Parenting Journals

8 Natural Cough Remedies That Are Safe And Effective

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 18:42:14 +0000

Stop Coughing! Naturally, Of Course. Humans have been coughing since the beginning of time. With so many centuries of coughing experience, we’ve had ample time to test out a number of different natural cough remedies. Here are 8 home remedies for a cough that are time-tested. Why Do We Cough? Your sinuses and the surface of your throat are protected with thin layers of skin called mucous membranes. These membranes secrete a thick fluid (mucus) that collects and traps dust, dirt, bacteria, and viruses, and then removes these invaders from your body. But when these defenses are breached, and germs pass through to the membranes, then your nose and throat can become inflamed and irritated. Sneezing and coughing are reflex actions to expel these irritants. To make matters worse, when these membranes are infected, normal mucus production is compromised and your body produces either too little (reducing defenses) or too much (causing congestion). To stop the coughing, your body needs to resolve the underlying infection and then get back to healthy mucus production. Honey – The One-Two Punch Raw honey is a near perfect cough fighter. First, thick and sticky honey covers the surface of your throat and acts as a substitute mucus. This soothes and calms your raw and irritated throat. Second, raw honey has anti-bacterial properties that target and destroy the infection-causing bacteria. So cough syrup made with raw honey may be the best natural remedy for cough that is available today. Get Salty Saltwater gargles are simple, safe and effective. Just remember not to swallow the saltwater! This remedy works through osmosis. When the saltwater surrounds a bacteria cell, it creates an imbalance in salinity. This causes the water inside the bacteria to diffuse outward in order to reach an equilibrium in salt levels. As a result, the bacteria cell is dehydrated, the cell walls collapse, and the bacteria is killed. With the bacteria gone, your sore and irritated throat can now begin to heal. Try Some Tumeric Tumeric has been a popular medicinal herb in India for generations. Tumeric with milk is a common treatment for many Indians for coughs and throat infections. Curcumin (an active ingredient in turmeric) helps to reduce throat inflammation and infection. Breathe in Steamy Relief Steam inhalation has been around for thousands of years. While steam therapy is unlikely to cure a cough or cold, it will provide relief from several symptoms including headache, congestion, throat irritation and cough. This remedy works by loosening excess mucus in the nose, throat and lungs. This, in turn, provides relief to inflamed and swollen blood vessels in the sinus and throat areas. Marshmallow (the Herb, Not the Candy) The marshmallow plant (althaea officianalis) is a perennial herb. The root of this plant has been used for thousands of years to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. When the root is crushed and soaked in cool water, you get mucilage (a thick and viscous substance) that has proven to be an effective cough suppressant in clinical studies. Ginger Zinger Ginger root is most often associated with digestive relief. But it has also proven effective as a cough suppressant. A 2015 scientific paper reviewed many of the medicinal properties of ginger root. The authors concluded that eating ginger helped with treating sore throat, laryngitis, congestion and inflammation of mucous membranes. Ginger can be taken by chewing on small pieces of peeled root, or by infusing thin slices of peeled root in a small jar of honey. Allow the infusion to seep for at least 2 days before using and then consume within 2-3 weeks. Garlic Power It may be strong in flavor and odor, but garlic also contains an active compound called “allicin.” Allicin contains sulfur, which gives garlic its powerful taste and smell. But allicin also stimulates the growth of white blood cells, which are a critical part of your immune system. White blood cells attack and destroy foreign materials and infectious agents inside the body. Once your infections are resolved, then the inflammation and coughing will subside. Taking garlic capsules (rather than eating raw garlic) will help moderate the garlic odors. Time for Thyme The popular herb thyme contains an active compound named thymol. Thymol is a natural expectorant and is often used in a store-bought cough and cold medicines. When the sinuses and lungs are infected, they can produce too much mucus and this leads to congestion. An expectorant thins and looses the mucus, thus clearing up your airways. The best way to take thyme is to make an infusion. Seep 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme sprigs in a cup of hot water and then strain. Add some honey for flavor and repeat up to 3 times a day until you see improvement in your symptoms.

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Helping Your Child To Express Themselves Through Clothing

Jennifer Dawson — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:06:38 +0000

Research published in Reuters Health found that children who learn to express themselves are more likely to have good social and emotional skills. Expressing yourself doesn’t have to be verbal though – clothes can be an excellent way for your child to express themselves and start to show their personality. Through fashion and dress up, you can encourage them to discover more about themselves and let their personality shine out into the world. Some children will happily wear the same three shirts over and again, without ever exploring what else may be in the drawer. Some children, on the other hand, enjoy different outfits, and will become extremely excited about a new pair of shoes. What is certain, however, is that every child is different – they all have their own sense of style and taste, and this needs to be encouraged. Abandon gender stereotypes The first rule of fashion is this: boys don’t have to wear blue and girls don’t have to wear pink. Glitter doesn’t have to be exclusively reserved for a party. These old-fashioned gender stereotypes should be abandoned completely. Gender-fluid clothing can be worn by anyone, and it does not restrict the wearer. The top fashion designers are now creating streetwear that is durable, stylish, and suited to all genders, so why do we have to restrict children to ‘boy’s clothes’ and ‘girls clothes’? Instead, it is far more fashion-forward to just consider them to be ‘children’s clothes’. Let them design their own clothes There is no better way to express yourself than through art. Designing your own clothes is where art and fashion meet. Children will love to be able to create their own t-shirts, using slogans, colors and illustrations to reflect their personality. You can use t-shirt pens, paints, and even simple linocut prints to create patterns and prints that your children will be proud of. Tie-dye is another great way of letting your kids customize their existing clothing, using a range of bright colors to personalize their wardrobe. You can do this in a bucket, or in your washing machine. Using an app such as The Matboard or Vogue Runway is another great way of helping your child design their own clothes. They can learn about fabrics and styles, and have great fun at the same time. Do some dress up Fashion doesn’t have to be serious, and neither should a child’s wardrobe be. Rather than dressing up in superhero or princess costumes though, you can spark your child’s imagination, and encourage them to dress as people from different places, or people with different professions. Bring a little steampunk into their lives, and pair a long dress outfit with goggles and a Victorian top hat. Spend the day dressed as a country vet that is ready to look after their animal patients. Put together an outfit for a biologist from the planet Mars. You certainly don’t have to conform to brand names and cartoon characters. Take your child to the thrift store, and let them raid the shelves for the perfect outfit to travel to Antarctica with Shackleton in. Make dress up mean something more than replicating what’s on TV. Clothes for children are a wonderful way for them to express themselves. Encourage your children to have fun with fashion, and steer them away from gender stereotypes so they can truly be themselves.

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Simple Ways To Encourage Your Young Child’s Love Of Music

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 17:17:42 +0000

Music can play an important role in your child’s development, and studies have shown that listening to music can enhance a child’s learning ability while giving them an outlet for self-expression. Moreover, engaging in activities that require music, or participating in music lessons, can also help to hone your little one’s creativity in an enjoyable way. Encouraging your child’s interest in singing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument at an early age will benefit them as they grow, and it may even be a way to bring you closer together. Here’s a guide to nurture your child’s love of music. Enroll them in music courses New research has shown that children who take music lessons have better time management and problem solving skills, show increased self awareness, and are more responsible after one year of classes. Moreover, 85 percent of parents say that their child has a greater ability to finish tasks after taking music lessons. If your child shows an interest in music, whether that’s singing or playing the violin, guitar or piano, you can sign them up for online sessions with private feedback from instructors, or teach them yourself if you know how to play a musical instrument. If your child wants to learn how to sing, ask them if they want to learn how to sing pop, R&B, or musical theater so you can find the right vocal coach to teach them proper singing techniques for their chosen genre. Have a family music night Once a month, plan on having a family music night, when everybody can enjoy listening to or playing music. You can watch an online concert or a live concert at the park, or listen to buskers after having dinner in your favorite restaurant. You can also arrange to have a karaoke night at home, or spend the evening jamming while playing musical instruments. Allow them to expand their musical tastes Young children will listen to any kind of music, and as long as they love the song, it won’t matter which genre they’re listening to. So allow your kids to expand their musical tastes by exposing them to different types of music: play kid-friendly pop, classical, blues, jazz, rock, K-pop, or country. Not only will it help them develop a better understanding of music, but they’ll also gain a deep appreciation for music from different cultures. Encouraging your child’s interest in music can help them as they grow. Try these tips to nurture your kid’s love of music, and discover how they can become healthier and happier when you add more music into their lives.

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3 Tips To Help You Unlock Your Potential To Be A Better Parent

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 17:44:45 +0000

Parenthood may be the most rewarding thing you do in your lifetime, but it does come with its own set of challenges and learning curves. As a parent, it’s not unusual to find yourself worrying about how well you are doing at the job. In fact, parents spend 37 hours worrying about their kids every week, and only 44-46 percent of parents think they are doing a good job , according to a study by Pew Research Center. These fears are not just limited to parents either. If you’re thinking of starting a family or expanding your brood, chances are that these questions will cross your mind. If you happen to be a part of this group, sticking to some basic ground rules can help you navigate the world of parenthood and be sure that you’re raising them well. Don’t Be Afraid To Seek Help Becoming a parent can be a shock, even if you plan it meticulously. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family, friends, or parenting resources to get advice on how to adjust. Even before they are born, there is a minefield of information to digest. From choosing a safety-approved crib to learning about chemicals in plastics like Bisphenol A and its medical impact on your child’s health, there is a long list of things parents need to know. For parental concerns, rely on your support system, baby groups, and expert resources like The Nursing Center, The American Academy of Pediatrics, and your primary physician. For instance, multiple published reports, including one by the American Academy of Pediatrics, have linked the presence of BPA in plastics like baby bottles to behavioral disorders such as attention deficiency disorder. Stay On Top Of Your Finances One of the top worries for parents or those looking to start a family is finances. Parents are spending more on raising their kids than ever before – more time, more money, and more effort. While it is not new to want to see your children live a better standard of life than you did, it takes some financially savvy steps before you embark on parenthood and throughout your journey. For instance, consider improving your budgeting skills. Being able to manage your money increases your ability to stay on top of the financial obligations that come with being a parent. The average cost of raising a child is now $233,610. You may also want to think of securing life or long term care insurance. Having the security of these means you can rest easier, knowing that if the unimaginable occurs, your child will be protected financially. Encourage Play And Imagination Promoting play does more than present bonding opportunities for you and your child. According to multiple studies, encouraging play fosters healthy brain development. Play encourages your child to use their imagination and develop social, physical and emotional skills. It also helps to develop their communication skills, and allows them to attempt problem-solving on their own – a key aspect of encouraging their independence when they get older. To encourage more free play, set screen time limits, and don’t be afraid to get involved in roleplay or small world games with your child. Not only will you be aiding their growth, but your child will have wonderful memories of bonding with you as they get older. Get Comfortable With Doing It On Your Terms Finally, make room for errors. There is no rule book on parenting. While some tips may work for other parents, they may not work for you and your child. Remember to trust your instinct as a parent, and do what suits your relationship with your child. If you do make a mistake, learn to forgive yourself. Too often, parents place immense pressure on themselves to get parenting right, and focus too much on the ways they feel they may be failing. While you may not be able to save full tuition for your child’s college education, don’t forget to focus on the love and support you can provide to encourage them to pursue further education. While these tips will get you off to a good start as a parent, there is no guarantee. Each person’s parenting journey is uniquely personal. Embrace this, and don’t be afraid to make it your own.

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Essential Emergency First Aid Tips for New Moms

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 15:06:34 +0000

The transition to parenthood has many psychological effects, and it is common to develop depression or anxiety. Having a baby is a daunting experience, and many first-time mothers need some advice from those with more experience. Learning first aid may help to ease your anxieties and provide you with the knowledge you need to help your baby should they injure themselves or become unwell. Have a look at some key techniques you may want to learn as a new mother. Dealing With Burn Injuries Around 75% of burn injuries in children are preventable, so it is best to look for burn hazards around the home and reduce the risks. If your child should accidentally burn themselves, don’t panic. Children do tend to run around and enter places they shouldn’t; this is very common, and not your fault. A burn is treatable at home if minor. Immediately run the burn injury under cold water for around five minutes. Burn bandages are included in first aid kits; therefore you should cover the burn after cooling. If you do not have a burn bandage, use something that will not stick to the burn. Protect the burn and prevent infection by washing with soap and water. Take your little one to the emergency room immediately if the burn is serious. The Value Of Basic First Aid Training Choking is a leading cause of injury among children under four years of age. It can result in loss of consciousness, and can even stop the heart. Should you find your baby unconscious and not breathing, you should immediately check the airways for any blockages and administer CPR. This will help to resuscitate your baby and help their circulation. Only do this if you are trained; new moms can benefit from receiving training on basic first aid. Schools in certain states are required by law to have an AED (automated external defibrillator) on hand; therefore, it may also be worthwhile to keep one at home to restart the heart in the unlikely event that your child suffers cardiac arrest. Again, you should be trained to use it, and must ensure the AED is designed for use on children. Tackling Fall Injuries Around 8,000 children are treated by doctors for fall-related emergencies every day. Therefore, it may be useful to learn some first aid techniques to lessen the impact. You should always keep a first aid kit at home to clean and dress any wounds. Apply pressure to the injury if it is bleeding, or apply a cold compress to reduce bruising. Look out for any head injuries and, should your baby or child feel dizzy, vomit or complain of increasing pain, take them to the emergency room. Child-appropriate painkillers can be administered if the injury is not serious. The first lesson of first aid in any situation is not to panic. Although it may be difficult when it is your own child, this will help you keep a level head and enable you to perform the correct first aid technique, preventing further harm. Learning first aid will lessen your worry and concerns as a first-time mother, but rest assured that it is there for emergencies, and you may not ever need it.

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Few Reasons Why American Parents Are More Inclined Towards European Formula For Their Babies

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 17:34:30 +0000

As a parent you there won’t be a single thing left to ensure the health and wellness of your baby. When it comes to feeding, you would want to give your baby the best nutrition. To give them the best baby formula that has the right amount of wholesome ingredients that would help in your baby’s development. Typically, there are two types of formulas available for babies, that is European formula and American formula. European formula is widely used across the globe for an infant. Why are American baby formulas not a choice for many moms? As American formulas have the same ingredient as there are very less manufacturers for it. It contains preservatives and added color and flavor so it can cause harm to the health of your baby. Why has European baby formula gained popularity? The popularity of European formula for babies has been increasing for many years among American parents. You might be confused as to what to choose for your infant as you might be new to the milk formulas. European formulas might be the healthiest option for infants as these formulas contain 99% natural ingredients which do not cause any harm to your baby. All the ingredients in this baby formula are organically grown and GMO-free. GMO is the main cause, why your baby might have allergic reactions. It does not contain any artificial sweeteners or carrageenan. As carrageenan is banned completely in European baby formula. Even it is good for digestion. European baby formula had achieved more popularity among American parents, here are few reasons why American parent loves the European formula for their babies 1. Tastes like breast milk European baby formulas have the same ingredient that is present in breast milk. Lactose is the carbohydrate that is present in breast milk. Hence, the European formula is like breast milk. 2. They contain organic ingredients Breast milk is sweet in taste because of the presence of the main ingredient which is carbohydrate lactose. Even European formulas contain lactose; many other formulas have a presence of sucrose which is difficult to digest and may lead to obesity. The European Union in 2009 banned the use of sucrose in the baby formula due to concern of overfeeding and obesity in babies. European formulas are made with organic ingredients which are safer for your babies. The best formulas such as HOLLE are made with milk from biodynamic farms, which mean they are organic and pesticide-free. 3. Strict manufacturing guidelines European formulas possess high standards for organic ingredients. They do not contain any kinds of pesticides and chemicals as they abide by specific and strict requirements of their formulas. As European baby formulas possess high standards than American baby formula manufacturers, American parents are more inclined towards the European baby formula. Europe possesses strict guidelines for the production of baby formula and they do not allow fructose, sucrose, glucose, rice syrup, corn syrup, or carrageenan as an ingredient in the baby formula, hence it comes in the pure form. 5. They come in different stages The European baby formula comes into two different stages, stage 1 is “Infant formula” given to the babies after birth till the introduction to the solid foods that are between 4 to 6 months of age. And stage 2 is “follow on the formula” for the infants of 6 months until a year of age, that is when they start consuming solid foods. 6. They can be purchased online with fast shipping. As this formula has gained wide popularity, it is now easily available as their production has increased. Sometimes supermarkets may not possess a wide range of products of baby formula. You can buy it online as every online store has the availability of the milk formula and provides fast shipping across the globe. Few alternatives in ingredients for European formula for Babies Some parents are vegetarians, so they would opt for an option of milk formula that does not contain fish oil. There are many brands which produce a formula that does not contain fish oil and instead there will be goat’s milk in it. Goat’s milk is nutritious not for an infant, but also for young and adults. Goat’s milk is similar to breast milk while cow’s milk contains whey and casein type of proteins which are difficult to digest for the sensitive digestive system of your baby. Hence, European baby formula is an excellent choice for your baby fulfilling the nutritional requirements of your baby

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How Baby Car Seats Help Keep Your Baby Safe On A Road Trip

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 14:58:54 +0000

By Daniel Clark Whether you just had a baby or have only begun to think about traveling with your child after their birth, baby car seats have become an essential for any and every parent with a baby below the age of 3. Even though keeping your baby close to you is an option, a baby’s seat is not only safer but also saves you from the sore shoulders that no one else is going to help you deal with. As a parent of one baby who has never travelled in the car with their baby before, it can be equal parts nerve-wracking and exhausting to even think about planning a road trip with your baby. However, you can only avoid road trips or hire a nanny for so long. You’re eventually going to want to take your baby with you no matter where you go, so why not start sooner than later? Baby car seats are of several types and depending on the age of your child, you can opt for the one that fits your list of requirements and go for the family picnic you’ve wanted to go for, for a while now. If the luxury of comfort isn’t enough to convince you of the fact that you need a baby car seat adjusted into your backseat, there’s are three different types of baby seats that help assure that no matter how old your baby is, safety and comfort will not be an issue: 1. Baby (or infant) seats: With a weight limit of 22-35 pounds, baby seats help seat your infant until they grow to be slightly bigger. These are meant to seat your baby in a rear-facing direction in order to help protect your child as much as possible in case of an accident. The back of the safety seat can help cradle the baby’s neck, head and torso in a crash. It’s recommended to follow through with a change in car seats depending on the baby’s weight, not age. As the baby grows to be stronger, they will gain weight, and be able to handle the weight of their own body. However, until your baby grows to be 35 pounds, they must be seated safely in an infant seat during travels. 2. Convertible seats: Recommended for infants and toddlers with a weight of 40 pounds being held with rear-facing seats and up to 70 pounds for forward-facing seats, convertible seats are multifunctional seats that help not only seat babies and toddlers but also young children. Even though you can seat your child to be sitting in a front-facing seat after a point, it’s always safer to seat them in a rear-facing seat since that will always help keep your child safer than the other. The biggest advantage of convertible seats is the fact that they are highly economical. You need not invest in a separate seat for your infant since the seat can accommodate both an infant or a toddler. baby-direct.com.au offers Maxi Cosi car seats for your baby, which are capable of keeping your child comfortable for as long as you want. Both, you and your child, can enjoy a car ride without any hindrance. 3. Belt-positioning booster seats: The last of all seats that you will use as your child grows is the belt-positioning booster seat. As your child grows older, they will be more interested in looking at everything that goes on around them. In order to fulfill their wish whilst also granting their safety, these seats can help seat your child until they can finally sit in the back seat normally. Through the various ages of your child, the right car seat will play a massive role in the happy road trips that you go for with your family.

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Are All Baby Formula The Same? Find The Perfect Formula For Your Little One

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 15:54:26 +0000

By Daniel Clark Trying to find the perfect baby formula for your little one can be really confusing. Especially with so many options available, it becomes really difficult to choose the right baby formula for your little one. Although most mothers prefer feeding their baby with breast milk, some babies are unable to tolerate it. This is why a lot of parents opt for best organic formula USA. Breastfeeding is a totally personal choice. Any mother should not feel like it is a compulsion or neither should they feel guilty for feeding their child with baby formula. There might be various reasons a parent opts for baby formulas instead of breastfeeding. Some mothers might feel pain or discomfort during the process. This is why these baby formulas are the perfect supplement for breast milk. With high nutrition value and many more added benefits even doctors recommend baby formulas. However, with so many types of formulas available, it can be difficult to pick the appropriate one for your baby. In this article, we have put together some of the best baby formulas that are highly preferred by mothers whose babies don’t take breast milk. As you go through each and every type of baby formula you will come to know the special qualities in each one of it. 1. Cow milk protein-based formulas Most infant formulas are made with cow’s milk. Cow’s milk is altered in a way that it resembles breast milk. This formula gives the right type of balance of nutrients to make it easy for the baby to digest. Most babies take cow’s milk really well while some babies might be allergic to it. In such cases, there are other options that can be fed to your baby. 2. Soy-based formulas Some doctors suggest excluding animal protein for your babysitting. This could possibly be because your baby might be allergic to it. If this is the case with your baby as well, then the soy-based formula can be highly useful. If your baby is lactose intolerant then the soy-based formula will provide the right amount of nutrients that are required for the growth of the baby. 3. Protein hydrolysate formulas These types of formulas comprise of protein that has been broken down into smaller size. When compared to cow’s milk and soy-based formulas, this type of formula has smaller parts of protein which makes it much easier for babies to digest. For babies who suffer from protein allergy, extensively hydrolyzed formulas are the best. 4. Goat milk formula Goat milk formula is yet another formula that is very easy to consume. The consumption of cow’s milk can give rashes and result in discomfort to the baby. Goat milk formulas are also ideal for babies who have lactose intolerance. You will find various formulas with the goodness of goat milk in it. Premium baby formulas come in various stages. This means that you can choose a different formula depending on the requirements of your baby. As your baby’s body will demand different nutrients as he/she grows, it is necessary to buy a formula that suffices all the needs of their growing body. A lot of baby formulas such as Holle have incorporated various stages in the baby formula. This will help you to decide what type of formula will be best for your baby depending upon their age. When it comes to buying the perfect hypoallergenic baby formula make sure that you visit Littlemooorganics.com. They carry a myriad of baby formula options so that it is easy for you to choose whatever suits you the best.

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Choosing Baby Formula To Supplement Breast Milk

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 15:49:43 +0000

By Daniel Clark Being the parent of a newborn, every parent considers getting an organic baby formula for them. Many don’t understand the concept of natural, but there is an abundance which makes the formula, a worth investing. There are many formulas available in the hipp formula UK which includes organic fortified with iron, calcium, amongst other minerals that will help your baby to grow healthier and stronger. Most people assume that it is more expensive, but that is not the case. As per the popular belief, the type of organic baby formula is not more expensive than the other options, so you don’t have to make your decision on the price alone. The three main types are Parent’s Choice, Vermont Organics, and Earth’s Best. As per reviews, babies prefer formula because of the flavors and taste. The last type that you should know about is Nature’s One. Though it is more difficult to track down, it tends to be the most popular. A massive 13-ounce can is less than $10, and there are always coupons and promotions that will let you cut that price in half or even get another container during your purchase. So if you are perplexed about food, it’s time to take into consideration about the choice. The answer is as easy as it gets, that is Organic Formula. With vitamins, flavor, and also with its affordability, there is nothing not to like. You will notice that your baby will be much more likely to eat what you give them when they want what they are getting. Other Factors For Feeding Baby Many companies on the market sell baby formula, including Wyeth, Nestle, Similac, and more. Similac formula is one of the oldest, having been in existence since the 1920s, and other established companies have also been around for some time. It is not always so easy to choose a brand of formula. Some of even the most famous companies are shrouded in controversy due to their excessive and often dishonest ways of marketing infants’ formula in developing countries. And in Israel, which is a developed country, a tragedy occurred several years ago when a famous company sold method that lacked Vitamin B1 due to an unknown production malfunction. As a result, several babies died from beriberi, while others were left permanently disabled. Another factor to take into consideration is baby formula prices, which can be quite high, especially in the beginning, when it is your baby’s sole source of food. The standard baby formula might make things easier on your family’s budget, but the question is whether it is still good for your baby. On the other hand, if you find two formulas made by different companies with the same nutritional composition, but one is cheaper than the other, you would probably choose the less expensive one. At the same time, your decision cannot only be based on financial considerations. Choosing the best formula for a baby is therefore not always such an easy decision. While you are still in the hospital, you may receive a whole load of baby formula samples, which can confuse you even further. (This depends on where you live, though, as marketing infant formula has become illegal in some countries.) You may choose to rely on your friends’ recommendations. However, the best way to handle the situation is to ask your healthcare professional for independent advice that is purely based on health issues and is untainted by any form of marketing bias. Once you have chosen a baby formula, you need to learn how to make sure that the bottles are sterilised, watch the expiry date, and follow the instructions on the packet very precisely. If you are looking for baby formula in bulk, try choosing from any website for the organic wholesale baby food and baby products.

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5 Common Baby & Toddler Care Myths Debunked

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 18:48:53 +0000

By Tim Shanley If you’re a new parent, there are plenty of resources to turn to, but how can you be sure you’re following the right advice? Today, there are thousands of websites, blogs, online publications and magazines dedicated to baby and toddler care. And then there are the “old-fashioned” sources such as books and grandparents. In fact, there is so much info out there that it’s not always easy to separate the truth from the myth. Getting some guidance is great, but bad advice can often be worse than no advice. So to help you separate the wheat from the chaff, we’ll examine and debunk some common myths about babies you’ve probably heard of. 1. You Should Give Water to Newborns When It’s Hot It easy to see how this myth got started. When the weather outside is scorching, you reach for water to cool off. And in general, people may feel better if they drink more water. Why should it be any different for babies? Well, there are several reasons why water won’t help your little one. It can actually end up hurting the baby. As a matter of fact, the World Health Organization even recommends that you shouldn’t give any water to children under six months. For one, the water may have impurities. Your immune system can handle them, but that may not be the case with the baby. So, this can lead to infections, diarrhea, and so on. Secondly, there is the danger of malnutrition. A baby who’s full on water may not drink as much breast milk or may not drink it all. Also, mothers who give their babies water instead of breast milk may have less milk going forward. Now, this isn’t to say babies don’t need to stay hydrated because they do. But breast milk is all they need during the first months of their life as it can contain as much as 80% water. 2. Babies Will Sleep Better If You Feed Them Cereal Every parent is all too familiar with the sleepless nights that come from a baby who keeps waking up. So it’s normal you’ll be open to any suggestions regarding this issue. And one you may hear often is to give your little one cereal before bedtime. Unfortunately, nothing connects cereal with better sleep patterns. Again, it’s understandable how this myth came to be. When they are four to six months old, many babies will begin to sleep through the entire night. Their development will simply reach that stage. That is the same period you may have begun to introduce solids into their diet. These two occurrences happen at the same time, but there are no direct connections between them. And there’s nothing which would single out cereal as a sleep-boosting food. 3. You Can Hold a Baby too Much Your baby starts crying, and your first instinct is to run over there and pick the child up. But, then you hear someone advocating tough love and tell you that will spoil the baby. Completely untrue, particularly when the child is very young. Babies cry a lot. Not because they want to trick you into giving them attention, but because that’s how they communicate. They also need contact and depend on it. It soothes them and helps them feel safe. That’s not to say you can’t put the baby down. And as your kid gets older, it’s important for them to learn to be self-sufficient. But during those first months, you certainly won’t be spoiling your child by holding them. 4. Babies Sleep Better on Their Bellies A baby waking up for the tenth time in a night can put you under a lot of strain. But then when you ask for advice, you hear that babies are more comfortable on their belly. It’s not uncommon to hear this recommendation from older generations. However, you should avoid this at all cost as it can endanger the baby. In order to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children below the age of one should always sleep on their back. 5. Teething Always Comes with a Fever Many believe that teething goes hand-in-hand with a fever. So, they may dismiss the elevated temperature as nothing serious. However, the two aren’t always connected. In fact, they often aren’t. The cause of the fever may be something completely unrelated to your baby’s teeth. It may even be something which requires immediate medical attention. It’s safest then not to assume this connection. Conclusion Parents will get a lot of advice, even if they sometimes don’t want it. Some of it is good, like using fennel tea for colic remedy. But there are also many myths out there. In the end, make sure to double-check everything. Particularly the info that’s “common knowledge”. Instead, rely on your pediatrician’s knowledge and don’t be afraid to ask them a lot of questions.

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Sugar Overload: Do You Know How Much Sugar Your Kids Are REALLY Consuming?

