Gregory's Super Blog

Personal Loans Available for Low Income Borrowers

2010-06-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

For those of us who are having a hard time to meet their basic needs because of their low salary and need financial assistant, there are personal loans called the low-income loan designed specifically for these types of borrowers. Millions of dollars are set aside every year by the government to assist those who makes minimum wage and/or falls under the low-income criteria. This government assistance comes by means of a low interest loan or a grant in which the funds does not need to be repaid. Qualification for a low-income personal loan is dependent on the borrower’s ability to prove their need. Aside from the government, there are other resources such as:

Traditional Low Income Loan

A couple of criteria that would help you qualify for a low income personal loan is either you don’t have a steady and stable job and/or a job that pays the minimum wage. When lenders do offer the loan, they will require that the borrower provide them with a co-borrower or otherwise known as the co-signer who will guarantee the loan for the borrower. This also gives the lender peace of mind that the loan will be repaid. When shopping for a loan from traditional lender, borrowers need to understand that they will pay a higher interest rate as the bank will consider them to be high-risk thus paying higher interest rates.

Obtaining a Loan

What was popular among developing nations and now made its way into developing countries is a form of banking and lending program known as micro financing. Throughout the years, it has evolved into a more popular form of financing for those who qualifies as low-income and growing ever more popular in poor areas of developed countries. Under this loan, borrowers are approved for a few thousand dollars for business start-up or for other immediate matters. Based on the payment history and the relationship with their lender from the first loan, borrowers can ask for an increased amount of the loan if they are proven worthy and capable of repaying the loan.

More foreclosure refinance information at Foreclosure-refinance.net

Saltwater Aquarium Fishkeeping

2010-06-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

Quite simply, a saltwater aquarium is designed to offer saltwater marine life with a familiar and contained environment. As a hobby, saltwater aquariums allow individuals to purchase fish as pets and keep them inside their home. The first saltwater fishkeeping, for personal use, became increasingly popular in the 1950's and was widely enjoyed through the use of glass aquariums that are still famous today.

A saltwater aquarium typically features the tank itself, along with a filter, lighting and an aquarium heater. A saltwater aquarium can be purchased in a variety of different sizes, including small to the very large models. For this reason, prices vary greatly depending on the size and features of the saltwater aquarium.

The features of a saltwater aquarium are very important to the survival of the marine life. As they are used to moving water, filtration is a must. Otherwise, the water would become cloudy and the fish would deteriorate quickly. While lighting is perhaps not as important as a quality filtration unit, it does provide a sense of a routine in a distinction between light and dark. While in the wild, marine life experiences the difference between day and night and will find a similar lighting routine to be similar to their natural habitat.

It is very important that the water in a saltwater aquarium be tested regularly with the use of a test kit. In addition, regular water changes are required of every saltwater aquarium in order to keep the fish’s life clean and safe. Regular tap water, however, will likely feature contamination that may prove harmful to the fish. Chemicals and purifiers used to treat the water is found in most tap waters so, instead, a saltwater aquarium should be filled with distilled water. When changing the water in a saltwater aquarium, the owner must remove up to 20% of the current water and replace it with new saltwater, which is achieved through the use of a saltwater mix.

There are a number of ways to find the perfect fish and a saltwater aquarium to keep it safe. A pet shop is the most likely place to find rare saltwater marine life and provides the biggest selection, while many retail stores offer a freshwater fish selection. When purchasing, it is a good idea to ask if the fish comes with any type of guarantee and/or special car instructions. Saltwater fish are fragile and must be treated according to specific guidelines, which any pet shop owner will detail depending on the fish that you select.

Aquarium Books can be found at Aquariumbooks.org

Creating A Budget For Yourself Can Dramatically Improve Your Severe Debt Issues

2010-05-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

Figuring out a budget is something that too many people have difficulty with and there is definitely no doubt about that. Unfortunately people, including myself, are just not educated enough about finding debt relief by having the ability to properly manage a well balanced budget. Following a strict budget each month or week, however you would want to do it, is no doubt the best way for everyone to improve their debt condition.

This is something that you should all really have already started thinking about because knowing how to manage your money properly and being consistent with it, will drastically pay off down the road. You will finally be able to enjoy your life completely, without all of the worries that come along for anyone who is just totally overloaded with debt over debt over debt.

Your budget will make it possible for you to recognize that you can survive every single month, not just survive though, much better than that, you could potentially have a little bit of extra money each and every month! How fabulous would that be people? You know you want it, you know you are exhausted thinking about your debt, so get up off that couch and stop pitying yourself, try fixing your debt problems instead of forgetting about them!

Allow your budget to work for you, no matter what might come up unexpectedly. If you can do this month after month, I do believe that you are just really going to be shocked by the wonderful results. You will have so much more confidence each day just knowing that you can make it on your own, you are a responsible, mature and highly intelligent individual. Learning about managing your money and following strict budgets at an early age in life sure did pay off for you as an adult, aren't you so proud of yourself!

Most of us do have a great deal in common unfortunately, whenever it comes to spending more money than we can truly afford to spend each month and it is definitely a very serious problem, or could eventually become a serious debt concern of yours. Creating this amazing budget for yourself can dramatically improve your severe debt issues for good, how fantastic does that sound?

Take the time out of your busy and very hectic schedule, sit down, take a deep breath and prepare yourself for this fun and exciting learning experience. You will learn so much about yourself once you have prepared a budget for yourself, to follow each and everyday that passes, that is going to rid you from all your debt. It will definitely be an eye opener for many of you out there that tend to go a little overboard from time to time when you are out shopping around for things.

Debt is your worst enemy so if you can do anything at all to prevent this from occurring with you all throughout your fun life, start at an early age figuring out how you will follow your budget each month and make it work.

Working With Online Bookmakers As An Affiliate Marketer

2010-05-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

Thousands of people each and every day attempt to raid the online bookmakers' pockets, placing bets on a wide variety of sporting events. Unfortunately for the majority of these the percentages back the bookmaker and therefore some will win but some will inevitably lose. It seems like an impossible situation, barring a radically successful betting technique, which is improbable to the point of being impossible, or becoming an online bookmaker yourself, ways in which to beat the system seem slightly limited. However if, rather than trying to fight against the sports betting sites, you decide to take a step back and join them you may well be on the right tracks to turning losses into profits in no time.

Without having to spend a penny or lock horns with the gambling fraternity, an Internet user of any skill can earn money from the sports betting industry. They can do so by joining one of the many affiliate-marketing programs available within the industry. It may sound a little speculative or even downright crazy, but affiliate marketing is actually one of the most successful ways for the common man and the big industries to profit from the Internet.

It works by simply rewarding persons who choose to host advertisements on their site, with a cash reward or a percentage of the profits from each player who clicks on them. Website owners can sign up to these affiliate programs for free and even receive all the advertising and marketing paraphernalia that is required as a part of the bundle. There are no hidden catches or risks involved, all that a sports betting site requires is a small area on the site in which to place an advertisement.

In exchange for this free enterprise advertising opportunity a sports betting affiliate has the potential to tap into one of the most unique online affiliate programs. Rather than offering a small percentage of a sale or an up front fee, the affiliates can choose to earn as a sports betting site earns it's money. To explain, each time a player loses money a sports betting site gains that money. However if that player has joined via the links of one of the many affiliate links on the Internet, that affiliate will receive a percentage of each lost bet. These percentages can range anywhere between 15 and 35%, depending on the level of the affiliate and a number of intricacies within the affiliate program. So each an every time a player bets an affiliate can earn up to 35% of that bet if it is lost.

However as it is gambling, players often win as well as lose, therefore some may question whether they are liable to lose cash should a player go on a rampant winning streak. The answer to this is a simple 'no'. Most affiliate programs offer their members a sort of protection, as they pay at monthly or bi-weekly intervals, they have the opportunity to tot up the overall revenue. This process takes into account all of the wins and the losses encountered by all of the players that each affiliate represents. If this is a minus figure, the affiliate will not be held liable. The sports betting site foots the bill and the affiliate has to simply settle for receiving no money in that period. However the more players playing for an affiliate, the less likely this is to occur. Therefore the onus is on them to bring in more customers, which in turn benefits both them and the sports betting site.

Tips For Successful Parenting

2010-02-05T21:43:00.000-08:00

It’s not the childs fault; Believe it or not, poor parenting is the main cause of bad behaviour in children.

Kids can be frustrating, annoying and down right infuriating at times and yet you’re still expected to love and care for the little ‘angels’ through thick and thin.

They won’t admit it as often parents don’t know any different, but often the problem is due to poor parenting which manifests itself in bad behaviour in the child. This in turn has a negative affect on the home and work life of everyone in the household as strife and conflict dominates the family.

Anne Sprigpitt, owner of Parenting-tips.info says, "Most parents don’t realise it, but their actions have a direct influence on the behaviour of their child whether they are a toddler or a teen. Almost everything a child learns in the first few years of its life is from their parents and it is all stored in the child’s memory for a later date."

"The biggest problems are due to a lack of discipline, boundaries and standards, and most importantly a lack of affection and display of their love for the child. However, these can easily be resolved by applying simple parenting principles and strategies which can have an immediate and dramatic impact on the behaviour of the child."

"In many cases, children who are repeatedly violent and disruptive in school are found to have deeply rooted problems at home, caused by bad parenting. Once this is realised and acknowledged a number of techniques can be implemented and significant improvements are often found in the child’s behaviour in a matter of a few weeks or even days."

Parenting is not easy, but it is not hard either, provided you establish a loving two way relationship with the child, set boundaries and discipline the child appropriately when necessary.

Tips on Choosing a Pediatrician for Your Child

2010-01-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Finding the right pediatrician is not always an easy task.

Many managed-care plans limit your choices. Furthermore, many families will live in several different towns before their children are grown up, making it necessary to choose a new pediatrician more than once.

But once you locate a pediatrician that makes both you and your children feel at ease, you'll know the effort was worth it.

Start by asking friends for names, checking with local hospitals or going to the American Academy of Pediatrics Web site, www.aap.org. If you are moving, ask your current pediatrician for a referral. Look for the letters "FAAP" after the pediatrician's name. This indicates that the pediatrician has passed the American Board of Pediatrics Exam and is now a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The next step is to conduct interviews with several pediatricians. Most pediatricians do not consider it an imposition on their time and do not charge for the visit.

"Interviewing potential pediatricians is absolutely essential to making sure you choose the right one for you and your children," says Dr. Carol Berkowitz, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Interviewing allows parents to get a sense of a pediatrician's accessibility, personality and philosophy of practice."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents ask the following questions.

* Is the pediatrician accepting new patients? Is he or she covered by your insurance or managed-care plan?

* What are the office hours?

* Is emergency coverage available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?

* Is the pediatrician available by phone or e-mail? If so, when?

* Does the practice have an after-hours answering service? Is that service linked to a university or children's hospital?

* Where are patients referred after hours?

* Is there access to pediatric specialists, if needed?

* What hospital does the pediatrician prefer to use?

* How does the office handle billing and insurance claims? Is payment due at the time of the visit?

* If your child has special medical needs, ask about the practice's overall orientation and philosophy about caring for special-needs children. Can it provide the support you need to coordinate medical care for your child?

A family's relationship with its pediatrician can be a lasting and rewarding one. That's why it's worth taking the extra time to find a pediatrician that is a good fit for you and your children. - NU

Tips On Talking To Kids About Not Smoking

2010-01-14T09:26:00.000-08:00

Any time parents spend with their kids can be a good time to talk about not smoking cigarettes-and if it seems hard to find the time, maybe it's a good idea for parents to set a date.

It's important to set up special times to talk to your kids about critical issues like not smoking, says Dr. Michael Popkin, a parenting expert.

Because he knows how hard it can be to get the conversation started, Popkin supports a new initiative, Pledge to Talk, which provides parents with a ready-made opportunity. Talk Early, Talk Often, Lorillard Tobacco Company's Youth Smoking Prevention Program, offers free movie vouchers to parents who Pledge To Talk to their kids about not smoking.

"The movie vouchers aren't just a reward; they will help set the stage for an intimate conversation between a parent and a child," says Popkin. "Any chance you have to bring up the no-smoking message is a good one, even on your way to and from the theater. Parents who Pledge to Talk at KeepKidsFrom Smoking.com will get movie vouchers that can be redeemed at the box office for free admission."

Each parent will receive a voucher good for one adult and one child admission while supplies last. Those interested should log on early since quantities are limited.

Those who Pledge to Talk will receive the movie vouchers as well as a special tip sheet with helpful conversation starters.

"Parents often ask me what moment is best for talking to kids about not smoking," said Dr. Popkin. "Although there are certainly things they can do (and avoid) to make talks more effective, any time is a good time to talk. Talks can happen on the way to school or a movie. They can happen at mealtime or bedtime. The important thing is that they happen-at an early age and often enough for the message to stick."

Tips To Help Keep Children Safe From Internet Dangers

2010-01-12T01:35:00.001-08:00

Parents don't have to be computer experts to keep their children safe online.

According to the University of New Hampshire's Crimes Against Children Research Center, the first step is to realize that one out of every five youths who use the Internet receives an online sexual approach of solicitation during a one-year period.

Even scarier, in 15 percent of such cases, the solicitor attempts to meet the child in person. And, only 25 percent of those children who encounter a sexual solicitation tell a parent.

Worse yet, if asked, more than 29 percent of Internet-using children will freely give out their home address, e-mail address and other personal information online.

The Internet Keep Safe Coalition and the GEICO Educational Foundation have teamed up with the University of New Hampshire's Crimes Against Children Research Center to let parents know how to help keep children safe online:

1. Keep the computer in a common room in the house and position the monitor so it's available for public viewing.

2. Establish rules for using the Internet and teach your child important safety guidelines.

3. Use blocking software or filtering programs, but don't rely on them as your only line of defense.

4. Predators often use chat rooms to contact children. Teach children that people online are not always who they say they are.

5. Frequently check your computer's Internet history to see what sites your child is visiting.

6. Monitor your child's e-mail account. Let him or her know you're checking it and why. Talk with your child about potential online dangers.

7. Spend time with your children when they're online. Have them show you their favorite sites.

8. If you see anything suspicious or think that your child may be a victim of Internet exploitation, contact your local FBI office or law enforcement agency.

9. Tell your children to protect their personal information. Children should never give their real name, address, phone number, the name of their school or a picture of themselves to anyone they meet online. Never let your child meet in person with anyone they've met on the Internet.

10. Teach children to tell a parent, teacher or trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable about anything they've seen online.

Tips to Help Kids Concentrate in Class

2010-01-10T00:28:00.001-08:00

All of us want our children to succeed in school. But for many kids and teens, concentration in this always-pressured, starved-for-time era can be difficult. Here are some tips for helping your son or daughter improve concentration and do better in the classroom:

* Take time for breakfast. Children who have breakfast and enough to eat during the rest of the day will be better able to concentrate in school, according to Head Start, the national child development program run by the Department of Health and Human Services.

* Introduce them to music. Playing instruments has shown to increase focus and concentration in other areas.

* Provide a supplement. One product is Focus, from the "Spray" line of sublingual sprays. Developed by doctors, Focus is a combination of homeopathic remedies that can improve concentration, support memory and help overcome apathy. It acts gently, causes no side effects and meets all FDA guidelines for good manufacturing practices.

Seventeen-year-old Bianca attributes her first-ever "100" on an algebra exam to Focus. "It worked so well at improving my concentration while studying and taking tests, my algebra grade went from D to B," she says. "My mom is very excited about my improvements, and my 16-year-old sister is now using the spray, too."

* Send them to bed on time. Studies show that children and most teenagers concentrate best after about nine hours of sleep.

* Give them space. Your kids will be better able to concentrate on homework if they have a clear, uncluttered workspace. And turn off the TV; they won't learn if they're squeezing their homework in during commercials.

* Get them organized. The National PTA suggests helping older students organize their assignments by recording them on calendars or planners, along with due dates and dates turned in.

* Discourage "cramming." It increases anxiety and interferes with clear thinking, according to the Department of Education. Kids do better on tests if they spread out studying over several days or weeks and can relate the information to what they already know.

Tips to Help Your Child Cope With Stress

2010-01-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

You think you're stressed?

Understanding newfangled math concepts and learning unfamiliar vocabulary words are just part of your child's day. With the rest of the day devoted to juggling homework, extracurricular activities, friends and chores, it's clear that you may not be the only one who is stressed in your household.

Stress is a natural part of a child's life. However, when it becomes overwhelming, it can become more than just mentally draining. It can be harmful to your child's health.

To help your child cope with stress, CyberWize.com, maker of Vital StressX, a supplement designed to help your body cope with stress, offers the following tips.

* Help a younger child understand a stressful situation by explaining what is going on in simple, reassuring language. Offer understanding, support and lots of affection.

* Don't push your child too hard. Offer praise and encouragement as often as you can.

* Help your child find healthy ways to relieve stress by taking part in physical activities or writing in a journal, for example.

* Set a good example by demonstrating self-control and coping skills. Encourage cooperation rather than competition.

* When efforts at home fail, seek outside help from a pediatrician or a child psychologist.

* Ask the doctor about supplements that might help your child cope with stress. Vital StressX, for example, contains a unique combination of seven of the most researched "adaptogens." This combination of herbs regulates cortisol, the "stress hormone," and helps the body's natural defenses fight against the results of poor diet, lack of sleep, pollutants and other elements that can contribute to stress.

"Vital StressX facilitates focus and concentration, reducing stress and promoting success," said Dr. Robert D'Amico, a specialist in osteopathic medicine in Tarpon Springs, Fla.

Tips to Help Your Child Stay Healthy and Fit

2010-01-07T21:58:00.001-08:00

American kids are making headlines. But, the news isn't something to cheer about. Turns out they are becoming more overweight than ever before.

Today, about 16 percent of children ages 6 to 19 are overweight, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and the number is steadily increasing.

The dangers of being overweight in childhood are the same as in adulthood: heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, the precursors to type 2 diabetes and even some forms of cancer.

Experts say children need at least one hour of physical activity each day. Is your child this active?

Parents play a big role in shaping children's eating and physical activity habits. Helping your child maintain a healthy weight requires a long-term commitment with modifications the entire family should embrace.

Here are a few suggestions from the experts at NIDDK.

* Set a good example. Plan family activities, like hiking, biking, dancing or basketball. Include children in active chores like walking the dog, washing the car or mowing the lawn.

* Don't forget the fun factor. It is likely that younger kids will respond better to exercise if it doesn't feel like exercise. Try climbing a jungle gym, throwing a Frisbee or playing chase. For older children, encourage physical education classes or urge them to do activities that they like and will do every day.

* Cut down on screen time. Television viewing and other screen usage can hold your child's interest for hours, which may discourage physical activity and increase calorie consumption. Reduce your child's screen time by encouraging other behaviors such as playing outdoors or moving around during commercials. A few minutes of physical activity at a time can certainly add up.

Taking a pledge as a family to live a fit and healthy lifestyle is one of the best gifts you can provide your child.

Tips to Help Your Kids Celebrate Reading

2010-01-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

It's been proven that children who read achieve. They boast higher test scores and recognize letters and numbers more often than their peers who read less often. But getting children to crack open a book sometimes can be the tricky part for parents and teachers.

Nine years ago, the National Education Association launched the "Read Across America" program to encourage, excite and energize children to do just that.

Originally created as a one-day event to celebrate the joy of reading on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss, NEA's Read Across America has grown into a nationwide initiative that promotes reading every day with more than 45 million participating annually.

"As teachers and parents, we know that kids who read - and are read to - do better in school and in life," said NEA President Reg Weaver.

NEA, the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million teachers and education support professionals, offers the following tips for parents on how they can promote reading year-round:

* Provide encouragement. Parents play a crucial role in their children's education. Children who report that their parents encourage them to read are more likely to read a higher volume of books than those who say that their parents leave it up to them.

* Have books available to your children. Access to books is fundamental to reading success. Increasing access to print material is the most successful way to improve the reading achievement of low-income children.

* Make it fun. Children who read frequently are better readers and better students. Studies and research show that students who read for fun have better reading scores.

"NEA's Read Across America provides a unique opportunity to encourage parent and child interaction to foster literacy on a large scale," Weaver said. "We remind parents, teachers, children and the community that reading is indeed fun because you're never too old, too wacky, too wild to pick up a book and read with a child."

Tips to Help Your Kids Succeed in School All Year

2010-01-06T01:35:00.000-08:00

Research shows that parental involvement in schools improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism and restores confidence among parents in their children's education.

"Children need parents who have an interest in what's going on in the classroom," said Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association. "Parents must do everything they can to get their children fully engaged at school, reinforce their learning at home and develop a strong relationship with their teachers."

NEA, the nation's largest educators organization, offers the following tips for parents on how they can ensure a successful educational experience for their children:

* Go to parent-teacher conferences. If the school doesn't have them, set aside a time to meet with your children's teachers. Ask how your children are doing and review their work. Let the teachers know how and when it is best to reach you. Finally, ask how you can support your children's learning at home.

* Visit the classrooms. Getting a firsthand look at what is going on in your children's classrooms will help you stay informed about what they are learning at school.

* Join the PTA or other parent group. Go to school events, such as back-to-school night. As a group, parents can help schools reach their goals.

* Pay attention to what your children are learning at school. Be aware of what they need to know to meet the standards set for their grade level.

* Contact the school if you have any concerns.

Parental involvement also means reading to your children, checking homework every night, limiting television viewing on school nights or simply asking your children about their school day.

"Whatever your level of involvement, do it consistently and regularly because it will make an important difference in your children's lives," Weaver said.

Tips To Keep Your Children Safer

2010-01-05T20:49:00.001-08:00

Nearly 800,000 children are reported missing each year in the United States. If you're a parent or guardian, the realization that your child could go missing may be your biggest fear. With summer vacation in full swing, and thousands of children out enjoying the weather, families need to take extra precautions to keep their children safer.

Here are some quick and easy tips from Knowing the Rules... Summer Safety Tips for Parents and Guardians by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to help increase the safety of children in your community:

• Be sure to go over the rules with your children about whose homes they can visit when you're not there and discuss the boundaries of where they can and can't go in the neighborhood.

• Make sure children know their full names, address, and telephone numbers and how to use the telephone. Be sure they know what to do in case of an emergency and how to reach you using cellular or pager numbers. Children should have a neighbor or trusted adult they can call if they're scared or there's an emergency.

• Teach your children in whose car they may ride. Children should be cautioned never to approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or other trusted adult.

• Make sure your children know to stay away from pools, canals or other bodies of water without adult supervision.

• Since daylight lasts longer during the summer months, be sure your children know their curfew and to check in with you if they are going to be late. If you allow your children to play outside after dark, make sure they have reflective clothing on and stay close to home.

• Choose babysitters with care. Obtain references from family, friends and neighbors. Many states now have registries for public access to check criminal history or sex-offender status. Observe the babysitter's interaction with your children and ask your children how they feel about the babysitter.

• Check out camps and other summer programs before enrolling your children. See if a background screening check is completed on the individuals working with the children. Make sure there will be adult supervision of your children at all times, and make sure you are made aware of all activities and field trips offered by the camp or program.

• Always listen to your children and keep the lines of communication open. Your children are your best source for determining if everything is okay. Teach your children to get out of dangerous or uncomfortable situations right away and practice basic safety skills with them. Make sure they know they can tell you about anything that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.

Following these tips can help ensure your children enjoy a safer summer. However, the most important step you can take to help prevent abduction is to make safety a priority for the entire family. A great resource to help parents and guardians talk openly with their children about staying safer is StreetSentz.

StreetSentz (www.StreetSentz. com) is an online resource for child safety information and education. On this site you will find tips, news, articles and community resources to help keep children safer from abduction, violence and exploitation. Families can request a free Child ID Kit. In the event that your child goes missing, it is important to provide law enforcement with an up-to-date photo and other pertinent information about your child right away.

Additionally, families can sign up for Wireless AMBER Alerts on their mobile phone. The Wireless Foundation introduced this industrywide public service program in May 2005, enabling nearly all of the more than 200 million wireless phone users in the United States to opt in to receive free geographically specific AMBER Alerts as text messages on their wireless phones when an AMBER Alert has been issued for an abducted child in their area.

Tips to Relieve Your Child's ADHD Symptoms

2010-01-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

When you think of your child having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, do you automatically think of a lifetime of your child popping pills?

Medication isn't always the answer to treating ADHD, a neurobehavioral disorder that causes problems with attention, impulsivity and overactivity, according to the National Resource Center on AD/HD. In fact, experts say that using medication to treat the chronic disorder that affects between 3 percent and 7 percent of school-age children is not necessary in all cases.

However, what is necessary - whether your child is on medication or not - is using other elements to control the effects of ADHD. The following tips can help your child become more successful in aspects of life, such as school and peer relationships, that are impaired by the condition:

* Create a daily schedule. Since organization is often a problem for children with ADHD, the National Institute of Mental Health recommends keeping your child on a routine. Post the schedule in your child's room or other area in the house and try to make schedule changes far in advance.

* Provide a supplement. Some experts recommend ADHD sufferers take a supplement specifically designed to help relieve symptoms of the disorder, such as Focus from "The Spray" line of sublingual sprays, which is made with natural ingredients.

