Pregnancy and Parenting Advice, Tips and Anything Goes Discussions

Funny things Kids Say

2010-12-15T09:44:00.001-05:00

Austin's teacher asked, "what's another way to say 'not trying you best'". Austin raises his hand and says, "halffast"? She turned red and said, "no Austin + we don't use that language in school!! Who taught you that??". Austin: "My Dad". Teacher, "ah ha!", turning around so students wouldn't see her laughing. (This is the clean, censored version, although Austin really thought the term was "half fast").

Straight from a Facebook Status from my cousin.

A Kid with Good Self Esteem

2010-12-14T16:21:00.003-05:00

Feeding a Toddler Vegetables

2010-12-12T09:20:00.004-05:00

My daughter used to be a great eater. I could put any fruit or vegetable in front of my daughter and she would eat it. I didn't realize how lucky I was until she decided that vegetables were no longer worth eating and she spit out every vegetable that I fed her.

What happened to my healthy eating toddler?

Broccoli, carrots, green beans, vegetables my toddler used to love now ended up on the floor during meal times. I learned that I'd have to put on my supermom cape and figure out how to trick my toddler into eating her vegetables. Afterall, I'm smarter than the average two year old.

The blender must have been invented by a mother trying to get her children to eat their vegetables. Forget chopping up a carrot nice and small, blend the carrots so that they are not recognizable and THEN add them to the spaghetti sauce. Even small bits of carrots might be picked out by a wary toddler, but carrots run through the blender will be masked by the sauce.

I admit, I've resorted to ketchup on many occasions now, just to get my toddler to eat some of her vegetables. I figure, if the USDA can call ketchup a vegetable, I can use it to mask the flavor of foods my daughter refuses to eat. She loves ketchup and so when she won't eat, I let her dip foods in it. So my toddler eats pancakes with ketchup, I just have to deal with it.

Other vegetables that mix well in sauces are broccoli and cauliflower if they are steamed first and then blended.

If your toddler is willing to drink a fruit smoothie, I suggest adding some raw romaine lettuce into the mix. Although this does not sound appealing, try this recipe for your toddler:

1/2 cup banilla yogurt

10 strawberries

20 blueberries

1 cup shredded romaine lettuce

1 cup water

Mix in a blender until smooth. If the color is undesireable (looks too green or brown), add in a few more strawberries and/or decrease the amount of lettuce. The banilla yogurt gives the smoothie a sweet flavor and the lettuce adds a serving (or two) of raw vegetables into your toddler's diet without their knowledge.

Play around with the smoothie recipe to get your toddler to consider it a treat. I like to use a little bit of flavored seltzer water to give the smoothie a flavor boost and some carbonation. To make the smoothie for your toddler more substantial, add more yogurt or half of a banana.

A Few Toddler Food Ideas for the Picky Eater

2010-11-12T09:17:00.001-05:00

Written by Author Kate Etterman

Toddlers have all different personalities and those personalities can carry over into food consumption. Some toddlers will eat anything with very little encouragement required, while others will be reluctant to try to new foods regardless of how much encouragement you give. That is just the way it goes, but there are some things you can do about it. If you have a picky eater on your hands, the best thing you can do is not push too hard, otherwise your toddler may resist even further and you might wind up with a toddler who will not want to try new foods for an even longer period of time. That said, what can you do? One thing you can do is try to find healthy foods that the kids enjoys. Many times that easier said than done. Here are some that have known to work.

1. String cheese. String cheese is generally made up of mozzarella cheese and is packaged into strips. The strip of cheese can be broken down further by peeling off a piece of the strip. The pieces of cheese you pull off look like a string, hence the name. Many toddlers have been known to enjoy eating string cheese, even the picky eaters. It has something to do with the fact that you can pull the strips of cheese off. The same kids may not eat regular mozzarella cut into pieces.

2. Another healthy food that some picky eaters enjoy is yogurt. The major yogurt manufactures have picked up on this and are now packaging yogurt in kids packaging. You can find Scooby Doo yogurt in most groceries stores with flavors such as "rawberry".

3. One more somewhat healthy food is soup. It is debatable if one would classify soup as incredibly healthy or even a food for that matter, but it is better than cookies and crackers. Picky eaters have been known to like various types of soups. Give it a try next time your picky eater is having a difficult time finding something to eat. You might be surprised.

In conclusion, the hope of this article is to provide a brief overview of some of the foods you can try if you have a picket eater on your hands. Some would argue over the health benefits of these foods, but rest assured that these foods are much more healthy for your toddler than chicken nuggets and french fries. Our society is so short on time that many toddlers are feasting on fast food diets that is contributing to the health epidemic our society is experiencing with diabetes. Any attempts to avoid the chicken nuggets and fries diet is going to be better for your kid over the long term.

Kate Etterman has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. She absolutely loves kids and thinks parents should do as much as possible to ensure the success of our kids in all facets. You may also check out her new website at http://www.bedtent.org which has excellent information on the various options and styles so that you can find the best Bed Tent for your kids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Etterman

Organic Baby Gifts

2010-10-12T09:14:00.000-04:00

Author Tess M. Enver

The market for organic baby gifts is huge. Not so long ago, organic gifts were seen as something only "hippies" would seek out. Now, with so many people trying to live a greener lifestyle, natural baby products are readily available most places you find anything baby related. But, shopping for babies is so much fun, you may want to buy it all! Each thing you see is cuter than the last. How do you decide what to purchase? First, choose what kind of gift you are looking for. This will at least narrow your selections.

Diapering is a great gift arena. This is one thing you KNOW the baby is going to need - every day. Receiving gifts of diapers can save the parents a lot of money, which is always appreciated. The days of boring cloth diapers and safety pins are long gone. Many choices exist for these great organic baby gifts. You can choose to buy the organic cotton inserts or the fashionable outer diapers, available in great prints, colors, and styles - even tie dyed! You can even choose to purchase a great starter diaper kit which includes everything the new parents will need to get going with green diapering. Diapers may not be the most glamorous of the organic gifts, but definitely one of the most appreciated.

Cloth baby wipes are another great idea. Again, this is something you know the parents will need to use many times a day. By giving cloth wipes, you are helping to save on the massive waste of disposable baby wipes. These organic gifts are great for baby's skin, too. They absorb wetness well enough to eliminate the need for talcum powder, can be washed & dried, and, with water added to them, can completely make wet wipes unnecessary. You can find them in great colors and bundles, making them an appealing gift.

The baby can be covered head to toe in organic cotton baby clothes. Many companies are now making organic clothing, which is great because availability has been greatly increased. You can find such clothes from big box stores to trendy baby boutiques. Organic cotton socks to hats, organic bibs to receiving blankets, sleep sacks, pants... you name it, you can find it - in most any price range. Gift sets are a great way to go, too. They will offer multiple pieces that coordinate together to provide multiple looks for the baby. So, if you're looking for that amazing, adorable outfit, no problem. Clothes are always a great gift.

Perhaps the most fun category to consider when shopping for natural baby products is TOYS! The world is wide open here. You can find toys that encourage motor skills, kitchen sets, walkers, ride ons, workbenches, even playhouses with eco-friendly themes! Many of the natural wood toys are made from rubber wood and feature biodegradable fabrics and water-based, non toxic paints.

With the availability of organic gifts, you should be able to find what you are looking for. Whether you choose a gift of practicality or whimsy, enjoy the experience. Your gift will certainly be appreciated.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tess_M_Enver

Which Educational Toys are Right For My Baby?

2010-01-22T04:07:00.001-05:00

By Jonathan Ledger

Babies by their nature learn each second of the day after they are born. The topic of educational toys and babies is therefore a subject that ought to be taken seriously to ensure the correct development of your newly born. With this in mind we need to understand the type of toys that can help the baby's development.

Buying a newborn baby a new toy can be fun for the baby and parents too. All department stores have educational toys for all ages with some sitting out for you to play with before buying. Check them out and look for the right one to teach your baby new skills from the beginning of their life.

Babies need to learn new touches, sounds, and words the day they are born. Education toys for newborns will help them to recognize these things as they play with them.

Language developments begin at birth and your baby learns by hearing sounds. Buying the child toys that talk and play music will increase their language skills as they grow. Hearing is critical to a baby's health and if you notice something is not right you should consult your doctor.

Other types of toys to consider are dolls or soft animal toys. Infants learn to cuddle, coo, touching and can teeth on them too. Look around to find the right one. The toys are available for boys or girls so they will both enjoy this new learning experience.

The different types available will teach your baby to understand and feel texture so a wide variety would be advisable although you need to be aware that the doll doesn't have any harmful parts that may come off like buttons. Animal toys such as frogs that sing for example will teach baby new touches and sounds as they begin their journey ahead in time.

Videos are now also being made for the newborn up. Check the age ranges on these because they come in different age groups. These videos teach the baby new sounds and this develops the infants senses by recognising the sounds with what they see.

Other examples of educational toys include musical teething rings which teach your new baby different textures, music sounds and some come with a mirror. Mirrors teach them to know who they are and see their own expressions. The easy grip made just for the baby in mind is great to teach them how to hold things.

Crib mobiles are neat and come in many different shapes playing music to your baby while sleeping. Crib mobiles teach the baby movement by turning sounds from the music, and the colours and shapes keeping their attention. Learning is the key for your newborn.

Bath toys are available that make sounds and can be played with the water with support. The toys that are musical attach over the tub or sink and the baby learns to reach for them. Toys that are made for the water are sponge that you can wash them with teaching again the different texture.

Be sure when buying your new baby toys that they are childproof before letting them play with it. Buy according to the age group on the box to stay in their field of growth and knowledge giving them room to advance with. Teaching is easy because your newborn starts learning the day they are born and you want that to stay with them all through their lives.

Brought to you by Jonathan Ledger of Shop Now UK and providing you with the latest in shopping ideas, money saving offers and voucher codes, uploaded as and when they are available posted on the ShopNow Uk Baby Blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Ledger

Earning Money While Being a Stay at Home Mom

2010-01-13T10:43:00.000-05:00

Earning money while being a stay at home mom can be difficult, but with some hard work and attention to the right markets, you can earn more than pocket change.

I am a writer at Constant-Content. This is my affiliate link.

http://www.constant-content.com/?aref=14518

If you sign up using my affiliate link, I net 5% of your sales. Regardless of how you sign up, you will net 66% of your asking price. My 5% comes from the pockets of Constant-Content. If you don't like the idea of signing up under my link, going to http://www.constant-content.com/ will get you there.

Writing content for the internet is tricky. Content can be easily stolen if not protected by programs such as copysentry. Buyers will want to pay writers way below minimum wages for well written content and desperate writers often agree to write 500 word articles for $1. Constant-content uses an editor and all work that you submit will be critiqued before it is put up for sale.

With Constant-content, there is no need to work for pennies (like most of us bloggers do as a hobby) or to market your content. Constant-content has a ready supply of buyers looking for content on any subject and you, the writer have control over your content and pricing.

I have sold real estate articles that took me about 30 minutes to write for anywhere from 20-40 dollars. Not bad for a stay at home mom trying to make a few extra dollars to spend on my little girl.

I've written for helium.com net profit after 25 months: $25.06, 81 articles submitted.

I've written for today.com as a blogger until they stopped paying per post and stopped giving out monetary monthly awards. (Now they pay 1/2 of all adsense clicks). It was once a profitable writing gig, but today is now just another content aggregator.

I've stuck with constant-content and the more I put into the site the more I get. No rating other writer's work, no need to promote, just writing and collecting the money.

There are no upfront costs with becoming a Constant-content writer. Why not give it a try?

http://www.constant-content.com/?aref=14518

Teething Baby: When Teething Turns Your Baby into a Monster

2010-01-08T11:47:00.000-05:00

I have the sweetest, even tempered baby around. She is always smiling, happy and ready to play. Except when she is teething.

I thought she was teething before. HA! I was wrong. Those little whimpers of a few months ago were just pre-teething and nothing compared to the wails and screams that come out a day or two before a tooth pops out of the surface of her tiny gums.