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 19:54:34 +0000

Sugar and spice and everything nice. Isn’t that how the saying goes? We associate sugar with all that is good. We call people and actions sweet. We reward our children with sugary snacks when they do well. Who else remembers focusing on the lollipop prize for sitting still at the barber or being good at the doctor’s office? Sugar has been reinforced into our subconscious to mean good, well-deserved, and rewarding. We may even catch ourselves judging an anti-sweets person, trying to figure out what is wrong with them. For Americans, the use of sugar has become an extremely common and unhealthy habit. For instance, a standard lunch box may contain a PB&J sandwich on whole wheat, a cheese stick, a juice box (100 percent juice, of course), and applesauce. Sounds pretty good, right? Well, not really. Even though these treats are not blaring indicators for sugar and do have some health benefits like protein and fiber – this lunch right here adds up to about 60 grams of sugar! That is 15 teaspoons! To give you context to the alarming amount, the American Heart Association recommends children should NOT consume more than six teaspoons of sugar in a day, and three times as much is being consumed in one innocent lunch. Shocking, to say the least. We do the best we can, thinking we know exactly how much sugar we are giving our kids. Of course, sugary snacks, soda, candy – those are the ones we look out for, but what about items like ketchup, spaghetti sauce, and yogurt? Even your favorite organic fruit snacks have been loaded up with sugar. These sly sugar bombs are just as much to blame as the usual suspects. More and more research is finding that consuming large amounts of sugar can cause serious health complications over time. Yes, we know that too much can make you gain weight, but do you realize what that does? When anyone – adult or child – becomes overweight, they are put at greater risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol – the three major players of heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five American children are considered obese. As a result of the childhood obesity epidemic, what was once considered adult conditions are more becoming more prevalent in the children population. Researchers say that the earlier these health problems arise, the earlier diseases arise. We’re seeing increased cases of children and teens developing type II diabetes more than ever. What can you do to combat this sugar crisis? Maybe right now you feel like all hope is lost, and there is nothing safe from the dreaded sugar. However, there are things you can do to ensure you stay on top of the amount of sugar your family is eating. By taking the time to do your research and read the nutrition labels on your food, you will be more informed about how to make better choices in planning meals and snacks. Here are some helpful tips for making better food choices: Learn to read the labels. If we’re being honest, most of us don’t know how much sugar our kids are consuming on a daily basis. What we assume are healthy choices, can at times be even worse than candy. Learning to read the nutrition labels and researching sugar content in fruits is going to make a huge difference in the way you prepare your precious little ones’ meals. Grams and Teaspoons. When you check the nutrition label, you will notice that most of the nutrition facts use gram measurements. I don’t know about you, but grams mean nothing to me. If you are like me, it can be super helpful to remember that four grams roughly equals one teaspoon. And the recommended allotment per day for your child is no more than six teaspoons. All sugar is equal. Don’t be deceived by the labels on the front of the box claiming all-natural and organic; they may use purer products but those benefits are negated if they are loaded with sugar. It’s important to remember that regardless of whether the food is sweetened with refined sugar, raw honey, or agave – they all add up to sugar in your system. The body does not discriminate. Portion control. In a dream world, we would be able to avoid every ounce of sugar and never worry about it, or in my alternate dream world, sugar would be as beneficial as water, and the more you ingest, the healthier you are. Either way, it’s not reality and even though we will do all we can to filter our diets. It okay to have a little sugar occasionally. Besides, depriving your children will only make them want it more. Compromise by making the portion sizes smaller. Use other methods to reward. So often we use sweets as a rewards system. “Yay! You got an A on your math test. Let’s get ice cream.” It’s time to retrain your child’s brain. Provide rewards in the form of stickers, activities, free time – anything that promotes a healthier lifestyle and gets them away from correlating sugar with rewards. Avoid processed foods. Always do your best to buy as close to its original form as possible. Whole grains, fresh fruits, and veggies – yes, they have sugar, but it’s natural and not as overwhelming. Yogurts are one of those sneaky sugar sources where you think you are choosing a healthy option, but when you check the label, you will be shocked. To reduce the sugar intake, buy plain yogurt and add mix-ins yourself. It is always better to add sugar yourself, instead of buying something already sweetened. The more control you have over what your child eats, the better. Get serious about your child’s sugar intake. Just because you avoid candy and soda doesn’t mean you have successfully eliminated sugar in your child’s diet. Granted, it is a good start, but you

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Diabetes On the Rise: How to Minimize Your Kids Risk

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 02:41:39 +0000

When we discuss type 2 diabetes we often picture older adults struggling with declining health and “later-life issues”. This narrative never really transferred over to kids in the past in the manner it does now. The common understanding was that children develop type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes was reserved for adults. However, today’s standard American diet is resulting in a change to that preconception. The latest study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that the numbers for kids aged 10-19 diagnosed with type II diabetes have increased by five percent over the past decade. How is that possible? Obesity is Responsible for the Higher Rates of Type II Diabetes. It is widely accepted in the medical community that aside from genetics, obesity is the biggest factor in developing type II diabetes. According to a new report from CBS, approximately one in five school-aged-children are considered obese. This alarming statistic is what is primarily responsible for the climb in the numbers of childhood type 2 diabetes diagnoses. There are now over 20,000 children now diagnosed with type II diabetes in America alone. Obesity among children is now considered an epidemic, and the reason for this is the sedentary lifestyle that the average American youth leads. Gone are the days of old where kids came home from school and ran around outside and played until the street lights came on. Kids are now dropping their backpacks, grabbing some highly processed, sugar-laden snacks and camping out in front of their electronics. They’ve kind of forgotten how to be physically active. It’s not all their fault. Children don’t go out and buy their own groceries, buy their own electronics or set up their gaming accounts. Parents are to blame for the condition of our youth’s health as well. As parents who work and are extremely busy, it has become easier for us to buy the fast food and keep them happy with electronics while we finish housework or business. This behavior isn’t so innocent. It has caused a whole slew of health issues – not just for adults, but for the children who are just starting out in life. Most parents are well intentioned and want to do the best for their families. We aren’t deliberately trying to make them unhealthy. We don’t want that for our children. After all, if you are here, you are certainly a conscientious individual who is striving to make better choices for your young ones. Educating yourself about the dangers of these lifestyle choices is the first step in providing a healthy environment for everyone in the household. Next, you need to start figuring out what actions are necessary to reduce unhealthy habits and risks for diabetes. Here Are Some Other Helpful Tips to Revamping Your Family’s Lifestyle: Little monkey sees what big monkey does. Parents, with all our faults, are the superheroes in our children’s lives. They watch us and try to emulate what we do. We’ve all had that moment where you catch your child pretending to do what you are doing like talking on the phone, cleaning and telling off that crazy driver who cut you off (tell me I’m not the only one). So when making an overhaul to your household health, it needs to start with you, the role model. We may think that our personal habits of grab and go and chugging sugar filled caffeinated drinks are only affecting us and our health, but our little ones are watching and they’re learning that it is acceptable. Beginning a healthier lifestyle for your children needs to start with you. Make the changes so that they can see how important it is for a happier, healthier life. Get interactive. Start getting your children involved in the healthy lifestyle decisions your family chooses to adopt. Use teachable moments to discuss how what they are doing is making them healthy. Try to stay positive. Children respond well to positive encouragement. Educate them on why it’s important to follow a balanced diet and why you need to move your body often. Bring them along to the grocery store and have them pick out produce. Involve them in the process of meal planning and preparation. Do it together and make it fun. Revamp your grocery list. This is a huge factor in reducing your family’s risk for obesity and the development of type II diabetes down the road. I know the processed foods are so much easier and less time consuming to prepare and have a shelf life longer than our existence – but at what cost to everyone’s health? It’s not worth it. Fill your cart with unprocessed, fresh, whole foods. In doing so, you are upping the intake of naturally sourced vitamins and minerals that are crucial for any healthy growing body and reducing the intake of additives and sugars. The FDA suggests you break your plate into four sections: Protein, whole grains, fruit and veggies. Side note: Don’t be fooled when buying fruit snacks and on-the-go organic granola. These may seem harmless, but they’re filled with sugar (organic sugar is still sugar). Regardless of where sugar came from, it is still sugar and ingesting excess amounts of sugar over time will lead to obesity. A good rule of thumb is to buy food items that are as close to their original state as possible. The more modified usually means the more preservatives and sugars have been added. Keep fresh fruits and veggies available to grab and eat on the go. Kids can’t eat what they don’t have, so leave the junk food at the store. Group play. Get the whole family active together. Schedule outings and go outside and play together. Kids are always more interested when the “big kids” are involved. Hit the park, go on an outdoor scavenger hunt, jump rope, hopscotch. Let your inner child come out and have some fun with your littles. It’ll be good for you as well. Set limits. Electronics have become

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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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How to Help Your Kids Develop Healthy Habits

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 18:56:08 +0000

By Lisa Pecos In a world where screen time has almost completely taken away play time, helping your child develop healthy habits is more important than ever. Healthy eating and regular physical activity can improve your child’s physical and emotional health, giving them the best chance for a happy and successful future. Getting your kids to step away from the gaming console or put down their tablet may seem impossible, but these tips can help you get them on their way to healthier habits. Eating Right As a parent, you have the opportunity to help your child eat better by making healthier choices for the whole family. Fortunately, this is a lot easier and less expensive than you may think. Use these tips to get started: Plan meals in advance. This will not only make it easier for you to grocery shop, but it also saves time and money when you go to the grocery store with a list of exactly what you need. Save leftovers for another meal. By setting half the meal you’ve prepared aside, you control portion sizes to avoid overeating and save yourself the time of having to cook your next meal. Prep meals in advance and freeze. Cooking food in large batches and freezing for later can help save you time and lets you control portion size. Making healthy meals and freezing them helps you eat right when you’re short on time. Have healthy snacks ready to go. Slice up fruits and veggies and air pop some popcorn to keep on hand for when your kids are looking for a snack. Make smoothies. Smoothies are delicious and easy to make! They make a great breakfast, snack, or dessert. Get your kids involved. Let them help you choose fruits and veggies at the market and let them help you prepare food, too. Lead by example to help your kids develop better eating habits for life. If you’re looking for more ideas or information on healthy eating, check out resources like MyPlate that offer tips and even online tools to help you and your family build a healthy eating style that works for you. Get them Moving The current global recommendation for physical activity for children ages 5 to 17 is moderate-intensity physical activity at least 60 minutes per day. Even with hectic schedules, this is easy to achieve and more so if you do it as a family. Together with your kids, come up with fun physical activities that you can all do together. Here are a few fun, family-friendly activities to help you get started: Nature walks. Hit a local trail and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Go for an hour or make it a day-long hike by stopping for a picnic of healthy snacks along the way. Participate in a walk or run for charity. Not only is this for a good cause, but you can use the event as a goal to train for and work towards. Most events offer different distances and many even have a kid’s events at the start. Walk instead of driving. This can be to school, to the park or anywhere else you enjoy going together. Skipping the car whenever possible is a good habit for family members of all ages to get into! Get competitive. Plan a family volleyball or soccer match in the backyard or at a park. Invite friends and other family members along to add to the fun. Go to the beach or local pool. Splashing and swimming are fun ways to get moving that you’ll all enjoy! Play with your kids. A good old fashioned game of tag or hide-and-seek with your kids is sure to be a hit. Encourage them to play these types of games when they have friends over too, instead of videogames. No matter what activities you choose, be sure to focus on making it fun. Giving your children an understanding of the benefits of activity can also help encourage them to move more now and as they get older.

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Ways to Prevent Homesickness When Your Child Goes Away to Camp

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 21:45:09 +0000

By Lisa Pecos Summer camp is where some of our best childhood memories are made. Days are jam-packed full of fun and adventures, yet for some children, this isn’t enough to stop them from feeling homesick. Most children will feel homesick at some point when away at camp, but for some it can turn what’s supposed to be a great time into a source of stress for the child and parent. Thankfully, there are things that you can do to help prevent your child from developing a case of the summer camp blues. Let your child be involved in choosing the camp. By involving them in the selection, you can choose a place that they’ll be excited about and look forward to. A countdown calendar. Get them excited for camp with a countdown calendar. Let your child make the calendar and decorate it with stickers and even pictures of the camp taken from a brochure or website. Come up with a homesickness plan with your child. Together, come up with a list of things your child can do if they feel homesick. Ask your child to come up with ideas, such as reading a book, playing a game, or talking to a counsellor. Avoid talking about how much you’ll miss them. The last thing you want to do is make them feel bad about being away. Sadness is contagious so avoid telling your child how sad you are to see them go or how much you will miss them. Address your child’s worries. The American Camp Association (ACA) recommends addressing your child’s concerns as they come up and helping them apply the principles of knowing the facts and coming up with a plan. They suggest visiting the camp’s website and sharing everything you know about the camp. Practice camp. Arrange a weekend away at a friend’s place and don’t call to talk to your child while they’re away. Instead, send along a couple of letters to be given to your child over the course of the weekend and be sure to keep them upbeat and positive. Remember to praise him/her for being independent during their time away. Stay in touch through letters. Hearing your voice can trigger or worsen homesickness, so instead of calling, write your child letters regularly instead. This is a great way to offer support and stay in touch while still allowing them to be independent. If you do get a tearful call, do your best to remain calm and reassuring. Arrange a buddy. If possible, try to send them the same camp as a friend or relative so they have a buddy to enjoy the experience with. Pre-address and stamp envelopes. Have a stack of self-addressed, stamped envelopes ready to pack with your child’s things so that he/she can write home whenever they like. Pack together. Let your child be involved in the packing and let them pack a favorite toy or book to help make their bunk feel more like home. Making it Easier on You Summer camp can be hard on you as a parent, too. Calls from your homesick child and being apart can tug at your heart strings and make the time apart stressful. To help make it easier, be sure to plan some fun activities for you during this time. Things like going out to dinner, a spa day, or tackling a project at home that you’ve been putting off can help you enjoy this time rather than spend it worrying—at least a little.

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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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Early Signs of Autism to Look Out For

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 20:08:27 +0000

By Lisa Pecos Most children with autism don’t get a final diagnosis until the age of four. There is no specific medical test or blood test to diagnose autism the way you would a medical condition such as cancer or diabetes. Medical professionals base their diagnosis on a child’s behaviour and development. Since children without the condition can exhibit many of the same issues, getting a diagnosis is often delayed. Even so, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that a diagnosis by an experienced professional by the age of two can be very reliable. As a parent, you’ll be able see signs that something is different about your child long before that, often as early as by their first birthday. Knowing what signs to look for can help you get a diagnosis earlier and therefore treatment can begin sooner, which has been shown to improve the outcome in those with autism. The following are early signs of autism that should be discussed with the child’s doctor. 12 Months and Under Before the age of 12 months, keep an eye out for signs that your child isn’t meeting common developmental milestones that they should be. Talk to your doctor if your child: Doesn’t make eye contact or appears to look through you Doesn’t smile Doesn’t show interest in faces Doesn’t always respond to their name or react to sounds even though the hearing seems fine at other times Doesn’t try to “talk” Doesn’t enjoy being touched Doesn’t use common gestures, like reaching for things they want Doesn’t show interest in typical baby activities and games 12 to 24 Months By this age your child should be using certain gestures and beginning to communicate better. Signs of autism at this stage can include: Not using gestures such as nodding yes or shaking their head no or pointing to what they want Not expressing interest in objects that babies generally like, such as toys Appears to be in his/her own world and able to tune out everyone around them Loses verbal skills and no longer babbles or speaks at all Loses interest in people and appears to lose social skills Walks on their toes Doesn’t walk at all 2 Years of Age and Up By this age the differences in your child will become even more apparent. You may notice that your child: Has trouble expressing themselves, participating in a conversation, or even speaking at all Doesn’t appear to understand what’s being said to them, such as not responding to their own name Expresses emotions inappropriately, such as by screaming or laughing at inappropriate times Has unusual speaking patterns, such as speaking in a very flat tone or repeating certain words Doesn’t engage in pretend or imaginative play Plays with their toys in an unusual way, such as lining them up or counting them rather than playing with them Prefers to play alone and have very little interest in other children Appears to have behaviour issues, such as being uncooperative or aggressive Doesn’t like to stray from routines and has a strong reaction to change Engages in repetitive behaviour, such as flapping his/her hands Is extremely sensitive to sounds or light Your child’s doctor can provide you with more information on autism spectrum disorder.

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Opioid Overdoses Triple Among Kids & Teens – How to Protect Your Kids

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 19:47:59 +0000

By Lisa Pecos The Journal of the American Medical Associating (JAMA) Pediatrics recently published an alarming report stating that the number of young children and teens hospitalized in the U.S. for opioid overdose has almost tripled in recent years. What Are Opioids? Opioids are a class of prescription pain relievers that work by reducing the intensity of pain signals to the brain. You may recognize some of the drugs that fall into class from news reports or even from your own medicine cabinet as they are being prescribed more and more. These include: Hydrocodone (brand name Vicodin) Oxycodone (brand names Percocet, OxyContin) Morphine These are generally prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Though not as strong, codeine is also considered an opioid and is often prescribed for milder pain. The Shocking Results The study was based on information from a national database of hospitalizations of children and adolescents admitted to hospitals for opioid poisonings every 3 years from 1997 to 2012. Among those children under the age of 10, most poisonings were accidental, with kids eating the pills as they would candy. Accidental overdoses also accounted for most of the poisonings among teens, with some being suicide attempts. The groups focusing on children under 10 and teens both showed a dramatic increase in the number of cases involving OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet. The increase in the number of poisonings from 1997 to 2012 in each age group was as follows: Ages 1 to 4: 205 percent Ages 15 to 19: 176 percent Just as alarming was the increase in the number of poisonings involving heroin and methadone, which were 161 percent and 950 percent, respectively. This increase has been attributed to the rising rate at which types of painkillers are being prescribed in recent years. This increase in prescriptions has resulted in more and more homes in the United States having opioids, which means more kids and teens having access to them more than ever before. How You Can Help Protect Your Kids from Opioid Abuse Limiting access to narcotic pain killers is the first thing that you can do to protect your child or teen from opioid poisoning or abuse. Keeping prescription medications out of reach and in locked cabinets can help keep your children and their friends away from these addictive and potentially fatal medications. Talking to your children about the dangers of these drugs and other illicit drugs is also important. An understanding of why adolescents and teens turn to these drugs is also important and addiction and depression should be discussed openly so that treatment can be started as soon as possible. Signs of Opioid Poisoning Knowing the signs of opioid intoxication can alert you to a problem and may also help save a life. The following are common signs and symptoms of opioid intoxication: Delirium or confusion Trouble breathing Extreme sleepiness Small pupils Nausea and vomiting The severity of symptoms depends on how much of the drug was taken. Prolonged use of opioids can have life-altering consequences, including: Permanent lung damage Tremors Inability to think clearly Seizures Difficulty walking If you suspect that your child or teen is experiencing opioid poisoning, seek emergency medical care.

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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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Program to Prevent Teen Pregnancy with Virtual Babies Backfires

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 17:48:35 +0000

By Lisa Pecos It may seem like something out of an 80s sitcom, but giving teen girls lifelike baby dolls to care for as a way to dissuade them from getting pregnant is something that has been going on for years. A recent study out of Australia, however, has found that this may actually have the opposite effect on teen girls. Virtual Babies A virtual baby or infant simulator is a lifelike doll that cries and needs to be soothed, fed, burped, and changed. Programs geared at reducing teen pregnancy often use these virtual babies as a way to show teens the stress and responsibility involved with having a baby in the hopes of putting them off of wanting a baby. The Study A paper published in The Lancet, found that teen girls given these virtual babies became pregnant at a higher rate than their peers in a control group. The study involved 3000 Australian girls aged 13 to 15 at enrollment and followed them until they reached the age of 20. Half of the girls received the intervention program in school while the half in the control group received the standard health education curriculum. The results showed that the girls in the intervention group who’d been given the VIP program using infant simulator dolls were more likely to get pregnant and give birth or have an induced abortion before the age of 20 than those in the control group. Teen Pregnancy According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 249,078 babies were born to women aged 15 to 19 in 2014. Though this is lower than the previous year, the U.S. teen pregnancy rate is still considerably higher than in other industrialized western nations. Pregnancy and childbirth contribute to high school dropout rates with only 50 percent of teen mothers receiving a high school diploma by age 22 in comparison to their peers who don’t give birth during adolescent; 90 percent of which graduate. The CDC also reported that in 2010, teen pregnancy and childbirth resulted in 9.4 billion dollars in costs to taxpayers for increased foster care and health care, higher incarceration rates among the children born to teen parents. Children of teenage mothers tend to drop out of school, have more health problems, give birth as teenagers, go to prison during adolescence, and find it difficult to achieve or maintain employment as young adults.

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Report Finds Medicine is Over-Prescribed for Young Children with ADHD

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 17:58:22 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Though behavior therapy is the recommended first line of treatment for young children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a report has found that more children are being treated with medication instead. ADHD ADHD is a disorder that causes hyperactivity, attention issues, and impulsiveness. Approximately 6 million children in the United States have ADHD, of which 2 million were diagnosed before the age of 6. It’s been found that those diagnosed at an early age often have the most severe symptoms. They’re also the ones who benefit the most from behavior therapy and other psychological services. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthcare providers refer parents for behaviour therapy training before resorting to prescribing medication to children under the age of 5. The Report Researchers for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looked at annual health care claims starting from 2008 for approximately 5 million children between the ages of 2 and 5 insured by Medicaid, along with another 1 million children covered by employer-sponsored insurance. The Vital Signs report showed that even though behavior therapy is recommended as the first line of treatment, approximately 75 percent of young children treated for ADHD received medication. The report also showed only half of children treated for ADHD received any type of psychological services, which may have included behavior therapy training for parents. According to the CDC, the first recommended treatment for young children with the disorder is underused and they are urging all healthcare professionals who treat ADHD to help parents by explaining the benefits associated with behavior therapy and referring them for training. The Benefits of Behavior Therapy There are several reasons why behavior therapy is recommended first for the treatment of ADHD in young children over medication. Behavior therapy has been found to work as well as medication, which is successful for approximately 70 to 80 percent of young children with ADHD. The medications used to treat ADHD can cause side effects ranging from decreased appetite and stomach pain to irritability and sleep issues. There is also concern over the long-term effects of these medications on young children, which are not yet known. It is recommended that parents and healthcare providers work together to decide on the appropriate treatment for young children with ADHD by discussing and considering: The child’s age Possible side effects of medication Duration of benefits of each treatment Availability of treatment Cost and resources Urgency of need Family preference Behavior therapy training for parents typically requires 8 sessions which cover topics including: Positive communication Positive reinforcement Structure and discipline It has been found to give parents the skills needed to help improve their child’s behavior and improve the way they function at home and school, as well as in relationships. After therapy ends, the benefits continue, which ultimately reduces stress while the child’s behavior continues to improve.

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Coping with Infertility and Understanding Your Options

Danica Hoppe — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 18:22:25 +0000

Making the decision to start a family is one of the most exciting times in your life. Unfortunately, happiness and joy can quickly turn into depression and fear when a baby cannot be conceived naturally due to infertility issues. Understand that you are not alone. Approximately one in six couples struggles with infertility. With proper resources, support, and patience, you can either find a solution to your infertility or find out what options you have available to you for starting a family. Consider Your Options After one year of trying to conceive a child naturally without any success, it’s time to see a fertility doctor. If it’s determined that you are unable to conceive a child naturally, don’t give up hope just yet. There are numerous options available for couples who cannot conceive a child, including surrogacy, adoption, and fostering. There are many women that love the idea of becoming a surrogate to help couples have a baby. The process of surrogacy involves using the father’s sperm and the mother’s eggs (or donor eggs) and artificially inseminating the surrogate so she can carry the baby to term. Understand the Challenges Understand that infertility is not without its challenges. Whether undergoing fertility treatments or starting the adoption or surrogacy process, times will most likely become stressful for you and your partner. Find a support group in your area for infertile couples for encouragement, wisdom, and empowerment. Don’t blame yourself or become angry at your inability to conceive because this will only worsen things; instead, focus on the available solutions for the problem. Visit a Professional Visiting a professional that specializes in infertility is the best way to find out if there’s a biological reason why you’re not becoming pregnant. During your appointment, the doctor will ask you a series of questions about your medical history and your attempts to become pregnant. Both partners will be evaluated to try and find the reason for infertility with physicals, blood tests, ovulation evaluation, pelvic exam, pelvic ultrasounds, and semen analysis. Infertility can often be treated with fertility medication, artificial insemination, or in vitro fertilization. Communicate with Your Partner Lean on your partner for support and don’t place blame on them; they are also struggling. Allow your partner to cope with infertility in a different manner than you. Everyone expresses their emotions differently. Don’t keep the pain and anger to yourself; instead, talk to your partner about it so you can both cope together. Discuss your options with them and determine how long you want to try and conceive before trying other options. Set a budget together of what you’re able to spend on fertility treatments or options such as surrogacy and adoption. Dealing with infertility can cause anger, depression, and a wide range of other emotions. It can be one of the most difficult challenges you ever experience in your life. If your dream is to start a family, try not to become discouraged if you have trouble conceiving a child. Be patient and consult specialists to determine why you’re having trouble. Understand that if you are unable to conceive a child, it’s not impossible for you to still become a parent. Consider all of your options and remain optimistic but realistic at the same time. Seek the support of your partner, friends, family members, and other parents also struggling with infertility. You don’t have to go through this alone.

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How Much Stress is Too Much: Signs Moms Should Look Out for

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 18:00:59 +0000

Stress is one of those things that just happens – especially when you’re responsible for the lives of others. Stress is inevitably your body’s natural way of reacting to thoughts or activities in your life that can often make you feel overwhelmed. Your body goes into a “flight or fight” mode which releases stress hormones throughout the body to help you react calmly. While stress is normal and good in some cases, when it becomes too much to bear it can cause a plethora of physical and psychological issues. Stress Can Lead to Self-Medicating What many don’t understand is that not dealing with chronic levels of stress can quickly lead to the need to self-medicate. While some might start smoking marijuana at the end of a long day to cope, others will drink several glasses of wine. Although in small doses these substances may seem harmless, prolonged use can lead to your body developing a tolerance and then a dependency which can lead to substance abuse and addiction. If you believe you’ve started self-medicating, the best thing you can do for yourself and your children is to reach out to a program that offers substance abuse recovery for women to get the specialized care you need. Signs You’re Dealing with Too Much Stress As stated before, some stress comes with the territory of life and all the many “hats” you wear as a woman. However, if you recognize any of the below signs in yourself, you need to find ways to relieve stress before it results in reckless behaviors such as those we described above. 1. Lack of Energy, Mood Swings, and Crying Every woman has a breaking point, and when she gets there, it can be a host of emotions that are displayed. Emotionally, you might notice the inability to concentrate, frequent crying out of the blue, mood swings, and the impaired ability to make sound decisions. While they can be related to other psychological issues, emotional distress is something you really want to take heed to. 2. Digestive Problems, Body Aches, and Skin Problems While stress is a psychological effect, it can manifest in physical ways that you’re not paying attention to at the time. Common signs of too much stress include frequent headaches, chest, back, and neck pain, rashes, acne, difficulty breathing, constipation, and diarrhea. 3. Anxiety, Guilt, and Worry If your mind seems to be racing with anxious thoughts, stress could be the underlying cause. Whether you’re worried about a child who is sick, a deadline you have to meet at work, or an argument you had with your spouse, stress and anxiety often go hand and hand. If you can’t put your mind at ease, and your anxious thoughts seem to last more than a few weeks, it could be a sign of chronic stress or an anxiety disorder that needs further treatment. 4. Anger and Irritability Do the kids arguing send you on a screaming fest? Or maybe an accidental spill of juice makes you scold them more than usual? While there’s no one like your children to send you from zero to one hundred in an instant, if you’re lashing out for things that you’d normally be able to handle with a calm head, this is a sign you’re overwhelmed and probably stressed out. 5. Sleep Deprivation While having young children can keep you from getting eight hours of sleep at night, if you find that your thoughts are waking you from a normal sleep, you’re in over your head. An anxious mind will keep you up several hours at a time. Lack of sleep or sleep deprivation, will ultimately lead to more issues that only add to your stress. As the women of the house, we wear a lot of hats. We’re taking care of the kids, tending to the needs of our spouse, and caring for the home. On top of that, we’re dealing with stresses at work and possibly have lost our own identities in the process. If you feel more stressed out than usual, it is important to talk with your partner, doctor, or therapist to find ways to reduce the stress before it reaches levels that cause a series of poor choices and bad habits.

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How Much Sleep Do Your Kids and Teens Really Need?

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 21:23:06 +0000

By Lisa Pecos Chances are that you’ve long been told that you should be aiming for 8 hours of sleep every night, but does that go for your children too? And if you struggle to get in a full 8 hours on most nights, is it realistic to expect that your child or teen can? Experts report that more than one third of the American population doesn’t get enough sleep and this includes children and teens. The Effects of Not Getting Enough Sleep There is no question that the amount of sleep we get directly impacts our health and wellbeing and this goes for children too. Inadequate sleep in children has been shown to result in: Tiredness Impaired ability to focus and pay attention Irritability and frustration Difficulty controlling emotions and impulses Children and teens that don’t get sufficient sleep also have a much higher risk of: Obesity High blood pressure Diabetes Heart disease Depression Teens in particular are also at risk of having suicidal thoughts, attempting suicide, and engaging self-harming. How Much Sleep Your Child or Teen Needs The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has just released recommendations on the amount of sleep children and teens need in order to avoid health risks. The recommendations are based on a 10-month study of 864 scientific articles on the link between sleep and children’s health. They recommend the following amount of sleep per 24 hours: Infants 4 to 12 months: 12 to 16 hours of sleep, including naps Ages 1 to 2 years: 11 to 14 hours, including naps Ages 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours, including naps Ages 6 to 12 years: nine to 12 hours Ages 13 to 18 years: eight to 10 hours The American Academy of Pediatrics and other health authorities endorse the recommendations. How to Help Your Kids Get Better Sleep Ensuring that your child gets enough sleep isn’t always easy, especially as they get older, but there are things that you can do to help them. For younger children, a bedtime story, a lullaby, or other bedtime ritual can be soothing and help them to relax and settle in for a night of sleep. Keeping a consistent bedtime each night is also important to help them develop a better sleep routine. For children and teens that are beyond the lullaby and bedtime story stage, regular exercise and avoiding stimulants before bed can help. Banning electronic devices and phones in the bedroom is important. And children and teens of all ages will benefit from sleeping in a room that is cool, dark, and quiet.

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5 Fun Ways to Help Enhance Your Child’s Learning Potential

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 16:59:10 +0000

As parents, you are your child’s first teacher. While you may already be actively involved in their education, there are still things you should be doing at home to help them evolve academically. You’ll need to be the motivator and support system that helps your child to not only retain the information they’re learning now but creates new experiences that will help them succeed in the future – both personally and academically. Learning Can be Fun Teaching your child new experiences does not have to be about sitting them down and going over math problems or having them write in their journal. It can actually be “disguised” in fun and creative ways that make them forget that they’re learning in the first place. Below are some great ideas or activities you might try to help boost your child’s “brainpower”: 1. Music Lessons Music is an efficient way to help enhance your child’s learning potential. Not only would it be cool and fun for your child to learn a musical instrument such as the guitar, piano, or drums, it can also be beneficial for their education because music improves their cognitive skills. If you’re not well versed on how to play a particular musical instrument, you can easily do an online search and find piano, drum, or guitar lessons for beginners. During such lessons, your child will improve hand-eye coordination, learn the importance of setting goals and achieving them, learn how to work well with others, improve their memory, and much more. Not to mention the glow on their faces once they’ve mastered their craft and can actually play a tune. 2. Reading Reading is a great way for your children to develop language and vocabulary skills. You should try reading to your children at least 20 minutes per day. Since reading can seem rather boring, it is important to make it engaging by choosing books the children would be interested in and acting out the character’s voices. You can also have your children reading without necessarily having a book. For instance, let them read traffic signs while taking a drive, the ingredients list on a recipe, or even signs on stores as you’re shopping. 3. Cooking Teaching your children to cook can be a lot of fun while also being educational. There is a lot that goes into cooking, from reading to math and science. Children learn how to prep meals and practice good hygiene by washing their hands beforehand. They learn how to read instructions, which often includes fractions and measuring. This can also be an opportunity to make healthy foods fun for kids by choosing easy, healthy recipes. It doesn’t hurt that this is an important life skill they’ll use time and time again. 4. Imaginative Play Set time aside in your child’s schedule for them to use their imaginations. Tea parties, dress up, and even big adventures like warding off dragons and saving the princess can prove beneficial to their academic success. Children who use their imaginations ultimately learn how to think creatively. They also learn social skills, build vocabulary, and much more. Allow them to have friends over, or partake in imaginative play with them and see how much their little minds grow. 5. Communication Did you know that the conversations you have with your child on a regular basis go a long way in helping them to develop vocabulary and social skills? You don’t have to sit and talk to them about politics for this to work. You can talk with them about how their day went, about a movie they just saw, what their interests are, and much more. The idea is to get their young minds going by asking questions. As you can see from the above examples, there are plenty of ways in which parents can help their children grow academically. It doesn’t always have to mean pulling out a pencil and paper and drilling them on exercises learned in school. Sometimes it’s about engaging in things they take interest in and finding ways to make them fun and educational. Start adding these ideas to your child’s daily routine and you will certainly notice a difference in their ability to learn and evolve.

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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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Protecting Your Kids from Ticks

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 20:27:04 +0000

By Jamell Andrews With the warm weather and coming summer vacation, children will be spending more time outdoors. The warmer weather at this time of year also means that that tick season is in full swing. A tick bite can put your child at risk for different diseases, with Lyme disease being especially concerning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease in the United States yearly. While contact with ticks is less common in urban settings, living in a rural area or engaging in activities like walks in the woods or going to summer camp makes contact with ticks a lot more likely for your children. By taking the following simple precautions, you can help protect your children from tick bites and lower their risk of tick-borne diseases: Keep skin covered. If your child is going to be playing in areas that are more likely to be home to ticks, such as in wooded areas or areas with tall grass, keep their skin covered by dressing them in long sleeves and long pants. Tucking their pant legs into their socks is also recommended. Opt for lighter fabrics to help keep them cool and protected on hot days. A hat is also a good idea. Use repellents that contain DEET. Repellant sprays that contain 20 to 30 percent of DEET on exposed skin and clothing can provide several hours of protection from ticks and other insects. Always follow the directions on the packaging. Avoid spraying the eyes, mouth, and hands. Tick-repellant clothing. There are several brands of tick-repellant clothing on the market. You can also purchase tick sprays that can be used to protect clothing for several washes. These options repel and kill ticks on clothing, footwear, and even sleeping bags and other items your child may use during summer vacation. Checking for ticks. Check your child for ticks when they come indoors after playing outdoors. Check the hair, behind the ears, and in skin folds and creases, including between the toes and in the bellybutton. You can also get your child into the habit of checking themselves for ticks and other bugs. Also be sure to check clothing, bags and any other items your children bring indoors after being in tick-infested areas. Bathing with soap. Since ticks are tiny and difficult to see, it’s important that your child shower or bathe immediately after being outside even if you didn’t find anything on your initial inspection. Take this time to re-check your child’s hair and body for ticks. Dry clothes on high. Throwing clothes into the dryer for 10 minutes on a high-heat setting will kill any ticks that may be on the clothing. If in need of washing, wash using hot water. Delicates that can’t be exposed to high heat should be tumble dried on low for 90 minutes to kill ticks. If You Find a Tick If you find a live tick that is not attached, do not crush it with your hands. Instead, kill it by submersing it in alcohol. Place the dead tick in a sealed bag or container and throw it out. Wash your hands thoroughly. To remove a tick that is attached to the skin: Use pointy tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as you can Pull upward and keep your hand steady with even pressure to avoid breaking apart the tick if possible Submerse the tick in alcohol to kill it and then place it in a sealed bag or container before throwing it out. Wash your hands thoroughly Wash the tweezers If your child develops a rash or fever within a few weeks of the tick bite, take them to the doctor and be sure to let the doctor know about the recent tick bite.

