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Are Organic Snacks REALLY Healthy?

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 17:54:14 +0000

As parents, we want the best for our children – and that includes stocking the fridge and the pantry with the right meals and snacks. However, as functioning adults in the 21st century, we also know that there is barely enough time between work and life demands to create every meal from scratch. So, what are some things we tend to look for when searching for the best life-supporting nutrients for our offspring that would make our crunchy granola moms and dads proud? We scan for words on packaging like ‘whole,’ ‘natural,’ and ‘organic.’ Organic, it’s like the new ‘reduced-fat.’ The word ‘organic’ is one of those buzz-words that makes you pay a little extra for the right to say, “it’s organic.” I mean think about it – how many times have you heard, “Would you like a (insert food)? They’re organic.” With a word like organic, you feel obligated to share with everyone just how much thought and consideration you put into your family’s health. For a moment, put down your righteous megaphone and stop being blinded by that “wholly” word – newsflash – just because you buy organic, doesn’t mean it is healthy. Despite your favorite organic fruit snacks or cereal bars having that magical word, they are still processed and still loaded with sugar. It’s important not to get distracted by the flashy words on the front on the box when purchasing healthful foods for your family. What Does Organic Mean Anyway? Good ol’ Wikipedia will tell you that organic food is food produced by methods that comply with the standards of organic farming. Organizations regulating organic products, such as the USDA, may restrict the use of certain pesticides and fertilizers in farming. In general, organic foods are also usually not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or synthetic food additives. For the most part, choosing organic produce and meats is often a better choice, but when you get into the processed foods like organic fruit snacks, chips, and candy, the benefits of having that buzzword on your box might not be worth the extra money. The source of sugar does not matter as much as the amount. Whether it’s raw honey, coconut palm sugar, or agave nectar from the heavens, they all add up to sugar. Sugar is broken down into fructose and glucose, and they all do the same – shoot your insulin and blood sugar levels sky high. Children and teens are particularly at risk. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting total intake of discretionary calories, including both added sugars and fats, to 5% –15% per day. Yet children and adolescents in America obtain about 16% of their total caloric intake from added sugars alone. A large study called SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth found that newly diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes in children and teens increased by about 4.8 percent in each year of the study’s period between 2002 and 2012. The reason for the increase is the drastic lifestyle changes in the past few decades. Kids are becoming more sedentary, gluing themselves to their electronics, and reaching for the readily available, no assembly required, processed, sugar-laden foods. Organic or Not, Unprocessed Foods Are Always Best The pros of organic food are that most are free from pesticides, antibiotics, and additives. They have less of an environmental impact, and nutritional value is usually higher. That being said, when it comes to fighting the overload of sugar that we see on a daily basis, organic snacks are just as jam-packed with sugar as traditional treats. The best defense against this bombardment of sugar intake is to look at the nutrition label on the box. The nutritional breakdown is something every parent should know how to read and interpret. I know, it’s plain and boring – but it’s just it’s the facts, and is there for your family’s benefit. The healthiest snacks will always be unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. A good reminder is to think about how far processed is your food from its original state. Minimally processed, plant-based, whole foods are always best – whether conventional or organic. And remember, just because it says organic, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy. Dr. Jason Shumard is the owner of Integrative Wellness Center of San Diego, which he opened in 2005 with the desire to promote safe alternative treatment options to the community of San Diego.

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6 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe and Healthy This Winter

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 20:00:10 +0000

By Jamell Andrews I know it’s early in the summer season but when winter brings with it the allure of freshly fallen snow and all kinds of fun cold-weather activities that children love. Unfortunately, it can also be a time of viruses and bacteria that lead to colds and flu. Use these tips to help keep your kids safe and healthy this winter, not to mention warm! Keep Germs Away Teaching your child to wash their hands and cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing can go a long way in warding off a cold or flu and other bugs that are easily passed during play in school and at home. Bundle Up and Limit Exposure to Cold Temperatures Children are notorious for letting their excitement get the better of them, which can lead to rushing out of the house without bundling up properly or losing track of time when playing out in the cold. Unfortunately, this can have some serious consequences for a child, including frost bite. Always make sure your child is dressed warmly and in layers when heading out into the cold, with their hands, feet and ears properly protected. Keeping them warm and dry is key to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Get Them Out of the House Cold temperatures and crummy winter weather can keep kids indoors more than their used to the rest of the year. Not getting enough sunlight can impact mood and lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that stems from less sunlight during the winter months. Even just getting your child outside for 15 minutes during daylight hours can help beat the winter blahs and SAD. Keep Them Hydrated Proper hydration is just as important in the colder months and getting enough fluids can actually lower their risk of cold and flu. Teach Them the Importance of Safety You can help your child avoid winter activity-related injuries by teaching them the importance of safety. Wearing a helmet and steering clear of cars and other dangers when skating, snowboarding or tobogganing are musts when it comes to playing safe this winter. Feed Them a Healthy Diet Curling up on the couch on cold winter nights and days spent playing in the crisp winter air can make it easy for your child to forget to eat or reach for all the wrong things. Eating a well-balanced can help keep their immune system strong. Orange slices and carrot sticks are high in vitamins and antioxidant and make great snacks and a warm bowl of oatmeal is great source of fiber. Having fruits and vegetables cut up and on hand will make it easier for them to eat well. Have a safe and happy summer, winter is on the way!

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Sticker Shock for Those Considering Starting or Expanding Their Family

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 21:24:04 +0000

By Lisa Pecos If you’re considering starting a family, chances are that you’ve given some thought to the extra expense that having a child will add to your responsibilities, but exactly how much it costs may surprise you. A report just released last week is giving wannabe parents a bad case of sticker shock, reporting that raising a child can cost you close to a quarter of a million dollars. Breaking down the Numbers The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report, the 2015 Expenditures on Children By Families Report, estimates that middle-income married couples will spend somewhere between $12,350 and $13,900 a year from the child’s birth to the age of 17, for a grand total of $233,610. For low-income families that total is around $174,690 and $372,210 for high income families. Wondering where all of this money goes? Here is a closer look at what this money is being spent on: 29 percent is spent on housing and food 18 percent is spent on childcare and education 16 percent on transportation 9 percent on health care 6 percent on clothing 7 percent on miscellaneous expenses, such as haircuts and toiletries, recreation and entertainment, etc. The report also reminds us that the expense per child is less when there are siblings—24% less, to be more precise—in married-couple households with three or more kids, as things like sharing a bedroom and handing down toys and clothing result in notable savings. Having more mouths to feed also means that foods can be purchased in larger packages, which can also be more economical. That’s Not All Those planning to have a child also need to keep in mind the expenses not included in this report. As the report only includes the cost of child-rearing up to the age of 17, expenses beyond the age of 17 are not included, with the most significant one being a college education. The average cost of enrollment and tuition at a 4-year college for 2016-2017 is $9,650 at public colleges and $33,480 at private colleges. On top of that are room and board expenses, which will run you $10,440 and $11,890, respectively. Other costs parents need to consider when planning a family that were not included in the report are: Prenatal care Fertility care Child birth expenses Adoption expenses Life insurance on parents The report concludes that while factors such as income level and location cause the expenses to vary considerably, the costs of raising kids are significant and make up a major portion of the household budget.

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6 Fun Fall Activities for Families

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 16:52:01 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t have to mean making life all about school and work. The season of falling leaves and all things pumpkin-spice offers a whole slew of fun, family-friendly activities to enjoy. Here are 6 fun things to do as a family this fall. 1. Playing in—and Raking—the Leaves Raking leaves may seem like a chore, but it actually provides you an opportunity to spend some quality time as a family. Get your kids in on the action by letting them help with raking and bagging. Kid-sized rakes are a fun way to keep younger children entertained while you tackle your fall cleanup. Make it an event by having some hot apple cider and of course, jumping in the piles of leaves before you bag them. You can also have the kids collect leaves, pinecones, and acorns to make fall crafts with. 2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch A visit to the pumpkin patch is about so much more than picking out a pumpkin these days! Many farms offer a true fall experience with everything from hayrides to petting zoos. Enjoy walking through the pumpkin patch on a sunny fall afternoon as family and choosing a pumpkin together to carve, decorate with, or even to make pumpkin pie and roasted pumpkin seeds together. 3. Go Apple Picking This quintessential fall activity is fun for the whole family, as well as healthy. Pick apples together and enjoy the cool crisp air and fall sun as you stroll through a local orchard together. The fun continues at home when you let the kids help you in the kitchen as you prep apples and bake fall favorites, like homemade apple pie or apple crumble. You get exercise and healthy, delicious treats all in one fun day as a family! 4. Go on a Family Hike Fall is the most scenic time of the year thanks to crisp, clear skies and vibrant leaves. A family hike along a trail offers up a great way to spend time together while also getting exercise and enjoying all of the beauty that this season has to offer. 5. Visit Spooky Sights With fall also comes Halloween, which brings with it all kinds of family fun with a spooky slant! Amusement parks, community centers, and farms offer child-friendly spooky events, such as “haunted” houses and rides, corn mazes, and other spooky-themed activities. Take the fun to a whole other level by dressing up in costumes. 6. Visit a Fall Fair Fall fairs and festivals are a great way to spend a fall day or evening. Fall fairs offer something for the whole family, from games and rides to tractor pulls and petting zoos. Check your local community guide for fall fairs in your area or find one in another town and make it a family road trip. Live in a bustling city? Then head to a fall festival which offers up just as much family-friendly fun as a fair. There’s nothing like the smell of candy apples in the air and the sights and sounds of a fall fair or festival to help you kick off the season together! There’s no need to be sad that summer’s over with so many fun things to do as a family in the fall.

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5 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe at Amusement Parks

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 21:41:49 +0000

By Lisa Pecos Nothing says summer fun like a day at an amusement park. From the rides to the games, amusement parks have all kinds of fun things to do for the whole family. With all of this fun, though, there are also a few risks for children, from getting separated from family to getting injured. The following 5 tips can help keep your kids safe so that you can all enjoy this quintessential summertime experience. 1. Follow the Rules Amusement parks have rules in place to keep you safe, yet many don’t give a second thought to the signs posted. Take the time to read the signs posted at the gate and in front of each ride and explain them to your children. Following the rules can help keep your children safe, from making sure they don’t get on rides that they’re not tall enough or old enough for to keeping them out of harm’s way when walking around. Some rides are also not recommended for those with certain medical conditions. Saferparks, a non-profit organization committed to preventing amusement park ride accidents, stresses that ignoring the rules or trying to work around them can put a life in jeopardy. 2. Show Your Child Safe Places to go for Help As soon as you arrive at the amusement park, take your children to the information kiosk or security office so that they have a safe place to go for help should they become separated from you. Even young children should be told where to go or who to reach out to, such as police officers or park security, in case they get lost or need help. To make sure you hammer the message home; point out these places and people rather than just telling them. 3. Bring Healthy Snacks and Water Keeping your child properly hydrated and nourished is always important and is especially so when spending an exciting and tiring day at an amusement park. Bring along water and healthy snacks to help keep them feeling their best throughout the day. This doesn’t mean that your child can enjoy some of the yummy carnival treats that the park has to offer, of course. The key is to keep sugary and high-fat treats to a minimum and to take some time to rest before getting back on rides to avoid an upset tummy and potentially messy ride. 4. Don’t Just Leave Ride Safety Up to the Employees Though a park employee will come around and check that bars and latches are in place before a ride starts moving, you can do your part to keep you and your child safe by checking bars, seatbelts and latches yourself. Always ensure that you and your children are properly secured in your seat and call the attendant over right away if something doesn’t seem right. Also, be sure to tell your kids to keep body parts inside and to remain seated until the ride comes to a complete stop in order to avoid injury. 5. Give them Your Contact Number Make sure that your child has your cell phone number on them before you head to the park in case you get separated. Be sure to write it on something that they can’t lose, such as on a tag inside their shirt, on a secure armband or bracelet, or even on their arm using an ink marker. The key is to make it easy to read and nearly impossible for your child to lose or take off. A little diligence can go a long way in ensuring that your kids have a safe and fun day at the amusement park this summer.

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How to Get the Most Out of Family Time

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 17:41:44 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Between school and work, extracurricular activities, and household chores, it’s easy to see why family time is at a premium these days. If you, like may parent’s, are finding that you don’t have nearly as much time to spend together as a family as you’d like, then these tips can help you make the most of what time you do have for more meaningful family time. Eat dinner together. A 2011 study found that more dinners together has a positive impact on teens and lowers the alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. Teens also reported having better relationships with their mothers, fathers, and siblings when they had more family dinners. Turn off the television and all devices. This can be a tough one for adults and kids alike in this overly-plugged in world, but doing so allows you to really connect with each other. Make it a rule to have all electronics and gadgets off during meal time so that you can spend your dinner or breakfast time speaking face to face about what’s going on at school, with friends, or about anything else that matters to each of you. Have a regular family game night. Playing a board game together lets you all enjoy some good old fashioned fun together as a family. It’s a fun and exciting way to interact with the children and to get them interacting with each other. Make it about them. Your kids have their own interests just as you do. Make the effort to spend some time doing the things that they enjoy too. If time is limited, let them know that once each month you will spend some time doing an activity that your child/children enjoy, whether that is a baseball game or a day at the mall. Focus on each family member’s unique interests every now and again as a way to share your interests with each other. Walk together. While some of the best conversations with your loved ones may happen in the car between racing from activity to activity; walk when you can. It may take a few extra minutes to get to the school or to the soccer field, but walking together forces you all to slow down and take in the scenery around you. Walking is relaxing, can help ease stress and anxiety, and is good for your physical health too. Listen. It seems simple enough, yet often times we get so wrapped up in work and all the things going on around us that we don’t really listen to what others are saying. No matter what you are doing with your family, make the effort to be present and listen. Pay attention to their words as well as their tone and their actions when they speak to really understand what is going on in their lives. Being heard is important to children and adults. Knowing that they’re being heard can make it easier for your family to open up to you. A Few Extra Ways to Maximize Family Time Use the following pointers to help you get more family time and make the most of the time you spend together: Use all of your resources. Finding extra time not only to spend time together but also make the most of every second is easier if you use the resources that are available to you. Ask a friend to babysit so that you can spend some time with your older children doing things they enjoy or hire a service or enlist the help of friends and family to help you tackle big chores that can take away from your weekends with the family. Don’t feel bad asking for help or leaning on others when you need to. Stop wasting time. Take an honest look at your day and try to eliminate any time wasters. This can mean not mindlessly scrolling your Facebook newsfeed for an hour every evening to packing the next day’s lunches as you wait for dinner to finish cooking so that you can instead spend that extra time relaxing with your family. Stop trying to do it all. Mothers often feel like they need to do it all and this doesn’t just take away actual time spent with family, but it can also be exhausting and make it harder for you to be relaxed and happy around your family. Think about your priorities and what really matters most at the end of the day and choose your activities accordingly. That laundry can wait an extra day or two so that you can go to your child’s game instead of dropping them off and running home to turn on the drier. These days, family time has to be about quality or quantity for many. The time you spend together can enhance your bond and improve communication.

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W.A.T.C.H. Releases 2016 Summer Safety Report of Most Dangerous Toys

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 17:33:20 +0000

By Lisa Pecos World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) has released their 2016 Summer Safety Report and chances are that some of your child’s favorite warm-weather toys have made the list. With emergency departments expecting to treat approximately 2.7 million children injured in accidents this summer, parents and caregivers should have a look at the list and through the toy box. The five types of toys that top the list are: Toy guns with projectile ammunition. These include toy guns, bow and arrows, and other toys that are used to aim and shoot with. The risk of eye injury is high. W.A.T.C.H. warns that most of these types of toys are sold with inadequate or no warnings at all about the potential dangers and most don’t include protective eye gear. The organization recommends avoiding these types of toys entirely, and this includes seemingly harmless foam darts. Airborne toys. Remote-controlled helicopters and other flying toys, including boomerangs, can cause serious eye injuries, cuts, blunt trauma, and other potentially serious injury to a child when they come in contact with the head or face. Hoverboards. It’s no surprise that hoverboards make the list given that they’ve made headlines for spontaneously bursting into flames in the past. There were 52 reports of hoverboard fires between December 2015 and February 2016 alone. More recently, a hoverboard was responsible for igniting an apartment fire in Boston. Along with the risk of death from spontaneous fires, hoverboards can also lead to impact injuries from falls. Baby pools. These small inflatable pools carry a significant risk of injury because young children can drown in as little as just 2 inches of water. The organization stresses the importance of not leaving baby pools or any other items containing water, including buckets and fountains, unattended. These items should be emptied when not in use and turned upside down or stored to avoid collecting rain water. Water wings and other flotation devices. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children aged 1 to 4. Water wings and other flotation devices tend to provide a false sense of security, leading parents and children to believe that they are safe in the water. Parents and caregivers are warned to be diligent about supervising children in the water even when they’re wearing water wings or using a flotation device as there is still a risk of drowning. They also warn about larger flotation devices, like rafts, that can block the view of a drowning child. Other warnings in the report included: Pool covers, which can sag and collect water or have gaps that a child can fall through. Non-motorized scooters, which were responsible for approximately 56,000 injuries in 2014 and 7 reported deaths in the past 3 years. Drawstrings and bike helmet straps on playgrounds, due to the high risk of strangulation during play. Toys with small parts, which are a hazard year round, but especially concerning due to the recent number of toy recalls by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You can help keep your children safe this summer and all year long by examining toys and looking for small parts and long slender parts, as well as parts that can break off or soft materials that a child can ingest and choke on. Checking the CPSC site regularly for toy and other product recalls can also help you keep potentially dangerous toys and other items away from your children. Also, always ensure that your child is wearing proper protective gear and in a safe area away from traffic when riding a bike or other motorized or non-motorized ride-on toy.