I talked to my sister about teething and my daughter's new screaming behavior. She asked, "does she act like her head is about to spin? Is she inconsolable? Does she only want you and then when you come she cries anyway?" I answered yes to all three.

"Of course, she's teething. Hang in there."

Great. Hang in there and listen to her screeches? There has to relief for teething although I feel powerless to provide any of this relief as she cries for hours.

Our pediatrician recommends tylenol for teething pain. This seems comparable to putting a bandaid on a severed limb. Baby orajel works for a few minutes, but if she keeps crying and drooling, the orajel will quickly wash out of mouth.

What I have found that helps the most right now is frozen blueberries. I'm not telling you all to start feeding your children frozen blueberries when they are teething, especially if they have not yet mastered solid foods, but what I am saying is that for my daughter, frozen blueberries have made the difference from hysterical crying to happy baby in the time it takes for her to eat a handful of these tiny frozen delights.

What I've noticed is also helpful are crunchy cereal puffs made by gerber graduates. These little puffs melt in her mouth, but not before she is able to crunch to her heart's (and gums) content.

So what if my daughter smells like a box of Booberry Cereal?

The Proof is in the Poop

2010-01-06T16:45:00.000-05:00

Just when you get used to your baby and their interesting poop, the adventures of solid food begins.

Just when you thought baby poop could not get any more disturbing, the pea poop happens. I never imagined that strained peas could come out looking exactly as they did going in and I have to say that after that giant poop that blew out the diaper and down the leg, I haven't had the nerve to feed my baby peas again.

So far, the worst foods I have discovered that create some of the messiest baby poop include watery fruits such as peaches and grapes. Digestion brings on a whole new meaning when you discuss baby poop, as any first time mother will tell you. Sometimes grapes just don't digest. I'm just saying.

My daughter is now up to eating almost anything, as long as it is cut up small enough for her. She can eat lentils (pretty normal poop creator), hamburger (very bad idea), pasta, and most fruits and vegetables. We have yet to try cow's milk, but I'm sure that this will bring on a whole new set of poops to witness.

I am waiting for the day that my daughter is potty trained. Don't get me wrong, I love her and I don't want to rush her growing up, but I will be very happy when I no longer have to see every little thing that comes out of her hiney. Really, poop should remain where it belongs, in a diaper or the toilet bowl.

Organizing Time for You and Your Children

2009-12-29T16:00:00.000-05:00

Article Written by Author Kristi Hall.

The phone is ringing, the food on the stove is burning, your child is crying and you wonder how you can get through the day. Being creative and organizing your time will help relieve your stress. By relieving your stress your child/children will benefit.

First of all, you need to prioritize. Your child is always a priority, but you need to be able to take care of other household responsibility. By finding something to occupy your childs/childrens time will help you accomplish your task. If you're working in the kitchen, sit your child at the table with a toy, puzzle, game or coloring book. Explain to your child/children that you need to accomplish your task and when you are finished you will be able to spend fun time with them your done. You may need to set a timer to help your child/children understand time. This is also an opportunity to teach your child time. If your child/children are old enough to help out in the kitchen, then this is a great time to teach them how to cook. Your grade school child/children will be learning fractions and measuring, this will help them with practical learning. Smaller child/children can help set the table. Children love to help and feel needed. Dinner preparation will become a family bonding time, leaving more time for fun time.

Always remember that the phone is not a priority. Because we are living in a time that we are blessed with answering machines, we do not need to rush to the phone. We can always return a phone call. Although, it is necessary, your child/children learn to not interrupt while you are on the phone. Therefore teaching your child/children phone courtesy is prudent.

Dinnertime should be family time. You need to take the time to sit done and make yourself available to listen to your child/children's day. Even two-year-old children have things to share and you build self-confidence. When a child is given undivided attention from a parent, they do not feel as needy and act out less to gain a parents attention. Remember a child will do whatever it needs to do, good/bad or ugly, to gain the attention of their parent. So, giving positive attention will avoid a lot of conflicts.

Parents need to set reasonable bedtimes. Children requires approximately 10-12 hours of sleep. This also gives parents time to spend with their spouse, finish household chores or prepare for the next day. Getting plenty of sleep yourself will also help you handle stress and be refreshed for energetic children.

Remember, setting healthy boundaries, consistency, incorporating housework with children and listening to your child when they want to share their heart will make your day go so much more smoothly and will make happy children.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristi_Hall

Teaching Your Child to Respect Adults

2009-12-28T18:43:00.000-05:00

Article written by Author Kristi Hall.

I am sure many of you have been exposed to a child who simply does not respect adults through their actions or words. Children learn these behaviors when they are toddlers. The first thing any parent needs to do is to teach the child to respect their parents. "No" is one of the first words a child learns, because a parent is usually telling them "no". They are mimicking your words, no rebelling against you at this age. There is a big difference. I'm not suggesting you stop telling your child "no", what I am suggesting is how you tell your child "no". When we are raising our children we need to choose our words carefully, it will effect they way they see themselves and others around them. Children need boundaries as we all do, teaching these boundaries through love, will help develop a healthy sense of respect for themselves and others.

As your baby starts to crawl and walk they discover many things that are interesting to pick up and touch. Not all of these things are appropriate for them handle. For example, if your child is reaching for a breakable item, most people will shout, yell or firmly say "NO". This tone of voice and volume is what stops the child from picking up or touching this item. Sometimes, it will cause the child to cry, bringing guilt to the parent for using such harsh tones and volume of voice, therefore, comforting the child and bringing confusion to the child's mind. First to shout "NO", then you give comfort. Another way to handle this situation is, say to the child "this is not for baby (or use child's name), in a calm voice. While removing the item for the reach of the child or removing the child from the dangerous area. Distract the child with another toy or object that is appropriate for him/her to have at this time. Now life would be so perfect if it was that easy, most children will return to the object in question and continue to touch the object in question. At this time, a firm "no" is appropriate. Do not feel guilty as the child begins to cry, as you are only looking out for his/her safety and setting boundaries of your parental wisdom. Remember a child left unattended for a few seconds or minutes will usually find something interesting to catch their attention.

If your child is past this stage and already in the toddler stage of saying "no" to mommy and daddy, you will need to change this habit quickly. It's not so cute when your high school child tells you "no" when you ask them to do something. Whenever your child does something you think is cute and you laugh at them, they will continue this behavior knowing they got a positive response from you. Picture this same action from a 10 year old or older, it may not be so cute. At that time you punish them for a behavior they were once receiving positive feedback. This is confusing and hurtful to a child. Be consistent with praise and discipline on their behavior. When a child says "no" out of rebellion, this is not acceptable behavior. You will need to nip it in the bud. Start by speaking lovingly to the child explaining they may not say "no" to you. You will need to decide with your spouse an appropriate discipline for this action. At this time, you will explain to your child if they say "no", this discipline will take place. Mind you, you will need to communicate this so that they understand. Always ask your child to repeat to you what you just informed them. This is to verify they understood what you are asking of them and it also reinforces it in their mind. Most children at this time will test the boundaries and see if you will follow through with your actions. You need to be consistent on your discipline. Teaching your child is THE most important job you have, being consistent is the key to this. If you are busy washing dishes, making the bed or cleaning house, you will need to stop what you are doing and take care of this issue. Your words, tone of voice and actions are all under a microscope with this child. They will mimic your voice, tone, words and actions.

So far I have discussed a child learning to talk with disrespect. I also want to focus on children interrupting. As I pointed out earlier your child and his/her upbringing is the most important job you have. I also need to emphasize that there are times your child will need to learn not to interrupt you and other adults. This is a social skill they will need later in life. No one likes to be interrupted. Teaching your child they have to wait until it is their turn to speak is a valuable lesson. How you teach your child to behave will make the difference for them later in life. A rude and misbehaving child is not one other people will want to be around. If you have friends avoiding playmate times with you or your child is having difficulty making friends you may need to reevaluate how you have taught your child to behave. It is never too late to teach your child respectful behavior. Remember you cannot be a hypocrite you must respect to get respect.

http://www.ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kristi_Hall

Taking baby on an outing

2009-06-10T15:34:00.000-04:00

There are a number of things to remember when you take your baby out, even if it is a simple trip to the store. First, there's the bottle (if you formula feed), the diapers, the change of clothes, and the carseat. You might consider an extra shirt for yourself just in case your baby decides to use you as a human burpcloth.

Next, you have to pack your patience. Whatever it is you plan to do, give yourself double the time it usually takes you. Even little 8 pound bundles of joy can be overwhelming to take out into the world if you feel rushed.

Babies don't always adhere to your schedule and it will be easier on you if you only plan one or two stops on your outing. Of course you'd love to run around all afternoon, frantically getting errands done, but after that fourth or fifth trip out of the car your baby will probably rebel against you.

If it is time for your baby to nap, at least find a quiet place where they can rest or go for a drive. Having your baby in the middle of the grocery store during nap time will ensure that you buy nothing on your list and frantically throw items into your cart while trying to get the baby to stop crying.

Having a new baby is hard work and if you are taking your baby out, know that you will need extra time and patience for the outing to work out for both of you.

A Drooling Baby is a Messy Baby

2009-06-08T22:28:00.000-04:00

Just when you thought your baby couldn't get any messier, they start to drool. I don't mean a little bit of drool, I mean a soak your shirt type of drool that leaves you soaked and needing to go change before going to work.

If your baby has reached around 3 months old and has started to drool like a faucet, rest assured that this is normal and will end eventually. Excessive drooling is a sign that the teething process is starting.

It's simple really. Your baby is drooling and is much more difficult to console. They may be cranky, whiny and "just not themselves". Try feeling in their mouth for potential teeth, especially in the lower front of the mouth where the first teeth tend to erupt from the gums.

If you rub your baby's gums lightly, they may feel some relief. Teething rings and cool rags work in a pinch to give your baby something to chew on to relieve sore gums. If your baby continues to screech and cry, it's time to call the Pediatrician for further advice. Some may tell you to try some tylenol for the pain while others may suggest other solutions.

If your baby is excessively drooling, consider this another milestone in their developmental stages and remember to keep a burp rag close by at all times.

When a baby has a cold

2009-06-07T21:01:00.000-04:00

The first time your baby has a cold can be unnerving. Listening to your child's small cough during the night and watching snot run down their face can make any parent feel helpless.

What can you do to alleviate cold symptoms in your baby?

Well, first off, you can't give your baby any decongestants or cough medicine. Tylenol can be used, but you should ask your pediatrician first about the proper dosage. Unfortunately, babies are just too small for most medications.

Congestion can be helped naturally by either raising your baby's head as they sleep, or by running a hot shower with the bathroom door closed and letting your baby inhale the steam. A warm bath might help as well. You might find that your baby spends the night in your arms as you sleep in a chair sitting up and if this works, why not?

As a parent, you want to fix things. If your baby has a cold, make sure that they are getting hydrated and are not spitting up too much formula. "Baby" your baby even more than usual. Use tylenol, but only as directed by your pediatrician. Check for a fever if you think your baby might have one and call your doctor if their temperature is elevated.

Yo Mama

2009-06-06T10:21:00.001-04:00

How to get your baby to sleep through the night

2009-06-04T06:19:00.000-04:00

If I had the answer to this question: How do you get your baby to sleep through the night? I'd be a much happier person right now. I love being a parent, but the four am feedings can go. I'm asking all of you parents out there:

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR BABY TO SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT?

I was told by a great aunt to flip her over three times and face her to the moon as she sleeps. Nope, didn't work, but I tried it. What can I say? I'm desperate.

I was told to give her rice cereal (at the age of 1 month) because it will "fill her belly". THIS is not a good idea because babies can't digest rice cereal until they are at least five months old. I skipped this one.

I've been told to get the baby out in the sunshine and keep her busy during the day. I do. I could detonate a bomb under my baby during the middle of the day and if she is sleeping, she won't stir.

It's amazing how loud we can be during the day and the baby continues to sleep right through it all. I would be concerned that there was something wrong with the baby's hearing except for at night, if you click a light switch, she is up. She amazingly hears every tiny noise in the middle of the night and anything can wake her up.