Clinical studies show that Focus is effective in reducing lapses in attention, poor concentration and the tendency to be easily distracted. This spray was developed by doctors and meets all Food and Drug Administration guidelines for good manufacturing practices.
* Help break down large assignments. Break projects or big tasks into smaller steps. This will make the assignments more manageable for your child.

* Encourage peer activities. To help your child alleviate pent-up hyperactivity and develop social skills, get your child involved in extracurricular activities, such as sports.

Tired Of The Mess? Tips To Keep Your Child's Room Neat

2010-01-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

Wanting your child to be organized and stay safe is an innate desire for parents. But sometimes, your kids don’t see it that way. All your kids want to do is play, play and play some more! If you’re having a hard time keeping your child’s room clean and organized, read on for some tips to help you achieve your goal.

Make the room efficient. Make use of small drawers and cabinets where you can put your child’s belongings. Utilize anything that fits the design or budget. The easier it to access, the better chance that it will be used.

For toddlers, hanging their clothes on small hangers on a low hung rod can help them choose their outfit and help them to feel like they are making their own decisions. These feelings help them to start to “like” how things work, and as they grow they will “like” having their clothes hung.

Organizing a baby’s room is mostly for the benefit of the parent. Grouping the essential things you need in one area will help you find things quicker and make the job of caring for your baby much easier and safer. For example, put all the items you need for changing your baby on or near your changing table. You never want to leave your baby on the table to move across the room to pick up something that’s out of place, and having to pick him up to do that is quite a pain as well. Likewise, arrange baby’s bath basics together including towels and washcloths. Keep them within easy reach when you are bathing your baby. After all, you cannot leave your baby in her tub while you look for the baby shampoo.

Place shelves at reaching height for your child in his or her room. Shelves can be used to put toys on and when your child wants to play, she can easily reach them without having to drag out all the other toys.

Place a limit on the toys that are used at one time. Teach your child to play with one toy at a time. Then before she can play with another toy, she must put the first one away. If it’s on a shelf that’s at a level where she can easily access it, this job should be an easy one, she just may have to be reminded that the first toy has to be put back before the second one can be taken out.

Make organizing and keeping the room clean fun. Make using special containers for toys with small pieces a fun part of playing with that toy. For example, use an old shoebox as a toy car garage. Another example of making organization fun would be to place a basketball hoop on top of your little boy’s laundry hamper. He’ll be able to practice some basketball moves every time he changes his clothes.

Teach your child how to clean his room. Ask your child to join you when you are cleaning his room. Point out that there is a place for everything and keeping the room clean is as easy as putting every item back in it’s place. As long as you don’t let the room get too out of hand, cleaning will be easy. Eventually, you can transition to sitting on the bed and telling your child what needs to be done. Then later, he will know what to do without you being there.

Keeping a child’s room clean can truly be a daunting task, but cleaning as you go and keeping organized makes it a lot easier. Follow the tips above and start to get in a habit, it takes practice and some time before you see results but it’s well worth the effort.

Toddler Skills for Personal Responsibility

2010-01-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

There are three skills that are very important for our little ones to learn early in their lives.

1) Children need to be able to fall asleep on their own. Infants and toddlers who are always rocked to sleep, or breastfed or bottle fed to sleep, learn to depend upon others for falling asleep and do not develop their own falling asleep mechanism. This can cause much distress for parents who go through the nightly nightmare of trying to get their infant or toddler to sleep. Instead of always picking up and rocking a crying little one, which only reinforces the child’s dependency on you putting him or her to sleep, try patting the child and then leaving for a few minutes. If you keep coming in, patting your child and reassuring him or her that you are here, eventually your child will stop depending upon you to rock, hold or feed him or her to sleep.

2) Children need to learn very young to play by themselves and amuse themselves. It is not healthy for children to be constantly dependent upon others, or upon the TV, to amuse them. I work with many adults who never learned to “play by themselves.” These adults feel lost when they are alone, having no idea what to do with themselves. Instead of turning to creative or learning opportunities, they may participate in addictions such as eating, drinking, drugs, TV, work, spending, and so on. When children learn to play by themselves at a young age, they tend to be more self-sufficient and creative as adult.

3) Children need to learn how to self-nurture. This means that they need to learn how to take some responsibility for their own feelings. Infants often self-soothe with their blanket, thumb, or pacifier. But as they grow older, they need to learn other ways of self-nurturing because they will not be taking their blanket or pacifier to school.

Even children as young as 2 1/2 years old can learn to attend to their own feelings. You can help your young children start to take responsibility for their feelings by giving them a doll or stuffed animal that represents their emotions. You can tell them that the doll or stuffed animal is the baby inside them that has a lot of different emotions. When they are feeling sad or angry, they can learn to talk to the baby inside and find out what that baby needs from them or from you. As they get older, they can learn to connect their thoughts with their feelings. They can learn that if they judge themselves by telling themselves that they are bad or stupid or ugly, they will feel very badly.

It is vitally important for all of us to connect our thoughts with our feelings. Most of us grew up believing that others caused all our good and painful feelings. If someone yelled at us or told us we were bad or stupid or ugly, we certainly felt badly, and if someone approved of us, we felt good. So we learned to believe that all our feelings are being caused by others. It is important for children to learn that their feelings are also affected by what they tell themselves and how they treat themselves. For example, if an older brother tells his younger brother that he is stupid, the younger child might start to tell himself he is stupid, without realizing that he is causing himself to feel very badly. By talking with his “baby”, he might realize he is treating himself in a way that is hurting him.
He also might also be able to understand that his brother is not telling him the truth. The way he can learn to realize this is by learning to access his “Source of Love and Truth.”

Small children can easily learn to open to a powerful Source of Love and Truth. You can ask them to imagine a wonderful friend, a guardian angel, or a fairy godmother. It is very easy for most children to imagine a wonderful being who is here to love them and guide them. They can be encouraged to ask questions of this loving being, such as “Is it true that I am stupid?” They can learn to bring through true and loving statements to themselves when they open to learning with their spiritual Guidance.

These skills, learned early in life, will do much to foster personal responsibility in our children.

Toddlers Who Stutter

2010-01-03T21:52:00.000-08:00

Some parents have the shock of hearing their young child start to stutter as a toddler. I am somebody who runs a speech centre in Birmingham, England, I now help people to achieve fluency.

I met a lady who was thirty and her little boy aged four had been stuttering for quite a while. She had taken him to speech therapy and was extremely anxious as to why he was stuttering. It had possibly started because the toddlers father had quite a severe stutter, the boy may of picked up the bad habits this way.

Many other people contact me asking why their toddler has developed a stutter and asking what forms of stuttering treatments are available.

I always suggest that they keep as patient as they can and try to play games, speech games with their child. They can challenge the child to say the word fluently, they show their child how it should be said and then bet them that they can't do it themselves. When they do manage to say that particular word fluently they then heap lots of praise onto the child, telling them how clever they are and how proud mommy and daddy are of them. I even advise giving them an award like a small chocolate bar.

If instead of being patient parents or relatives are aggressive, saying things like: "Get your words boy" "Spit it out!" These types of comments can have a very negative effect and make that child withdraw into their shell. This may to some people seem very obvious to say, however you would not believe the amount of people who have told me this is what they were told as an infant.

I hope you found this article interesting and beneficial, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at info@stammering-stuttering.co.uk

Stephen Hi

Top 10 Ways To Prevent Obesity In Kids

2010-01-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

I’m sure you’ve seen the dire reports about childhood obesity becoming rampant in America. It’s a scary thing and not an experience any of us wish upon our children. Preventing obesity can be easy and empowering for children. Give them control over their bodies. Teach them to tune in to their real needs and to treat themselves with love and respect.

1) Allow children to be in charge of which foods they eat.

2) Make all foods equal and teach kids to check in with their bodies and choose foods based on what their bodies are asking for.

3) Encourage them to know when they are full and to stop eating at that point.

4) Let them eat according to their own hunger patterns rather than according to external schedules.

5) De-emphasize body shape and weight. Encourage kids to love and accept their bodies unconditionally.

6) Help them find fun ways to move and play so they get plenty of enjoyable exercise every day.

7) Love them unconditionally and don’t make derogatory comments about their looks or weight.

8) Be sure they never get started on the damaging cycle of dieting and bingeing.

9) Let food just be fuel for the body. Don’t turn it into a reward or save certain things to be special treats.

10) Teach them to honor other people and not tease or make fun of others who are fat.

Adults who want to lose weight through intuitive eating are encouraged to eat like a two year-old child. The most effective thing we can do to prevent childhood obesity is help children stay in touch with their bodies and honor its needs.

Tracking Children

2010-01-02T00:18:00.001-08:00

With today technology, it is enable parents to know exactly where their children are. GPS technology offers an exciting new means by which parents can ascertain their children's whereabouts at all times.

A deep seated concern for children is instinctive. It's the reason so many parents have spent late evenings pacing the floor waiting for a teenager to return home. And the cause of lingering concerns when a child is away.

The concerns also make a great deal of practical sense. Children are too often victimized in today's society, so the ability to check on a child's whereabouts at all times can be a great asset. And children, knowing that their whereabouts are being tracked, encourages them to behave properly.

GPS technologies offer a great means by which parents can determine where their children are at any given moment. Tracking via GPS makes the old question "Do you know where your children are?" easily answerable, rather then just being rhetorical. GPS systems were developed by the government for intelligence and surveillance purposes. An array of satellites allows one to determine with amazing specificity the exact location of any person carrying a tracking device.

This seemingly futuristic gadgetry is readily available today, with new products featuring GPS tracking technology being developed regularly. Tracking devices can be as simple as wristwatches or cellular phones equipped with an appropriate chip. Other manufacturers are experimenting with plastic phone sleeves, necklaces, backpack tags and other possible chip carrying accessories.

These devices can be given to a child, making information regarding their whereabouts immediately available to their parents. Generally, parents are able to log in to a provider maintained website and can get the location information with only a few keystrokes.

These devices can be programmed to operate in any number of ways. Some will simply track locations of children. Others can be programmed to alert parents in cases when a child leaves established "safe zones". The different ways of using the tracking process can be customized to how much information you want, general vicinity vs. an almost exact location. Or anything in between.

Tracking children with GPS technology is an inviting proposition. Any parent who has experienced the fear of "losing" a child in a crowd, or who simply finds themselves worrying about a child's well-being during travel, will find relief in the ability of knowing their child's whereabouts at any time.

The tracking with GPS also allows parents to encourage positive behaviors. Children who know they can be tracked are far less likely to engage in irresponsible or forbidden acts. There's no guarantee that GPS tracking will stop a teen from involving themselves in an ill advised "road trip", but it does give kids a potent reason to think twice before acting.

As new products become available and competition continues to force the price of GPS child tracking systems down, there is no doubt that use of GPS will skyrocket. This satellite technology offers parents a very effective means of enhancing child safety.

Traveling For Thanksgiving - Keeping Kids Busy

2010-01-01T14:31:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering the family, but how do you keep kids interested while in the car or sitting in airports? Have them keep journals.

Thanksgiving Travel

Nothing beats getting your extended family together for Thanksgiving. It is a great time to catch up and laugh about old times. The only aggravating thing, of course, is actually traveling to meet up. There are already stories of travel nightmares in the news two days before Thanksgiving. This can be particularly troubling if you have kids who become easily bored.

In these days of the Internet and video games, the average child seems to have an attention span of about 30 seconds. If a glassy-eyed child killing things on a screen is not your idea of good thing, what alternatives do you have? Giving your child a writing journal is a great way to keep them busy without resorting to violent video games.

For many kids, the only way to truly get their attention on a thanksgiving trip is to get them involved. The best method for doing this is to give them a journal and ask them to keep notes on everything they seem. At the end of the day, they should be encouraged to write a journal entry about what happened during the day. It will give them an outlet for their thoughts, promote good writing skills and preserve family experiences they would otherwise forget with time.

A good journal for kids will combine a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and just because kids will be kids. Third, the journal should contain blank areas for notes, doodles and so on. Finally, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind children to pay attention to certain things and write them down. Cues should include:

1. Who went on the family vacation,

2. Places visited and why they are important,

3. The most memorable experience each day,

4. New friends made and contact information for them,

5. Which family members were present, and

6. Impressions.

As time passes, the family vacations journals will remind your kids of past trips. Memories fade with time, even for kids. By keeping a journal, kids will open their eyes to things around them, enhancing your Thanksgiving family gathering. Hopefully, it will also keep them busy and away from video games.

Treasuring Time With Your Kids

2010-01-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

When school is out, kids look to relax, play and spend more time outdoors.

For many parents, this presents a new set of challenges, including how to keep their kids engaged and busy, particularly on rainy days, without parking them in front of a TV or video game.

The New York Times best-selling author Michael Stadther has one solution: fun activities that reward kids for using their imaginations.

These stimulating activities can be found at www.atreasurestrove. com, the site that is the home to Stadther's book "A Treasure's Trove"--a beautifully illustrated, fantasy adventure story that captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of children and adults and, through clues hidden in its pages, inspired a nationwide treasure hunt.

The author has created brainteasers related to events and characters in The Great Forest, where the action takes place in "A Treasure's Trove."

Stadther's next book, "Secrets of the Alchemist Dar," is a sequel to "A Treasure's Trove." "Secrets of the Alchemist Dar," which can now be ordered through online booksellers or in bookstores nationwide for delivery at the end of September, will include good and bad fairies and feature new clues to a whole new worldwide treasure hunt for 100 jewelled fairy rings.

In anticipation of the book's arrival, Michael Stadther plans to unveil a creative contest that invites Web visitors to use their imaginations about fairy ring

Turn Viewing into a Teachable Moment by Watching Together

2010-01-01T08:34:00.001-08:00

A new national study shows how television has become a central focus of many very young children's lives. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? That depends on how parents approach it. The following questions and answers may help you decide:

Q: How much television do children watch?

A: According to the study released by the Kaiser Family Foundation, in a typical day more than eight in 10 children under the age of 6 use screen media, with those children averaging about two hours a day.

Q: How is TV used in most homes?

A: In many homes, electronic media are used to help manage busy schedules, keep the peace and facilitate family routines such as eating, relaxing and falling asleep. TV can also be used to educate. Thirty-seven years ago, Sesame Workshop changed the history of television with "Sesame Street," proving educational television can be a positive learning tool for preschoolers.

Now, the nonprofit educational organization behind the show has developed a new line of DVDs called Sesame Beginnings. It's designed to encourage interaction between caregivers and children, as well as to provide ideas, songs and activities that caregivers can use to promote "teachable moments."

Q. Why focus on infants and their caregivers?

A. As the recent study found, millions of children under the age of 2 are watching TV and videos. Sesame Workshop's own research has found that "Sesame Street" videos were among those frequently viewed by children under 2. However, the content and curriculum of "Sesame Street" is designed for ages 2-5. Therefore, the DVDs were created to provide video content for families with younger children-with the goal to model and foster parent-child interaction during viewing and, most importantly, when the video is over.

Q. Are the DVDs designed to promote infant TV/video viewing?

A. No. The purpose of developing these DVDs is to offer parents-who do choose to allow their children to watch TV/video-content that is developmentally appropriate for children under 2 and that reinforces important research-based principles that young children learn best through adult-child interaction. Dr. Truglio is Vice President of Education & Research at Sesame Workshop.

DVDs for the under 2 set-In a typical day, studies show that more than eight in 10 children under the age of 6 watch television.

TV Is A Drug - Are Your Kids Addicted?

2010-01-01T01:36:00.000-08:00

For most of us, hearing about different types of addiction is a common occurrence. Even more difficult to bear is that most of us are close to someone affected by an addiction. When addictions are related to the abuse of a substance such as alcohol, our understanding that there is a problem may be rooted in clear and serious signs of a life out of control. But what about an addiction related to something more subtle? Could a behavior as seemingly normal as watching television become an addiction? You bet it can!

I believe television can be a "drug" because it is literally a mind-altering experience. Like any drug, it has the potential to be used responsibly or abused. Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no television for children under two years of age, and no more than two hours of television per day for older children? Here's why. It is not only because of the potential for inappropriate content. In fact, for young children especially, it is the incredible stimulation that TV provides that makes it so potentially damaging. All of the flashing bright colors, loud sounds, and frequent fragmentation of reality that television encompasses is far too much stimulation for most young minds to manage. At the same time, children are like a magnet for this type of gratification, and as most parents know, can become addicted to the neurological stimulation of television very quickly. Although some people have tried to justify overexposure to electronic media by claiming it makes children smarter, those theories are little more than rationalizations for indulging in what science indicates is bad for us.

What's the effect of repeated exposure to television stimulation? Just like what happens when a person is exposed to any drug, repeated exposure to television has the effect of dulling a person's senses. This is precisely what we as parents experience when we ask our kids to tear themselves away from the television and in return get a blank stare or grunt and shrug! With younger children, requiring them to make a transition away from a stimulation source to which they are "hooked" often results in an instant melt-down. Noticing your child's ability to transition between watching television and attending to the environment around him or her is a good way to determine if she or he is over-stimulated, or even possibly addicted. Kids who are addicted to television care increasingly less about the content of what they are watching, and more about getting another "hit" of electronic stimulation. The brain is an organ that is unique in that it develops in response to its environment - and if you're continually "blasting" a young, developing mind with rapid-fire images, you may be creating a mind that craves high level stimulation but lacks the ability to focus its attention - sound familiar?

Here's What You Can Do:

1) Make television a family activity. Discuss what you and your child are watching together. Turn down or mute the volume during commercials to ensure you are sustaining social contact. And relate events on television shows to real events in the life of your family.

2) Limit television watching to a specific period of time and to specific times of the day. Kids do better when they are required to do things before they watch TV, such as getting dressed, teeth brushed, breakfast eaten, etc., before the television set goes on. Don't let television become the constant background to family life. Turn the TV on to watch specific shows, and then turn it off when the show is over.

Discuss alternatives to television with your children. Kids do much better accepting that they can only watch a limited amount of TV when they know you are prepared to spend time playing a game, going to the park, or helping with homework instead. When we use TV to occupy our kids so we can get other things done, we are inadvertently becoming enablers of their addiction.

3) Not all television is created equal. Look for shows that are paced appropriately for children. There are great programs for kids that don't rely on seizure-inducing graphics to keep their attention. Don't be afraid to censor shows; if you start when children are young by simply saying, "this show isn't good for your brain, and I'm proud of what a smart girl (or boy) you are," you'll get them on the right track.

Types and Uses of Baby Slings

2009-12-31T21:53:00.000-08:00

Slings are becoming increasingly popular in all regions of the world. They are worn around the body and can be adjusted to be worn on the hip as well as in many other ways. The idea behind the baby modern baby sling dates back o before the middle ages. Many parents used and are still using slings to easily travel with their children. One more reason why slings are popular is that the parent can perform other tasks while carrying the infant. Baby slings allow parents to maintain the baby in a safe and secure way as well as “keeping on eye” on the child while moving and performing tasks freely. The increased usability and versatility of baby slings have made them a popular gift for new parents especially at baby showers. Baby slings have become popular because of convenience and ease of use. They are also great for parents who do not have enough free time to spend with their children. Infants need constant monitoring and keeping the baby in a sling allows the parent to do so. Also keep in mind that carrying a baby in a sling is similar to the state the infant was sitting in the womb.
Slings are perfect for around the house as well. Parents can monitor their babies and do chores at the same time. When going for a walk or commuting by foot the sling is great because it is less cumbersome than a stroller or car seat. Due to their flexibility, baby slings have become a favourite and essential item with parents around the world.
Baby slings and baby carriers come in multitude of styles, colours and types. There are the wrap around slings that allow the baby to face forward; tummy to tummy, hip, nursing and kangaroo carrying position. Certain slings allow the infant to stay in the cradling position which is very comfortable for infants. Specifically, wrap around slings are worn over the shoulder and can often be fastened with a buckle or a knot. These types of slings are the most common and most popular type due to their flexibility. Usually slings are made of soft, hypo allergic fabrics. When made from cloths, the manufacturers make sure it is sturdy enough to hold babies of different sizes and weights. Even distribution of the baby’s weight is another factor sling manufacturers take in consideration; it s important to prevent injuries on parents. As mentioned above, some slings are adjustable to accommodate for growth and height of the infant.
When parents are looking to buy a sling, one of the questions they are often faced with is selecting between a padded or unpadded sling. Most parents like the padded types of slings because they provide extra support for the baby and at the same time does not take a strain on the parent’s shoulders. The downside of the padded sling is that they could be considered as too bulky and thus are less manageable when walking. In general however, different types of slings exist to accommodate for different life styles and preferences of the parent.

Understanding A Childs Fears And Anxieties

2009-12-31T15:14:00.001-08:00

As a parent it is important that we understand what potential problems our child has. Most children have certain things that they worry about or even fear. In this article, I write about the types of fears that this might be and about how we can help our children to cope and to get through life in the best possible and stress-free way.

Many children are able to pick up on what their parents are worrying about. They may hear arguments about money and can then start to worry themselves about the financial situation their family may be in. I am a parent myself and try where possible to only discuss serious issues with my partner when the children are out or are asleep. If I believe that one of my children has overheard a conversation which I would have rather they hadn't, I then talk to them to attempt to reassure them that everything is OK.

Children may also worry that their parents may break up and that they will end up living apart. They will no doubt hear that this has happened to their friends and may wonder and stress about how their lives would change if this happened to them.

My children have told me that they worry and that they fear that one of their parents may die in the near future. It is quite difficult to explain to them that this is unlikely to happen as it obviously could. I try and laugh it off which may not be the best policy, by stating that I am still very young and that I have no plans to leave this planet in the near future. I explain to them the age that the average male will live to in our country and that normally, I hope, makes them feel better.

School can be another area of stress for some children. Will they be able to cope and understand the work? Will they be able to obtain a good examination mark and a good report? Will they be able to make their parents proud of them? I have told my own children not to worry about these issues and to just try their best.

Socialising and meeting friends can also bring its own tensions. Children make and break friends at regular intervals, especially during the early teenage years. When friends fall out this can be a very stressful time for any child. When this happens to my children, I make a point of saying that it has been the fourth time in a month that you and Amy as an example, have had a falling out. Your sure to make friends again in the near future.

As children get a bit older there is then the challenge of meeting a member of the opposite sex. We all know the problems and strains that this can bring. At this time I think it is just a matter of being there for your children and getting them through these difficult years the best and easiest way possible.

Understanding How The Internet Affects Children

2009-12-30T22:14:00.000-08:00

Between surfing the Internet, visiting chat rooms and sending text messages, children spend a great deal of time in cyberspace-and it's up to parents to make sure their kids spend that time safely. Consider the following statistics:

• Approximately 90 percent of children ages 8 to 16 have viewed pornography on the Internet.

• Approximately 70 percent of sexual advances on the Internet happen while children use a home computer.

• Only 25 percent of children will tell a parent about an online encounter with a sexual predator.

• An alarming 75 percent of children willingly share personal information about themselves over the Internet in exchange for goods or services.

In addition, approximately 75 percent of online teenagers use instant messaging (IM). Why is this important for parents? Because 37 percent of online teens have used IM to write something they would not have said in person.

There are both personal and technological dangers associated with a child's Internet use. Not only might a child access Web sites containing inappropriate material, but sometimes the simple act of visiting a malicious Web site can cause spyware, worms or other digital threats to be downloaded and installed on your computer.

Protecting children should be a parent's primary concern. There are several ways to accomplish this. First, establish boundaries. Decide what Web sites and content you feel comfortable letting your children see, then take steps to filter or block everything else. You can find out what sites your children have visited by reviewing their Internet history.

Internet Explorer contains a feature called the Content Advisor that enables parents to control the Web content that children see. Similar to the "V-chip" found in many new televisions, the Content Advisor uses a rating system to help you set the level of language, nudity, sex and violence that is acceptable in your home.

These tips come from the free publication "A Parents' Guide to Internet Safety" developed by Geeks On Call-a national company providing on-site computer services. The Parents' Guide is part of an educational program called "Kids Club" created by Geeks On Call to teach children and parents about Internet safety and to donate money to local schools.

Understanding Video Game Ratings

2009-12-30T20:13:00.000-08:00

As a parent today, you most likely understand the ratings on the movies that your children are watching. But, do you really know what the ratings on their video games mean? Are your children playing games on there video game systems or on the computer that are meant only for adults?

The Entertainment Software Rating Board has a very simple ratings system in place that we should know about. It is especially important to learn about the video game rating system, since most children can buy these games without a problem in many stores today.

EC – Early Childhood
This rating indicates that the game is suitable for ages 3 and up. Games that are rated EC contain no material that parents would find inappropriate.

E – Everyone
A game marked E is suitable for children 6 years and older. There may be minimal cartoon, fantasy, or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language.

E 10+ - Everyone 10+
Titles rated E 10+ have content that may be suitable for ages 10 and older. Titles in this category may contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language and/or minimal suggestive themes.

T – Teen
Games that are rated T have content that may be acceptable for ages 13 and older. This category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language.

M – Mature
Titles rated M contain content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. This rating may indicate intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language.

AO – Adult Only
Titles rated AO have content that should only be played by persons 18 years and older. Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity.

RP – Rating Pending
Games listed as RP have been submitted to the ESRB and are awaiting final rating. (This symbol appears only in advertising prior to a game's release.)