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12 Fun Family-Friendly Summer Activities

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 23 May 2016 18:42:11 +0000

By Vanesa Sallego Summer’s on its way, which means hot and sunny days and your children home from school for some summer vacation. To help make the most of this time of year and keep your children from getting bored, we’ve come up with a list of 12 fun summer activities that are fun for the whole family and affordable. 1. Family road trip You don’t need to get on a plane or travel far to find something new and exciting to do. Besides, half the fun is getting there! Pick a destination an hour or two from home to explore and get the car games and iPod playlists ready for some quality family time in the car. 2. Be tourists in your own town Check your town or city’s official website for attractions and other things to do that local folk tend to take for granted. Head out for a day of enjoying what your town has to offer. Don’t forget to look into summer festivals, too! 3. Have a beach day This quintessential summer activity can be enjoyed at an ocean or a lake. Find the nearest beach, pack up some sand toys and sunscreen, and spend a day enjoying the sun and sand with your favorite people. 4. Go stargazing There’s nothing like sitting under the stars on a clear summer night and checking out the beauty that the skies have to offer. You don’t even need a telescope! Astronomy sites and even weather sites tell you how to pick the best spots for stargazing. Choose a place and head out with a big blanket and your family for a night of stargazing. 5. An afternoon of plane-spotting Sitting under a flight path close to an airport offers an exhilarating bird’s eye view of airlines taking off and landing. Look for a parking lot or grassy area near your local airport, bring along some snacks, and enjoy the exciting sights and sounds of airplanes whizzing overhead. 6. Go camping Whether at the nearest campground or in your own backyard; pitching a tent, roasting marshmallows on an open fire, and sleeping under the stars is always a fun time for the whole family and young and old alike! 7. Plan a family reunion Get the entire family together for a big afternoon barbecue complete with backyard games like a potato sack race or horseshoes. Make it a potluck for easy, stress-free hosting. 8. Go on a family hike Hit your local trail for a family nature walk or hike. You can make it especially fun for kids by bringing along a little container for collecting bugs or a disposable camera to take pictures along the way. 9. Take them out to the ballpark Whether for an MLS game or supporting your local minor league; baseball games are fun for the whole family. No teams playing close by? Invite some friends along and play your own softball or even T-ball game. 10. Visit an amusement park It doesn’t matter if it’s a major theme park or a weekend carnival set up in a local lot—kids love rides, cotton candy, and games! 11. Go to the drive-in Catching a family-friendly movie at the local drive-in is an affordable way to enjoy a film and a beautiful summer night. If there aren’t any drive-ins in your area, consider renting a projector from the library and having an outdoor movie night in your backyard by projecting onto a white sheet hanging from trees or a wall. 12. Have a picnic Pack up your family’s favorite summer fare and head to a state park for a picnic. Be sure to pack water guns and bubble wands for some inexpensive hot weather fun for the whole family! Family fun doesn’t need to be expensive or involve elaborate plans. Keep it simple and focus on enjoying quality time together and making memories this summer.

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Tips for Travelling with Children

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 17 May 2016 18:49:27 +0000

By Lisa Pecos Summer vacation is fast approaching, and while many parents are looking forward to getting away, the idea of travelling with children can be a little daunting to say the least. Fortunately, a little planning can help take the stress out of travelling with children and make vacations a lot easier on the whole family. Keep it Simple This is the best possible motto when planning a trip with children, especially younger children. The key is to plan trips that are as simple as can be, from reducing the number of items on your travel itinerary to avoiding flights with multiple connections. Children have short attention spans, so especially long travel times or complicated plans can leave them tired and irritable. Keeping things simple can make all the difference. Suggestions for Travelling with Kids Here are few general tips for making travel with children easier and more enjoyable: Include a fair share of children-friendly activities. This doesn’t mean that you can’t visit nice restaurants or sightsee, but you want to make sure that you avoid dragging your children to too many adult-oriented attractions that will be of little interest to kids. Ask a travel agent for suggestions. If you’re flexible about where to go, a travel agent can suggest family-friendly destinations and accommodations that will appeal to everyone in the family. Look into daycare services. Many resorts and hotels offer day care and babysitting services. Opting for such a place can ensure that you get to enjoy some adult time while your children are otherwise entertained. Make a list. Packing lists are a must to ensure that you don’t forget any of the necessities when you travel. From clothing and shoes to toys and snacks; take the time to prepare a checklist so you’re properly prepared with everything your children need while away. Pack new toys and gadgets. There’s nothing like a new coloring book or toy to distract a fussy child. Pack a couple of new items they haven’t seen yet to keep them distracted on long drives or flights. Consider downloading new apps on a tablet or picking up a disposable camera for older children. Tips for Healthy Travel Keeping your children healthy is crucial when travelling, especially given that their bodies and immune systems are still developing. The following are some important things to consider when you’re planning to travel with children: Check your government’s travel site. Your local government travel website lists any travel advisories and known risks around the world, as well as important emergency information, such as what to do in a crisis situation while away and how to handle medical emergencies away from home. Vaccines. Travelling to other countries increases the risk of many vaccine-preventable diseases. Talk to your healthcare provider to ensure that your child’s vaccines are up to date and whether or not they should receive any other vaccines before travelling. If you’re breastfeeding, ask about any vaccines that you should have before travel as well. Motion sickness. Whether travelling by car, air or any other form; motion sickness is very common, especially in kids aged 2 to 12. Avoiding reading or other activities in a moving car can prevent motion sickness and some children find that closing their eyes or focusing on something off in the horizon helps. You can also speak to your doctor about motion sickness tablets for your child before travelling. Jet lag. This is an unfortunate part of travelling between time zones and children are especially sensitive to it. You can make jet lag easier on your child by limiting day time naps so that they sleep better at night, as well as by following the local time schedule. Air travel. The change in pressure during takeoff and landing can cause ear pain. Older children should be encouraged to swallow, yawn or chew gum to avoid ear pain. Infants can be bottle or breastfed to help alleviate ear pain. Driving. Even though traffic laws in other parts of the world may not be a strict when it comes to the use of car seats and seat belts, using the same safety practices that you’re required to at home can help keep your child safe. Always travel with your children’s car seat or booster seat even if it’s not required by law in the country you’re visiting. Medications. It can be tricky finding medications in a foreign country or remote areas. Pack any prescription medication your child needs, along with medications for dealing with fever or allergies if the need should arise. Always ensure you have enough of a prescription to last the duration of your trip and a few extra doses for unforeseen circumstances. With some advance planning, you can make travel with children more enjoyable and stress-free for you and your children.

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Making Healthy Foods Fun for Kids

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 11 May 2016 16:44:19 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Most children will take a processed snack pack or treat over fruits and veggies any day, but with childhood obesity becoming an epidemic, finding ways to make healthy foods more appealing is more important than ever. Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the last 30 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with more than 1 in every 3 children being considered overweight or obese. This increases their risk of joint problems, heart disease, and much more. With our hectic schedules, prepackaged snacks and meals may be timesavers—especially if you have a picky eater on your hands, but they’re doing your child more harm than good. So what’s a parent to do? Make healthy foods fun and more appealing is a good start. Why Appearance is Key When you walk through the grocery store with a child, you’ll notice that they gravitate to foods that look fun: bright colors, fun shapes, and interesting packaging. First impressions matter to kids, so the key to getting your child excited about a healthy lunch or snack is to make it as kid-appealing as possible. Think about the food and drink products that are advertised for children on television and you’ll notice things like snack trays and squishy tubes and bottles. Putting healthier options into fun containers is easy and allows you to know exactly what your child is consuming. Put your kid-cap on and think like your child when making their meals and snacks and then prepare foods accordingly. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started: Use a bento box or snack tray. Create a well-balanced lunch by adding lean meat, whole grain crackers, fruit slices, and other healthy foods to a bento box or other container that’s divided up into compartments. Give them dip. Kids love to dip because it’s a (acceptable) way of playing with their food. Make a sweet, healthy dip out of Greek yogurt and honey that they can dip apple slices into or a savory yogurt dip for their veggie sticks. Invest a few dollars in a spiralizer. The appeal of a vegetable to a child increases the second you make it squiggly or curly! A spiralizer lets you quickly turn carrots, zucchini, and all kinds of other fruits and veggies into fun shapes that are sure to appeal to your child. Opt for healthy versions of their favorites. If your child loves PB&J sandwiches, mix it up by using natural nut butters, like all-natural almond or cashew butter. Instead of sugar-filled or processed jam or jelly, top with a few banana slices instead. If burgers and fries are a favorite, then make your own patties using lean ground chicken or turkey and bake potato or sweet potato “fries” instead of frying or using frozen French fries. The key is to keep the sugar and calories down while providing as much nutritional value as possible. Make foods look like something funny. The tried and true “ants on a log” snack using celery topped with peanut butter and raisins is a good example of how making healthy food look funny or weird increases its appeal to a child. Get creative and see what you come up with or check the internet for inspiration. Arranging foods in fun designs and shapes is easy and effective. Make them smoothies. Smoothies are a great way to help your child get their fruits and vegetables; including those they’re fussy about eating. You can make them even more appealing by putting them into a fun sippy cup or squeeze pouch, which can be found in most department stores. Finally, let your child in on the food prep as a way to help get them excited about their healthy meals. Make it fun and silly and encourage them to use their imaginations when coming up with ideas using the foods that you want them to eat.

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Drinking in Movies and Teenage Drinking

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 21:54:52 +0000

Teenagers Who Watch Actors Drinking Alcohol in Movies More Likely to Drink Themselves A study published earlier this year in the journal Pediatrics found that young European teens who watched more scenes of actors drinking in Hollywood movies were more likely to binge-drink and otherwise abuse alcohol. Researchers gave questionnaires to more than 5,000 15-year-olds from England, and found that youths who had watched the most minutes of drinking scenes in different movies were twice as likely to have problems relating to alcohol as teens who had watched the fewest minutes. Those who had watched the most minutes were also almost 2.5 times more likely to drink at least once a week and 70 percent more likely to binge-drink (that is, drink 5 or more drinks in a single day). Previous studies done by other researchers had found similar results about teens in the United States, Germany and other countries. Though the studies don’t prove that watching actors drink in movies was leading the teens to drink more themselves, it seems likely that there could be a link between what they see on the big screen and what they do in their own lives. In this latest study, the researchers made adjustments for such factors as the drinking habits of the subjects’ parents, socioeconomic status, whether the youths had a history of behavioral problems, and other family characteristics. The families had been tracked since before the children had been born, as part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. The study found that by age 15, 86 percent of the teenagers had tried alcohol at least once and 21 percent drank on a weekly basis; 47 percent acknowledged that they had had at least one episode of binge-drinking, and 43 percent said that they had had at least one alcohol-related problem, such as it having interfered with school or work, or having gotten in trouble with police. Researchers watched 366 popular movies and counted the minutes that drinking had been shown in each movie. The youths were then asked to pick which movies they had seen from among a random list of 50 of those films. The average teen had seen 47 minutes of movie drinking. Those who had watched the most movie drinking had seen at least 64 minutes, and those who had seen the least, had seen less than 28 minutes. After controlling for the above-mentioned factors, researchers found that teens who had watched the most minutes were 20 percent more likely to have had an alcoholic beverage at least once; 70 percent more likely to have a history of binge-drinking; twice as apt to have had an alcohol-related problem; and 2.4 times more apt to drink at least once a week at the time of the survey. The associations were found despite the relatively small amount of time that the English teens had watched drinking in movies. In the U.S. and Germany, the average teen had seen about 3 hours’ worth of movie drinking. The total amount of movie drinking viewed by the English youth could be underestimated, however, being that the teens were not asked about all the movies the researchers studied, or television shows. The findings of this latest study are in keeping with growing evidence that teenagers are more likely to perform different risky behaviors that they see in movies and television shows that they watch, said study author Andrea Waylen, senior lecturer in social sciences at the University of Bristol in England. Study authors offered that one way to keep children from being influenced by drinking in movies would be to ensure that films made for minors do not contain any drinking scenes. That would mean that any movie showing any alcohol would receive an R rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (or an equivalent rating from the British Board of Film Classification). Dr. Victor Strasburger, emeritus professor of pediatrics at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, stated in an interview that the ratings should be content-based, and not age-based, as they currently are. He believes that pre-teens are likely to be the most susceptible to being influenced by what they see in movies. A 2011 study in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that 72 percent of the highest-grossing movies in the United Kingdom between 1989 and 2008 had drinking scenes in them, though only 6 percent had an adult rating. In the U.S., 83 percent of top-grossing films during those years had alcohol scenes, including 57 percent that were rated G or PG, according to a 2008 study. Many of the G and PG movies also showed scenes of people smoking cigarettes. By Lisa Pecos

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Some Words of Caution Before You Buy Your Children’s Holiday Toys

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 22:49:57 +0000

Before you buy toys for the children in your life this holiday season, the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) — and doctors — caution you to keep some important things in mind. PIRG has released its annual “Trouble in Toyland” report, which evaluates many children’s toys that are being sold during the holiday season. As always, there were toys that PIRG tested and concluded did not meet safety standards of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, or that had other problems that make the toys dangerous. Choking and Other Hazards from Swallowing If you are buying gifts for small children, be especially wary of small parts that could pose choking hazards. The CPSC has banned the sale of toys with small parts or those that easily break into small pieces to children under 3, but this year’s PIRG study nonetheless found such toys being sold for children under 3. Experts want parents to know that if an object can fit through a toilet paper roll, it can pose a choking hazard. The 2014 PIRG report also found several toys containing small parts, marketed to older children; but with warning labels on the packaging so small that it is hard to read that the toy is a choking hazard. Some toys, such as some small balls, may not carry a choking hazard warning at all. Other toys, like realistic-looking plastic foods such as hot dogs, may include a choking hazard warning, but they may be especially tempting for small children to swallow because they look like real food. So, if you have older children as well as small ones, it is important to give thought to whether the toys you buy for your older kids could be choking hazards for the younger children. Balloons: Many grown-ups may not think of this, but balloons are actually the #1 choking hazard for children, as they can be easily inhaled when the child tries to inflate them, and they get stuck in the throat. Balloons result in more choking deaths in children than any other toy or children’s product, according to PIRG. The CPSC advises that balloons not be marketed to children younger than 8. Magnets: Magnets are fascinating to children, but it can be extremely dangerous or even fatal if two or more powerful magnets are swallowed. The attractive forces will bring them together inside the GI tract, causing perforation to intestinal walls. Batteries: Many children’s toys require batteries, of course; but bear in mind that batteries are a choking hazard for babies and small children, and even pre-teens have been known to swallow them. The highest risk is for children under 4. Batteries also pose dangers that most people don’t know about. Cylindrical, tube-shaped batteries can be swallowed by children, placed inside noses, or they can rupture once swallowed, releasing dangerous acids and requiring emergency treatment. They can also cause tissue death from the pressure applied by the battery. But the newer button-shaped, round, flat models are of special concern to doctors. These are usually the ones that have been swallowed when children are taken to emergency rooms or to personal doctors after swallowing batteries. Button-shaped batteries often get stuck in the windpipe; when saliva falls on the battery, a small electrical charge is released; this electricity causes the battery to burn through tissue and blood vessels, potentially requiring surgery or leading to internal bleeding and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that button batteries can burn through esophageal tissue in a matter of two hours; therefore, it is essential to take a child to a doctor right away when it is suspected that the child may have swallowed a button battery (or any other type of battery). Additionally, even once a battery is removed from the child’s system, the acids may continue to burn tissue, causing internal, possibly fatal bleeding days or weeks after the battery was swallowed and removed. Symptoms seen in children who have swallowed batteries include: vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing and coughing. Parents are reminded that many non-toy products include tube or button batteries, including watches, night lights, flashing jewelry, talking and singing books, singing greeting cards, hearing aids, TV remotes and flashlights. Thousands of American children wind up in emergency rooms each year after swallowing batteries. Chemicals in Toys A few of the toys PIRG tested this year had higher levels of toxic chemicals like lead and phthalates, both used to soften plastics, than the levels allowed by American regulatory agencies. Violations were found in toys sold at 99-cent stores, but also at big-box stores, online and in some top brands. (Visit uspirg.org to download full report.) Noisy Toys and Harm to Children’s Ears A few toys were found to exceed limits on decibel output; parents are advised that toys that make loud noises aren’t just annoying to parents … they may also harm a child’s hearing. To check if a toy your child owns or one you’re planning to buy has been recalled, check the government’s recall website, Recalls.gov Toy-related injuries have risen in recent years, according to a new study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Much of the increase is due to injuries from riding foot-powered scooters. Safety experts recommend that parents restrict use of riding toys, including tricycles and bicycles, to dry, flat ground, away from traffic; children under 8 should be closely supervised by an adult. Riders should also wear helmets, knee pads and elbow pads. By Eirian Hallinan

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Many Simple Steps Your Family Can Take to Help Save the Planet!