Go figure. I have a night owl on my hands and I'd rather sleep at night than feed a baby 3 or 4 times. Call me crazy. Am I thrilled that I have a new baby? Of course, but I wouldn't mind a few hours of sleep in a row.

Little People Big World

2009-05-31T22:20:00.000-04:00

Instead of picking on the Gosselin family drama going on in the news, I decided that today I'd discuss the Roloff family from TLC's show Little People Big World. I like this show as well because I find it intriguing how two little people are able to raise healthy, moderately productive children, three of which are average height.

I am not saying that little people are less capable of parenting or that there is some innate flaw in their abilities, but what is interesting is the level of respect both Amy and Matt Roloff are able to command of their children despite being much smaller in stature and less physically capable by the time their children were teens.

The Roloff family has taken their differences and created a show that teaches us all that it take time, persistance and hard work to raise children in the world today. Neither parent wants out of the relationship, out of the family, or out of the spotlight but instead the Roloffs are able to show us a piece of their lives without showing us too much dirt or drama as with the Gosselins.

Amy and Matt Roloff are two very different people from each other. They have different ways they parent, they have different working styles on how they like to get things accomplished, but what they have in common are morals and values that they want to teach their children.

I think we can learn from the Roloff family that you can take your uniqueness and make it work for you. That when you make the best of a situation, sometimes everything just works out. If nothing else, wear red and you will feel better. Just ask Matt.

John and Kate Plus Eight Premier Season 5

2009-05-26T08:09:00.000-04:00

I watched the season premier of John and Kate plus eight. I'll admit, I'm intrigued by their apparent falling apart when the Gosselins seemed like such a perfect family before.

Is this a parenting blog? Yes. Should it focus on the Gosselins? Probably not, and it won't forever, but really, isn't the show about parenting, family life and at this point, what NOT to do?

John Gosselin was a mess during the season 5 premier. He didn't help out for the five year olds birthday party, sat there like a bit of a lump and said to one of the little kids, "you miss daddy, right?" According to Kate Gosselin, he "needed the weekend off" and wasn't there to help get everything ready for the party.

Kate Gosselin is angry and it is still my opinion that she has a right to be. They have eight children and having eight children is hard work. John Gosselin doesn't seem to understand that he chose this life and now that it is too hard, breaking under the pressure isn't going to help anyone.

Is Kate Gosselin tough? Yes. Would I have married Kate Gosselin? No. But John Gosselin did marry Kate and he no longer wants a reality tv show, eight children and all the fame. He didn't get to go out in his twenties and wants to "live". He's not a child. John Gosselin is acting like a severely depressed, irresponsible father who just wants out. Maybe the Gosselin family will be better off without him.

I still hope that the Gosselins figure out how to reconcile their relationship, for the sake of both of them and their children. They worked so hard to get to where they are today and while Kate Gosselin is ready to dig in and work for what is theirs, John Gosselin is ready to throw it all away. No wonder Kate Gosselin is frustrated, who wouldn't be?

Stuck on Gosselins

2009-05-23T06:29:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure why, but I am still intrigued by the Gosselin family and their brood of eight children. I watched John and Kate Plus 8 pretty regularly, or at least used the DVR to record it. I thought that the Gosselin family might be too good to be true and now unfortunately they are proving this theory right.

Being in the spotlight can't be easy. Being in the spotlight with eight children in the house seems almost impossible. The Gosselins have done the show for several seasons now and it is clear they are starting to crack under all the pressure.

The media has shown John Gosselin making the statement, "it's like being in prison", but for now, they haven't made it clear exactly what he was referring to. The end of the last season of John and Kate Plus 8 made drama out of nothing as through the last episode they kept showing John Gosselin vacillating and then at the end it was just, "I don't know if I want to do the show anymore."

I'm wondering if this entire thing is just another drama enducing ploy by the Gosselins and the network to boost ratings. It's a bit coincidental that the Gosselin family dirt is being dragged out several weeks before the new season opener.

We'll see. I don't know how a family such as the Gosselin's could work out a divorce, or if they truly even want to. Maybe the Gosselin family can work out staying together, with eight kids to keep in mind it will be complex regardless what they choose.

For their sake, I hope both John and Kate Gosselin stop going to the media to air their dirty laundry (think Kate Gosselin's interview with People Magazine) and consider a marriage counselor instead. Do they really want their children to see their struggles all over the news?

John and Kate Plus 8, heading for disaster

2009-05-17T07:20:00.000-04:00

Last week I unwittingly wrote a post about John and Kate Gosselin and how I supported them despite the media frenzy surrounding John Gosselin's supposed infidelities. I was naive enough to believe that John Gosselin was innocent, that the media was just trying to rip the family apart.

Then, I open up People Magazine today. Yes, they publish paparrazi pictures and are not the beacon of truth, I understand that, but People Magazine interviewed Kate Gosselin where she opened up about what is really going on in the Gosselin family.

What is clear is that Kate Gosselin is hurt and angry. Kate Gosselin reported that her husband John Gosselin is just not happy. She stated that she has encouraged him to find happiness with his work, with volunteering, going back to college if he chooses, and she stated that he hasn't done anything to make himself happier.

Kate Gosselin further explained that John hates public speaking, doesn't like to write, and he doesn't want to do the show anymore. Kate believes that John will not be happy no matter what and so since the show supports her eight children and secures their future, she thinks the show should go on.

Kate clarified that while she has been away on speaking engagements, John has had parties at their 24 acre property and has made poor decisions. John defends himself by stating that he hasn't been unfaithful, but he was not able to "go out" in his twenties and now wants to live a little.

Kate Gosselin might be a very difficult woman to deal with, she might yip at John as if he is one of the kids, but he certainly is acting like one right now. Kate has made it clear that she will do this with or without John and right now they are not just on different pages, or in different books, but in different libraries.

We'll see how this ends up. Not too many people really care about the Gosselins and whether they break up or not. Many families break apart from the stress of one or two kids, never mind 8 kids within a few years of marriage.

If we really look at the Gosselins, they started a reality television show showcasing their eight children when they were in their mid-twenties. How many mid-twenties people do you know who are ready for such pressure?

Falling Asleep Anywhere while burping

2009-05-14T06:29:00.000-04:00

Some babies, no matter what you do to try and burp them, will fall asleep in any position. Here we have a seven week old baby who is refusing to burp and keeps falling asleep in the hands of her grandmother.

If you don't get a baby to burp, often they will spit up within a half an hour, waking themselves up anyway. Babies have some trouble burping on their own and you should try to burp the baby for about 10 minutes until you give up.

This baby falls asleep during most of her afternoon feedings, but is almost easy to burp in the middle of the night when she likes to be awake. Many babies are more alert in the night hours because they are not yet used to sleeping hard at night and being more awake during the day.

Cute Baby: I ate, now what?

2009-05-08T10:21:00.000-04:00

Parenting Tricks Cute Kid Contest

2009-05-04T08:13:00.000-04:00

Think you have one cute kid? Do you want to enter your kid into our cute kid contest?

First Prize: $50 Cash through Paypal and a promotional post on parenting tricks with a link to your site.

Second Prize: $30 Cash through Paypal and a permanent link to your site.

Third Prize: $10 Cash through Paypal and a permanent link to your site.

Here's how to enter:

Create a post on your own site or blog.

In your post you should include:

1. A Picture(s) that is clear so that we can get the full effect of just how cute your kid is.

2. A note to your readers to vote for your entry by visiting: http://parentingtricks.blogspot.com/2009/05/parenting-tricks-cute-kid-contest.html

Your readers should leave a comment and state who they are voting for.

Once you have your post up, leave us a comment here to let us know to come and visit so that we can see just how cute your kid(s) is!

THIS CONTEST will run until May 31. Winners will be determined by number of votes and all winners will be notified as soon as possible once the contest is closed.

In Support of Jon and Kate Plus 8

2009-05-03T12:56:00.001-04:00

Jon and Kate Gosselin, of TLC's Jon and Kate Plus 8 fame, are two people that have been taking a lot of flack lately because of Jon Gosselin's reported infidelities. Stories have run rampant that he has been found carousing with co-eds while visiting his mother, participating in wild parties and getting drunk in public.

As a new mother of 1, I can say that it is amazing that Jon and Kate Gosselin even speak to each other at all, never mind run an eight child family with precision and grace. Yes, Kate Gosselin is controlling (someone needs to be in control of such a large family), but in all honesty, how would you act if you had 8 children under the age of 8?

Reality tv has brought the world into the living room of the Gosselin family and when you invite the world in, you will be criticized, regardless of what you do. Kate Gosselin doesn't apologize for who she is and doesn't try to hide her personality from the cameras. Would I marry her? Probably not, but would I want Kate Gosselin as a wife if we had 8 kids at home? Yes, because I wouldn't have the stamina to keep them clean, keep them organized, fed, washed and put to bed.

Kate Gosselin and Jon Gosselin have also endured quite a bit of criticism for putting their kids in the spotlight or for exploiting their Gosselin tribe. Aunt Jody disappeared from the Gosselin family a few years ago and if you believe her internet rantings, she left because she was upset with how the children were portrayed and the fact that the Gosselin children didn't have a choice whether they were on television or not.

Fine. Aunt Jody and the Gosselins had a falling out. A difference of opinions. If I had 8 children, I would do all I can to provide for them and to be with them as much as possible. Having a reality television show seems to work for the Gosselin family, at least for now, and the family is able to experience life in a way that was not accessible to them without the income of having a reality television show.

I don't agree with everything that Jon and Kate do with their Gosselings, but then again, not everyone agrees with what I do with my child. At least the Gosselins have allowed us in and they provide me with an hour of entertainment each week.

Discussion: Talking to your children about death

2009-05-03T11:24:00.000-04:00

As adults, we understand that death is part of the cycle of life. We grieve and we rely on our friends and family for comfort. All children will face the death of a loved one sooner or later. How do we as parents teach children about death without scaring them and causing anxiety?

You can talk to some children about death more easily than others. Children with a religious upbringing might have more "faith" that their love one is gone, but in a better place, but overall, children only understand that the person (or pet) will no longer be there for them.

How early is too early to talk to your children about death?

Some five year olds can understand while some eight year olds want nothing to do with a discussion about death. What I think is important is to answer questions that your child has about death as honestly as possible but without scaring them.

My niece lost two great grandmothers in the same month. She doesn't go to church and until this point (she was four) the only death she experienced was that of my mother's dog. She handled that poorly and was upset for months. All of us were worried about her as both great grandmothers passed away because she was close to both women.

So, what do you tell a four year old about the death of an elderly person? Well, they were old, it's how life goes, they're in heaven watching over you, etc., etc. My niece seemed to handle it ok but then asked me one day, "Auntie, are you old?" I said, "Well, yeah, I am (36) old to you." She started crying hysterically that I was going to die soon then, months after we talked to her about why people die.

I think my niece is a good example of a typical child response to a loved one dying. They sort of understand that the person is gone, but then they begin to try and rationalize when the next one will be. What the criteria might be for the next person in their life to die.

Last month my niece decided to go with her mother to work where she had planned on visited a very sick, elderly woman in a nursing home. My niece, who is almost five now, was adamant that she wanted to hold this woman's hand. She said that she was scared, but she wanted to make the woman feel better. My niece was able to control her fear enough to sit with this woman for an hour while holding her hand, even though she was scared. She sacrificed her own comfort to give someone else comfort.

I think this was a big growth spurt emotionally for my niece. Empathy can't really be taught, I think it has to come from within. I think she was young to understand that sometimes you have to do things that make you uncomfortable if you want to help another, that sometimes your discomfort is worth the price of someone else's comfort.

Are there parents out there who have had to deal with the death of a loved one? How did your children handle it? What did you say? Do you practice a particular religion, and if so, how did it help?

Potty Training Woes

2009-05-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love being a mother. The joys it brings on a daily basis are endless. I am very proud to have four, very wonderful children. My oldest is ten and my youngest is twenty-one-months-old. There is only one lesson I dread. Only one I have encountered during my parenting years that I would gladly pass on to someone else and that is potty training. I would be forever grateful if someone else took my children during the potty training stage, trained them for me, and then returned them when it was all over.