As parents, we have the right to be informed about what our children are viewing. We also have the responsibility to keep ourselves informed, and keep our children away from content that is inappropriate for their age. I urge parents to stay up to date on any information about ratings in the future, and be smart when choosing games and software for your children.

Unhealthy Air in Schools: Building Materials Play a Role

2009-12-30T14:36:00.000-08:00

Many children are being subjected to indoor air quality problems in their schools.

Oftentimes, these problems can be attributed to the materials used in constructing the schools, many of which provide a food source for mold.

Even with the best building design, moisture likely will be present in all schools at some point, so the choice in building materials is critical to reducing or eliminating the amount of damage caused by mold.

A new video produced by the National Concrete Masonry Association titled "Building Smarter Schools: Are You Making an Educated Investment?" calls attention to the issue of mold in school buildings and its cost to communities.

"In our area of Texas, there is an 18-month-old school that is abandoned and full of mold," said Chris Huckabee, chief executive officer of the architecture firm Huckabee & Associates and a frequent lecturer on high-performance school design. "This is obviously not popular with the taxpayers or the school administrators."

The video showcases schools across North America in which masonry construction was the solution to serious mold problems. Huckabee notes that all of the schools that his company has built -more than 1,000 - were built with masonry because mold will not damage it.

"Schools are landmarks in the community and we want them to stand the test of time," said Huckabee, who is featured in the video, along with school architects, a school superintendent and a facilities director for a large school division. All favor the use of concrete masonry in school construction because it is resistant to mold, wind and fire, durable, energy-efficient and easy to maintain.

Using a private tutor with your child

2009-12-29T21:54:00.000-08:00

Your child’s school activity is falling behind other classmates, his/her grades aren’t high anymore, or your child is just not coping with teachers’ requirements. All these represent valid reasons for you to get a private tutor for the child. The private tutor will help your child with difficult homework assignments, will explain him/her different concepts or ideas, and will teach him how to study efficiently for tests.

If you hadn’t had a private tutor for your child before, it would be good to know what to bring to a tutoring session. Your child should bring the textbooks for certain subjects they will be studying, notes from classes, previous tests, assignments, workbook problems, class syllabus etc.

The tutoring activity is not the private tutor’s exclusive responsibility. In order for the tutoring sessions to be successful, you, as a parent, share a great deal of responsibility. You have to keep an eye on the child when he/she is not at school, to make sure he/she is studying enough. Parents, child and private tutor have to collaborate together for achieving best results. Therefore, here are some things you should do as part of your role.

Before the tutoring session you ought to make sure that your child is familiar with the material the private tutor will be working on. You should encourage your child to make a list of questions on things he/she didn’t understand during classes. Also encourage your child to ask questions whenever a problem arises. Instruct your child to share with the private tutor his/her preferred method for studying. Make sure the child is behaving respectfully towards the private tutor. And always supervise your child’s studying activity; make sure he/she is studying thoroughly.

Your child’s most important responsibility is to study. But, apart from this, he/she also has to retain himself/herself from doing some prohibited things. Here are the most common mistakes the tutored children are doing. Children expect and even ask the private tutor to do the homework for them. They start studying for a test when it’s too late and they don’t have enough time to learn. Or they ask for the private tutor’s help in case of a test when is too late. And, the worst mistake of all, they don’t study for the tutoring sessions, therefore the parent’s financial effort and the private tutor’s activity become useless.

In conclusion, the learning process is an effort that requires commitment on behalf of parents, students and private tutors. All these factors have to cooperate and act responsible for best studying results.

V-Chips Allow Parents To Control Children's TV Programming At Home

2009-12-29T03:21:00.001-08:00

While parents want to protect their children from offensive or inappropriate TV programming, many don't know that the tools they need may already be right in their living room. Every TV 13-inches and larger built since 2000 contains a V-chip, which can block individual channels or programs depending on content. This technology lets parents, not broadcasters, determine what is appropriate for their children to see and hear on TV.

Most television shows now include a rating, as established by the broadcasting industry. The rating icon is displayed in the upper left hand corner at the start of the program and succeeding hours if the program is longer than one hour. This rating also is encoded into the programs, so the V-chip technology can read the encoded information and block shows according to parental presets. Using the remote control, parents can program the V-chip to block certain shows based on their ratings. Because programs are rated by episode, ratings may vary from week to week and be blocked accordingly.

To use the V-chip, follow the directions using the TV's on-screen menu. Each brand and model may have somewhat different procedures, but none is difficult. There also are written instructions in the owner's manual. The V-chip is activated by using a password or code. Any change requires the user to know the code, therefore children will not be able to change the settings.

Although cable and satellite set-top boxes have their own parental controls, each TV has its own so it's possible to block programs or channels even if the TV signal is received over the air. The V-chip also can be used to block uncut and unedited movies that run on premium channels using the MPAA rating system.

View from Another Planet: Learning to Talk to Our Children

2009-12-29T01:01:00.000-08:00

Our goal in conscious communication is not to change the other person . . . Our goal is to establish connection.

Andrew LeCompte, author, Creating Harmonious Relationships

A parent of three attended a workshop I gave on managing conflict. A few days after the workshop, she emailed me to say that she'd had an "opportunity" to practice when her 15-year-old daughter came home an hour after the agreed upon time. As my friend put it, "I had an opportunity last night at home...and I blew it!"

A colleague, in talking about conflicts at home, once said “Our family really knows how to push our buttons – because they installed them.” I laughed because it was funny and because it is so true. It’s more difficult to deal with family conflicts, because the patterns we’ve created with each other are so entrenched.

Conflict Does Exist
What happens to you when conflict arises? If your reactions are typical of most of us, you either prepare for a fight or do your best to avoid the situation.

We’d all like to be better at conflict because we sense the potential it holds – to strengthen our relationships; to teach our children that conflict can be an opportunity to learn and grow; and to learn and grow ourselves.

If you're alive, you will have conflict from time to time. You can become more skilled at handling conflict and gain influence over the outcome by becoming aware of your conflict "habits" and changing the ones that are not useful or purposeful.

The Art of Listening
One time-tested conflict management skill is listening. The next time you get into a battle with your child, try asking for their point of view, listening, and paraphrasing what they said. Ask questions to which you really don't know the answer, then listen again. State in your words what you heard him say. Step off your point of view for a moment and be curious.

Imagine your child just arrived from another planet. If ET really did land near your house and you knew that he was a friendly soul, wouldn't you love to have an exclusive interview? You'd want to know everything, wouldn't you? Pretend you don't know anything about your child's perspective (you really don't). Stand or sit side by side and face the same direction. Try to find out what is really important. For example, parents and kids often fight over chores or homework, yet when we take time to find out what is at the base of the argument, it’s usually about responsibility, yours as a parent and your child’s as a maturing adult. From this place, it will be easier to talk about your mutual needs and concerns.

A nice byproduct of your aligning with them is that they may be more willing to see your position. Now it's your turn to share the view from your planet. Talk, listen, talk, and listen again. Keep both viewpoints in mind as you search for solutions. Even when setting or reinforcing limits, you can acknowledge your child's point of view and stand firm. "I understand that Kathy's mom lets her stay out that late, but you cannot." Avoid justifying and persuading.

Listening Does Not Equal Agreement
It's challenging to take the initiative to learn where our children are coming from, because we risk losing authority. Remember that listening does not necessarily mean agreeing. Being willing to consider their cause demonstrates empathy, understanding and the willingness to look for mutually agreeable solutions. Taking the time to listen and talk shows them you care, builds self-esteem, and gives them appropriate ways to handle troubling situations of their own.

"Oh well. Maybe next time I can get centered first," said my friend when we talked about the conflict with her 15-year-old. Reminding yourself to breathe and center before, during and after a conflict will have a beneficial influence on you and your child, while teaching your child a valuable skill. Be curious, listen and learn, and let your purpose be your guide. It may take two to tango, but it only takes one to change the dance.

Weaning A Breastfed Baby

2009-12-28T21:28:00.000-08:00

When to wean is a question facing all breastfeeding mums. How does a new mum know when to introduce solid food into her baby's diet and what sort of food can a baby eat?

At present the World Health Organisation recommends that all babies be breastfed exclusively for six months. A long time, you may think, especially in the middle of a colic episode or growth spurt! However, there are real concerns for the welfare of babies that have led to this advice.

In the past many babies were fed solid foods at very young ages. It is now believed that their bodies were unable to cope with the demands this placed on them; a dramatic increase in the incidence of allergies and food intolerances meant guidelines were reviewed and altered.

The main danger that comes with introducing solid food too early is that babies may receive too much salt in their diets, leading to potential kidney problems in later life.

So, if you follow the advice of the World Health Organisation, you will see that it makes sense to put off giving food other than breastmilk for the first six months.

So how do you encourage a six month old baby to eat solids? The main thing to remember is that you should introduce solids gradually.

When your baby is ready for solid food he will begin to demand feeds more often, and may never seem satisfied for very long. He will start to take an interest in your meals and may even try to help himself! He will begin lip-smacking and chewing as he mimics you. A real sign that solids are imminent is the development of teeth.

Speak to a health-visitor if you think your baby is very hungry. If your baby is under six months you may find that he is just going through a prolonged growth spurt. If this is the case, his hunger will normally settle down after a few days when your milk supply has increased.

When your baby reaches the six month target, and you are sure that he is ready for solid food, try a teaspoonful of watery baby rice or baby porridge. Try to keep foods very bland and runny at the beginning.

Once he is used to solid foods, and is no younger than six months, you can quickly move onto adult cereals like Weetabix and Readybrek.

It is wise to only introduce one food at a time so that you can identify any intolerances or allergies. Sometimes these can take several days to take effect, so stick to one food for a few days before moving onto another.

Some babies are happy to have one solid feed a day at the beginning of weaning, whereas others require more frequent feeds. It is a good idea to offer the breast before and after each feed to maintain a good milk supply.

Cows milk and dairy products, eggs, fish particularly shellfish), nuts (especially peanuts), some fruits and foods containing gluten can all cause allergic reactions. So be careful with your choices...

From six months babies can digest protein so red meat, fish ,eggs, cheese, chicken and pulses can all be introduced.
Do not give peanuts to babies under one year old: if there is a history of allergies in your family avoid giving them for at least three years. As well a being an allergy hazard they can also be a choking hazard.

Honey should also be avoided for the first year as babies can contract botulism from it.

Eggs must be thoroughly cooked but can be introduced from six months.

Buy gluten-free baby food at the beginning of weaning, if possible, as gluten can cause coeliac disease. Usually a six month old baby can digest gluten without any problems but younger babies are more at risk.

Some babies react to citrus fruits such as oranges but alternative fruit juices can be given instead, such as apple juice.
Never add salt to food which your baby will eat. If he is ready to eat the same meals as the rest of the family do not add gravy until you have removed the baby's portion, as gravy can contain a lot of salt.

It is best to introduce savoury foods prior to sweet foods as babies very quickly develop a sweet tooth! They tend to enjoy pureed carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, turnip and parsnip and any combination of these foods. Babies also love stewed apples and pears or mashed bananas and strawberries!

However, many babies dislike potatoes at the beginning of weaning. When the baby is a little more experienced with tastes and textures you can start adding some potato to his meals.

Let the baby decide when he has had enough of any particular meal. Never force-feed the baby. He only needs a little bit of solid food each day. For some babies a few spoonfuls will be enough; for others a main course and dessert are required!
If he refuses to eat one type of food avoid it for a while and try something else. Return to the disliked food after a few days and try again. Some babies can be very fussy, whereas others eat whatever is placed in front of them!

Take it slowly and it will not be such a big change for either you or your baby. Weaning should be a fun experience for you both. After a very short time your baby will look forward to his solid feeds and will even start to let you know that he wants more!

What Are Your Kids Reading?

2009-12-28T13:42:00.000-08:00

Responsible parenting is very much on everyone’s mind these days. Everywhere you look there are articles being written about it, television shows and videos which aim to alert parents to potential dangers facing their children, and websites and home pages filled with useful and helpful tips. The concerned parent has never had as many tools or as much information available to them to protect their children.

But, what are your kids reading?

Yes, that’s right, reading. Ten years ago, I read an article which said that reading skills in America ranked among the lowest in the industrialized nations of the world. The printed word was no longer viable, the interactive game was in, and civilization as we knew it was over. LCD readout had eplaced ink on paper as far as kids were concerned, and there was nothing that anybody could do about it.

And then along came J.K. Rowling, Lemony Snicket, and a number of others and BANG – according to Publishers Weekly, the Children’s/Young Adult book market is the fastest growing market in publishing! Tens of millions of books per year are printed for the 6-15 year old market, encompassing thousands of titles and hundreds of different sorts of subject matter. Go to any local library and the odds are that you will find that the Children’s/Young Adult section is one of the largest there is. And, of course, as children grow older and their reading skills continue to improve, the entire world of adult literature becomes available to them.

This, of course, is not a bad thing – however, even though a child has the skills to read something, the responsible parent needs to ask themselves: But do I really want them reading that yet? Is it, for example, appropriate for 8 year olds who have the skills to do so to read The Diary of Anne Frank, even though in many cases the child may not have developed the emotional maturity to be able to handle some of the more intense and disturbing aspects of that work?

All too often, parents adopt an attitude that goes something like: Well, at least they are reading. Whatever it is, it’s better than them sitting in front of the television! Unfortunately, this is not always the case. It is important to remember that a child’s imagination is usually far more vibrant than an adult’s is and, depending on their age, the line between what is real and what is imaginary is less clear. Children can be affected by the words they read on a number of different levels, and will often times emulate the characters they meet in books – both in their attitudes and their behaviors. As a parent, it is important that the books you allow your child to read reflect the value system that you have tried to instill in them. Just as with the monitoring you do of what your child watches on television or what video games he plays or websites he visits, if you don’t want your child exposed to (or think that they are too young for) violence, sexual content, drug use, or anything else a Young Adult or Children’s book may contain, it is up to you to make sure that they aren’t until you feel they are ready.

As with every other part of the publishing industry, sales and sales alone drive what is published in the world of Children/Young Adult literature and the trend recently seems to be towards more sophisticated storylines which often times outline many of the less positive aspects of our culture and life. As a responsible parent, it is up to you to decide when you feel your children have reached the point in their emotional development where you believe they will be able to process this sort of information without harm.

The problem then becomes: How can I possibly read all the books my children want to read before they do? Makes you wish you had an extra set of eyes, right?

There are some resources out there to help guide you. But, most of them either give you a synopsis, which frequently lacks enough details to make a truly educated decision, or, they only do write-ups of the good books, which would be fine if we lived in a perfect world. But things are looking up! There is a website, launched in 2005, that reviews books (and movies) from a parent’s perspective. Each book is critiqued on positive and negative examples of character traits (i.e. honesty, compassion, responsibility, etc.); as well as providing specific examples of any negative areas of influence (i.e. drug usage, sexual content, violence, etc.). All of these examples will tell a parent, at a glance, if that book is appropriate for their particular child.

Instilling the love of reading in a child’s life is one of the most important and positive things you can do for them as a parent. Watching what your child reads, and allowing them to grow into the books you choose together, is one way to help ensure that the values you have worked so hard to teach your children are reinforced by something that they love to do!

What Books Do Children Like?

2009-12-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

Parents at times don't realize how critical it is to read to their children as early as infancy. Reading to a little one can promote a child's strong, cerebral, and emotional development. Any positive interaction between parent and child is helpful such as speaking, reading, and playing easy games. We want to make the most of every situation and build it into a learning event. Reading is a hands down way to attain this.

Different things in books such as features, phrasing, and pictures appeal to distinct age groups. As parents, we want to understand what type of book is excellent for a youngster at certain learning stages in their precious lives. Here is a breakdown of items that children react to at certain ages:

Newborn to 12 months: Children at this age react to solid, large books with big bright pictures. Bear in mind that your little one's vision is still evolving daily and the images we see may be clearer than their view. Big pictures stand out better and capture their attention. Books with covered and protected photos are great with this age group. It helps the newborn with name recognition and familiarity.

Toddlers 12-24 months: Strong board books are all the rage for this age. Toddlers love to take ownership and cart their books alongside them wherever they explore. Books with big pictures and few wording are excellent. Books that incorporate other babies and animals are great. At this age, books with these characters will aid in the learning process of labelling objects and animals in our environment.

Toddlers 2-3 years: Elementary storylines with a stimulating theme excite a child about reading. Select a book with their favorite TV figure to get them excited about reading. Books with nursery rhymes are notably significant to help with phonics and word relationships. Bedtime books, books that demonstrate a lesson about conduct, potty training, and sharing are critical. Also books that strengthen their knowledge of the alphabet, animals and shapes assist in their learning process.

Preschoolers to teens: Of course preschoolers do not grasp how to read yet, but should by this time delight in reading books and learning new stories. They should relish looking at books by themselves and be capable of reciting definite parts of the stories by looking at the pictures on the pages. The older a child gets of course, the vital thing is to make books accessible that are suitable for the reading level. Teenagers should be capable of reading novels that include their interests without having very many pictures to entertain them.

Finally as parents, it is our obligation to make books accessible for reading as well as instilling the joy and value of reading to our children. Many of us do not take to reading, but I don't feel any of us believe it is not a vital component of our children's rearing. We need to make the effort to make certain our children delight in the process of learning to read and the opportunities that reading opens up for them in their futures.

What Does Autism Look Like?

2009-12-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

If you want to know what an autistic child looks like, look at your own child or grandchild.

Look at the children who live next door to you and take a glimpse at every child you walk past on the street. These could very well be the faces of autism. There is no visible indication that a child is affected by this disturbing neurological disorder.

Autism is the king of all tricksters. I know this to be true because whenever my husband and I take our son to the store or doctor’s office, the looks of disgust we receive in response to his unruly behavior never let up. Unless we inform someone, and we always have to, no one has a clue that he is autistic.

When our ten requests for Darius to “settle down” won’t get through to him, when he is climbing on chairs or is having a screaming fit, people continue to stare through us with questions of, “Why won’t they do something about him?” or “If that were my child I’d really handle him.”

From time to time, I find myself getting upset about the glares from individuals who would never think autism is the culprit. There have even been occasions when I’ve had to get a little nasty with those brave souls who dared to make a rude comment or stare for just a little longer than necessary. But, after all of the annoyance and rude exchanges, autism still lingers. It seems to me the only thing left to do is educate rather than disassociate.

So, what exactly is autism? A lot of people I’ve crossed paths with have no clue as to what this disorder is and are quick to misconstrue the meaning of autistic with ‘artistic’.
Autism doesn’t have anything to do with the arts; our children are extremely talented, but artistic and autistic are two different things.

Autism (pronounced awe-tizem) is an illness that affects social and communication skills. Some Autistic children have a hard time playing with others and making friends and some can’t talk. Many autistic children display behaviors that may include: repetitively pouring liquids from cup to cup, spinning around and not getting dizzy, not wanting to be touched or hugged, lining up toys and screaming for hours. Of course, every Autistic child is different. There are varying levels of this disorder and that’s why it is called a ‘spectrum’.

My seven-year old, who is on the low end of the spectrum is nonverbal and is only able to show me what he wants by taking me to it or bringing a picture to me. The fact that he can’t communicate is the reason for most of his severe temper tantrums.

Imagine for a moment being frustrated, but not being able to express why. Imagine you have a toothache, but you’re not able tell anyone. Think how you would feel if you really wanted affection, but a simple stroke of your skin caused physical pain.

These are a few of the things my son must face and because of this, I have become determined to put up a good fight for his life.

Right now, no one expert has been able to confirm what causes autism, but one thing is certain: bad parenting IS NOT the cause of this impairment. Unfortunately, you still have some who are ready and willing to wave the idea around that a parent can inflict autism onto their child. There are a few people I know who are still quick to say that there is nothing wrong with my son and he only needs to be disciplined. Although such an accusation hurts deeply, I now understand that it doesn’t matter who the person is or how well educated they may think they are on the subject of autism; no one can truly comprehend what it’s like to raise an autistic child unless they are raising one themselves.

I’ve recently come to the conclusion that there is nothing I can do about those who frown upon us. Autism is a part of my family’s life and it forever will be. A long time ago I accepted that we don’t fit into an ordinary mold; we do what we can to get over the next challenge that autism presents to us.

So far, my husband and I have laughed in Autism’s face while celebrating our eight-year old’s honor roll status and our seven-year old finally waving hello and goodbye. We’ve shown and proved that autism will not come in between our dreams of normalcy and happiness.

Still, there will forever be a battle to win with those who feel a disability is only a disability when it screams out at you from a wheelchair. There will always be one individual who thinks a good whipping is the only cure needed for an autistic child.

Sadly, for the millions of parents who know better, we can only continue to do what we do best: love and support our children. Nobody else will. We are the keepers of disappointment when we find that medical insurance does not cover highly expensive and much needed behavior therapy. We are the proactive and often angry parents questioning why sensory integration and assistive technology aren’t incorporated into our children’s individual education plan (IEP).

And some of those children are the ones you see in the grocery store shrieking at the top of their lungs or darting off nonstop at a moment’s notice. So please, don’t be quick to judge the parents. Looks are very deceiving. Take into account that it may not just be bad behavior; it may be autism.

What Foods Can Trigger Bed Wetting?

2009-12-27T08:43:00.000-08:00

Bedwetting is an occurrence that is embarrassing, awkward, and disturbing for both parents and children. This is a condition that mostly affects kids in the five-years-old range, but can also strike children as old as fifteen. When properly handled, bedwetting can be treated without future incident. There is no single cause leading to bedwetting, but there are many different factors that contribute to the act, including excessive drinking right before bedtime or a bladder infection.

Chocolate

Food items that contain caffeine have been known to cause excessive urination. One of the culprits in this category that affects children is chocolate. Whether they receive it as a treat before bedtime or worse, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, the caffeine within these items can act as a stimulant throughout your child's body. When caffeine is combined with sugar, the duo can be impossible on a child with a sensitive bladder.

Bubbly Drinks

Since children have no developed bladders yet, they usually cannot handle the carbonation in bubbly drinks. Besides soda, Gatorade can trigger bedwetting. Some doctors advise cutting down the total amount of water consumed by a child throughout the day. It is true adults need to consume sixty-four ounces of water daily, but a child only needs half that amount.

Oranges and Grapefruits

There is a high percentage of water in citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruits. Moreover, their high acid levels have been proved to strongly affect sensitive bladders, resulting in the need to urinate in the middle of the night. Children whose bladders are not used to such nocturnal activities end up with bedwetting if they consume too much citric fruits.

Spicy Foods

Had a late dinner and your child really loves the extra salsa on their taco? The ingredients within the salsa, as well as in other spicy foods may contribute to bedwetting. Spicy foods have been known to speed up the elimination processes within the body.

Food Allergens

Some kinds of foods are known for their ability to create spasms in the bladder, which might lead to bedwetting. Thus, the reason behind your child’s problem might be an allergic reaction to a food he may have eaten right before sleeping. Corn, peanuts, eggs, soy, wheat and dairy products are some of the food products that might trigger bedwetting. Also avoid giving your child foods that are high in preservatives, colors and sweeteners right before bedtime.

Tips and Advice

In order to keep your child from bedwetting, keep him away from foods that can trigger the problem. In addition, you may have to try various behavior techniques. You can use a bedwetting alarm if your child is over seven years old; a bedwetting alarm has had a high percentage of success. If your child is younger, you can try the reward technique if your child keeps his bed dry throughout the night. In addition, this technique will also encourage your child to avoid consuming the foods that can trigger bedwetting. As your child gets older, have him change his wet sheet. Your child is then likely to avoid bedwetting just to avoid this chore.

What I Love About My Father

2009-12-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot about my father ever since we celebrated Father's Day together earlier this summer. This is by no means the first time that I've ever thought about what makes my father such a special person in my life, but I have been far more intentional about reflecting on him in the past few weeks than ever before.

Perhaps I feel urgent about reflecting on my father's life and impact because he is getting older and becoming more and more like an old man. I'm not sure, I just know that I feel like it is important for me at this stage of life to figure out just why I love him and then to share it with him. Being a writer, my emotions and thoughts are expressed much easier in writing than verbally, so I'm planning to make a journal of sorts about my father and to share it with him on next year's Father's Day. The very first thing that comes to mind when I think about the way I love my father is how he has always been the best teacher. He is the one that taught me how to ride my bike without training wheels and how to catch a softball in my mit. He is the one that helped me with multiplication tables when I was stuck and the one that took me out for hours of driving practice before I got my license. My father is a great teacher because he is patient, gentle and a great communicator.

Another thing I love about my father is the priority and commitment he places on our family. I have never seen another father who is so committed to family time and to being involved in the lives of the ones he loves. Far too many fathers are consumed by work, but not my dad. Throughout my childhood, teenage years, and no into adulthood my father has been the most consistent of any parent I've seen. I appreciate that consistency so much yet I'm not sure that I have ever expressed that to my dad. This is the year.

A third thing that I love about my father is the way he loves my mother. Everything I know about love I have learned from watching my parents love each other. I am well aware of the rare gift that is, and I cherish it closely. I want to be sure to communicate to my dad what it has meant that he has loved my mother in front of us so well for so many years.

If you are privileged enough to have a father, then I suggest that you start being intentional about loving him and about thanking him for all that he has done for you. There is no better way to honor a parent.