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 21:47:08 +0000

Parents do well to teach their children the importance of doing what we each can, to help save our planet. The efforts of one person alone don’t amount to much, true; but when you add many, many people, and many families, we collectively surely can make a big difference. Below are many simple, easy things that you and your family can do around the home, to help keep your surroundings environmentally friendly. These steps won’t cost any more money; in fact, they will often save you money! 1. Avoid using harsh cleansers around the home: These are not only expensive, but they have chemicals that are toxic to living creatures and bad for the soil and our water supplies. Use effective, natural cleaners (such as: vinegar and water, baking soda, Borax) for simple cleaning jobs like surface and glass-cleaning, bathroom sinks, tubs, fixtures, etc. 2. Buy foods in big sizes: Save lots of money, and help cut down on packaging materials (as well as trips to the store) by buying big sizes; then, store and carry foods in reusable containers. For instance, instead of buying tiny containers of milk or fruit juices for your children’s lunch boxes, buy milk and juices in gallons or half gallons, then pour into reusable containers to be taken to school, the game or wherever. 3. Avoid using disposable cups, plates, utensils or paper products in the kitchen or dining room: Save trees, paper and plastic by using reusable dinnerware Use cloth napkins, instead of paper ones Clean up spills with washable rags, instead of paper towels 4. Avoid using polystyrene (trade name: Styrofoam) and aluminum products: Polystyrene, which is made of petroleum (and air pockets), is not biodegradable. According to the website isites.harvard.edu, maintained by Harvard University, polystyrene now takes up more space in landfills than paper; there, it has the potential to re-enter the environment when water or mechanical forces act on landfills. Polystyrene contains the chemicals benzene and styrene, which are suspected to be carcinogenic and toxic to the human nervous system. Polystyrene leaches styrene when it comes into contact with hot foods, alcohol, oils and acidic foods. As such, it’s not a good idea to consume foods out of Styrofoam-type containers. Because there are few and far between polystyrene recycling centers, the best solution is to avoid buying plates or cups made of this, or any consumer products such as electronics that use polystyrene as a packaging material. (Ask salespeople for other alternatives.) Aluminum, also called aluminium, is a light metal refined from naturally existing ores in the Earth’s crust. However, the refining process of aluminum produces environmental pollution, as well as toxicity in workers exposed to high levels of aluminum dust on the job. Long-term inhalation of aluminum powder is associated with asthma-like conditions, pulmonary fibrosis, impairment of cognitive function and peripheral nerve damage. The best thing to do is avoid cooking in, or consuming food from, aluminum vessels (yet another great reason to avoid drinking sodas…). And beware: aluminum is also found in most anti-perspirants and over-the-counter antacids. 5. Recycle: Glass, plastic, aluminum, other metals, paper (magazines, newspapers, office paper). Make it a family rule to throw all recyclable food containers into a bag (or bags) set aside for this purpose, after giving them a good, quick rinse with a little water. 6. Compost your leftovers! If you have a yard, you can fertilize your trees or any fruit or vegetable patches by mixing food scraps into the topsoil. Note: do not use pieces of meat or pieces of dairy products (like cheese), as these could attract rodents or other animals. Also, while a little used cooking oil on the soil is no problem, you don’t want to dump bigger amounts of used cooking oil (or grease) on your garden or crops, as it will smother them (stop the oxygen from getting into the soil). 7. Use only natural fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides in your garden: You don’t want your family tracking chemicals from the garden into the home. Children can also be exposed to chemical gardening products when they play in or near the garden, on the grass, etc. If you want to get into non-toxic, green gardening, you will be pleasantly surprised by how many ideas you can find searching online. (Did you know vinegar is a great weed killer? And garlic oil will repel garden pests; you can make the oil at home.) As for pesky dandelions, so common in gardens, instead of looking for ways to kill them, why not learn to love them? We mean really, really love them. They are brimming with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients … why not snip off the fresh, green leaves, wash them (in water with a little vinegar), and toss them in your salad! 8. Conserve electricity: Teach your family not to leave lights on when no one is in a room Unplug electronics and appliances (phone chargers, computers, microwave ovens, etc.) when not in use. As an easier alternative, you can plug several electrical devices into a single power strip; that way, when you turn off the strip every night, after turning off all devices, you turn off the power to the devices completely Put on warm clothes and a sweater when the weather is a little chilly, avoiding having to turn up the thermostat Dress coolly and drink plenty of cold, iced beverages on a warm day, instead of running air conditioner 9. Conserve water (and power): Run your dishwasher only when full Tell your children to turn off the faucet in the sink while they brush their teeth, turning water back on when they’re ready to rinse Keep swimming pool covered when not in use, to keep water clean longer. It’s also a good idea to shower before and after using pool Water your garden in the early morning or after sundown, to avoid water evaporating with the heat of the Sun. The best time to water is early morning; if you do water

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Eight Big, Free Gifts that Parents Can Give to Their Children

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 23:28:19 +0000

If you hit bull’s eye and got your kids some fancy, expensive gifts for the holidays that they are still playing with some weeks later, kudos to you. But what if you got your kids presents that only held their interest for a couple of days? You probably feel like you wasted money. It turns out, a lot of the best gifts that you can give to your children … cost no money at all. Isn’t it marvelous that you can go out there and blow a small fortune on presents for your kids, if you choose to — but that you don’t have to? If you work ongoingly to mold your child’s mind and character in positive ways, you’ll be giving your youngster gifts that will last them a lifetime and that could help them in countless ways. Here’s a list of totally free — yet priceless — gifts that a parent can give to their child. Self-Esteem What percentage of Americans suffer from low self-esteem? The question doesn’t even need to be asked. All around us, we see people who ‘act up’ in all kinds of ways, to get attention. These are people who probably did not feel valued by their parents growing up. Teaching your children that they are awesome, and that you love them greatly, will help them develop into adults who’ll value themselves and strive to be useful and helpful to others. Confidence Self-esteem and self-confidence are cousins. Teach your child that he or she is special in his or her own unique way. You do this by taking the time to periodically point out something at which your child excelled and telling them how proud you are of them. Accentuating the positive and eliminating the negative — by gently, thoughtfully correcting your child’s mistakes (or overlooking the small ones) — is not only a great way to get along with others, but an excellent way to strengthen your child’s positive attributes, while correcting what is wrong without causing the child to begin having doubts about their abilities and their worth. Your child drops a container of food on the floor, and it spills or shatters everywhere. Do you: a) Proceed to scream at your kid and ask how s/he could be so clumsy? or b) Use the moment to strengthen their self-confidence, saying something like, “It’s okay, baby; I think we’re both a little tired right now from pushing our bedtimes last night.” Give Your Child Physical Affection We adults know that getting an embrace, a kiss or even a touch from someone that we love feels wonderful. Children are no exception. Babies are tiny, compared to adults; growing children are smaller than us. But all of us, regardless of size, feel good and feel comforted when someone that we care about gives us physical affection. So, don’t hold back. Hug your kids, kiss them, cuddle up with your children and read a book or watch TV together. Give Children Your Time And speaking of being an affectionate parent, it goes without saying that kids love attention and need it, to grow emotionally. We all love and need attention from people that we love; being that kids don’t have all the skills and knowledge of a grown-up, they are that much more in need of attention, guidance and positive reinforcement from the main grown-ups in their lives. And insuring that you give your kids those things means of course spending plenty of time with them. Even if you are a busy working parent, as most of us are, make even 10 minutes a day to sit one-on-one with your child, inquiring about their day and looking for opportunities to guide them, praise them, and learn about things that are happening in their lives. The way to get your child to trust you and tell you about their daily lives is to spend time with them, emphasizing the good and reminding them that you are there to help and protect them. Patience Teaching your child patience is one of the best things that you could do for them. Teach your kids patience in dealing with others, and patience in life: that even when we work to get certain results, we may not achieve them right away. Teach them that it’s okay to fail, and that we should continue to strive, even when we don’t initially find success. Teach Your Children Charity From an early age, you should teach your children to have empathy and compassion for others. When one child snatches another’s toy and the other starts wailing, use it as a learning opportunity to teach kindness: “Your little brother thinks your toy is great, too. Is it okay if he plays with it for a little while, since you weren’t playing with it then?” All communities have opportunities to get involved in helping the less fortunate. School-age children can be encouraged to do something for needy children, the elderly, the homeless, etc., which will instill in your child the importance of kindness and charity. Teach Your Kids Discipline But do so with kindness! Teach them the importance of getting up and going to bed at around the same time every day (which will go a long way in avoiding sleep deprivation and the many problems that can arise from that). But don’t just yell at them to get up or to go to bed. Instead, take the time to explain that their growing bodies need a lot of rest (more than adults) to grow properly and be healthy. Create an atmosphere that reinforces and rewards discipline, such as being firm about not allowing use of electronics after a certain time (or not letting child have electronics in the room, if they are too tempting). Praise your children when they succeed at something (such as getting a good grade) through work and discipline. Teach Your Kids to Love Being Active! Whether it’s rollerblading, bike-riding, swimming, shooting hoops with the neighborhood kids or any other

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Six Tips for Stress-Free Family Meals

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 21:17:47 +0000

Family time is something that’s increasingly in short supply in our busy modern times. Some of the best opportunities for family togetherness are mealtimes — in particular, dinner, when we can leave the day’s cares behind and family members can enjoy a relaxing evening. Recent research by Columbia University found that children who eat regular dinners with their families are less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, or to have disciplinary problems at school. Many previous studies have similarly shown that regular family mealtime makes teens less likely to smoke, drink, act up, or become sexually active. When it comes to family, eating meals together is important. The following are tips for eliminating stress out of family dinners, and for creating an atmosphere of relaxation — and happy eating — for all. Prepare for dinner ahead of time: Wash vegetables, cook potatoes, etc., earlier in the day, so that they’re ready to go in the evening. The less you have to do at dinnertime, the less time it will take you to cook, and the less stressed-out you’ll feel. Delegate duties: Make it a family tradition that the little ones help set the table, for instance, and your husband washes the dishes (since you spent a lot of time making dinner). As children get older, they can help you with peeling and chopping vegetables, serving beverages, and other simple duties. Serve an appetizer, if you’re running late: This can be something as simple as tortilla chips and cheese chunks, or chopped vegetables dipped in your family’s favorite healthy dip. That way, you won’t get hungry, irritated people waiting anxiously to be fed. Lower noise, and no electronics or books at the dinner table: You and your family members can all be listening to each other share about your day once you sit down to eat. But silence certainly is golden, and just being together, enjoying a lovely meal quietly, will be enough to bring you all closer together. The last thing you want is your husband on the phone as he eats, or your teenage daughter texting at the dinner table. Set the rules for your family, letting them know that dinner time is family time. Keep things positive! While it may be tempting to start unloading at the dinner table about what an awful day you had at work or how much you hate your boss, save that for later. Make mealtime an occasion to enjoy good food, which is best digested in an atmosphere of relaxation. Instead of complaints, take this time to praise family members for any accomplishments or noteworthy pursuits they may have undertaken. If you have young children, consider letting them eat their dinner before you and your spouse: Since young children go to sleep earlier, it may make more sense to feed them earlier; that way, you and your spouse can have yourselves a more leisurely dinner later on. By Jamell Andrews

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Ten Tips for Having a Fun and Safe Family Camping Trip

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 21:28:21 +0000

Taking your family on a camping trip could be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences you will share. It’s a great opportunity to get away from the noise and congestion, and get in touch with the beauty and serenity of nature. A few precautions will help make the trip educational for your children, and an experience that will leave all your family members with fond, lasting memories. Get to Know Your Chosen Camping Grounds The first thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with the camp grounds. Get information about the site and weather conditions from park rangers. You can also check weather forecasts online. But keep in mind that weather can change dramatically from one day to the next, or even from one moment to the next, so, plan accordingly. Instruct your family members to be on the lookout for poisonous plants, like poison ivy and poison oak. It would be a good idea to show your family pictures of what these plants look like, so they’ll know what to look for. Always know where your children are; some parents outfit their children with whistles for added security, in case children become lost. A whistle can be heard from a distance better than a human’s voice. Drink Plenty of Water! To avoid potentially dangerous and common conditions like heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration, make sure everyone drinks plenty of water, especially before, during and after rigorous physical activity. If the weather is hot, stay in the shade. Instruct your kids to always drink water, even before they become thirsty, as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can sneak up on a person during physical exertion or in hot weather. Once the symptoms start to take hold, chances are you will not be able to quickly cool off and hydrate by simply drinking water; the body needs a little bit of time to absorb the water and cool its temperature. So, the key is to stay cool and hydrated before symptoms develop. Teach your children not to drink any natural water they encounter, including water they swim in, as it may be contaminated. Instead, take a plentiful supply of bottled water with you for all the members of your family. If water should run out, iodine tablets will purify it, or you can boil water and drink it. Take an insulated cooler with you, to help keep water and perishable foods cold. Avoid sodas, as they don’t quench thirst, and dilute natural fruit juices with lots of water for better hydration. Planning Your Attire Plan to dress in multi-layers, which will make it easier to take off or add clothes, according to the weather. Cotton is best in the summer and wool in the winter, as they are natural fibers that allow the skin to breathe. Include waterproof jackets and pants, if there’s a chance that it may rain (this will help prevent hypothermia — sudden loss of body heat). Plan Your Family’s Activities You will need to give thought to the activities your family will engage in, to pack and plan accordingly. Some safe activities include: hiking, swimming, bike-riding. Always take protective gear such as helmets for cycling, and pack shoes that can handle a little rough terrain. Instruct your children never to swim alone, and always shower before and after swimming. Miscellaneous Items to Include Always take a first-aid kit, plus a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, in case you need to treat small cuts or scrapes. Other items you may want to take: a map of the area a flashlight with extra batteries pocket knife and scissors matches a candle or fire starter tweezers and needles (to remove splinters) The Foods You’ll Take Avoid cross-contamination between ready-to-eat foods or foods that stay fresh on their own, and foods that need to be cooked, like meats, or that perish, like dairy. Put different foods in tightly closed plastic containers or plastic bags that close. Take plenty of ready-to-eat, nutritious foods that will tide you over and give you energy, such as: raw nuts, trail mixes, granola bars, fruits, whole-grain crackers, tortilla chips and peanut butter. Avoid Carbon Monoxide Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by never using fuel-burning equipment, such as gas stoves or lanterns, in a tent or other enclosed space. Anything that burns should only be used outdoors. To stay warm, and as an alternative to fuel-burning heaters, take insulated sleeping bags or additional warm bedding and warm clothing (if there’s a chance that the weather will cool off at night). Stay Away from Wild Animals! Teach your children about avoiding wild animals, as these can be dangerous and carry diseases. Always keep your food tightly covered, so as to not attract bigger animals, but this will also help guard against ants and mosquitoes. Never bring food into your tent; pack it in your automobile, instead. Avoid Insect Bites If mosquitoes or ticks may be a problem during your trip, prepare yourself by taking a mosquito and tick repellent. Citronella-based repellents are favored by some, because the active ingredient is natural, lemon grass oil. Others prefer repellents containing DEET, as they protect longer. Long-sleeved shirts and pants will help protect against mosquitoes and ticks naturally. Protect Eyes and Skin from the Sun You have three options, to keep your skin from being harmed by overexposure to the Sun’s ultraviolet rays: Limit the time you spend in the Sun when not wearing protective clothing. Also, remember that UV rays can reach your skin even on a cloudy day Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and floppy hats Apply broad-spectrum-protection sunscreen — one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Look for a product with natural ingredients, which won’t harm your skin and health in the long run. Sunscreen should have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the Sun protection ingredient To protect your eyes from the Sun, wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. (And yes, children need to protect their eyes from excessive Sun,

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Safety Facts About Insect Repellents – and Choosing the Best Brands

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 18:50:02 +0000

As millions of American children head off to summer camps or outdoor family get-togethers, many parents may wonder how to protect their youngsters from the varieties of insects that might be found at camping grounds and parks. These days, we all have even more reason to worry about bugs than normally, as infestations from the potentially deadly West Nile virus continue to occur in different parts of the country. A good insect repellent can protect you and your family from diseases carried by mosquitoes and ticks. Mosquitoes can carry the West Nile virus, and ticks can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that consumers choose insect repellents with active ingredients that have been registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA advises that the following registered ingredients offer longer-lasting protection: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and para-menthane-diol. An ingredient that is registered with the EPA is not expected to produce harmful effects to human health or to the environment when used as the product label indicates. The following are recommendations offered by the EPA, to help you use insect repellent sprays safely and effectively: Follow directions on product label Apply repellent only to exposed skin and/or clothing; do not apply repellent under clothing Avoid spraying over cuts, wounds or irritated skin Do not spray on eyes or mouth, and spray only lightly around earlobes Do not allow young children to spray themselves. Spray child, avoiding child’s hands, as children may put hands in their eyes and mouth Do not spray directly on face. Spray on hands, then apply to face Applying spray heavily does not provide better protection; use only enough spray to cover exposed skin and clothing Do not spray in enclosed areas Do not spray near food Reapply spray when mosquitoes start to bite Once you go indoors, wash exposed skin with soap and water, or shower If a rash or allergic reaction occurs from the spray, stop use, wash off with soap and water, and call a poison control center Do not use repellents on pets or other animals, unless label states that product is safe for animals Store repellents out of reach of children Most repellents are safe to use on children; however, products with oil of lemon eucalyptus are not recommended for children under 3 years of age. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that products with DEET not be used in infants younger than two months. Repellents are safe for pregnant and nursing women. The following are tips on minimizing your chances of getting bitten. For ticks, avoid tick habitats by: Reducing time spent in possible tick-infested areas, such as tall grass and shrubs Remove dead leaves and mow tall grass or brush Walk in center of trails, avoiding nearby bushes Avoid tick bites by doing these: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and high boots Tuck shirts inside pants and pant legs into socks, to prevent ticks from getting in Wear light-colored clothes, so you can see ticks more easily Check your entire body and your child’s body for ticks; remove any that may attach to you without squeezing them For mosquitoes, avoid bites by removing habitats: Remove standing water in or on objects that mosquitoes could use to breed At least once a week, empty and change water in wading pools, fountains, and potted plant trays Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt Swimming pool water should be treated and should circulate Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Tuck shirts inside pants, and pants legs into socks to cover gaps. Mosquitoes are most active at sunrise, sunset and in the early evening; stay indoors during those times if mosquitoes are a problem. Keep mosquitoes out of indoors by covering gaps in walls, doors and windows. Use screens. For babies, cover baby carriers and beds with netting. In case of mosquito bites, avoid scratching area, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to relieve itching. With respect to ticks, check yourself and your children thoroughly, including underarms, navels, ears and hair. Next, check your pets, as well as your belongings; ticks can get into sports equipment and into clothes in suitcases, if suitcases are left open. Always inspect clothes before putting them back in suitcase. In the event of a tick bite, quickly remove whole tick without crushing it, then wash your hands and bite area with soap and water. See doctor if unexpected symptoms develop, such as a rash, fever, stiff neck, muscle aches or swollen lymph nodes. Call 911 if person bitten develops: a severe headache, difficulty breathing, paralysis, chest pain or palpitations. By Jamell Andrews