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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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Recognizing Sensory Processing Issues In Children

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 19:36:04 +0000

As a parent who has a child with special needs, you know how difficult it can be to find out why your child is finding life much harder than other children their age. Finding out why your child is not relating well to the world is the first step to helping your child cope. Fortunately, there are remarkably simple aids that you can apply once you find out why they are having a challenging time. For instance, a golden retriever can help an autistic child feel more connected to the world. The autistic child might respond to their new pet’s love and patience when he won’t connect to another person. A child with sensory processing issues may be delighted with seamless socks for kids. He or she may feel immense relief from wearing clothing that has no lumps caused by seams. As their comfort level increases, their behavior changes quickly. They throw fewer tantrums and appear happier. While there is a great deal of literature on the autistic spectrum or the variety of learning disorders, there appears to be little knowledge about sensory processing issues. Noticing Sensory Processing Issues Often, the idea of a sensory processing issue is not noticed until a child is at school. However, in schools, teachers quickly notice those children whose behavior is well outside the norm. For instance, if your daughter’s second-grade teacher calls to say that she has noticed some behavior issues with your child in school, you may come to realize that what you had considered normal behavior is not how other children behave. Other children her age may be less distracted by what is going on around them. They may feel less frustrated with things like handwriting. And they may not get upset at all when asked to switch from one activity to another. Diagnosing Sensory Processing Issues A child with sensory processing issues may exhibit the following behavior traits: They may have difficulty understanding information taken in from the senses. This is not necessarily related to sight or hearing but might also include touch, taste, and smell. They may have difficulty acquiring a sense of body awareness. They may have difficulty with movement, coordination and balance. Misdiagnosing Sensory Processing Issues One reason for the dearth of literature on sensory processing issues is that it is often mistaken for something else. It may be mistaken for ADD or ADHD because of the child’s agitation, restlessness, and failure to pay attention. Or it may be mistaken for a learning disorder because a child doesn’t appear to grasp the information the teacher presents in class. Two Distinct Subcategories Another reason why sensory processing issues have been so hard to detect is because there are two distinct classes of sensory processing issues—oversensitivity and undersensitivity. Oversensitive Children Children who are oversensitive show the following behavior traits: They can’t seem to tolerate bright lights. They are unusually disturbed by loud noises like barking dogs and police sirens. They find normal clothing irritating; complaining that labels on collars cut into their neck or their underwear chafes or their shoes appear unbearably tight. They react to sounds in the background that others don’t even detect. They find hugging and cuddling uncomfortable even with parents or siblings they love. Children who are oversensitive and have body awareness or movement and balance issues may show the following behavior. They may think of playgrounds as dangerous, terrified of things like sitting on a see-saw or going up in a swing. They may knock down their playmates or bump into things because they are unaware of their body’s position in relation to people or objects. This behavior is often mistaken for “playing rough” with their friends or being hopelessly clumsy. They may exert too much pressure on sensitive tasks—like breaking pencil ends when writing or tearing a sheet of paper while erasing. They may spill drinks by slamming down glasses. They may press, squeeze, or break things by applying too much pressure. Since these behavior traits may bring about negative social repercussions because their behavior is mistaken for bullying, defiance, or aggression, they may quickly get overwhelmed by criticism or ostracism. The result is that they have emotional meltdowns or bolt away from the distressing situation. Undersensitive Children Meanwhile, undersensitive children may show the following behavior: They may constantly want to touch people or their clothing, which can irritate others. They may appear to crowd other kid’s personal space without realizing it. They may not notice when they have been cut or bruised when playing. They may not understand their own strength and be perceived as bullies. They may love hugging, cuddling, and clinging to people for long periods. They may crave any activities that stimulate them like jumping, bumping, running, spinning, or leaping from high places. Getting Help The first step to take is to get an accurate diagnosis of sensory processing issues from a pediatrician or a child therapist. Once diagnosed, your child should work with an occupational therapist that has specialized in this field. These can be found working in schools or private practice. OTs will help your child regulate their sensory information so that you child can fit in with other children and handle normal, everyday demands.

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Summer Child Care: What to Do with Older Kids this summer

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 21:22:22 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Along with trying to combat the dreaded summer vacation boredom that’s bound to rear its ugly head on an occasion or two, parents of older children also find themselves scrambling for child care solutions when school’s out but work isn’t. Summer child care isn’t just challenging to figure out, but expensive too, with the average family spending as much as $1116 per child over the summer on care and activities, according to the 2012 America Express Spending and Saving Tracker report. There are several factors to consider when planning summer child care for older children. For starters, you need to consider their maturity level. You should also consider your child’s comfort level when it comes to time spent alone. Just because you think your 13 year-old is mature enough to be alone while you’re at work doesn’t mean that they’re comfortable with the idea of so much alone time. Also, studies have found that being left to care for themselves can have serious consequences, with one study finding children who are left alone for 3 hours or more often suffer low self-esteem and depression, and are more likely to do poorly in school. Other studies have linked being left to care for themselves for a few hours a week to drug and alcohol use. Summer Child Care Ideas When thinking about summer child care, especially for older children, you need to think outside the box when looking for solutions for an older child’s care, since most will cringe at the idea of having a “babysitter”. The following are some ideas to help you make their summer fun while also giving you the peace of mind that they’re being looked after while you’re at work: Time with friends. While your older kid may not like the term “play date”, arranging with other parents to have your child spend time with a friend is an excellent and affordable option. As children get older their friends become more important to them. Make arrangements with a friend’s parent to have your child spend a day or two with them and offer to return the favor when you’re able. Time with family. Though they may outgrow their enthusiasm of a week with the grandparents once they reach their teens; a week or two spent at a relative’s home is an affordable solution that can also help strengthen the family bond. There’s also that old saying that the grandparents’ house is where cousins become best friends. Make their time there even more special by arranging time with cousins and other relatives closer to your child’s age. Volunteering. Depending on your child’s age, having them volunteer can be a great way to keep them occupied when you’re not home. Talk to your child about causes that they care about and suggest volunteering at an animal shelter or other organization. Volunteer opportunities can be easily found online or by contacting different organizations directly. Camps. Day camps or sleepaway camps can be a fun way for your child to spend part of their summer. Not only does this provide a solution for child care, but it can also help build their independence and give them amazing experiences that they’ll cherish. There are different types of camps to choose from, from those that focus on sports to art and music camps. If money is an issue, look into day camps, as well as church and community camps, which tend to cost less than traditional sleep away camps. Work from home. More and more employers are allowing employees to work from home. If your job is one that can be done from home, speak to your boss about the possibility of working from home even if just a day or two each week over the summer to help offset child care costs. There are many options available if you think outside the box. Older children will appreciate the opportunity to provide their input and be a part of the planning, so involve them in the process to help ensure a fun summer vacation for them and a less stressful summer for you.

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What to Ask Your Obstetrician During Your First Trimester

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 21:30:34 +0000

The first trimester is the most critical time for growth and development of your baby. At the end of these 3 months, your baby will have developed functioning organs and a nervous system. There will be a lot of questions that you may have for your obstetrician in order to prepare for your baby’s arrival. Below are some key questions to ask your obstetrician during your first trimester. What is Prenatal Screening and Testing? Based on your family medical history and your pregnancy history, your doctor may offer you the option of screening for chromosomal abnormalities with prenatal testing. Recent advances in technology have paved the way for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which requires only a blood draw and can be performed as early as week 10 in pregnancy. Work with your obstetrician or your genetic counselor to learn more about your testing options. How Should I Maintain or Change my Lifestyle? The most common guidelines defined by obstetricians to maintain a healthy pregnancy are to stop smoking, avoid alcohol consumption, and adhere to a well-balanced diet. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They also recommend putting emphasis on getting the right amount of folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, protein and iron. Work with your healthcare physician or a nutritionist to develop a meal plan that is best suited for you. Should I Be Monitoring Any Pre-Existing Health Conditions? If you are thinking about getting pregnant, you should discuss any pre-existing health conditions you have with your physician at your preconception visit or at your first prenatal visit. Your physician will analyze your medical history and your current state of health in order to determine what needs to be monitored throughout your pregnancy. This includes any medications that you are currently taking, as some medications may not be safe to take while pregnant. What Can I Do to Ease Pregnancy Symptoms Such as Nausea and Vomiting? According to WebMD, roughly 85% of women report nausea during the first trimester of their pregnancy. One suggestion for easing nausea is to get up slowly in the morning rather than rushing out of bed, as quick movements can make nausea worse. If nausea and vomiting persist, call your doctor. Persistent and extreme nausea and vomiting may be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum. How Can I Tell if Something I’m Experiencing is Normal? When Should I Call for Medical Advice? The first trimester of pregnancy comes with multiple physiological changes. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms include tenderness of the breasts, nausea, and food cravings. Ask your obstetrician which symptoms are normal and which symptoms should be a cause for concern. Pay attention to the changes happening with your body so that you can provide your healthcare provider with these details at each of your visits. Resources: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/pregnancy_and_childbirth/first_trimester_85,P01218/ http://www.babble.com/pregnancy/the-10-most-important-questions-for-the-first-trimester/ http://www.webmd.com/baby/questions-about-pregnancy http://www.webmd.com/baby/frequently-asked-questions-about-pregnancy https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Am_I_Pregnant/hic_Premature_Labor/hic_Hyperemesis_Gravidarum_Severe_Nausea_and_Vomiting_During_Pregnancy

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Dads: Your Long Commute Could Have a Negative Effect on Your Kids

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 18:06:50 +0000

By Lisa Pecos We all know that the commute to work can be stressful and the longer the commute, the more of a pain it is. Past studies have looked into the impact that long commutes have on your health and have found that those with longer commutes are more likely to be overweight, have high blood pressure, and develop cardiovascular disease. Long commutes have also been associated with lower life satisfaction and a higher risk of marital issues, including marriage breakdown. While your long commute is certainly no picnic for you or your health, it turns out that your commute may also have a negative impact on your children, according to a recent study. The Study A study conducted by researchers from WZB Berlin Social Science Center was the first to look at the negative effects of a father’s commute time on their children. The study examined the impact of a father’s work commute on children’s social and emotional wellbeing. The children’s ages ranged from 5 to 6. The results showed that a father’s commute in the two years prior was associated with increased peer problems and emotional issues. The children’s risk of relationship problems with their peers increased with the distance of the fathers’ commute. The symptoms associated with emotional and peer problems include: Preferring to play alone rather than with other children Being bullied by other children Feeling unhappy Sadness Tearfulness Being solitary The study also linked the fathers’ commutes to increased hyperactivity in the children. What Can You Take from This A different job with a closer commute may not be an option, but the researchers of the study suggest that parents consider their children’s wellbeing when making decisions about where to work. They’re also recommending more research into how long commutes affect parenting behaviour. If changing jobs is not a realistic option for you, being aware of the impact your commute may be having on your child is a start and can provide an opportunity to make some small changes to help your children. Consider the following: Spending more quality time with your children when you are home Avoiding working late whenever possible and providing consistency by getting home at around the same time every day Taking public transportation if you find your drive to and from work stressful Engaging in physical activity with your family, such as going for a bike ride or walk to not only spend time together, but also to lower stress levels and improve your health and theirs Avoiding complaining about your work or commute and showing signs of stress around your children A shorter commute may not be in the cards for everyone, but being aware of how it can impact you and your family and making the effort to make your situation more pleasant is in your best interest and theirs.

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How Our Lifestyle Choices Affect Our Kids

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 16:53:49 +0000

I learned it by watching you!” is a tagline that has taken up permanent residence in our collective cultural brain. Even if we don’t remember the actual commercial in which the young son told his father he learned his drug-seeking/abusive behavior by watching him, we know the line. Moreover, we know that it isn’t just a memorable tagline from the War on Drugs. We know that it is scientifically true: our kids learn their habits, tics, traits and even preferences by watching us. This is true for everything from personal hygiene to taste in entertainment. We, as parents, are our children’s’ first and most important teachers. And if you don’t think that is true, try to think back to the first time you learned that the kids at school had different family structures than you did. That their parents had different employment situations, cultural ties, etc. Do you remember how much it blew your mind to find out that, at your best friend’s house, they didn’t eat the Cheerios you were used to but ate bowls full of Shredded Wheat? From practically the time they are born, your kids are watching you. They learn first by imitation (speech, motor functions) and then by emulation (personality quirks, etc.narcistic). This means that if you don’t take care of yourself, your kids won’t take care of themselves either. And no, it doesn’t matter how careful or subtle you think you are; your kids will see everything. Moreover, many of your habits can have a direct impact on your child’s immediate health. For example, studies have recently shown that vaping can pose a critical risk to your kids’ pulmonary health–much like the effects of secondhand smoke. Sometimes this is a good thing. You can and should take this opportunity to teach your kids good habits and personal responsibility. Other times, this can be dangerous. For example, children who grow up in homes with parents who suffer from alcoholics are more likely to become alcoholic themselves. Or if they see their parents treat a prescription drug addiction like it isn’t a big deal, they will be less likely to seek prescription drug addiction treatment for themselves if they find themselves with a similar problem. It isn’t just your physical health behaviors that will influence your kids. Your mental and emotional responses to life are also likely to be picked up on and inherited as well. Again, this isn’t pop psychology. There is evidence proving that mental and emotional health issues can be genetically hereditary. I.E. If one or both parents has a mental illness like depression, schizophrenia, etc., the child has a chance of developing that same disease. So what can you do? How do you make sure that your kids grow up with good habits? Obviously “do as I say, not as I do” hasn’t worked for any generations of parents so far. How do you change the narrative for your kids? Take Care of Yourself Eat a healthy and nutritious diet. Eating healthfully and conscientiously will teach your kids to choose their foods wisely as they get older and gain more control over their diets. Don’t give out candy or junk food solely as rewards because that can enforce negative food ideas and encourage binging and unhealthful behaviors later on like bingeing (remember how you ate when you first left home after high school?). Exercise regularly. This is particularly important if you have kids who hate their phys ed classes at school. Show them that exercise and working out can be fun! Find something you can do together. Practice proper personal hygiene. Get your kids into the habits of showering and proper skincare early so it won’t be such a fight when puberty hits. Both of these behaviors will help not just reinforce good health habits like eating well and staying active, they will help reinforce the acceptance of one’s shape and weight. This is the best way to help counteract all of the damaging ideas forced upon them by the beauty and media industries. Mind Your Mentals Be open about your emotions and any mental issues you might be facing. If you’re struggling, see a therapist. The more open and matter of fact you are about therapy and good mental health care/self care, the easier it will be for your kids not only to get help but to recognize the signs that they might need help. Basically, try to set a good example. At the same time, remember that you are human. If you mess up, that’s okay. After all, your kids need to see that mistakes happen and it’s possible to recover from them, right?

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7 Tips for Being a Better Stepparent

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 17:42:15 +0000

By Jamell Andrews With the rate of failed marriages increasing, more and more people are becoming step-parents. Stepping into the role of parent for a child that already has a mother and father isn’t always easy. Even with the challenges you may face, being a stepparent can be rewarding and you can form a strong and loving bond. The following are 7 tips to help make your transition to stepparent easier. Take it slow. Your stepchild might not warm up to you as quickly as you hope, but trying to force things along will only make it worse. All relationships need time to grow and as resilient as children are, the idea of their parent’s being with someone else can be difficult to accept. Give them time to accept the new arrangement and to warm up to you. Avoid giving in to their every whim or spoiling them in an attempt to make them like you. Children can see through this and will have a harder time accepting and respecting you. Don’t try to replace the parent. You may think that you need to take your cues from the relationship the child already has with their mother/father, but that isn’t so. Your job as a stepparent isn’t to replace the role of the birthparent, but rather to be an extra loving adult in the child’s life. You can be kind, offer support and guidance, and all of those other things that great parents do without having to have a relationship that’s identical to the one the child already has with their parents. Avoid badmouthing the parent. Just because the relationship didn’t work out between the child’s parents, doesn’t give you the right to speak badly about the other parent or their failed relationship. It’s important to place your own feelings or insecurities on the child and doing so will only push them away. Be supportive of his or her parents and encourage the child to spend time with them. It’s not a competition, nor is it about just you. Set and follow boundaries. Speak to your partner about important issues such as discipline and set boundaries. If the child needs to be disciplined, leaving it up to the parent to handle, at least in the first year or so, is advisable. You need to be on the same page about important parenting issues in order to maintain consistency and a united front. Get to know your stepchild. Take the time to find out what they enjoy and what matters to them, as well as to share things about yourself with them. This can help you find some common interests that can help you bond and make it easier for you to build a loving relationship. Create your own family traditions. Your stepchild can continue to enjoy the traditions created with the birth parents as well as new traditions that you create together as a family. Get their input and overtime come up with enjoyable things to do together as a family that they can look forward to, such as a family game night, a yearly vacation to a special place, or any other activity that the child enjoys doing with you without feeling pressured into it. Don’t take things personally. You’re bound to hear “you’re not my mom/dad” at some point over the course of your relationship and you’ll also likely hear several other things that you don’t like. Remember that the child is coming to grips with the demise of his or her parent’s relationship, which to a child also feels like the end of their family. It will take time for them to grieve and accept these things and they may lash out because of it. Your best bet is to acknowledge that you are not their biological parent or trying to take anyone’s place, but that you are the stepparent and love them just as much. Remember that it’s not about you even if it does feel that way sometimes. Being a stepparent won’t always be easy and you can expect some rough patches in the beginning, but with a lot of love and patience, things will improve for you and your stepchild.

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Helicopter Parenting – Are You Guilty of It?

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 21:26:38 +0000

By Jamell Andrews It’s hard to imagine that a parent could take too much interest or responsibility for their child or give them too much attention. Isn’t that a parent’s job and right as the person responsible for bringing them into this world and loves them more than anything? It turns out that you could be walking the fine line from a good parent to a helicopter parent that is doing more harm than good. What Is a Helicopter Parent? Helicopter parent is a popular term for someone who over-parents their children. It refers to hovering over your child and shadowing what he or she does, not giving them the room to do things for themselves. Some examples of this behavior include: Doing things for a child that they can and should be doing for themselves, from walking them to school to choosing their high school courses for them Fighting their battles for them Watching them finish their homework and giving them the answers Directing your child’s behavior, such as during playtime Always letting your child win A helicopter parent doesn’t give a child the independence to do things for themselves, including the opportunity to fail and learn from their mistakes. They are overprotective, controlling, and overly worried that their children will get hurt or feel bad. It’s natural as a parent to want to protect your child and keep them out of harm’s way, but going overboard and trying to shield them from all disappointment, taking charge of their actions and decisions, and doing things for them as opposed to offering your help or guidance are all signs of helicopter parenting. This type of behavior stems from good intentions, but underlying issues with the parent can cause it to spiral to an extreme. It often happens when a parent suffers from anxiety or feels the need to overcompensate because of feeling neglected or unloved by their own parents. In some cases it stems from pressure to be a better parent that comes from other parents or even the media. The Damaging Effects of Over-Parenting Researchers have been studying the effects of over-parenting for years and there is a lot of evidence to show that this extreme parenting does have a negative impact on the child, often resulting in the opposite effect of what the parent is trying to do. Over-parenting has been linked to psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety, in emerging adults, along with lower life satisfaction, perceived stress, and reduced self-acceptance, according to a 2011 study. Other negative effects of helicopter parenting on children include: Self-entitlement Narcissism Poor coping skills Lack of proper life skills Study after study has found that children of helicopter parents have trouble dealing with situations in everyday life and go on to have more difficult lives as a result of overzealous parenting. How to Avoid Being a Helicopter Parent Here are a few pointers to help you avoid being a helicopter parent: Let them learn from their experiences, including mistakes. As much as you want to protect your child from disappointment, it is often the mistakes we make that help make us stronger and improve our decision-making skills. Let your child experience things for themselves even if they’re at risk of being disappointed or feeling uncomfortable. This gives them the chance to learn and grow from their experiences. Stop taking responsibility for your child’s actions. You don’t need to apologize for your child’s behavior or clean up their mistakes—they need to do it themselves. The last thing you want is for your child to grow up actually believing that their mistakes are your fault or anyone else’s but their own. Don’t do for them what they can do for themselves. If they’re able to cut their own meat, clean their own room, or choose their own classes, then let them do it. By taking charge and doing things for them, you’re sending the message that you feel they’re not capable, which can lead to low self-esteem. We all take pride in doing things well. Don’t rob them of the chance to feel that sense of pride and accomplishment. Know the difference between guidance and shadowing. As a parent, you absolutely should be engaged in your child’s life and ready to offer your help and guidance. There is a difference, though, between doing that and shadowing or hovering. You can help your child with their homework, just don’t give them the answers or do it for them. You can offer advice when your teen starts dating or looking into colleges, but don’t tell them what they should want, how they should feel, or what they should do. At the end of the day, you want your children to have minds of their own and the life skills they need to have fulfilling lives. Trust that your love and guidance will help them make good choices.

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How Good-Cop, Bad-Cop Parenting Can Harm Children

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 18:48:08 +0000

By Eirian Hallinan Anyone who has grown up in a household with two parents knows that one parent tends to be easier than the other when it comes to getting their way. This is usually the result of one parent being more comfortable as the disciplinarian than the other. While this can create a nice balance in some cases, a recent study has found that this good-cop, bad-cop parenting can have a negative impact when the difference in parenting is extreme. The Study A study published in the journal, Social Science and Medicine, followed 451 two-parent families of children in the seventh grade in 1989. The parents and children first filled out a series of questionnaires on the family’s economic status and personalities. During a second visit which took place within 2 weeks, researchers videotaped the families while they interacted and used the information from the videos and questionnaires to rate each parent as either warm or harsh. Researchers followed up with the children at age 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, and 20 and recorded their body mass index (BMI), and asked them about their overall physical state. The results showed that harsh parenting led to poor physical health and a higher BMI in adolescents, which isn’t really all that surprising. What was surprising was that having the warmth from the second parent didn’t make a significant difference in the child’s self-reported physical health or their BMI, and actually seemed to make things worse. One guess as to why this happens is that inconsistency at home can cause children stress. Chronic stress has been linked to excess hormones and inflammation, poor health, and obesity. Chronic Stress in Children Stress is often perceived as an adult problem, but children, even those as young as preschool age, can suffer from chronic stress. A yearly survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) included a survey for young people in 2010. The results of the survey were shocking and showed that many children suffer from chronic stress, many of them listing seeing their parent’s stress as the reason. Chronic stress was also found to have a significant impact on their physical and emotional health. Almost one third of children reported that they’d experienced health problems in the previous month that are often related to stress: 38 percent said they had trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night 33 percent reported having headaches 31 percent had experienced upset stomach in that time These numbers were higher in children who were overweight. It was also found that overweight children were more likely to report that their parents were often or always stressed in the previous month. The report also noted that overweight or obese children and adults had a tendency to feel stress more often, showing again the impact that stress can have on their weight and health.

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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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Puberty Woes or PCOS: Know the Signs

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 02 May 2016 21:06:57 +0000

By Jamell Andrews As a parent of an adolescent daughter, it’s easy to brush off acne and irregular periods as normal parts of puberty. While missed or heavy periods and acne are certainly common at this stage of a girl’s life, they can also be signs of a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). What is PCOS PCOS is a common disorder affecting 1 in 10 to 1 in 20 women of reproductive age. It can affect girls as young as 11 years of age. It can interfere with a woman’s menstrual cycle and increase the risk of several health issues later in life. Though doctors don’t know the exact cause of PCOS, it appears to be related to an imbalance in a woman’s hormones. In some cases, the hormonal imbalances can cause small cysts, or poly cysts, to surround the ovaries. Along with affecting the menstrual cycle, it can also affect a woman’s appearance, her ability to have children, and more. Recognizing the Signs As a parent, you may be able to recognize the signs of PCOS in your daughter before she does. Knowing the signs can help you distinguish the difference between common puberty woes and PCOS. Common signs and symptoms of PCOS may include: Irregular or missed periods Heavy periods Acne and clogged pores Weight gain, especially around the waist Excess body hair on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, and around the nipples (hirsutism) Dark, thickened patches of skin under the armpits, neck, or breasts (acanthosis nigricans) Thinning hair on the head (alopecia) Cravings for carbohydrates PCOS can also cause other health issues, including: High blood pressure High cholesterol Insulin resistance Type 2 diabetes If your daughter complains about heavy or irregular periods or you notice any of the other signs and symptoms, make an appointment to see the doctor. Along with a physical exam to note important information like weight and blood pressure, the doctor may also run the following tests: Pelvic exam. The doctor will manually inspect the reproductive organs to check for abnormalities such as masses. Blood tests. This allows the doctor to check hormone levels, such as elevated androgen levels that can cause many of the physical signs of PCOS. Blood tests can also check cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as glucose levels. Ultrasound. This provides a view of the ovaries and uterus to check for cysts, thickening of the uterine lining, and other possible causes of symptoms. Treating PCOS Though there is no cure for PCOS, there are things that can be done to help manage the symptoms of PCOS. Studies have found that PCOS symptoms in adolescents can be treated using diet and exercise. There are also medications available to improve insulin sensitivity and birth control pills can be used to regulate periods, restore hormone levels, and improve acne hirsutism. The doctor will determine the best treatments based on your daughter’s symptoms.

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5 Things to Watch Out for During Pregnancy to Keep Yourself Healthy

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 17:19:00 +0000

Most women go into healthy living overdrive as soon as they start trying to get pregnant, which is highly recommended. As soon as conception occurs, your body begins changing, and the healthier you are, the easier it is to cope with all the changes. Unfortunately, issues can come up during pregnancy that you may not expect or can’t control. But keeping informed and following the health tips below can help you and your baby stay as healthy as possible during all 40 weeks of the pregnancy. Hemorrhoids One of the more unpleasant side effects of pregnancy that few women like to talk about is hemorrhoids. It occurs when varicose veins in the rectal area become swollen. The pain and discomfort can make moving around more difficult, and it can also lead to other problems like stress (see below). Though they won’t impact your baby directly, getting hemorrhoids under control quickly is important for your own comfort and sanity. You should drink lots of water and consume a high amount of fiber to avoid constipation that can make hemorrhoids worse. There are also natural hemorrhoids products that can treat symptoms like swelling and discomfort. Stress Stress is unavoidable in life, especially if you’re creating a new one. You may have heard about recent research studies that highlight the many health problems that stress can create. Short-term stress isn’t so bad, but chronic stress can significantly affect your health due to high cortisol levels, higher blood sugar levels and increased inflammation. Stress during pregnancy is even more concerning. The pregnancy itself can lead to stress if you are battling side effects or there are health concerns with the baby. It can even cause a cyclical effect because stress can lead to other complications. Do your best to reduce stress before you become pregnant. Keep a diary to note periods when you’re feeling anxiety to help identify what triggers your stress. Once you know the catalyst for stress, you can work on correcting the situation or avoiding it all together. For many couples money is a significant cause of stress, and the cost of having a baby could create added pressure. Getting your financial house in order before getting pregnant can help circumvent this major stressor. Gestational Diabetes During pregnancy, nearly 9.2% of women develop gestational diabetes, typically around or after week 24. Doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes this increase in blood glucose levels, but it’s important to take extra precautions if you develop gestational diabetes. If it’s left unchecked, gestational diabetes can cause pre-term delivery, high blood pressure and/or preeclampsia. You can help prevent gestational diabetes and keep it under control by sticking to a healthy diet. You’ll need to minimize sugar, follow a diet suggested by your doctor and get regular, scheduled physical activity. You’ll also need to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels before and after meals. Preeclampsia / High Blood Pressure Your body begins producing a lot more blood during pregnancy in order to support the growing fetus. In fact, it’s normal to produce 50% more blood while pregnant. So it’s not surprising that some women experience high blood pressure. However, a more serious issue that can occur after week 20 is preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is when there is a sudden increase in blood pressure. It can affect your brain, liver and kidneys. If it goes untreated it can create long-term health affects for you and/or your baby because less blood and nutrients are being delivered to the placenta. In the most severe cases, preeclampsia can lead to the death of the fetus or the mother. Obesity can increase your chances of getting preeclampsia, so losing weight before becoming pregnant is highly recommended. If you have a calcium deficiency, taking a calcium supplement can also help. Your doctor may advise you to take low-dose aspirin if you have an increased risk of getting preeclampsia. Edema Edema is swelling that’s caused by the increase of blood and fluid in a pregnant woman’s body. It affects many women during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Most women will have edema in their feet, ankles, legs, hands and around the face. While it can be uncomfortable, edema is normal and won’t affect the health of your baby. But if you experience sudden swelling, this is a sign of preeclampsia, and you need to see your doctor immediately. Edema is often unavoidable, but there are ways you can reduce it. Try to avoid standing for long periods of time since that’s a major contributing factor. High levels of caffeine and sodium intake can also cause or worsen edema. Soaking in a bathtub or pool can help to reduce the swelling, especially during summer when you’re battling the heat. It’s important to consult with your doctor before trying a new treatment, even if it’s all-natural. Your doctor can help you better understand all of your options and help you stay healthy throughout the entire pregnancy.

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5 Tips for Talking to Your Teen Driver about Drinking and Driving

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 18:29:51 +0000

It is a well-known fact that drinking and driving is the number one killer of teenagers in the nation. Cell phone usage while driving is running a close second, but drinking and driving is still the number one cause. It is very important that you talk to your teenager about the dangers of drinking when driving. While it may be hard to talk to your teen, it is important that you do so for not only their safety, but the safety of others on the road with them. Read on below for some tips for having this difficult conversation with your teen driver. Higher Insurance Rates While not the worst thing that can happen from drinking and driving, higher insurance rates and a suspended license is certainly an expensive one. Make sure to stress the fact that the teen’s insurance rates will skyrocket and that they will lose their license for a certain amount of time, not to mention the fact that they will be spending the night in a cell as well. If you look at SR22 quotes online, you can see how insurance policies for at-risk drivers include higher rates and more restrictions. Share the Facts and Statistics Don’t sugar coat the facts. Let your teen know the statistics on deaths that are related to drinking and getting behind the wheel. If you need to pull up images of accidents online and show them to your teen driver, then do so. The shock value will be significant, and it just might save your teen’s life in the future. Set Clear, Ironclad Rules There can be no being wishy-washiness when it comes to talking to your teen about the dangers of drinking and then driving home or anywhere else. Set rules that are clear and will not change no matter what. Not only should you stress the dangers of driving while drunk, but stress the dangers of getting into a car with someone that has had even one drink. If you find out that your child is doing either one, put your foot down, ground them, and take their keys as well. Create a Code Many teens don’t call their parents to come get them from parties when they have been drinking because they are too embarrassed to do so in front of their friends. If you set up a code word or phrase to use, then they are more likely to call you. Make sure that your teen knows that nothing will be said or done to them if they call you to come pick them up, no matter what time it is. Ensuring your teen driver that calling you is an option and will not result in punishment will go a long way towards keeping them safe. Stress the Possibility of Death There are very few teens out there who don’t think they are invincible. The “it can’t happen to me” mentality is common in teenagers. Talk realistically and frankly with your teen about the possibility of him or his friends dying in a drunk driving accident. These are just a few tips to help you talk to your teen about drinking and driving. From higher insurance rates to the possibility of losing their lives, stress the importance of your kid’s safety for your own peace of mind.