I hate it. This has to be the worst part of parenting thus far that I've had to deal with. I am currently working on child number three.

My son, Kyle is three-years-old and has no interest in the potty at all. Every day, I wake up and hope maybe today will be the day he finally understands what he is supposed to be doing. I start off most mornings by telling Kyle that today is the day we’re going to learn to be a big boy. About every hour, I get on my most excited face and talk in my best happy voice and we take a skip-walk to the bathroom. We get there and I tell him that now it’s time for him to go potty. He acts just as excited as I am about getting there. I tell him how happy I’ll be when he goes, he nods excitedly in agreement, and then, he just sits there.

He plays with the toilet paper, counts his fingers, and recites the ABCs, points at the shapes he sees in the bathroom, but doesn't pee. It really does make me proud to hear my three-year-old son recite the entire alphabet without missing a letter. I am overjoyed when he can count to 20. I applaud his knowledge of the circle-shaped lights on our ceiling and the oval shape of the toilet. However, what I really want at that moment in time is for him to use the toilet.

I’ve run the water in the bathroom sink. I have read potty books to him while he’s sitting there. I bought a cute little baby doll that pees. And still, he just sits there. I don't know what to do to get him to realize what his job is while he's sitting there.

There have been a few, rare occasions that he actually did what he was supposed to do while sitting on the toilet. We both get so excited about the whole thing. We clap and we scream for joy. We hug and we kiss and I tell him how happy I am. I lavish him with love and affection and a few M&M’s. I would think this much attention would encourage a repeat occurrence. Instead, the next time he just sits there and promptly pees in his pants moments after getting off the potty. I want to scream but, instead, I have to laugh.

It doesn't bother me to use the toilet while my youngest two are in the bathroom with me. I actually encourage it in the hopes the concept will rub off on them. Suddenly I have lost all ladylike manners as I sing-song my way to the bathroom. I congratulate myself on my feat. He gets excited for me when I use the potty but quickly runs out of the room when I ask him if he needs a turn. He's not a big talker so it's hard for me to get him to tell me he has to use the potty.

I know in the back of my mind that Kyle will learn to use the potty when he’s good and ready to learn. Soon, this will all be a memory. It’s not like I want him to hurry up and get grown up. I just don’t want him to enter high school still wearing diapers.

Photohunter: Walking

2009-05-02T03:36:00.000-04:00

This post has nothing to do with parenting. I've become addicted to the photohunter blog and decided to add it to my parenting site because I can. I took this picture of turkeys crossing the road this winter on my way to work.

The Facts about Hyperthermia and Hot Cars

2009-05-01T05:56:00.000-04:00

Child Care Warning: The Facts About Hyperthermia and Hot Cars

Hyperthermia is an unsafe and potentially fatal heating of the human body. Over 300 infants and toddlers have died from hyperthermia in an automobile in the past decade in the U.S. alone. The number may not seem staggering, but these deaths are entirely preventable, most attributable to a lack of information. It should also be noted that this statistic only reflects documented cases. On top of that, in the same timeframe, there have been thousands of hyperthermia near-deaths domestically involving children who received timely medical treatment. The bulk of child hyperthermia deaths happen during summer months, but not all.

Based on interviews of those providing the child care in car-related hyperthermia cases (parents, older siblings, other relatives, nannies, family friends, etc. have all been guilty), just under half of the children who die from vehicular hyperthermia are left behind because they’re forgotten. The slight majority of young hyperthermia victims are deliberately left in the automobile by a caregiver who doesn’t realize they are endangering the child.

The only rule, of course, is to never leave a child unattended in a vehicle for any amount of time. While most child caregivers would consider this rule one of the most fundamental, regardless of temperature or time of year, it apparently does require repeating.

Here’s a quick look at some hyperthermia facts as they relate to children and hot cars for the benefit of anyone who provides child care:

The threat of child death from hyperthermia in a hot car is much greater than people presume. A child’s body has yet to develop the ability to regulate its temperature to any significant extent. An infant or toddler’s body heats up five times faster than an adult’s. Heatstroke sets in at 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), while 107 degrees Fahrenheit (41.6 degrees Celsius) is fatal.

It does not need to be notably hot outside for the threat of hyperthermia death to be present. A few cases have been documented when outdoor temperatures were only in the upper 60’s, many more with temperatures in the low 70’s. Summer heat presents the greatest, but not the only danger.

While most everyone has entered an uncomfortably hot car, most don’t realize just how quickly the inside of the vehicle got that hot. An automobile’s color, and particularly the interior color, does affect the rate at which the vehicle heats up. However, all automobiles will heat up, and quickly. On average, the temperature in an automobile under direct sunlight on a typical summer day will rise 20 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) in just ten minutes, and as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) in an hour.

As a final warning, child caregivers should not be under the impression that cracking car windows will lower the danger of hyperthermia to a child. Tests have found that cracking vehicle windows does little or nothing to slow the interior’s climb in temperature.

When all the right factors are in place, the death of a child from hyperthermia can be measured in minutes, not hours. So again, never leave a child in your care unattended in a vehicle for any amount of time. If you see a child who’s been left alone in a car, call for emergency assistance immediately. Where hyperthermia is concerned, even the time you spend looking around for a parent and debating taking action can be fatal.

Getting your children outside to play

2009-04-29T07:57:00.000-04:00

I asked a group of parents how they get their children outside to play instead of in front of the television. Here are there answers:

"I let my son bring his legos outside and they do sidewalk chalk alot. Bubbles are also a big thing, but expect a big mess depending on age. I also let them set up a Lemonade Stand. No TV until the sun goes down or it is raining or they have spend alot of time outside. My son has decided he doesn't like bugs, thanks to my daughter, so we have had to get creative."

"ride bikes, play baseball, go to park, play on swingset, sidewalk chalk"

"I guess I should not share what they are doing now, huh? :) (Granted, they did just wake up about 15 minutes ago"

"Trampoline, pretend gardeniing (In little paper cups and stuff), explore for bugs.worms....and I was thinking "fishing" today."

"hiking, ride bikes, trips to the library, building 'forts', frisbee, kicking around a soccer ball, playing catch..."

"sports of any kind!!! I need them to pay for my retirement some how!"

Cuteness

2009-04-28T10:40:00.001-04:00

Head control and lifting the head while on their stomach

2009-04-27T23:50:00.001-04:00

Babies are born with weak neck muscles and great care needs to be taken when you lift a newborn baby to support their head so that they do not get hurt.

Some babies have stronger neck muscles when they are born and are able to briefly lift their head up, but they will quickly flop their head back down and will need support for at least several months until their neck muscles get strong enough to not only lift their head, but keep it in control too.

This picture was taken when this little girl was five weeks old. She is already picking up her head while lying on her stomach, proof that her neck muscles are strong and that she isn't waiting to be 3 months old before she can lift her head up while lying on her stomach.

Developmental milestones are guidelines. Some babies develop neck muscles sooner, some will develop their neck muscles later. Overall, a baby will be able to lift their head while lying on their stomach at about 3 months old.

Babies should spend a short amount of time (around 10 minutes) each day on their tummy, supervised by a parent. Babies that spend time on their tummy will strengthen their neck muscles as they try to move, try to roll and try to see what is going on around them. Tummy time is a great way for your baby to develop muscles and will help strengthen core muscles that will allow your baby to crawl.

Wits End Parenting

2009-04-27T09:20:00.001-04:00

Cord Blood Banking

2009-04-26T09:03:00.000-04:00

If you are pregnant, it is possible that you have thought about banking your baby's cord blood. Cord blood is full of stem cells, the building blocks for mature cells in the body and can be used to fight a large number of diseases.

Cord blood banking is not for everyone. At a price tag of roughly $2,000, many families can't afford to bank their baby's cord blood when faced with all of the new expenses of a newborn baby. Some cord blood banks offer a payment plan that makes cord blood banking more affordable to new parents wishing to bank their baby's cord blood.

Cord blood has a lifespan of about 15 years. The stem cells can be used in various treatments for adult relatives of the baby as well such as grandparents or parents. Many parents decide to save the cord blood for their baby but when faced with a decision to use the cord blood on a parent or spouse find that their baby is healthy, and decide to use the cord blood for the treatment of a loved one.

The facility responsible for storing your cord blood will send you a cord blood collection kit. Doctors will fill out the required forms and within 24 hours of delivery you must contact the cord blood bank for them to come and retrieve the filled out kit.

To avoid confusion, the cord blood bank will provide identification numbers for you and only bank the cord blood if enough was collected. You will receive well documented paperwork that describes where the cord blood is stored, how much they collected, the blood type of your baby and their name and date of birth.

Cord blood banking might just save your baby's life or the life of a loved one. Although the price tag might be high, as a soon to be parent you might want to explore your cord blood banking options.

The Gas they Pass

2009-04-25T13:30:00.000-04:00

She is so cute, she is so cuddly and everyone wants to pick her up. The problem is that your newborn daughter, for whatever reason, seems to be the gassiest child you have ever seen and wow, she stinks.

Although embarrassing, if your child is passing gas often but is not under distress, everything is normal. Yes, she might smell a bit more than you like and she has tricked you more than once into thinking that she has a diaper full of poop, but rest assured. At least the gas your child is passing is coming out instead of staying in.

If your child continues to eat well, sleep well and isn't very fussy, than a lack of poop in her diaper is fine. Some babies only poop a few times a week. Babies that pass a lot of gas are able to move their bowels just fine, they just happen to have more gas than the average baby.

Some babies are just really good at passing gas. They will sound as if they are straining and the sounds that come out seem more adult than you would expect. If your baby is screaming as she tries to poop or scrunches her legs up for long periods of time, she might be having some trouble.

The only measure of constipation in a young baby is the consistency of their poop. Dry, rabbit like poop that is hard means that your baby is constipated while anything that is soft, playdough like is fine regardless of the frequency.

Swine Flu Humor

2009-04-25T07:24:00.000-04:00

Essential Skincare Products for New Mothers

2009-04-24T07:07:00.001-04:00

Written By Roz Andrews

As a new mother, it is all too easy to forget to look after yourself. You probably don’t have time or opportunity to go to the hairdressers or the beauty salon, but you can apply skincare products at home. In just five minutes a day, you will feel happier and healthier and your body will benefit. Here is a run-down of the essential products you will need.

Stretch Mark Cream: Almost all new mothers have at least some stretch marks and a stretch mark cream will help minimize them by toning the skin. Choose a good quality stretch mark cream with ingredients such as collagen, elastin and vitamin E. Apply it twice a day to the areas of your body that have stretch marks.

Body Firming Cream: Sagging breasts, stomach and buttocks often appear after pregnancy. A body firming cream will help to lift and firm the sagging areas of your body, so that you re-gain your pre-pregnancy shape quicker. Apply the body firming cream at least once a day to all of your problem areas.

Intensive Body Lotion: Dry skin is very common after pregnancy, so use an intensive body lotion on your legs, arms and abdomen to replenish your skin’s moisture reserves. Apply after bathing or showering and at other times of the day when your skin feels dry, tight or itchy.

Facial Moisturizer(s): The skin on your face may feel drier and tauter than before pregnancy, so you may need to invest in a moisturizer for dry skin. Apply a day cream in the morning and a more intensive night cream before going to bed to nourish your skin.

Nipple Care Cream: If you are nursing your baby, a nipple care cream is indispensable to soothe and moisturize the nipple area and prevent sore, cracked or even bleeding nipples. Choose a cream with natural ingredients that does not have to be removed before nursing. Apply liberally to the nipples and nipple area after each feed.

Hand Wash: As a new mother, you will be washing your hands many times a day, after each nappy change, before preparing bottles, etc. It is important, therefore, that you choose a moisturizing hand wash that will protect your hands every time you wash them. A hand wash with anti-bacterial properties is a good choice too. Keep separate bottles of hand wash next to each basin in which you wash your hands.