What is a Secret

2009-12-27T03:46:00.000-08:00

As parents we have so much to worry about in regards to our children. We want to protect them from all of lifes dangers, yet we want to accomplish this without putting unnecessary fear into their lives.

When my children were small, we began talking about secrets. What is a good secret and what is a bad secret? This seemed to be a concept my children could understand, while accomplishing my goal of not scaring them.

Good secrets are things that you get to tell mommy or daddy. Such as we bought daddy a birthday gift. Today it's a secret but tomorrow we get to tell daddy. Another good secret is when the principal at school tells you there will be a party for your teacher but today it's a secret. Tomorrow however we get to tell the teacher.

As your children get a bit older, a good secret might even be your friend telling you she likes a boy. While your child may be asked not to tell the boy, your child could certainly tell you this secret.

So what is a bad secret? A bad secret is a secret that your child is asked to NEVER tell. A bad secret might be another child admitting they did something wrong and asking your child not to tell. It might also be an adult acting inappropriately with your child and telling the child to keep this a secret and not tell mommy.

My kids asked of course, "who will tell us bad secrets?". I began to tell them that bad people tell bad secrets, and quickly realized this is not true at all. Instead I chose to tell them that a bad secret can come from both a child and an adult who is doing something wrong. To this day I still believe that only someone doing something wrong will ask a child to keep a secret from mommy or daddy.

My kids and I spent many hours talking about secrets and that mommy and/or daddy must always be told secrets. I also assured them that they would NEVER get in trouble for telling mommy or daddy a secret. I can remember a few times, my kids slipping and telling a good secret when they weren't supposed to, but I kept my word and they never got in trouble. You see, I have often heard that someone acting inappropriately will say "if you tell your mommy, you will get in trouble". I never wanted my child to have a visual image of getting in trouble for telling mommy a secret.

What Is Difficult Child Behaviour?

2009-12-24T01:53:00.001-08:00

Most of us have strong opinions on how to guide our children's behaviour. Unfortunately, these opinions often focus on stopping the inappropriate behaviour and neglect to give significant emphasis to helping children learn new, more appropriate ways to behave. People who work with young children have a golden opportunity and an awesome responsibility to help children learn to make appropriate behaviour choices which, in turn, can lead to enhanced self-esteem and self-discipline.

To be effective, discipline for young children must be in place before the rules are broken. As a process of guidance, discipline can be divided into two major components: indirect and direct. In the area of indirect guidance, we need to look at the organization of the environment to encourage autonomy and to empower children. As well, we need to look at the people -- the teachers -- who nurture and help children learn.

Lots of parents worry about their children’s active, noisy behaviour and tantrums. Sometimes it can be hard to work out whether a child’s behaviour is normal, or the sign of a behavioural disorder.

Tantrums
Tantrums are not usually anything to worry about. They’re a way of expressing frustration and most children have them in their early years (from age one to four). They can be loud and violent, and it's normal to find them upsetting or embarrassing.

Sometimes, if you can tell your child is about to have a tantrum, you may be able to distract her by getting her to look at something or giving a favourite toy.

Excitability
Young children, especially those aged five and below, are often energetic, noisy and excitable. Usually this liveliness is quite normal.

Sometimes, active and noisy children can be quite a handful, talking all the time, not doing as they’re told and seeming very restless. This kind of overactive behaviour is more usual among boys. Although this can be hard to deal with, it’s only when a child’s behaviour is extreme that it suggests a behavioural disorder.

Naughtiness
All children are naughty - scribbling on walls, fighting with siblings, cheekiness and ignoring requests are all part and parcel of growing up. Sometimes this behaviour is isolated to one-off incidents, or it may be a phase your child is going through.

Naughty behaviour may be caused by your child testing your reaction to find out what's allowed or triggered by a change in her environment (eg worries about school). It may be down to jealousy of a sibling or it may be a way to attract your attention.

What Is The Point Of School Uniforms?

2009-12-22T20:01:00.000-08:00

School uniforms are the cause for much debate these days with some people claiming that all schools should adopt them and others claiming that school uniforms are going to be the ruin of civilization as we know it. People tend to feel strongly on the subject of school uniforms, that is a fact and it is also a fact that many schools could very well choose to put school uniforms into effect over the next couple of years.

There are some definite pros and cons of both sides, and strangely enough some of them are the same. Confused yet? It is simple really, take the following into consideration. One of the big arguments for school uniforms is that by using them and forcing the students to look alike you are taking out their individuality. This can be seen as a good thing because individuality can often cause trouble among people. The more they all look the same the less likely they are to fight and disturb each other. People claim that if all of the kids dressed the same in their school uniforms they would not have as much to pick on other for. Clothes can be a huge divider and if they are taken out of the equation by making use of school uniforms then what will there be left to fight about?

Personally, I think that this argument takes away the credit young people deserve when it comes to their ability to wreak havoc. Let’s face it, not everyone is going to look the same as the others even when they all dress alike. Some are bound to look better in the school uniforms than others which still leaves many open to cruelty.

There is a flip side to the all looking the same in school uniforms theory. Many people feel that by taking away the students individuality you are not lessening the cause for trouble but only taking away the things that make people special. People are who they are and most people, especially young people define themselves by the way they look. If you take away their right to express themselves through the way that they look they will have to find some other way to do it and theses ways could very well be worse and more destructive than funky clothing.

School uniforms are a fact of life for many students, especially those in religious and private schools. For the most part the school uniforms do not seem to be making too much of a difference either way in terms of the behavior of the students. Schools where there are school uniforms being worn are just as likely to see violence and arguments in the halls as those without any school uniforms.

Children will be children and it does not matter what you dress them up in, whether it is school uniforms or jeans they are still going to behave like children. Children can be mean and they will find something to pick on others about if they are a bully, whether it is the way they look in their school uniforms or in their jeans.

What Parents Need to Know About Child Safety and Identification

2009-12-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

There seems to be a general misconception concerning child safety and child identification. In speaking with parents, one thing becomes very clear. Parents commonly believe, that by recording their children’s fingerprints and DNA information, they have taken all the steps necessary in order to protect as well as provide identification for their children.

Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth. Common sense dictates that the only time a child’s fingerprints or DNA information would ever become necessary would be in the worst-case scenario, after the unthinkable has happened.

We as parents would like to watch over our children 24-hours a day, thereby, ensuring our children’s safety. However, this is unrealistic.

In situations where young children get separated from their parents as well as natural disasters such as: hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and tsunamis, we are reminded time and again, that children do not carry identification.

A Canadian company seems to have taken a very logical approach towards helping parents protect their children. Their small label can give parents great peace of mind as far as their children are concerned. Jerry Scala founded Child ID Labels inc. in 1995, with the intentions of offering his identification concept to fellow members of his congregation. However, within nine months, the fledgling program gained national exposure with their first recovery.

The company’s first successful recovery happened on Easter Weekend, 1996, outside of Toronto, Canada. While his parents were in the kitchen, a small three year-old boy let himself out and wandered three blocks before ending up in a convenience store. The store’s clerk noticed the identification label on the outside of the back collar and contacted the toll free number on the id label. The authorities, with Child ID's help, had the young escapee in his parent’s arms in less than eight minutes.

Child ID’s program helps parents deal with everyday events that happen, not out of neglect, but are due to situations that are beyond our control. Unlike other programs that are passive in nature and wait for something to happen before they spring into action, This company’s unique focus and approach towards child safety and identification is proactive as well as preventative, thereby, offering parents an unparalleled amount of peace of mind.

In today’s world, identity theft is not at all uncommon and, therefore, a very real concern.
Each Child ID “kit” is assigned a unique, personal identification number (PIN) code, which is specific to each family.

The company supplies parents with an unlimited supply of the coded iron-on identification labels and coded weatherproof stickers, which can be placed on literally anything that leaves the home as well as key rings, which list the family's unique pin code, which can be used for school bags, sports bags, luggage etc.

The id labels and coded stickers protect the families privacy as they contain only the company name, a message that reads "If Found Call", a toll free number as well as the PIN code; this ensures the prompt and accurate identification of a child after a 1-800 number is called.

If anyone locates a lost child who is wearing the identification labels, a phone call is all it takes to identify the child and contact the parents.

Child ID Labels Inc.’s concept focuses on the fact that “Children do not carry id, if they did they would likely loose it. We as adults never leave home without our id, frightening but true; there is more identification on the neighborhood dogs than on our children.

For pre-teens, the elderly who suffer from Alzheimer’s as well as the intellectually challenged, the company also offers their version of a “no name” label, which simply reads in bold letters “If Found Call” and the same toll free number as well as the family’s PIN code. When called, the 1-800 number links the caller to a monitoring service, which is staffed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

The company’s database contains the PIN codes assigned to families so there is no danger of anyone identifying the child except Child ID. One of the many advantages to this labelling system, is the labels can be as visible or invisible as the parents feel necessary.

The company recommends that for individuals who might be considered high flight risk, such as Autistic children or sufferers of Alzheimer’s, the label should be placed in plain view. In one case the company has recovered a 21 year-old autistic man twice.

This program seems to have taken everything into account. For those parents who believe that prevention far outweighs the cure, it’s nice to know that there is a company working to protect and keep our children safe.

What Parents Need to Know About Fussy Babies

2009-12-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

Parenting is a difficult job. Knowing what to do in every situation is impossible, especially when it comes to infant feeding.

New mom Heidi Higgins experienced this firsthand when her formula-fed baby girl, Sophia, was constantly fussy, especially after feedings.

"We tried everything to soothe her - from bouncy swings to car rides," Higgins said. "It was not until we switched to a soy infant formula recommended by our pediatrician that Sophia's fussiness was relieved in less than a week."

Higgins is just one of many parents who are unaware that a soy-based formula may help manage persistent common infant feeding problems in formula-fed babies. According to a recent survey among moms with formula-fed newborns, only one in 10 moms is aware that switching to soy formula can help manage persistent common feeding problems.

"Breast-feeding is the gold standard in infant nutrition and the best choice for both baby and mom," said Bridget Swinney, registered dietitian, mom and author of the books "Healthy Food for Healthy Kids" and "Eating Expectantly." "However, if mom can't breast-feed or chooses not to breast-feed, and her baby is unable to tolerate a milk-based formula, a soy infant formula, like Isomil Advance, may help improve persistent common feeding problems."

Generally, the surveyed

mothers had a positive view of soy, but many felt they had very little information when it came to soy infant formula. Surveyed moms identified feeding problems as gassiness, spit-up and crying. They believed that these problems typically improved with age.

It's always best for parents to talk with their baby's pediatrician before changing their baby's infant formula or diet. Pediatricians recommend parents be patient when feeding problems first arise, as not all babies benefit from switching formulas. However, if a pediatrician recommends it, a soy infant formula, like Isomil Advance, can provide all the nutrients infants need to grow and develop like breast-fed babies or babies fed milk-based infant formulas.

What Parents Should Know About Teens And Teasing At School

2009-12-17T14:54:00.000-08:00

For most teens, going back to school means sharing classrooms and a building with many other students. Unfortunately some learners have to deal with inappropriate behavior such as teasing. Teasing is the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously, especially by ridicule. It is hurtful and potentially dangerous.

Judy S. Freedman’s book "Easing the Teasing" is very helpful for dealing with children’s teasing issues. It specifically helps parents learn strategies to help their children deal with teasing. Some of the suggested strategies can also be used successfully with teens so it’s definitely a recommended title for parents and educators to peruse. This article is not going to describe the strategies so well explained by Freedman. The goal of this article is to impress on parents the reality of teasing in our school system and how schools in general undertake to deal with discipline and behavior management issues. From this understanding it is hoped that parents will be are more able to work collaboratively with their teen and school personnel should a problem arise.

Due to the differing sizes of elementary and secondary schools, it can generally be asserted that during the elementary school years there is more of a ‘handle’ on teasing than in secondary schools. That is certainly not to say that secondary schools are ignoring the problem. For example, secondary schools may have home room teachers discuss such topics with students; there may be the occasional guest speaker such as a police liaison who addresses the students on this or a similar topic and, faculty are surely expected to reinforce standards of appropriate behavior. Administrative personnel at many schools use an electronic system to track inappropriate student behavior - usually serious incidents. Grade-level meetings are also commonly scheduled to discuss student achievement, work habits and if relevant to the former, behavior. The main challenge in most secondary schools however, is that each teacher typically instructs over a hundred students daily so it’s understandably difficult to monitor, document and discuss student behavior with colleagues on a consistent basis.

Parents who notice a sudden change in their teen’s behavior should consider contacting the school counselor and home room teacher to investigate whether or not the student is having trouble at school. It is important to note that even if a student consistently earns good grades, all may not be going well for the young scholar; they may have other challenges at school. Because teens might try to hide a problem with teasing, parents need to be extremely vigilant in their observation, listening and conversation. Teasing is hurtful and potentially dangerous. It is a form of bullying. Low self-esteem, depression, eating disorders and in the extreme, teen suicide are possible results. Experiencing harassment in this form – whether it is done ‘playfully’ or maliciously, is clearly a serious problem that must be dealt with.

What’s In My Diaper Bag? A Humorous Look At A Working Mom’s Life In A Bag…

2009-12-17T07:23:00.000-08:00

As a business owner and mom, I regularly commute between my home office and a rented office space. Sometimes I begin to feel like a baggage handler by the time I make it to the office. Believe me, toting a laptop computer, diaper bag, stack of files, lunch for the day and my infant son is no easy task. I am hoping it counts as exercise though!

The diaper bag I carry seems to have taken on a life of its own as it has grown to its capacity. It definitely holds more than baby items. It is my lifeline!

I recently went through my bag hoping to scale down a bit. Here are some of the items I found:

•Diapers and Wipes and other baby things (it IS a diaper bag after all)
•Cell Phone (doubles as a teether, but don’t forget to lock your keypad so baby can’t call Tokyo)
•Tylenol For Baby
•Tylenol For Me (or something stronger)
•Business Cards
•Energy Bars (sometimes lunch is a luxury)
•Telephone Headset (device that allows you to breastfeed, talk on the phone and work on the computer at the same time).
•Loose Change (usually left over from a McDonalds drive-thru trip)
•Crayons and a Coloring Book (to keep my 4 year old occupied while I’m on the phone with clients)
•Dollar Bills (to bribe my 4 year old while I’m on the phone with clients)
•Duct Tape (for emergencies only….again with the 4 year old and being on the phone with clients)
•Sandwich Bag full of Cheerios (for baby and sometimes the energy bars aren’t enough)
•To Do List (in case you actually find time to work)

In my attempt to scale down, I realized I just needed a bigger diaper bag. I see no reason to fight it. My needs will only increase as my son gets older and more mobile. Diaper bag designs will just have to evolve to work for me!

Right now I am thinking one with wheels would be good. I can picture it now: a huge diaper bag on wheels that will hold all of the above items, plus my files, my laptop and my lunch with an infant seat mounted on top for my son.

In all seriousness, diaper bags have come a long way since my daughter was born. I did end up scaling down a bit and began shopping for something a little more sophisticated. Something without a bunny design would be a great start! I was really pleased to find a great selection of fashion forward bags for moms. They are functional yet hip! The available fabrics are out of this world and you can find every style and size imaginable. I finally settled on a bag that fits both my mom and business owner lifestyles. I feel like a million bucks now.

Well actually, a million bucks is a bit of an exaggeration. The diaper bag was a tremendous improvement to my “look” but I will still need to do something about my ponytail and sweatpants. That will have to be a different article.

What sport should my kid play?

2009-12-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

I have a four year old son. He is very physically active and has great motor skills. Far better at most sports they I was at his age. Most of our friends have their children in sports and like most "soccer moms" they drive from event to event - especially on the weekends. We tagged along to a few soccer games and a number of things struck me during and after the games. The most obvious was that there were plenty of kids there who would have rather been somewhere else and who's parents were the excited part of the group. There were also parents yelling and carrying on. At their kids no less. This is not right I thought, I have to take a look at this.

By now you are saying "this guy must have been watching a game in some rough side of town" but nothing could be further from the truth. No the problem was not to be found in the surroundings or in the kids for the matter. It was to be found in the parents and their approach at the game. I would be a great blessing if someone would write the "how to get your kids into sports handbook - parents edition". I could hand them out by the box. Here is the basic problem. Is the kid doing a sport because you expect him/her to, or because they have a great amount of fun when then play? Simple enough question right? Well I asked 10 parents after the game and all of them said, "oh he loves it". "Are you sure?" I would ask, "how can you tell?". I got some blank looks and some laughed. "We know out kids", were the most common answer. Did they I thought.

I next asked the kids one by one, what they liked about the game they just played. I got some rather interesting answers to be sure. "my friend Tommy was here", "I scored so daddy will be happy", "I wanted to go home, by belly hurt but I had to play". Had to play? Why? I asked. "My big brother played and I have to do everything he did". Ok now I had something to talk about. Lets take a look at why we have our kids in sports at all.

* Outdoor activity
* Keeps the physically active
* Builds strong bodies
* Builds self confidence
* Kids have fun
* Something we can do together

I am sure there are more reasons but these came up more often then any other in my little survey. In this case it was soccer but in the case of Hockey the outdoor element is obviously removed. None the less I feel that the parents intent here was to make the kid get out of the house, not to just be out doors. I mean it that was the case, make him run around the house a few laps. Keeping the child active is a great idea and with so many children being fatter then ever I am all for it. Again though, it that was all we could take a walk with them or ride our bikes. Why sports? Building of the bodies is true to an extent, but it can also be too much for a child. We have to make sure it is done with moderation. Self confidence. Now here is something I hear all the time. Sure when the kid is good at what they do and when they feel they can overcome problems by trying harder that is good, but what will happen to a 4 year old child who fails? We will get back to this is a moment. Kids have fun. I should hope so, but I saw a few who did not and there are some reasons why. And lastly, we do something together. Something we can both enjoy and be excited about. Fair enough, so long as that is not a one way street.

Lets break down these arguments further. What will motivate us to chose a sport for our children? Our own experience usually. Did we play something as kids. Were we good? I see parents projecting themselves onto their kids by first choosing the sport, then expecting allot from the kids. Often more then they can deliver. I saw a man in a part once who was throwing a softball to a very small buy, maybe 5 years old. The boy kept missing and missing and all the man said was "come on, try!". The buy tried and failed. Tried and failed. he started crying and his father said "there is no crying in baseball, now hit the ball". I was ready to take the father aside and show him my size 12 shoe but I thought better of it. We can all see what he did wrong, but can we see a lesser example of the same? Are we doing it maybe without knowing it. Perhaps.

We as humans learn much faster from failure then success so make sure you arrange for your children to succeed the first few times you do something with them. Positive thinking. If they fail anyway, change the thing you are doing until they succeed. I kicked a soccer ball to my son and although he could kick it back, he chose to pick it up with his hands. Instead of telling him that picking it up was bad and thus make the whole thing negative, I showed him how he could throw the ball to my foot and then I did the same. Soon the ball was back on the ground and we were playing like normal. They don't know the rules, they just want to succeed and they measure that success by your reaction and your praise. If they don't have any fun with something or just plain can't do it, move on to something else. Do not push them into some sport because that is what you wanted to do. Let them show you what they want. Expose them to several and observe them. Are they quick at picking up the rules? Can they do it will?

In the end it is most important that they have fun. They have fun if you are proud of them and if they are allowed to succeed. Give them every means to do so and let them lead the way. Not every kid will like soccer because his brother did. Let him chose for himself. That builds confidence.

What the Teens Should Consider in Choosing their Career

2009-12-14T19:23:00.000-08:00

One way to understand the teens is their choice of career. In pursuing the right career, the teens want the right information, advice and guidance. This is very important because choosing a wrong career would result to a waste of so much time, effort, money and would surely frustrate the teenagers. Discouraged teenagers will lose the desire for a profitable endeavor and this will definitely affect their attitude towards work.

The abilities of the teenagers must be considered first in choosing the right career. This includes their intellectual levels, educational qualifications and skills. Knowing the abilities of teens is very important especially in entry level positions where there are so many jobs seekers vying for the same position.

Teens want advises to equip them with the right training. Parents must understand their teens in this aspect by identifying their capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. This is an added factor in determining the capability of the teenagers to do multi-tasking. Various agencies are conducting trainings, seminars and workshops in different categories. These trainings are either short or long periods. What the teens shall do is search their local newspapers for announcements or contact concerned private or government agencies.

The teenagers must also decide on the kind of job they want and the company they will be applying. They must have thorough information on the kinds of benefits that the company offers; whether the job will be a long or short term opportunity and the career advancements they have for their workers. Both lifetime and short stints are exhausting, so why contend on careers, which have little benefits if teenagers can grab a better job?

The teenagers, if ever they will be hired, will experience difficulty in adjusting to their jobs. Pressures in meeting deadlines and in accomplishing tasks will cause so much stress and if not properly answered, may cause nervousness and fears to meet the daily challenges in the actual work environment.

Several counseling centers are available to assist the teens. These centers are manned by experts in their respective fields, such as psychologists and health experts to management personnel like human resource managers who cause much fear among job applicants. But seeking the help of counselors in choosing the right career has little benefits only. They are just designed to help the teenagers assess themselves, understand their needs and implement the right action. Choosing the right career is one, the full utilization of the career is another. Here, the teens’ right attitudes, outlook in life, their dreams and aspirations could not be all learned from career counseling. The best counseling that the teens could get are acquired from their own families.

The family is the most influential factor to the teens’ choice of careers. The parents must broaden their understanding on what the teens want so that the right support could be given. The attitude of the teens towards their career is affected by what they hear from their parents. If a parent always complains about his job, most likely, the teens would reject the same career. If their parents have enjoyed their jobs, contented and happy, then there is a great possibility that their teens will follow the same career path.

What To Do About A Toddler Biting And Kicking

2009-12-14T16:17:00.001-08:00

While it can be embarrassing, frustrating, and sometimes frightening, for the most part, this type of behavior by toddlers is a normal phase that they all pass through. It's a part of their growth and development, and usually results from a frustration at not being able to express themselves, whether it is wanting a toy, or wanting your attention.

The phase can hit anywhere from 14 months and up, but tends to be more noticeable when the child is exposed to others, which could mean in a childcare center, or social setting. Even children who are linguistically advanced for their ages, are still children, and will be prone to the same frustrations as others.

The first rule of thumb, is not to overreact. While there are different schools of thought on spanking, this is not a situation where it is appropriate, and can only add fuel to the fire. A time-out is in order, generally about two minutes worth on a chair where they can't stomp on the floor, or kick anything. This also gives you a chance to calm down. During the time-out, do not speak to them, but do explain when you sit them down, that this time-out is because they have bit/hit/kicked someone and that is not allowed.

When the time is up, explain to them again, that the behavior is not acceptable, because it hurts other people. It's not of much use to ask them how they would feel if someone bit them, since a toddler is unlikely to be able to relate cause and effect, then apply it to themselves. But a non-confrontational "punishment", and explanation, tells them what they did wrong, and what will happen if they do it again.

If they go right out and repeat the action, take them back for another time-out. Depending on the age of the child, you can explain the concept of apologies, and why they should make one. Use positive reinforcement by praising them for an apology (even if it comes as a kiss), or for going right out and giving their toy to the child they kicked.

What To Do If Your Child Has Chicken Pox

2009-12-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

Chicken pox is a common affliction that affects people of all ages but is most commonly seen in children. The symptoms of chicken pox are red bumps on the body that turn into blisters and that increase in quantity over several days. The bumps may look like insect bites or a rash and is often difficult to diagnose the first few days. Often, it is accompanied by a fever. Watch the bumps to see if they turn into blisters and if more bumps emerge over a few days. If so, it is likely chicken pox.

Most cases of chicken pox do not even need a consultation with a physician and are easily treatable. However there are times when consulting a doctor is advisable. If after three days you are still unsure of the diagnosis, consult a doctor. If the child is an infant, you should bring the child in for diagnosis. If your child’s bumps seem infected or are located on eyelids, it is best to get it checked. Also, if your child seems unusually ill, has severe headaches, a high fever that lasts more than five days, or if the child develops other cold like symptoms such as a cough a doctor’s opinion should be sought.

Chicken pox is highly contagious and the child should be quarantined for the duration. Do not allow the child to interact with peers at school or with friends. Once the child starts getting spots, it will take approximately seven days until he or she is no longer contagious. The day after all the spots have scabbed, the child will no longer be contagious and can resume normal activity.

The accompanying fever should only be treated if it is above 101° F. Studies indicate a slight fever will help the child heal. Motrin, Advil or Tylenol can be used to treat the fever. Use only acetaminophen and ibuprofen products for fever but do not use aspirin. A child can have a severe reaction to aspirin during this time so it is important not to use it.

The child should try not to scratch the bumps because it may cause infection. Take greater care to keep the fingernails short and clean during this time. Frequent baths will help soothe the itching. Adding oatmeal to the bath will also help. Brands such as Aveeno are ideal for this. Benadryl or other off-brand topical antihistamines can be used as needed and greatly reduce the itching. These are readily available over-the-counter at any pharmacy.

Children who have chicken pox and who have a slight fever but otherwise seem well typically do not need to see a doctor. Ensure they stay isolated until the ailment passes and they are no longer contagious. See a doctor if unusual symptoms occur or if the child seems very ill. Chicken pox is a common ailment, easily treated, and quickly recovered from. Most people only get one case of chicken pox in a lifetime.