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Unusual Causes for Asthma Attacks

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 17:45:33 +0000

Odd Things that May Trigger Asthma Attacks Asthma is an ongoing breathing disorder characterized by difficulty breathing, coughing and sometimes wheezing. About half of all asthma attacks are produced by various allergens, which irritate and inflame the airways; the rest can be caused by factors that have nothing to do with allergies, but which still irritate the airways and cause them to constrict. Some asthma triggers are common to all asthma sufferers, while others are more individual. Well-known asthma triggers include: Indoor allergens, such as dust mites in mattresses, carpeting, upholstered furniture, stuffed toys, curtains, mini-blinds, etc.; pet dander or pet hair; pest droppings Outdoor allergens like pollens, molds, pollution from automobiles, gasoline fumes (in these cases, it is best to avoid going outdoors when pollen or mold counts are high, or during times of heavy traffic, like during rush hour) Cigarette smoke Most families who have children diagnosed with asthma already know about those triggers. But there are other, lesser known factors that cause asthma attacks that families do well to learn about. If you and your child learn what triggers the attacks, you will know to avoid these factors, or at the very least prepare for them. These include: Strenuous exercise, which causes people to hyperventilate, thereby inhaling more pollutants from the air. Another reason heavy exercise can trigger asthma attacks is that when we are out of breath, we tend to breathe through our mouths rather tan our noses, which means air is not filtered through the tiny hairs inside the nose Some medications like aspirin and other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (examples of brand names: Advil, Motrin, Aleve); acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol) is not a NSAID, but studies have found that children who were given this drug have a higher risk of developing asthma later Extreme emotional arousal, including anger, fear, intense crying and heavy laughter Many people will be surprised to learn that emotions can induce asthma attacks. With the four above emotions, an asthma episode can occur because we tend to hyperventilate, breathe more heavily, when we get angry, scared, cry or laugh. The more air a person takes in, the more contaminants they inhale, and the likelier the bronchi — the tubes that transport air to the lungs — are to become irritated and inflamed. Doctors who treat people with asthma warn that such folks may think they’re just out of breath after a good laugh or cry, when in fact, they may be having an asthma attack. Strong Emotions as Triggers for Asthma Attacks With respect to getting angry, scared or crying, there is another factor that contributes to the greater likelihood of an asthma episode during those emotional states: the emotional upset itself. The connection between negative emotions and disease has been known to medical doctors since the times of ancient Greece. In an article published in the National Institutes of Health’s online publication PubMed, Paul Lehrer, PhD, of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Rutgers University, explains that as the “fight” components of the “fight or flight” reflex, the psychologic (mental) and physiologic (physical) elements of anger and stress overlap — that is, both anger and stress can lead to similar or the same results in our minds and bodies. Studies have shown that factors that produce stress in someone weaken their immune system, thereby increasing the person’s susceptibility to illness, or worsening existing symptoms in conditions like asthma, upper respiratory infection, different skin diseases, bowel dysfunction, and indeed, a number of other illnesses, including common ones such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Dr. Lehrer explains that stress is particularly linked to the occurrence and severity of asthma. A 2005 study found that emotional stress leads to an increased risk of developing allergy-induced asthma, atopic dermatitis (more commonly known as eczema) and other allergy-related ailments. (Wright, R. J.; Cohen, R. T.; Cohen, S.) Similarly, a 1978 study found that anger can worsen asthma symptoms in children. Kids at a summer camp had been given a course in assertion training. The training was intended to improve interpersonal effectiveness and was thought to promote stress reduction. But researchers found just the opposite: children given this intervention saw their asthma symptoms worsen — possibly because the course required the children to express their anger more. (Hock, R. A.; Rodgers, C. H.; Reddi, C.; Kennard, D. W.) Many studies have found a link between negative emotions of all types — anger, anxiety, sadness — in asthmatics, and deterioration in lung function. (Ritz, T.; Steptoe, A.) If your child has asthma, teach them natural ways to de-stress if they start to feel stressed out or angry: counting to 10, praying, taking a few slow, deep breaths, playing with the dog, riding a bike, singing a favorite song, reducing the number of activities in which the child participates, and so on. Cold, Hot or Rainy Weather Can Produce Asthma Attacks You may find that your child’s asthma symptoms worsen at certain times of the year, or when the weather changes suddenly. Rainy weather can cause asthma attacks because mold / fungal spores grow more in wet weather; rain is usually a problem when it combines with wind to increase the number of fungal spores in the air. Cold, dry air can produce an asthma attack, as it irritates hypersensitive bronchial tubes; the muscles around these then tighten, restricting airflow even more. Dry, windy weather can be an asthma trigger because it can stir up pollen, mold and dust. Why hot, humid weather produces attacks in some asthmatics is a matter of continued study; but some animal research has found that bronchial sensory nerves called C-fiber nerves are activated when temperature within the chest reaches a certain high. When these nerves are stimulated, some defense reflexes can occur, including constriction of the bronchial tubes. In some places, namely cities with heavy traffic and air pollution, heat and sunlight mix with pollutants to produce ground-level ozone, which can also cause asthma attacks. If you believe that weather

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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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Can Vaccines Cause Peanut and Other Food Allergies?

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 18:51:23 +0000

Do Vaccines Cause Peanut and Other Food Allergies in Children? No child health topic is being more hotly debated in the United States right now than mandatory vaccinations — and the side effects, sometimes quite serious or deadly, that many parents believe are a direct result of vaccines given to infants and young children. Greater numbers of children than ever before are developing food allergies in the U.S., and parents are wondering if heavy vaccine schedules are to blame. This subject is difficult to write about. For starters, it was only a few decades ago that children worldwide and in the U.S. were getting seriously sick, permanently disabled or dying from viral and bacterial infections for which no vaccines existed — or in the case of poorer countries, the vaccines may have existed, but parents did not have the resources to get their children vaccinated. Either way, lack of vaccinations for different diseases was claiming the good health and the lives of many children globally. Some Relevant Notes from the History of Vaccines Because many more vaccines were developed in the second half of the 20th century, to add to the ones already in existence by then, childhood mortality from infectious disease has now been markedly reduced in wealthier countries. As a result, many people have forgotten or don’t know just how bleak things were in our world before methods of immunization were discovered and vaccines started being developed. There was a time in world history when highly contagious diseases like smallpox, and others, claimed the lives of hundreds of millions, or tens of millions of people over a block of time. Children were especially at risk of dying when they contracted these infections. And there wasn’t a thing that anyone could do. One husband and wife might lose several children to infectious diseases. Family members and entire families succumbed to these illnesses frequently. The misery and heartache that infectious diseases caused in decades and centuries past were truly immeasurable. Smallpox, the biggest infectious killer of all time, decimated Europe’s population, as well as the American continent’s native population, both in the 1700’s. Powerful kings, as well as regular folks, died from this disease. And most of those infected who did not die were disfigured with many skin and facial pockmarks. Some people would also get lesions in their eyes and go blind. Smallpox was still infecting and killing people in the African continent as recently as the 1970’s. But now, we don’t hear about smallpox, also called variola, anymore. Thanks to a vast vaccination campaign carried out by the World Health Organization, the horrible scourge was finally eradicated in 1980. Present-day children are not vaccinated against smallpox, because the last recorded case was in 1977 (in Somalia). People now have the luxury never to have even heard of smallpox. But it was a very hard-won luxury. Not enough can be said about the heroic and extreme sacrifice that some medical doctors, vaccine pioneers from centuries past, had to make in their personal and professional lives, as they tested and developed ways to confer immunity from diseases to their patients. Trial and error, the only way by which vaccines could have been developed, was fraught with frequent fatal outcomes for patients. At the birth of this branch of medicine — immunology — the first vaccines developed, for smallpox, consisted of matter from smallpox lesions in infected people, and later in history, from cowpox lesions in animals. This biological fluid, which contained antibodies made by an infected person’s (or animal’s) immune system to fight the illness, was transferred to a small cut on an uninfected person’s skin. People immunized with smallpox matter might then never get the illness, or they might come down with a less-severe case of smallpox, or they still might get a full-blown infection and die. Later on, when doctors started using cowpox matter, the inoculated often developed cowpox, a less virulent illness than smallpox that did not kill them, and that made them immune against the deadlier smallpox. But people in either of the two groups could sometimes catch another deadly infectious disease, and die from that, if the immunizing matter that they received was contaminated with another deadly pathogen, such as tuberculosis. So, a small percentage of people who got smallpox immunizations two-plus centuries ago died from them, either from the pathogen they had been given to immunize them, or from other germs present in the vaccine. And still, many people, including some who were wealthy and powerful, were willing to take those chances, knowing that if they were not vaccinated, they stood a chance many times greater of dying from smallpox. The development of vaccines, and the vast improvements made on them, were extremely difficult to achieve. The discovery of vaccines that now save the lives of countless people globally is considered by health authorities to be one of the greatest contributions ever made to public health. Back to the Present Unfortunately, new viral and bacterial infections, and new strains of existing ones, continue to periodically turn into epidemics, and so, new vaccines are developed and administered to children. Some shots are being given to babies at a younger age than ever — beginning on the day that they are born. The number of vaccines now recommended or mandated for children in the 50 United States is as high as 49 doses of 14 vaccines between birth and age six; 69 doses of 16 vaccines by age 18. Eight are recommended for infants just two months old, including the polio and tetanus shots, which are considered strong vaccines. As the number of shots that young children were given doubled within a couple of decades at the end of the 20th century, something else started happening with far greater frequency, as well: food allergies (and allergies in general). These can be a great nuisance and lessen a child’s quality of life substantially; and in some cases, they can be deadly. The Rise in Food Allergies,

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Reducing Exposure to Environmental Allergens

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 06 May 2015 19:53:45 +0000

Control Your Child’s Allergies Naturally Part 2 of 2 In Part 1 of our allergy prevention report, we discussed the importance of feeding our children foods that are known to strengthen the immune system and cleanse the body, which will help prevent or lessen allergy symptoms. That is preventing allergies from the inside out, which is essential. But it is also important to prevent them from the outside in — to limit the allergy triggers to which an allergic child is exposed. Doctors know that common allergies, such as an allergy to pollen, pet dander and so forth, don’t develop after just one exposure to the allergen. Rather, allergy symptoms start after a child continues to be exposed to the same allergen over time. Hence, it is important to minimize exposure to various possible allergic triggers. In addition, it is possible for a child to develop new allergies; so, if you have a child who is already allergic to some substances, doctors advise that it is wise to decrease exposure to other common allergens and irritants, as well. There are number of ways to limit such exposures, and below, we highlight some basic, important ones. Control Exposure to Pollens and Molds Pollens and molds from outdoor vegetation can trigger allergy symptoms in many people. A child who is allergic to either of these two triggers should limit time spent outside when pollen or mold counts are high. For pollens, you may need to take measures in the spring, summer or fall, to keep pollen levels low inside your home. Molds are usually dormant during the winter but can grow in spring, summer and fall. Most mold-related allergies occur from July to late summer, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Keep windows and doors closed on high pollen or mold count days; dust furniture often; wet-mop floors, vacuum carpeting often. Air conditioning, especially in hot climates, will not only cool down indoor temperature, it will also filter out pollens, and remove excess moisture from the air, which can promote mold growth. Filter on your A/C unit should be changed once a month. To prevent mold growth in your home, make sure humid places (bathrooms, basements, etc.) get plenty of ventilation. Use solution of 2 ounces of bleach in 1 quart of water (1 cup per gallon) to wipe down surfaces where mold could grow, such as bathroom walls or other dark, humid places. Control Dust Mite Populations Dust mites are creepy-looking, eight-legged microscopic creatures that are found in most homes. They don’t burrow under the skin like scabies; instead, they live on mattresses, carpeting, stuffed toys, curtains and household dust. They feed on dead skin cells, and their droppings and fragments are allergy triggers for some people. Some of the same measures that will keep pollen levels low inside your home — frequent dusting, wet-mopping, vacuuming — will also help keep dust mite populations down. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter will help trap dust mites that become airborne when you vacuum. It is also important to change bedding one or more times a week, washing it in hot water. Some people encase their pillows, mattresses and box springs in zippered, dust mite-proof covers (available at allergy-supply stores and many other stores). That will help keep these items free of dust mites. If you use bed spreads, use the type that can be laundered at least a couple of times a month, or dry-cleaned. It is best not to have upholstered furniture, mini-blinds or carpeting in an allergic child’s bedroom, but vacuuming such furniture or carpeting often, will help. Carpets should be shampooed periodically, also. If you have them, mini-blinds should be wiped down once a week. Preferable for allergy-prone children are place rugs that can be easily washed in hot water once a week. Use washable curtains and wash in hot water once a week; vinyl window shades should be wiped down weekly. The room of a child who is prone to allergies should have few knick-knacks or other items that can’t be easily dusted, including non-washable stuffed animals. The child’s bed should be free of stuffed animals, which collect dust and mites. Allergy experts advise to allow only a few washable stuffed animals in your child’s room, which should be washed once a week. Your boy or girl can decide which washable stuffed toys can remain in the room. Control Pet Dander This might be a tough point, but if your child is highly allergic to an animal, you may want to talk to your child’s doctor about whether finding a new home for the pet could be a good step, especially if diet and medication are not controlling your child’s allergic symptoms, or if your child needs multiple allergy drugs. If a pet is removed from the home, it may take several months for all the dander to be gone. If your child’s allergy to the pet isn’t severe, it will help if the animal is washed once a week, to remove excess dander and pollens; however, dander levels on the pet can be high again within a few days. You will also want to keep the animal out of the allergic child’s bedroom; keep room door closed, to prevent pet from entering it. Last, if your child has asthma and you don’t own a pet, don’t get one. Even if your boy or girl isn’t allergic to animal dander now, children with asthma can develop this allergy with continued exposure. Control Irritants A child who has allergies is more likely to be susceptible to artificial chemical irritants. Exposure to the following irritants should be avoided: Cigarette smoke: avoid smoking inside the house and don’t let others smoke, even when the child is not there, as chemicals in cigarette smoke can get trapped in upholstered furniture and carpeting Do not burn wood in fireplaces or wood-burning stoves Avoid strong odors from: perfume, hair spray, chemical cleaners and disinfectants, air fresheners, fresh

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Natural Children’s Allergy Prevention

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 05 May 2015 17:11:08 +0000

Natural Ways to Prevent Your Child’s Allergies Part 1 of 2 Spring is upon us. Flowers — and allergies — are in full bloom. Are there natural steps that parents can take, to prevent or lessen children’s seasonal allergies? Yes, there are many. Let’s examine one of the most important ways to prevent allergies: eating foods that help prevent them. Strengthen Your Child’s Immunity with Foods Whether it be seasonal allergies, food allergies, eczema or asthma, these imbalances are the result of a child’s immune system having been attacked somewhere along the way — such as when babies are fed solid foods too soon, before their guts can properly digest them, or when babies are not breastfed, thereby missing out on countless immunity-strengthening compounds that the child should have received. Allergies can also develop as a result of toxic artificial chemicals or chemical residues present in many modern-day foods we eat. Some assaults on a child’s immunity can even occur before he or she was born or conceived — as in the case of children whose mother or grandmother smoked cigarettes during pregnancy, for example; children with this family history are more likely to develop asthma. No matter what’s causing your child’s allergies, the best way to strengthen his or her immune system is by feeding him or her foods that are known to help the body withstand allergens and fight inflammation, which is directly linked to allergic reactions. Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and vegetables contain literally thousands of different plant nutrients that promote healthy body function and help the body’s cells fight off stressors (stressors can be common allergens, air pollution, or even the effects of not getting a full night’s sleep, which also weakens immunity). Fruits and vegetables are a vital part of a healthy diet that will promote good health, both in the short and the long term. But they also contain substances that are known natural antihistamines — natural compounds that will help fight off allergic reactions such as runny noses, watery eyes, skin itchiness and asthma attacks. These compounds, called flavonoids, come in different varieties. They are classified under the umbrella category of “antioxidants,” natural chemicals that also fight bacteria, viruses and fungi, and help the body’s cells stay healthy and strong. The flavonoids quercetin, anthocyanins and carotenoids are known to have allergy-fighting properties. Regularly eat fruits and vegetables rich in these, and it’s a lot like taking allergy medicines, but without the harmful laboratory chemicals or side effects! Fruits and vegetables rich in one, two or all of these powerful, inflammation-fighting flavonoids: Citrus fruits Apples (buy organic, to avoid pesticide residue on the peels) Berries: strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries (buy organic when available) Cherries Grapes Plums Apricots Mangoes Pomegranates Tomatoes Onions (especially red onions) Garlic Broccoli (buy organic when available) Parsley (buy organic when available) Cilantro (buy organic when available) Green, leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, etc.; buy organic when available) Red cabbage Radishes (buy organic when available) Eggplant Sweet potatoes Carrots (buy organic when available) Purple corn Beans Spices*: turmeric, ginger, basil, oregano, marjoram, tarragon, spearmint, cinnamon *Never underestimate the disease-fighting power of spices! Brimming with antioxidants, they are tops for fighting inflammation, germs and many maladies — including allergies. The benefits of turmeric and ginger for digestive and immune health are legendary, and you should make it a habit to use spices in your dishes and desserts often. As an allergy-fighting tea, stir about a third of a teaspoon of turmeric powder, or some thin slices of fresh ginger root — or both — in a cup of hot water; allow to cool off and let your child enjoy. Spices are at their most flavorful when fresh, though dried spices will also add wonderful flavor, antioxidants, nutrients and fiber to dishes, soups, salads, desserts and teas. Another plant compound known to fight allergies is the enzyme bromelain, found in pineapples. If your child eats five servings of these fruits and vegetables a day, his or her allergies should improve greatly. Try different fruits and vegetables, to see which he or she prefers, and also, to reap different nutrients present in different produce. Make it a point to serve your family fruits and vegetables of different, lively colors. (Avoid giving your child any fruits or vegetables that upset their stomach or that trigger allergic symptoms; just keep trying different ones that are well-tolerated.) Eating one fruit or vegetable, once a day, is not enough, to reap the allergy-fighting benefits. You need to continually nourish your child’s body with the nutrients found in the above produce; instead of candy bars or Cheetos, your child should snack on fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Dress fruits with some yogurt, if desired; use hummus or mustard as a dip for chopped vegetables, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, etc. Dairy products, hummus or mustard (which is made with turmeric) add other important, healthy nutrients to the snack. (Read ingredients label on store-bought hummus, to make sure it is all-natural, with no artificial preservatives.) What about fruit juices? With the current epidemic of obesity, fruit juices have gotten an unfortunate bad rap from some public health advocates. Some nutritionists believe that children should not drink juices because of the calories or high sugar content. But that problem is easily solved by simply diluting natural fruit juice with plenty of water. For example, pour 3 oz of orange juice or grape juice or cranberry/pomegranate Ocean Spray 100% Juice into an 8-oz glass (for a young child), and fill with water. If you add carbonated water, it will taste like a soda — without the chemicals or lots of sugar in sodas. Lemon Water: One way to get the fighting power of flavonoids without any sugar at all is to get your child accustomed to drinking the juice of half a lemon diluted in an 8-oz glass of water. This can be warmed up, so that your child’s system will absorb it even faster. It’s important to strengthen your

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Taking Short Breaks from Daily Parenting Duties Is Good

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 18:14:18 +0000

Taking Mini-Breaks from Daily Parenting Duties Is Good for You, Will Recharge You We know that you are a loving, dedicated mom (or dad!), and there aren’t enough hours in the day to do all the things you want to do for your family. But it is important to remember that taking a break from the daily routine is essential for recharging your ‘go’ and making you feel happier and more positive. After all, feeling more content will help you continue to be a good parent! We would like to offer you nine suggestions for how to spend a few moments each day — or as often as you are able to — that will help keep things in perspective and keep you emotionally grounded, so that things will be less likely to feel overwhelming. Get enough sleep! We start with this one because it is such an essential part of feeling our best. Try to get a full 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. Shorting yourself on sleep brings a whole lot of undesirable consequences, from being moody and irritable, to lowering your body’s ability to fight illness and dark circles under your eyes. Who wants any of those! If by chance you were unable to sleep enough on a given night, a short, 15-minute nap during the day will help restore you some, without hampering your ability to be able to go to sleep that night. Have healthy snacks ready to grab at home: Another thing that will make many of us crabby — especially us women — is when your blood sugar starts to dip. The healthy solution to this is to keep around ready-to-go, wholesome snacks that you can grab when you feel the irritability of hunger pangs coming on. These snacks can be shared with your family, as well, of course. Keep chopped vegetables already washed inside a plastic container in the refrigerator; all-natural granola bars are also a good choice, as are fruits of any kind, nuts and seeds. All of these choices will tide you over for a bit and nourish you, without spoiling your appetite for your next meal. Take a time-out when your little ones are sleeping or are in school: Have yourself a cup of tea, a glass of sparkling water, pick a few flowers from your garden, read a favorite novel for a bit, call or email a friend you haven’t communicated with in a while — anything that is a healthy behavior and breaks up the daily monotony will serve to recharge your battery and get you ready for whatever you need to do next. Invite some friends over for a casual get-together once a week or even once a month, or have a date night with your spouse: Use this time to reconnect with your friends or significant other. Taking even a few hours where the kids aren’t making constant demands from you will help you maintain your sense of self and make you feel more glad at heart when you are with “just the kids.” Keep some aromatherapy bath salts and gels around and indulge for a while in your bathtub: Invigorate your senses by keeping some lovely all-natural scents around that you can enjoy when you need some down time. Put on your favorite soft music while you lie in the tub for a bit. Maybe even sip on a glass of wine, while you’re at it. You don’t have to dish out a lot of cash, to pamper yourself and get a little r & r! Try eating a low-fat, natural dessert that you don’t eat very often: Treating your taste buds to something different is another great way to reawaken your senses and keep things from getting dull. Think sorbet with chopped strawberries or blueberries on top; whip up a delicious, healthy fruit smoothie by blending fruits with some crushed ice … and enjoy! Remember to admire nature! In the big city, it is all too easy for people to get stuck in our concrete jungles, and forget that beyond the big city, there is a whole beautiful planet out there with natural beauty to be admired in many places. Do you live in a neighborhood where there are trees and flowers to admire? Is a park or a safe walking trail nearby? Even just a 30-minute walk while your kids are at school or on the weekends will help rejuvenate you and make you better prepared to handle whatever life brings. Have a picnic in your backyard or at the park: Keep a picnic basket or a plastic cooler around, and load it up with some easy-to-eat foods now and then; grab a blanket, some sunglasses and hats, and take your kids and yourself to your backyard or to the neighborhood park. Changing the daily routine, taking in some natural scenery and getting a little sunshine will help everyone feel good. Good food choices for picnic foods are cubed pieces of cheese, natural corn or tortilla chips (watch out for hydrogenated oils and other artificial ingredients), chopped vegetables dipped in mustard, fruits, natural juices … and don’t forget some cold water for when you and the kids get thirsty. Take a dance class with your spouse! This can be a great, fun activity for you and your husband or wife; it will give you two something to look forward to and will help you connect in a new way. And you get some exercise out of it, too! It’s okay if you are not the best dancer — there’s no telling that you won’t learn some moves, if you try! The main idea, in any case, is to have fun and do something new. And if you already like dancing or are already good at it, you certainly don’t have to take a class (though a class is fun even for good dancers!). Just put on some dance music now and then, and bust some moves right in your living

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Delaying School Start for Summer-Born and Premature Children

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 17:13:53 +0000

Delaying Start of School for Summer-Born or Premature Children Lowers Academic Performance, Says Study; Some Parents Disagree Children who start school a year later due to summer birthdays or premature births may do worse academically later on, according to a British study published recently in the Journal of Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology. The study found that delaying school entry by a year did not affect teacher ratings of the students’ academic performance in that first year; but it was associated with “poorer performance” in age-standardized tests of reading, writing, math and attention, as the children got older, according to the study’s author, Dieter Wolke, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Warwick in London. Researchers added that due to the study’s design, they were unable to say that delaying school was the cause of poorer performance later, but that there was a link between the two factors. The research team studied data on close to 1,000 children from the Bavarian Longitudinal Study in German. Almost 500 of these children had been born prematurely. Researchers noted that Bavarian policy requires all children to be assessed by a pediatrician from their community 3 to 12 months before they are to begin school, to determine whether or not they are ready. The study compared grades (“ratings”) the children got from their teacher in their first year of school, and the students’ scores on standardized math, reading, writing and attention tests by the time they were 8 years old. Study co-author Julia Jaekel, a research associate in the Department of Developmental Psychology at Germany’s Ruhr-University Bochum, noted that many parents demand that their pre-term children be held back, especially when they are born in the summer. She further stated that delaying school start by a year is also supported by many charities that help parents of pre-term children. Start of school is delayed in the hope that the youngsters will have more time to mature, and that they will then do better in school. But the study found that missing a year of school learning was associated with “poorer average performance” in standardized tests at 8 years of age for both premature and full-term, summer-born children. The researchers called for more studies to be done, to determine the long-term effects of postponing school entry on academic achievement. But British parents posting comments online expressed concern that they are not being allowed by some county school authorities to delay kindergarten for their summer-born or premature children; if the parents delay school, they are then forced to enroll their children in first grade. Parents shared that they felt these children were at a disadvantage from the get-go, compared to their classmates, who were older, more mature and usually did better in school. Some moms sharing their stories online spoke of their children having been happy, spirited youngsters before starting first grade (at a younger age than other children), but then becoming anxious and worried after they started school. Not only do some parents of summer-born and pre-term students say that their children were not emotionally ready to start first grade at a younger age, but also, these youths sometimes don’t do as well academically as their older classmates, which puts the younger children at an academic disadvantage and in a position of having to continually lag behind on various subjects. The parents of these children feel that this ongoing under-performance, as compared to the older peers, may damage the younger children’s self-esteem and rob them of a feeling of accomplishment that they could have had, if they had been allowed to start kindergarten a year later. Then, there is also the concern that the younger children are smaller physically than their older peers; this can put younger students at a disadvantage in physical education classes, for example. One parent called on all British school authorities to allow parents to decide whether or not their children should start kindergarten at an earlier age or postpone entrance into kindergarten by a year. One father called an English county’s denial of his request to start his summer-born twins in kindergarten a year later a “lack of common sense.” Parents posting comments online suggested to the concerned parents that until the rules change, they try enrolling their children in private, more accommodating schools, or that they consider home-schooling. By Cynthia Sanchez. A graduate of the University of Washington, Cynthia has extensive experience writing about health and wellness topics for different media.

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Helping Your Child Prepare for Tests

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 20:03:02 +0000

12 Tips to Help Your Child Do Well on Tests Other than making sure your child gets plenty of study time to prepare for a test, are there specific things that you and he or she can do, to insure they do their best on a test? Yes, according to the United States Department of Education’s Office of Educational Research and Improvement. We list 12 basic tips offered by the Dept. of Education, which will help your child prepare for tests and achieve good results: Make sure that your youth has a quiet, comfortable place where s/he can study at home: it is important for them to avoid distractions such as a television, younger siblings making noise and so forth. Insure child gets enough sleep on school nights: sleeping enough is one of the most essential things for your child’s overall well-being, including their capacity to learn and focus. A well-rested student will be more alert, have better memory and enjoy learning more than a child who isn’t getting enough sleep. How do you know if they are sleeping enough? Simple: if you or an alarm clock has to wake them up in the morning, they didn’t sleep enough. A child of 6-8 years needs about 11 hours of sleep a night; a child of 9-10 needs about 10 hours. Teenagers need about 9 hours. The sleeping environment should be quiet and dark. Noise coming from a TV, radio or elsewhere will diminish the quality of sleep and make a person feel groggy the next day. Similarly, light will reduce sleep quality, even when the light is dim. Insure your child has good school attendance: the more engaged he or she is in academics, the more likely they will be to absorb material that will be covered in tests. See that your child eats a healthy, balanced diet, as a rule: a healthy diet is important for all of us; it affects many of the body’s processes, including how well our brains can function. See that your child gets a good balance of proteins (dairy products, meats, whole grains), complex carbohydrates (these are found in fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains, oatmeal) and fats (found in whole or low-fat dairy, meats , fatty fish and nuts). Most American diets don’t contain enough fruits, vegetables and other sources of fiber; so, it is important to make an effort to have these present in meals. (Fruits and vegetables are also a great source of many key nutrients.) For example, chopped fresh vegetables go great with scrambled eggs for breakfast; fruits are healthy snacks; raw or lightly steamed vegetables and salads go well with lunch or dinner. Most schools offer free breakfast and lunch to children of low-income families; talk to your child’s school’s office staff if you think you may qualify for the program. Review report cards and attend parent/teacher meetings: these are good ways to keep tabs on the subjects that your child may need to invest extra effort on. You can get tips from teachers on activities you and your child can do at home, to enhance your child’s learning. Use positive reinforcement to encourage learning: don’t judge your child too harshly, and don’t become overly upset if they don’t do well on one test. Instead, make positive comments about the class subjects at which your child does well, and simply work on improving areas where they are not doing so well. Sometimes, it happens that a particular teacher may not be so good at teaching. That can affect a child’s performance, as well, and a lower grade in that class does not necessarily indicate a deficiency in your child. Teach kids the importance of learning over time: if left to themselves, many students may be tempted to neglect their studies during the semester (in favor of talking and hanging out with friends, watching television, etc.) — then, they try to cram all the information in on the night before a test. This is very unwise because it’s not true learning; when a lot of information is absorbed in a short period of time, it will not be recalled as well as when it is learned gradually. Even if they may remember a lot of the information when they take the test, they are not as likely to remember it after the test. It is important, then, to space out studying and do reading assignments over time. Buy or check out books and magazines from local libraries: by encouraging a variety of reading, your child will explore areas that might interest them; they will also improve their vocabulary, which will help when taking tests. Child should remain calm at test time: becoming anxious before a test may decrease the child’s ability to recall information; therefore, advise your son or daughter to take a few deep breaths before starting the test, try to stay calm and think positive. Of course, remaining calm will be much easier if the student spent enough time preparing for the test. They should take a quick look through the whole test, to see what types of questions are included (multiple choice, true/false, essay, matching, math problems); this will help them pace themselves. If they don’t know an answer, they should go to the next question: this avoids getting stuck on a question and losing valuable time. Once they have completed the test, they can then go back to any questions that they did not answer. Use flashcards and index cards: these can be a handy, useful way to memorize information such as meanings of words, science questions, history questions and so forth. Use a whiteboard and dry-erase marker: these can be great for math problems — easier to erase and saves paper. By Cynthia Sanchez. A graduate of the University of Washington, Cynthia has extensive experience writing about health and wellness topics for different media.