Hand Cream: Even if you use a moisturizing hand wash, it is still important to moisturize your hands after washing them in order to prevent sore, dry and chapped hands. Place a tube of hand cream next to each bottle of hand wash in your home, so that you can use it after each hand wash. Put a small tube of hand lotion in your handbag, so that you can use it when you are out and about, as it is rarely provided in restrooms. Treat yourself to a tube of intensive moisturizing or anti-ageing hand cream and apply it twice a day to ensure that your hands look and feel their best.

Foot Lotion: During pregnancy, your feet will have suffered from carrying extra weight. You may also notice that the skin has become much drier and you may have developed such complaints as corns and cracked skin on the heels. It is important, therefore, that you invest in a good quality foot lotion that will re-hydrate and condition your feet. Apply the lotion twice daily, after bathing or showering and before going to bed.

If you follow a daily post-pregnancy skincare routine and combine it with a healthy diet and moderate exercise, it will not be long before you begin to feel like your pre-pregnancy self, and your baby will benefit from having a happy mother.

Buying toys for your toddlers, why wooden toys are popular

2009-04-21T23:06:00.000-04:00

Article written by Rebecca Gerdes

Buying toys for toddlers can be intimidating. Toddlers can be fickle, and don't yet have well-defined hobbies or specialized interests. Parents often don't know what will really hold their child's interest, and with overcrowded shelves of carefully packaged toys all claiming to stimulate learning in multiple domains, it's hard to know which toys really are the best. Parents often spend far more money than they had planned only to find that their children are completely uninterested in their new toys. To pick the best toys for your children follow these three rules: Buy wooden toys, buy safe toys, and choose a wide variety of toys.

1. Wooden toys are natural. Children sense the special value of well-made toys, and are drawn to materials like wood, wicker, and cotton. Toys made of natural materials can often be repaired. Plastic toys are worthless once they are broken. Further, most recycling programs do not accept plastic toys, so they have to go straight to the landfill.

2. Wooden toys are heavier, and heavier is always better. Heavier toys are easier to manipulate accurately. Heavier toys provide more information to the joints and muscles, making it easier to manipulate them. If you've ever fumbled with a disposable coffee cup, you know why heavier is better.

3. Wooden toys are calming, because they don't try to serve more than one functions. If a toy lights up, makes animal noises, and speaks in two languages while teaching your child the shapes, animal names and the alphabet, it's probably a good idea to leave it at the toy store. Multifunction toys are designed to appeal to parents, not children.

4. Wooden toys don't require batteries. If a toy must have batteries to be fun, skip it. Battery-dependent toys are usually too stimulating for toddlers. They make noises at arbitrary moments, interrupting a toddler's thoughts. Toddlers are just emerging into a stage of development in which they are learning to link together a series of thoughts. Linking together a series of thoughts is important for planning actions, as well as learning to use information to draw conclusions. Don't sacrifice your child's brain development in favor of learning to count to ten in two languages. Some toys have battery-powered functions, but are still fun without the batteries. These toys are fine to buy- just don't install the batteries. Many toy farms use batteries, for example, to provide animal sound effects, but are still fun without the batteries. These toys are fine because their main function is not battery-dependent.

5. Make sure the toys you buy are safe. You should not only screen toys to make sure that they do not present a choking hazard, you should also know where the toy was manufactured. Don't buy toys that have been imported from developing countries. You might accidentally purchase a toy that has been covered in lead-based paint.

6. Choose a wide variety of toys. Try to choose some toys that require your toddler to stand while playing (an easel, a play kitchen, a tool bench). Choose other toys that require movement (a ball, a tunnel and tent, a riding toy). Include some toys to bring out their dramatic skills (dress ups, dolls, action figures), and some toys to develop their finger skills (blocks, play dough, beads).

If you buy several toys at once, don't present them to your toddler all at once. Hide them, then slowly introduce them over a period of several days. Don't be surprised if you are more excited about each new toy than your toddler. Remember that toddlers don't necessarily know what to do with new toys until someone shows them how to play with each toy. Spend some time demonstrating each toy for your child, and playing with your child and the new toy. You might want to bring in a slightly older child to play with the toy in front of your toddler. If you've followed these simple guidelines for choosing high quality toys for toddlers, however, you won't have to wait long to see your child totally engrossed in play.

Humor

2009-04-21T11:25:00.000-04:00

Driving in the car with my niece one day, I listened to her while she chatted non-stop about nothing in particular.

My niece (she is four) loves to talk and she often narrates trips in the car we take together, letting me know about every bird, tree, and car that we see as we travel to our destination.

One day, as we were driving back to her house, I noticed a very large military plane that was pretty low in the sky. An interesting site to see for an observant four year old that never stops talking.

I pointed this plane out to her by saying, "look over there, it's a giant army plane."

She was quiet for a minute or two, and then she replied, "you're right, auntie. That plane does have a lot of arms on it."

Teaching Children Safety

2009-04-20T23:12:00.000-04:00

Teaching Child Safety Lessons

One of the great things about children is that they are always learning, whether you think you are teaching or not. What you say by your actions can reveal just as much to the child as the words you use, and when it comes to teaching safety actions truly do speak louder than words.

It is important, therefore for every parent to set a good example when it comes to safety, both in the home and outside. If children see the adults in their lives do dangerous things, like pulling a hot pot off the stove without a potholder, or crossing the street against the light, they will naturally try to mimic that behavior. All the safety lessons in the world may not be enough to undue that type of inadvertent safety lesson.

It is important for parents to begin teaching their children about safety as early as practical. There are many simple lessons parents can teach in a fun way, and it is important to keep the child’s sometimes limited attention span in mind when teaching these lessons. Short safety lessons, repeated often, will generally be more effective than a longer safety lecture. Children of all ages should also be encouraged to keep an open line of communication with parents and others in their lives. This open line of communication will be critically important, especially as the children get older and begin to face more grown up safety challenges.

Parents of younger children, of course, have a great deal more latitude and control when it comes to controlling their children’s environment and teaching valuable safety lessons. Those parents still have the freedom to take the child’s hand when crossing the street or getting on the bus, and it is important to use those hands on lessons as teaching opportunities.

Children should be taught, for instance, what traffic lights are for and what they mean. They should also be taught never to cross against the light or enter the crosswalk when vehicles are present. These safety lessons will be very valuable when it is time for the child to make his or her first solo trip to school.

Those children should also be given a list of important emergency numbers and shown how to contact those resources. In addition to the obvious advice to call 911 in the event of a fire, burglary or other emergency, children should be given the number for poison control, to be used in the event of an accidental poisoning or suspected poisoning.

Throughout all these lessons, it is important for parents to be consistent and firm in their teaching. Reinforcing the safety lessons taught, in deed as well as word, is one of the best ways to raise confident, bold and safety conscious children.

Tips on Measuring Your Child for the Perfect Fit

2009-04-20T07:11:00.000-04:00

By Susan M. Keenan ©2008

Some children seem to grow inches at a time while others seem to take forever to grow even a single inch. Nonetheless, buying your kids clothing to fit is a task that requires ongoing focus and care. Finding and following some helpful tips on measuring your child for the perfect fit is the first step to providing a functional wardrobe.

In some stores, the store personnel are very helpful and knowledgeable. They are capable of helping you to judge what sizes you should buy, even if your child isn’t there with you. Take advantage of their skills if possible. Many online stores provide helpful sizing charts.

Sizing your child for toddler boy clothes, toddler girls clothes, or sweet baby clothes, is important since it can be the difference between the perfect fit and a sloppy fit. After all, if you are going to go through the trouble of finding the ultimate toddler boys clothing or the cutest summer kids clothes, you might as well go through the tiny bit of trouble it takes to measure your child.

Many clothing items come with size charts printed on them to make your selection even easier. If you are looking for newborn baby clothes, ignore the age suggestions for each piece and look instead to the weight range that is given. Babies, as we all know, come in many different sizes and a child who was born at 10 pounds is not going to weight the same at three months as a child who was born at 6 pounds.

To take accurate measurements simply follow these steps:
Have your child remove any bulky clothing and shoes. Use a note tablet to label and write down each measurement.
Using a measuring tape, measure your child’s chest while her arms are hanging at her sides.

Measure your child’s waist just above the hipbone.

Measure your child’s inseam or inner leg from top to bottom.

Measure your child’s head in the center of the forehead if you will be purchasing a hat.

Measure your daughter’s skirt length by measuring from her waist to the length that you want.

Measure your daughter’s skirt length by measuring from the nape of her neck to the length that you want.

Many children have a growth spurt around the time of their birthdays so plan around it.
If you are buying clothes for your child for the following year, take into consideration how quickly she or he grows. Some children seem to skip sizes while others seem to linger in them.

If you are trying clothing on your child, you need to look for red marks when taking outfits and shoes off. If any exist then you can assume the clothing is too small. This means that you should look for a larger size or different styles since some styles are cut smaller than others. Most stores have a generous return policy so purchasing the wrong size is never a problem!

A Typical Day with a Newborn Baby

2009-04-20T07:08:00.000-04:00

New moms are rarely prepared for the reality of life with a newborn baby. It’s pretty much common knowledge that babies don’t sleep through the night, so you expect to lose some sleep, but beyond that you might not be sure what to expect. Taking care of a newborn can be very time consuming. The new mother may be surprised to find just how little time she has for herself.

Just making sure the baby is well-fed takes up a good chunk of the day. If you are breastfeeding, your baby will need to eat 8-10 times per day. If the baby nurses for half an hour each time, that’s four or five hours out of your day just to feed the baby. Now you are beginning to see why new moms have such a hard time finding time to keep up with the house like they did before the baby was born. Formula-fed babies usually take less time to eat, but feeding a baby formula still takes a good chunk out of your day.

Of course, your new baby will need more than just feeding. You’ll need to change the baby’s diaper about 10-12 times per day. You’ll also need to give him/her a sponge bath every other day or so and keep his/her fingernails and toenails clipped as needed. Just keep an eye on them and trim them if they get too long or start breaking.

As a new mother, you will also find yourself spending a lot of time rocking and comforting your baby. When your baby is tired, he or she may need some help falling asleep at first. Many babies find it easier to fall asleep when they are being held, rocked or bounced. This can take up several more hours from the new mom’s day.

It can take several months before the baby is sleeping through the night, so you’ll need to learn to sleep when you can. If your baby falls asleep for awhile in the afternoon, that could be an excellent opportunity for you to get a nap and catch up a little on your sleep.

New mothers should take advantage of the times when their new baby is sleeping because you never know how long it will be before the next time. While baby naps, you get your meals and try to get some things done around the house. Maybe you’ll have time to advance the laundry or wash a load of dishes before the baby wakes up again.

Keep in mind that it is normal for a new baby to take up most of mom’s time. Don’t expect to keep your house as clean as you did before the baby was born. Unless you are supermom or your baby is an incredible sleeper, you just won’t have time. You’ll have to learn to take care of the most important things when the baby is sleeping and relax your standards a bit on the rest.

Getting your children interested in books

2009-04-19T22:15:00.000-04:00

Get Your Children Interested in Books

Reading is a lifelong skill, as well as a valuable way for children to learn, so reading with your children and getting them interested in books from an early age offers them a great start in life. Here are some practical ideas for encouraging a reading habit.

Research has found that children who are used to books and reading before they start school are able to cope with the demands of literacy teaching much better than children who’ve not been brought up to read books. Reading is also an activity that brings parents and children together – it’s interactive, enjoyable, promotes bonding and is something both parents can be actively involved in.

Children learn by example, so the more you can be seen to be reading (and enjoying it!), the more likely your children are to pick up books and read.

Babies and Toddlers

It’s never too soon to get your child interested in books! Babies may be too young to read, but they’re certainly capable of looking at pictures and touching books. They love seeing bright colours, interesting shapes, books that have different textures to touch or sounds to listen to.

There’s a great variety of books for babies on the market, with many having additional touch-and-feel or listen-to elements. Books for babies are wonderfully creative and colourful and come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s plenty of choice out there for you and lots of interesting ideas to introduce to your baby. Clip mini books onto the side of the pram, highchair or pushchair and make plenty of time to read to your baby.

