While vaccine side effects have received a lot of attention lately, the risk of your child possibly suffering these symptoms is far outweighed by the benefits of the vaccines. If your child is not vaccinated, she is at risk of contracting diseases that can seriously impair her health. During your child's first two years, she should receive immunizations to protect her from the ten most common infectious and communicable diseases:

diphtheria
whooping cough
tetanus
polio
haemophilus influenza
measle
mumps
rubella
hepatitis B
chicken pox

She also should be vaccinated against the pneumococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious infections in a child’s brain. Your child's pediatrician can explain the major concerns about each of these diseases, and why the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages all parents to provide the maximum protection available against them.

The most common side effects of vaccines you can expect include redness and tenderness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, some irritability, and perhaps, a rash. If any reaction occurs that concerns you, definitely speak with your child's doctor.

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Some bullying is part of normal development. But when the behavior is frequent, you should teach a positive replacement behavior. Several times each day you should have your daughter practice being considerate to others. Teaching her to say "Please" and "Thank you," instead of grabbing things and running away. When you see her bullying, give a negative consequence. (Put her favorite toy in time-out, for example.) Be firm with your daughter without turning into a bully yourself

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Toddlers between the ages of 2 and 5 will initially have trouble playing well with others. Sharing is not usually learned until 3 or 4. Be sure to praise your child when you see him playing nicely. Most children learn play behaviors by imitating other children, especially older siblings. Eventually, your child will begin to share certain objects and learn to cooperate during playtime.

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