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Teaching Kids to Love Nature

Alex — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:27:03 +0000

In an age of growing disconnection between people and nature, many parents find it challenging to instill in their children a sense of appreciation for all that the earth has to offer. In many cases, nature is remote and not easily accessible, while electronics and media are immediately available, and many busy parents understandably go the easier route. But there are numerous benefits to helping your child appreciate the wonders of the great outdoors, and it is even worth the extra time and effort. Even if you cannot make it an everyday thing, exposing your children to nature regularly will have great short- and long-term benefits. Why raise nature lovers? When it comes to raising children who appreciate nature, there are too many benefits to name, so here are just a few of the most important and obvious ones: Being outdoors means exercise: It is a very simple formula. When your child is indoors, he or she is likely to be engaged in sedentary activities. Outdoors, one is much more likely to walk, run, and play, activities which of course contribute to good health. Nature is educational: Even if you do not make a conscious effort to teach your child things about the outdoors, he or she will inevitably learn things simply by being out there and seeing new things. It is all about broadening your child’s horizons Family bonding: Time spent together in nature is much more nurturing to your family connection than being indoors engaged in isolated activities. When you are on a hike, for instance, you might not talk continuously the whole way, but it will be quality together time that allows you and your family to stay connected and get to know each other in new ways It is good for the world: With the looming threats of global climate change and resource depletion, our children may grow up to face greater natural challenges than any preceding generation, and those who are well-versed in all nature has to offer are better equipped to face these challenges knowing what is at stake. By instilling in your child a sense of appreciation for nature, you are doing a favor for future generations Bridging the gap Many children are more than willing to get outdoors and engage in new activities, but it is not always as easy as we might wish. If you are not sure how to make it happen, here are some of the most valuable tips. Make it a routine: During seasons of pleasant weather, go on an extensive daylong nature outing with the whole family at least once a month, and do less ambitious outdoor activities even more often Be satisfied with small outings: When things are hectic in the household, you do not have to add to the stress and the chaos by planning some long, involved nature outing that takes everyone away from their responsibilities for extensive periods. Do not be afraid to settle for a trip to the local park if that is what it takes to get your family outdoors. Try to be ambitious, but do not beat yourself up if life makes it hard Be an expert: Make sure that you yourself are well-versed not just in the many benefits of nature, but also in the specific activities that are available in your area. Know what national and state parks and forests are in your area, know your city parks, and be aware of all the hiking options that are nearby Teaching – Involve others: When it comes to outdoor fun, the more is usually the merrier. Make it known that your children are permitted to bring along friends on your nature trips, and if you live near relatives, make extended-family outings regularly By Marc Courtiol

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Sibling Rivalry: What Can Parents Do?

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:25:35 +0000

Sibling rivalry can take many forms over the years. When the second child is first born, it can take the form of acting out, regression, and fussiness on the part of the older child. And as the kids grow up, it can turn into arguing, physical fighting, and deep feelings of jealousy and resentment. Most sibling rivalry is more of an annoyance than a serious problem, but it can become emotionally taxing to parents who had hoped their children would get along and love each other. There are a few points to keep in mind that might help you cope emotionally with your children’s rivalry. First, a little fighting does not mean your children do not love each other. Second, remember that a little competition is natural, and that it may actually help build certain skills in your children. Third, keep in mind that children who fight often go on to be best of friends when they get older. And fourth, you are not alone. Virtually every multi-child family must deal with sibling rivalry at one time or another. What causes sibling rivalry? In most cases, the causes of sibling rivalry actually are not so deep. It is just a competition for parental love and attention. At any given time, one child may feel that the other is getting more, and this may lead to bad feelings, even if the feelings are unconscious. At different times in a child’s development, these feelings may be more intense than at others. Meanwhile, some kids are just temperamentally more combative than others. Perhaps one of your children is continually picking fights with another, who usually does not start the conflict. In such cases, it is the parents’ job to moderate the rivalry without seeming to favor the gentler child over the more combative one. Also, it has been shown that kids who live in conflict-ridden households are more likely to fight with their siblings. When parents frequently fight openly within earshot of their kids, for this behavior to rub off on the children is only natural. That is one reason why parents who want to avoid sibling rivalry should argue privately if they must argue at all. What should parents do? Parenting experts recommend that mom and dad stay uninvolved in sibling arguments for as long as possible. By getting involved, you teach the children that they can always turn to you when they have an argument, and you risk being perceived as taking sides or protecting one child over the other. If you feel you must get involved, start by merely trying to guide the kids to their own resolution, warning them in the process not to call names or be abusive to one another. In short, it is best for everyone if the kids can learn how to solve their disagreements without parental intervention. And when you decide to intervene, the goal should be to deflate the situation so everyone has time to calm down and the disagreement can de-escalate. Often, kids just need a little time apart to get over their feelings. And in the meantime, try not to place blame on anyone. Here are a few other tips that can help parents deal with sibling rivalries: Discourage kids from talking about what is or is not “fair.” Let them know that things are not always equal, and that they both need different things at different times. Make sure each child gets plenty of one-on-one attention, and encourage each individually to pursue his or her interests and be who he or she wants to be. Make sure the children get time apart from each other. Make it clear that they need to love each other even though they fight. Banish words like “hate” and other extreme terms. If the kids commonly fight over certain items or activities, set a schedule for when each child gets a turn. If it becomes too much for you to handle, consider seeing a family counselor. By Lisa Pecos

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Amber Alerts – What to Do in Case Your Child Goes Missing

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:52:10 +0000

It is one of every parent’s worse nightmares. You take your eye off your child for a minute only to find her gone when you turn around. Or one day he does not get home from school at the normal time. Or she goes outside to play and does not come back in. Scenarios like these are fortunately uncommon, and when they do happen there is usually a good explanation, and it is usually pretty easy to find the temporarily missing child. But what about those very rare cases where the child is not easily found? If this should happen to you, your first instinct may be to panic. Any parent would. But it is important to keep a level head, think rationally, and do what needs to be done. Should the unthinkable happen and you cannot find your child, here is what you need to do. Step 1: Someone who knows the child should be out actively looking while you are going through the first few steps of the process. If you wish to be the one out looking, have someone else go through these steps on your behalf. Ideally, multiple people should be out looking-at least one person on foot around where the child went missing, and at least one other person searching the surrounding area via car. But make sure someone is always at home. Step 2: If there was ever an emergency, this is it. Pick up the phone and dial 911. Do not worry-they will not dismiss you or tell you your case is not an emergency. Calmly inform them of how long your child has been missing, and give them all the relevant information they need. They will likely ask take you through a process that involves a series of questions about your child’s age, appearance, clothing, and last known whereabouts. If you do not feel your call is being treated seriously enough, ask to speak to someone in charge. Step 3: Notify other authorities of the missing child. Your 911 call will get the ball rolling on some crucial aspects of the investigation, and they may tell you that you do not need to call anyone else. But just to cover all bases, call the local police as well as any other police departments whose jurisdiction covers the area where your child went missing. You might also get in touch with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Each of these resources should have a process for dealing with missing children. Step 4: Notify local media. Many local news sources are always willing to help out in cases like this by sending out alerts and notifying their viewers and readers to be on the lookout. Step 5: Contact organizations devoted to finding missing children. A great place to start is the National Center for Missing and Exploiting Children, and you may be able to locate nonprofits in your area with expertise in helping out in this kind of situation. Step 6: Ask for help from those around you. This is going to be a difficult time for you. And even if your child comes home safely very soon you are likely to suffer frayed nerves for a while. Get in touch with anyone who you think would be able and willing to drop everything and help you. And if you do not have any close friends or family nearby, ask neighbors. In situations like these, most people are willing to lend a hand, even if they do not know you. Step 7: Follow up on everything. If you feel the law enforcement agencies are taking too long to investigate your case or get back to you, do not be afraid to call and visit them multiple times. Meanwhile, keep taking matters into your own hands. Keep searching actively and calling around to anyone who might know something. Do not give up hope. Despite all frightening stories we hear on the news, keep in mind that the vast majority of missing-child cases have happy endings. By Marc Courtiol

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How to Raise a Musical Child

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:13:40 +0000

When it comes to educating children, a lot of focus is placed on practical skills like reading and math, which are undoubtedly important. But we should raise our children to be well-rounded individuals, and this involves teaching them forms of creative self-expression. While different kids have different talents-some are good at drawing, some can dance well, and some are most talented in non-artistic areas-music should be integral to every child’s life. And even if your child does not develop into a musical prodigy, it is a good idea to have cultivate familiarity with the art form. In addition to enriching a child’s life, familiarity with a musical child and learning to play an instrument help develop crucial areas of a child’s brain. In fact, studies have shown that musical proficiency helps children in math, language, learning, and creativity. In general, a child who can play a musical instrument has an intellectual edge on one who cannot. Starting early You may have heard that playing music for babies, even as early as when they are in the womb, can help boost intelligence. In fact, the studies behind this are mixed and nothing conclusive is known, but there is no denying that having plenty of music in the household prepares a child to learn music when she is old enough. During the early months of your child’s life, play music whenever your baby is wide awake. And in fact, she may even sleep well if you play some soft music in the background during sleep times. Play every kind of music that you have in the house. All will help your child develop familiarity with the diverse melodies, harmonies, and tones that go into music. Meanwhile, even if you are not particularly musical yourself, it is a good idea to hum and sing to your child often. She will enjoy it, and it will make your household a little more fun and musical. Introducing instruments A good way to prepare your child for a musical life is to have musical toys in the house. But you do not have to bring into the household any of those noisy, flashy musical toys that you see at the toy store. Even to the most tolerant parent, some of these noisy toys can be quite annoying. In any case, a child who is interested in music will enjoy even the most tasteful musical toy. Small glockenspiels and keyboards, for example, are great for a start. While musical toys are fun for children who are still young enough to be called babies, there is nothing wrong with introducing real instruments as early as it seems feasible. Many of the great musicians started playing real instruments at the age of three or four and practiced regularly even at so young an age. Of course, you do not need to make your child play or practice if he or she does not like to, but do keep in mind the importance of practice. If your child seems musically inclined, you may have to give a little extra encouragement to make sure he or she gets truly develops. And as soon as your child is old enough to play a real instrument, you might want to invest in some lessons. Be careful with this, however, because if your child does not truly enjoy playing, lessons can quickly become a chore. Also, it is important to have a good teacher who makes practice fun. If you do all this and your child does not seem to develop into a talented musician, do not let this bother you. Remember that a large portion of musical talent is inborn, and some kids simply are not born with it. You can still have a musical household-and who knows? If you continue to make music a central part of your family’s life, your child may develop into a late-blooming musical talent. By Jamell Andrews

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Leaving Your Child Home Alone

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:54:45 +0000

By Lisa Pecos In the early years of a child’s life, parents are forced to do whatever they have to do to make sure the child is supervised at all times. But once the child reaches a certain age, the issue starts to become fuzzier. Most well-behaved kids reach a point-generally in their preteens or thereabouts-where they are responsible and self-guided enough to look after themselves for a few hours. Yet considering whether to leave a child home alone raises all sorts of issues, and many parents are reluctant to face up to these issues until a little later. In the end, it is up to each family to decide on their own, but in any case there are some important factors to keep in mind. Important considerations Most parenting experts agree that the 10-year-old age mark is when the issue of leaving a child home alone should first arise. Before that, even well-behaved children simply do not have the experience or maturity they need to take care of themselves. After that, kids begin to get a sense of what it is like to have adult responsibilities, and some are even eager to show that they can handle it. Many parents find that kids who are used to being left with a babysitter do well when it comes time to leave them home alone. They are used to their parents being away sometimes, and they are familiar with the routines and responsibilities that must be tended to when the parents are out. Still, making the jump from babysitting to being home alone is not as easy as it might seem, and some kids are not prepared to handle the pressure. Here are some other things to consider: Do you have any neighbors or nearby friends who can help your child in the event of an emergency? Is your child good at handling responsibilities in other areas? For example, does she always keep up with her homework and chores, without complaint? Does your child remain calm in difficult situations, or is she prone to react poorly when faced with unexpected things? Is your child a natural rule-follower? Does he or she have a strong grasp of how to stay safe around the home? Does your child know and follow the rules about keeping away from strangers? If you answer yes to all of these questions, there is a good chance your child can be left alone for at least a short time. However, this decision must also rely on gut feeling. You know your child better than everyone, and if something inside you tells you he or she is not ready to be left alone, you are probably right. Also, do not forget to check the local regulations about when it is permitted for parents to leave their kids at home. Different states and municipalities have different rules on the books, and you do not want to inadvertently run afoul of the law. Making the leap When you think your child is ready to be left alone, it is time to do some trial runs-short outings of 30 to 60 minutes. Prepare your child well in advance by telling him or her what is going to happen, what you expect, and when you will be back. Also make it very clear that you expect him or her to follow all your instructions. Express that if your instructions are not followed, there will not be a second chance for quite some time. Most kids are excited about the chance to take care of themselves sometimes, so this should provide good incentive. Make sure your child knows all about the basics of safety and security. Familiarize him or her with 911 and other emergency numbers, emphasize the importance of locking doors, and make it absolutely clear which household appliances are off-limits while you are not around. Finally, give the child the number of at least one person he or she should call if you are unreachable. If it can be a neighbor or someone else who lives nearby, that is best. Once you have all of this out of the way and have done a couple of trial runs, there is nothing you can do but take the plunge. Fortunately, the ubiquity of cellphones makes it easy for today’s parents to stay in touch with their kids when separated. The first few times you leave your child alone, feel free to check in as frequently as you need to in order to feel secure. Once your child shows that he or she can be home alone without incident, you will begin to feel better about it.

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Hosting a Princess Tea Party

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:40:35 +0000

By Chris Molnar Oh the princess tea party — it’s practically a rite of passage for little girls everywhere. At some point your daughter will embrace this phase and celebrate it for all the dainty beauty that it is. This makes for the perfect theme of a party and your little princess can truly celebrate. This is quite easy and fun to host as long as you focus on all the little details – the tablewear, the dainty little sandwiches, and of course the tea (which could just be Kool-aid or juice, though have them try herbal tea too.) For your princess to be one for a day, think of frilly, delicate, and ribbons. From the dress to the food to the decorations, this is one party that is sure to please even the most discerning princess taste. Here Comes the Royal Highnesses Every little girl wants to be a princess and at this party they can truly become one. You want to set up an area where all the invited little girls can dress up in their perfect princess costumes. On your invitations encourage princess or fairy costumes, but if somebody doesn’t have one, have a spare one or two dress up gowns and tiaras in a tickle trunk by the door. For activities before the main party, lay out materials to make a wand or a crown – they can take these home with them. Put out a few big mirrors so that they can check themselves out after they dress the part. The Dainty But Delicious Foods Time for the perfect little treats. You want to brew the perfect cup of tea if they are old enough to enjoy it. If it’s summer you can serve up iced tea or lemonade from a beautiful tea pot. If it’s winter or a bit colder you can brew up some herbal tea you think they will enjoy – strawberry, lemon or some other fruity herbal tea will be sure to please. If you are dealing with a younger set, consider serving up “warm” chocolate out of a tea pot. They will just get such a kick out of being served out of this beautiful ornamental piece that they won’t even care what they are drinking! For the little finger sandwiches, and if the girls are old enough to appreciate it, go for a traditional such as cucumber cream cheese sandwiches. Also make some favorites such as peanut butter and jelly (ask about allergies first), tuna, salmon, and cheese. To create professional-looking rolls, take a sandwich slice, cut off all the crusts, and layer the filling right to the edge. Roll carefully, press down gently so they stick, and leave in the refrigerator until needed. As they cool, they will retain their shape. When ready to serve, slice into individual rolls and serve on a dainty dish. Complete the princess meal with cookies and tea biscuits in several varieties – every princess loves her dessert! The Gorgeous Setting and Decorations The focal point of the table will be the ornamental and very decorative tea pot and the set of tea cups that they will each get to drink out of. Add one or two bouquets of flowers on the table, with petals on the table cloth. Add twisted pink and white streamers to the table edge, and along the walls (if indoors.) Use your imagination to transform the area into something royal and magical. You want to really make it feel like the meal is fit for a princess, so go for a pink tablecloth with lots of frill. Also consider tying a big beautiful bow on each little girl’s chair. You can even dress things up a bit by putting a jewel lined name card at each little girl’s place at the table. This is one princess tea party that will have all of the details covered, and make your beautiful little princess and her friends involved in a royal tradition! About the Author: Chris is a stay-at-home Dad and writer, and edits a website full of party theme ideas at Themeaparty.com. With two daughters, he has lots of experience setting up princess parties, and his eldest is asking for a Fancy Nancy birthday party in the near future!

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Techniques – When Potty Training Clashes With Your Vacation!