Your baby will enjoy listening to your voice and you’ll soon be able to identify their favourite stories, via listening to them babble, seeing them smile or other reactions. Once you’ve hit on what they like, read them again and again. It may seem repetitive to you, but repeating phrases and tales will help the early stages of learning and slowly build up children’s knowledge of language. Books for babies and toddler inevitably use simple words that will be understand more easily than books aimed at older children.

You can make it even more interesting for both you and your child by using funny voices, different tones or getting into character. Remember to show your baby and toddler the pictures too, rather than simply reading the story to them. The pictures can be as stimulating to their imagination as much as the words.

Book Suggestions

Amazing Baby: Hide and Seek
Amazing Baby: Clever Colour
Who’s Hiding Under the Sea? by Debbie Tarbett
Gossie and Gertie, by Olivier Dunrea
This Little Piggy: A Hand-Puppet Board Book, by Michelle Berg
Cuddly Cuffs – Baa, illustrated by Sally Hobson

Under Five-Year-Olds

Children aged three to five years old are developing at quite a pace and books can be a fun way of encouraging their learning even more. They’ll enjoy being involved, choosing which book to read, turning the pages, talking about the pictures, guessing what might happen next and following the words with their fingers.

As their language skills progress, they’ll be able to join in more with the actual reading, learning new words and developing their overall understanding. It’s still great to make it as active and fun as possible, by each taking characters, using funny voices, acting out scenes or using toys to act out parts of stories.

Hopefully, by getting your child interested in books from a young age, they’ll be more likely to develop a healthy attitude to reading and remain a keen reader throughout their life.

Book Suggestions

Elmer and The Lost Teddy, by David McKee
Small, by Jessica Meserve
My Little Rabbit, by Sue Porter
It’s So Unfair! By Pat Thomson and Jonathan Allen
Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram
Tractor Trouble: A Pop-Up Book, by Steve Augarde

When Your Child is Angry

2009-04-15T23:08:00.000-04:00

It can be a challenge growing up in today’s fast paced world. No wonder some children develop emotional problems and difficulty dealing with anger. The challenges of parenting an angry child can be daunting. The frequent outbursts and angry displays can quickly disrupt the emotional balance of the household, affecting every member of the family. Fortunately, there’s new evidence that exercise may be effective in soothing the emotions of an angry child.

A study published in Pediatric Exercise Science showed that children who participated in a regular after school exercise program benefited by a reduction in behaviors such as screaming, hitting, and throwing temper tantrums. There was a general decline in all types of aggressive behavior in these children suggesting that a simple exercise program may be effective in treating the emotional outbursts of an angry child.

In this study, not only did exercise appear to decrease the number of outbursts and tantrums exhibited by the children, it also had the additional bonus of helping with weight loss. At the end of the ten to fifteen week after school program, the majority of the children were not only calmer, but they had experienced a significant drop in weight.

Could a regular exercise program be the key to soothing the frazzled nerves of an angry child and help with weight loss at the same time? Not only does a regular fitness program have little downside for a child, it may have multiple benefits by reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome which can lead to problems with diabetes later in life. It also helps to build confidence and coordination which are both important attributes.

If you want to use exercise to help an angry child cope, what’s the best way to get started? It’s important to select an activity your child will enjoy such as skating, bicycling, or participating in a group sport. As long as your child participates in the activity at least four days a week, he should get benefits. Even simple things such as encouraging him to walk to school rather than take the bus can help with treatment of anger control issues. Family oriented group exercise such as daily walks and sports activities can be a great release for the frustrations your child experiences in day to day life.

Before resorting to psychological counseling or the use of medications to help your child deal with anger, try adding some exercise to your child’s life. It’s a safe option with multiple benefits that can really change the outlook and temperament of an angry child.

Gestational Diabetes

2009-04-10T22:32:00.000-04:00

Gestational diabetes can occur in some women during pregnancy when the pancreas is not able to provide the body with enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable. In general, doctors check for gestational diabetes around the 6th month, or 24 weeks gestation. If blood sugar levels are above 90 fasting and above 130 after meals (these ranges vary from care provider to care provider, but they are meant as a general guideline), your OBGYN will tell you that you currently have gestational diabetes.

Why, you ask, after the sleepless nights, the exploding belly size and morning sickness do you now have to worry about something like gestational diabetes? Does this mean you are now a diabetic and will have to deal with fluctuating blood sugar levels the rest of your life? You are pregnant and just want to sit and eat a cupcake, not a fiber dense nutritional bar.

Gestational diabetes occurs when your pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check. What is important to remember is that your blood volume may be up to three times that of when you are not pregnant and your pancreas is put to the test during pregnancy. Once you are no longer pregnant and your blood volume returns to normal, so should your blood sugar levels.

Does having gestational diabetes mean you will become diabetic? The best answer our endocrinologist gave us was, "maybe". If you had gestational diabetes, when push came to shove, your pancreas had some trouble. This might mean that "in the future", "if you are not careful", you might have trouble as you age with blood sugar levels. We were given a 15 to 20 year timeline that if the body continued to be abused, diabetes was an option. Maintaining an appropriate weight and keeping active should keep potential diabetes at bay.

When you have gestational diabetes, one of the main concerns is how big the baby is going to grow. When you have high sugar levels, your baby has high sugar levels and will store this sugar as fat. If you are pregnant and were diagnosed with gestational diabetes your practicioner will want to measure the baby often (about every other week) and make sure that they baby is not under stress by having you undergo a non-stress test. A non-stress test consists of laying down on a comfortable (sure, sure) OBGYN table and having a monitor strapped to your belly to measure the baby's heart beat.

A baby that is growing inside a mother with gestational diabetes may also have a larger than normal belly due to the increase in weight and a baby with too large a belly will be very difficult to birth vaginally.

If you have gestational diabetes, don't panic. Talk to your doctor, talk to your endocrinologist. Follow the advice you are given but don't feel that you can't eat a thing. You and your baby will be fine if you stick to a reasonable diet and if necessary, you take insulin as prescribed. Many pregnant women are afraid to take insulin for fear they are hurting their baby, but insulin will help you keep blood sugar levels at appropriate ranges without you having the fear of putting any food in your mouth.

Cradle Cap, Eczema, and Baby Acne

2009-04-10T10:10:00.000-04:00

Your newborn baby is perfect. In your eyes, no other baby has ever been born cuter. What you may not have known is that the rashes, the dry skin, and the acne, are all normal for your newborn baby. Your baby has fluctuating hormones and all of the skin conditions can be attributed to fluctuating hormones in your newborn.

You might notice that your baby's skin is dry. They have just spent the last 9 months or so living in fluid and now your baby is out in the world. Try a little baby oil on their arms and legs, but remember that a little flaky skin isn't really bothering your newborn.

Cradle Cap or Sebeborrhea can be distressing to some parents. Sometimes cradle cap on a baby can be significant, and cradle cap is caused by hormonal fluctuations in your baby as well. Cradle cap makes the eye brow skin and scalp get dry and flaky in patches. Cradle cap or seborrhea is similar to dandruff in adults and can be treated the same way with anti-dandruff shampoos (used much less frequently: maybe once or twice a week). Another old-fashioned way to deal with cradle cap is to massage a little vegetable oil into your baby's scalp and then GENTLY lift the scales up with an old toothbrush. It is very important to remember that although the cradle cap may really bother you, your baby could care less about cradle cap.

If your baby's dry skin is more significant, your baby may have some baby eczema. Eczema consists of dry, scaly patches on the skin and there are several things you can do as a parent to help your baby deal with eczema.

Avoid perfumes, bubble baths and any products that contain fragrance when bathing your baby. Use fragrance free products such as moisturizing dove soap when giving your baby a bath.
Keep your baby's skin moist. Massage fragrance free baby oil or lotion into your baby's skin. Consider using a humidifier in your baby's room to keep their skin soft and moisturized.
If your baby's eczema is significant, consider using as little detergent or fragrance as possible throughout your home. Detergents break down already sensitive skin and your baby will benefit if you too use less detergents because they are in almost constant contact with your skin and clothes.
If your baby continues to have significant eczema despite your best efforts, ask for a referral to a dermatologist who will know the most up to date treatments for baby exzema.

Baby acne is yet another skin condition that can be disturbing to new parents. Baby acne is exactly what it sounds like, it is acne due to, yes, you guessed it, hormonal fluctuations. Your baby may have significant white dots all along their nose and cheeks, and your baby may develop acne anywhere and everywhere on their body.

When your baby has acne, this is not the time to get out the acne medications. The acids used in acne medications will hurt your baby's skin and there is no need to treat baby acne. Remember, the baby acne might bother you, but your baby doesn't care. Baby acne goes away on it's own by eight weeks of life.

Do NOT treat baby acne with any lotions or creams, you will only make baby acne worse. The period between four and eight weeks will be the worst for baby acne.

Dry skin, cradle cap, eczema and acne are all part of a newborn's first couple of months. The most important thing to remember is that very little is bothering your baby and in general these conditions are cosmetic and part of life. Keep your baby moisturized, look for trouble spots that seem to get worse and don't use any products that contain fragrances on your newborn baby. If the conditions seem out of control, call your pediatrician.

What have you done all day, dear?

2009-04-09T12:28:00.000-04:00

One of the most annoying questions any stay at home parent will have to hear is: "What have you done all day, dear?" Since of course the parent who goes out to work believes that you've done nothing but had fun all day while they slaved away at their job earning enough money so that you can stay at home and the family will have everything they need.

The grass is not always greener on the other side and this is something you may have to teach your spouse from time to time. My spouse used to believe that I should have the kids all clean, the supper made, the clothes washed, the dishes done and the house virtually spotless while they were away at work. All this plus work online writing part time, ensure the children go to enrichment activities, visit family, etc. You get the picture. I was expected to be super mom and had to learn that both mine and my spouse's expectations on what should get done throughout the day had to be lowered.

There is no real way to answer the question, what have you done all day, dear? If you were to truly answer, it would be a rambling of, I fed the cat, walked the dog, picked up shoes that I tripped on, clean up baby puke, made the beds, fed the kids lunch, walked the baby, stopped a fight, wrote an article, lulled baby to sleep...and the list goes on and on and on.

Being a stay at home mom is tiring and there is never time for a break unless you make the time to take one. There will always be dishes to wash, clothes to clean and beds to make. Your kids will always find a reason to need you. If your spouse continues to believe "you have it easy", leave them alone all day with the kids while you really do have it easy getting your nails done, or getting a massage.

When you get home, expect that dinner be on the table and if it isn't, ask your spouse, What have you done all day, dear? What's for dinner? You might never have to hear this question again.

Large and In Charge

2009-04-08T19:39:00.000-04:00

Discipline. If you do it right, your children will be angels. If you discipline wrong, you might just have a spoiled brat or two on your hands. But what is considered good discipline?

There are many parenting books and sites on the internet. Advice on how to discipline, how to raise your children well, but how does anyone really know what works for you and your children?

I think the most important thing to remember as you navigate the waters between your child's dependence on you and their need for independence is that you, the parent should be in charge.

Parents who let their children run their lives by giving in to temper tantrums are creating monsters that they will have to deal with for years to come. No logical person would tell you that a five year old knows best, but many parents will let their five year old child have their way in order to keep them quiet.

Once you start allowing your child to get what they want by yelling, screaming, or otherwise throwing a fit, you are have taught them that in order to get what they want they should yell scream or throw a fit. Seems like a viscious cycle, doesn't it?

Parents should think of themselves as "large and in charge". There is only room for one alpha and you, the parent should be the alpha parent among your tribe of little ones. When you are in charge, your children will feel safe and secure and they will know who to go to when they have a problem.

If you, as the parent, allow your child to become the dominant alpha in the family, when your child becomes upset or scared they might not trust you to be able to take care of them. Afterall, if you child believes that they know best, why would they believe that you can keep them safe?

Children need to feel secure and parents can help by staying in charge, being firm and consistent in your expectations. By setting up clear rules and expectations your children will be better disciplined and will have feel more secure in their environment. It isn't always fun to be the one in charge, but as a parent, it is the only way.

Spring is Coming

2009-04-07T04:35:00.000-04:00

Now that spring is beginning to blossom, it is time to start thinking about outdoor activities that are fun yet safe for your young children.

