will be running them from my house in Nesttun, so if you are interested in coming, send me an <a href="mailto:melanieeigestad@hotmail.com">email</a>, and I will send you more details!<br />
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For those of you who are working and have children in barnehage during the week, Sunday groups may be starting soon. So express your interest for this now, and I will keep you posted:-)Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-33795779365043918092010-11-19T13:48:00.000-08:002010-11-19T13:48:27.461-08:00Baby Sing-a-SongCome along and get to know other parents in Bergen while singing, dancing and making music with your baby.<br />
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Early, positive, and age-appropriate experiences with music can have a remarkable and research-proven impact on your child's:<br />
<ul><li>language and literacy skills</li>
<li>social and emotional development</li>
<li>mathematics and pattern-recognition skills</li>
<li>ability to plan, guide and self-regulate their behaviour</li>
</ul>Do you have a baby between the ages of 4 and 18 months and would like to have fun while knowing that you are helping your child's development?<br />
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Contact me for more information and to sign up:<br />
<a href="mailto:melanieeigestad@hotmail.com">melanieeigestad@hotmail.com</a> or tel: 99 32 99 39Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-69192588048915901022010-11-16T04:15:00.000-08:002010-11-16T04:15:38.965-08:00Music and Craft groupsIn the new music and craft groups, lap and floor babies, and almost-and-new walkers are delighted with bounces and dances, songs, rhymes and music from many genres. Clean, baby-safe instruments and creative props offer hands-on explorations each week, with music lists to continue the fun and learning at home.<br />
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Along with music and rhyme time, there will be time to talk with other parents as well as discussing any topics around child development etc. together as a group.<br />
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These groups will run each week for an hour at a time and will start in January. They are suitable for babies aged around 4-18 months and can be adapted for older children with enough interest.<br />
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Interested? Send <a href="mailto:melanieeigestad@hotmail.com">me</a> an email for more information.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-91709252181593119132010-11-06T05:19:00.000-07:002010-11-06T05:19:07.574-07:00Pump talkDo you want to know more about expressing and storing your breast milk, as well as introducing your baby to the bottle?<br />
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Isis Parenting have started offering live 'webinars' and on November 18th, you can log on to learn more about expressing...<br />
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Led by an experienced Board Certified Lactation Consultant, this interactive live webinar covers all the FAQs expecting and new moms want to know about pumping, introducing a bottle or returning to work.<br />
Topics covered include:<br />
<ul><li>Establishing and maintaining a full milk supply</li>
<li>Introducing a bottle</li>
<li>Breastpump options and accessories</li>
<li>Tips and techniques for milk expression </li>
<li>Safe storage of breastmilk</li>
<li>Combining working and nursing</li>
</ul> All expectant and new mothers are welcome to pre-register for this FREE webinar and will have the opportunity to submit questions during the class.<br />
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Register <a href="http://isismaternity.web3.hubspot.com/isis-parenting-pump-talk-webinar-registration/">here</a> now!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-65158253737547157852010-10-28T07:30:00.000-07:002010-10-28T07:30:50.266-07:00Playgroup (Åpen Barnehage)Have you heard of playgroups in your home country?<br />
Playgroup is an informal session where mums, dads, grand parents, caregivers, children and babies meet together in a relaxed environment.<br />
Playgroups are set up and run by parents and caregivers, with children choosing from a range of activities set up to meet their varying needs. Activities at playgroup are either free or low cost, and may include:<br />
<ul><li>Music and singing</li>
<li>Imaginative play</li>
<li>Outdoor and free play</li>
<li>Art and craft activities</li>
<li>Outings.</li>
</ul>Playgroup can be held anywhere that is safe for children and where groups of people can meet - community and neighbourhood centres, health clinics, women's centres, preschools and kindergartens, church halls and even in someone's house.<br />
In a playgroup, parents and caregivers stay to interact with the other adults; and to play with the children. <br />
No child is too young for playgroup. All children from 0-5 years, including babies, love new experiences and benefit from developing sensory, social and communication skills through activities at playgroup.<br />
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In Norway, playgroup is called Åpen barnehage. Most of them are held in church halls. They are usually free, or you pay a small amount (20-30kr) for included lunch or activities etc.<br />
They are a great place to go to meet other parents, or as a child friendly place to go as a group.<br />
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<a href="https://www.bergen.kommune.no/aktuell/tema/bergensbarnehagen/336?artSectionId=336&articleId=48428">Here</a> is a link to most of the åpen barnehages in and around Bergen.<br />
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If you're feeling like it's time to get out with your baby, why not try your local åpen barnehage?Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-53589187617315751342010-10-03T13:18:00.000-07:002010-10-04T02:18:14.989-07:00Ways of introducing solids<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span title="">The English nurse Gill Rapley (<a href="http://www.rapleyweaning.com/">www.rapleyweaning.com</a>) has written a book about baby led weaning. </span><span title="">The principles of baby led weaning are that the child controls the extent to which they eat solid foods, and the pace at which this takes place. </span><span title="">The child is offered solid food in a safe manner and then controls what they put in their mouth and how much they eat.<br />