Eirian — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:42:36 +0000

There are some simple preparations that you can make in advance before embarking on a trip away with your toddler in the midst of his potty training. Take your child’s potty on the trip as it needs to be at hand at all times whilst you are in training. Even when you are on the road you can stop the car and place the potty on the seat of the car It is advisable to take plastic sheets or bags with you to protect the car seat. They will help clean up any mess quickly and easily Wipes, toilet paper and tissues are also needed in abundance of course! Use the same products you use at home because your infant will feel more comfortable Take other familiar things with you on the trip to sooth and comfort your infant like his toys, books, cups, bottles etc Disposable training diapers are a great help in some situations so take some of these on your vacation too Obviously, you should never allow your child to become dehydrated but you do sometimes need to limit fluids when you are on the road so that your child does not feel the pressure to go the toilet too often Plan frequent stops at rest areas and do not feel embarrassed taking the potty with you to the bathroom. Your child will feel more at ease going to the toilet in his familiar chair Be prepared that it is more than likely your child will have one or two accidents while you are away. When this happens remain calm and patient and understanding all the time that your infant is trying to learn something new. Praise him often. Children usually react more to the stress of travelling than adults Once you have reached your destination shower your child with praise and tell him what a great job he did using his potty during the journey. This will encourage his training and positive thinking about using his potty Finally, and interestingly, water can play havoc with potty training when you are travelling! This is because when you travel to another area and the water is different it can cause constipation in adults and children. If your child suffers from constipation on your travels it can really cause a set-back with his potty training. A great idea to overcome this is to give your child bottled mineral water for a little while before you leave on your vacation. Keep them on the bottled water for the whole of the vacation and then slowly start giving him the normal water once you have returned home. By Eirian Hallinan

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How Safe Are Sunscreens Ingredients?

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 17 May 2011 21:33:33 +0000

When people go to the store to buy sunscreen, they assume that the products they purchase are safe and effective. Whether you purchase sunscreen for trips to the beach, lounging poolside, or for everyday protection against the sun’s rays, you probably expect to be able to rely on your sunscreen to protect you from sun damage. The reality, however, is that the majority of sunscreens in the United States offer inadequate protection from the sun. Many of them also contain ingredients that are harmful to our health. Harmful Ingredients When you consider the fact that many Americans rely on sunscreens to protect them from sunburns and skin cancer, it is a bit shocking to realize that some manufacturers use ingredients that are actually harmful to our health. Approximately 1 out of every 9 brands of sunscreen does not offer protection from UVA radiation. UVA rays are the ones that are linked to immune system problems, skin damage and aging, and possibly skin cancer. Though the FDA does not currently require that manufacturers include protection from UVA radiation, the better sunscreens offer it anyway. UVB rays cause sunburn, and while most sunscreens do provide at least some protection against these harmful rays, most of the products contain ingredients that break down in the sun. These chemical breakdowns can occur in minutes or hours, and when it happens, UV radiation gets through to our skin. In fact, some of the chemicals in sunscreens release free radicals in sunlight, causing damage to our DNA and cells. Others build up over time in our bodies or the environment. Keeping this in mind, consumers would be wise to exercise caution when relying on sunscreen labels to determine how long their sunscreen is going to be effective, or if it is actually going to be effective at all. Independent research has shown that there are more than 600 products on the market containing sunscreens that are unstable and break down in the sun. Some of these unstable ingredients are: Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate) Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) Avobenzone (Parsol 1789, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) Nano titanium dioxide How to find safe Sunscreens If you want to find the safest sunscreens, you can check out the Environmental Working Group’s website. The EWG is a non-profit organization that provides information to help protect public health and the environment. They recommend several different brands of sunscreens that they have tested. They also provide complete breakdowns of the ingredients in each product tested so that consumers can clearly see which ingredients pose a certain risk and learn why they are hazardous. It is difficult to guess at what the far-reaching health implications may be regarding our continuous exposure to the hazardous chemicals that are used in so many sunscreens. Companies are not required by the federal government to test the ingredients that they are putting into sunscreens before they put them on the market, so it is difficult to tell at this point just how damaging these products may wind up being. To be safe, do your research before purchasing any products. Staying informed is the best way to keep your family, and yourself, safe and healthy. By Jamell Andrews

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Summer Problems Caused By Nature

Eirian — Tue, 10 May 2011 19:29:46 +0000

The sun is shining, the days are longer and you have waved goodbye to coughs and colds but summer brings its own little irritations. Here are some tips to help. Sunburn This is caused by too much exposure to the sun and creates a red and painful skin ailment that can lead to serious skin conditions. Prevention is everything and children should never be exposed to direct sunlight so remember to keep them covered. Loose, light and comfortable clothes are just as cool and offer more cover than strappy summer tops, so are safer. Always put a broad brimmed hat on your child in the sun. Use a high factor sunscreen – at least 30 SPF and reapply it every couple of hours and after swimming. Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day and keep your child in the shade as much as possible. If your child does get a bit red, give him plenty of water to drink and sponge him down with tepid water. Then cover him with lots of aftersun cream and keep him out of the sun for at least 24 hours. Stings/Bites These are usually small, red and itchy bumps that can be painful. Sometimes you can see a hole in the centre of the lump and a sting sticking out of it. Children usually get them if they disturb or are attacked by an insect like a wasp, ant or horsefly. A sting or bite can be quite scary and painful for your child so reassure and comfort him. If the pain or discomfort persists antihistamines and anti-itch ointments can help which are available at pharmacists. If the bite or sting worsens then it is advisable to take your child to the doctor to check if an infection has developed. If your child has difficulty breathing, his tongue swells or you suspect some kind of allergic reaction call emergency medical help immediately. Nettle Rash This is a group of itchy, reddish swellings and can often disappear in hours but then reappear somewhere else on the body. It is also known as hives or urticaria. Nettle rash is not caused by stinging nettles although a brush with them can be one of the causes. There are several possible causes although it isn’t always obvious which one it is. It can be a food allergy (for example, to strawberries), pollen, a jellyfish sting, an insect bite or too much sun. It usually passes in a few hours but if you are concerned then seek medical advice. Make sure you check with your doctor before giving your child medication but calamine lotion can be soothing and antihistamines reduce itching and rashes. Hayfever This is officially known as allergic rhinitis and is an allergy to airborne pollen from grass, flowers or trees. It causes sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. More common in children over seven years of age but can affect younger children too. There are many medications available but check with your doctor as to what may suit your child best. If your child is really struggling your doctor may prescribe a nasal spray. Generally, the best thing is a long-acting, non-sedating antihistamine syrup and look for suitable medicines containing loratadine or cetirizine. Prickly Heat This is also known as heat rash or miliaria. It is a red and itchy rash along with a prickly sensation, hence the name. It occurs during the hotter months and is thought to be caused by blockages in the sweat glands. Young infants and babies are more prone to prickly heat because their sweat glands are not yet fully developed. It can appear anywhere on the body but more commonly on areas that are exposed to the sun or in folds of skin. It is irritating for children but not a serious condition. It usually disappears in a few days. The best thing you can do is keep your child cool if they are suffering from an outbreak of prickly heat. You can place them in a cool bath and pat them dry. Dress them in light, cotton clothes that enable their skin to breathe. Synthetic clothing won’t allow this. If your child is really irritable and unable to sleep then an antihistamine syrup should help. By Eirian Hallinan

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Toxic Materials and Toys: What to Watch For

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:05:24 +0000

As if we need one more thing to worry about these days, the LA Times recently published an article on watching out for toxic toy materials. Although regulations on toxic materials in toys do exist, there are many harmful substances that aren’t regulated at all. You probably remember when Mattel made headlines in 2007 for having to recall millions of toys because they contained lead paint–both the toy industry and parents where in a huge uproar about exposing their children to harmful chemicals. As a result, changes were made, regulations were put in place, but a ton still needs to be done. The article reports, “One of the main problems is that children, particularly those younger than 3, often put toys in their mouths or otherwise use toys in ways that they were not intended. But even older children can be at risk due to behaviors such as sucking on a necklace. Experts agree that until a comprehensive U.S. policy is in place to identify and disclose all toxic ingredients, consumers should (A) not panic and (B) do some research before joining the throngs of holiday shoppers.” The LA Times put together a list of what to watch for. It’s long, which gives you one more reason to start your holiday shopping now–it’s going to require some homework if you you want to keep your mini-me’s out of harm’s way. From the LA Times: •Avoid buying costume jewelry for children. As lead has come under closer scrutiny, cadmium is increasingly being used as a substitute for lead in paint, toys and children’s jewelry. Cadmium is a neurotoxin and carcinogen that children can be exposed to when they handle, suck or swallow the product. In January, the CPSC recalled a large quantity of children’s costume jewelry because it was found to contain high levels of cadmium. • Avoid purchasing vinyl products, also known as PVC (for polyvinyl chloride) when possible. These are several times more likely to contain hazardous additives compared with other plastics, says Jeff Gearhart, research director for HealthyStuff.org, a consumer product testing website. Items made with synthetic leather, such as kids’ baseball gloves, often contain vinyl. Vinyl products may also include certain balls, children’s bracelets and other rubbery and flexible items. • Inspect the plastic labeling and product packaging and look for the familiar triangular recycling symbol containing a “3” with a “V” underneath the symbol. The labeling is not universal but is used on a significant number of vinyl products. Flexible, rubbery plastic products that emit a distinct odor are often good indicators that the product contains a vinyl plasticizer, Gearhart says. The Center for Health, Environment and Justice has a PVC-free guide. • Don’t buy brightly colored plastics when purchasing items that a young child might put in his or her mouth. Despite the recent tightening of federal regulations, these plastics could contain cadmium, lead, organotins or other toxic pigments or stabilizers, Massey says. • Consult sites such as Healthystuff.org and Goodguide.com to find out if certain toys contain brominated flame retardants (BFRs) — found in baby products, such as mattress pads, and toys, such as dolls, swords, action figures and ones made of foam and rubber. BFRs have been linked to a number of adverse health effects, and one family of BFRs is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Healthystuff.org and Goodguide.com both screen for bromine, which is a likely indicator of BFRs. Choose products that have low or no bromine content. • When buying toys that contain textiles or leather garments, be conscious of “azo dyes,” which are widely used in the textile and leather industries. Azo dyes can form cancer-causing compounds when inhaled, absorbed through the skin or taken up by the gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, since these chemicals are not regulated, the best way to avoid them is to select toys made of wood and natural products, or toys that bear eco-labels, which are becoming more widespread. When buying a textile product such as a doll or stuffed animal, look for a European eco-label such as Oeko-Tex, which can be found in some specialty toy stores. The European Union has much stricter regulations on toxic chemicals than does the U.S. • Choking on toys, toy parts, balls and balloons is a hazard for children younger than 3. From 1990 to 2007, 196 children died after choking or asphyxiating on a toy or toy part,, according to U.S. PIRG, an umbrella consumer-advocacy organization for individual state Public Interest Research Groups. Use an empty toilet paper roll to test whether a toy or toy part may be a choking hazard. If the item passes through a toilet paper roll, it is too small for children younger than 3 or children who put toys in their mouths. Also watch out for parts that are barely larger than this industry standard, because children have choked on parts that are larger, says Elizabeth Hitchcock, public health advocate for U.S. PIRG. “We always caution parents to really look hard at a toy, take it out of the box and use it before they put it in the hands of their child,” Hitchcock says. “See if there are parts that will break off, and don’t just rely on the label.” • Do not buy products bearing the California Proposition 65 label with wording similar to this: “Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.” • Avoid toys containing small magnets that can be swallowed. When ingested, strong magnets will attract to each other and can cause serious internal injuries. • Though these are few and far between, look for toys and children’s products that have labels indicating what ingredients were used to make them. • Check out lists put together by groups that have conducted tests on toys. Healthystuff.org (www.healthystuff.org), run by Ecology Center, a nonprofit organization based in Ann Arbor, Mich., does independent testing on a range of consumer

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Dining Out With Children: Should It Ever Be Okay?

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 20:17:56 +0000

By Lisa Pecos When it comes to dining with children, too many parents fall into the trap of thinking that the rest of the world should happily accommodate their children without complaint. Because we love our children so much, it is easy to forget that other people may not be as charmed by them. This is especially true in grownup restaurants, where diners expect to be able to have a quiet, relaxed meal without someone else’s loud kids running around and disrupting one’s meal. No one likes to think of themselves as one of those parents who show disregard for others in public places, but given all the things we have to worry about as parents, it is surprisingly easy to fall into this trap without realizing it. If you want to make sure you do not become one of those parents, here are some things to keep in mind about dining with children. Follow the unwritten rules Although some restaurants do explicitly forbid children at least during peak hours, many restaurants have no such prohibition. However, it is important to realize that a lack of prohibition does not necessarily mean that eating with children in a certain restaurant is always okay. You could argue that it is a free country and that you can take your kids anywhere, but while that is true, we also have to respect other people, which means following certain unwritten rules. One of the most important unwritten rules about dining with children is that date-friendly establishments are off-limits. When considering a restaurant, think about whether there may be couples there seeking a quiet, romantic meal. If so, understand that having noisy young children at the next table can kill the mood quickly. Meanwhile, it is also a good idea to avoid restaurants that advertise themselves as fine dining establishments, as they generally seek to create a sophisticated and grownup atmosphere. Another unwritten rule is that no one outside of your family should be expected to make sure your kids behave. That responsibility falls entirely on your shoulders, which means that you are in charge of ensuring that your child stays seated, keeps his or her voice down, and does not make a mess. This may seem obvious, but ask anyone who has ever been a waiter at a family restaurant and they’ll tell you that a shocking number parents neglect this basic rule. Dining out with children When seeking a place to dine out with the whole family, places that advertise themselves as “family restaurants” are the best choices. These places are accustomed to dealing with children and should be able to offer things like high chairs as well as coloring mats and crayons to keep kids occupied. In fact, that is another good sign-if you enter a restaurant and see crayons on the tables, then it is a child-friendly establishment. Also, you can check restaurant web sites to see if they have kids’ menus. But even in child-friendly restaurants, parents still need to do certain things to make sure it goes well. For example, it cannot hurt to dine during off-peak hours such as the mid-afternoon or early evening, and it is a good idea to ask for a table that is far away from other diners. Then, parents should try to keep their kids seated and well-behaved. And in the event that a tantrum occurs, it is best to end the situation immediately, before it worsens. Rather than allowing the child to rage and disturb all the other patrons, have an adult take the child outside until he or she calms down.

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The Art of Sharing – Shared Custody

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:35:10 +0000

My Experiences with Shared Custody Our breakup started and ended quickly. That said I had probably missed all the signals a failing relationship yields the whole year and half we were together. In that time we had shared an apartment, friends and our son. In hindsight we were naive to think a relationship with so little chance to grow before Austin came along would succeed. We did our best to accommodate the changes a child brings. We picked out the best daycare, bought all the necessities and read the books people suggested. Austin became the best thing in our lives. Soon it had become clear he was the only topic we could discuss without argument, the only reason we were still together. Trying to separate the days each parent would spend with him soon became a nightmare. I couldn’t foresee not being with him every day, let alone the three days a week initially proposed; neither could my ex. We both sought out attorneys and began the fight for primary custody. Every imaginable angle of our parenting was brought to light before strangers as well as our own family members. Even though I felt my ex was a more than capable and loving father, I questioned every motive and choice he had made since we had been together, including his choice to leave me. I had thought, again with nativity, that we would get married, buy a house and live happily ever after. I had assumed we loved each the same way and that our ambitions were shared. It took several months, multiple attorneys and thousands of dollars to accomplish what I believe now we should have been able to do in the first place; grow up. It is hard when you are so angry and hurt to see through the parenting plans to the brighter side. Life does continue after your ordeal ends and the arrangements you work so hard to set up often get discarded and uprooted in the best interest of the child. Since our breakup and permanent plan, we have found that although our relationship is not ideal, it works. Today we plan birthdays, holidays and school meetings together. We call and discuss our lives, parenting styles and our son’s development. In many ways we are better parents separated than together. I never could have imagined that my child was capable of teaching me the true meaning of being a parent, but looking back it was watching him handle our breakup that made me see better ways to handle my lifestyle change. Had I not faced the relationship troubles we had I would never have been able to fully grow as a person. The first emotion I experienced was anger. That anger both propelled me and ruined me through my whole ordeal. As is often the case with anger, it led us to say things we didn’t mean. This didn’t stop at us; it continued to seep into our families and friends. You often look to your parents for direction and advice. I have few memories of being able to see more clearly than my mother. Despite the fact that the judge had accepted my parenting plan, that in all likelihood we would not have to return to court and our relationships could begin to heal, my parents were still very hurt and negative about the future. Without meaning to, they often pushed those feelings on to me. It got to the point where I was ready to let my anger go when they couldn’t. Watching my son be shuffled between us, switch daycares and move into two new residences in the months before made me think; how selfish it was for me to not consider making things normal as soon as possible. I called my ex that night and apologized for the situation. Using every conflict resolution technique I had been taught, I listened to his side no matter how upsetting it was. Over the next few weeks these calls proceeded and slowly became friendlier. Eventually we were able to sit down and change our plan to meet more of our wants and needs. Patience is something you run out of quickly by the end of week. It’s getting dark, you haven’t eaten, slept well and you left work just half hour before making your trek. Add a forty-five minute drive up to pick up your child and an hour drive back. This is often my Saturday or Sunday evening, depending on our week. Although getting home is often on my mind I refuse to rush my son from his dad’s house. When I walk in to pick him up he is always eager to show me what he did and tell me about his weekend. I learned that even though going in and sitting down with my ex was hard at first, Austin really liked it. Today I see how much it helped our relationship grow and how much more comfortable I am in uncomfortable situations. Every weekend we now sit down and play with Austin for a few minutes. He finishes eating or getting ready and cleans up his toys before we go. Recently one my cats was unhappy with our others, when my ex mentioned maybe getting a pet, I jumped on the chance to off load a cat. Mr. Purr is now a permanent resident at his house. If I run out of things to talk about, the cat always saves the day. Besides Austin thinks having pets at both houses is a really fun idea. One of my biggest stresses had been starting a new relationship with someone else. I felt like we had been through so much, I couldn’t handle another breakup or let down. I was lucky to find someone my son and I had already known. While this was lucky for me it was distressing to my ex. Funny enough as most men do, he had little thought to whom he had seen during our separation