Gardening, adventure walking, geo-caching and bike riding are all fun activities that you can enjoy with your children in the outdoors. The more you get your children outside and in the fresh air, the better they will sleep at night.

Yes, sometimes it is easier to pop in a video and let the kids watch while you work on never-ending household chores. Sometimes this is the best you can do while you cook dinner and wash your tenth load of wash for the day. But when you have a moment or two, getting your children outside and in the fresh air will benefit both you and the children and get you away from the condensed, often germ laden household air that has been confined due to cold temperatures.

Children love to learn new things and even the smallest of toddlers can learn to pick flowers or vegetables and can learn to plant seeds for another day. If you don't have any space to garden, get a few plastic tubs or planters and plant a tomato plant or two. If you plant a few herbs around your tomato plant (think basil, oregano), you will be able to make spaghetti sauce or pizza from your own garden.

I often play with my daughter and niece in the garden. Since my niece was 2 she has loved plants and now that she is almost 5 she hasn't stopped asking me about when we will be able to plant our garden for this season. My mother bought her an Easter Lily because she is so enthralled with plants. She and my mother now have a daily contest about whose lily has the most buds blossomed on it.

The best thing you can do is go out of your comfort zone. So what if you don't know how to garden or you can't tell a robin from a sparrow. Look it up, plant a few plants, and buy a pair of cheap binoculars. You will be shocked when your toddler says, "Hey mom, that's a robin red breast" and not just, "birdie". It is truly amazing what children can learn and the more you encourage them to enjoy what nature has to offer, the less likely they will want to spend time inside watching tv as they grow older.

Mother daughter camp: Bonding with your daughter

2009-04-02T23:10:00.000-04:00

A mother's relationship with her teenage daughter can be like a day at the beach-- lovely, but tinged fear of hidden currents and deep water. If you feel like you're treading water with your teenage daughter, then mother-daughter camp might just be the rescue you're looking for. A relatively new concept, mother-daughter camps allow pairs to experience camp together, complete with s'mores, crafts, campfires, canoe trips, and even KP duty. For menopausal mothers with pubescent daughters these weekend getaways offer welcome R&R from the hormone wars.

Typically offered by organizations such as the Girl Scouts of America and the YWCA, mother-daughter camps offer pairs a chance to leave sibling rivalry, busy schedules, and peer politics behind. At most camps, Mothers and daughters bring board games and snacks, and are free to skip some of the organized activities to spend some down time together.

A quick search of the Internet reveals a score of possibilities for moms who want to go to camp with their daughters. As the concept has grown more popular, even private camps have begun to offer mother-daughter sessions. For moms with limited income, organizations like the Girl Scouts and the YWCA offer need-based scholarships.

Some organizations offer camp weekends for the whole family, but mother-daughter camps have unique benefits. With no males in sight, competition for status and rank between girls evaporates. At Camp River Trails, a Girl Scout Camp in the Chicago area, positive changes are obvious by the morning of the first full day. Girls who are normally too cool for the older generation suddenly volunteer to sing duets with their mothers at nightly campfires. Other girls, who normally opine that domestic arts are lame, contentedly while away the morning hours braiding lanyard key chains and sewing stuffed animals. Some girls, overwhelmed with excitement, completely suspend their impeccable teenage judgment to create pairs of matching t-shirts, buttons, and lapel pins, which they lovingly embellish with 3D florescent craft paints and plastic gems, just so they can dress to match their moms for the weekend.

While the craft table offers a chance for daughters to set aside self-conscious inhibitions and reconnect with the older generation, the swim test at Camp River Trails has become a right of passage for many moms. First time campers often wear street clothes to the pool, opting to read novels or talk with other moms; but after persistent cajoling by their daughters, most moms change into rarely-used swimsuits and brave the swim test. Often mothers and daughters swim in tandem, as lifeguards call out encouraging advice, and other campers cheer. Those who pass the test are awarded bright orange bracelets, signifying that can safely navigate the deep water with their girls, which is, after all, the goal of mother-daughter camp.

Sleeping on Mommy or Daddy

2009-04-01T13:35:00.000-04:00

Some babies like to sleep with a parent. Although this is not very comfortable at times for a new mom or dad, in the first few months of life, any way you can get your baby to sleep will help you maintain your sanity in the long run.

Babies can't sleep on their stomachs due to the risks of SIDS and suffocation. When your baby is asleep on your chest, they are able to sleep on their stomach while you monitor them. Some babies enjoy sleeping on their stomach more and they will be the babies that spend a large amount of time on one of their parent's chests.

Some babies find it easier to digest, easier to burp and easier to make a bowel movement when they are laying on their stomachs. As long as you are awake and monitoring your baby, they will be fine as they sleep on your chest.

By 3-4 months, when your baby can roll over completely on their own, you are able to put them on their stomachs to sleep. This should alleviate their need to sleep on you and before you create habits that will be very difficult to break, put your baby down and allow them to sleep independently.

A baby taking a nap on your chest is cute, a baby screaming to sleep on you at 2 in the morning is not so cute.

Humor: Decisions

2009-03-30T20:06:00.000-04:00

What IS that in my baby's Diaper?

2009-03-26T17:15:00.000-04:00

A word of caution here. This isn't the most pleasant subject. If you'd prefer to avoid reading about baby poop and the different types of poop your baby will excrete, then I'd move on to another post.

The black tar poop.

Yikes. This is something you weren't expecting the first time you changed your newborn baby's diaper, but here you are and here is the black tar poop that your baby created. The first poops your baby makes really looks like black tar and you might believe that you could use it to fix the driveway. There is a reason it is called tarry poop, because it is. Sticky, black, tarry poop can be expected the first 24 or so hours that your baby is out of the womb.

Although I've read that the black tarry poop is caused by the baby had swallowed blood while in the womb, it is my humble opinion that black tarry poop is caused by an abundance of iron in the sytem and not "colored" because there is actual blood in it. Adults who begin iron supplements may find that their poop is black and tarry and babies are no different. Poop that is high in iron is black and tarry.

Pardon me, but do you have any Grey Poopon?

Yes, it is normal, after the first few days for your baby's poop to look like mustard. Sometimes it even looks like seedy mustard. Baby poop will not look like your own poop. Babies who are breast-fed will poop more often, and this poop will be looser than those that are bottle fed. It is likely you have nothing to compare the poop to because your baby will either be breast-fed or bottle fed but not both. Bottle fed babies take longer to digest formula and therefore their poop is a little (read little bit) more solid.

It is important to note that your baby might or might not poop at every feeding. They may poop every other day. Constipation is only an issue if the poop "looks like an adult's poop", or is round, really well formed and dry. If your baby poops what you might consider yellow or green play dough, they are doing fine.

Poop to worry about is poop that looks bloody, mixed with mucous or tarry (after the first day or two). A type of poop labeled "grape jelly poop" is also of concern, but you will know, there is no guessing in poop detection. It either looks like playdough, tar or grape jelly, you really won't be confused.

If your baby is a big grunter and their face turns bright red, this is fine too. Your baby is not constipated just because they have discovered their butt and are able to make it sing. Babies have nothing better to do and they often "overdo" the pooping process.

Some babies (read lucky parents) only poop several times a week. Although this is not the average, it is still in the realm of normalcy. Remember that it is the consistency of the poop and not frequency that determines constipation.

Now that you have learned the different types of poop, rest assured, you only have two more years give or take of wiping your baby's poopie bottom and you will become a poopie master.

Ways to get your picky eater to try new foods

2009-03-10T23:15:00.000-04:00

I Don’t Want That! Ways to Get Your Picky Eater to Try New Foods

Making sure that your child eats a well balanced diet can be difficult for any busy parent, even if your child will try anything. Having a child that turns their nose at anything new can be exasperating. The “airplane coming into the hangar” trick no longer works and you are out of ideas. Here are a few ways to get your picky eater to try new foods.

First, simply try cutting items such as carrots or broccoli up very small and add it to spaghetti sauce. Shred them if you have to or consider using a blender. Pour the sauce over pasta and hope that your child does not find every small bit of carrot with their fork. If your child successfully eats the meal, it might be wise not to make a big deal of it. Telling your child that they ate carrots and didn’t even know may make your child more wary of future attempts at hiding vegetables.

Second, have a two bite rule. Forcing your child to clean their plate may only make their resistance that much stronger. Introduce your child to the two bite rule at an early age. One bite to try the new food, the second bite to make sure that you don’t like it. Be firm with your child that they must follow this two bite rule. The more consistent you are with this rule, the more likely it is that your child will accept it, take their two bites of food and move on.

Third, try making it fun. Part of the problem facing picky eaters is that they are afraid of trying something new. Have your child create a pizza using vegetables, sauce and cheese. Praise your child for creativity. Challenge your child to make a face on their pizza (this will ensure that they have to use at least a few of the vegetables that you have out). Your child may be able to relax and eat the dinner they created without worrying about trying new things.

Fourth, don’t get discouraged. Continue to introduce new foods to your child, even if they consistently refuse to try them. Try using spray dressings on vegetables and let your child use the spray. Having the power to add dressing to the food may help your child feel that they have a choice in what they are eating.

Lastly, plan a meal with your child that the two of you prepare together. Take your child to the grocery store to purchase the items you need. Allow your child to be part of the process of preparing the meal from start to finish. Your child may eat readily if they are proud of their accomplishment.

A picky eater will not become open to every kind of food introduced overnight. With some patience, consistence and creativity you can teach your child that new foods are not something to be scared of but to be enjoyed.

Off the Floor and Into Your Baby's Mouth

2009-03-10T07:13:00.000-04:00

By Susan M. Keenan ©2007

Why does everything seem to taste so good to babies, no matter how disgusting it looks or how badly it smells? It’s simply mind boggling the way that the young pick up everything that they can reach. It’s even more mind boggling how they immediately plop it into their mouth or at least as much of it as they can reasonable fit.

This is exactly why parents must be so vigilant about policing their home and the homes of the people they visit for small items that might possibly be discovered by their youngster and wind up in their mouth- entirely. Choking is probably a bigger concern than germs at this point in your child’s life.

However, germs are everywhere and trying to avoid every single one of them is a task that even super mom cannot possibly handle on her own. Fortunately, humans have a system in place to handle the germs that we encounter known as the immune system. It helps to protect us from some of the lesser evils in the world, such as the common germ.

Babies have a natural curiosity that must be filled and it leads to their incessant need to examine everything and anything. Early on in their lives, they haven’t quite developed the ability or motor skills to explore things properly with only their hands. Therefore, it all goes into their precious little mouth.

While we may find that behavior totally disgusting, the babies find it totally enthralling. This behavior occupies most of their waking hours and it keeps them blissfully happy and content. Totally unaware of the impending danger of nasty germs, our sweet little cherubs are extremely happy to suck and chew on doggie toys, household keys, the older cousin’s matchbox car, the lid to the kitchen trash can, or even grandpa’s pipe.

Now, maybe all of these items don’t exist in your home, but you get the point that I am trying to make. Sooner or later, almost everything that’s within reach will end up being taste tested by your little one.

Fortunately, most of the dirt and germs will simply enter through the mouth and exit through the other end. No worries. Baby is safe and fine. Unfortunately, first time mommies may still be in an uproar while the mommy’s mommy sits back and think, “Don’t worry about it. You had a lot more than that in your tiny little mouth and you lived.”

Nonetheless, there are a few things that you can do to help ensure your baby’s health during this mouthing stage.

Check each room daily for items that are small enough for your baby choke on. Remove them and place them in a secure or safe spot.

Provide toys for your baby to chew on to keep her occupied. Switch the toys around from day to day to keep her interest. Try purchasing toys that are safe for your baby in different colors to engage her interest.

Wash anything that looks dirty or grimy.

Always wash other children’s toys before and after your child places them into her mouth.
Pay attention to your child’s development and if the chewing is due to teething, consider purchasing teething rings to soothe her gums and aid the teething process.

Most importantly, realize that this is a phase and it too will pass. Additional phases lie ahead for you including talking and walking. Do your best to protect your baby from choking and excessive intake of germs. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy your time with your child.