What To Do When Your Child Acts Up

2009-12-14T09:54:00.000-08:00

Every parent has been there. Your usually angelic (or at least moderately well behaved) child is suddenly intractable, full of rage, or even engaged in a full-blown temper tantrum. Worse, your usual discipline measures don't even make a dent in the attitude or anger. What to do?

First of all it is important to gain some modicum of control. If you can't get your child under control and you are in a public place then remove yourselves from the public eye. If you are home send your child to their bedroom. If you are somewhere public then try to find some privacy in an empty room, bathroom, or even your car. Sometimes taking control and giving everyone some breathing room will defuse the situation, but if not then ask yourself three key questions:

First, is there a physical cause? Is your child tired or hungry or overstimulated? Children's bodies do not have the same stamina as adults and if they are not given several small meals (or larger meals interspersed with small snacks) and a good night's sleep as well as some down time during the day they simply lose the ability to cope. Some children simply shut down or fall down (asleep) but others act out instead. In addition, children have only the limited experience of their short lives and a day that is too full of emotion or activity can overwhelm them. Sometimes simply too much change or newness can be overwhelming to a child used to a specific routine or environment.

Second, is there anything else going on in your child's life that might be causing stress or is there anything else going on in your life that might be causing stress to your child? Children are creatures of habit. While they enjoy the new they also crave routine. Sometimes they need more time to adjust to routine and sometimes they actually need the ritual of discipline to give them security. The familiar dynamic of discipline is comforting because at least that hasn't changed.

Third, has your child matured or moved into a different phase of development since your last discipline strategy was developed? For example, when my son was three we suddenly discovered our traditional time-out method wasn't working. However with a slight modification (changing the location) we were back in business. As he grows older the time-out is now longer and often comes with built-in penalties for continued misbehavior. As your child grows and develops so does your discipline strategy. Perhaps you can simply modify the existing method or perhaps you need to come up with a whole new plan.

After reviewing your answers to these three key questions hopefully it is time to release your child from their time out and to talk things through. Ask your child what is going on? Ask your child what their punishment (if further punishment is needed) should be? Younger children won't always be able to express themselves fully but you may learn some surprising insights into your child's mind. Then follow through with what you have decided as a punishment and make sure your child understands that while you love them you will not tolerate the behavior you just punished.

What to Do When Your Child Is Overweight

2009-12-13T23:57:00.000-08:00

With your busy day to day schedule with work and things to do at home, you often don’t notice some of the things that are right in front of you every day. At times, you may sit back and suddenly realize that your child has grown eight inches taller or that his/her hair has gotten longer. It’s often little things like these that happen each day that seem to go unnoticed for periods of time. Perhaps you’ve been starting to notice that your child has been putting on a little extra weight, or maybe you’ve noticed it for some time now and it’s become a cause for concern. If your child has developed an overweight problem there are some steps that you can take to help them to start getting their weight back under control.

To start with, take your child to your family doctor for a routine checkup. Your doctor can determine whether your child has an under functioning thyroid or any other medical problem that may be causing the weight gain. Once cleared of any medical conditions, the doctor may suggest a certain type of weight loss diet and or exercise program for your child to follow.

At home, you can start to encourage your child to develop healthier eating habits. You can buy more fruits for snacking rather than the usual high fat ones found in the snack isle. You should even let him/her pick which fruits you buy so you know they are ones that they will eat. Also, rather than buying soda for your child to drink, buy sports drinks like powerade or various fruit juices. Also, try to get your child in the habit of drinking more water, and use the sports drinks and fruit juices for occasions like lunch or dinner time.

Plan healthy meals every day, and plan out your child’s portions wisely, and make sure your child never skips breakfast. Skipping breakfast can make your child hungry and looking for less healthy things to eat later in the day. Also try to avoid eating fast food as often as possible. Eating healthy meals at home can help your child start to learn to develop better eating habits. If it becomes a regular household routine, he/she will be more likely to “go with the flow” and start to enjoy eating different healthy foods.

Never use food as a reward for your child to get them to eat healthy. By telling your child that you will give him/her a slice of cake for desert if they eat all of their vegetables, you are in effect telling them that the cake has a higher value than the vegetables. The cake becomes the “pot of gold” you get for reaching the end of the rainbow.

Another thing you can and should do is to encourage your child to get more physically active. Encourage him/her to join an activity at school such as basketball or track. Find out what activities are offered through the community such as swimming or volleyball, and try to find one that your child might enjoy.

Make time to go on bike rides with your child or to take walks through the local park or hiking trail with them and make these things a weekly event you do with them on a regular basis. Have your child help you wash the car every weekend. Give them some household chores to do and make these chores their responsibility every week. The idea is just to have them doing things that will keep them active and moving.

If a reasonable amount of time has gone by after you’ve changed your child’s eating habits and gotten him/her more active and you don’t see them reaching a healthy weight, you may want to consider a weight control treatment program. Many of these programs will have a variety of people on staff who are experts in specific areas such as doctors, registered dietitians and fitness trainers. They can collectively asses your child’s individual needs and formulate an overall plan to best deal with the problem. They can also help you learn how to keep up the healthy eating and exercise habits for your child after the program ends. Your family doctor can refer you to a treatment center that will best suit your child’s needs.

Remember that the first step is simply the fact that you recognize if there is a problem with your child’s weight. Being in denial about your child’s weight problem if there is an obvious problem existing only serves to lead your child to unwanted, potentially dangerous health problems as time goes by. Taking steps to help your child with this sooner, leads to a healthier life for your child later.

What To Make Sure You Keep In Your Baby's Diaper Bag

2009-12-13T23:20:00.000-08:00

A diaper bag is one of those essentials most Moms would be lost without. As Michelle from Minneapolis stated, “One day I left the house without my diaper bag. I didn’t realize I forgot it until I went to reach for it when I needed a diaper to change my baby. I ended up having to find a store and purchase diapers, baby wipes, and an outfit because the one my baby was wearing had become soiled. While I was in the store I bought a second diaper bag. I now keep that diaper bag packed and in my vehicle at all times so that I always have the essentials I need even if I’m forgetful and forget to take my main diaper bag with me when I go somewhere.”

When you want to take an excursion out of your home with a small baby, there’s no telling what you might need. A good diaper bag can hold everything you might need including diapers, baby wipes, diaper ointment, baby powder, clothing, bottles, food, just about anything else you might possibly need while out and about with your baby.

The most important item in a diaper bag is diapers. If you need to, you can carry up to a dozen of the thickest diapers in a diaper bag. In another large compartment of the bag you can put in several changes of clothes. Some other useful things to put in the bag are bibs, baby cups, burp cloths, washcloths, a blanket, pacifiers, toys, snacks, food (along with utensils for feeding) and baby bottles. A towel to use as an “anywhere” changing pad is another essential item. In fact, anything that you need to use on a daily basis should go into the diaper bag. But keep in mind that all that “stuff” in your diaper bag can make it really heavy so if you are going to have to be carrying it for a long distance or are only going on a short trip, make sure to just pack the essentials.

It is a good idea to keep your diaper bag at least partially ready all the time. Some people have diapers, pacifiers, blankets, an extra set of clothes, and toys stashed away in their diaper bags permanently. .

In the past, diaper bags were little more than large plastic shoulder bags with one or two big compartments. And they weren’t very attractive either. They were used because one didn't have a choice. Today that’s all changed. You can find diaper bags that vary from basic, to trendy, to designer. Designer bags are very attractive and stylish, but they typically also have a large price tag too.

The simple design of some diaper bags may fool you into believing there’s nothing much inside. But, you may be surprised to see some nifty features like a pullout changing pad or special pockets for keys and cell phones. Most of today’s’ diaper bags come with nylon linings to prevent messy spills from ruining the bag.

One of the most attractive diaper bags I’ve seen looks very much like a purse, and everything inside the diaper bag - changing pad, storage bag, wipes case - can come out. So, you can ultimately use it as a purse. Another one of my favorites has a non-slip grip on the strap, so the bag will not slide off when you bend to pick something up. A great feature in some bags is that they can easily be attached to a stroller with rings and clips that are included in the bag. Just be sure the diaper bag is positioned properly on the stroller so that the weight of it doesn’t tip the stroller over.

Besides the cost, the only factors you have to keep in mind while purchasing the perfect diaper bag is size and comfort. The diaper bag that’s perfect for your neighbor may not be the right diaper bag for you. Take time to look at several different diaper bags before making your purchase so that you get the bag that is just right for you and your baby.

What To Tell Your Kids About Money – The 7 Essential Lessons

2009-12-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

If I had a dollar for every time I have been asked by a parent what to tell your kids about money, I’d be a millionaire. There are many different aspects of money management you can & should tell your children about. Here I will share with you what I believe are seven of the most important principles

1. Money can be exchanged for goods or services.
This is one of the first few lessons you should teach your child once they are old enough to understand – usually around the age of 3 years. Next time you go down to the corner store to buy one or two items, let your child hand the money to the cashier. By doing so, they will gain a greater appreciation of the concept of being able to exchange money for things you want or need.

2. One should be careful with money.
Some people I know, seem to think that any coins with a value under 50 cents are just too small to be bothered using, and so when cleaning out their loose change from around the house will simply throw these smaller coins in the bin. What a waste! Encourage your child to be careful with all denominations of money, and show them how those small coins can add up, by starting a family small coins box. Maybe you could use the money to fund small family outings (a trip to the shop to get ice creams).

3. Money has to be earned.
There are many people in the world these days that don’t seem to have ever learned this lesson. They sit around home and expect handouts so they can live, or turn to a life of crime to fund their existence. Be careful not to give your child money every time he or she asks, without expecting anything in return i.e. completion of household chores.

4. Encourage one-third savings, one-third donations, one-third spending.
The exact proportions in which your child divides their money are up to each individual family to decide, based on their beliefs and the needs of the child. This can quite easily be achieved by providing them with 3 piggy banks or moneyboxes – one for spending, one for saving & one for donating.

5. Avoid borrowing money wherever possible.
It is always much harder to repay money that has been borrowed, than to save your money. Some loans, such as home loans, tend to be unavoidable though. A good rule of thumb is if you don’t have the cash to buy it, you can’t afford it!

6. Money isn’t your best friend so don’t let it control your life.
Quite simply, try not to become so over committed with your finances, that you are forced to work 60 to 70 hours a week to continue the lifestyle. If you do, then you are letting the money control your life. You don’t usually need the fancy car (and car loan) or overseas holiday (and personal loan). All these things are nice, but only if you can easily afford them!

7. Show them how to budget & live within their means
This is one of the most important skills that your child must know, that so many people don’t seem to know how to do. Recent surveys have shown, that many people are spending 10% to 20% above what they earn. They are earning enough money to fund their lifestyle, but they simply aren’t budgeting it, and so are wasting large amounts of money each week.

With these seven lessons under their belt, they will be off to a great start, but there are many more money skills that your child will benefit enormously from learning. To learn more, visit the Kids Money Tips web site.

When, What and How Do You Begin Teaching Your Preschooler

2009-12-13T17:29:00.001-08:00

A while back LeeAnn from Las Vegas asked my opinion on just when is the right time to begin teaching her 2-year-old daughter. She has already begun teaching basic concepts such as alphabet, colors, and numbers, but some members of her family feel that she is pushing her little girl.

In my opinion, the easiest way for LeeAnn to test whether or not she is pushing her daughter can be found in this quote: "Is it too soon, or should I let her keep going as long as she is interested and is having fun?"

If LeeAnn's daughter is interested in the concepts that she is learning and having fun while learning then it is definitely the right time to teach her.

Young children are interested in the world around them and they are interested in what their parents know. Building on that interest to teach basic concepts (just as LeeAnn is doing) is not pushing your child -- it is meeting your child's needs. One of the most important things you can do for your child is to offer an environment rich in learning opportunities. If you give your child the opportunity to learn then he will learn -- it really is as simple as that.

Remember, young children are learning a great deal about themselves, their family and caregivers, and their world ever day. For most of those lessons you are the teacher. By the time your child has reached the age of 2 you have already taught hundreds, even thousands, of important lessons about how to function in the world and society. Indeed, many of the everyday activities you perform with your child also have academic implications. For example, the books that you read to your child and the songs you sing with your child have a lasting impact on literacy. It is no great stretch to add other concepts into your repertoire and this can make a great deal of difference in how prepared your child is for preschool and kindergarten.

There are really only three things you should remember:

~ Keep it fun Making learning into a game and your child will always enjoys what you have to teach her.

~ Keep it light Educational products and activities that are actually games are wonderful but don't force your child into spending time each day with flashcards or the like. They'll most likely learn faster and more meaningfully if you have an alphabet scavenger hunt at the supermarket.

~ Embrace the teachable moment but don't schedule lessons and force educational activities on your child. When the opportunity presents itself (and it will countless times in a day!) take advantage and use it for a lesson. For example, simply putting on socks can be a lesson in right and left, colors, or counting!

HOW TO TEACH

So how do you teach your preschooler without scheduling lessons and forcing them to pay attention? You embrace the teachable moment!

What is the teachable moment? It is simply an opportunity that springs out of normal, everyday life or as children become older and more verbal a timely question or comment.

Time when you and your child are in the car, for example, is a wonderful teaching opportunity that many parents overlook. If you are reunited after a day's separation then you can share stories about your day-and in the process work on vocabulary and literacy skills as well as teach your child about the world around them. You can also use cars and trucks to teach colors, road signs to teach shapes, and so on.

Mealtimes are also wonderful teaching opportunities. Counting is easily worked into almost any meal, such as telling a child they can have two cookies or giving them five tater tots. Shapes and colors can also be brought into mealtimes. For example, my son likes to choose the shape for his sandwiches-triangles or squares? As a child grows older you can also do letter sounds with the various foods, such as milk starts with "mmmmh".

WHAT TO TEACH

Skills you should work on with your child fall into eight basic categories, according to early childhood educators:

~ Social/Emotional Skills, which will be the greatest predictors of success in life.

~ Self esteem, which is crucial for all learning.

~ Physical Skills

~ Communication Skills: listening, speaking, singing, drawing, gesturing

~ Basic Concepts such as colors, letters, numbers, vocabulary

~ Categorizing Skills, what is the same and different

~ Compare and Contrast Skills, which is the higher order level of Categorizing

~ Experiences on which to draw. These are perhaps the most important of all, as they provide a frame of reference for future learning. The more experiences from which a child can draw, the better s/he will understand both learning and the world.

These are all literacy skills and they are all key to your child's future success. If you need still more help identifying concepts that your child should master then study the developmental milestones for your child's age at http://PreschoolersLearnMore.com.

So rest easy, LeeAnn, you are doing exactly the right thing for your daughter!

When A Parent Struggles With Fear And Anxiety

2009-12-13T02:59:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you struggle with fear and anxiety and you have to maintain the family and kids? It can be tough but there are ways to manage your fears and take care of your family at the same time. Here are some techniques a parent can use to manage his or her anxiety.

The first thing you should do is to get professional help. You owe it to your family and kids to get better. Getting the help you need to battle fear and anxiety is very important and will lead you to the road of recovery. Admitting that you have a problem and getting help is the first step in getting better.

Remember that you are not alone. There are many people who deal with fear and anxiety and they too live normal lives. There is no reason why you can’t get through this. If other parents can manage their fears, so can you. You can do it. There is hope for you.

When taking care of the family, do not try to manage everything all at once. Get your spouse or somebody else to help do some of the work. One person cannot do everything. Share your responsibilities with your spouse if you can. Also learn to communicate with your spouse about who does what on a certain day.

Do not let your anxieties get the best of you. A technique that is very helpful is to have a list of positive statements that make you happy. Whenever you feel anxious and your taking care of the kids, get your list and read those statements.

The next time you become overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, remember that there is hope in overcoming your anxieties and depression. With some help, you will be able to find the answers to your fears. You just have to be patient and determine to get better.

When Grandparents Raise Grandchildren

2009-12-13T00:02:00.000-08:00

With the first of the Baby Boomers turning 60 this year, the nation is beginning to see the effects of its aging population-and with the average life expectancy extending to nearly 78, those approaching retirement must plan ahead financially, emotionally and physically. However, for some people, that planning includes taking on a responsibility they thought was behind them: parenthood.

According to a 2002 U.S. Census Bureau report, 5.7 million grandparents in the U.S. are living in households with their grandchildren-and more than 2.5 million grandparents are the sole guardians of the children. The bureau estimates that the number of grandparents raising their grandchildren has increased 30 percent from 1990 to 2000.

Such was the case for the Py family. Tragedy struck them twice-once when their son-in-law died suddenly of a brain aneurysm and then 14 months later when their daughter lost her battle with breast cancer. The Pys' grandchildren were orphaned in a matter of months and they turned to grandma and grandpa.

Many grandparents in the Pys' position turn to Mooseheart Child City and School, a nonprofit residential child care facility and school for children and teens in need, as an alternative to state foster care.

"Families-many of whom are grandparents-work with us because we provide a nurturing home and a solid education," explains Scott Hart, the non-profit's administrator. "It's a difficult decision. But students thrive in our community because we encourage them to reach their fullest potential," he says.

Mooseheart is funded through monies raised by the 1.3 million members of the Moose organization, and it accepts applications from all families with children in need. Hart says the children living in the Mooseheart community learn that from hardships come triumphs. It's a lesson the Py family learned as well.

After enduring their tragedy, their home was eventually renovated by ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Their new home now includes a private "Moose" office, as the entire family is highly involved as volunteers of the Moose.

"Our society's grandparents are increasingly faced with the necessity of raising their grandchildren. They need to understand that they're not in this alone," encourages Hart.

When's a Common Cold Not a Cold?

2009-12-12T22:50:00.000-08:00

If your child has recurring illnesses, don't simply brush off these ailments as normal childhood health problems. He or she may have a serious underlying disease.

Primary immunodeficiency, or PI, is a genetic defect that can compromise a child's immune system, leading to an increased susceptibility to certain infectious illnesses. There are more than 100 types of PI; each has somewhat different symptoms, depending on which parts of the immune system are affected. Some deficiencies are deadly, while others are mild.

In children with PI, usual childhood illnesses occur frequently and can drag on and become chronic despite the use of antibiotics. If a child suffers from eight or more ear infections or two or more serious sinus infections within a year, he or she could have a serious form of PI. Other warning signs are failure to gain weight or grow normally and a proven family history of PI.

While there are more than

1 million children and young adults in the United States affected by PI, experts estimate that 70 percent to 90 percent of those with the disease go undiagnosed. Without diagnosis and treatment, constant infections can significantly weaken your child's immune system.

Parents should know that a simple and inexpensive blood test could identify the disorder in more than 95 percent of cases. Once diagnosed, there are several treatment options that can provide a better quality of life or, in some cases, a cure.

The Jeffrey Modell Foundation, a nonprofit research foundation devoted to the study of PI, is making a profound difference in many lives by raising awareness of the disease.

Since beginning a national public awareness and physician education campaign last year, 32 Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Referral Centers throughout the United States have reported promising figures. They calculated increases of 85 percent in the number of patients diagnosed; 31 percent in the number of patient referrals; and 67 percent in the number of patients receiving treatment.

When should you begin teaching your child to read?

2009-12-12T22:18:00.000-08:00

It is never too early to begin teaching your child to read, or at least laying the foundation for early literacy skills, and it can definitely be left too late!

If you are not sure then think about this. Statistically, more American children suffer long-term life-long harm from the process of learning to read than from parental abuse, accidents, and all other childhood diseases and disorders combined. In purely economic terms, reading related difficulties cost our nation more than the war on terrorism, crime, and drugs combined.

Reading problems are a further challenge to our world by contribute significantly to the perpetuation of socio-economic, racial and ethnic inequities. However it is not just poor and minority children who struggle with reading. According to the 2002 national report card on reading by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), most of our children (64%) are less than proficient in reading even after 12 years of our attempts to teach them.

Even without knowing these worrisome statistics we are aware that reading proficiency is essential to success--not only academically but in life. As the American Federal of Teachers states: "No other skill taught in school and learned by school children is more important than reading. It is the gateway to all other knowledge. Teaching students to read by the end of third grade is the single most important task assigned to elementary schools. Those who learn to read with ease in the early grades have a foundation on which to build new knowledge. Those who do not are doomed to repeated cycles of frustration and failure."

More than any other subject or skill, our children's futures are determined by how well they learn to read.

Reading is absolutely fundamental. It has been said so often that it has become meaningless but it does not negate its truth. In our society, in our world, the inability to read consigns children to failure in school and consigns adults to the lowest strata of job and life opportunities.

And just when we thought the stakes could get no higher, over the last decade, educational research findings have discovered that how well children learn to read has other, even more life-shaping, consequences. Most children begin learning to read during a profoundly formative phase in their development. As they begin learning to read, they're also learning to think abstractly. They are learning to learn and they're experiencing emotionally charged feelings about who they are and how well they are learning.

What does that mean? Most children who struggle with reading blame themselves. Day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, the process of learning to read teaches these children to feel ashamed of themselves--ashamed of their minds--ashamed of how they learn.

And the sad truth is that they have nothing to be ashamed about. As Dr. Grover Whitehurst, Director Institute of Education Sciences, Assistant Secretary of Education, U.S. Department of Education (2003) says: "Reading failure for nearly every child is not the child's failure; it's the failure of policy makers, the failure of schools, the failure of teachers and the failure of parents. We need to reconceptualize what it means to learn to read and who's responsible for its success if we're going to deal with the problem."

Do you want to wait for the policy makers to find a solution? Do you trust that they will? Or would you rather make sure that the job is done right by taking charge yourself?

I know what my answer is because I know first-hand from witnessing my brother's life-long difficulties what an irrevocable impact a reading struggle early in life can make. It can mark your child for life!

I'm not promising that your child can learn to read early or that they won't experience difficulty. After all, there is a significant number of children suffering from learning disabilities. These children will struggle. However, early instruction may ease their suffering and make the struggle a bit easier to handle. At the very least you will know that you did everything you could to help your child-and your child will know that as well. That cannot be wasted effort!

And you have a head-start on every educator because you know your child--herr temperament, her strengths, and her weaknesses. You are the person best equipped to begin teaching your child.

So we come back to the central question-when should your child's reading education begin? Traditional American Education models call for teaching a child to read between the ages of 7-9. Obviously we cannot begin teaching a newborn how to read. However, we can begin in infancy to lay the foundation for literacy which will in the end make your child a stronger reader.

Literacy is defined as an individual's ability to read, write, and speak in English, compute, and solve problems, at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family of the individual, and in society.

Many of the simple things we do at home with our children support the development of literacy so you are already working to make your child more literate even if you are not actively beginning the process to teach your child to read. This includes simple activities such as reading to your child, reciting nursery rhymes, and singing songs.

But what if you do want to become a more active participant? There are many things you can do and it doesn't mean you need to invest hundreds of dollars in an expensive reading program. You don't actually need to spend much money at all to teach your child to read at home-or at the least prepare your child well for the beginning of reading instruction in school. Most parents already have the tools you need in your home to begin today!

This is why I stress that it is never too early to begin-if you work with your child's development and make learning fun and interesting as well as challenging.

My essential strategy as an educator is to create learning opportunities and then to get out of the way of my students so they can learn. Learning is an active experience that should fully engage the participant. I believe that when I am "teaching" that the student is only passively involved in the learning process. I see myself much more as a guide and a resource than a teacher in my classroom. I have taken this approach with my son's education and it has been very successful.

We have various learning toys and aids in our home and there are many lessons taking place each day (at home and away) but I have never drilled him on facts or even used flashcards.

If you can find ways to make learning fun and exciting-something that your child actually wants to do with you-then begin as soon as possible.

Your child will have plenty of opportunity for dry lectures, mind-numbing repetitive drills, and boring lessons as they grow older so don't even go there. If you can't make learning fun and more like play than work then don't even go there. Trust your child's education to the professionals and hope for the best. Remember, there are many wonderful teachers out there so you child is not doomed to failure even if you don't intervene. However, the system is not a success and it is likely that at some point during the process your child may be adversely effected by it! That's why I take an active role in my child's education.

When Your Child Is Old Enough To Be Sleeping Through The Night

2009-12-12T20:56:00.001-08:00

All The Sleeping Mistakes I’ve Made with My Children…

I have three children, so I’ve made pretty much every mistake known to Mommies, except the fatal ones, as luckily, all three of mine are alive and well. But the biggest mistakes I’ve made have been in my daughter’s sleeping, or lack thereof, habits. So, let me tell you my story, and hopefully you won’t be destined to make the same mistakes I have.

First, when she was very tiny, I let her fall asleep in bed with my husband and me. I was nursing at first, and it was just easier to nurse her lying down and let her fall asleep. Then I would move her to her bassinet. Later in the night, when I nursed her again, sometimes I would fall asleep so quickly after nursing her, that I wouldn’t even move her back to the bassinet. She would just sleep with us for the rest of the night.

Later, when I had moved her into her crib in the nursery, I would still let her fall asleep in our bed first. I did this because I enjoyed it, it was convenient, and because she didn’t fall asleep easily in her room. And, I managed, in the process, to teach my daughter that she needed to be in the room with someone in order to fall asleep. So, guess what happened when she woke up in the middle of the night? She wanted to come back to our bed to fall asleep. And, worse, we gave in. Then we found that she was sometimes willing to go back to sleep in her bed if we gave her a cup of milk, so she began to require a cup of milk every morning at 3:00 am, long after she should have been sleeping through the night. She is now 2 ½ and only in the last month have we managed to go from 9:00 pm until 6:00am with our daughter in her own bed with no milk.