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That, I understand! Parenting

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:20:35 +0000

By Ambyr Hunt So, their are times when I am up late enough to watch the old episodes of Seinfeld. I just love Seinfeld and the raw truth that is “uncovered” during each show. The presentation of each life lesson is so hysterical that their are times when I have to pause the t.v. and catch my breath! Seriously, I don’t know if I think it’s funny because I have lived out some of the drama presented or if it’s just that I am up late and slap happy! Either way, I just can’t make it through a show without wiping tears of laughter off my face! More often than not, I am laughing alone in bed with a very annoyed sleeping husband. To me, it’s worth every frustrated grunt that comes from his side of the bed! I watched a hilarious episode a few nights ago that I don’t ever remember watching before. Every now and then I come across a “forgotten or missed” episode and I have a whole new remorse for Seinfeld not running anymore. So, This particular show Elaine was dating a new guy. She went and borrowed his car and was horrified at the realization that all of his radio stations were pre-programmed to christian radio. Her facial expression was priceless and inevitably she ends up sitting down with Jerry and George to discuss this new found dilemma in her life. Jerry comes up with “well, it’s probably just a new car and he hasn’t gotten around to reprogramming the stations” Elaine says, elated “Right! because he’s lazy!!” George gives his two cents worth of “Or…he might not know how to program them” Again, Elaine is thrilled at the fact that this could be true and says “Yes! because he’s dumb!” Jerry then proceeds to say to Elaine ” You’d rather be dating someone who is lazy and stupid than someone who is religious?” Of course Elaine gives her best “DUH” expression and says “Well, yes, I understand lazy and stupid! I don’t get religion”. That’s when the audience roars with laughter and that’s where my wheels started turning…… It was a good point don’t you think? Since everything I do revolves around parenting that’s where my mind went first. With parenting, there are times when I understand what my kids do….I just don’t get it! The funny thing is, that I think my kids are confused at how I can go from an intelligent human being and then all of a sudden my brain freezes and they are left with a mom that has no common sense at all. Really, I will ask questions like “what are you doing?” as they are drawing pictures on the mirror because it’s fogged up. They look at me a little puzzled and proceed to answer me by saying “drawing on the mirror because it’s all fogged up” or how about when I ask “Did you just draw on that?” pointing to the leather van seat with their name in their hand writing written on it. They almost pause a little as if they think “hmmmm….she’s asking…….. this must mean that she doesn’t know it was me”. No…..you see the point is, I understand what they have done, I just don’t get it! Same is true with my kids. When the roles are reversed their are things that my kids understand about me, but they just really don’t get! This was very clear when Josh received a “mom quiz” on facebook a while back. The quiz was set up to see how much you really knew about your mom. (I guess facebook now creates surveys for our parents so that when we fail miserably and forget to call our moms on their birthdays they have one more thing to throw at us “…..and….you don’t even appreciate me, you failed the ‘how much do you know your mother’ quiz on facebook!”….that’s my theory at least). Of course we had some fun with it and asked Kaidon some of the questions just to see how he’d answer. It went something like this: Josh: what does your mom do most?Kaidon: clean!Josh: What does your mom do in her free time?Kaidon: clean!Josh: What does your mom do for a living?Kaidon: clean!Josh: What is the first thing your mom does when she gets up in the morning?Kaidon: clean!Josh: When your mom gets angry, what does she do?Kaidon: clean!Josh: What makes your mom frustrated?Kaidon: When things aren’t clean!Josh: What does your mom LIKE doing?Kaidon: cleaning! UH, what? can you repeat that? You see, he clearly understands what I do, he just does not get it! No, he doesn’t get that I’d like nothing more than to curl up with a good book in a quiet house that I didn’t have to clean. Although….come to think of it, he would understand I was reading but he might just not get why I am reading without being told by my teacher to do so…..what a vicious cycle! Authors Bio: Ambyr Hunt is a stay at home mom to six growing kids. Although she enjoys her days spent with her kids, the best part is being able to recount all their quirkiness into fun-loving stories to be remembered for many years. You can also follow her on : huntsixpack.blogspot.com

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How to Lose Your Mommy Tummy

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:23:51 +0000

One of the hardest things that new mothers face is figuring out how to lose their mommy tummy. The outer abdominal muscles become so stretched out during pregnancy that even once you have given birth and your uterus has shrunk back down to its normal size, it is very difficult to get those muscles back into pre-baby shape. Even though it is difficult to get your stomach muscles back into super trim shape, it is certainly not an impossible task. If you follow some basic guidelines you can see a noticeable change in your body, but you must not expect overnight miracles or instant fixes because the reality is that it takes some time. Focus on Nutrition There are a variety of things you can do to try to flatten your tummy and lose those extra pounds. The first thing you need to do is realize that eating a healthy diet is a key component to getting back in shape. While it is certainly difficult to find the time to prepare healthy meals (and even more difficult to find the time to sit down and actually enjoy them), you should plan to have foods on hand that are quick and easy to eat such as tuna, vegetable sticks, canned fruit, or handheld soups that can quickly be heated in the microwave and then consumed from the same container! Try to make a habit of snacking on several small meals throughout the day. You can eat things such as a handful of cashews or almonds, cheese and whole grain crackers, fruit wedges, or slices of turkey, ham, or roast beef. Just be careful that you do not eat too much at any one time or else you might wind up consuming far more food than you intended. Exercise While you certainly don’t want to jump right into exercise immediately after your baby is born, you will need to gradually start incorporating some walking into your daily routine. As a general rule, new mothers need to wait for about six weeks after giving birth before they can start exercising again, but be sure to check with your doctor for permission before you begin an exercise program. To help flatten and tone your tummy, however, you will need to do more than just walk. One of the best ways you can do this is by focusing on your core muscles. Your core muscles are technically known as the transverse abdominis and they lie behind the muscles that generally become separated while you are pregnant. If you pull your belly button in towards your spine (without holding your breath) you will engage your core muscles, thus helping to strengthen them. The trick is to make this activity a habit. It is one of those things that can really be done anywhere; it is simply a matter of getting used to doing it. If you walk around with your core muscles engaged most of the time, it will do more towards helping to flatten your tummy than doing endless amounts of crunches. By Jamell Andrews

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Are Sunscreens Harmful for Kids Health

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:01:27 +0000

When choosing a sunscreen for your kids health, the greatest urge may be to simply grab something off the shelf of your local drug store. There are a variety of sunscreens that are specifically marketed for children, but in reality the formulations of these sunscreens are not really that much different than the ones you find in regular formulas that are marketed for adults. Harmful Ingredients Unfortunately , there are a number of ingredients used in sunscreens that are known to be harmful to our health. Some of these ingredients can be even more dangerous to the developing bodies of children. So, when shopping for a sunscreen for your children, what type should you buy? The most important thing to remember is that there are some ingredients that you need to avoid when shopping for sunscreens. Some of the most dangerous ones include the following: Parabens (butyl-,ethyl-,methyl-, and propyl-) are preservatives commonly used in sunscreens, so it may be a bit of a challenge to try avoiding them. Parabens are known to accumulate in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer and they have also produced abnormal hormonal effects within laboratory rodents. PABA causes a DNA defect in human cells, so it has been removed from most sunscreens. Make sure you read labels, however, to be sure that this ingredient is not listed in a product you buy. PABA is a dangerous chemical and it should always be avoided. Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone) are chemicals designed to prevent UV damage, but they have actually been shown to cause DNA damage after being absorbed into the skin. Some evidence suggests that sunlight exposure is what actually causes the chemicals to react, resulting in free radical damage. Benzophenone (benzophenone-3), homosalate, and octy-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate) have been shown to produce estrogenic effects after being absorbed into the skin. They are also linked to allergies and cell damage. These have been so widely used that the Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 97% of people in the United States are contaminated with these chemicals. Which Ingredients should you look for? The fact of the matter is that you should actively avoid most of the sunscreens that are sold in drug and discount stores. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the two safest choices when checking out sunscreen ingredients because they reflect the sun’s rays off of your skin rather than absorbing them. There is also a lesser risk of these particular ingredients building up inside the body, which of course makes them safer for long-term use. It is important to choose a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15, but it is really not necessary to choose a product with one higher than about 30. You should also be prepared to reapply your child’s sunscreen every hour or so, particularly if he or she is going to be out in the sun for an extended period of time. You should reapply the sunscreen regularly, even if a sunscreen claims to be waterproof. If you are concerned about the overall safety of sunscreens, you should take the time to research specific products and/or ingredients before making any purchases. There are some websites that offer analyses of products and ingredients in an effort to alert consumers to those products that many experts consider to be dangerous. However, if you look for products that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide you should be able to feel confident that you have chosen the safest possible product for your child’s health and sun safety. Unfortunately, there are a number of ingredients used in sunscreens that are known to be harmful to our health. Some of these ingredients can be even more dangerous to the developing bodies of children. By Andrew Van Vooren Sources Used 1. Treadwell, Patricia. “What kind of sunscreen is best for children?” BabyCenter.com. http://www.babycenter.com/404_what-kind-of-sunscreen-is-best-for-children_ 70547.bc. Accessed 21 September 2009. 2. “Safe Sunscreens for the Family.” NatureMoms.com. http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/ 2008/04/21/safe-sunscreens/. Accessed 21 September 2009.

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Personalize It: Giving the Perfect Gift for Every Occasion

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:58:52 +0000

By Diane Cullen One of the best gifts I ever gave was a ceramic plate. Given to a dear friend on the occasion of her daughter’s baptism, the plate was hand-painted in pink and pale green and featured a cross, just as I had specified. The baby’s name and baptism date were spelled out in hand-drawn, whimsical letters. I can still recall that feeling of giddy anticipation as I waited for my friend to unwrap that plate. Here was a gift I would have made myself, just for my friend, if only I possessed the talent. Because I don’t, I did the next best thing: I asked a talented artist to personalize her work to my specifications and together we created a one-of-a-kind gift that I know my friend-and in time, her daughter-will cherish forever. After all, this perfect gift was handmade just for them. I’ve been giving personalized gifts ever since: a monogrammed dress for a first birthday, a ceramic cross with the name of a niece making her first communion, even a key chain featuring the hand-painted portrait of a friend’s beloved dog. For the next friend who has a baby, I’ll turn a practical gift into a stylish one by ordering monogrammed pacifier clips (those handy gadgets that keep pacifiers connected to baby’s clothing). I’m officially regretting the run-of-the-mill gift card I gave my son’s teacher at the end of the school year; a ceramic plate featuring hand-painted portraits of the children in the class would have meant so much more. And if I could do my wedding over again, I’d give myself and everyone in attendance a gift by ordering a custom-made wedding program that features hand-drawn pictures of each person in the wedding party! I’ve discovered there is no end to the type of occasion that can benefit from a personalized gift. Think beyond baby showers, birthdays, and baptisms. Have a friend who recently adopted a child? Help the new family start a tradition of celebrating the day their child arrived, which is sometimes called Gotcha Day or Adoption Day. This is a perfect way to establish an annual family tradition of honoring your child and emphasizing just how special and unique he or she is. Your gift can be as elaborate as a custom painting of the new family (you provide details like hair color and clothing color) or as simple and inexpensive as a box of sugar cookies featuring the continent of the child’s birth. Whatever you choose, your personalized, handmade gift is proof that you cared enough to give something extra special. Know someone who recently suffered a miscarriage, a stillbirth, or another type of untimely loss? When words feel insufficient or escape you altogether, a personalized gift can provide the comfort you long to give. Jewelry etched with a message you chose, a quilt made of fabric you selected, or a portrait drawn from a picture you provided are gifts that will be cherished forever. When it comes to giving gifts, nothing says you care better than a personalized gift. For a complete selection of unique, handmade personalized gifts to mark any occasion, from births to weddings to memorials, visit http://www.cccgifts.com today. Authors Bio: Diane Cullen Page specializes in personalized gifts for all occasions and is the founder of CCC Gifts http://www.cccgifts.com – dcullenpage@cccgifts.com. CCC Gifts offers not only the best personalized gifts, but also unique gifts such as Gotcha Day, memorial and loss gifts, etc. Check out their back to school specials going on now. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.

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Last-Minute Fun & Easy Party Games & Activities to Make Your Kids Birthday a Hit!

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:19:49 +0000

By: K.D. Grant Last minute kids party planning made easy! Find a full day’s worth of fun, ready-to-play, and often free, interactive games and activities to make your child’s next birthday party truly memorable. You set the date and sent out the invitations with the greatest of intentions of planning the perfect birthday party for your child. Then somehow time got away from you, the date is fast approaching, and you’ve done little more than buy the gifts and order the cake. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Parents everywhere are struggling to keep up with all the daily household and career responsibilities while taking care of the seemingly endless to-do list that comes along with parenting. In a bad economy, this becomes even more of a challenge. However, all is not lost. You can still throw a great party with plenty of fun activities that will earn your child bragging rights and have his or her friends talking about the fantastic time they had long after the party’s over. Today’s generation of parents have a secret weapon on their side that gives them an edge that their parents didn’t have — the Internet. We’ll tell you how to save time and surf the web to quickly locate a full day’s worth of fun, and often free, interactive activities to make your child’s party truly unique and memorable without leaving the comfort of your home. Below are just a few of the game ideas that are sure to be a hit, are ready to play, and just a click away: Embark on a Treasure Hunt – Kids of all ages love to solve puzzles, follow a trail of clues, and race to track down hidden loot, and a classic printable treasure hunt with fun and clever pre-made clues is the perfect solution when you need an exciting party game quickly that children will love. An online treasure hunt can be simply downloaded, printed, and played instantly at minimal cost, and comes complete with a hiding guide to help you coordinate and pull off the perfect hunt that will bring your party to life! And don’t limit yourself to birthdays – these can be used to entertain your young children, teens, and their friends during sleepovers, on holidays, at picnics and while outdoors, on vacation, in the classroom, or for family fun night, plus there are many other themes to choose from. To learn more about how these hunts work and order online, visit www.treasure-adventure.com Play the Pantomime Game – This hilarious game will have children up on their feet and in all sorts of crazy positions as they attempt to mimic poses picked from a deck of printable cards. It’s a great way to break the ice and get kids interacting while having fun and improving their coordination and creative thinking skills. All you need is a printer and flexible children ready to play. http://www.printgames.net/english/pdf_e/panto.pdf Solve Puzzles & Word Games – You can create your own personalized word searches, crossword games, or jigsaw puzzles based on your party theme. For example, for your child’s birthday you might want to create a word search or puzzle containing your child’s favorite things, for a music themed party use names or pictures of instruments, or for a pirate party have the kids search for pirate jargon or treasure items, etc., and award small prizes to the one who uncovers all the words first or completes the puzzle first. Several web sites exist that let you generate your own unique puzzles and word games. You can even add your own graphics and personalize with your child’s name. To make your own word search puzzle you might try the web site www.billybear4kids.com, create your own jigsaw photo puzzle using a generator like www.flash-gear.com, or build a fun and challenging crossword puzzle at http://edhelper.com/crossword_free.htm Compete in the Paper Airplane Olympics — Have each child create a paper airplane, and then let them decorate their aircraft with their own personal style. You can divide the pilots into fighter teams or play as individuals. The planes then are raced through the air towards a target and judged in 3 different categories: best appearance, greatest distance in flight, and most accurate. The kids will love showing off their artwork and sending their airplanes soaring. The best part is all you need is some paper and crayons! www.wonderhowto.com “Capture the Spoons” – This is a fast-paced exciting and very popular card game that is perfect for large groups. All you need is one or two decks of cards depending on the size of your party, and kitchen spoons for all but one of your players. The kids form a circle and rapidly pick and pass along discarded cards trying to get 4 of a kind while keeping an eye on the spoons and other players in the event someone else gets 4 first. The first person to get 4 of a kind then tries to sneak away one of the spoons that have been placed in the center. Once one spoon is taken, the rest of the children must all dive into the center to get a spoon before they’re gone, and the one left without a spoon is either out of the game (shorter version) or given a letter each time, starting with “S,” until “SPOONS” is spelled and they’re out of the game (longer version). Don’t forget to include this easy classic party game that is a sure-fire winner that kids will love! http://boardgames.about.com/od/cardgames/a/spoons.htm Do-it-yourself party planning becomes a breeze when you take advantage of all the free and inexpensive kids games and activities that can be found on the world wide web that are perfect for livening up any children’s party without the stress of last-minute shopping in crowded stores with limited time and paying high prices for party games or party planners. ABOUT THE AUTHOR K.D. Grant is the president of www.Treasure-Adventure.com a children’s party game company that offers kids print ‘n’ play

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Easy Kids Craft Ideas: A Refreshing Alternative to Extravagant Parties

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:10:00 +0000

By Rachel Messina As shows such as MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16” showcase the growing trend of over-the-top and extravagant parties for children and teens, it becomes increasingly difficult to remember the days of simple gatherings where Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Musical Chairs were considered prime entertainment. Kids and parents alike seem to be expecting more and more when it comes to celebrations these days, but sometimes the simple and classic approach dazzles guests just as much as expensive favors and amusement. Planning a children’s party should be a fun collaboration that focuses on celebrating between friends rather than showing off to neighbors with fancy venues and excessive decorations. While brainstorming kids birthday party ideas, for example, there are many factors to consider regarding the number of guests, themes, refreshments and favors, so keeping things simple is essential for the busy parents not to mention less of a strain on the wallet. When considering uncomplicated and inexpensive party favors, it is easy to get tempted by cheap and useless trinkets that hold no sentimental value and will most likely get thrown out the moment festivities end. Filling goodie bags with candy or junk food can also be risky since some parents may disapprove of these treats. Easy kids craft ideas for children to take home are an excellent alternative to traditional favors, and they also double as an entertaining activity for the party. Do-it-yourself crafting often becomes messy and chaotic with gatherings hosting young children and large numbers, but there are ways around the mess and difficulty that is typically associated with crafting. One company called Colortime Crafts & Markers offers inexpensive custom tee shirts, pillowcases, tote bags, backpacks and bandanas with different designs for kids to color how they like. Graphics on each of these products include fun images and slogans such as “Girls Rock,” “Circle of Friends,” and “Allstar.” Designs are also catered towards holiday celebrations and even Girl Scout activities. The permanent, non-toxic and chlorine resistant fabric markers come in a variety of sixteen colors and can be used for up to five to six full tee shirts each. All products can be purchased online, and discounts and customization options are given for wholesale orders. Although simple, easy craft ideas like this provide just enough personalization for children and teens of all ages to treasure and keep as a souvenir of the party. Preparation requires virtually no setup, and these projects are much less daunting for parents than the conventional art activities involving wet paint and sticky glue. This simple craft idea can be recycled for many different occasions such as slumber party planning. When thinking of fun things to do at sleepovers, children usually get sucked into the television or video games. Crafts are a great way to get those creative juices flowing again, and are a perfect and refreshing reminder of just how easy it is to have fun without having to turn to the latest high-tech or overly expensive entertainment options. Author Bio: Rachel Messina, a writer and Internet Marketing specialist with Mountain Media, writes about unique ecommerce businesses, Internet consumer trends, and useful web sites, such as Colortime.com, an online source for birthday parties and slumber parties.