</span><span title=""></span><span title="">Breastfeeding is the ideal preparation for baby led weaning. </span><span title="">Babies who are breast-fed are self-regulated, they eat at their own pace - yes, it's actually impossible to force them to do anything else! </span><span title="">They balance their intake of food and fluid by choosing how long they feed at the breast with each 'meal'. </span><span title="">And because breast milk changes it's taste according to what the mother eats, the baby acquires different tastes. This does not, however, mean that this method can't be used on bottle-fed babies</span><span title="">.</span></span><br />
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<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span title="">Could this be something worth looking into for your baby? </span></span><br />
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<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span title=""><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/why-baby-knows-best-when-it-comes-to-food-428164.html">Here</a></span></span><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span title=""> is a good article with more information about baby led weaning...exciting stuff! </span></span><br />
<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span title="">And <a href="http://www.iwantmymum.com/site/articles/baby-led-weaning-guidelines-and-info/55">here</a> are some guidelines of how to get started, as well as a good website with lots of other useful information. </span></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-39842059014393579842010-09-29T02:03:00.000-07:002010-10-01T14:32:31.808-07:00Fun in BergenLooking for something fun to do in Bergen with your baby?<br />
Den Nasjonale Scenen (the national venue of theatre in Bergen) has a show on at the moment for children aged 0-3...<br />
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<a href="http://www.dns.no/prog.asp?id=185">http://www.dns.no/prog.asp?id=185</a>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-9569085251483028732010-09-10T01:35:00.000-07:002010-10-01T14:33:38.509-07:00Wonder weeksAre there certain weeks your baby seems out of sorts and different to how he/she normally is. Then suddenly after about a week, everything seems to return to normal. Your baby might have just been through a wonder week.<br />
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Research has found that babies seem to have certain weeks that they go through mental development. Knowing a bit more about them may make it easier for you to prepare and relieved in knowing that your baby is just developing a new skill or a new way of thinking and will come out of this week knowing more!<br />
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Check it out at: <a href="http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=122&id=2312">Wonder weeks</a><br />
and:<a href="http://www.thewonderweeks.com/"> www.thewonderweeks.com</a>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-19879303670256054432010-09-09T05:25:00.000-07:002010-10-01T14:35:02.774-07:00Week 3...Settling, Crying and Sleep!!!Never is sleep more of a focus, than when you have a baby/young child...especially if you aren't getting enough!<br />
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It is very important to have realistic expectations about your baby and their development. Here is a good article about sleep in early childhood and how to deal with any challenges...<br />
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<a href="http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=122&id=1484">Sleep in early childhood</a><br />
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Babies love routine, so creating a bedtime routine from a young age is usually a very good way of settling babies and letting them know what is going to happen next. That way they start to feel secure in knowing what is coming.<br />
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How is your baby sleeping? Have you created a settling routine? Help is available should you need it, feel free to contact me for any advice or help.<br />
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Sweet dreams!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-38923342859312925982010-09-06T01:48:00.000-07:002010-10-01T14:36:07.118-07:00Week 2Last week we started the new parenting group with discussions on attachment and the importance of the bond between you and you baby.<br />
If you would like to read a bit more about it, you can get a good start <a href="http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=99&id=1931">here</a>, but the internet is full of info on attachment and attachment theory if you really get into it!<br />
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This week, in our second week of meeting together, we are looking at communication and touch. Baby massage is a fantastic way of combining these two, and we will be having a practice at this. For those of you who would like a bit of a guide, this is a good video...but remeber there are many ways of massaging correctly, so don't get too hung up on exactly how you are doing it, focus more on the lovely, relaxing, calming time you are having with your baby and the effect this has on your baby.<br />
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<a href="http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-massage-your-baby-for-health-and-happiness">Massaging your baby for health and happiness</a><br />
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Enjoy your baby!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-77101460593922010752010-09-01T05:25:00.000-07:002010-10-01T14:37:06.875-07:00Helping children become independentHere's a good article for all you frustrated parents out there.<br />
A reminder that a child at any age always benefits from your cuddles<br />
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<a href="http://theattachedfamily.com/membersonly/?p=2586">http://theattachedfamily.com/membersonly/?p=2586</a>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088341520362473467.post-91333630028815379742010-08-31T07:12:00.000-07:002010-10-01T14:38:05.082-07:00New Parent GroupHave you just had a baby and live in or around Bergen? Would you like to meet other new parents from other countries who also live here?<br />
I am an Australian community child health nurse (helsesøster) currently running parenting groups in English.<br />
Every week for 5 weeks we meet and discuss different topics around parenting and child rearing as well as getting to know other international new parents in the same situation.<br />
Hopefully after the five weeks, you will want to go on meeting these people regularly and they will become an important part of you support network here in Bergen, Norway.<br />
If you would like to know more, contact me at melanieeigestad@hotmail.comMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054034568920066490noreply@blogger.com