So, why didn’t I make any of these mistakes with the other children? Well, they were just different. They were sleepers, and my daughter is not. Both of my boys can fall asleep within five minutes of climbing in bed, and could sleep through and explosion. My six year old used to ask to take a nap. My daughter, on the other hand, doesn’t need as much sleep, and doesn’t sleep as soundly. So, I had more trouble getting her to sleep, and gave in to any tactic that worked. With the boys, all I had to do was put them in bed.

Now, I’ve told you this story to point out that we all make mistakes with our children, and to point out how important it is to start your child out with the right sleeping habits. I didn’t sleep through the night for almost 2 ½ years, and I have no one to blame but myself. So, take it from someone who has learned the hard way. Put your baby to sleep in her own bed, and teach her to fall asleep all by herself. You’ll be glad you did. And, you’ll be rested.

When Your Child Turns Eighteen

2009-12-12T19:51:00.001-08:00

I think as parents, sometimes we think that on our child’s eighteenth birthday, something magical is going to happen. The truth is, they wake up the same person they went to bed as.

When my daughter went away to college, I admit to being completely blown away by the amount of students who had never had 100% freedom prior to coming to college. Up until leaving for college, these kids still had curfews, still were asked daily if their homework was done, still faced consequences at home if they did not turn in homework, and were still monitored in many other areas.

If you have never been allowed to stay out all night, what do you think a new college student does their first week at school? They end up staying up and out night after night. If you were never allowed to wake up and say “I don’t want to go to school today” what do you think a new college student does the first month of school? They sleep in and don’t attend class.

I believe as a parent, it is our job to allow our children the above freedoms in a safe atmosphere where we can guide them. For example, when my daughter was a senior in high school, I allowed her to go out on school nights and she really had no curfew. She did come in a few times at 2am and just couldn’t get up for school. I did write her a note for school and she slept. She missed school work, and now had double the work the next day. She quickly found that this was not a great choice to make. In college, making a choice like this can be much more devastating, if there is a quiz, a test, or a large assignment is due.

My daughter was not familiar with academic probation until she got to college and student after student was placed on academic probation. Often, parents do not know the student has been placed on this probation as the entire relationship is between the school and the student. The parents no longer have a voice, or receive any type of notifications, even if the parent is paying all the bills.

Most parents I speak with have the same goal. We want our children to be independent happy adults. This can only happen though if we allow them to make choices on their own.

I know that when I think back, I did make some bad choices as a teenager. I’ve also made some bad choices as an adult. I’ve learned from those choices and those choices have all led to the person I am today. I continue to make choices and continue to grow as a person. Don’t we want the same for our children?

So, while my opening sentence said nothing magical happens the morning of their eighteenth birthday, we as parents can certainly help them into adulthood by allowing them the freedom to be independent.

When Your Teenager Is Out Of Control: Troubled Teen Programs

2009-12-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

Introduction to Troubled Teen Programs

More than ever, teens today are facing an uncertain future. With political instability across the globe and unrest in local communities, it’s no wonder that our teens are confused and scared about their place in the world. Just as they are trying to find their own adult identity, the teenage body is hit with an influx of hormones and unsettling emotions that they don’t know how to control. Because of this, teenagers are particularly susceptible to conditions such as depression, oppositional defiant disorder (rebelliousness) and numerous personality disorders. Adolescent frustration can easily lead to behavioral problems, if the teen doesn’t receive appropriate counseling. Troubled teen programs exist to provide such counseling, and intervene before troubled teens can damage their future irrevocably.

Who Can Benefit from Troubled Teen Programs

Many teenagers can benefit from the variety of troubled teen programs that are available. Whether you’re teen is overtly rebellious, experimenting with drug use or promiscuous behavior, or has had trouble with the law, troubled teen programs can provide the tools to set your teenager on the right path. Troubled teen programs can reach your troubled teenager by teaching them to respect themselves and others, offering relatable testimonials and providing an objective outlook on how your teen functions. Whatever problems your teen may be facing, such as alcoholism, insecurity, or apathy, troubled teen programs can renew a positive outlook on life. These programs will help your teen, and your entire family, by bringing you all together.

Types of Troubled Teen Programs

There are many diverse troubled teen programs to address the many problems facing teens. Finding the program that best suits your teenager’s needs is key to helping them out of their problems. Some typical troubled teen programs include:

* Residential programs – Similar to boarding schools, residential teen programs require the teen to live at the program facility. Residential troubled teen programs are especially helpful for teens that have been expelled from public schools or need a great deal of supervision. Residential programs can be general or cater to specific problems such as drug abuse.

* Wilderness programs – Wilderness troubled teen programs take the problem teenager out of the confusing modern world and bring them back to the basics. Removing the teenager from the influences of bad company, computers, cell phones and modern conveniences, allows wilderness programs to access the root cause of the teen’s issues.

* Boot Camp/Military School (http://www.militaryschoolsboys.org/) – There are a number of troubled teen programs that utilize the military approach to treating problem teens. Focusing on discipline and respect, boot camp style programs can build the character of a troubled teen while allowing him to gain much-needed self respect.

Where to Look for Help in Finding Troubled Teen Programs

Because each program is unique, it’s important to carefully investigate your options before deciding on the program that is right for your troubled teen. Many programs can be investigated via the internet. Once you locate a program or programs that may be right for your teen, contact each organization to discuss your specific issues.

Where To Go For Parenting Advice

2009-12-12T12:28:00.001-08:00

Raising children is a confusing business. There are times when any parent or caregiver can use additional parenting advice. There are many books available to parents to help get through the day-to-day issues.

Every child is different, and every parent is different, too. Because of this, there are no cookie-cutter solutions that will work for everyone. The best suggestion is for you to review all the solutions you discover and take a few quiet minutes to think about them. Modify the suggestions to best suit your family, and don't be afraid to try out more than one until you discover the best answer.

Here are some tips:

1) Tell your children that you love them. Don't just show it by buying them things. Verbalize it and show them by hugging them.

2) Be involved in your children's lives - go to their concerts, games, and plays. This should be your highest priority.

3) Involve your children in family decisions.

4) Do not ever say "Because I said so" or "Because I am the parent". Instead always rationally explain your reasons for making a decision. Not only will children then understand and comply easier, but it will help them to develop their own reasoning skills.

5) Actively participate with your children in activities outside of the home.

Do not hesitate to share the ups and downs of parenting with another parent. You may be surprised to find that they are experiencing some of the same joys and frustrations as you.

One popular mistake parents make is asking instead of telling. The way you phrase your words determines whether your children see your request as optional or required. Take away all wishy-washy phrases from your vocabulary. When you want your child to do something or stop doing something, make a clear and specific statement that leaves no room for confusion.

Many parents start out on the right track, but are derailed by an incredibly persistent child. It seems that when children couple their youthful energy with an extraordinary ability to pinpoint their parent's weak spots, the result is usually disaster.

If you are doing your job as a parent, there are many times when your decisions will not be popular with your kids. When your child is nagging, whining and pleading with you, it is a sure sign that you have made the right decision. It is also a sign that you need to disengage from your youngster and teach him you will not be easily swayed by his persistence.

Your most important goal as a parent is not to make your children happy on a short-term basis. It is to raise capable and responsible human beings. There are many times when your children will be unhappy with your decisions.

Today there are more parents than any other generation of parents in history. There is an incredible amount of information and knowledge about parenting advice you can get from friends, books, and the internet. Take advantage of this information. Read and take note. And be confident in your actions.

Who's The Father? DNA Paternity Testing

2009-12-12T11:04:00.000-08:00

There is an urban legend that over thirty percent of all children are not born of their appointed father; instead, they are the products of adultery. Because of this long-standing myth, the idea of a paternity test has been a persistent one in the minds of the public. Here, we will explain what a paternity test actually is and answer questions on how it works to prove who fathered the child.

Why A Paternity Test:

Some question why this test is called a 'paternity'. The answer is quite simple: unless the mother was impregnated through an egg donation, it's obvious that she is the mother. The father, however, can be anyone--that is why children are tested against his DNA and not hers.

How Does A Paternity Test Work:

Though there are other methods, DNA testing is the easiest--and most effective--way to test a child for paternity.

DNA is unique for each individual but, when sexual reproduction occurs, an embryo is created. That embryo is formed by taking genetic material from both parents to create a new string of DNA.

To prove who is the father, one only has to look at the child's DNA pattern. In it, you will find evidence of the father's unique traits. Certain sequences will be available, and these will prove whose traits passed on.

Is A Paternity Test Accurate:

Yes. Unless the case involves a twin brother, DNA should easily be able to tell who fathered the child. The test is accurate.

Is A Paternity Test Necessary:

This is the gray area of the subject. A father's right to know if a child is his is not questioned; what is questioned, however, is the effects on the child. Often, cases of fathers seeking parental rights to children who have with their mothers and another man who they view as their father surface. These cases are long, drawn-out battles of basic parental rights versus basic child welfare. The father may argue that, since it was he who actually created the child, he should have the right to be present in his or her life. Others would argue, however, that a child in a stable home should not be forced to have two fathers and, therefore, two lives.

It is this heated debate that has divided many, and left the rest uncertain. Each case is different and must be examined as unique, which makes setting precedent almost impossible.

To have a paternity test is to open up a great deal of consequences--not only for the child, but for the parents. It is not a simple matter, or one that should be decided too quickly. These tests may be taken without consent, but there is a law in the UK that is demanding that no test be given without the express knowledge of all involved. This is to protect families.

A paternity test is an effective way to discover who fathered a child, but it can also be an effective way to cause a child grief. It should be approached with caution.

Why are there so many fat kids?

2009-12-12T10:28:00.000-08:00

I can remember when there was only one “chubby” kid per class. Now one in three, by my informal survey and the government’s official tally, would be eligible for this form of verbal abuse. Actually, one child in ten is considered morbidly obese and the other two in ten just obese or overweight.

It’s not just the couch potato, chip-munching, remote controlled kids with the problem. I see plenty of active, fat kids at the baseball games, soccer tournaments and swim races. Many have normal weight parents who are active themselves in sports.

So what are the causes? You’re probably going to blame the fast food industry, cars, and a lack of physical education classes for our children living on the edge of medical self-destruction. Initially I even fell prey to that logic as a family practice physician and former P.E. teacher/coach. But when I really thought about these excuses I realized the causes are still the same as they were forty years ago when I ballooned into tent dresses.

After all, didn’t we have cakes, pies, and Twinkies to eat in the fifties and sixties? Ice cream and potato chips aren’t new. Plus, people used real cream, butter, and sugar in all the treats. I’ve ridden in cars my whole life. I can remember my brother falling out of the car at 50 mph on our way to Grandma’s Sunday dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and cherry pie. Of course that was before seat belts came along.

Here is the real secret to all the “husky” kids circling around the last piece of pizza. They are emotionally empty, not their stomachs. Families are spread out or absent. Children are left to fend for themselves for meals and entertainment. They get bored, stressed out, and use food as a comfort just like adults. Often, parents are in denial that a problem even exists. My 50 lb. weight gain during the later stages of my mother’s illness and eventual death was no accident. It just wasn’t discussed.

Kids get shuttled from one home to another. Different rules, different environments. Especially with the divorce rate at 50% the so-called blended family requires much adapting by the child. Extended families don’t live nearby. Frequent job transfers, larger homes, and two car payments force both parents to work full time. The idea of sacrificing, saving, and delayed gratification went the way of the fifties and sixties.

With so much work and so many bills parents often arrive home emotionally drained. It is easier to let kids eat whatever they want, watch whatever they want, and listen to whatever they want. It takes more energy to be a parent enforcing rules and boundaries. The average father spends 20 minutes a day interacting with his child. Instead of picnics at the park, hiking, and shooting baskets, families opt for a video and pizza. Sometimes that is the only meal of the week together!

So what can we do? Treat the problem, not the symptom. Each child needs to feel valued. If you ask them whether they would rather have a new car or spend more time with you, the answer will be evident. Listen to your child more, talk less. Be quick to praise, slow to criticize. Regular family meetings promote feelings of belonging and connection. Everyone has a voice. Eat meals together on a regular basis. Preparing them as a team puts fewer demands on any one person and encourages communication.

Look inward, not outward to help solve a weight problem. Seek professional help early before medical problems and poor body image take hold. Your kids deserve it.

Why Creativity and Self-Expression are Important to Little Kids

2009-12-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

Can you draw a straight line? Most adults don’t consider themselves artistic. Parents do, however, worry about their toddler’s art abilities. As a child care provider for the past 10 years, I’ve had many discussions with parents about ‘how their toddler is doing’ as far as getting ready for preschool or kindergarten. They worry a lot about the final product of their toddler’s art projects. I try to explain to them that art is not just knowing how to draw a flower or a puppy, or whether or not little Jason colors in the lines. Little kids need to experience self-expression and the ‘doing of art’ more than having a page from a coloring book to hang on the refrigerator.

When a two-year old puts his chubby little hand in a tub of finger paint and happily smears all of the colors together on the paper or when he makes yet another ‘snowman’ out of play-doh, he’s creating. Granted, he will certainly tell you that his painting is his dad’s truck even though you ‘just can’t see it.’ The important thing to remember is that by allowing our little kids to experience art in their own way, we let them show us how they see the world around them, how they feel and think.

I always enjoy art time with my toddler and preschool age groups. Yeah, they can make a mess, but they just wiggle with excitement when I take out the ‘arts & crafts’ tub of supplies! Having been a military wife and lived in a few different places, I’ve always returned to providing home day care. As a result, I’ve had to make do with whatever space I can find in the various homes we’ve lived in. There’s not always a lot of room, but art can take place just about anywhere. I’ve found that the activity is most effective when it’s pre-planned and when I’ve set goals for the activity.

Art is important for toddlers because of the way it makes little kids feel special and good about themselves. When your toddler finishes a magazine cut-out collage and holds up his masterpiece to you with that beaming smile doesn’t that make you feel good about both of you? Through creating simple art projects, that same toddler is not only learning to take pride in his accomplishments, but also to think and refine his hand-eye coordination and physical skills. Through art, children learn to identify colors, cause-and-effect, shapes, problem solving, sharing and cooperation among many other skills.

Parents must remember to ask toddlers or preschoolers questions about their projects that will make them think about what they’ve made rather than ask them ‘What is that?’ For example, ‘C.J., tell Mommy about your painting.’ C.J will start to talk about his work or anything else he feels important at the time! This also shows your child that you are interested in what he thinks and aren’t’ just confused about what you see! Make sure to hang the art work up in a prominent place in your home so the entire family can enjoy it.

Art experiences are a major part of a toddler’s daily activities. They have grown enough to grasp objects and tear paper and hold crayons and brushes. Naturally they are thrilled with the anticipation of a new art project, and most importantly, with the quality time spent with the important adults in his/her life.

Why Do Teens Want To Be Fashionable?

2009-12-12T01:16:00.000-08:00

Why is it that teens want to become fashion trendy? Could this just be extravagance? Would this cause an alarm to parents?

One thing for sure, teens want to dress according to their interests and affiliations. Unlike grownups who wear clothes depending on their upbringing, their work environment and social standing in the community, some teenagers wear clothes to identify themselves with somebody who is famous. Usually, wearing branded clothes would give them a sense of belongingness to that star and his distinct group. They might be the yelling fans or the silent admirers, but in adopting that fashion trends, they feel to have belong to the same group. They are the teenagers who feel that the clothes they wear would more popularize these stars and that they could benefit from such fame having been identified with them. This is the reason why designer clothes being endorsed by actors, actresses and pop stars are becoming selling hits.

Other teenagers feel that wearing clothes with its distinct cut would identify them to a certain type of set; whether they are hip hop, the sporty type, the romantic type or the alternatives. Through fashion, they had successfully revealed their true personalities; unlike the grown ups who weighs other factors, teens want to become fashionable as clear manifestations of their true selves.

The wholehearted devotion to follow teen fashion trends are considered by some as mere extravagance. Not all teenagers are that rich enough to spend money on apparels in order to catch up with these trends. But creative teenagers have their own ways of fulfilling their passion and others know how to sacrifice their allowances in order to buy the clothes and accessories just to be in with the trend. Teens want to become fashionable, and they expect everybody to understand them.

The need for teen fashion has reached its competitive level in schools especially during the opening of classes. Here, the teenagers are likely to wear the latest trend for this is the time to have a great new look and these teenagers feel that they ought to be impressive. Do first impressions last? Yes. And these teens are scampering who can impress their peers first. Teens want to be show off their wares just to catch the attention of other young people.

Teen fashion trends have become a lucrative business that capitalized on the insatiable appetite of the teenagers for distinction. And do you know that teens are behind the success of these companies? Most companies are not only using teens as models, they also utilize multi-talented teenagers. The comments, suggestions and ideas for new designs are made by experts with the assistance of these talented young people. Promotional blitzes including those well crafted fashion shows are done to suggest that teen fashion is really a part of the lives of the teenagers. Teens want to craft their world.

To some people, catching up with the teen fashion trends are just useless lifestyles. They will not do any good except as a way of showing off that these teenagers have money to spend for these expensive clothing. Why go to the extent of catching up with new styles in order to be identified? Each one has the capability to be known, the ability to excel above others. Teens want to show that they have a world of their own and that they could also become contributors of value.

Whether the teenagers want to catch up with teen fashion trends or just wear any appropriate clothing, what is important is that these teens must work hard to become successful individuals. These teens do not only want fame, affiliations or distinction, they also want success and fruitful lives. In order for teens to succeed and to remain right, the parents must always be at their sides to guide, support and advise them. After all, parenting and parental guidance could fulfill the desires of the teenagers.

Why first borns fuss, seconds are resilient and youngests like to laugh

2009-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

How can two or three children in the same family be so different? They are brought up in the same broad social environment, under a similar set of rules and an identical family value system. They also come from the same genetic pool yet they can be so different in personality, interests and achievement. While they may be born into the same family they are not born into the same position. The effects of their birth position have a significant impact on children, their behavior and their personalities. In order to really understand children it is useful to look at how their position in the family impacts on their development.

If we look at the big three in birth order – first, middle and youngest – we will notice that children born in each position share a similar set of characteristics. Note that birth order presents possibilities only for parents. Also only children share similar birth order characteristics to first borns – they are super first borns.

First borns are often more motivated to achieve than later borns. A greater percentage of first borns end up in the professions such as medicine and law. They go for jobs where determination, strong powers of concentration and discipline are valued. First borns are born into a pressured yet treasured position. They are usually the objects of great delight in a family – they are the first. Parents and grandparents often overdo everything with first borns. There is an air of expectancy even before their birth. Names are chosen half way through the pregnancy and photo albums are filled as baby’s every special moment is captured on film. They are the centre of attention, which is an obvious plus if you are a first-born child.

The flipside to this adulation is that first borns are coached, prodded and pushed to perform. The expectations are high for first borns, particularly first-born boys, so pressure is something they know all about. It is no coincidence that anecdotal evidence suggest that first born males tend to be lower risk-takers as learners than girls or those in other birth positions. First-born boys fear failure so they often steer away from areas where they can’t excel. Interestingly, some first borns confuse excellence with perfectionism and won’t try unless they can do the perfect job. These kids drive their parents and teachers nuts as they just won’t move out of their comfort zones to take a few risks and even (shock, horror) mess up. This is first-born thing.

First borns are trailblazers for parents and for the children to follow. Parents are usually hardest on their first borns in terms of discipline and they loosen up as they move further down the family. First borns usually don’t react well to the arrival of the second born. To parents the arrival of another child means a playmate for their eldest. To the first born the arrival of another child means only one thing –DETHRONEMENT. You can read the headlines: “The emperor loses his crown.” Well not quite. The first-born child does everything in his of her power to retain the favoured first position. He will point out the failings of the second born to his parents. In all likelihood as he grows up the first born may well be less than pleasant to this intruder –particularly if they are both boys.

According to Kevin Leman author of The New Birth Order Book there are two types of first borns. The first are the compliant nurturers and caregivers. These children love to please and also love to do well in school as they have a high need for mum or dad’s approval. They also like to look after and care for other children. These compliant nurturers are more likely to be girls. Parents often rely heavily on their first borns and let them take much of the responsibility around the home.

The second types of first borns are the aggressive movers and shakers. These children are assertive, achievement-oriented and strong-willed. They are often boys who have the drive but not the skills to be effective leaders. Their bull-in-a-China-shop approach doesn’t always endear them to others.

The middle (and in all likelihood the second) child is influenced by his elder sibling. The one rule of thumb about birth order is that children are directly influenced by the sibling above and will differ from that sibling. Frank Sulloway, the author of Born To Rebel, puts it succinctly, when he says that the first rule of the sibling road is that first and second borns will be different in personality, interests and achievement. Generally, the middle or second will be what the first-born isn’t. If the first born is responsible the next in line may well be a pest. If the first born is serious, as they often are, the second borns may well be easy-going and gregarious.

Middle born children are victims of bad timing. Born too late to get the perks and privileges of being born first but too early to get the easy ride that youngest receive, middles often feel squeezed between these two siblings and wonder, “Why me?” or “Its not fair!” The positive side to middle borns is that as they are squeezed between two siblings they are good negotiators and generally develop an adept set of people skills. They are often more flexible as their lives tend to fit in more with the first born. Also they tend to spend more time with children away from their family to avoid the frustration of being an outsider in the family. Middle children subsequently can end up with more friends than their elder sibling.

Middle born children, particularly if they are surrounded by other boys often become the free spirit or the child most likely to upset (annoy, hassle) his siblings. If you have three children sitting quietly watching television and you suddenly hear a yelp coming from the television room you can bet that the middle child has disturbed the peace in some way. Perhaps he has thumped the youngest or flicked the eldest with a ruler or some foreign object. Middles can be like that! They like to get even!

Parents need to be aware of the need to make middle children feel SPECIAL. Take photos of just them, and not the whole pack. Make sure you spend time with just them. Help them find their special talent that they don’t share with their siblings (that should be easy as they often stand apart).

Youngest children in the family are typically charmers and manipulators. They love to get their own way – and they invariably do. They are in the fortunate position of having a sibling break their parents in for them and they don’t have the pressures of the first born. Their birth is not the big event as was the first born’s arrival. Parents are still thinking of a name when they are putting the birth notice for the youngest in the paper. “Ah what will we call him? Jarrod will do. Yeah, that sounds fine.”

Youngest are often babied, spoiled, affectionate, outgoing and uncomplicated. The pressure is off the last borns in terms of having to meet their parents’ high expectations so they are more likely to achieve in their own ways. Creative, artistic pursuits are full of later or last borns, whereas firstborns are more likely to end up in positions of leadership. One of the traits many last borns share is persistence. They learn when they are young that if they persist with what they want they will outlast their siblings and wear their parents down eventually. Persistence is a characteristic that pays off for this group.

Last borns tend to be more impetuous – they act now and worry about the repercussions later. The positive is that they are more likely to stretch themselves and try new experiences than their siblings. The negative aspect for boys is that their tendency to jump first and think later on can be downright dangerous. Youngest born girls can often be babied and have their parents jumping through hoops to satisfy them.

Last borns can appear a little self-centred, which is probably due to the fact that they tend to do less at home to help others. There are bigger, more capable siblings at home to take all the responsibilities so youngest children can easily grow up with an ‘I’m here to be served’ attitude. It is important to give youngest borns plenty of opportunities to help around the home.

The position a child in his family holds is a predictor only of personality, but a powerful predictor nonetheless. It is definitely a factor that parents need to consider as we look for ways to raise happy, well-adjusted and confident children.

Michael Grose is an authority on birth order and affects on children’s personalities, interests and achievements. Read more about how birth order affects personality and behaviour in his brand new book Why first borns rule the world and last borns want to change it. You can purchase it for only $27.50 at WWW.Parentingideas.com.au

Why is it Necessary for Teens to Learn Computer Skills?

2009-12-11T23:16:00.000-08:00

The teens want computer skills in order to become competitive in their upcoming careers and to give them ease in their day-to-day activities. Computers become indispensable tools to the teenagers. Parents must understand that the teens want different computer skills such as word processing programs to make various types of invitations, make reports, format documents, write resumes, accomplish their assignments and write research papers. The teens also want to be updated with new information as well as to make new friends from around the globe. Even at their young age, they have to gain insights and abilities on the complexities of life especially in finding a lucrative job. In this way, they are much prepared when they finished their studies and start to pursue their own career.

The teens want attractive and eye bulging reports which are created using special software. These teens know that an ability to properly present their propositions would spell a difference between winning and losing. In classes involving mathematical problems, the teenagers must learn spreadsheets, data entry and other skills.

The teens want to use the internet. Hundreds of tools are available to teenagers to allow them unlimited use of their creativity. Through the internet, the teens learn to surf to their favorite websites, make the required reports at a shorter period, learn and explore new trends and developments with ease. Among the favorites of teens are chat rooms, games, blog and other interactive sites. Free downloads are also available such as music, software, skills training and others. Through the internet, the teenagers are freed from spending so much money in purchasing their favorite music and movies, as well as in gaining knowledge in tradecraft and other profitable skills.