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Surprising Secrets to a Successful Summer

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:02:54 +0000

by Toni Schutta You’re probably busy planning every detail so your kids can have a memorable summer packed with vacations, summer camps, sports activities and more. As you finish your planning, be sure to allow time for three surprising activities that are research-proven to help your child’s emotional, neurological and physical well-being. Secret #1: Allow time each day for unstructured, child-directed play (or free time for adolescents). Research is emerging that the hectic lifestyle that many parents have chosen for their children may be harmful to a child’s development. Remember when you were growing up and you just went outside to play? It turns out that the fun you had using your imagination, playing tag and hanging out with other kids was actually causing nerve growth in the frontal cortex of your brain which controls the executive controls, along with numerous other positive neurological developments. There are other benefits to play: it requires attention and sharpens the senses; it demands mental dexterity and flexibility; it thrives on possibility; it expands human variability; it expands our nervous system; it allows us to take risks and try on new roles; it teaches kids how to get along with others and control themselves; it encourages creative problem-solving; it fosters decision making, memory, thinking and speeds up mental processing; it reduces aggression; it develops brain cells that exert control over attention, regulate emotions and control behavior. (1) In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics has called unstructured play and free time “essential to development and the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights has recognized play as a right of every child. (2) Many children have limited access to play, however. With the increased marketing machine that urges parents to buy gadgets that will give kids an edge, and to the increased academic pressures from No Child Left Behind, the professionalism of kids’ sports and over-the-top college admissions pressures, parents have succumb to the notion that their child has to be involved in multiple structured activities and has to excel at all of them. Play and free time have decreased rapidly. The amount of free time in unstructured play and outdoor activities decreased from 40% of children’s time in 1981 to just 25% of a child’s day in 1997 (1) and in 2009, that number will be even less. When children do have free time, their favorite activities are TV, computer use and video games, all sedentary pursuits that limit creativity. So what’s a parent to do? Cut back on the number of organized activities your child is in and just let him/her have down time. Provide toys that are conducive to imaginative play. Limit the time your child is on electronic gadgets. Send them outside. Teach them old-fashioned games and let them hang out with the neighbor kids. Your kids may need some ideas to get started. Three websites that provide a listing of fun outdoor games for kids are: http://grandparents.about.com/od/projectsactivities/tp/OutdoorGames.htm http://www.indianchild.com/outdoorgames1.htm and http://familyfun.go.com/games/indoor-outdoor-games/ Secret # 2: Let your child connect with nature. A movement is sweeping the country with the claim that our children have â€œNature-Deficit Disorder. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Wood, who first coined the term, describes it this way. Nature-deficit disorder is not an official diagnosis but a way of viewing the problem, and describes the human costs of alienation from nature, among them: diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses. The disorder can be detected in individuals, families, and communities. (3) Others are reminding us that ‘No Child Left Inside’ should be the goal. In a typical week, only 6 percent of children, ages nine to 13, play outside on their own. (3) Yet the effects of connecting with nature are bountiful. Children are smarter, more cooperative, happier and healthier when they have frequent and varied opportunities for free and unstructured play in the out-of-doors. Green plants and play yards reduce children’s stress. Free play in natural areas enhances children’s cognitive flexibility, problem-solving ability, creativity, self-esteem, and self-discipline. Students score higher on standardized tests when natural environments are integral to schools’ curricula. Effects of attention-deficit disorder are reduced when children have regular access to the out-of-doors. (3) The recommendation is for parents and grandparents to simply take children outdoors and share the joys of connecting with nature. Visiting a park, playing in the backyard or walking in the woods will have restorative powers for stressed out kids and adults. Families who want to take a bigger step can organize a nature club. Here’s a link on how to get started: http://www.childrenandnature.org/downloads/NCFF_toolkit.pdf Secret # 3: Just hang out as a family. The number one factor in keeping children emotionally healthy, drug and alcohol free and out of trouble is the amount of time that they spend with their families, according to Bill Doherty, head of the Family Social Science Department at the University of Minnesota. (4) Doherty shares studies that show sharp declines in the number of conversations that children have with family members, the number of family dinners people share, and the lack of free time that families have for connecting. A warm and limit-setting family is the most important element for kids and that requires a lot of time, time not spent running around. Children need time to daydream, to chill out. We’ve reversed it all, said Doherty. A deep-seated connectedness to and caring about others that create the love, safety and security that children need to thrive is what children need most to survive in an ever-increasingly challenging world, according to an American Academy of Pediatrics report. (2) Family activities such as talking, making meals, playing games and playing sports are some of the best interactions which occur when downtime is allowed, the report concluded. The tried and true method for helping children be successful is family time. Doherty and co-creator Barbara Carlson have a web-site (and a movement) called www.puttingfamilyfirst.org that provides parents with tools for putting the breaks on over scheduling

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Grappling with the Birthday Beast

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 07 May 2009 21:24:42 +0000

by Jennifer Kirsch A mother starts to plan her son’s birthday party five months in advance, calling the parents of children with proximate birthdays to coordinate dates. A bewildered father wonders where to corral the many toys his daughter receives for her birthday. A friend confesses her relief at learning her son would like to go fishing with a neighbor on his birthday, foregoing a party. A comic strip pictures a family going through customs en route to a birthday celebration.(1) Have children’s birthday parties reached an immoderate level? Beginning as uninvolved functions, they marked the passing of another year in a child’s life. Understandably, busy parents started outsourcing event planning and coordination, but what was originally an honest attempt to save time and effort has escalated into a formidable movement, as celebrations have become elaborate, pricey, and even monstrous undertakings. The trend is most obvious on the entertainment front, where bedazzling guests is the goal. Hosts routinely rent free-fall rides, book princesses, line up petting zoos, and showcase scorpions in living rooms.(2) Some even toy with danger, as in Coral Gables, Florida, where a live cougar attacked a birthday guest.(3) The brutal pre-party planning stage also raises a red flag. With a sense of obligation permeating festivities, hosts concentrate on what is expected, rather than rejoicing over the occasion. Beleaguered parents then spend days grappling with the birthday beast: researching venues, brainstorming themes, and competing to find the most original idea, cutest cake, or enticing activity, all within a budget. Soon select universities will undoubtedly offer degrees in birthday party management. Undeniably, top dollar amusement spells good news for party guests. Yet, shifting the focus to wowing party-goers saps hosts’ savings and shatters their sanity. As presents pile up, parents’ efforts to teach gratitude deflate faster than a punctured balloon. The birthday child often experiences the flip-side of the merriment, as well, fading into the background. Restaurants boasting rides and video games present a case in point. With friends happily scattered in the maze of token-gobbling machines, and multiple fetes taking place simultaneously, the birthday child seems all but forgotten. Resigned to a similar fate is the affair whose scale approaches that of a wedding, with hundreds of invitees, a photographer, professional entertainment, a catered buffet, and in one case, a babysitter paid to engage the two-year-old birthday girl while her parents managed the crowd and arrangements. Will the child even be invited next year? Still, birthdays mark important milestones in a child’s life and warrant a celebration. Yet, short of launching fireworks, can parents find a way to make them fun? Tempted to set up birthday savings plans, rather than earmarking funds for higher education, I vowed to counter the trend. On my way to enroll my preschooler in swim lessons (a prerequisite for kindergarten pool parties), I switched course, embarking instead upon a quest to tame the birthday beast. Birthdayswithoutpressure.org advises cutting the extravagance: limiting guests to friends; scheduling the event mid-day to avoid serving a meal; doling out only one favor per child. Eager to put a leash on the beast, I attempted to follow this advice, but soon faltered. Unable to withstand the regret of planning an unimpressive event and not reciprocating some invitations, I caved in, adding guests and frivolities (while impairing finances). Reigning in a monster requires resolve. The next party, I tried domesticating the animal, throwing a backyard bash. Once again, though, the beast prevailed. Compensating for the lack of professional revelry, I prepared over twenty homespun games, and even constructed invitations picturing Velcro-tailed donkeys, to allow party-goers to refresh pin-the-tail skills beforehand. Yet, my efforts proved futile. Accustomed to razzle-dazzle in the entertainment department, the guests expected more than dance contests and musical chairs, and expressed their disappointment by refusing to follow the rules of games, squabbling over prizes, and cutting in line. Overwhelmed with containing the disgruntlement, I even forgot to take pictures. Perhaps my lack of entertaining finesse deserved the blame. Or, with their high standards and a monstrous ravenousness, are today’s kids hard to please? A neighbor’s strategy involved outwitting the monster. Feeling obligated to invite her daughter’s entire class to a celebration, she cleverly booked the bash at an inconvenient time (on Mother’s Day one year, during a school break the next), trusting that several invitees would decline. Another parent invited guests on short notice, hoping some would already have plans for the day. Lacking such insight, I might have abandoned my quest, were it not for a friend who managed to delve into the heart of the problem. Instead of offering her son a choice of party locales one year, she simply asked how he would like to spend his special day. By taking her approach, laying aside expectations and focusing on the birthday child’s interests, might more of us end up with sensible and original plans? By getting the kids’ opinions on what they would like to eat, what they would wear, and who they would like to include, might we succeed in centering festivities, once again, around the child? Admittedly, some kids will invariably insist on the hottest party joint in town. I wonder, though, if some might just name their good friends, or choose to share their day with Grandma and Grandpa, or even Mom or Dad. Or, like my friend’s son, they might even reply they would just like to go fishing with a neighbor. (1) Dan Piraro, Bizarro.com, August 18, 2006. (2) Thelizardguys.com. (3) Patrick Condon, “Parents Get Sick of Over-the-Top Birthday Parties for their Kids,” The Star Ledger, January 22, 2007. Biographical Information for Jennifer Kirsch While not shuttling her daughters to and from birthday parties in and around Livingston, NJ, Jennifer Kirsch, a former software developer, pursues free-lance writing. Her recent publications include “Juggling Too Much?” in the July 2008 issue of The MotherHood, and “Inquiring Minds,” which appeared as the cover article in the October 2006 issue of The Church Herald. She also enjoys covering sporting events

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Road Trip Bliss – 5 Tips for Enjoy Road Trips with Your Family

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:20:16 +0000

By Sylvia Wells Road Trip Bliss Being from a family of five children that used to take extensive road trips to Newfoundland each and every summer, I have a strange fondness for car trips with the kids. I know you’re thinking that I’m crazy, but they really can be fun if you consider them in the right light. What you want your children to remember of their trip is not Dad yelling at everyone to be quiet and Mom quietly sobbing out of frustration in the front seat. You want them to remember the good stuff, and they will if you can keep your cool and consider the fact that being trapped in a car together for hours on end is actually a good thing. Your kids can’t ignore you. They can’t walk away or hide in their rooms. You have their undivided time and attention while you are all crammed in together. It’s a fabulous opportunity to reconnect with the little rug rats. Time flies and your children are grown and full of attitude before you know it. But time seems to stand still when you’re trying to get to Grandmas five hours north for the holidays. Here are a few tips to keep your cool and enjoy yourself while traveling with the kids: Of course bring the electronic devices. I know it’s the anti-perfect-parent thing to say, but they won’t play them nonstop for the whole trip. Just long enough to stop them from asking ‘Are we there yet?’ ‘How much longer?’ or announcing that they are bored every ten seconds. Thus saving you the frustration of repeating yourself over and over and over again ‘No we’re not there yet’, ‘I don’t know how much further’, ‘So find something to do’. It also gives Mom and Dad a chance to catch up with each other outside of the hustle and bustle of their busy lives and while the kids are preoccupied. Just because the radio is in the front seat doesn’t mean it’s just for the adults. Bring music that everyone likes and enjoys – make a mixed CD and take turns playing everyone’s favourite song. The diversity in music should be entertainment enough and will make everyone feel special. Don’t forget to include Mom and Dad favourites too. Try playing some really catchy oldies by Elvis, Buddy Holly or the Everly Brothers. There’s no harm in education the kids on what ‘real’ music sounds like. When the kids start fighting and the volume of yelling and whining rises from the backseat, do everyone a favour and take a deep breath. Telling them to cut it out or threatening to smack them all á la Larry, Curly, and Moe if they don’t settle down, isn’t going to work. Start by turning off the music which you probably can’t hear at that point anyway. Instead of yelling, which will only compound the noise in the car, clap your hands and announce that it is game time. The first game is who can stop talking the longest. Depending on the age of your children this will actually work. They will get all competitive with each other since they were arguing anyway and try to beat each other out. It may actually go a few rounds so be prepared for some temporary peace and quiet. Bring food. Healthy food that is. You’re just asking for mayhem if you hop the kids up on pop on chocolate during the ride. Some brightly coloured fruits and veggies are all that’s required. They have enough water in them to quench their thirst as well without crying to stop for a bathroom break before you’re scheduled time. A snack is all this in needed before you stop for lunch. Remember to let them burn off some of their newly acquired food energy by running around a bit before getting back into the car. Most places have a grassy area that you can play a quick game of tag on. Don’t pack those pillows. Keep them in the backseat with the kids. Set the mood just as you would at home. Turn off the music or turn it down low and in your soft Mommy voice, suggest that everyone takes a nap. Collect all the gadgets and encourage everyone to get comfortable. Remind them that they will be a lot closer to your destination when they wake up. Take a nap yourself so the kids know to be quiet while you’re sleeping and they will soon follow suit. Traveling with the kids doesn’t have to be a stressful event. Prepare yourself mentally for the road ahead and monopolize on the time together as a family to catch up on everyone’s news, friends, and school. Apply the same principle for short car trips around town; make it a habit to use car time as catch up time. There are no distractions or interruptions from the outside world. Use it to your advantage and you’re children will only have happy family vacation memories when they are older. About the author: Sylvia Wells is a mother of three living in Oakville, Ontario who has recently been published in the Home Decor Journal and Parenting Journal.