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Diabetes in Young Children

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 23:34:03 +0000

More White, American Children Getting Type 1 Diabetes Cases of type 1 diabetes are increasing among white American children, especially among 5- to 9-year-olds, according to a study published recently in the journal Diabetes. Almost 6,000 new cases of the disease were diagnosed in the United States among white teenagers and children, ages 19 and younger, between 2002 and 2009. Most new cases were in children between 5 and 9 years old; smaller increases were seen among children and teens 10 to 19 years old. No increase was seen in cases in children 4 years and younger. Boys were slightly more likely to develop the illness than girls. From 2002 to 2009, cases of type 1 diabetes jumped from 24.4 per 100,000 children, to 27.4 per 100,000 children. The findings come from one of the largest U.S. studies on diabetes in children, involving data from more than 2 million youths living in different parts of the U.S., in the states of California, Colorado, Ohio, South Carolina and Washington. What Is Type 1 Diabetes? Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes, is the main type of this illness diagnosed in children and teenagers, as opposed to type 2 diabetes, which is mostly diagnosed in adults. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all diabetes cases in the U.S. In type 1 diabetes, people lose the ability to produce insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas that the body needs, to use carbohydrates — sugars — from foods we eat, or to store the sugar for future use. After a person eats, blood sugar level rises. That in turn signals “beta” cells in the pancreas to release insulin into the bloodstream; insulin then attaches to cells throughout the body, causing them to absorb sugar from the blood. The cell then uses the sugar for energy. Insulin helps keep blood sugar levels from getting too high or too low. Doctors don’t know at this time what causes people to develop type 1 diabetes, and there is no magical, quick cure for it, once the person has it. But in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, there are lifestyle choices that the diabetic can make, to manage the disease, cut down drastically the risk of serious complications, and possibly, in some cases, even reverse the illness. Keep Scheduled Doctors’ Appointments If your child has type 1 diabetes, they will probably need insulin injections. It is important for your child to keep doctors’ appointments and follow treatments that his or her healthcare provider prescribes. The doctor will also monitor your child for possible damage that can result from type 1 diabetes to the eyes, nerves and kidneys. Diet for Diabetics What we eat is vitally important for all of us; but in people with diabetes, it can take on an even greater importance, as it is essential for them to try to maintain blood sugar at normal levels as much as possible. That means, instead of grabbing for quick, sugary snacks (pastries, candy and so on), your child should select foods lower in carbohydrates, relative to nutritional value. You want to minimize consumption of refined flours, which are also carbohydrates, such as cakes and cookies. Examples of high-nutrition foods that will cause sugar to be absorbed more slowly: whole-grain granola bars, nuts, fresh fruits, plain low-fat yogurt with chopped fresh fruits, chopped fresh vegetables with fresh lemon juice or mustard as dips. A good way to add nutrients and dietary fiber to meals, as well as slow the absorption of sugars, is to make sure that your child eats raw or minimally cooked vegetables with his or her meals. For example, instead of eating pepperoni and cheese pizza, choose a veggie pizza — say, cheese, diced tomatoes, mushrooms and bell peppers. When making spaghetti, add lots of chopped vegetables to the sauce. Drinking plenty of plain purified water will help keep things moving in your child’s body. Instead of drinking a full glass of fruit juice, your child can pour an ounce or two of juice, then fill up the rest of the glass with water. A little juice mixed with lots of sparkling water gives a refreshing, low-sugar, low-calorie, natural beverage that is much better than a soda. Sodas should be avoided by a child who has diabetes; diet sodas should be limited, if they’re drunk at all, because they have a lot of artificial chemicals that are bad for all of us. Getting Regular Exercise Frequent exercise, like a good diet, is important for all of us; all the more so for a child with type 1 diabetes, as exercise helps the body to regulate blood insulin. Encourage and facilitate your child getting some type of daily aerobic exercise, which can be a school sport, bike-riding, throwing a Frisbee, flying a kite, playing with the dog, etc. It is important that he or she exercise as close to every day as possible. Managing Stress This risk factor for diabetes is often overlooked by health professionals, but it is important for you to help your child manage or reduce the stress in his or her life (once again, this is good for all of us). Stress hormones can directly affect blood sugar (glucose) levels. So, help your child and family find ways to ease up on daily stress: take a camping trip … in your backyard! Have a barbecue cookout where relatives get together and share time. Limit non-school-related daily screen time for your children (this includes video games). Turn off all screens and focus instead on relaxing hobbies, such as board games, puzzles, gardening, etc. Make prayer a daily habit in your family. Risk Factors Type 2 and type 1 diabetes share several factors in common, including: A family history of the disease Excess weight and obesity Lack of physical activity Smoking Diseases of the pancreas Rare infections of the pancreas By Jamell Andrews

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Cigarette Vapor Damages Children’s Lungs

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 16:15:16 +0000

Children’s Lungs Could Be Especially Vulnerable to E-Cigarette Vapor Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, have become popular in the last few years among many people trying to quit regular cigarettes; they were heralded when they were introduced as a much safer way for people to get the nicotine they want, without the thousands of chemicals that are often present in conventional cigarettes. But new studies are beginning to show that e-cigarettes may not be as safe as consumers were led to believe. One new study has found that vapor from these cigarettes may increase young people’s susceptibility to respiratory infections, including infection by rhinovirus, the most common cold virus. Researchers took samples of lung tissue from children between 8 and 10 who had passed away and donated their organs to medical science; the cells were cultured in a lab. The reason the research team used cells from younger children is that it wanted to measure the effect of e-cigarette vapor in younger age groups. When exposed to vapor from an e-cigarette in the lab, cells appeared to become damaged. The vapor caused a strong immune response in epithelial cells — cells that line the inside of the lungs and protect lungs from damage. The vapor caused the cells to release IL-6 (interleukin 6), a signaling protein that leads to inflammation — an immune system response — and is involved in regeneration of damaged tissue. Researchers found that this response occurred even when the vapor had no nicotine; however, the presence of nicotine slightly increased the release of IL-6. Once the cells had been exposed to the vapor, they were also more readily infected by rhinovirus. Previous studies had found that when a person smokes an e-cigarette and is then tested, their airway shows inflammation. Inflammation is a sign of injury. The study results, published recently in the journal PLOS ONE, come out at a time when e-cigarettes have increased sharply in popularity among adults, as well as high school and middle school students, just a few years after they went on the market. E-cigarettes are often marketed as aids to help people quit smoking. Background information provided with the study stated that more than 40 million adults in the United States had tried e-cigarettes by 2014, many times the number who had tried them in 2010. Close to 1.8 million children and teenagers in the U.S. had tried e-cigarettes by 2012. The results of the above study appear to indicate that even though e-cigarettes may be an improvement over conventional tobacco cigarettes, they are not an entirely healthy option, and the best choice still is not to smoke either regular or e-cigarettes. Ingredients on E-Cigarettes Are Still Toxic People who use e-cigarettes avoid inhaling smoke and potentially thousands of chemicals in that smoke into their lungs, unlike regular cigarette smokers. However, they are still depositing other known or possibly harmful chemicals in the lungs. These can include artificial flavors, scents containing phthalates (hormone-disrupting synthetic chemicals), artificial colors, and propylene glycol (PG), a chemical used in foods as a preservative and thickening agent that can come from petroleum products or vegetable glycerin. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies propylene glycol as safe when used in small amounts, some past studies have linked it to possible allergic reactions. Two studies with cats found that when PG was added to cats’ diets in very small amounts, it damaged some hemoglobin cells in their red blood cells (hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen to all tissues); small increases of the compound in the cats’ diets reduced the number and survival rate of red blood cells. (Source: National Institutes of Health Toxicology Data Network.) Though most people use e-cigarettes as a smokeless way to obtain nicotine, not all e-cigarette vaporizing liquids contain nicotine. Currently, there are no national guidelines in the U.S. for the sale and use of e-cigarettes; however, most states prohibit sales to minors, and some states prohibit using e-cigarettes in public places, to reflect laws governing use of regular cigarettes. Some health authorities have called on the federal government to regulate e-cigarettes in a similar way as regular cigarettes. Other Possible Problems with E-Cigarettes Just like with conventional cigarettes, different companies are making e-cigarettes; the devices have different designs, depending on the maker. Some of them, made in China, were tested at different U.S. labs, and when researchers heated and analyzed the liquids inside them, they found tiny (invisible to the eye) particles of tin that had come off the inside of the cigarettes, and which, according to a medical expert, could be deposited in an e-cigarette smoker’s lungs, and may even be small enough to enter the person’s bloodstream. Critics of e-cigarettes also point out that as many as 80 percent of all e-cigarette smokers also smoke regular cigarettes; these critics believe that in the end, e-cigarettes are not as helpful for quitting tobacco cigarettes as the manufacturers claim. Some health advocates raise concerns that e-cigarettes may be especially attractive to many teens, due to the fruity, sweet flavors used in the liquids. These critics believe that e-cigarettes may wind up being a new route for adolescents to get hooked on nicotine. Cigarette smoking among teenagers is at an all-time high. Experts recommend that parents model healthy behavior for their children by not smoking and that they talk to them about the harm that cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and secondhand smoke or vapor can do to their health. Smokers should also consider natural ways to relieve stress and relax, such as getting regular exercise, picking up a hobby or playing with a pet. By Lisa Pecos

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Hearing Damage from Loud Music

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 16:28:01 +0000

Warn Your Children About Hearing Loss from New Music Players Many young children and teenagers got MP3 players as holiday gifts last month; doctors want to urge parents to caution their children not to play their music too loud, to avoid noise-induced hearing loss. Loud rock music from headphones and concerts contributed to hearing loss in baby boomers, say experts; but MP3 players like the iPod could make the problem even worse for today’s youth. MP3 players are of special concern because of two reasons: They hold thousands of songs and can play for hours before needing recharging, without the listener having to stop even to change the CD or tape Most iPod or MP3 player owners use “ear buds” to listen to their music; ear buds are light and small headphones that fit within the ear canal, placing the sound signal that much closer to the child’s inner ear Hearing loss caused by high volume is determined by the length of the exposure. As a result, listening to an MP3 player for hours, even when the volume is not turned up all the way, can permanently damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, which send sound impulses to the brain. Studies have found that listening to sound at 85 decibels (dB) for 8 hours tends to produce hearing loss. At that level of decibels, increasing the sound by merely 3 dB will produce the same level of damage in half the time. For comparison, here are some examples of common sounds and their decibel levels: Whisper: 30 dB Normal conversation: 60 dB Busy street or lawn mower: 85 dB Can cause permanent hearing loss: above 85 dB Hearing Loss Among Youths Is a Growing Problem Hearing loss becomes increasingly common as we get older; but doctors are finding that the age at which people are suffering permanent hearing damage is getting younger. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that 12.5 percent of youths 6 to 19 (about 5.2 million) have hearing loss caused by noise. The Oregon Health and Science University Tinnitus Clinic found that 16 percent of 6- to 19-year-olds have early signs of hearing damage at the range most commonly affected by loud sounds. Research from the Netherlands found that among adolescents who used MP3 players with headphones, almost half listened to music at higher settings. Overexposure to noise can produce temporary or permanent hearing damage. Being exposed to loud noise over a short time may lead to temporary hearing loss that may include tinnitus, ringing in the ears. The person may recover from it. But if overexposure to sound continues over time, they may suffer permanent hearing loss. Damage from long-term overexposure to noise will be gradual, making it harder for the person to realize that their hearing is getting worse. Though a routine hearing test administered by a doctor can reveal hearing loss, the damage may become substantial before the person realizes that they have a problem. Voices may start to sound muffled, or the person may have difficulty following a conversation in a place with background noise, such as a restaurant. Tinnitus may eventually become so loud that the sufferer has trouble sleeping. What Parents Can Do One of the tricky things for parents is to get children to understand that hearing damage may be permanent. Because it can be hard to get teenagers to heed the message, experts are advising parents to start talking to their kids about noise and hearing loss when the children are younger. In addition, some kids think that they can get their ears accustomed to loud sound, so that the loudness won’t harm their hearing; however, that’s not possible. The stronger the sound impulses going into the inner ear, the more the hair cells in the cochlea will bend; if they bend hard and long enough, they will not resume their normal erect positions and will not receive and transmit signals as effectively (or at all). Parents must therefore underline the importance of children not playing their devices at the loudest volumes. Look up a diagram of the ear’s inner structures online and show your child all the delicate, small parts that make up the middle and inner ears. Direct your kids to follow the “60/60” rule: listen to devices at no more than 60 percent of the volume they allow and for no longer than an hour; but music can be heard longer than that if the volume is turned down more. Alternatively, many current MP3 players have adjustable maximum volume limits; you and your child can agree on the limit that you will set on the device. By LIsa Pecos

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‘Rat-Bite Fever’ from Pet Rats Can Sicken or Even Kill, Says CDC Report

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 23:11:21 +0000

As pets go, most parents would agree that rats are not among the cutest (though we know some kids might disagree). It turns out there is a good reason not to cave in and get your child a pet rat, if that’s what he or she wants. A 10-year-old boy from San Diego, CA died in 2013 after being scratched by his pet rat, highlighting the risks from handling the pet rodents, according to a report recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though “rat-bite fever” is relatively rare, it is potentially fatal or can make the person very sick; it should be considered a possibility in persons with rash, fever and joint pain, and when the patient has been around a rodent, said a research team from the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service. In the case of the San Diego boy, he had been previously healthy, then developed a fever of 102.6 degrees and experienced vomiting, headaches and leg pains. The boy’s doctor first diagnosed the sickness as infection with a gastrointestinal virus. However, in the 24 hours that followed, the patient had rigors (a feeling of cold, shivering during a fever), vomiting and persistent fever; he eventually became disoriented and weak. By the time paramedics reached him, he was “unresponsive” and later died in a hospital’s emergency department. Blood tests and an autopsy revealed that the boy had been infected with Streptobacillus moniliformis, a potentially deadly bacterium causing rat-bite fever, and which can be transmitted to humans through rodent bites, scratches, or even from ingestion of the germs through contaminated food or drink, or from other exposure to the rat’s germs. S. moniliformis can be present in any of the rodent’s bodily fluids: feces, urine, mouth, nose or eyes. The San Diego boy had two pet rats, one which tested negative for the bacterium, and another, recently purchased at a pet store, which tested positive. Other animals can carry S. moniliformis also, including gerbils, mice, weasels and squirrels. Household pets like dogs or cats that are exposed to the bacterium can also carry it and infect humans. About 1 in 10 bites from rats may cause infection, according to the CDC. In the past, rat-bite fever cases in the United States were more likely to be associated with the bite of a wild or laboratory rat; historically, the illness affected lab technicians and the poor. But now that rats have become more popular as pets, that has changed, with children now accounting for more than 50 percent of all rat-bite fever cases. When researchers reviewed hospital records in San Diego County for 2000 to 2012, they found that of all the cases of rat-bite fever reported, 94 percent had resulted from exposure to pet rats. Most patients, 44 percent, reported only having handled the rat; 38 percent said they were bitten and 13 percent said they were scratched. More than 200 cases of the disease have been documented in the U.S.; but researchers believe that this number is an under-representation, as the illness does not have to be reported to health authorities. In addition, as in the San Diego case, the illness may be misdiagnosed, due to its non-specific symptoms which could be mistaken for a number of other illnesses. Isolating and identifying the causative organism is also not a straightforward process. If someone is bitten or scratched by a rodent, they should quickly wash and cleanse the wound thoroughly with an antiseptic solution, to reduce risk of infection. With S. moniliformis infection, a bite wound will usually heal quickly, but symptoms will follow about 3 to 10 days later. If symptoms do develop, quick medical treatment is key: rat-bite fever is treatable with antibiotics, but fatalities occur in about 13 percent of untreated cases. In addition to fever, chills, headache and vomiting, the following symptoms can occur: Skin rash (mostly on the arms and legs) Muscle pain Arthritic pain (especially in the knees) Diarrhea Abscess (pus and debris under whitish skin, surrounded by bright pink to red skin) Complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, heart inflammation Almost all domestic and wild rats carry S. moniliformis, according to the CDC. The agency recommends that at a minimum, children who handle pet rats or clean their cages wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterwards. The report findings were published in the December 18, 2014 issue of the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. By Jamell Andrews

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Most U.S. Teens Are Sleep-Deprived

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 22:11:02 +0000

Almost All U.S. Teenagers Are Not Getting Enough Sleep, Says Study A full night’s sleep is one of the best things a teenager can do for his or her physical and emotional health, mental alertness and performance at school or sports. Yet, a new study found that more than 90 percent of American teenagers aren’t getting enough rest during school nights, with only 7 percent of girls and 8-9 percent of boys getting 9 or more hours of nightly sleep. Researchers studied findings from four government surveys conducted in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013 in the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. Each time, about 12,000 to 15,000 students in grades 9 through 12 were asked how many hours of sleep they got on average during school nights. Fewer than 10 percent of respondents said they got the 9 or 9+ hours of nightly sleep that most health authorities recommend for teenagers — and the sleep shortage only got worse as the teens got older: by the time they reached 12th grade, 95 percent of them were sleeping less than the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Girls were more short on sleep than boys, with more girls than boys stating that they slept 5 or fewer hours per night. African American teens were more likely to sleep 5 or fewer hours a night than Caucasian teens. In each survey, 20 percent of African American boys and girls said they slept 5 or fewer hours on average, while 15 percent of Hispanic girls and 12 percent of Hispanic boys slept 5 or fewer hours. The study’s lead author, Charles Basch, PhD, professor at Teachers College of Columbia University, pointed out that the reasons behind the ongoing sleep shortage in so many teenagers were varied and can range from early school start times, to wanting to stay up late using electronics, health issues such as asthma or even using recreational drugs. What Can Parents Do, to Encourage Their Teens to Get Enough Sleep? Having good, consistent sleeping schedules for the family is important; but even if parents set a good example, teenagers may think they’re getting one up on parents by shorting themselves on sleep, to stay up talking to friends, texting, reading recreational literature or what have you. This is where it can be very useful for parents to have one-on-one talks with their teens about just how important a full night’s sleep is for their overall health and performance at school and elsewhere. Further, if your teenager drives to school, this introduces another really important reason for them to get enough sleep a night, to avoid the danger of falling asleep behind the wheel, which happens more often than many drivers may imagine. For optimal sleep, the room should be completely dark and noise of any kind should be avoided or kept out. For their part, educators are zeroing in more on the start times of schools, since classes that start very early may not promote good sleep patterns for most students. Results of the study were published in the December, 2014 CDC journal Preventing Chronic Disease. 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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5 Ways to Keep Your Children Healthy — Naturally!

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 22:36:03 +0000

It’s good to know that in our day and age, medical knowledge and the ability to obtain information have increased so vastly, compared to even just a few decades ago. But even now, prevention is a fundamentally important way to maintain our health and that of our children, so that we won’t need medical interventions too often. And what are some of the most essential ways to keep our children healthy the natural way? Here are five that should be on every family’s list. 1. Wash Hands Often: It seems like such a simple point, but doctors will tell you that it’s in fact the easiest way to avoid some common childhood illnesses, such as the common cold and other infections that can spread through direct or indirect exposure to germs. Even with conscientious parents who keep their children away from others when their kids are sick, parents can’t be sure that their children won’t be exposed to harmful germs when the kids interact with non-members of the household. That’s because a person doesn’t have to have any symptoms of being sick, to carry germs that could infect and make another person sick. The easiest and best remedy to cut your children’s chances of picking up germs, then, is to teach them to wash their hands frequently, especially before eating and after touching objects that are handled by others, such as common toys, swings at the park, etc. Proper Hand-Washing Technique: Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (teach your children to count: one-thousand one, one-thousand two … one-thousand twenty). It is important to lather up with the soap, then wash it off. 2. Get Plenty of Sleep: Unfortunately, one of the casualties in our modern world is decreased sleep for a lot of people. You really have to commit to getting enough rest for yourself and your family, as it is far too easy to let our responsibilities get in the way of our sleep. While some adults claim to be okay with just six hours of nightly sleep, most experts recommend that grown-ups aim for eight solid hours a night. Children need even more, with small children requiring about 12 hours, elementary school children needing about 10-11 hours, and teenagers needing 9 hours. Sleep Debt: You may have heard that term. When we don’t get enough sleep, whether we’re big or little, we accumulate a sleep debt — we will not feel fully rested or perform at our best, until we repay our brains that debt. But health experts caution that it’s best to strive to get enough sleep every night, as opposed to playing “catch-up” on the weekends … or worse yet, never catching up, and just continuing to demand too much from our bodies by not making up for lost sleep. Tip: If you need an alarm clock to wake up, or you need to wake your children, you/they did not get enough sleep. 3. Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet! This is another point that can’t be overemphasized. Another casualty of our hurried modern times is that many people don’t make the best food choices. No matter what your age, it is vital to work with your body, not against it, and supply it with what it really needs: natural, whole, balanced foods. You and your children will feel and be healthier, if you are disciplined about avoiding processed foods in excess, as a key way to avoid artificial chemicals and non-nutritive fillers. Visit your local farmer’s market, grow your own organic produce, if you can, frequent a supermarket that sells all-natural foods, and read ingredient labels on processed foods you buy anywhere else. Forget about counting calories — if you eat natural foods in a balanced way (i.e., balancing natural proteins, carbohydrates and fats, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables), your family is unlikely to carry excess weight. Health-Boosting, Comforting Drinks for Cold Weather: When the weather gets cold, you will soothe your child’s throat and tummy, as well as strengthen his or her immune system, by giving them ginger tea, which is made by seeping thin slices of fresh ginger root in hot water; add honey, if desired. Or you can use fresh lemon juice, instead of ginger; lemon-flavored water tastes great as a hot beverage; add honey for sweetness or a small pinch of salt, to offset tartness and soothe throat. 4. Be Active! This is no secret to anyone: one area where a lot of us are worse off than in old times is individual activity levels. And just like many adults are less active now, many children are, also. It is important to make regular physical activity and/or exercise a part of your family’s routine. Doctors never cease to be amazed at how well regular exercise works for preventing different common illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even many cancers. The more you get your body’s blood circulating and you oxygenate those tissues, the better your body parts will function! Healthy, effective exercise can be simple things like going for regular walks, bike-riding, gardening or even housework. If you want to get more serious about fitness, all the better: encourage your children to play a sport or play active games with neighborhood kids; this is much more conducive to good health than sitting around for hours at a time, playing video games or watching TV. Tip: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school-age children get no more than two hours of non-school-related screen time per day; kids under two should get no screen time at all, says the AAP. So, if your kids put up a fuss about it, you can truthfully tell them that the doctor said so! 5. Bundle Up! Just like washing hands is a simple, but key way to stay healthy, keeping your body warm when the weather is cold is an important way to avoid getting sick. Outfit your children with heavy coats, winter hats, scarves, gloves and insulated boots

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Better Solutions to Discipline Children than Screaming!

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 22:18:28 +0000

Let’s face it, what parent hasn’t lost his or her cool in the face of a defiant child or children, and started screaming. If you never have, you’re in a small minority. Nearly all parents — close to 90 percent — have yelled at their kids at some point, according to a survey of almost 1,000 parents by the Journal of Marriage and Family. But if you’ve ever done it, you know that screaming leaves you, the parent, feeling mentally worn-out and even guilty afterwards. And your children may model your behavior and pick up the habit, themselves. Occasionally yelling probably won’t hurt or traumatize your kids, say psychologists. But if it gets to be frequent, where your children are constantly being yelled at, even for trivial things, the stress will add up for you as well as them; eventually, they may just start tuning you out, which is the opposite of what you want. Or it can start to tear at your children’s self-esteem. It also conveys to them that screaming is an acceptable way to handle conflict and may turn them into screaming adults when they get older. There are better ways to handle conflict with a child than yelling at them. In the end, what you’re trying to do is get a message through to your child — get him or her to follow rules, take care of their responsibilities without being reminded, and so forth. Here are some strategies from the experts for getting cooperation from your kids, while still maintaining peace and quiet. Take a Parent Time-Out: It is okay to wait 10 minutes or even much longer to address a problem behavior with your child. Even if you’re in the middle of a heated argument, you can end the screaming by simply walking away from the situation, to give you a chance to cool off and look at the problem with a clearer head later. This will also help you come up with a more peaceful and lasting solution to the specific issue, rather than getting into a fight about it every time. Don’t Let Things Pile Up: If you find that you overreacted to a situation with your child, it could be that you were already upset because of other issues with your child that had piled up. In this case, it is best to address problems as they come up, instead of keeping a running tally of offenses inside your head. It is okay to talk to your kids about things that they do wrong, and even to be firm when you speak. But that said, choose your battles. While it’s true that we are supposed to enforce discipline and good behavior in our children, it is also true that nobody likes to be constantly nitpicked. In many cases, you’ll find that humor, or a gesture of love, instead of criticism, will get you compliance on an issue from your kids, with the added great bonus that it will draw your children emotionally closer to you, instead of putting emotional distance between you. Know Your Triggers: If there are particular behaviors that get to you, such as children leaving their dirty clothes on the floor or having to be reminded all the time to do a chore that’s assigned to them, it may be useful to rehearse inside your mind how you’ll respond to the situation in a peaceful and constructive way, if it happens again. Establish Boundaries and Consequences for Bad Behavior, Before Next Incident: Talk to your child about what will happen, if he or she does (or doesn’t, as the case may be) do something. For example: Inform your child that the next time he or she does something (specify the behavior), you’ll have no choice but to subtract an hour of screen time for one day. Give Yourself a Break! The job of parenting is a big one, and one that never ends. Most parents have to juggle full-time jobs, on top of their parental responsibilities. If you find yourself getting more irritable with your children, it might be time to take a few hours off from parenting. Can the grandparents or a trusted relative or neighbor watch the kids, while you and your spouse or friends take a few hours’ breather? You’ll come back to the nest feeling refreshed and happier. Talk to Your Spouse, Friends or Relatives About Specific Problems: If there is an issue that continues to be a problem, despite your attempts to rein it in, consider discussing it with your spouse or other trusted sources. They may be able to offer suggestions that will prove more effective. You can also ask your spouse to pitch in, in helping you enforce the house rules for the children. You may be more effective if you and your spouse present a united front, than if you try to do all the disciplining on your own. Show Your Kids Love and Affection: Many parents get so involved in their work responsibilities, that they often are short on quality time to spend with their kids. Children may wind up feeling neglected or unloved, even if this is not the parent’s intention. Make sure you make time often to spend with your kids — at dinner, in the evenings and on weekends, for instance — when you let your children know how much you love them and give them hugs and kisses. Positive reinforcement goes very far in bringing the best out of kids. If you strive to stay emotionally connected to them, which means spending time with them and openly showing that you care, you’ll be pleased to find that you get more ready compliance from them! By Cynthia Sanchez. A graduate of the University of Washington, Cynthia has extensive experience writing about health and wellness topics for different media.

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Family Meals Keep Kids Slim?

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 19:39:33 +0000

Could Pleasant, Peaceful Family Meals Help Fight Childhood Obesity? You might not think of it, but having peaceful, pleasant family meals could help maintain children at a healthy weight, according to a new study. Researchers at the University of Minnesota gave 120 families iPads to record mealtimes for 8 days; half the families had overweight or obese children, and half did not. Upon viewing hours of family meals, researchers found that families with non-overweight kids tended to have friendlier interactions, where family members seemed to enjoy one another’s company; parents were also more likely to use positive reinforcement during meals. Meals in families with overweight children were more apt to have a negative atmosphere, including hostile interactions among members, less communication and more controlling behavior from parents. Study co-author Jerica Berge, a psychologist at the U of MN, described the atmosphere at these meals as “more chaotic.” Researchers also looked at where meals were eaten (kitchen or dining room vs. family room or bedroom), how long the meals lasted, and whether or not any screen was being used, such as a TV or a video game. The results showed that 3 out of 5 families in both groups had a screen on during mealtime; meals lasted an average of 18 minutes for families of non-overweight children, and 13.5 minutes for families with overweight kids. Also, overweight children ate more meals in rooms other than the kitchen: 30 percent of meals for overweight children took place in the family room, compared to 17 percent for non-overweight kids. Conversely, 80 percent of meals for healthy-weight children occurred in the kitchen, compared to 55 percent for overweight kids. The study is consistent with previous research that linked frequent family meals to a lower risk of childhood obesity. Berge asserted that parents shouldn’t use family meals to lecture about homework not done or other family problems. Mealtime should be more of an opportunity for parents and siblings to connect with one another. Berge added that the positive effects of pleasant family meals can be gotten any time, whether it be at breakfast, lunch or dinner. She believes that frequent, positive family meals give children a sense of stability that can foster feelings that they’re in control of their environment — which can translate to having control over what they eat. Researchers also found that children of healthy weights were more likely to have both parents present during meals — that might help to keep chaos under control or provide additional modeling behavior. Results of the study were published online in October, 2014 in the journal Pediatrics. Family Meals Are an Opportunity for Parents to Offer Healthy Food Choices The study didn’t look at what foods were served in the meals, but it’s important to note that in addition to the opportunity for family members to get closer and create a more positive family atmosphere, family meals also serve as the best opportunity for parents to consistently show their children what healthy eating is about. Parents don’t have to spend tons of time preparing a meal when that’s not possible, but they can still serve healthy, balanced meals that will promote healthy weights and good health. Serving salads, steamed or raw vegetables, or adding vegetables into a dish to be cooked doesn’t take a lot of time, yet it adds a practically endless number of nutrients and important dietary fiber to the meal, helping to maintain healthy weights. Parents being the strongest influence in their children’s lives, they are the perfect people to model healthy eating behaviors. Do you serve sodas with a meal because they’re easy to grab or because they “taste good” — or do you show your children what healthy beverages are, by serving water, fruit juices diluted with water, or milk? Carbonated water can be a delightful and calorie-free substitute for sodas, without all the sugars and chemicals in sodas. Mixing fruit juice with carbonated water can also be another great, tasty and healthy alternative. It may take just a few moments more to serve healthy choices, but in the end, there is nothing more important than the foods that we eat, to keep us healthy; so, whatever time you invest will be well worth it in the long run. The more you instill in your children the habit of eating healthy, the easier it will be for them to carry that habit wherever they go. Even in today’s busy times, eating happy, healthy meals as a family is a very wise choice, for a number of important reasons. By Jamell Andrews

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Deadly Enterovirus D68 Now in 47 States

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 20:37:38 +0000

What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Children Nine American children died in recent weeks, who were infected in the 2014 enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) outbreak that has now spread to 47 states and the District of Columbia. So far, the viral strain has been detected in samples submitted for a total of nine children who died; many other samples from young children who are possibly infected with the virus continue to be tested. One of the nine deaths was confirmed to have been caused by EV-D68; another death occurred primarily from infection by another pathogen, according to medical authorities. As of this writing, health experts have not yet announced what role, if any, EV-D68 had in the other deaths. From mid-August to October 30, 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state health laboratories confirmed 1,105 cases of EV-D68 in 47 states and the District of Columbia. The CDC has developed a faster screening test for EV-D68, which it’s now using to process a backlog of specimens; as a result, the numbers of reported cases of the virus may increase in the coming days, the agency states, but that may not mean an actual increase in the number of new cases. Some hospitals and states have reported informally that they are seeing fewer cases of EV-D68 infections; the CDC is working to confirm whether that represents a national trend. The agency is giving priority testing to specimens from children with severe respiratory illness. Of the samples the CDC has tested, about half were positive for the viral strain; about one-third tested positive for an enterovirus or rhinovirus (the common cold virus) other than EV-D68. What Is Enterovirus D68? According to the CDC’s website, EV-D68 is one of more than 100 non-polio enteroviruses. The strain was first identified in California in 1962. Enteroviruses are single-strand RNA viruses that are linked to diseases in humans and animals. (The genus includes poliovirus, which can induce poliomyelitis.) Since 1987, the CDC has received small numbers of EV-D68 cases; however, this year, the cases reported have been many more. Each year, millions of American children catch enteroviruses that produce cold-related symptoms; enterovirus infections are usually common in the U.S. in the summer and fall, and especially as children head back to school. However, this year, EV-D68 infections are producing more severe symptoms. What Are the Symptoms of EV-D68 Infection? The viral strain can cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms. Mild symptoms may include: fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, body aches Severe symptoms may include: wheezing, difficulty breathing; call your child’s doctor or 911, or visit an emergency room, if he or she is having trouble breathing or if symptoms appear to be getting worse and you are not able to control them Cases of muscle weakness or paralysis have been reported in several states; doctors don’t know if these symptoms are temporary or long-lasting, or whether they are connected to the EV-D68 virus Who Is at Risk? Infants, children and teenagers are at higher risk than adults for coming down with enterovirus infections, including EV-D68, because they have not been exposed to these viruses and do not have immunity against them Children who have asthma may be at greater risk of developing serious respiratory illness from EV-D68 Help Protect Your Children and Family from EV-D68 and Other Respiratory Viruses by Following These Important Tips: Wash hands often with soap for 20 seconds; this is the single-best way to prevent catching a virus like EV-D68; proper and frequent hygiene is especially important for children who have asthma Don’t touch eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands Avoid close contact, including kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or glasses with others, especially people who are sick Clean and disinfect common objects like toys and doorknobs often Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or shirt sleeve, not with hands Stay home if you are sick, and keep sick children out of school Treatment for EV-D68 Other than emergency treatment as needed, or asthma treatment for a child who has asthma symptoms triggered by the EV-D68 or other cold virus, there is no specific cure for this viral strain. As such, for milder symptoms, your best bet is to relieve flu-like discomforts by giving your child plenty of water, orange juice, fresh lemon juice with water, and ensuring that the affected person gets enough sleep. Heating up orange juice or lemon juice, mixed with water, can bring great, immediate relief from an achy throat, cough, stuffy nose and body aches. Repeat this home treatment every few hours. By Eirian Hallinan

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Use of Synthetic Growth Hormone by American Teens More than Doubled in a Year

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 18:04:33 +0000

The Internet has made shopping for so many goods a lot easier and more practical. For parents, it is important to remember that teens may also avail themselves of the ease and convenience that shopping online affords. And unless parents educate and are vigilant over their teens, youths may be getting their hands on some products that could do them a lot of harm. Such is the case with products that contain the synthetic human growth hormone hGH. This drug is used by doctors in injection form to treat a few medical conditions, such as diminished production of human growth hormone by a person’s pituitary gland, and to treat children whose doctors have determined will not achieve a normal height, unless there is medical intervention. But a quick online search will take one to websites where products advertised as containing synthetic hGH are marketed to people interested in increasing muscle mass, athletic performance and decreasing body fat; many times, those who buy the products are teenagers, sometimes teens who participate in competitive sports and are looking for a competitive edge. Medical professionals are sounding off the alarm to parents, advising parents of the results of a recent study which showed that the number of teens using these products more than doubled in a single year. In 2012, a survey by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids found that 5 percent of American teens admitted to using products containing the synthetic hormone; in 2013, the Partnership found that the number of teens using synthetic hGH had more than doubled, at 11 percent. Steve Pasierb, president of the group, called the trend “worrisome” and stated in a news release that it shows a need for tighter regulation and oversight of performance-enhancing products. Human growth hormone is naturally produced by the body; it is essential for growth and cell production in young people. But while a synthetic form of this hormone has been available since 1985 for a small number of medical conditions, off-label use of synthetic hGH is strictly prohibited by the government. Off-label use of this substance can produce potentially serious, unwanted results. Some of the outcomes of off-label use of synthetic hGH can be: Headaches Nerve, muscle and joint pain Swelling of tissues due to fluid retention (edema) Scoliosis A diabetes-like condition, due to synthetic hGH counteracting the effect of insulin in the body There are other reasons why parents should be concerned about their teens using products advertised as containing synthetic hGH: because this drug is very expensive when obtained from a doctor, there is a good chance that a consumer getting it from other sources is getting a cheaper, counterfeit variety of the drug, meaning that a person doesn’t really know what they’re putting into their system. In addition, doctors always administer synthetic hGH through a shot; when a person ingests it orally, it is digested by the stomach before it reaches the bloodstream (with unknown consequences to the digestive system). Abuse of synthetic hGH in an attempt to boost athletic power or improve appearance has occurred in the past. To track the use of this and other performance-enhancing drugs, researchers surveyed more than 3,700 high school students. They also did in-home interviews with 750 parents. The numbers showed that males and females were more or less equally likely to use synthetic hGH products; but there were slight differences in use percentages by different races, with 15 percent of African American teens admitting to having used the drug at least once, compared to 13 percent of Hispanics and 9 percent of Caucasian teens. The study found that use of steroids has also increased among American teens, from 5 percent of those interviewed in 2009 to 7 percent in 2013. The study’s authors warned that use of synthetic growth hormone and other performance-enhancing products can have serious health risks, and that consumers should be wary of what is a largely unregulated marketplace. These products are not regulated by any governmental agency and must be proven unsafe, before they can be banned from being sold, added Pasierb. That may give impressionable teens the illusion of safety, when in fact the products have not been rigorously tested and may be unsafe. According to Pasierb, lack of regulatory oversight makes it “difficult, if not impossible” to know the exact ingredients in these products. Parents should make it a point to talk to their teenage children about the dangers of using drugs — including performance-enhancing products like synthetic hGH or steroids. In the survey, 58 percent of parents said that they had done this with their teens — however, only 12 percent of teens reported that their parents had discussed synthetic hGH in talks about drugs. Experts advise parents to be aware that their children feel pressure to compete with their peers, and that includes in such things as athletic performance and physical appearance. Parents and other adults in a teen’s life should take this as a call to remember to convey to the children that they are loved and accepted for who they are. The more a child feels loved and appreciated by the adults in his or her life, especially the parents, the less likely the teen will be to feel a need to prove themselves to their peers. The survey found other alarming trends in drug use among teens: 44 percent of teens said they had used marijuana at least once in their lives; 41 percent of those started before reaching the age of 15 23 percent said they had misused or abused a prescription drug at least once (Sources: HealthDay News; drugfree.org; Healthline.com.) By Cynthia Sanchez. A graduate of the University of Washington, Cynthia has extensive experience writing about health and wellness topics for different media.