The parents must broaden their understanding on why their teens must be skilled in properly navigating the internet to browse the sites that they need. Lack of the necessary skills and know how would make the teenagers land on sites that are not suited to them. By chance, they might be able to view scenes which are not good.

The good news is that thousands of jobs could be accessed through the internet. These jobs include data entry, web and logo design, computer programming and so on. Landing on high paying jobs require the needed knowledge and skills in computers and computer applications. Of course, this knowledge could be acquired through formal education, but to the freelancers, learning through the internet is profitable and worthwhile.

Having learned some computer literacy skills could make the teenagers become useful citizens by applying what they know for personal, career growth and community building.

The teens want these computer literacy skills to prepare them for a bright future, but most important they also need the encouragement and motivation coming from people they trust.

Why Parents Need Keylogger Software

2009-12-11T22:29:00.000-08:00

The emergence of the internet, and associated technologies like email and instant messaging, present problems for today’s parents that were unimaginable just twenty years ago. Children use computers for homework, surf the web at their leisure and socialize through instant messaging – activities that are often outside direct parental control and by themselves leave little or no record of their occurrence.

Some parents attempt to solve the problem by banning computer use entirely or allowing it only when a parent directly supervises, but most find this is not a realistic solution and places their child at an academic and social disadvantage compared to other children. On the other hand, unfettered access to a computer with access to the internet poses real dangers to children. Consider the following:

• Computer-sex offenders almost always meet potential victims in instant message chat rooms. Chat rooms grant these predators anonymity and a belief their instant messages are not monitored or recorded.
• The average age of first exposure to pornography is over the internet is 11 years old.
• The FBI recommends you monitor your child's access to all types of live electronic communications, including instant message and email.
• One out of five children were aggressively pushed to have face-to-face meetings with strangers in the last year, often via instant messaging.
• Because young people often find instant messaging easier than talking face to face, they often say things they wouldn't say in person. Cyber-bullying has become a new form of harassment.
• While online predators usually gradually seduce their targets through attention, affection, kindness, and even gifts, some predators work faster than others, engaging in sexually explicit conversations immediately.

Many parents are finding an acceptable middle-ground between no supervision and direct personal control of their children’s computer use is to use inexpensive and readily available keylogger software. Keylogger software monitors a child’s actions on the computer and stores this information for later review by a parent. Quality varies, but keylogger software is usually easy to install and setup, requires no advanced knowledge by the user, and often can be purchased for less than $30( one vendor of keylogging software is PCSentinel Software - www.pcsentinelsoftware.com ). Outside of physically being present and watching while a child uses the computer, keylogger software is the only way for a parent to really know how their child is using their computer.

Unfortunately, some parents are resistant to using keylogger software because they feel they are they are spying on their children, or that their children are good kids and don’t require this level of supervision. However, the fact remains that even “good” or “smart” children are still just children and often make, or can be induced to make, very bad choices with awful consequences. Even savvy children who feel they are protecting their private information from strangers in chat rooms often don’t realize how much personal information they may reveal over many conversations – and predators are known to keep detailed files on their victims, often piecing together small bits of information gathered over many conversations to construct an outline of a child’s daily routine and whereabouts.

Ultimately, it is hard to argue that keylogging software is not a necessary tool for every parent with children who have access to the internet. Simply put, it is the parent’s responsibility to know with certainty what is going on in their children’s lives – and given the dangers of unmonitored internet access the only way parents really know how their children are using their computer is through keylogging software.

7 Reasons Why Should Kids Get Allowances

2009-12-11T21:36:00.000-08:00

The question of whether allowances are right or wrong, is one that has been argued for many generations. Now it’s your turn, as a parent, to decide whether or not an allowance is the best way to educate your child about financial responsibility. There are many reasons given on why a regular payment of money to a child should or shouldn’t be done – ultimately I believe there is no right answer, it is up to each individual family to decide what is the best option for them. Through many years of working with parents and educators, these are the top seven reasons I keep hearing on the question of why should kids get allowances.

1. They learn to be wise with how they spend their money. It may help to teach them how to prioritise their spending, & learn from an early age what things are a waste of money.

2. They learn how to save money. Having a regular amount of money, may make it easier for them to establish good saving habits, as a certain percentage of the money from each payment can be placed into a savings account/piggy bank. Without an allowance, any money they receive, may simply be spent, with nothing going to savings.

3. They learn how to donate their money. A certain percentage of their money can also be allocated to donations to the needy, hopefully encouraging your child to be more thoughtful of others, & not greedy with their money.

4. They will learn how to budget their money so it lasts between payments. Eventually, most children will learn to be careful how they spend what limited money they have, so they don’t run out of money. This will only happen, if the parent doesn’t give in to the initial whining for more money when the mistake is first made!

5. They can learn to make mistakes with small amounts of money. Kids will learn how to manage their finances responsibly far quicker through being allowed to make mistakes themselves (and suffering the consequences), rather than being told how they should be managing their money by someone else. Parents need to be there to guide their children on how they should spend their money, but not dictate (unless there could be serious consequences from their mistakes).

6. They may stop nagging you for money. The idea is, if they are receiving a regular amount of money, and they have a good understanding of how to budget it then they will never run out of money, so won’t keep pestering you for more. Realistically, it will probably never put a complete end to the nagging for money, but it should reduce it.

7. You may end up forking out less money. If you sit down, and add up how much money you give your child during the week & how much you spend on items for them (e.g. clothing), it may actually work out cheaper to give them an allowance, and make them responsible for a lot of their purchases.

As I mentioned earlier, an allowance isn’t necessarily the best option for every family, but these are some of the reasons why many parents & educators believe an allowance is the only way to go. Some families though, may not have enough room in the family budget to provide their children with a regular payment, or may simply not believe in it for their own personal reasons. Either way you choose, I have seen with my own eyes, children from each side of the fence who have grown up to be exceptional money managers, and likewise children who seem to have no idea. Ultimately, it comes down to how much guidance a child receives from their parents/guardians on money – whether through an allowance or not.

You Should Monitor Your Child’s Computer

2009-12-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

Every parent has an anxiety attack whenever they hear a report of a missing or abducted child in the news. They pray it never happens to them and rightly so because it is a parent's worst nightmare.

Unfortunately, teenagers do not always get that same attention or elicit the same feelings as the missing or abducted child. Teens are almost automatically considered runaways rather than missing children.

And teens that are reported as runaways do not grab people's attention. The police do not actively search for runaways. It is not a crime to run away from home.

However, in many cases when a teen is missing a crime has been committed. By the police not actively pursuing the conditions surrounding the teen’s disappearance, the crime goes undetected and unpunished.

If some adult lures your teenager and they run away from home and you did not know they were talked into leaving, then the police will not know it either. The police will assume your teen is a runaway and will add it to all the other runaways to be on the lookout for, but will not actively pursue the case because they do not know a crime has been committed.

We all have seen Dateline NBC where they entrap guys who want to have sex with teenagers, then arrest them once they get to the rendezvous point. That’s all well and good that they are out there hunting the hunters and preying on the predators. I applaud their effort.

However, that does nothing for the teen that is considered a runaway because no one knows she or he met someone on the Internet who talked them into running away from home.

The time has come for every parent who has a teenager who uses a computer to start monitoring his or her activities. Teens will scream about their privacy, but you need to know that if they do run away from home that they were lured away.

You need to know and the police need to know because if they were talked into leaving by an adult, then a crime has been committed and the police can put more resources into finding them.

There is software that will allow you to not only block your children and teenagers from accessing inappropriate content on the web, it will also log everything your child or teen does on the computer so you have a record. That record includes online chatroom conversations, email, instant messaging, and websites visited.

The software will even send you a message on your cell phone or to your email whenever your child or teen accesses inappropriate content.

You cannot afford to let your child or teenager decide for themselves what is or is not ok to do on the web. The predators are smarter than they are no matter what they tell you. Your teenager may be smarter than you may when it comes to the computer, but you know what is or is not good for them when it comes to their safety.

Do not be intimidated if you do not know a lot about computers. Do not let that be your excuse for not monitoring your children and teenagers. In the footer of this article you will find resources that can help you monitor everyone who uses your computer. I recommend you start doing it today before IU have to go out and search for your runaway or lured-away teen.

Why You Should Read To Your Child

2009-12-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

As a parent you have many important priorities when it comes to your child. You need to keep your child safe, healthy, and loved. In today's hectic world, we often spend so much time engaged on those priorities we forget another important area -- mental stimulation. As parents we need to engage our children's minds as well as their bodies in order for them to grow and learn. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is through reading.

There are a number of reasons why you should read to your child. If you are already reading to your child on a daily basis then these reasons should strengthen your resolve and if you are regularly reading to your child they should challenge you to do so:

1. A carefully selected story challenges and engages your child's mind. Through books your child can not only re-live experiences in their own life but also learn and experience cultures and events far removed from their current scope.

2. Reading out loud demonstrates what good reading sounds like and provides a goal for the child's literacy efforts. As your child learns to read, he or she will need role models to follow. Shouldn't you be one of them?

3. Sharing a variety of books improves your child's knowledge of language including vocabulary, sentence structure, and pronunciation. The more your child knows about words and language then the more knowledge and experience she will have to draw upon while learning to read and the easier it will be for her to learn.

4. Reading with your child helps the child connect print words and meaning. Children learn to read many words simply through repeated exposure. It is not enough to simply provide words and instead the words must also be placed in context.

5. Reading demonstrates how a book works, such as that we read a book from front cover to back cover and a page from top to bottom, and a line from left to right. Those of us with long experience with books take this knowledge for granted but young children need to learn these simple rules.

6. A well-written story stimulates your child's imagination and creativity which can foster their own creative efforts and play.

7. Reading a variety of stories helps children learn how story structure and narrative works which will help in literacy as well as social interaction. Human beings use story telling and narrative in our professional and personal interactions and the people who have the best grasp of narrative technique are often the most successful in these areas. Give your child an edge.

8. Making literacy a priority in your life will demonstrate its importance to your child so they will make it a priority in theirs. If your child never sees you read then why would they think it is important?

9. Reading to a child also promotes physical contact as your child sits on your lap or cuddles beside you. It provides another opportunity to strengthen your bond with your child.

10. Listening to the human voice can be very soothing and especially when it is the voice of a loved one. It can help lower stress levels and bring comfort. Children face many stresses during the day just as do adults. You might find taking the time to read to your child not only reduces their stress level but yours as well.

You should make reading to your child a part of your regular daily routine but also include spontaneous opportunities as well. Not only will these moments draw you closer to your child and provide lasting memories but you are also giving your child benefits that will impact their entire life.

Will My Doubts And Fears Affect My Child?

2009-12-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

"Will my doubts and fears affect my child?" This father is concerned about his son, a high school athlete with a vision of playing professional sports. The father's fear is that his son won't be accepted into the 'right' college to be scouted by the professionals. He wanted to know:

How does your vibration, as a parent, affect your children?

Can your negative or low frequency vibration create resistance or prevent your child from attracting his or her desire?

How much influence do you have over your child's ability to attract something they desire?

What would you tell this father?

My answer was simple: "Your vibration affects your child to the degree that he allows it."

Now, you might think that the older the child, the stronger his or her vibration will be--that the parent's vibration would be less influential as the child matures. However, that is not necessarily so.

Another client told me about a camping trip that her family took last summer. Picture this: mother, father and 7 year old Janice are driving in the car, through a national forest, looking for a place to set up camp. Father is discouraged and making comments like, "We're not going to get a place to camp." Every time he said that, little Janice said, to herself, "We ARE going to get a camping spot." This went on for a couple of hours, as the family drove from one campsite to the next looking for an opening. Finally, Janice spoke up, rather defiantly: "Yes we ARE going to get a camping place. I just know it!" And at the very next campsite, there was a vacant site right close to the gate. My client said she was impressed with her daughter's ability to maintain her high vibration of expectancy, while a parent was vibrating such negativity.

I have three (almost four) grandchildren. One little fellow has displayed a true stubborn streak since he was a toddler. While his independence and self-determination are sometimes difficult to live with, I realize that he is exercising his right to not let other people set his vibration...oh, no! He has his mind made up and he's going to have his way--always! Could it be that he knows something that my generation is just learning? Maintain your own vibration!

Not all children have developed the ability to maintain a positive vibration when their parent is vibrating fear or doubt. I was able to help the father, who recognized his own negative vibration, create a Focus Wheel. Together we came up with six or seven statements which allowed him to release his fears and raise his vibrational frequency. Statements like, "Even though most sports professionals are scouted at certain Universities, it IS possible to be scouted elsewhere." "My son has the ability to attract his desire." "The Universe knows the BEST way to bring about the fulfillment of my son's desire."

Rebecca Hanson is a Master Law of Attraction Coach. Thousands of people have enjoyed her talks or articles about real-life experiences and how she found the "nugget of truth" in every situation. Now she has such a deep grasp of how faith, beliefs and thinking work that she is able to lift others to a higher level, very quickly. You can contact Rebecca at Rebecca@YouCanHaveItAll.com or on her website at http://www.youcanhaveitall.com and sign up for her free “Museletter”.

Rebecca has also written a book called, “Law of Attraction for Business: How to create a business or attract a job you LOVE!” To find out more about this book and other information check out http://www.lawofattractionresources.com/

Wooden High Chairs - Information And Tips

2009-12-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

There are many different wooden baby doll high chairs. Almost all of them look similar to each other, the only difference is that some of the wooden baby doll high chairs have, is the price of them -- they can range from five dollars up to a couple hundred dollars. The wooden high chair is very popular in both baby doll and baby high chairs.

One of the wooden baby doll high chairs is the badger basket Swedish style doll high chair. This badger basket Swedish style doll high chair costs around about thirty to forty dollars. This Swedish style baby doll high chair has pink cushions, a safety belt to keep the doll on the chair, and a seat and footrest that are height-adjustable for your doll. This badger basket Swedish style baby doll high chair is designed for baby dolls up to twenty four inches in length and is for children ages three years old and up. The high chair is about eleven and one quarter inches wide by sixteen inches in diameter and by twenty and three fourths inches in height and it comes with removable and machine washable cushions.

Another high chair for dolls is call Doll's wooden high chair and it costs around about forty dollars to about fifty five dollars. This wooden high chair is about twenty eight and a half inches high, the seat stands about eighteen inches off the floor, the back is eleven and a half inches across, the seat of the chair is about eleven inches by ten inches in diameter, and the tray is thirteen and one fourth inches by three and one eighth inches in diameter.

This high chair looks like it is antique and made up of soil hard wood that looks like oak. The high chair is cream colored with a light green trim around it, and the back of the high chair has two painted baby dolls on it. You can choose furniture that have cushions that match the colors of your kitchen, or one that will fit the dinner table nicely without problems.

Here is another wooden high chair that you can find that is plain wood in kind of a rectangular shape and it costs around about sixty five dollars to about seventy dollars and it measures about twelve inches in diameter, thirteen inches wide, and thirty inches high. This wooden high chair also comes with an already attached tray.

Yahtzee as an Educational Game

2009-12-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

Education can be "hidden" in a lot of toys and games. When you think of educational toys and games for your children don't overlook some of the obvious ones.

Today we will talk about Yahtzee, most say it is all in the luck of the roll. That maybe true but there is some logic involved as well. Do you use four ones for your four of a kind or do you try for sixes instead. Do you go for your large straight when you have a 2, 3, 4, 5, or do you try in when you have a 1, 2, 4, 5?

But besides the logic there is basic addition. Learning to count by 2's, 3's, 4's, 5's, and 6's. Then of course you need to total up the score.

The game of yahtzee doesn't take long and even if you are playing with a younger child that cannot add up the final scores just the exposure to counting by 2's and 5's for example will help them understand math concepts later on.

Yahtzee is also great because it doesn't matter how many players you have, and you can even play by yourself and try to top your best score.

Then you must not forget the sheer pleasure of spending time with your children doing something enjoyable. Children flourish when attention is spent on them. You don't have to plan an expensive trip to the amusement park to spend quality time with your children, just doing something that is enjoyable to both of you and giving them your attention is often enough.

Start your children young introducing them to different concepts such as addition, reading, etc. Young children love to learn and you will most often find a willing pupil that is excited to learn new things, especially when it is their favorite teacher instructing them, you.

YMCA Helps Families Bring Healthy Habits Home

2009-12-11T14:16:00.000-08:00

Keeping kids physically active and healthy isn't exactly child's play. Efforts to keep kids fit are most successful when scheduled as a family affair, according to Chicago-based YMCA of the USA. Children are more likely to stay active and to make smart, health-related choices when parents lead by example.

"Families that make health, activity and exercise priorities in their daily life enjoy many benefits like strengthening family ties, developing similar interests, preventing chronic diseases and, most importantly, simply having fun as a family," said Mike Spezzano, national health and fitness specialty consultant for YMCA of the USA.

The YMCA offers six "get started" tips for embracing a healthier lifestyle at home:

1. Commit to 20-30 minutes of physical activity as a family each day. Walk the dog as a group before dinner; share an afternoon bike ride; play a game of tag; plan fun weekend outings like nature hikes or skating.

2. Prepare healthy meals at least five days a week. Select recipes that use lower fat, sodium, and refined sugar; choose natural and unprocessed ingredients when buying prepared meals; buy fruits and vegetables over unhealthy snacks.

3. Choose to eat meals together in the kitchen or dining room. Eating on the go or in front of the television leads to unhealthy eating habits.

4. Hold a weekly family meeting to set group goals about health and activity. For extra encouragement, display goals for everyone to see.

5. Stress and conflict are major culprits in undermining healthy goals. Reduce stress at home by agreeing to respect the property and feelings of fellow family members; accept responsibility for personal actions; and behave in a caring and thoughtful manner.

6. Celebrate success with simple rewards. Enjoy movie night or a YMCA family night; buy a new board game; create hand-made awards; reinforce achievements with positive verbal feedback.

Families seeking inspiration and information can find it at YMCA Healthy Kids® Day celebrated nationally April 8, 2006 and at 1,420 YMCAs nationwide (local dates may vary). The free event engages families in fun, physical activities and offers helpful information to encourage healthy lifestyle choices.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Disney Channel, Tropicana, Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Kimberly-Clark's Huggies, Pull-Ups and Neat Sheet brands.

You CAN afford to be a Stay-at-Home Parent!

2009-12-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

From the moment I learned I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. That feeling only strengthened when my beautiful son was born. I took one look at him and wondered how I could ever give up the opportunity to spend each and every day with him, watching him grow and learn, and exploring the world for the first time through his eyes. But there was a problem. We were a two-income family. How could we possibly afford to eliminate one of those incomes? Well, there are a lot of answers to that question and I’d like to share the ones I found with you.

The first thing I looked at when determining “what we can afford” is how much money we made. I was wrong. What I really needed to examine was our expenses. So, the first step I took in my quest to stay home was to list the expenses I would incur in order to work, versus staying home. This is what I came up with: professional clothing (your kids don’t mind that you wear sweats!); transportation costs: fuel, tolls, public transit, parking, etc.; those “must-have” coffee and/or donut stops each morning; lunches with coworkers; gifts for coworkers (holidays and special occasions); CHILDCARE – it’s in bold print for a reason. If you haven’t priced this one out yet, do it now. This will easily be your greatest expense. And, it only goes up with each child.

Go ahead and add up all these expenses. Don’t be too depressed, because there’s good news: these expenses represent your “instant rebate” for staying home. You’ve essentially just eliminated the need for a good portion (if not all) of your income. Need more savings? Keep reading!

How many times per week are you dining out at restaurants, getting take out, ordering in, etc? By staying at home, you have the time to go to the grocery store and prepare a wholesome and much more economical meal for your family.

Eliminate (or at least cut back) on your little luxuries. Manicures, pedicures, massages, hair highlights, 300 television channels, 2000 cell phone minutes. You get the picture.

Clip coupons. I actually started buying the Sunday paper each week just for the coupons! You may have never seen the need to do this while you were working, but if you take the time, it will save you money. There are also plenty of online sites that provide coupons.

Examine your bills carefully. When we had 2 fulltime incomes, I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I rarely looked at any bill in detail. If there was an amount due, I paid it. I never looked at it, never questioned it. Now I go over every health insurance summary, utility statement, etc. with a magnifying glass. And, I can honestly say in the past 2 years I have caught almost $1000 in billing errors. That’s $1000 more for my family.

Make this a team effort. If staying home only appeals to you and not your partner, your chances of success are greatly diminished. Making adjustments to the family budget will affect the lifestyle of all those involved. This transition will be much smoother with the support of your significant other.

And last, but certainly not least, follow your heart! If you feel called to stay home with your children, then do it! All it takes is the determination to succeed and the willingness to reduce expenses. Best of luck to you!

Love That Never Ends

2009-12-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

If you were to ask someone if they wanted more love in their life, it is very unlikely that they would say they wouldn’t and that they don’t need any more. That would be like saying you don’t need to ever eat again because you are full. Even if our lives were full of love we would still want to experience more of it, because love is never ending and the more love we have the more we will have to give away. But how do we give love away? Before we can answer that question, we must attempt to define love or agree upon what love is. Because love is fathomless, we cannot completely understand its depth. And our attempts to define it often confine its meaning and eternal quality. However, we know when we experience love. And we can identify love in how it is expressed.

Love is communicated to us in many ways. Sometimes it is in words or someone’s thoughtfulness. We recognize it when we are treated with kindness and respect. We also communicate our love by our faithfulness, generosity, and selflessness. There are many different attributes that we associate with love. I believe there are ten key attributes that communicate true love most fully. I devote a chapter to each one of them in my ebook, Live to Love: 10 Powerful Ways to Communicate and Experience Love. In it you will discover how we communicate our love or lack of it every day. Love is more than words and it runs deeper than feelings. Love is what we live for. We love and we want to be loved.

We look for loving qualities in people and that is what often attracts us to them. Besides being drawn to their personality, appearance, common interests, and so forth, we look for qualities that communicate love, warmth, and acceptance. If we want to build a relationship with someone, we want a connection that is deeper and founded on the attributes of love.

Loving people draw others to them. We all like to be around someone who makes us feel valued and who treats us as important. We like being around someone who is thoughtful toward us; someone who cares about our feelings; someone who can be trusted and is honest with us. We like people who make us feel good about ourselves—people who listen and understand us; people who want to help us and will go of their way for us; people who are happy when we succeed; people who appreciate us. We all like to be around people who make us feel genuinely loved.

Earlier we said that the more love we give away, the more love it is that we will have to give. Love isn’t love until you give it away. We give love away when its attributes are evident and expressed in our life. We can all grow in the various attributes of love, and we can begin to express love more fully in our lives and relationships. Remember, we will never run out of love as long as we keep on

About Author:
Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC is a psychotherapist, author, teacher, and cofounder of www.NewDayCounseling.org. She is featured in numerous newspapers and her many articles, pamphlets, and books are read worldwide. Krystal’s best-selling ebooks can be found at www.FavoriteEbooks.com.

Baby And Teething

2009-12-11T11:17:00.000-08:00

The appearance of your baby's first tooth is a major milestone in her development, and one that will likely see you sharing photographs with family, friends, and anyone else who may happen by! Unfortunately though, the arrival doesn't always go smoothly - it can be a testing time for both you and your baby, as there will inevitably be some discomfort involved, leading to yet more sleepless nights and grizzled behaviour.

There are usually some warning signs that a tooth is on its way, and these can include an increase in salivation or drooling, an intensified tendency for your baby to bite down on toys (or even people!), flushed cheeks and swollen gums, and a general malaise shown through loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and irritability.

Many parents will tell you that teething is often accompanied by other problems such as stomach upsets or colds, although most medical experts say that there is no real connection, and that young children are more or less constantly fighting off one bug or another, and so any signs of illness appearing together with teething are probably just coincidences.

Teething generally starts at around 6 months, although as with all things related to babies and kids your own experience may vary. Indeed, a very few babies will be born sporting a tooth or two, while some may not see their first tooth emerge until their first birthday or even later. Whenever it starts, your baby will normally have a complete set of teeth by their third birthday, and these milk teeth will last until around the age of six, when they will begin to be replaced by adult teeth.

Although some infants sail through the whole teething process with little difficulty, for others it can be a real ordeal. Unfortunately there's nothing we as parents can do to speed the growth, but there are ways to relieve the discomfort a little.

The most traditional remedy for teething pain is a rubber biting ring, which works with your baby's natural inclination to bite down on things. A soft rubber ring provides a safe outlet for this urge, and keeping the ring in the refrigerator when not in use will also provide a cooling sensation.

Teething gel can also be applied to the gums, which can provide comfort, and can be smeared onto a dummy or pacifier if the biting reflex means direct application to the gums is risky for the parent!

Teething powders are also available, which consist of a sachet of crystals which you can pour into your baby's mouth, and seem to prove more effective than gels with some children.

Finally, you may find yourself having to resort to pain relief medication if the problem is severe. Be certain to use a medicine specifically formulated for babies of your child's age, and stick to the recommended dosage. Medicine which also induces drowsiness, such as anti-fever preparations, can also be very useful - especially at bed time.

Hopefully your own baby will not have too much difficulty developing a healthy toothy grin, but if you're finding teething is a problem, then remember that it doesn't last forever, and keep counting the teeth as they arrive!