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Raising Strong Children from Shaky Relationships

Andrew — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:47:16 +0000

By Sylvia Wells I always wanted five children, just like my mother. Even knowing they would all be boys in accordance to the needle and thread test I did when I was about ten years old. The funny thing is that, although I planned to have all these children, I didn’t put a second of thought into who their father would be. Fast forward thirteen years to find myself in a short term relationship with an egomaniac and holding a baby boy in my arms. Fast forward another five years and I’m a single mother of an only child. I was blessed with remarkable boy, but now that I was single I couldn’t imagine having any more children. It was somewhat disturbing and yet comforting to know that almost everyone around me seemed to be in the same situation. Either they were single mothers or weekend dads, all trying to juggle their own lives and children that were sometimes there and sometimes absent. It is not natural for a parent to be away from their child for extended periods of time during their youth and it does not go without repercussions on both parent and child. The situation can easily affect a child’s character now and later in life, it is all in the way the parents handle their responsibility to the child that will either help or hurt them in the future. Some children become spoiled with parents who try to outdo each other with game systems and toys. Other strong children sadly get completely neglected by parents too interested in their own lives to worry about the damage they are doing to their children. My son, I fear, is suffering from an over-loving mother who kisses and coddles him every chance I get. Goodness knows what that will amount to emotionally when he’s older. His father is the self-involved type so maybe it will even itself out. Fast forward another few years and I have a lovely little house with a man that came into my life and loved me so much that I wished I’d met him ten years ago and did things right. Meaning marriage and then children. However, he did it in that order himself and it didn’t work out for him either. He brought with him a couple of precious parcels (not baggage). Two daughters. He is a weekend dad. Together we’ve done our best to create a stable home for all of our children to flow in and out of with ease. They all have their own rooms, their own possessions and they are all considered an equal part of the family. Structure for young children is key to helping them cope. Each child is responsible for cleaning up after themselves and we routinely gather as a whole for meals, movie nights and outings. There are so many factors to consider when you are a parent of a child in a separated situation. What should always be top of mind is your child’s mental health and how your actions (or reactions) are affecting them. For instance, your attitude toward their father or mother. If you have a negative attitude toward the only other person who they love as much as you, well, how can that not be confusing for them? It is best to keep your opinions to yourself when little ears are listening. One thing that I’ve noticed is that when your children are away for a few days and then come back, there is an adjustment period for both parent and child. The fathers’ in this case seem to suffer this more severely due to the more extended periods away from their children. You just get used to the freedom of going about your business and now have to focus on being a parent again. Not being used to having children around makes a person somewhat less tolerant of the noise and whining and neediness of children when they come back home. At the same time, the children have just adjusted to all the rules and behaviours of one home to be tossed back into another home with a completely different set of rules and behaviours to adjust to. So both parent and child are stressed and a little less tolerant of each other for a day or so during the weekly transition. Sadly for the fathers, this takes away a good chunk of quality time with their kids in that the first day is usually spend banging their heads together. The only suggestion that I have to smooth this transition is to create a tradition, something that is expected by both sides at each weekly reunion. The most effective would be something in the form of a decompression chamber which can translate simply to sitting down for a quiet dinner and talking about the week behind and the week ahead. Reconnecting is vital to any relationship and it will make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for both parent and child. Managing stress is a technique that is essential to any adult wanting to keep their head above water in a separated family situation. Especially if you have more than one person with children from another lifetime in your relationship. Sporting events and family activities become the epitome of awkwardness when so many separated parents are facing their exes and trying to be civil in front of the children. It’s somewhat comical if you can image what they would rather be saying than, “Hello” to each other. Schedules and routines are nearly impossible to manage as well if you don’t learn fast how to be organized, coordinated, and keep an open line of communication with your child’s other parent. The last thing you want to be responsible for is Grandma missing Junior’s school recital. A nice trick to relieve stress as a couple is if you can manage to have the same weekends away from your kids to vent and recover together before they return. There is a new

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The Holidays, Toy Safety, and Parents

Andrew — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:38:57 +0000

With millions of toys made in China pulled from the shelves over safety fears in recent months, deciding what to buy your children for the holidays has become an increasingly difficult decision. The holidays are dangerous enough without having to worry about giving children gifts that could potentially harm them. Although lists of the recalled toys are available in many stores and online, lots of parents are still confused as to which toys are affected and are worried that the unprecedented number of recalled items may still be available. So, many concerned parents are turning more and more to non-chewable items such as electronics and sporting gifts. Anyhow, before you get overwhelmed with recalled products and choking hazards, here are some tips to make sure this seasons toys keep kids happy, safe and healthy: Set aside the toys! What delights a first-grader may endanger a toddler. If you have older children, you should have them properly store their toys away from younger kids. Would you leave a beer out for a 2-year-old to get into? So, why leave out a toy they could potentially eat? If giving gifts to kids, clearly specify which present is for which child. Trash the packing stuff! Boxes, bags or plastic ties can pose choking and cutting hazards, so stuff them in the trash as soon as possible. Try to inspect the packaging to make sure it doesn’t appear to have been opened or that you left important pieces. Directions, Read Them! Make extra time to read the instructions and properly assemble a gift could spare you a trip to the emergency room. Try to construct the toy ahead of time so you don’t worry about any unsafe packaging, or an eager child! Just ask! If there is one thing parents have, it’s opinions. Ask any mother in the toy department of the store and she will most likely give you an earful about child safety and probably recommend a popular, age-appropriate gift. Or, have a store associate guide you to the right present for the kid on your list. Safety! Safety! Safety! • Safety First – ensure that your child is trained to use toys and sports gear properly. • Avoid electrocution and other injuries by not letting children recharge their own toys or batteries. • Use the recommended age because it is not about how smart your child is, for it’s about safety issues. • Cautiously inspect toys and avoid small magnets or other detachable parts that could be choking hazards. • Supervise your children and stay involved while they play. Educate yourself on toy safety and recall guidelines, for with all that could go wrong during the holiday season, a little awareness can go a long way. And save you a trip to the hospital. Empower yourself to make a safe toy/gift choice. Happy and Safe Holiday Season to All! By A.Van Vooren

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Fun Family Activities to make your Christmas Season Memorable

Andrew — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:01:34 +0000

By: Kaydee Grant Plan for some old-fashion holiday fun with simple games and activities that will have your family playing, singing, and laughing together while creating lasting Christmas traditions and memories. You’ll find ideas that will send your kids off on an exciting Christmas gift hunt, or finally get your Christmas party guests caroling, and more! As the christmas season draws near, you’re sure to be busy making your list and checking it twice. Between balancing your budget with your children’s wish lists, battling the shopping malls for the best bargains, planning family gatherings, decking the halls, preparing holiday meals, gift wrapping, and more, it’s easy to see how Christmas can come and go without the time to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the holiday season with your family. If you’re looking for ways to stop and smell the gingerbread this year while creating some precious memories that can last a lifetime, here are a few simple and fun holiday activities that will ensure your entire family has a holly jolly Christmas! “Remember that Carol” is a simple game that both kids and adults will enjoy as they go from person to person each taking turns announcing a Christmas carol that they remember and singing a verse from it. A great game to entertain your children at home or to pass time on the road while traveling for the holidays, it will have your family making beautiful music together in no time! Christmas Charades is fun for the whole family! Just have everyone write out 2 or 3 common holiday-themed items, characters, or decorations, etc. on small pieces of paper. Fold them all up and place them in a bowl, and then take turns drawing out one at a time and acting them out for all to guess. Holiday bedtime stories. Dedicate 5 minutes each night throughout the month of December to read your child a bedtime Christmas story book. Let your little ones take turns picking out which book you will read each night. You can let your children choose one or two new Christmas books each year to add to their collection. Christmas Gift Hunt. If you like to open a gift early on Christmas Eve, or hunt for presents on Christmas day, you can create a memorable fun way for your children to receive their gifts by making a simple Christmas holiday hunt. You’ll need to prepare ahead and hide a trail of simple holiday clues that when solved will lead your child from one clue to the next until they ultimately reach and uncover where their “treasured” Christmas gift has been stashed away. If you don’t have time to make your own clues, inexpensive pre-made print ‘n’ play Christmas hunts are available online for both children and adults at Treasure-Adventure.com. Simply download, print, and play instantly! Deck the halls! Make holiday decorating a group effort. Take time to work with your children to make a few simple personalized holiday projects that can be displayed in your home or be given as memorable and unique gifts to friends and family such as painting ceramic angels or holiday candles, making ornaments or homemade candy canes, coloring and cutting out Christmas designs and applying them to windows, stockings, sleds, and other traditional holiday decor, or making a wreath together with everyone contributing. There is an endless array of Christmas craft kits you might take advantage of or just grab your construction paper, glue, scissors, glitter, garland, and crayons, and make your own holiday decorations. Your kids will love this family craft time and beam with pride as they get to show off their special creations to holiday visitors. Finally, make Christmas eve all about family time. Turn off the TV and video games, turn on the Christmas tree lights, and play an old-fashioned family game or just come together as a family to talk and enjoy each other’s company. It takes only a little time and creativity to bring your loved ones together around a few special holiday activities and make your own Christmas traditions and lasting family memories of the joyous holiday season together. Contact Information: Kaydee Grant e-mail: sales@treasure-adventure.com

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2008 Financial Crisis Raising Family Stress?

Andrew — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:25:23 +0000

Numerous factors create stress within a family, but the current world financial crisis is hitting many homes all over the world. How does the family coupe with this type of stress? Many families do not have an entirely stress free financial existence. While stress is common within families, sometimes the level reaches beyond the limit, resulting with the entire family becoming stressed out. When parents rein in the stress they put on themselves it trickles down to the entire family. In the face of our current financial pressures, stress could lead to a rising level of domestic and child abuse. Furthermore, stressed out parents place too much pressure on their children, which may cause the child to become stressed, depressed or anxious. Many parents are never far from concern, responsibility and anxiety when it comes to their children, which leaves parents under financial stress and pressure. The holidays are one of the few times when we can relax and enjoy being with our kids, forgetting for a short time the daily stress of family finances. The strain of meeting ever changing financial guidelines and recommendations for families is at its peak during this 2008 finical crisis. How do parents coupe with financial stress without affecting the entire family? Parenting stress relieving suggestions: • Stay positive. • Spend more time at home with your children. • Start a new hobby with the entire family. • Prepare fresh, healthy meals. • Learn to slow down and say some things don’t matter. Save money. Have children learn to eat at home more. This will not only make your kids healthier in the long term, but it will also teach them about what good food is. Involve your kids in food preparation, for this is a good way to pass on basic cooking skills. Remember, parents should not beat themselves up if they cannot achieve their stress relieving goal every day. If needed, improve your financial outlook and share it with the entire family. Caring parents are warmer, more nurturing and firmer. Whatever your situation, your children live in a time of unprecedented financial change, they are exposed to the one sided media view and experience the effects of high levels of family stress breakdown . At times of financial crisis, listen to understand. The right questions at the right time may draw the answers out of even the most monosyllabic teenager. Use this financial crisis as an opportunity to seek help from a trusted family member, doctor or church member. Remind your kids you’ll never give up on them and that the finances will work themselves out. Finally, think of ways to compromise the money spent every week. Make sure you, the parent, reinforce the message that you love them and care about their future regardless of how much money you have. Sometimes it may not feel like it, but children need to hear their parents say, “I Love You!” by A. Van Vooren

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New Journal Provides Communication Tool for Separated Parents

Andrew — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:45:51 +0000

A new journal available to separated or divorced parents allows them to communicate important information about their children to ensure a smooth transition between both homes, and peace of mind for the parents. The Share-Care Journal, created by Unique to Me, is designed to travel with children between the homes of their separated parents, and has weekly journal space for both parents to record detailed information, such as upcoming school events, financial obligations, medication and illness, birthday party invitations, and other information that is often otherwise not communicated between parents. Paula Ryan, Business Owner of Unique to Me, explained that she developed the concept of the Share-Care Journal to provide a more secure ongoing lifestyle for both the parents and children. “Once separated, most parents can have difficulty communicating with each other, and organising the on-going responsibilities of raising the children together. This has an enormous impact on the children’s lives. Routines are not followed, important events forgotten, school notices and birthday invitations are lost, parents still argue and children take on adult responsibilities,” she said. Aside from the journal pages designed for upcoming events, the Share Care Journal also provides contact detail pages, and pages for parents to record expenses that should be shared, together with a pocket to store loose documents including money, birthday invitations, school newsletters, receipts and the like. The journal, that comes with its own protective envelope, also offers parents the opportunity to plan for upcoming special events in advance, such as Christmas and birthdays, thus alleviating last minute frustrations and allowing for a successful unique family life for children and parents alike. For further comment, contact: Paula Ryan Unique to me www.uniquetome.com

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Kids Birthday Parties. Have They Gone Over the Top?

Andrew — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:05:11 +0000

By Janie Kimball In our, “more is better” society, kids birthday parties have gone over the top. Find out have to create an inexpensive, yet memorable birthday party. Whatever happened to good old fashioned birthday parties with cake and back-yard games? My nine year daughter recently attended a birthday party which included a limousine ride to The Ritz hotel for tea, followed by manicures and pedicures at a posh shop. I think most of us were first picked up in limos for our wedding not a child’s birthday party. Since when did birthday parties become such extravagant affairs? CNN.com reported on a full service children’s birthday party planning company in California that is run by a team trained in child development. They take six weeks to plan and it costs as much as $10,000. Now that’s a party. In our now, “more is better” culture, parents and kids are having higher and higher expectations of birthday parties. As a result, parents are feeling the financial strain and stress and kids are overloaded and over-indulged. So how do you create an inexpensive, yet memorable birthday party? Keep it simple. Have the party at home and invite eight friends‚ not 20. Plan a fun craft that can be used as the take home party favor‚ eliminating the over-stuffed throw-away goody bag. Play good old fashioned games that kids will love. An obstacle course or sack race is great for both boys and girls of all ages. For younger kids, you can’t go wrong with Duck Duck Goose or Princess, Princess, Frog. For older kids, a dress-up relay race is always fun. Just use a bunch of clothes from the closet such as ties, dress up shoes, party dresses, hats. There are lots of great birthday party ideas sites online to find fun birthday party themes and party games ideas. One site to try is Amazing Moms. Readers from all over the country submit birthday party ideas. You can also check out your local crafts store such as Michaels or Ben Franklin crafts for your activity materials or if you are short on time, go online and find craft packages available to you. Remember that the birthday party is for your children. Pick something that every child can participate in and keep it simple. This will allow you too as their parents to enjoy the festivities, hold the video camera and simply share in the excitement of your child’s celebration! They will grow up too fast so relish in these exciting and developing years! Bio: Janie is a mom of two and owner of Birthday Parties Delivered (http://www.birthdaypartiesdelivered.com) which provides unique and personalized kids craft birthday party packages. Great kids birthday party ideas and ideal for busy moms who still want a personal touch and stress free!

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Mommy, My Skin Hurts. I Don’t Feel Good.

Andrew — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:32:52 +0000

Exposure to the sun is associated with all forms of skin cancer, but the most common type of skin cancer is basal skin cancer. Frequent severe sunburns and intense sun exposure in childhood increase the risk of basal cell skin cancer. Basal cell skin cancers usually appear on sun-exposed areas, most commonly the face and neck, but also on the trunk and legs. The fact that it is showing up in teens and people in their 20s is of great concern to dermatologists. The incidence of basal cell skin cancer in North America is going up by 10% a year. Apply sun protection cream half an hour before your children or infant go outside and reapply it regularly, particularly after they’ve been swimming or got wet. Also, use a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Products with SPFs of 60 offer greater protection but they don’t mean your child can safely spend four times longer in the sun. Sun screens reduce the damage done by the sun’s rays but they don’t block them out completely. You and your children should still cover up with clothes and seek shade during the hottest part of the day. When there is no shade around, dress your children in loose-fitting clothes and give them wide brimmed hats and good-quality sunglasses. The more skin that is covered with clothing, the better. Look for materials with a close weave, because they are best at blocking out harmful ultraviolet rays. Parents should be aware that when clothing gets wet it halves the protection given by the material. Helpful Hints to remember before going out into the sun: • Limit the time in the sun between 10:00AM to 4:00PM. • Apply sunscreen every hour and a half. SPF 30 or greater and make sure it is not expired. • Remember these spots; neck, chin tops of feet and back of hands. • Bring some type of petroleum jelly to protect their lips. • Bring hats and sun glasses for the entire family. Keep them handy all year round. Some tips on how to avoid a struggle with your children applying sunscreen: • Tell your child that sunscreen is a special makeup or paint made just for them. • Try all types for sunscreens like foams, gels, and sprays. • Let your child apply it themselves and then go over it yourself. • Get a kid friendly brand that they identify with, like cartoon character, etc. It is essential that parents change their attitude about spending time in the sun, and where better to start than with their infants and children. Regularly check you and your child’s skin, and contact your doctor notice any irregular color changes in the skin. It’s important that children are taught this sort of information when they are young, because at that age they pick it up easily and it becomes second nature. Children need to get used to wearing sun protection, for it is as essential as eating and brushing their teeth. Remember that a sunburn can ruin your fun day in the sun, but its negative effects can last a life time.

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Parents and Lifeguards Beware. Dry Drowning!

Andrew — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:46:06 +0000

Parents need to know the three warning signs of dry drowning, since dry drowning occurs most often in children and the small amount of water necessary to claim another victim to dry drowning can be inhaled during a child’s bath time, in the neighborhood pool, or at the beach. The three important signs parents need to look for after their child has been in water are: Difficulty in breathing, extreme tiredness and behavior changes. All three of the signs of dry drowning are due to a reduced flow of oxygen to the brain. The young dry drowning victim in South Carolina had been swimming in a pool and walked home with his mother after the swim. At some point during the swim, the young boy inhaled a small amount of water in his lungs, yet he was still able to talk and walk, showing no signs of respiratory distress. The young boy did show two of the three signs indicating dry drowning, his mother however, being unaware of dry drowning or its warning signs attributed the signs to something else. The young boy soiled himself in the pool, which was a behavioral change for the 10 year old. After the soiling incident, the young boy, his sister and mother walked home from the pool. The mother says she bathed her son and he said he was sleepy; he goes to bed, never to awake again. A victim of dry drowning. My advice is to monitor your child after water exposure, looking for three things: • Difficulty breathing • Extreme tiredness • Changes in behavior Just to clarify, that would be difficulty breathing not caused by allergies, asthma, or too much chlorine; extreme tiredness not caused by lots of time in the sun and the water; and changes in behavior not caused by the fact that your child is over stimulated from the water or disrupted by an unusual routine or just a crazed little punk who changes his behavior every few minutes. Although asphyxiation (lack of oxygen that causes unconsciousness) is common to all immersion incidents, actual aspiration of water into the lungs may or may not occur. Up to 15 percent of drownings are “dry,” presumably because the breath is held or because a reflex spasm of the larynx seals off the airway inlet at the throat. When aspiration does occur, the volume of fluid entering the lungs rarely exceeds a glassful; the lungs “fill with water” chiefly because of an abnormal accumulation of body fluids (pulmonary edema) that is a secondary complication of oxygen deprivation. Commonly, also, quantities of water are swallowed and later vomited spontaneously or during resuscitative procedures; vomiting after the protective laryngeal spasm has subsided can lead to aspiration of stomach contents. It’s the kind of thing that makes you feel like you can never let your children leave the house or have an unaccompanied moment. Until tomorrow, when there’ll be an article explaining the deadly perils of staying home under close supervision. If you suspect your child have the signs of dry drowning go to the emergency and insist the child be monitored for at least 24 hours before discharging him or her.

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Surefire Hit Gift Ideas For Kids

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 23:22:57 +0000

Whether it's a holiday or a birthday, kids can be especially hard to buy gifts for. Here are some surefire gift ideas that will make any kid happy. Games
The best games to get...

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Why Plan an After Prom Party

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 01:45:37 +0000

by Lori Heatherington From the time I enrolled my daughter in elementary school it seemed that the world was out to ruin her innocence. Her know-it-all six year old friends with older brothers and sis...

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