Baby Poop 101

2009-03-10T05:58:00.000-04:00

It’s over. You’ve survived the birth, and your beautiful, newborn infant is in your arms. But you can’t quite place the smell coming from her diaper, and when you undo the Velcro straps, surprise! It’s green! It’s black! It’s yellow! Your baby’s bowel movements can be scary if you’re a new mother, but don’t worry - your child is probably fine.

Soon after your child is born, you will likely notice that your infant’s diaper is filled with a tar-like substance. Your child’s first bowel movement consists of meconium, and should be black or greenish black, and very sticky. The substance consists of amniotic fluid, bile, and skin cells. It has collected in your infant’s digestive system during the nine months that he or she spent in your womb. The color, texture, and smell of your child’s first bowel movement may concern you, but meconium is desirable: Absence of the tar-like substance may indicate intestinal obstruction.

After the meconium passes, your baby’s new variety of bowel movements may come as another surprise. Your breastfed child may have bowel movements that produce a mustard yellow substance that is seedy and runny in consistency, or your formula fed baby may pass tan stools that are a bit more firm. Either way, don’t let the substance in your newborn’s diaper concern you; your baby does not have diarrhea. You are feeding him a liquid diet, so a mushy stool consistency is normal. In fact, your child’s stool should be no thicker than peanut butter.

Pay attention for green in your child’s diaper: Green stool could indicate a food sensitivity or foremilk-hindmilk imbalance. If your child spits up frequently and has green stools that are dotted with blood or mucous, he or she is probably sensitive to the dairy in your diet. Eliminate milk and cheese for a few weeks, and you should see an improvement. If your child’s stool becomes green and frothy, the culprit may be your breastmilk. The milk that first comes out of your breasts is thinner and less fatty than hindmilk, which you will start to produce as you continue to nurse. Solve the problem by letting your baby feed on one breast instead of switching each time you nurse. There are other causes for green stool, as well: Iron-fortified formula and jaundice can both tinge your newborn’s bowel movements. Colors from yellow to green are normal hues for baby bowel movements, however, and as long as your infant seems comfortable and is gaining weight properly, you shouldn’t be too alarmed.

Black or red in your baby’s diaper may be a cause for concern. While iron-fortified formula or iron supplements may darken stools, if your infant has black, tarry bowel movements, he may be having some intestinal bleeding and you should call your pediatrician. Likewise, while some blood in your infant’s stool is normal and should not cause you to panic, if your baby’s stools are like dark red jelly or are streaked with mucous, you should inform a doctor.

If you’re a new mom, you will likely have moments of panic when raising your new child. It’s normal. It’s healthy. It means you love your child. But there’s no need to worry too hard: Most of the above stools are common, and, in some cases, desirable. However, if you are truly concerned about your baby, don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician. He or she can ease your mind, and if need be, schedule a check up to ensure that you raise a happy, healthy child.

How do you Handle Unwanted Parenting Advice?

2009-03-02T04:50:00.000-05:00

We've all been there. You know the discussion I'm talking about. You're sitting around with your friends, parents, or better yet, in-laws, and the discussion starts wavering on that fine line between talking about your children and receiving advice on how to handle your children.

How many times have you found yourself the recipient of unwanted parenting advice? How do you tell someone, thanks, but no thanks, I have my children under control and if I need parenting advice, I'll give you a call?

Every parent is an expert on parenting in their own mind. I respect those that have parented before me and I have asked a seasoned parent or two advice on best formulas to use, bottles that they prefer, brands they choose for their own children. But what I shy away from are parents who spontaneously offer parenting advice when no parenting advice is asked for.

I was walking around town one day, pushing my one year old niece in her stroller. It was maybe 50 degrees out, a little cool for a walk, but I had her bundled in every fuzzy, warm object in her mother's arsenault. Further, her mother is the one who got her ready, hats, mittens, blanket, cozy zip up for her seat, wind screen for her stroller. You get the picture. She was ready to be out in a blizzard, never mind a 50 degree day.

As I walked down the street, I was amazed that strangers walking by offered parenting advice to me. "Kind of cold out for a walk, huh?", one woman smiled as she walked by. Hmm. A little, but she is wrapped and we are going in an out of heated stores. I said this to myself because really, did I need to get into a parenting discussion with her? No.

In the short time my niece and I went for a walk, I had two more similar exchanges with random women walking in town. Now, I can understand if it was my niece's mother giving me parenting advice on how to deal with her daughter. I could even deal if I had her in shorts and a t-shirt and it was that cold out, but total strangers offering their advice on how to parent? I was shocked.

I can handle it if my own mother tries to give me advice. I smile, understand that she raised four children, and try to take her parenting advice if it makes sense to me. I can even handle advice from my in-laws, afterall, they too parented three children and I respect their parenting style. What I find difficult to deal with is the stranger walking down the street offering tidbits of parenting advice wisdom. I will have to teach my daughter how to projectile vomit on command for the next stranger that comes along with some unsolicited parenting advice.

Breast-feeding VS. Bottle Feeding

2009-02-18T16:45:00.000-05:00

As you get closer to the birth of your baby, you might find that you feel a significant amount of pressure to breast-feed your baby. Maybe you want to breast-feed, maybe you are willing to breast-feed for the sake of your baby, or maybe there is no way in hell that you are going to breast-feed and you wish people would just shut up about it already.

Regardless of the choice you make, with the advances in baby formula today you can rest assured that your baby will receive adequate nutrition during their formative first year if you choose to bottle feed your baby.

Yes, breast-feeding is great for your baby. You might want to consider feeding the baby the first few days of life and they will receive colostrum (nutrient dense breast pre-milk), but don't be guilted into breast-feeding your baby if this is not a choice you want to make.

One of the worst gifts a friend of mine received at her baby shower was a nursing shirt. Now, my friend was thinking about breast-feeding, but after three months of gestational diabetes where she watched her diet closely and had to take insulin shots, she was done being hypervigilant about her diet once the baby arrived. When she told the person (a best, close friend) that she was pretty sure she wasn't going to be breast-feeding, the friend showed shock and dismay and tried to convince her that breast-fed babies are the healthiest in the long run.

I believe that the choice to breast-feed or to bottle feed is up to the woman carrying the baby and no one else. I've heard women say that they would have another child, but because their husband "will make me breast-feed" they are hesitant to have a second child. What?

They are your breasts, use them to feed your child or not. It is up to the mother of the child to decide whether they are going to breast-feed because they will be the ones whose breasts are sore from pumping milk all the time, they are the ones who will have to get up every few hours to feed in the middle of the night.

You have the right to choose whether you breast-feed your child or not. You are not less of a mother for formula feeding, it is a matter of knowing yourself and knowing your comfort level. If you are not totally committed to breast-feeding, you will likely become irritated with the whole process and need to revert to bottles anyway.

If you choose to breast-feed your baby, congratulations. You won't have to deal with buying formula, heating up bottles, making sure there are no gas bubbles in the bottle. You will have a constant supply of food for your baby and you will never forget to pack the bag with extra food. There are significant conveniences to breast-feeding, but regardless, the choice is yours whether to breast-feed or bottle feed.

A Pierced Baby

2009-02-12T12:08:00.000-05:00

Newbie Parents, Share your Worries Here

2009-02-06T04:19:00.000-05:00

Does your baby squeak through the night? Are you nervous about the bumps that have suddenly appeared all over your perfect newborn? Have you slept more than three hours at a time for the past month?

Being a parent of a newborn is hard, being a first time parent can be overwhelming. If your spouse is tired of hearing you complain, here is a place where you can complain, cry, and rant care free.

It is why we are here. To let you vent your frustrations over the fact that your spouse refuses to change poopie diapers, and that you are feeling like a total failure of a parent.

Maybe you feel upbeat. Maybe your baby sleeps great and never fusses. If this is true, please let us know because you are in the minority. New parents, share your stories.

Baby Acne Looks Like a Rash

2009-02-05T12:50:00.000-05:00

Baby acne can be very disturbing to a new parent. Baby acne appears at about 4 weeks of age and will go away on its own at about 8 weeks of age. There is very little a parent can do about baby acne to make it better.

You can find baby acne anywhere on your baby's body (minus the palms of the hands, soles of the feet) and baby acne might appear raised, red, and cluster together making the baby acne look like a bad rash.

Photographers encourage new parents to have their baby photographed in the first few weeks of life instead of waiting until four weeks and baby acne is one of the reasons. The blemishes on your baby's face and body will go away, even if right now you are concerned that the acne is getting worse.

To keep baby acne from getting worse, avoid rubbing your baby down with lotions or baby oil in areas where acne is present. Adding oils to already oily, acne filled skin will make the condition worse.

Never, ever use any type of acne medication on your baby. A baby has skin that is extremely sensitive and acne medications contain acid that should never touch a baby's skin. Leave your baby alone and their acne will go away.

Mom's Minivan

2009-01-18T19:56:00.000-05:00

Co-Sleeping, or Having a Family Bed

2009-01-18T12:55:00.000-05:00

Many parents choose to "co-sleep" with their newborn baby or to have what is called a "family bed". Advocates for co-sleeping state that co-sleeping encourages parent/child bonding, helps the child feel safe and secure, and allows the parent to have easy access to the child should they need attention at night.

Those against co-sleeping state that co-sleeping is dangerous and infants are at a greater risk of smothering or strangulation from covers, falling between the bed and wall and from parents that have rolled onto a sleeping baby while in a deep sleep themselves.

Many cultures choose to co-sleep with their children although in other cultures it is highly frowned upon. If you choose to co-sleep with your baby or have a family bed, there are several things you should take into consideration.

First, there are cushions available that go underneath the bed sheet that will give your baby a separate sleeping area while still in your bed. Make sure that the cushions fit snugly together and that your covers are not used to cover the baby.

Co-sleepers are also available and they provide an area for your baby to sleep that is close to you but not in your bed. A co-sleeper gives your baby their own sleeping space, but attaches directly to your bed and keeps your baby in arm's reach.

If you are going to have your baby sleep with you in your bed, make sure that you are not under any influences that might make it harder for you to wake up should your baby need you. If you are taking sleep medications, anti-anxiety medications, or have had alcohol to drink you should not have your baby in your bed because the risks are too great.

Some Humor to Lighten Your Mood

2009-01-14T19:39:00.000-05:00

I can't help myself. I am a humor or odd picture addict and I had to share the most recent picture I came across that gave me a good laugh. Check out baby in a pot:

Preparing for your hospital stay when you give birth

2009-01-08T18:30:00.000-05:00

Now that you have spent the past 8 months or so pregnant, it is time to start preparing for your hospital stay when you go to deliver your baby. Although your birth plan may be thrown out the window if the baby is breech or there is another need for an emergency C-section, having a plan will make you feel less anxious about your upcoming labor.

Even if you think it is too early, pack a bag of things you want to have with you while you stay in the hospital for several days. Think about your computer, music or other comfort items. Although you will likely not be surfing the internet while in active labor, there might be many hours of tedium as you wait for labor to get going. Many hospitals offer free wireless access and you might want to take advantage of this.

Hospitals in general are nice to partners, but obviously the main focus is on you, the mother and your new baby. Have your partner pack things that they might want to snack on, clothes that are comfortable and plenty of reading materials. Some hospitals won't offer your partner food and you may find yourselves at the hospital with very little to choose from other than vending machine food.

As you prepare for your hospital stay when you give birth, think about the people you may or may not want present at your child's birth. Hospitals are trained to be very careful about giving out any private information and you want to be careful that friends or family members you want present aren't kept out of the room by unaware, overprotective hospital staff.

Remember that the birth experience is your own. You are in control of the situation and you can choose who you want with you and who you want to remain in the waiting room. This is your experience and anything you can do to make the birthing experience more comfortable for you and your partner, the calmer you might feel.

Preparation for your birth experience is great, but remember that you just might have to go with the flow. If your water breaks a month early, your bag isn't packed and you have no idea who the pediatrician is going to be, the baby will come anyway and you fare better if you remain calm and go with the flow.

About Me

2009-01-01T13:41:00.000-05:00

Coming soon...