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American Children Eat Too Much Salt and Sugar, According to Two Studies

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:36:39 +0000

Two recent studies examined sugar and salt consumption among American children, and found that American youths tend to eat too much of both. One study, published recently in the journal BMC Public Health, found that 60 to 90 percent of school-age children develop cavities, and the researchers concluded that sugar is the number-one reason for that tooth decay. (Adults have an even higher rate: according to an article published in TIME, 92 percent of adults aged 20 to 60 have had tooth decay in at least one tooth.) Researchers in that study recommended that parents avoid giving their children foods that are known to have high sugar content, including sodas, candies, baked sweet goods and the like. Parents should also be on the look-out for sugar content in some unexpected places, like processed meats, and condiments like ketchup. The World Health Organization recently decreased its recommendation for sugar intake from 10 percent to 5 percent of a person’s daily calorie intake; however, the researchers in the BMC study recommended that sugar intake be only 3 percent of daily caloric intake. Tips on Helping Your Children and Family Cut Down on Sugar While some governmental entities have recommended for the past couple of years that fruit juices not be given to children at all (and that children eat only fruits), some of us believe that that step is too drastic. A lot of us love our natural juices and can’t imagine life without them. An approach that will work great for many parents and children is to simply dilute fruit juices with a lot of water. You will come to love this less-sweet taste. When it comes to fruit juices, it’s important to make sure that what you are buying truly is juice. The container should read: “100% juice.” Read the ingredients label, if you have any doubts. Some inexpensive “juice-flavored beverages” that are popular with some families contain only 2 percent juice, or no juice. These beverages are just empty sugar calories, and they always contain a long list of toxic chemicals that no person should consume. So, make sure your juices are natural, and then, mix them with a lot of water. You can pour 2 or 4 ounces of juice in a glass, and fill the glass with water. Or mix all-natural carbonated water with the juice, and it will taste just like a soda (without the empty calories or chemicals in a soda). As for candies, chocolates and cookies … what would childhood be, without them? Here again, we feel that in most cases, it’s unnecessary to cut these completely out of a child’s diet, but they should only be consumed as occasional treats, maybe once a week, instead of often. Always have healthy snacks in the home, to give your children good snacking choices. And of course, it’s important to teach children about proper dental hygiene; it is essential to brush teeth daily, twice a day, and to floss daily. Don’t tell any dentists that we told you this, but if you eat healthily and practice daily dental hygiene … you may not have to visit a dentist for many years at a time, if at all (think of the savings!). Kids Consume Too Much Salt, Too The other study, by the CDC, found that 9 out of 10 American children eat too much salt in their daily diets. Children ages 6 to 18 consume an average of 3,300 milligrams of sodium a day. Government guidelines recommend that children eat less than 2,300 mg of salt a day. A CDC director involved in the study noted that high salt consumption is harming children’s health, just like it does adults’. The researcher stated that 1 in 6 American children has “raised blood pressure,” which can develop into high blood pressure in adulthood. High blood pressure is a known primary risk factor for heart disease and stroke. About 43 percent of the salt children eat comes from the 10 foods most commonly consumed by children. These include: hot dogs, processed cold cuts, chicken patties and nuggets, pizza and soups. Tips for Helping Your Children and Your Family Consume Less Salt There are several steps that you can take, to decrease salt consumption in your family. The easiest is avoiding hot dogs and processed meats altogether. These always, without exception, have lots of salt, as well as toxic chemical preservatives in them, so, why would anyone want to eat them? Same with store-bought chicken patties and chicken nuggets sold at fast food restaurants; these, too, are loaded with salt and chemicals. The solution is to feed your family unprocessed meats — beef, chicken, fish or other fresh meats you may prefer — that way, you control the salt you use in them. Another must is to always add vegetables to the foods your family eats. Serve the meat with salads, steamed or raw vegetables (and rice, pasta, potatoes or the starch of your choice). This is a balanced meal and is much more nutritious than just giving kids processed meats or cold cuts on bread. If you buy a meat that was cooked at the store (for instance, a cooked chicken) which already has salt in it, balance the salt content by serving vegetables with NO salt, for example. Use less salt on the accompanying starchy dish, as well Pizza, which is so popular with kids as well as adults, is a perfectly healthy food to eat — however, avoid pizzas that only contain pepperoni as the topping. Pepperoni, in fact, should not be eaten, because it’s high in salt and is always processed with artificial chemicals. A much better choice: eat a veggie pizza; or a pizza with beef as well as vegetables. The vegetables make it a much more nutritious, balanced meal and avoid a lot of the salt. At home, a quick, healthy and filling snack or small meal can consist of melted natural cheese (steer clear of Velveeta or Kraft cream cheeses, as these

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Study Shows Many Teens Still Use Cell Phones While Driving

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 20:30:46 +0000

Plus: The Importance of Parents Setting a Good Example Despite the fact that all motorists are aware of the dangers of talking or texting on a cell phone while driving, many Americans continue to engage in the practice. And teenagers are no exception. A new study has found that the vast majority of American teenagers use their cell phones to talk or text while they drive, and about half the time, when teens talk on their mobile phones as they drive, they are talking to their parents! Psychologists in Petaluma, CA, who conducted the study, point out that children — including teenagers — tend to copy parental behavior; parents can talk to kids, but ultimately, children are more likely to do as their parents do. So, if teens see their own parents or family friends using cell phones while driving, the youths are more apt to do so themselves. The Tragic Statistics of Distracted Driving Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For every mile driven, teenage drivers are three times more likely to die in auto accidents than drivers 20 and older. Approximately 2,700 teenagers, ages 16 to 19, are killed every year in the U. S. in auto accidents where a teen was behind the wheel. Distracted driving is to blame in 11 percent of these fatal accidents (speeding is involved in close to 40 percent). In 21 percent of those distraction-related crashes, the teenager was using a cell phone while he or she drove. (Source: 2013 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.) Researchers in the Petaluma study interviewed about 400 drivers between ages 15 and 18 in 31 states. The younger teens with learner’s permits were the least likely to use cell phones while driving, as 43 percent didn’t have phones. But by the time 16- and 17-year-olds had unrestricted driver’s licenses, a whopping 71 percent stated that they used cell phones while driving. By age 18, 90 percent said they used cell phones while they drove. All teens who said that they talked on the phone while driving said that they talked to their parents on the phones; 20 percent said they talked to friends. The percentages of teenagers who texted while driving were lower than those of teens who talked on the phones, although the numbers were still high. About two-thirds of teens with learner’s permits did not text while driving; but by the time the teens were fully licensed and had reached age 18, close to 75 percent acknowledged texting while driving. Setting Rules for When Your Teenager Can Talk on the Cell Phone It is important for parents to establish rules for cell phone use by teens. Many of the teenagers in the study reported that their parents expected to be able to reach the teens when the parents called. It is understandable that a parent would want to have the ability to communicate with their child while the child is away from home. These are strategies that parents can try: Before your teen leaves the home, agree on an approximate time or times when he or she is to call you Instruct your child to let the phone ring, if they’re driving when you call, and to pull in somewhere and call you back within a reasonable time, like 5 to 15 minutes Model safe driving behavior for your teenager, to include not using a cell phone to talk or text while driving Talk to your child about how potentially dangerous motor vehicles are, what a big responsibility they are, and bring up the topic that many people of all ages, including teenagers, die every year in the United States from distracted (and reckless) driving Of course, using a cell phone while driving is only one of a number of risks that can end in catastrophe while on the road. The following are some other points you should discuss with your teenage driver. The importance of safe-driving practices learned about in driver’s education class, including: always wearing a seat belt; leaving a safe distance between your child’s car and the car in front; obeying speed limits and never speeding; being alert to all traffic signs, traffic lights and stop signs; avoiding hazardous driving conditions, such as driving in the rain or snow (speed should be decreased when it’s raining, and snow should only be driven on with snow tires or chains) Other factors that pose a higher risk of vehicle crashes for teenagers: Male teen drivers and male passengers are involved in fatal auto accidents almost twice as often as female teens Teens driving with teen passengers have a greater risk of crashing; the more passengers, the higher the risk Male teens driving with male teen passengers engage more often in speeding and following cars too closely (“tailgating”) Crash risk is especially high during the first months after a teenager is licensed At all levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), teenage drivers have a greater risk of being in a crash than older drivers (Source for above risk factors: CDC.) By Marc Courtiol

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Do ADHD Drugs Increase Risk of Cardiac Disease in Children?

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 16:58:47 +0000

Like other diseases and conditions in our modern world, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses in children have increased markedly, globally and in the United States, in recent years. More children and teens with ADHD are taking pharmaceutical drugs to treat this condition. Millions of American children are now being treated with these stimulant drugs, which improve symptoms for some but not for others. And aside from whether or not ADHD drugs will work for a particular child, there are also valid concerns from many parents about putting strange laboratory chemicals into their young ones’ systems. Not many studies have been done on the long-term medical and mental effects of ADHD drugs in children; but a few studies have found that these drugs sometimes cause side effects, which can range from mild to serious. Some of the side effects that have been reported in studies include: sleep problems, mood swings, more depression, lower self-esteem, higher blood pressure and faster heart rate. Some studies have also linked use of ADHD drugs with a higher risk of irregular heart beat, general cardiovascular disease and cardiac arrest. Now, a study from Denmark has found that giving ADHD drugs like Ritalin or Concerta to children doubles the risk of rare cardiac events. The study followed 714,000 children in Denmark who had been born from 1990 to 1999. They were followed for an average of 9.5 years. Of these children, 8,300 were diagnosed with ADHD after age 5. Among the children with ADHD, 111, a little more than one percent, got cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat or cardiac arrest (this is when the heart’s electrical signals are disrupted, and the heart starts suddenly beating too fast, erratically, or stops completely). Researchers found that when children were taking methylphenidates like Ritalin or Concerta, whether or not ADHD had been diagnosed, they had about twice the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The study was published online recently in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology; journal editor Dr. Harold Koplewicz wrote in an editorial that the study confirms the “small but real risk” that health professionals have been aware of for some time, through previous studies and clinical experience. Indeed, because of reports of sudden death, heart attack and stroke linked to ADHD medications, some doctors assess a child’s heart health before putting them on the drugs. For parents who wish to try natural approaches for a child’s ADHD symptoms, the following are some recommendations that health experts make: Diet: reducing the amount of sugar that you give your child could help with hyperactivity and inattention. According to the Mayo Clinic, artificial food colors and preservatives can increase hyperactive behavior in some children, as well. Here are some food additives to avoid: Preservatives sodium benzoate, BHA and BHT FD&C Red #40 FD&C Yellow #5 FD&C Yellow #6 D&C Yellow #10 If you suspect that your child may have food allergies, you can try removing the following foods from their diet, to see if symptoms improve: Milk Eggs Wheat Chocolate Certain fruits, including oranges, berries, apples, tomatoes, grapes, peaches Doctors recommend removing one food at a time, so that you can pinpoint the food or foods that cause symptoms, and so that you won’t take too many nutrients from your child’s diet at a time. (If your child should be allergic to milk, talk to your pediatrician about appropriate substitutes, to make sure child gets enough calcium and other nutrients that are present in milk.) To find out whether your youngster may need vitamin/mineral supplementation, he or she can have a blood test. Supplements should only be given after you’ve cleared them with your child’s doctor, as getting too much of some vitamins and minerals is dangerous. Other Natural Ways to Treat ADHD Consider the home environment: is there a lot going on in your household? You might benefit from toning things down; for instance, allowing only an hour or two, and no more, of TV-viewing or computer use a day for your children. You can also try dimming your home lights, either with a manual switch, or by placing darker-colored shades over your lamps. This will give the home a more relaxing feel. Rather than having a bright light overhead, place lamps on tables or use a floor lamp; this makes it easier to adjust lighting. Keeping a home tidy and clean also promotes a calmer mindset for the whole family. Ask your children to keep their rooms picked up, no clothes on the floor, etc. It is always a good idea to have structure in a home and to maintain a fairly consistent daily schedule, including meal times. Parents also do well to spend quality one-on-one time with their children, letting kids know how much they are loved and cherished. Don’t be afraid to hug your children often and show them that you love them. Showing children love does not involve buying them a lot of toys and giving them everything they ask for, but being physically with them. When both spouses work, families can get creative and plan outings on the weekends; it doesn’t have to be anything big or fancy — a simple picnic at the local park or a barbecue in your own backyard could just provide the whole family with fun that is slow-paced and relaxing, and will help strengthen the bond between you and your children. The closer you and your children are, the more they will want to please you and be well-behaved. Sports: hiking, bicycling and the like are great ways for the family to get exercise, in addition to burning off some of that excess energy that your youngster displays. And anything that is done as a family is, again, a good way to bring the family closer together. But a child can also benefit greatly from participating in sports with same-age peers. Fast-paced sports such as basketball, soccer and tennis are especially good for children who have a lot of energy. Massage: have you tried

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‘Little League Shoulder’ Increasingly Common in Youths Who Play Sports

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 22:30:53 +0000

Summertime means thousands of American children are honing their pitching skills on baseball mounds throughout the land. But as always, it is important to start a new sports or fitness regime with plenty of warm-up and cool-down exercises, stretching, appropriate strength-training, and to not go overboard too quickly. Also, having long breaks from playing a given competitive sport in the course of a year helps decrease the risk of repetitive-use injuries. Insufficient strength training, combined with bad form, can result in “Little League shoulder,” an overuse injury from repetitive overhead ball-throwing, especially pitching. The condition produces shoulder pain, swelling and decreased ability to move the arm — and doctors are seeing it more frequently nowadays. Medical experts point to changing youth sports trends; in the case of baseball, that includes more year-round pitching, without taking months’ long periods of rest from the sport. Kids may also be doing more pitching, at higher velocities, than in the past. Both “USA Baseball” and “Little League Baseball” organizations have set pitch-count limits for players; but in spite of this, doctors are seeing a rise in overuse injuries resulting from children pitching too much. Similar injuries are also seen in catchers and position players in baseball, in girls and in tennis players and gymnasts. To learn more about Little League shoulder, researchers studied the cases of 95 patients between ages 8 and 17 who had the condition (the average age was 13). All patients had been treated at one pediatric care facility between 1999 and 2013; 97 percent were baseball players. Eighty-six percent were pitchers; 8 percent were catchers and 7 percent played other positions. Three percent of the group were tennis players, and 2 out of the 95 were females. In addition to shoulder pain, 13 percent of the patients were also experiencing elbow pain; 10 percent felt shoulder weakness or fatigue, and 8 percent were having mechanical difficulty moving their shoulder. About one-third of the patients had developed decreased range of motion; those with lessened range of motion were also three times more likely to get Little League shoulder again within 6 to 12 months after they returned to sports. Fortunately, for most patients — 98 percent — simply resting their shoulder was all that was needed to recover. It took an average of more than 2.5 months for symptoms to improve, and an average of more than 4 months for patients to return to play. More than 7 percent had symptoms return within 8 months. In addition to rest, 79 percent of the children also got physical therapy; all children with range-of-motion problems got physical therapy. One-quarter of the patients were told to change positions when they returned to baseball. Study author Dr. Benton Heyworth, instructor of orthopedic surgery at Harvard Medical School and a sports medicine practitioner at Boston Children’s Hospital, recommended that even after a months’ long period of rest, children undergo a period of training, and possibly also physical therapy, before returning to play. He added that the 7 percent recurrence rate may be an underestimate, as many children don’t report the pain. Some doctors also recommend to parents who are especially interested in their children excelling at a sport such as baseball to consider employing an athletic trainer, in addition to a physical therapist, so that muscle strength and technique can be worked on more specifically. Dr. Heyworth added that the best way to deal with sports injuries is to prevent them, by giving children adequate periods of rest, and by insuring that coaches, team officials and players adhere to well-established pitch-count limits and other Little League protocol. Findings of the study were presented recently at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s annual meeting in Seattle. In addition to improper pitching technique and excessive throwing, the following factors increase the risk of developing Little League shoulder (and elbow pain): Not resting between pitching sessions Playing multiple positions that call for different throwing techniques Not having enough strength in the muscles that support the shoulder and shoulder blade during throwing Weakness or tightness of the core or legs, which will result in more stress being placed in shoulder muscles during throws Playing in more than one league per season By Lisa Pecos

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Many U.S. Kids Still Getting Too Much Daily Screen Time, Says CDC

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 22:16:33 +0000

For years, doctors have been advising parents to limit the time their children spend daily watching television or on a computer — the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get no more than two hours a day of non-school-related ‘screen time.’ But the message isn’t getting through to all families. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted two national surveys among children between 12 and 15 years of age. Close to three quarters of all the youths reported spending at least two hours in front of the TV and using a computer. Fifteen percent of those surveyed said they spent four or more hours watching TV every day; while 12 percent used a computer for four or more hours a day. The survey did not ask about use of smartphones. The AAP’s official recommendation is that children spend no more than one or two hours a day in front of a screen; this advice takes into consideration that more screen time is linked to obesity, higher blood pressure, attention problems, sleep deficits and poorer performance at school. The AAP has further recommended that parents establish “screen-free” zones in the home by making sure that there are no televisions, computers or video games in children’s rooms. This is a way to control how much screen time your children get. With respect to sleep, it is important for parents to keep in mind that children, including teens, need more sleep than adults; so, it’s essential to make sure that your teen has no electronic media in his or her room that will tempt them to stay up late. Keeping their rooms free from these devices is also important for monitoring what your children are viewing or doing when they’re in front of the TV or on a computer. The AAP also recommends that televisions be turned off during dinner, to give family members a better opportunity to interact. Children under two years of age should get no screen time at all, says the AAP, because the brains of babies and toddlers are developing very rapidly, and young children learn best by interacting with others, and not with screens. Doctors recommend creating an environment where kids have other choices, besides TV or computers. For instance: books, board games, free play, hobbies, after-school sports and other activities, such as volunteer work or helping around the house. Results of the above study were published in the July issue of the NCHS Data Brief, a publication of the CDC. Eirian Hallinan

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Eating Lots of Fortified Foods, Plus Taking Vitamin-Mineral Supplements Could Be Bad for Your Child

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 22:17:23 +0000

A report released recently by the Environmental Working Group cautions parents to watch out for their children getting too many vitamins and minerals in their diets from fortified foods. According to the report, the problem could arise when children eat lots of servings of fortified foods, such as ready-to-eat breakfast cereals and nutrition bars, especially when these children also take daily multivitamin + mineral tablets or ‘gummies’. We know that some vitamins are considered safe, and perhaps even beneficial, when taken in higher levels than the United States recommended daily allowance (RDA). An example is vitamin C; when you’re coming down with a cold, many health experts will advise you to take higher amounts of this immune-system-boosting vitamin, to help fight the germs. Excess C vitamin is simply washed out in the urine. But that’s not the case with all vitamins, nor is it the case with minerals. Vitamin A, for instance, can be very toxic to developing fetuses when supplements are taken at high levels during pregnancy. Similarly, B vitamins, including niacin, which is mentioned in the report, have safe upper daily limits that have been set by U.S. government regulatory agencies. Like vitamins, minerals also have daily-intake limits that are considered safe. While getting enough of these essential nutrients is vital for good health, getting too much of them can cause digestive and more serious health problems. Federal U.S. law requires that certain foods, such as enriched cereals, be fortified with specific nutrients, including folate. But in today’s more health-conscious marketplace, many other products, like breakfast bars, are also fortified. The EWG report underlines the importance of consuming processed foods as little as possible, emphasizing instead whole, unprocessed foods for your family. Specifically, this translates to not letting your children eat too many bowls of enriched ready-to-eat cereals a day or load up on enriched breakfast bars or granola bars, especially if they also take a daily multivitamin + minerals tablet. All health experts agree that it is best for a person of any age to get their nutrients from the natural foods that they eat, instead of from fortified, processed foods, which often also introduce a lot of artificial chemicals and preservatives that can only do harm. This means taking the time to serve your kids a variety of natural and nutritious meals. Instead of a sugary, chemical-packed breakfast cereal, teach your children to enjoy a bowl of oatmeal with some minced fruit or nuts folded in it. A nice chunk of good, natural bread, with some scrambled eggs and diced tomatoes, and a glass of fruit juice or milk on the side, make a wonderful and super-nutritious breakfast. Doctors advise that it’s very hard to get too many vitamins or minerals when we eat whole foods or when we moderate our consumption of enriched foods. The problem, again, arises when enriched grains and other enriched foods are eaten in too much abundance, especially when the person also takes vitamin or mineral supplements. If you have any concerns about your child’s diet, the best thing to do is talk to your pediatrician. He or she can give you feedback on your child’s diet, as well as assess whether or not your youngster needs to take vitamin/mineral supplements. By Lisa Pecos

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Parents Who Don’t Get Enough Sleep May Increase Their Children’s Risk for Obesity, Says Study

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 22:35:49 +0000

A new study has found that parents who regularly don’t get enough sleep at night are more likely to have young children who, likewise, don’t sleep enough. Lost sleep in turn puts these youngsters (and the parents) at higher risk for being overweight or obese. The study, done by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, assessed the weight of 337 preschool-age children and their parents, also examining factors known to help protect adults and children from becoming overweight or obese. The protective factors assessed in parents included whether parents slept more than 7 hours a night, and if they had a family mealtime routine. Protective factors assessed in the youngsters included: whether they slept 10 or more hours a night whether they had a family mealtime routine no TV in the bedroom screen time limited to less than 2 hours a day Researchers found that the length of time that children slept was related to how long parents slept; when parents lost sleep regularly, so did the children. Analysis of the data found that getting enough sleep was the only protective factor that seemed to influence whether or not children became overweight or obese. Children who regularly were short on sleep were more likely to be overweight or obese than children who had 3 or more of the other protective factors in their daily routines. Scientists have learned that not getting enough sleep throws our metabolisms into chaos: the body has more difficulty using its natural insulin to convert sugars into energy, which can make these sugars be stored as fat. Also, fat is deposited differently on our bodies compared to when we’ve had enough sleep; and at least for some people, being short on sleep boosts their appetite for junk-type foods, thus increasing the likelihood of putting on excess weight. The study’s lead author urged parents to make getting a full night’s sleep a top priority for the family. Parents should always remember that young children and even teenagers need more sleep than adults. Small children should sleep 10 to 11 hours a night, while teens can need 9 hours. By comparison, most adults need 8 hours a night. How do you know how much sleep you need? This is easy to determine: simply keep track of when you fall asleep and don’t set an alarm. See what time it is when you wake up naturally the next day; however long you slept (assuming your sleep wasn’t disturbed by noise, too much light, etc.) is how much sleep you need. To insure that your young children sleep enough hours, they must go to bed hours before you do. Health experts advise developing a calming nightly routine that stays pretty constant every night, for both your youngster, and then you. Reading or baths are two good ways to get your little ones to relax in preparation for bedtime. The above study was published in a recent issue of Frontiers in Psychology. By Lisa Pecos

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Could Regular Exercise Make Children Smarter?

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 21:23:54 +0000

We know that adults can improve their concentration and help guard against memory loss as they age, when they get regular exercise. Similarly, a new study found that kids may gain cognitive benefits from being physically fit, as well. Researchers at the University of Illinois found that children who are in better physical shape tend to have better language skills than their lesser fit peers. The brains of the fitter kids responded faster and more strongly during reading, which translated into better reading performance and comprehension. Fitness was measured by the rate of oxygen uptake during exercise. Researchers pointed out that their study did not prove that being physically fit has a direct effect on the electrical activity in kids’ brains; the study’s lead author added that there could be a third variable that affects both fitness and language processing. But it adds to the evidence that physical fitness leads to improved cognitive performance in some measures of brain function. The study used electrodes to measure brain activity, focusing on brain waves associated with word recognition and grammar. The fitter kids’ brains showed stronger responses — that is, more activity — when reading normal or nonsensical sentences than the brains of the children who were less fit. The study was published recently in the journal Brain and Cognition. Previous studies had found that regular aerobic activity is associated with improvements, of varying degrees, in children’s cognition, academic achievement, behavior and social functioning. Researchers have found that regular aerobic exercise produces positive structural changes in children’s brains, including the development of new neurons and new blood vessels, increased volume in the hippocampus (a structure inside the brain involved in long-term-memory storage), and better connectivity among different parts of the brain (source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Animal and human studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise also increases blood volume, fat mobilization and the body’s ability to regulate its own temperature. Regular aerobic exercise has also been found to help build children’s self-esteem and reduce depression (in youths, as well as adults). In addition to the possibilities of improving a child’s cognitive function, cardiovascular health and even the way that he or she relates to others, regular physical activity constitutes an important way to help address the global obesity epidemic in children. A healthy diet and regular exercise are both key to keeping many kids at healthy weights; more than one-third of school-age children in the United States are now overweight or obese, yet studies have found that in many developed countries, including the U.S., only a small percentage of children as a whole (around 20 percent) take part in moderate to vigorous physical daily activity. By Lisa Pecos

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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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Having a Dog Can Help Ease Symptoms, Improve Behavior in Children with Autism

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 21:02:22 +0000

Parents of autistic children know how difficult it is at times to manage all of life’s responsibilities, and to care for a child with special needs. Autism has aspects that can make parenting and teaching autistic children that much harder. Many parents are turning to dogs to help their autistic children: dogs can make an autistic child happier, less prone to throw tantrums, and strengthen the child’s sense of security. Centers have opened in some American cities to specifically train dogs as companions for children with autism spectrum disorders; still other centers that train dogs for special-needs children now also train canines for autistic children. One couple who got one such dog reported that their autistic son used to frequently wake up during the night and be unable to go back to sleep; one of the parents had to go into the child’s room and stay with him until he fell asleep. This was creating a lot of added difficulty in the family; not only did the parents lose sleep often, but it was also hard to get their son up the next morning, and the boy’s tantrums would become frequent as a result of the child’s own fatigue. The family got matched with a service dog, which was trained specifically for their son, and the parents later reported that adding the dog to the household brought a big positive change. The boy still wakes up during the night — but now, he pets his dog, who sleeps on the bed beside him, and he is able to go back to sleep without his parents. The child’s tantrums decreased in number, and he is more cooperative with his therapists. Speech and occupational therapists can in fact integrate a dog into the child’s therapy sessions. An autistic child’s vocabulary often increases after the child gets a dog. Dogs can also improve a child’s behavior and make it easier for him or her to socialize with others. Dogs can also be trained to do the following: Stop child from running impulsively; dog will retrieve child and bring back to caregiver Stop mood swings — dog will crawl onto child’s lap to comfort child Stop self-harming or other undesired behaviors Help find child if child ever takes off One drawback to getting a dog specially trained for your autistic child is that it can take from 1 to several years to find, train and deliver the dog to the home — not all dogs qualify to undergo the training (and some flunk out of training and a replacement dog has to be found). The special training costs in the tens of thousands of dollars, though some organizations don’t charge parents any money; however, that explains why getting a dog free of charge can take so long. If you bring a dog into your home and take the dog to training lessons on your own, that can be costly, as well, not to mention time-consuming. But it’s a route that may work for some families. Can Only Specially Trained Dogs Do Well with Autistic Children? Not according to a recent small study, which showed that even untrained dogs can be of great benefit to children who have autism. Researchers from the University of Missouri interviewed 70 parents of autistic children. Almost two-thirds of the parents had dogs. Ninety-four percent of parents said that their children had formed a bond with the family dog. Because autistic children often have difficulty interacting with others, these children can especially benefit from the unconditional, nonjudgmental love and companionship that a dog gives, according to the study’s lead author. The study, published recently in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, stated that in addition to companionship, a family dog can provide an autistic child with stress relief, and it can be a great opportunity for the child to learn about responsibility. Speaking of responsibility, parents should keep in mind that bringing a dog into the home is a big step; you should give the matter some thought, to determine if the family will have the time and resources to care for the dog. If you decide that getting a dog is right for your family, the next step is to figure out what kind of dog will work best with your child and your home environment. Things Parents Should Keep in Mind when Choosing a Dog for Their Autistic Child You should get your child involved in choosing the dog; this may help make acquiring the new household member a positive for all Some breeds will generally be better than others; a lot of trainers believe that golden retrievers and labrador retrievers make excellent dogs for autistic children, because of these breeds’ calm temperaments and helpful dispositions; however, some autistic children don’t like all the fur in golden retrievers Breeds like poodles are good for children who have allergies (these dogs don’t shed as much) or for autistic children who may prefer a soft-coated dog Some autistic children will prefer a smaller dog than the retrievers (or standard poodles), as these children find bigger dogs intimidating; these kids may do well with a small, friendly dog Learn which dogs your child might like by exposing the child to neighbors’ or relatives’ dogs, or even going to pet stores together Get a dog that you, the parent, also enjoy, as you will in all likelihood have to be its caregiver at least some of the time By Eirian Hallinan