Baby Nursery

2009-12-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

Where you live will probably dictate whether a baby nursery is the norm; and your budget and living accommodation will influence whether you are able to follow that norm or tradition and supply your new baby with their own separate nursery.

A baby nursery, or separate bedroom for a new born, is not the usual practice in many countries. My children by my first marriage were brought up in England, where a baby, on being taken home from hospital, will go home to a separate bedroom or nursery. My young daughter, Saffron, was born here in the Philippines where the tradition is for babies to sleep with the parents.

It can be a difficult choice for new parents: do we put our new baby in her own nursery room, or do we have her in our bedroom in a crib or even in our bed? There are conflicting opinions about this choice, and it is one that attracted quite a lot of comment and surprise here when we opted to put Saffron in her own crib in her own nursery room, the day she came home from the baby clinic.

I was very firm in my own mind that a separate room is best in the long term, and therefore it is best in the beginning. A baby, and then child, will grow in accordance with what they are used to, and what they come to see and feel as the norm. The most important things for a baby are that :

1. They are fed well;

2. They are kept clean;

3. They are comfortable;

4. They feel secure knowing that the parents, especially mother, will be there when she wakes.

5. They are loved.

All of those things are easily achievable in a baby nursery separate from the parents' room.

Advantages Of A Separate Baby Nursery

A separate baby nursery brings with it a number of important advantages, for the baby and the parents. These include:

1. The baby will sleep undisturbed by parents coming and going. As they get older, that will be particularly important in the evening and night.

2. The parents will have their own privacy and time for themselves. This will be more and more appreciated as the weeks, months and then years pass.

3. The parents will sleep better too, especially compared to those who have a baby in their own bed.

4. The baby is more likely to grow into a strong and independent child, with a large amount of confidence. So long as they are happy and secure, they will not be worried about sleeping alone, as this is what they have come to expect. They know that when they wake, their mother and father are close to hand.

Disadvantages Of A Separate Baby Nursery

I cannot think of one genuine disadvantage of a separate baby nursery, assuming that the room is within earshot. A baby at birth can cry quite loudly, and why should that be if the natural state is always for the mother to be at their side? A baby cries so mother can hear from a distance. If that distance is another bedroom nearby, then that is fine. The baby will be unconcerned if it cries and you appear through a door rather than at her side already.

Some first time parents will worry that they will not hear the baby if they are asleep and she is in a separate room. There is no need to worry; the mother especially will be tuned in to the cry of the baby, and will be subconsciously alert to the slightest sound. My wife was concerned about this very thing when Saffron was born, so for her assurance we left our bedroom door open, and Saffron's door too. She soon realised there was no risk of not hearing the baby, so first Saffron's door, and then our door, were later kept closed at night.

Always remember, babies cry to be heard, so unless you are both very heavy sleepers, there is very little chance of you not hearing the baby when she is hungry, needs changing, or has some other problem.

If Your Child Goes Missing

2009-12-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

If your child is missing, time is of the essence! Take a deep breath and try to remember the last place you saw your child. If your child is missing from home, search the house quickly, check the closets, basement, and laundry, under beds, where ever else you think your child may crawl or hide. Check the doors and windows, do you see any way somebody got in. Yell out their name. Remember all this must be acted on as fast as possible! I can’t stress that enough!

If you still cannot find your child, immediately call your police department!

Be ready to have as much as possible details for the police. Try not to panic as the police department will need your help .Grab as much recent photos of your child as possible. They will need to know vital information of your child. When you call the police, provide your child’s name, child's age, height, weight, and any other unique identifiers such as eyeglasses and braces. Tell them when you noticed that your child was missing and what clothing he or she was wearing. Supply them with the photos and if there is any signs of a break in.

Let them know of any possible reasons your child may be missing. Where there any friends or strangers in the home before? Are you going through custody problems? Many missing children are abducted by family members or known people.

The best thing to do is prepare your kids to help prevent theses situations. Let them know over and over. Don’t speak to strangers. If you feel threatened let somebody know as soon as possible. If you are grabbed, yell out loud for help! No one has the right to touch, grab or force you to do anything that feels wrong. Tell them to bite and fight as much as they can. Many times these simple things will scare of a would be abductor.

Children Are On Their Own Soul's Journey

2009-12-11T09:09:00.001-08:00

In a phone session with Gerald, one of my clients, he expressed to me that he was feeling very sad about his son, Luc. Luc, 29 years old, was not doing much with his life, and Gerald was berating himself for how he had parented Luc.

“I should have spent more time with him. I should have motivated him more. I should have been a better role model. I should have been more firm with him.” On and on he went, judging himself for how he had been as a parent.

“Gerald,” I said, “Luc is on his own soul’s journey. Even if you had been a perfect parent – and none of us really knows what that means – Luc might still be having the challenges he is having.”

“Really? Wow! That makes me feel much better! I never thought of it that way. Tell me more about what you mean by his own soul’s journey.”

“I mean that each of us comes here to learn certain soul lessons. Regardless of how good or bad your parenting was, Luc is on his own journey, making his own choices. You can take responsibility for how you were as a parent, but you cannot take responsibility for the choices he is making for his life.”

“But I keep feeling that if I had been a better parent, he would not be struggling the way he is.”

“Maybe and maybe not. You have no way of knowing this. Your self-judgment is your attempt to have control over something you have no control over – Luc’s choices. You are trying to avoid your feelings of helplessness regarding Luc. But you are helpless over him. You cannot make him be different.

“Each child is different and each child will respond differently to our parenting. We do the best we can for our children. Most parents want the very best for their children and feel deep pain when their children go through pain. Yet we cannot prevent them from their own soul’s journey.”

“So what can I do to help him?”

“The very best thing you can do is to continue doing your own inner work, while praying for him. Even though he is 29, you are still a role model for him. Certainly judging yourself is not good role modeling. Luc needs to see you doing all you can to take loving care of yourself. When he sees you feeling really good about yourself and happy with your life, he might decide to make some changes. Aside from becoming a loving role model and praying for him, there is really nothing you can do about his choices. You need to accept your helplessness over him instead of trying to have control over him. Any attempts to control him will likely result in resistance.”

“Yes, he seems to be very resistant to anything I say. This is part of my frustration and sadness.”

“Right. That’s why you need to let go of trying to control him. You need to let go of being invested in the outcome regarding his choices and just keep on your own journey. The more you let go of him, the better chance you have of him making loving choices for himself, especially when he sees you making loving choices for yourself.”

Most parents want to think that they have more control over their children than they do. We want to think that if we “do it right” we can control the outcome we want for our children. It will make it much easier to let go of trying to control our children and just be the very best parents we can, when we understand and accept that they are on their own soul’s journey.

Your Guide To Peg Perego High Chairs

2009-12-11T09:08:00.001-08:00

The usual cost for a Peg Perego high chair costs around about one hundred to about two hundred and fifty dollars. There are many different types of Peg Perego high chairs such as the Peg Perego diner exclusive high chair, the leatherette rocker high chair, the Prima Pappa baby high chairs and much more. The Peg Perego high chairs come in many different styles, shapes, and colors. Some of the different types of Peg Perego high chair colors are Chesapeake, Benjamin, Neptune Blue, Black Leatherette, Bears, Plum Stripes, and Black Sable.

One of the cheapest Peg Perego child high chair is the leatherette rocker high chair, which costs around about one hundred to two hundred and thirty dollars. This high chair has a removable dinner tray, twenty eight different positions, seven adjustable height settings, and much more. This high chair has castor wheels, which will allow you to roll the chair where ever you need it. It also has a restraint to keep your baby in the high chair and a five point harness. Consider toddler furniture that will keep your child in a seat that is cushioned for their own protection.

Another Peg Perego Prima Pappa high chair is the Prima Pappa Diner Exclusive that cost around about, depending on the style and color, one hundred and fifteen dollars to about one hundred and ninety dollars. The Prima Pappa Diner high chair has mark resistant wheel, a double tray with a extra dinner tray that comes with it. The Prima Pappa Diner high chair has seven adjustable height positions and three adjustable reclining positions.

Another Peg Perego high chair is the Dondolino high chair techno color PMB45. This Dondolino high chair comes in all kinds of different colors and features seven adjustable height settings, a five point restraint belt, and four reclining positions. This high chair also is a battery operated rocker swing with sounds. Also it requires no assembly, it is light weight and folds for storage and it is portable. Some other features is a washable dinner tray that is removable and when the seat is reclined the tray will still remain leveled, roll wheels with brakes in the back, and a padded bucket seat that is easy to clean and very comfortable. Put the high chair in the kitchen or at the dinner table to keep your toddler comfortable.

Your Obese Child & School Programs

2009-12-11T09:06:00.000-08:00

More than five years ago, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) published ‘Guidelines for School and Community Programs’ to promote physical activity in children and teenagers, in hopes of helping them develop lifelong exercise and physical fitness regimens.

If you, as a parent, understand and embrace these guidelines, you can work with your school system and with community centers and programs, like the YMCA and the Boy Scouts, to encourage and even help to develop physical activity and exercise programs that support your goals.

If your child is obese, slightly overweight or simply in danger of falling into the great, black pit of video gaming, you need to get them off the couch, out from in front of the computer or video game station, and out into the fresh air to get some exercise.

Without exercise, diet is much less successful.

Although your child may balk at physical activities at first, they will eventually find that they feel better, sleep better and function better when they exercise.

Take a look at some of the CDC guidelines and look for ways to get your child more involved in exercise, and/or to get YOURSELF more involved in the development of these programs in your schools and community.

The CDC encourages schools and community organizations alike to establish policies and guidelines that encourage physical activity that is enjoyable and that is suitable for all age groups, so that exercise becomes a lifelong activity.

Schools MUST require physical education credits and provide detailed health education and courses to teach children proper nutritional habits and to show them the right way to exercise so that they are not injured in the process.

Schools will find and implement physical education and exercise programs that encourage physical activity and offer enjoyable options. Activities like dance, gymnastics, sports and other options should be offered with supervised coaching to avoid injury. Not all activities should be competitive!

Activities should be sequential, advancing in complexity and challenge as the child ages to allow them to achieve physical potential.

At minimum, National Physical Fitness standards should be met.

Both schools and community organizations must provide funding and adequate supervision and guidance for physical activities, sports, and exercise equipment.

These activities and equipment choices must provide a broad range of options to satisfy the interests of all the children in the community, and school system.

Community and school programs should include activities that are appropriate for children of all ages and all levels of ability.

These programs should be advertised and promoted to children to advise them of the availability and the programs should be desirable and enjoyable for the age group and type of children who are expected to participate.

Health education classes should help students develop knowledge and skills to encourage and enhance proper diet and exercise programs. These programs should foster an appropriate attitude so that all children WANT to live a healthy life style.

Programs should stress moderation in all activities so that children see exercise as one of the things they will do every day, in addition to the other activities they love, e.g. computer or video games, or watching TV or movies.

All coaches, teachers, health education staff, and recreation directors should have appropriate training to manage and promote this physical education and exercise programs and to ensure that the children under their supervision safely participate in these programs.

Safe, supervised access to facilities and equipment is critical!

Unstructured play time is important during school and after school, with tools and equipment to encourage impromptu games, e.g. balls, bats, jump ropes, gymnastics equipment.

Parents and teachers should come together to discuss the availability of school and community exercise and physical education programs.

Parents should be encouraged to take on exercise and physical activities and to share these with their children as appropriate; to become role models for their kids by exercising and participating in physical activities during family events, at work functions, while visiting the park, etc.

All school and community programs should be evaluated periodically.

This evaluation should be detailed enough to ensure that the needs of the children in the community are being met.

Does each child have more than one option and opportunity for exercise and health education in multiple venues and facilities?

Now that you understand the CDC recommendations, take a look at your own school system and at the extracurricular, and community availability of physical activities, sports and exercise options.

If your community is lagging behind in these programs, get actively involved. Your attendance and presentation at a town board meeting can get organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, and the YMCA into your community.

And you can talk to your school board and PTA or PTO about the shortcomings in your physical education and health programs, and how your school system may be able to improve their current programs.

You will find it much easier to help your child meet their weight loss or fitness goals when you have community and school system support.

For your overweight, obese or inactive child, this support and assistance is priceless!

One Year-Old's Development

2009-12-11T09:05:00.000-08:00

The first birthday is always exciting to celebrate. If you're a new parent, this event always lingers in your mind and you just probably can't wait to invite your families and friends to have fun in the extraordinary occasion.

Day after day, you've seen them growing bigger and smarter. Each time they're able to reach the next developmental stage, you and your spouse are indulged in great happiness.

One of the most cheering moments about this is when you see them make their first steps alone. You'll get into the unspoken emotion just like other parents do.

However, some of you perhaps haven't been going through this feeling as your one year-old baby isn't able to walk yet. Actually, you shouldn't be worried about this. Each child is unique and has a different development from the others.

Then, what things babies can do when they reach their first year of life? Generally, here they are:

1. Take their first steps alone - Once you see them walking, you'll be surprised on how far they can walk without your hand on theirs guiding. Sometimes they tiptoe, and it's exactly a funny and incredible thing you shouldn't miss out. Get a camera to capture the moment!

2. Say 'mama', 'papa', 'dada' - Encourage your babies to talk by always talking, too. Most babies can say the three words mentioned when they're one year-old, even though they probably don't understand the meaning of them yet.

3. Understand simple instructions - It's exciting to see your babies understand what you want them to do. When you say 'bye-bye', they will abruptly move their hands and make the bye-bye gesture. Or, when you tell them to look at you or your spouse, for example 'where's Daddy?', they'll move their head and look into their daddy's eyes. Of course you need to stimulate them over and over to make them recognize which one is which.

4. Point at things they're interested in - Your babies will point at objects they're fond of. They'll also say 'ooh' while pointing, making the 'target' precise.

5. Move their hands and body rhythmically to a music played - Some babies begin to 'dance' between the ages of 7-10 months-old. Whenever they listen to music, especially the one that they love, you'll grin as you see their hands and body flourishing along the tune.

If your babies don't do the things above, again, no need to worry. They'll reach the stage in several weeks or months. Develop the bonds of love between the two of you.

Enjoy the moments you all have together with the kids. Happy first birthday to your babies!

Your Guide To Caring For A Baby

2009-12-11T08:59:00.000-08:00

Bringing a new baby home is a time for great joy and celebration. There are so many exciting experiences waiting for the happy family. But, it doesn’t take long for mom and dad to discover that caring for a newborn baby, while joyful, can be demanding and exhausting. They also discover that their baby definitely has a mind of his or her own and will make his or her presence felt in a hundred and one ways - not all of them amusing. As most parents will tell you, it’s all a matter of practice and patience.

Feeding your baby: The first you will need to make is whether to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby. Research shows that, in most cases, breast milk is the best food for your baby. But some mothers cannot or prefer to not breastfeed. Baby formula is a healthy alternative. Always remember to burp your baby gently after a feeding. While feeding from a bottle, make sure your baby is not taking in air bubbles. A newborn baby will need to eat every few hours around the clock so be prepared for interrupted sleep. When your baby is ready to accept semi-solids and solids, introduce one food at a time. Allow him or time to get used to each food. Avoid baby foods with additives.

Diapering: You will need to decide if you are going to use cloth diapers or disposable diapers. If you decide on cloth diapers you may want to consider using a diaper service. Each option has its own pros and cons. Parents usually make a decision based on time, convenience, environmental concerns and financial considerations. The best advice I’ve received is to avoid a puritanical fascination for any one type of diaper. I use a combination of cloth and disposable. I use cloth at home and disposable diapers when I’m running errands with the baby, visiting friends and relatives, or traveling.

Bathing and Grooming: That first bath at home can be scary for a parent. Until your baby’s umbilical cord stub falls off, only give sponge baths. A baby bathtub makes giving your bath easier and safer. Before placing your baby in the water, test it will your elbow to make sure it’s not too hot or too cold. Never leave your baby unattended while he or she is in the bath. After the bath, bundle your baby up in a nice fluffy towel and dry him or her thoroughly. Make sure the umbilical area is dry and that the eyes, ears and nose are clean. You may need to clean these with a wet washcloth, but never insert buds into them. Trim your baby’s nails just after a bath.

Sleeping: Experts recommend putting your baby to sleep on his or her back. It’s not uncommon for a baby to wake at least once during the night until he or she is about a year old. The younger the baby, the more times he or she will wake during the night for feeding and changing. Feed, change, and comfort your baby when he or she wakes up at night but don’t turn those “awake” periods at night into playtime or it will be harder for you to get your baby to the point of sleeping through the night.

Common health problems include colic, diaper rash, cradle cap, skin rashes and ear infections. Many of these problems need just a little extra care and patience. Call your doctor with any concerns or questions. If your baby is in pain, take him or her in for a doctor visit.

Traveling: A common question of parents is when it is safe to travel by air with a baby. You should wait at least two weeks after the baby is born to take him or her on a trip that includes a flight. After that, most experts say it is safe to travel by air with your baby as long as your baby is not sick. When traveling, pack all the items you need along with plenty of extra clothes and diapers. If traveling by air, call the airline to make arrangements for taking your baby’s car seat or carrier and stroller (a combination car seat/stroller works great) on the plane.

Safety and comfort are two of the most important things to keep in mind when you handle your baby. It is a good idea to have a fairly regular schedule for bathing, feeding, playing and sleeping. Your baby will always respond to a warm, loving environment. Hold your baby, cuddle him or her and respond to his or her cries. It is impossible to ‘spoil’ a little baby. Let your love overflow. Most of all enjoy early parenthood - kids grow up very fast.

Tips On Your Teen Successfully Fitting In

2009-12-11T08:57:00.000-08:00

Most teens feel "different" in one way or another. Parents may understand their teens, but sometimes not in a way their children want them to. Here are some things to remember that may help parents understand their teens and help them to fit in:

• Remember, at this age friendships are very important. School is a teen's home away from home and parents should be prepared to feel a little neglected at times.

• Understand and accept that teens can be a different person when they are at home or at school; when they are with family or with their friends.

• Allow teens to keep some of their thoughts to themselves. Whether they want to communicate or not, keep the lines open at all times.

• Remind young teens that everyone doesn't have to like them and that socializing is a skill that gets better with practice.

• A good way to learn how to fit in might be to read books and watch movies about how other kids their age do it, such as "Napoleon Dynamite" or "Dr. Dolittle 3," which has just been brought out in a new DVD.

In the third Dr. Dolittle, the next generation, Maya Dolittle just wants to be a normal teenager despite the fact that she has inherited her father's uncanny ability to talk to the animals. So far this ability has brought her nothing but trouble.

Maya heads to Durango summer camp to get to know herself better. While there, she realizes that she can use her gift to help save the troubled ranch.

This hilarious third installment of the wildly popular series is not only great fun, it's a nice lesson on how new surroundings can sometimes help teens realize it's okay to be different.

Your Tip for Calming Fussy Babies Could Be a Winner

2009-12-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

If you've found yourself soothing your baby by vacuuming in the dark, taking a car ride at 2 a.m. or singing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" a cappella, then you're not alone.

Parents are apt to try out-of-the-ordinary remedies for a moment of silence when their babies become fussy.

Babies' cries tell you a lot about their moods, whether they're tired, upset or hungry. Some parents may notice their baby's excessive fussiness occurs during and after feeding times. Nearly 1 million infants experience common feeding problems at some point during their first year of life, which may be due to a baby's developing tummy being intolerant of a cow's milk-based formula.

Here are a few signs that may indicate a feeding problem:

* Fussiness after each feeding

* Unwillingness to eat

* Curling legs up in

discomfort after feedings

* Excessive gassiness

* Excessive spitting-up after

each feeding or vomiting

* Change in stool consistency

If you suspect your baby may have a feeding problem, discuss these symptoms with your pediatrician. Improvement in formula tolerance can be related to the formula or the effect of switching formula. Clinical evidence supports that switching from a milk-based infant formula to Isomil Advance, a soy-based infant formula, can reduce fussiness, gas and spit-up in most infants in just three days.

To celebrate Isomil Advance's three-day soy solution and 40-year heritage of solving fussiness, gas and spit-up in infants, enter the Isomil Advance "Fuss-Free" Get-Away contest and share your best baby-calming tip. You could win a relaxing three-day, no-fuss vacation for you and a guest at the Miravel Resort and Spa in Tucson, Ariz.

The contest winner will receive the child care of her choice, even if that means flying grandma in to watch the kids. Enter now to win a relaxing three-day trip where all the fuss is about you.

Youth Heroes – A Double Standard

2009-12-10T22:51:00.000-08:00

As a boy I danced and shook to the music of Elvis Presley along with the rest of the kids in my generation. I was shocked to hear how he died from the usage of drugs but even when I heard of his death I still was unable to gather the significance of it. I’ve had decades to ponder the significance of it and I am sure it doesn’t fall under the heading of good experiences from my childhood. It is less confusing than it was when I first heard of it but I am far too old now to just pass it off with a one word cover all like, tragedy.

It is far worse than tragedy, it is an experience that if not carefully examined and weighed would slip by without anyone noticing that it is a dangerous double standard that our youth rarely ever see until they are dangerously close to repeating it in their own lives.

No one would argue that Jimmy Hendrix was an innovative rock and roll musician but he died from a drug overdose. No one would say they didn’t think Janis Joplin did a bang up job with songs like “Bobby McGee” but she’s another drug overdose casualty. John Belushi made us all laugh but he joined the ranks of the dead by drugs in his prime.

Enter the suicides like Curt Cobain, Freddy Prinze, and the list goes on. It isn’t the lives, the talents or the careers of these people that falls into question; perhaps it is not even how they died that is the biggest double standard. What we say about these people following their deaths is the real problem.

To constantly refer to the talents, the lifestyles or the fame of these people without regard to the matter of how they met their end is a dangerous oversight. It is a way of saying that death from suicide or drug overdose goes with the territory. Media exemplifies and extols their lives for the media sake, not for the youth who purvey the pop culture in search of role models and icons. In many cases it is hard enough to explain the lives they lived much less their deaths.

Showing kids fried eggs and comparing that to their brains on drugs will have little effect if we continue to glorify the lives of those who fried their own brains to the point of death. If we keep feeding our youth the business of their lives how won’t they also be fed by the manner of their deaths?

I still have fond remembrances of days when I danced to the music of the King. I’m now glad to say I have decided to dance to the tune of a new King. This King never took drugs, didn’t commit suicide and beat death instead of using it to cop out. His death produces life for others; in fact there is no life without him.

Jesus may have lived the lowly life of a suffering Messiah but the Bible says he will return as the omnipotent ruling “King of Kings and Lords of Lords.” Revelation 19:16

Youth Sports Schedules: Alerts Keep Parents in the Know

2009-12-10T22:50:00.000-08:00

You rush to get your children to their football game only to find out that it's been canceled. Why weren't you notified in advance?

When sports and recreation directors make last-minute schedule changes, such as canceling a game due to inclement weather or having to change practice times, they may have to inform several people at the same time. But with limited time to spread the word to players, parents, coaches and officials, some people may miss out.

Fortunately, this doesn't have to be the case. From elementary school to college, many schools and sports and recreation organizations are adopting an innovative new communication system called the Immediate Response Information System, or IRIS.

Developed by TechRadium Inc., IRIS is a high-speed notification and response service that electronically sends routine, priority and emergency messages to unlimited contacts within seconds.

A designated person sends uniform messages with just a click of a mouse or by calling an IRIS adviser. The system then transmits voice and text alerts to all recipient groups through various forms of electronic devices, including home and cell phones; pagers; fax machines; PDA devices; and e-mail accounts.

Besides sending messages about unforeseen events, the system also sends information such as statistics and rankings, picture day reminders and playoff schedules.

IRIS requires no hardware, software or system installation, making it an affordable communication system. Also, IRIS messages can be delivered in up to 10 languages as specified by each recipient.

My 5 Steps To Get Your Pet To Behave

2009-12-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

Want to live a healthier lifestyle? Get a dog.

Studies show that pet ownership helps reduce stress, lowers blood pressure and fends off feelings of loneliness and depression.

While nothing can top the love and companionship of a dog, there are some unpleasant behaviors that just won't do - from barking all night to wetting the floor to chewing on your shoes when you're not looking.

If your dog is exhibiting this type of behavior, it may be acting out due to boredom, pent-up aggression or because of lack of training. With proper lifestyle adjustments and diligent training, you'll be on your way to having a happy, well-behaved pet. The following tips will help your furry friend become more obedient:

* Spay or neuter. The Humane Society of the United States says that this common procedure can help your dog live longer, be healthier and have fewer behavior problems.

* Help your pet relax. Just like people, dogs can get anxious, agitated and stressed. That's why some veterinarians suggest giving your dog a calming product, such as Pluto Pet's Pet Calming Spray, to help relieve hyperactivity.

Made with natural ingredients, Pet Calming Spray acts quickly to relieve restlessness, fear, nervousness and aggression and helps antsy pets sleep through the night, according to the manufacturer.

* Have a workout routine. Provide your canine companion with regularly scheduled walks twice a day. This will help your dog avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior.

* Go to school. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, enrolling your dog in an obedience class will teach you how to control your dog's behavior both safely and humanely.

* Be patient. Though teaching your furry friend to be more obedient may take determination on your part, it's worth it. After all, as man's best friend, your dog will appreciate bonding with you during the process.