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Violent Video Games Linked to Aggression in Children, Says Study

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 30 May 2014 16:39:16 +0000

A study of more than 3,000 school-age children found that playing violent video games a lot seems to increase the odds that children and teenagers will engage in aggressive behaviors in real life. Researchers said that frequent exposure to the violence in these games causes children to start seeing their world in a ‘more aggressive way,’ with children being more apt to expect others to behave aggressively toward them; kids who often play violent video games are also more likely to think that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems. Study co-author Craig Anderson, director of the Center for the Study of Violence at Iowa State University, stated that playing violent video games “changes a child’s or adolescent’s personality” in some respects. Given the horrible acts of violence on school grounds, in which children globally have engaged in recent years, particularly in the United States, it’s logical that researchers would try to determine if and how playing violent video games affects children. More than 90 percent of American school-age kids play video games, according to statistics. Many of these games depict violence as being fun, and devoid of negative consequences. Anderson added that parents shouldn’t panic based on the results of the study; playing some violent video games is not likely to turn a kid with few other risk factors into a bully or a thug; but violent gaming should be viewed as a factor that encourages violent thinking and behavior, especially in children who have other risk factors, such as living with parents who engage in outward aggressive behavior, or living in a violent neighborhood. The children who participated in the study came from six primary and six secondary schools in Singapore. All were between the ages of 8 and 17; close to three-quarters were boys. Researchers surveyed the students annually for three years; children were asked about the amount of time that they spent playing video gamers and the nature of their favorite games. Children were also asked to discuss their feelings of empathy and aggression, and they were asked about any aggressive behaviors in which they had engaged. Children were also asked if they thought it was okay to respond to some situations by hitting someone, whether they thought about hurting any peers, and whether it bothered them to see someone who was upset. By sorting through the children’s answers, and measuring these against violent video game habits, researchers determined that during the three-year period, children who played a lot of violent video games were also more likely to behave in aggressive ways. The investigators found that violent video gaming had a lasting increase in aggressive thinking, which included more aggressive fantasies, and a growing tendency to believe that others had hostile motives. The changing attitudes linked to heavy exposure to violent video games occurred in both girls and boys; the changes were independent of a child’s initial level of aggression. Having feelings of empathy did not lessen the link between violent gaming and aggressiveness, and similar changes in perception were seen in all age groups. Previous studies had found that playing violent video games changes attitudes and possibly leads gamers of all ages to behave more aggressively. Study results were published online recently in Pediatrics, a journal of the American Medical Association. By Lisa Pecos

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Energy Drinks and Sports Drinks Linked to Unhealthy Behaviors in Teenagers

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 21 May 2014 21:14:08 +0000

A new study has found that teenagers who regularly consume energy drinks and sports drinks are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors. Teens who often drank energy drinks like Red Bull and ROCKSTAR were more apt to smoke, use illicit drugs and drink alcohol. And teens who drank either energy or sports drinks regularly tended to spend more hours watching TV and playing video games. The study was published online recently in the Journal of Nutrition, Education and Behavior; it’s one of the first studies to show that consumption of these drinks may be part of an overall pattern of unhealthy behaviors for growing numbers of teenagers. Consumption of sports and energy drinks among American teens has more than tripled in recent years; medical professionals have begun sounding off alarms about the dangers of overuse of these kinds of beverages by children and teens. Doctors note that excessive energy drink consumption creates a risk for overstimulation of the nervous system. These drinks are causing some youths to experience seizures, irregular heart beats, and in rare cases, they can lead to death. Excessive consumption of either energy or sports drinks, meanwhile, is said to be contributing to the obesity and overweight epidemics in school-age children. For the above study, researchers surveyed close to 2,800 middle and high school students from 20 public schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota area, during the 2009-2010 school year. Close to 40 percent of the youths stated that they consumed at least 1 energy drink a week; about 15 percent said they drank at least 1 sports drink a week. Boys were more likely to consume the beverages regularly than girls. Kids who regularly drank sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade were more likely to play organized sports. They were more inclined to get intense regular exercise — but they also tended to spend much more time playing video games and watching TV than kids who rarely drank sports drinks. Male students who regularly consumed energy drinks spent an average of 4 hours more a week playing video games than boys who used the beverages infrequently, while girls who often drank energy drinks averaged 2 more hours of weekly video game play than girls who seldom had the drinks. Girls who drank energy drinks regularly were also more likely to skip breakfast than girls who rarely or never used the drinks; and both boys and girls who drank energy drinks regularly were more likely to have tried cigarettes. Health experts have pointed out that sports drinks should basically be consumed by people engaged in vigorous physical activity when the weather is hot (and the body is losing salts, or electrolytes, at a fast rate). Otherwise, sports drinks are just added calories (from the sweeteners) contributing to excess weight. (Then, there are the artificial preservatives and colors used to make these drinks, which have no nutritional value and could only do harm when consumed in excess.) The study’s author noted that plain water is still the best choice to quench thirst most of the time, even when children are exercising. As for the high caffeine content (and assorted artificial chemicals) in energy drinks, parents should encourage their children to opt for healthier choices, such as tea — or getting enough sleep at night, which in the end is much healthier than getting hooked on caffeine. By Jamell Andrews

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Natural Remedies for Children’s Allergies

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 16 May 2014 18:03:52 +0000

If you are the parent of a child who suffers from allergies, eczema or asthma, you look for ways to bring relief and comfort to your son or daughter — but you want natural, better alternatives to antihistamines, skin-altering cortisone creams, chemical inhalers, or even nasal rinses (the latter could be too much to expect a young child to be able to do, in any case). Thankfully, there are many natural, hands-on, more pleasant remedies that you can try for your child. Because different things work for different people, you might try several remedies, before you find one or more that work for your child. But before trying any of these remedies, be sure to discuss it with your child’s doctor, as even natural medicines carry risks of allergic reaction for some individuals. You can try the below remedies while continuing to use your doctor-prescribed treatments; if you use natural medicines that work for your child, you may be able to reduce or even eliminate the need for synthetic pharmaceuticals. Preventing Allergy Symptoms, Including Eczema and Asthma As with disease in general, prevention is the wisest approach of all, when it is possible. Get to know your child’s allergy triggers. If your child gets nasal allergies from pollens, or asthma attacks from the particulates in air pollution, limit the child’s time spent outside when pollen counts are high or when pollution is visible in the city where you live. If your city is persistently polluted, consider moving to a city with cleaner air. If your son or daughter reacts to other allergens such as pet dander, dust, fragrances or insect bites, take smart steps, such as the following: Avoid contact between the child and the animal that produces symptoms, and / or bathe pet often Remove household dust with frequent dusting, sweeping, mopping and vacuuming Avoid using harsh chemical cleansers around the home Avoid strong artificial scents Your child should wear sunglasses (or prescription glasses or eyeware of some type) when outside on a dry day during pollen season or when it’s smoggy, as many allergens can get into the body through the eyes Cover fabric-upholstered sofas with washable covers that can be laundered periodically Wash or clean child car seat cover often Wash or change child’s bedding every few days. Use mild, fragrance-free liquid detergents, as these are easier on sensitive skin than powder or scented kinds Insect bites can be avoided by using insect repellents and by wearing protective clothing made of tightly-woven fabric. Sleeves must be snug around the wrists, and pants’ legs must be snug around ankles, or tucked into socks or boots (otherwise, insects will eagerly access arms and legs through any small openings). If you suspect that your child may have food allergies, eliminate possible food allergens one food at a time, after discussing the matter with the child’s doctor; the doctor will also guide you as to what foods to add to your child’s diet, to substitute the nutrients from a food that you eliminate. All that said … Let’s review some natural, safe remedies that have helped many parents bring relief from allergy symptoms to their children. 1. Quercetin: A strong immune system that can withstand allergens and pathogens alike begins with a wholesome, healthy diet. Some natural foods are particularly excellent at giving our bodies an extra fighting push, while actively stifling allergic response. Such is the case with the flavonoid quercetin, a nutrient or phytonutrient present in garlic, onions and apples. Recent studies have found that quercetin has natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Excessive release of the protein histamine by certain immune system cells, and the inflammation that follows, are at the heart of allergic responses in hay fever, eczema and asthma — the cold-like symptoms, itching and difficulty breathing that accompany these conditions, respectively. In the case of asthma, histamine causes not only swelling of the air passages, but it also causes the smooth muscle in the bronchial tubes to contract, constricting air flow. By blocking the release of histamine, quercetin prevents this cascade of events. Besides turning simple meat or vegetable dishes into savory delights, garlic and onions have been used for thousands of years to help combat a long list of illnesses. The antioxidant quercetin, and their sulphur compounds, which include the very aromatic antioxidant allicin, have been found in modern times to help fight the common cold, cure infections, suppress allergies and even kill cancer cells. Garlic and onions have antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. There are no other foods that are stronger at fighting disease than these two. They are potent whether you eat them raw or cooked; but they are at their most powerful in their raw state. It’s perfectly safe for most children about a year old or older to eat garlic or onions, cooked or raw. Just be aware that a few people are allergic to garlic or onions. So, discuss with your pediatrician giving these to a young or allergic child, and always start out with the smallest of amounts, until you know that your child’s system tolerates them. Also, raw garlic or onion is likelier to set off an allergic reaction than cooked, so, you may want to start by giving your child cooked foods that have been prepared with garlic or onion in them. Invest in a good, heavy, metal garlic crusher, which makes crushing a lot easier. You can spread a little raw crushed garlic over your child’s toasted bread and drizzle it with olive oil, or add it to your vegetables and homemade oil-and-vinegar salad dressing. If you give apples to your child, buy organic; according to the Environmental Working Group, apples have one of the highest levels of pesticide residues among fruits sold in the United States. Also, most of the nutrients are in the peel, so, it’s worth eating. 2. Turmeric: This wonder spice gives curry dishes and mustard their bright-yellow color. While Indian cooking couldn’t be done without it, turmeric isn’t too commonly

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Rising GI Infections in Children Linked to Heavy Antibiotic Use: CDC

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 09 May 2014 17:43:11 +0000

Antibiotics prescribed by doctors are linked to rising numbers of serious bacterial infections that can cause severe diarrhea in children, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study, recently published in the journal Pediatrics, found that 71 percent of Clostridium difficile infections in children 1 to 17 developed soon after the children took antibiotics prescribed in doctors’ offices to treat other conditions. Most of the children had gotten antibiotics to treat ear, sinus and upper respiratory infections. Previous studies had shown that 50 percent or more of antibiotic prescriptions are given to treat upper respiratory infections, which do not require antibiotics, according to the CDC. Some 17,000 children get C. difficile infections every year in the United States. C. difficile is a bacterium that causes diarrhea ranging from mild to life-threatening. The bacterium is often present in small numbers in a healthy gut; but when people take antibiotics, competing species can be wiped out, leading to an overpopulation of C. difficile. Mild symptoms of C. difficile infection can include watery diarrhea several times a day for a few days, with abdominal pain. More severe cases can produce watery diarrhea many times a day, severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite and blood or pus in the stool. The CDC study found that white children, and those between 12 and 23 months, are at greatest risk for the infection. Taking antibiotics is the biggest risk factor for C. difficile infections in both children and adults, according to the study. The CDC urged doctors to follow antibiotic-prescribing guidelines, and it advised parents not to demand that doctors prescribe antibiotics. The typical C. difficile patient is older, on antibiotics and hospitalized; but in recent years, doctors have seen alarming increases in the number of cases of C. difficile diarrhea in children who are not hospitalized. When C. difficile bacteria multiply, they produce toxins that can damage the lining of the gut. Hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized annually in the U. S. due to C. difficile infections, resulting in thousands of deaths, according to the CDC. A 2012 study found that the number of infections from C. difficile had increased more than twelve times from the 1991-1997 time period, to the 2004-2009 time period. In addition to C. difficile rates rising rapidly, doctors find that the illness is becoming harder to treat (resulting in a growing proportion of deaths). Preventing or Reducing Risk of Clostridium Difficile Infection in Children Other than limiting antibiotics only to times when they are absolutely necessary, doctors say that frequent, proper washing of caregiver and children’s hands with soap and water can go a long way toward avoiding infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Soap and water work best, as opposed to alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which do not remove all C. difficile spores. Hand-washing after using toilet and before eating are essential. Proper handling of soiled diapers is also important. Probiotics have also proven helpful for preventing GI tract infections in some children. By Eirian Hallinan

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Autism Rates Increasing Rapidly: CDC

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 17:55:18 +0000

Autism rates in the United States rose by 30% between 2008 and 2010, and by 120% between 2000 and 2010, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One in 68 8-year-old children had been diagnosed with autism by 2010, up from 1 in 88 two years earlier, says the report. These are staggering statistics, compared to the 1 in thousands ratio of American children who had been diagnosed as autistic in 1970. The study, published online in late March, 2014, found that five times as many boys as girls are being diagnosed with autism. The CDC estimates that 1 in 42 boys has autism, and 1 in 189 girls. Caucasian children are diagnosed most frequently, followed by Hispanics, then African-Americans. The average age at which children are diagnosed has fallen, but remains above age 4 (diagnosis is possible by age 2). Many experts believe that a portion of the increase in autistic cases can be attributed to better awareness and diagnosis of the illness, though that would seem to only account for a smaller fraction of the manifold increase in autism diagnoses in recent years. One known factor that ups risk of autism is the aging of modern parents — in the case of autism, the aging of fathers; studies have shown that autism risk in children increases with paternal age at conception. Whereas the risk of chromosomal mutations such as Down syndrome becomes greater with increasing maternal age, in the case of some complex mental disorders, including autism (and schizophrenia), paternal age has been found to be a much greater risk than maternal age (Nature online, August 22, 2012). Even when the mother is in her early 20’s, a father who is at least 11 years older than the mother is more likely to have a child with mental health difficulties, including autism (Malaysian Mental Health Survey, published online in March, 2011). Scientists do not know whether the increased autism risk for older fathers is the result of age-related mutations that build up in men’s genes over time, or whether it reflects that men have been exposed for longer to environmental agents that directly damage their genetic material. For its latest figures, the CDC reviewed medical and school records from 2010 for 8-year-old children at 11 states across the U.S. The states included were: New Jersey (with the highest rate of autistic children, at 1 in 46), Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Utah, Wisconsin and Alabama (with the lowest incidence, at 1 in 175 children). A CDC spokesperson said that the great rate variation among states is due at least in part by states’ different resources in identifying and serving children with autism. To be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, a person must show deficits in three areas: communications, social skills and typical behavior. Almost half of the children in the CDC study had average or above-average intelligence (“average” was defined as having an IQ higher than 85), compared to a third of autistic children a decade ago. Some doctors believe that the rates of autism in the CDC study are too high: children are now being diagnosed with autism even when they have average or above-average intelligence. Until twenty years ago, children who were diagnosed as autistic always had intellectual disabilities; doctors did not diagnose children as autistic when the youths had average or above-average intelligence. One doctor observed that some present-day diagnoses of autism in high-functioning kids could be simply cases of ADHD (attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder) with social immaturity. Other children might have intellectual challenges, but not have autism per se. From birth to age 5, children reach milestones in how they communicate and interact with the world around them. Symptoms of autism usually appear before age 3 (and last throughout the child’s life). Autism symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they include: Difficulty with verbal or non-verbal communication Difficulty with social interaction or wanting to play alone Playing with toys and objects in unusual ways Repetitive body movements Preoccupation with unusual objects Experts advise parents who have concerns about their children’s early play, speech or behavior to discuss those concerns with their doctors and caregivers; if your child attends school, ask the school how to get a free evaluation. The earlier an autistic child begins receiving therapy, the more the child’s deficits can be minimized. But it is never too late to get help for your child. By Jamell Andrews

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Overweight Teens’ Life Expectancies Not Increasing?

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 18:18:45 +0000

It’s common knowledge that people’s life expectancies in developed countries have increased in the last 50 years, as science has uncovered new ways to prevent, treat and cure illnesses. But a study has found that people who were obese or overweight as teenagers are not living longer than similar people did five-plus decades ago. The life expectancy of an American born in 2011 was 78.7 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the average lifespan has increased by more than 10 years since 1950. But the death rate for people in the study who had been obese or overweight as teens did not show improvement during that time. The study, conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School, was recently published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM). It analyzed records for more than 2.1 million people who had been medically evaluated for mandatory military service in Israel. All subjects had been born between the years 1950 and 1993, and were between 16 and 20 years old when they were evaluated. Researchers calculated what the subjects’ body mass index (BMI) had been at the time of evaluation. They then examined death records, to determine mortality rates among the study population. Mortality rates were 41 percent lower for subjects of normal weight who had been born in the 1980s, compared to people of the same age and similar weight born 30 years earlier. But there was no significant improvement in four decades in the life expectancies of those who were obese or overweight as teens: the mortality rate for these subjects in the years 2000 to 2010 was as high as it had been for similar individuals in the 1960s and 1970s. The study also found that overweight and obese teenagers had a higher risk of dying before age 50; particularly in the case of males, who had a threefold higher risk of death before 50, compared to females. Among males, even those whose weights had been at the upper end of the normal range as teens had a greater risk of dying relatively early in adulthood. While we have known for some time that overweight and obesity increase the risk of many illnesses in people, this study was unique in that it also yielded information about the connection between teenage overweight or obesity, and reduced life expectancy. What Can Parents Do to Help Their Teenagers Lose Weight? Losing weight, or maintaining an adequate weight, is easier than many people might suspect. Losing weight does not involve going hungry or denying yourself the foods that you love. It’s all about re-training your family’s palates to enjoy the foods that will truly nourish the body and will not promote excess weight gain. Once you start putting good foods in your family’s bodies, their bodies will not want to go back to eating the junky stuff! The key is to get back to nature. You have to avoid processed foods, for the most part, and buy foods in their whole, natural states (unprocessed, raw meats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy foods, nuts, seeds … things that grow naturally from Earth!). Is there anything more important than our health? You have to value your health enough to take the time to cook meals from scratch, or make wise choices when you buy your food at a restaurant. A pizza with a single topping of processed pepperoni is nowhere as nutritious and healthy as a pizza topped with mushrooms, green peppers, diced tomatoes and so forth. Many restaurants, including nearly all fast-food chains, cut corners and expense by using breads, salad dressings and even meats that have preservatives in them. What you get there are toxic chemicals that can only poison your system and even interfere with the body’s absorption of what nutrients the foods do possess. Only by being very selective when you buy ready-made meals (reading ingredients’ labels or asking merchants about ingredients), or by making your own meals at home, can you know that you are giving your family the nutrients that it needs, while avoiding what it doesn’t need. Your Children’s Snacks: The snacks your children eat will have a lot to do with their weight also. Instead of allowing them to buy Cheetos, Doritos, candy bars galore and sodas, insist on buying healthy choices for your family, and have those ready to go when your child leaves for school or comes home. Think apple wedges or a banana with some all-natural peanut butter or vanilla yogurt. Plain yogurt is great with corn chips or potato chips (but avoid chips that have artificial ingredients). Natural cheese chunks are great with cut vegetables, fruits, bread, chips, etc. Plain popcorn and some juice with carbonated water make a satisfying snack, as do all-natural granola bars and milk. Baby carrots dipped in natural lemon juice are delicious, nutritious and very filling. Instead of drinking any sodas, insist that your child drink natural fruit juices diluted with plenty of water, or just plain water. Milk is also highly nutritious and important for a growing child and grown adults alike; a child trying to lose weight should drink low-fat milk. Balancing Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats in Your Meals One of the more common mistake that people who have excess body weight make is that they eat a lot of starches and sugars, and maybe a lot of fats; but they don’t eat enough protein, vegetables or fruits. You want to balance your meals by adding non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and plenty of lean proteins (lean meats, fish, beans) to the starches that you eat. By balancing your meals, you give your body a much greater variety of nutrients, which will help regulate its metabolic processes. So, don’t go hungry! Just make smart, natural choices. All that said, also of great importance is to move enough. In today’s age, many kids spend a lot of time sitting in front of an electronic screen; encourage your children to participate in sports

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September Is the Worst Month for Asthma Attacks in Children

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 21:54:42 +0000

A study published in the April, 2014 print edition of the journal Pediatrics found that September is the worst month for asthma attacks for children who suffer from the condition. Researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel did a retrospective, population-based study where medical records for a period of five years were reviewed, for more than 900,000 children between the ages of 2 and 15. These children had all received primary medical care between 2005 and 2009; close to 9 percent had been diagnosed with asthma by a physician. About half of the asthmatic children were between 2 and 5; just under one-quarter were between 6 and 9, and just more than one-quarter were between 10 and 15. The study found that the month of September, when children returned to school, was also the month with the highest incidence of asthma flare-ups, as well as the most prescriptions written by doctors for all types of asthma inhalers. For the 37th and 38th weeks of the year — that is, early to mid-September, when children return to school — visits to the doctor for asthma conditions doubled, compared to the preceding weeks of late August to beginning of September. Rises in asthma-related doctor visits were also seen at the end of fall, and intermittently throughout the winter. For the children in the study, fewer prescriptions for asthma inhalers had been filled in the summer months than during the rest of the year, so, researchers theorize that use of asthma maintenance medication was at its lowest just before the start of school. That could partly explain the increase in asthma flare-ups at the beginning of the school year, with the greater exposure to germs that naturally occurs when many children come together, and with the colds that children may get from that (viral infections are a known trigger for asthma attacks). Other possible triggers would be autumn allergens, to which children will be more exposed going to and from school, increased exposure to exhaust fumes and smog (other known asthma triggers), and the increased stress from going back to school (emotional stress is also an asthma trigger). Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways, in which triggers can cause the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs to constrict, making breathing difficult or impossible. Triggers can also cause inflammation of the airways and the lungs (and excessive production of mucus), causing breathing to become labored or impossible. Diagnoses of childhood asthma have increased at a fast pace in the last three decades; more than one in ten American children now have asthma. Increases in asthma cases are also occurring globally, with more than 300 million people suffering from asthma worldwide. Health researchers at a number of universities and other institutions in the U.S. and abroad continue working to unravel the causes for the increase in incidences of asthma. At one time, some medical professionals believed that our modern world had become too clean; the thinking was that children were not being exposed to enough infectious agents like viruses and bacteria, which would help train the children’s immune systems to develop defenses against different pathogens. But subsequent studies showed that even in places where many children are raised in more unsanitary environments, such as Latin America, cases of asthma are soaring, as well. Viral infections, including the common cold and flu, were believed not long ago to protect children from subsequently developing asthma. However, researchers now know that viral infections in early life can actually be a risk factor for getting asthma later on. Other known asthma triggers include: dust, pollens, mold, smoke, cold weather, exercise (especially in cold weather), pet dander (from hair, skin or feathers) or saliva, strong chemical odors or fumes, perfumes or other scented products. In the Israeli study, lead author Dr. Herman Avner Cohen, MD, suggested that for certain asthmatic children, it may be a good idea to start asthma treatments at the end of August, in preparation for the school year. Current asthma prescription inhaler medications differ in strength and possible danger from long-term use. Some contain steroids, while others do not. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about using less-potent, but safer, non-steroid medications. In addition, many children may be safe using their inhalers only in cases of asthma attacks; ask your child’s doctor for an evaluation of your child’s individual case. Also discuss with your doctor using natural methods to lessen or even end asthma symptoms, such as modifying the child’s diet to include healthier foods and avoid known allergens for that child. Essential plant oils are also being successfully used by many parents to naturally open and soothe their children’s airways as maintenance, when child is not having an asthma attack (get your doctor’s okay before using essential oils on your child). Relocating the family to a different area or climate may be an option for some parents. Home-schooling may be another option. By Jamells Andrews NP, PA

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Natural, Safe Asthma Remedies for Children

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 22:05:11 +0000

Doctors believe that we are in the middle of asthma and allergy epidemics, as the numbers of children and adults who suffer from these conditions continue to grow, with no concrete explanations for the increases. Asthma is now the leading chronic (or ongoing) illness in children. More than 1 in 10 American kids now have asthma. While it can start at any age, most children have had their first symptoms by age 5. The causes of asthma appear to be varied. While the condition is a mystery to many doctors, some health professionals believe that more children are getting asthma nowadays because they’re being more exposed to air pollution and other toxic chemicals. Doctors believe that the following risk factors can lead to a child developing asthma: A hypersensitive immune system, which often means the child has allergies to dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold, etc. Inherited traits Not having been breastfed Some airway infections that occur at a young age Exposure to environmental pollution, such as smog or cigarette smoke Being exposed to secondhand smoke before or after birth Emotional stress Being of African descent An asthma attack happens when the bronchial tubes that carry oxygen to the lungs constrict, making it harder for the person to breathe in or out. Asthma can also be the result of inflammation — the bronchial tubes and lungs can swell and secrete mucus, which also makes breathing more difficult. Sometimes, asthma attacks don’t happen right after exposure to the trigger, making it harder to figure out what caused the attack. But some known triggers include: Viral infections (such as the common cold) Physical activity Changes in weather Exposure to air pollutants, including tobacco smoke, smog, and chemicals in the home, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are vapors released by many products, including glues, felt-tip markers, all-purpose household cleaners, paints, and construction materials, including carpeting A severe asthma attack can restrict the person’s airflow completely, meaning that it could cause death. Symptoms of an asthma attack include wheezing when inhaling or exhaling, pain or tightening in the chest, shortness of breath, loss of breath, or tightened neck and chest muscles. Symptoms that could indicate your child has asthma include: Frequent coughing spells, often during play, at night or when laughing You can see the child’s stomach rising or the ribs protruding from their extra effort to breathe Shortness or loss of breath Tiredness Dark circles under the eyes (from poor sleep) Loss of appetite If you believe that your child may have asthma, talk to your pediatrician right away. Your doctor will run a few tests; if your child is diagnosed with asthma, you and your doctor will develop a treatment plan for your child, which will include specific instructions for when your child may experience a severe attack. There are a handful of inhaler-type medications currently used for asthma attacks in children, some of which contain steroids. Long-term steroid use is associated with serious health problems; so, ask your doctor if your child can use a less potent, but safer, medicine without steroids. (Another option is to use a steroid inhaler only for serious attacks, and not for ongoing maintenance. Talk to your doctor about all your options.) Natural Remedies Breasfeeding: Nature’s defense against asthma. A study from the Netherlands found that babies who were never breastfed had a 50 percent increased risk of developing wheezing episodes later on; babies who were not breastfed also had an increased risk of shortness of breath, dry cough or persistent phlegm during their first four years. Infants who were given breast milk, in addition to other milk plus solid foods before four months had a 20 percent greater risk of developing wheezing later on. If your child is past the breastfeeding stage, there are still natural methods that you can use to lessen their likelihood of getting asthma attacks. Diet: The foods that your child eats are as important in preventing asthma, as they are in avoiding all other disease. You want to feed your child plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, which are rich in disease-fighting antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables also contain natural enzymes that help trigger thousands of metabolic processes, including digestion, which is essential for the absorption and utilization of nutrients. Buy organic produce whenever possible. Include in your child’s vegetables dark, leafy greens, as these have folate, a B-vitamin important for healthy red blood cells, and the transport of oxygen to all the body’s tissues. Oxygen keeps tissues, including the airways, healthy. Another natural source of folate is orange juice, but not all brands have it (so, check label). You want to feed your child foods rich in zinc, an important mineral for a strong immune system. These foods include: beef liver, beef, fowl, dairy products, beans, seeds and nuts. Give your child fish sometimes, to add beneficial oils to their digestion, on top of very healthy protein. Cow’s milk products are such important foods for a growing child (and for the rest of us, too), that you should go out of your way to get your youngster to consume them. If your child has sensitivities to milk, try lactose-free or organic dairy products; these are much easier on the GI tract and are better tolerated by many. Using non-fat, plain yogurt in place of sour cream is a great way to cut calories, and add beneficial bacteria cultures to your child’s diet, which will help get rid of harmful organisms in the digestive tract — where most of our immune system is located. Keep salty and sugary snacks to a minimum, encourage your child to drink plenty of water every day, and avoid artificial preservatives, colors and stabilizers. Turmeric and Ginger: These two are deserving of a category of their own, because of their legendary and safe health-promoting powers. Turmeric helps fight inflammation (from asthma and allergies, as well as other conditions, which makes it great for overall good health), and ginger is an

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Childhood Cancer Cases Continue to Rise in the United States

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 18:43:08 +0000

Plus: 25 Things You Can Do to Help Prevent Cancer in Children Earlier this year, the American Cancer Society published its yearly report, “Cancer Facts & Figures.” For the first time, the report included a special section on statistics about the prevalence of childhood and adolescent cancers. The separate section may be indicative of the fact that cases of childhood cancer continue to rise in the United States, despite much progress. According to the report, approximately 15,780 new cases of childhood cancer will be diagnosed in 2014, and 1,960 patients 19 and younger will die from this disease. Current cancer rates among youths are 19 cases per 100,000 children. About one in 530 young adults aged 20 to 39 is a childhood cancer survivor. The report stated that advances in surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have improved survival rates among childhood cancer patients. However, many survivors are at high risk for serious long-term health problems. For example, children who survive brain tumors may develop seizures, hearing loss, blindness, weakness in their limbs, and decreased mental capacity. In addition, while treatment and survival rates have improved steadily for some childhood cancers, others are still incurable and untreatable. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death among children 5 to 14, second only to automobile and other types of accidents. Although adult cancer is much more common than childhood cancer, cancers in children are often harder for parents to spot, as their symptoms often mimic those of common childhood illnesses. Further, the causes of adult cancers are much better understood than those of childhood cancers, which in many cases are still a mystery. Leukemias (blood cell cancers), and cancers of the brain and central nervous system make up more than half of all new childhood cancer cases. Researchers continue working to develop better, safer childhood cancer diagnostics and cures, and attempting to gain a better understanding of what factors cause children to develop cancer. Studies continue examining possible risk factors, including: exposure to infectious agents early in life (bacteria, viruses, etc.); exposure of parents or children to environmental pollution, including pesticides, and industrial and household chemicals; exposure to radiation; and maternal exposure to oral contraceptives and fertility drugs. 25 Steps You Can Take to Limit Your Family’s Exposure to Known and Probable Carcinogens While medical researchers labor to uncover more definitive answers in the fight against childhood cancers, there are important steps that you as a parent can take, many of which can be started immediately. You are your child’s number-one role model, and if you adopt and promote healthy lifestyle habits in your home, you will be going a long way in promoting good health for your entire family. These are some of the things that you can do to help ensure and enhance good health in your children: Limit your family’s exposure to chlorinated solvents, which have been strongly associated with childhood leukemia in studies. Chlorinated solvents are found in paint strippers, auto finishes, some house paints, glues, and all-purpose household cleansers. When using chemical products such as these indoors, insure that there is plenty of ventilation (windows or garage door open, etc.). Also, ask sales people for more natural alternatives when shopping. Use non-chlorine bleach in your laundry, as opposed to chlorinated bleach. Or use laundry boosters that have no bleach at all, such as baking soda or diatomaceous earth (name brand for the latter: 20 Mule Team Borax), both of which are natural sanitizers and deodorizers. Most cities and counties in the U.S. add chlorine to their tap water to kill organisms in the water. Invest in a good water filter for your home, which can remove chlorine and other chemicals, and heavy metals, from your household water. Bottled water is another option, though filtering your water is better for the planet (bottled water has to be transported from its source). Take shorter, cooler showers, to lessen exposure to chlorine in water. (The hotter the water is, the more chloroform vapors will form as water comes out; chloroform is toxic and should be avoided as much as possible.) Use more eco-friendly cleansers to clean and disinfect around the home, like hydrogen peroxide, non-chlorinated bleach and water, all-natural essential oils and water, white vinegar and water, baking soda and water. Avoid clothes that require dry-cleaning, as this process uses chlorinated chemicals. If you do dry-clean some garments, air them out before storing in plastic bags. Use herbal sachets or cedar to protect clothing from moths. Do not use mothballs or moth crystals, as these are usually made of para-dichlorobenzene, a toxic chlorinated chemical. Avoid air fresheners made of para-dichlorobenzene, or the kind you spray, which have an assortment of chemicals and propellants. Use natural fresheners instead, when a freshener is used at all. With regular cleaning and plenty of ventilation, bad odors will leave your home. Avoid cigarette-smoking. The dangers of secondhand smoke to children and to others are well-established. Use natural medicines for your children whenever possible. For example, the chemical lindane, used to treat head lice, has been linked in studies to childhood brain cancers. For lice (as well as many other conditions, and even for household insects), essential oils such as tea tree or eucalyptus work well. These powerful oils should be diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, for topical applications. For eczema, instead of using ointments with steroid hormones, dilute a few drops of essential oil in a spoonful of carrier oil and massage on affected areas. For asthma, instead of relying exclusively on chemical inhalers to treat it, have your child inhale essential oil (such as eucalyptus radiata, peppermint or lemon oil) mixed with a carrier oil; this naturally opens up and soothes the airways. By doing this, some asthma sufferers have been able to cut down on their use of steroid inhalers, and even do away with inhalers altogether. But please consult with your doctor before using essential oils on your child; also, conduct a simple allergy test

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Caffeine, Energy Drinks and Children

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 21:33:58 +0000

With all the sugar and toxic chemicals in sodas, we should be pleased to know that children are drinking fewer caffeinated sodas these days. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that children, teens and young adults have decreased their caffeinated-soda consumption considerably: in 1999, 62 percent of kids to young adults named caffeinated sodas as their main source of caffeine. By 2010, that number had decreased to 38 percent. But there is bad news: youths are now consuming more energy drinks and coffee than they were in 1999, with coffee consumption more than doubling since then. This is an alarming statistic for doctors, who are seeing increasing numbers of children come into emergency rooms with seizures, heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, and other physical problems resulting from ingesting too much caffeine. Of particular concern are “energy drinks” — which often contain two or more times the caffeine in an 8-ounce cup of coffee. These drinks, which were introduced in the American market in the mid-1980’s, have become enormously popular with many young people in recent years; sales of energy drinks, which are also sold internationally, reached $9.5 billion in 2012. Many brands of energy drinks are marketed in ways that draw children and teens — in colorful containers and with names like “Monster” and “Rock Star.” The American Medical Association recently called for a ban on the marketing of energy drinks to children under 18, until more studies are conducted on their effects. And the American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that energy drinks with stimulants, including caffeine and others, have “no place” in the diets of children and adolescents. In addition to the potentially dangerous aspects of too much caffeine, energy drinks contain empty calories from sugars, artificial chemical sweeteners, and some brands contain artificial preservatives and colorings. All around, energy drinks are a very poor choice for children. Some doctors also point out the irony that some athletic teens may take these drinks to boost their energy when playing sports — but caffeine and strenuous activity, particularly in hot weather, can lead to dangerous, and even deadly results. But a youth certainly doesn’t have to be exercising in hot weather to be harmed after consuming energy drinks. The mother of a 19-year-old man who died from cardiac arrhythmia in 2012 sued an energy drink manufacturer, believing that her son’s fatal cardiac arrest resulted from a reported consumption of two daily cans of energy drinks in the three years before his death. American poison control centers are hearing of children younger than six years drinking caffeine-infused energy drinks, thinking that they were regular sodas; also, energy drinks that come in small containers may be mistaken by children for drinks that they’re supposed to drink. Young children drinking these beverages can become ‘wired’, agitated, nauseous, experience tremors and have trouble going to sleep. Energy drinks should not be consumed by young children under any circumstance. Because small children weigh much less than adults, they can be poisoned by an amount of caffeine that would be tolerable for a bigger person. Experts advise that parents keep energy drinks stored out of reach of children. As far as teenagers, it’s a good idea to talk to your adolescent about the possible dangers of caffeine right after consumption, and how damage can also occur over a period of time of use. Whether it’s energy drinks, coffee or caffeinated sodas, you need to help your teenager understand that caffeine isn’t something to be overdone, and in fact should be avoided or kept to a minimum by youths. Better alternatives for teenagers are: getting enough sleep every night, and drinking healthy beverages to quench thirst, such as water, fruit juices diluted with water, and if needed, an occasional sports drink with electrolyte salts, which are lost during rigorous physical activity. As a parent, it is certainly best to lead by example. If your children see that you have healthy dietary habits, they are much more likely to follow suit. Energy drinks should be consumed by adults only in moderation, when they are consumed at all. Getting plenty of sleep and eating a healthy diet, low in processed foods and high in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, will give a person all the strength, energy and alertness that they need. By Lisa Pecos

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7 Healthy, Quick, Easy-to-Make School Lunches!

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:14:07 +0000

For parents who opt out of school-meal programs and prefer to prepare their kids’ lunches, the following are useful tips, plus some healthy, quick and easy lunch ideas. Choose Your Bread Carefully! A good lunch sandwich starts with good bread. Unless you bake your own bread (and most of us don’t), good bread choices at most supermarkets are unfortunately few and far between. A bread may have a wonderfully soft texture and even taste great … but the first thing you should look at before deciding whether to buy it is the ingredients label. Most store-bought breads have a lot of ingredients, and most of these ingredients are unhealthy, artificial chemicals and stabilizers. Look for a brand that only has whole-wheat flour (preferably unbleached), water, yeast and salt. Since this type of bread doesn’t keep as long as the chemical kind, refrigerate loaf to keep it fresh after a few days. Some supermarkets sell French baguettes that only have a few ingredients; these can be wrapped in plastic cling wrap when you get home, so that they’ll stay soft beyond a day. Now that the bread’s out of the way, let’s talk condiments: mustard is a healthy flavor enhancer, as is chemical-free mayonnaise (again, rare and few brands, but it is possible to find mayo without disodium EDTA, if you shop around). Pepper and fresh, chopped herbs are also healthy and delicious ways to enhance taste. And now, for the healthy and quick lunch ideas that kids will love: Peanut butter and jelly sandwich: the old standby is most definitely healthy, if you use chemical-free bread and chemical-free peanut butter (peanut butter should only have peanuts or peanuts and salt as the ingredients). Look for jams and preserves without high fructose corn syrup (again, not that many brands like that around) and that list the fruit as the first, main ingredient. These cost more, but they have more nutritional value. Include milk to wash down the sandwich, and some type of fruit, and you have a balanced, nutritious lunch. Peanut butter and honey: if you have difficulty finding jams or preserves without high-fructose corn syrup, you can always squirt some honey on the peanut butter, and your kid will love it. Egg-salad sandwich: boil some eggs the night before, cut them up and add a little mayonnaise. Enhance the taste by adding sliced cheese (natural, chemical-free cheese); fold minced celery into the eggs to add flavor, fiber and nutrients. Add tomato slices and lettuce, if you like. This sandwich goes great with some natural fruit juice; you can add some chips or a chopped vegetable separately (such as broccoli or carrots), to make the meal more interesting and filling. Tuna-salad sandwich: choose tuna in oil, as it has less salt than tuna in water. Drain oil out and add a little mayonnaise. You can add minced onions or celery to enhance taste. Add lettuce for fiber and more nutrients. Leftover roast chicken or beef slices from the previous night’s dinner. A little mustard and some cucumber slices, tomatoes or lettuce go great with meat that was served the night before! Cheese and lettuce sandwich: bread goes great with cheese, and a little mustard and mayonnaise combined. Add some all-natural Fritos corn chips, Lay’s potato chips, or tortilla chips to make meal more interesting to your youngster. Avoid cheese curls that are orange in color, unless you’ve read the label and the ingredients are natural. Avoid the popular brands advertised on TV, as these have many artificial additives. Avocado and cheese sandwich: avocados are not only delicious, but packed with nutrients. Add mustard, mayo, avocado and cheese to your bread, plus lettuce, and you have a delicious sandwich. Note: if you want to make sure the avocado stays fresh and green, all you have to do is mash it in a bowl, add the juice of half a lemon per avocado, and a little salt. Lemon preserves avocado perfectly and for days and days, if you store in the refrigerator. Healthy beverages that your child can consume with his or her lunch are: filtered or bottled water (unless you’re lucky enough to live in a city where the tap water tastes good), fruit juices (dilute with water to cut down on sugar) and milk. Avoid sodas, as well as artificial “fruit-flavored juice drinks.” Make sure the juices that you buy are 100% juice. You can also control how much sugar goes in the drinks your child consumes by making your own juices, of course. Homemade lemonade is a favorite of children, and it’s easy and quick to make. If you or your child enjoy sodas, try adding plain carbonated water to a few ounces of fruit juice — and you have the fun bubbly taste, without the chemicals! By Jamell Andrews

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Heart Disease Begins in Childhood

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 22:25:51 +0000

Most people think of heart disease as something that only middle-aged or older folks have to worry about. But long-term studies from the last several decades have shown that heart disease sometimes begins in childhood. Therefore, preventing heart disease later in life begins with eating a healthy diet and developing healthy habits in childhood. Coronary artery disease, or CAD, is more commonly called heart disease. In truth, CAD can develop into heart disease. CAD is the development of plaques on the walls of arteries that feed the heart muscle. As more plaque is deposited, blood and oxygen flow to the heart are restricted, which can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and heart attacks later on. Studies that examined the bodies of youths who died from causes other than heart disease (such as car accidents) have shown that plaques can build in the heart’s arterial walls in the first decade of life. And there is evidence to suggest that plaques that will be in a person’s arteries for life have already formed by the late teens. Risk factors for CAD include a family history of heart disease, excess weight and lack of regular physical activity. Being that one in three children in the United States is now considered overweight or obese, one can see that a lot of children nowadays are at risk for developing CAD and for getting heart disease later. Health and pediatric experts recommend that parents and others steer children toward healthy lifestyle choices; the earlier healthy measures are adopted, the more benefit they’re believed to have in a person’s lifetime. Further, intervention through healthy lifestyles can cause developing arterial plaques to diminish, and thus prevent CAD from turning into heart disease, CHD. What Are Heart-Healthy Choices for Children? The great thing about being healthy is that in most cases, what’s good for one family member will be good for the others, as well. Healthy habits can be incorporated or increased by the whole family, and all members will benefit. Heart-Healthy Foods At the top of the list is diet. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables will go a long way toward promoting heart health. Include heart-healthy oils in your child’s diet, such as those found in fish like salmon and sardines, nuts and seeds, and cooking oils like olive and coconut oils. Avoiding processed foods is another important element of a good diet. It doesn’t take a lot of work to bake a whole chicken or beef roast in the oven, complete with an assortment of vegetables (that are placed in the baking dish in the second half of the cooking period). The end result is a tasty, great meal, free from all the artificial chemical preservatives and high salt content that pre-packaged meats always have. Always strive to add vegetables or fruits to all the dishes you make and the snacks you let your children consume. When making oatmeal cereal, for instance, add chopped nuts or chopped fruits to make it even healthier. Keep fruits like bananas around, and cut raw vegetables and chunks of cheese in small containers in the refrigerator; these can be ready to go any time your kids need a snack. Avoid having unhealthy foods at home, high in salt, sugar or chemicals, and low in nutrients. Instead of letting your kids eat the packaged pastries that are popular with children, for instance, bake cookies at home, folding nuts or adding oatmeal to the cookie recipe to make them more healthy. Nearly all brands of store-bought pastries, cookies (and some kids’ cereals) have hydrogenated oils, which have been linked in studies to CAD. So, this is a case where investing the time to make your own pastries will yield healthier results in the long run. Help Your Child Lose Excess Weight Being that extra weight is one of the main predictors of future CAD, help your children stay at a healthy weight by having nutritious, low-sugar snacks in the refrigerator. Two examples: Apple slices and cheese or celery sticks and peanut butter. Include Plenty of Exercise Losing extra pounds through exercise is something that the whole family can get into. Your child can certainly join sports activities at school or in the neighborhood, but staying active is good for the whole family. It can also be more fun for multiple family members to participate in a given exercise activity than for one person to go at it by themselves. Make Sure Your Child Gets Enough Sleep Be sure your child is going to sleep at a good time every night. Even one night of insufficient sleep slows down a person’s metabolism and can contribute to weight gain. Be mindful that elementary-school children need about 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night, while teens need about 9 hours. Jamell Andrews

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Cheerios Cereal Will no Longer Have GMO’s … but that Still Leaves the Toxic Chemicals!

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 22:01:13 +0000

In January, 2014, General Mills foods announced that it would no longer use genetically modified organisms (GMO’S) to make its original cereal, Cheerios. While Cheerios has never contained GMO oats, the company will now use non-GMO cane sugar, instead of GM beet sugar. Growing numbers of consumers and advocacy groups are raising concerns about the safety of using genetically altered crops in our food supply; consumer pressure is behind the decision by General Mills. The company does not plan to stop using GMO ingredients in all its cereals, however, because the use of GMO seeds in crops like corn is too widespread to make it possible to completely remove GMO’s from all its products, according to General Mills spokesman Mike Siemienas. But aside from the fact that some General Mills cereals will still have GMO’s, an important topic that hasn’t at all been addressed by the company is that all varieties of Cheerios, including the original kind, contain unnatural chemical stabilizers, and some varieties also have chemical preservatives, which no child, let alone babies, should be consuming — notwithstanding the TV commercials showing an infant munching on the so-called “one and only” cereal. The original, plain Cheerios, and Honey Nut Cheerios, for instance, both contain tripotassium phosphate, a foaming or whipping agent. In combination with fatty acids, it’s used as an antimicrobial agent in poultry processing. Being that we all have fatty acids in our systems, can tripotassium phosphate kill off some of the beneficial bacteria in our guts? This is a legitimate question. Apple Cinnamon Cheerios contain trisodium phosphate (also called sodium phosphate), an inorganic compound used as a whipping agent and to control acidity. Trisodium phosphate is also used as a cleaning agent, stain remover and degreaser. In the Western world, it was heavily used to make soaps and detergents; but that practice ended years ago, due to ecological concerns. Do you want something going into your kids’ stomachs that was found to be too poisonous for our water supply? Of course not. Trisodium phosphate is a strong chemical that in larger amounts can irritate delicate human tissue, including mucous membranes in our gastrointestinal systems. Fruity Cheerios have trisodium phosphate, artificial colors, and the artificial preservative BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), a derivative of phenol. Phenol comes from petroleum and is used to make plastics. Do these sound like ingredients that will nourish your children and keep them healthy? No. So, Cheerios, you are making progress, but you are far from being a healthy cereal suitable for human consumption. Better cereal choices are Total, Raisin Bran, Grape Nuts, oatmeal, grits and corn flakes that do not have BHT. (Always check ingredients label, to know what you’re getting.) The way to make a cereal naturally fruity is to add minced fruits (preferably organic), raisins and the like. You get all the nutrition and dietary fiber, and none of the chemicals. By Lisa Pecos

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Healthy After-School Snacks for Children

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 22:04:16 +0000

When aiming to keep your kids healthy or addressing problems of excess weight, the snacks that you feed your children are more important than many parents realize. It’s not enough to work at feeding kids healthy meals, only to let them munch on candy bars, candies or store-bought cookies and Hawaiian Punch after they get home from school. And kids are usually pretty hungry when they arrive home. The best strategy for a parent is to keep in the house healthy foods that are quick and easy to eat. Kids will eat whatever is handy, tasty and ready to be eaten. It is just as easy to pick up a basketful of whole, natural foods at the grocery store as it is to get junky, unhealthy foods. But in the long run, making good food choices will go a long way towards insuring that your kids are healthy, so, healthy foods are the only kind of food you should have inside your home. Here’s a list of some excellent choices for children’s snacks; they fill up and nourish, but are not too heavy. And they have none of the chemical additives and preservatives present in most snack foods marketed to children. 1. All-natural tortilla chips or potato chips (the ingredient label should list only three ingredients: the vegetable, the oil and the salt). These are delicious by themselves but can be made more balanced and filling by dipping them in natural sour cream (read label on sour cream to make sure it doesn’t have chemical preservatives like sodium benzoate or stabilizers like carrageenan). A few chunks of natural cheese will do quite well, also. 2. Chop up vegetables like carrots, broccoli or celery sticks, and save them in a plastic container, so that they’re ready to go when your kids get home. For added flavor, these vegetables can be dipped in: Mustard (made yellow by the very healthful spice turmeric) All-natural hummus (with nutrition powerhouses ground chickpeas and other health-promoting ingredients) All-natural peanut butter (with lots of vegetable protein; make sure you buy a brand that has no hydrogenated oils or additives; peanut butter should have only peanuts, or peanuts and added salt) Yum! Nothing boring about that. 3. Nuts and seeds — any and all kinds are packed with nutrients, heart-healthy oils and dietary fiber. Salted nuts are good, but raw and unsalted nuts are even better, as they have no dietary salt, something that most Americans get too much of. Nuts can be glazed with a little honey and eaten with a small glass of milk, or they can be eaten by themselves. When eaten by themselves, they go great with a small glass of all-natural fruit juice. 4. String cheese and natural wheat crackers or potato chips is another healthy, ready-to-go after-school snack. 5. Bananas and milk: a super nutritious snack that hits the spot, yet is not too filling and won’t spoil your kids’ appetites for dinner. 6. Cheese quesadillas: place mozzarella cheese on one half of a tortilla in a pan, and fold other half over it. Heat on low heat, covered, for a minute, then turn and heat other side. Add chopped, fresh tomatoes or sliced avocado on top, to make it an extra-delicious and super nutritious quick snack. (Look for tortillas that have no preservatives in the refrigerated section.) 7. Fruits — all types. Make melons convenient for kids to get to, by chopping them up and storing them in containers in the refrigerator. Keep whole apples, pears, peaches, oranges, tangerines, bananas or grapes around, whatever fruits are in season. These are always ready to go and are good sources of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Sliced apples or bananas taste great when topped with peanut butter; you can also try eating them with cheese. Bananas are also delicious dipped in sour cream. 8. Bake cookies at home — it takes only minutes, and you can cut down on flour carbohydrates and boost nutrients by adding chopped walnuts or almonds. Add other nutrients, fiber and flavor by folding partly dehydrated cranberries, Craisins (made by Ocean Spray) into a simple cookie dough recipe. (By the way, you should always use dairy butter or cooking oil to make cookies and other pastries; never use margarine or shortening, as these have been linked in studies to heart disease.) A couple of medium-sized homemade cookies and a small glass of milk make a satisfying snack. Avoid store-bought cookies sold in most supermarkets here in the United States, as there are practically no brands that don’t contain a lot of sugar and toxic additives that no one should consume. 9. Ice cream — kids love it, so, keep some in the freezer. Unfortunately, here in the U. S., most brands at the supermarket have about 20 additives that have absolutely nothing to do with nutrition (or with ice cream). Be a wise shopper; spend a little more for brands and flavors that contain nothing artificial, such as Breyer’s strawberry, vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Most flavors of Haagen Dazs are also free of anything artificial. Nuts are great on ice cream and make a much more healthful topping than sugary toppings filled with many artificial chemicals. Sodas should not be given to your children. These are empty calories with a lot of unwanted chemicals. Beverages of choice for children should be filtered or bottled water, milk and all-natural juices. As you can see, the time to plan your children’s healthy after-school snacks is when you go grocery-shopping. Take your kids with you and help them pick out some healthy foods to snack on during the week. If they take part in the decision-making process about what foods to buy, they will be more inclined to eat them. Talk to them about the importance of eating healthy foods, and lead by example, to gain their cooperation. It’s great to get kids accustomed to eating healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, when they’re young. But it’s never too late

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Seven Ways to Encourage and Improve Your Child’s Academic Success

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 22:37:05 +0000

So, you think you may have the next Einstein or medicine Nobel prize recipient in your home … or perhaps you simply want to ensure that you give your child the best chance to succeed in life by helping them get a great education. Whatever your motivation, many parents are interested in finding ways to help their children succeed academically. Educators say that there are specific things that parents can do to enhance their child’s chances of success. Here are six ways to help you help your child do well in school: 1. Read to Your Children, and Encourage Reading Once They Learn Being that reading is the cornerstone of academic learning, reading to your young child — even before they’re born! — is a great way to expose them to their language. And if they see you reading, they will be more inclined to develop a respect for learning and an interest in reading, which will help them succeed in school. Once your child is three or older, use reading materials, including children’s tales, as opportunities to teach lessons about character, bravery and so forth. This is also a good time to introduce your child to the concept of behavior and consequences, using ‘bad guys’ in children’s stories as examples of what can happen to people when they do bad things. As your child gets older, teach her to love to read and write by example. Let her see you writing letters and thank you cards to relatives or typing on the computer; encourage her to assist you with projects like making birthday cards for friends and relatives, dictate a grocery list to her, and so on. 2. Express Love and Acceptance of Your Child, Even When She Doesn’t Get a Top Grade Parents may have all good intentions when they push their children to succeed academically; but from a basic human perspective, nearly all of us excel at some things but not at others. Difficult as it may be for a parent who himself or herself is highly competitive, the wisest — and kindest — approach for a parent is to let the child discover for themselves what subjects interest them. Your kid may not get a top grade in math or in English. As a parent, you want to be there for your child, no matter what. Celebrate your kid’s accomplishments, and steer them in a certain direction, to a point; but always remember that each child, each human, is an individual, different from all others. 3. Check Your Child’s Schedule If you find that your child is neglecting school work, due to time constraints, evaluate their schedule to determine if she or he may have too many commitments. As the parent, you need to take charge of your child’s schedule, to make sure that they are not over-committed, and that there is always enough time for them to do homework and turn in school assignments in a timely manner. You may have to implement specific rules for the household, such as no TV or Internet until after school work is done. If there are younger children in the household, your budding scholar may need a special place or room set aside where they can concentrate fully, without interruptions. 4. Check on Your Child’s Work When at Home Take the time to look over your child’s finished homework now and then, to get a sense of how they’re doing in school. Look over their textbooks, assignment books, to get a good sense of the level at which your child is expected to be performing at school. If your kid sees that his or her school performance is important to you, they will try harder to please you by doing well in school. However, resist the temptation to do their homework for them. Let them try to figure things out on their own, but provide assistance here and there and guide them. 5. Encourage Your Child to Use Their Mind! Instead of wasting many hours daily on video games or TV, which isn’t doing today’s kids any good, teach your child to develop a love of reading, whether it be novels, biographies, mysteries, science books or the like. Reading will expand their minds, as well as help teach them proper grammar. Doing crossword puzzles and playing Scrabble will help increase their vocabulary. Teach them analytical thinking by having discussions with them about a book they may have read or about something they learned in school or heard on the news. 6. Make Sure Your Child Is Healthy Keep regular medical and dental check-ups, and eye exams. In addition, support your child’s academic success by insuring that he eats a healthy diet every day, limiting refined sugars and including plenty of fruits, vegetables and calcium-rich foods. Starting the day with a nutritious, healthy breakfast will give your child’s brain the energy it will need for learning. And dinners are a great opportunity to eat healthy, more leisurely family meals, and get caught up on your child’s day. Also, make sure that you child is getting enough z’s at night. A primary-school child needs 10-11 hours of sleep every night; a teen needs about 9 hours. Take the time to explain to your children that getting enough sleep is vital for their mental functioning and general health; insure that they understand that they’re only hurting themselves, if they rob themselves of sleep frequently, to stay up late reading, watching TV or texting. 7. Get Involved at Your Child’s School Whether it be attending scheduled parent-teacher conferences, taking the time to meet your child’s teachers personally or even volunteering to help at your child’s school, this is a great way to encourage your child’s interest in school, as well as to learn when there are problems, so that you can take steps to solve them. Learn what your child’s academic strengths are, and encourage him or her to pursue those subjects. And if there are areas where your child doesn’t

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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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Today’s Children Are Less Fit than Their Parents: Study

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 22:20:13 +0000

A review of global studies measuring fitness levels among children found that today’s kids have become progressively less fit than children from the last previous decades. The studies, which examined the fitness levels of 25 million youths, found that modern kids can’t run as fast or as far as kids from as recently as a decade ago. The study, which was led by Grant Tomkinson, an exercise physiologist at the University of South Australia, reviewed 50 previous studies on running fitness, a key measure of cardiovascular health and endurance. The children were aged 9 to 17 and were from 28 countries; the studies had been done between 1964 and 2010; 20 million children were from Asia. The studies had measured how far children could run in 5 to 15 minutes, and how quickly they ran a distance of half a mile to 2 miles (3.2 kilometers). Researchers concluded that today’s kids are about 15 percent less fit than kids from a few decades ago. It takes today’s children 90 seconds longer to run a mile (1.6 kilometers) than it did 30 years ago. Heart-related fitness has declined by 5 percent every decade since 1975 among children 9 to 17. The changes were similar for boys and girls, and for different age groups. However, different geographic regions yielded different results. Fitness declines appear to be leveling off in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. American children have improved in the last few years; fitness levels in Japanese children have also improved in recent years. Chinese children, however, are becoming increasingly less fit and more overweight. In the case of Japan, fitness levels among children had been declining since the 1980’s. This prompted Japanese governments to ask municipalities and schools to promote youth fitness. That in turn led to gradual improvements in fitness scores that have reversed the trend of declining fitness. In China, experts blame their country’s decreasing youth fitness on the obsession with college entrance test scores, which means students sit around to study a lot, and on the proliferation of indoor electronic past times such as gaming and surfing the web. Figures from China’s Education Ministry show that in 2010, male college students ran 1,000 meters 14 to 15 seconds more slowly than they did a decade ago; female students took 12 seconds longer to run 800 meters. The global study findings were featured at a recent American Heart Association conference. It’s the first research to show that children’s fitness levels have declined in the last three decades. The World Health Organization estimates that some 80 percent of the world’s children may not be getting enough exercise. Health experts recommend that children 6 and older get an hour of daily moderate exercise, which can be divided into shorter sessions; only one-third of American kids get that much exercise. Experts believe that the childhood obesity epidemic likely plays a role in diminishing fitness levels, since obesity makes it harder to engage in physical activity. TV and video games also play a part, and so do housing and neighborhoods that don’t offer enough, or any, safe options to engage in outdoor play. By Lisa Pecos

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Losing Sleep Linked to Higher Blood Pressure in Youths

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 19:54:41 +0000

A new study has found that losing as little as one hour of sleep a night is associated with higher blood pressure in pre-teens and teenagers. Frequent or ongoing sleep loss, which can result in higher blood pressure, could put sleep-deprived youths at greater risk for cardiovascular disease in later years. Researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong recruited 143 children ages 10 to 18, who had participated in an earlier study on sleep apnea. The participants were healthy, neither overweight nor obese, and they did not have sleep apnea. (Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by interrupted or shallow breathing when a person is sleeping; the disorder has been linked to higher blood pressure.) The children were asked to fill out sleep diaries for seven days before they were to enter a 24-hour sleep lab, where researchers measured the subjects’ blood pressure, sleep duration and quality of sleep. Study participants reported in their diaries that they had been sleeping anywhere from 7 hours or less a night, to 10 or more hours before entering the lab. Children who had had the least amount of sleep during the preceding week were generally found to have slightly higher blood pressure than those who had slept more. Each hour of nightly sleep lost was associated with an increase of 2 mm Hg (2 millimeters of mercury) for systolic blood pressure, the upper number, and an increase of 1 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure, the lower number. The mechanisms by which insufficient sleep may affect blood pressure are still being investigated; but for starters, scientists know from past studies that children who don’t get a full night’s sleep wake up with higher cortisol levels in their blood. Cortisol is the primary human stress hormone; it has many important metabolic and regulatory functions in our bodies, and it also increases vessel sensitivity to the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, which cause veins to contract (thus increasing blood pressure). But long-term excessive cortisol in the blood, such as that caused by chronic stress, can produce many bad outcomes, including weakened immune function and impaired memory. Researchers in the Chinese study found that subjects who had lost the most sleep during the week had tended to go to bed later and wake up earlier. But during the 24-hour sleep lab, these same children — the most sleep-deprived — went to sleep the earliest and slept the most hours. This led the research team to speculate that it is possible to catch up on lost sleep and thus reap sleep’s healing properties. However, they noted that the blood pressure increases that were associated with ongoing sleep loss were only partially undone by “catching up” on some lost sleep. Even when sleep-deprived children spent additional hours sleeping, their blood pressures were still higher than those of children who generally got more sleep. While blood pressure numbers were most closely associated with the child’s sleep the night before, the “carryover” effect of preceding nights of lost sleep, or the “sleep debt,” remained measurable. The best thing for a growing child, then, is to always aim to get a good night’s sleep. The way to do this is by maintaining a similar routine, even on weekends. Parents should also be vigilant that their children aren’t staying up late, whether to read, study, use electronic media, and so forth. Parents should talk to their children about the importance of getting enough sleep for their overall health. If electronics are proving too much of a draw for your child at bedtime, for instance, it may be time for tougher measures, such as removing the devices (TV’s, laptops, cell phones, etc.) from the child’s room — or setting strict sleep-time guidelines, making sure that you have explained to your child how not getting enough sleep will affect their health, now and later. It will be much easier to gain compliance from your child if they have a clear understanding that they stand to gain much more by valuing and guarding their sleep time every night than by pushing their bedtime to surf the net, text friends or read that suspense novel. Children 5 to 12 years old need 10-11 hours of sleep a night; teenagers need about 9 hours. Total silence and darkness promote the most restful sleep for all of us, no matter our age. (Findings of the above study were published online in December and are appearing in the January, 2014 print issue of the journal

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Overuse Injuries

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 18:35:59 +0000

How to Prevent Overuse Injuries in Your Young Child or Teenager The benefits of participating in sports for school-age children are almost too many to count: sports help keep children healthy, trim, away from drugs; they help children develop social skills, discipline, a sense of fair play, self-esteem, and so on. But getting carried away with sports — especially the competitive ones — can cause injuries to your child that could last them their entire lives. This is particularly the case when a child specializes in a single sport at a young age or when the child spends too many hours a day involved in physical activities. We’re not talking here about acute injuries, which can occur randomly and in an instant, and which can be partially prevented by using protective equipment. Here, we’re discussing overuse injuries, which happen over a period of time, and which account for half of all sports injuries in American children and teens. Overuse injuries are caused by repetitive motions, which put excess stress on bones, muscles and ligaments. Children and teenagers are at greater risk of developing overuse injuries because their still-growing bones are less able to handle ongoing repetitive stress. Overuse injuries can happen to adults also; but they are that much more important to avoid in children because of how they may alter bone growth. The following are three common types of overuse injuries in school-age athletes: Little league elbow: this is pain and tenderness in the elbow, resulting from repetitive throwing. Other than the pain, pitchers can sometimes lose velocity and endurance in the arm Spondylolysis: this condition can occur from trauma or from repetitive flexing, overextending, twisting or compression of the back muscles. Spondylolysis is the deterioration of the projections in individual vertebrae that help pivot vertebrae relative to one another and attach to adjacing muscle. The condition can cause back pain and commonly happens to children who play soccer or football, or who practice gymnastics, wrestling, weight-lifting or diving Shin splints: these involve pain in the front of the lower legs. They are caused by running on a hard surface or by training too rigorously at the start of a season To decrease chances of sustaining overuse injuries, doctors recommend that children warm up and stretch thoroughly before and after each session. In addition, children should not specialize in one sport at too young an age; it is better to wait until mid-adolescence or later to specialize in a sport. It is a good idea to keep in mind that growth spurts can increase the possibility of overuse injuries; doctors advise parents to encourage their children to play a variety of sports, especially while the children are still growing. Another thing that your child can do to avoid overuse injuries is to wear appropriate gear when practicing a sport (for instance, shoes with plenty of cushioning for running sports). Using proper technique will also help prevent injury. Doctors also recommend that a growing child not overengage in sports as a whole. For example, playing multiple sports in the same season can increase risk of repetitive sports injury because not enough time is allowed for the different muscle groups and body parts to heal between practices or workouts. A recent study from Chicago on sports-related overuse injuries in school-age children found that when children spent more time practicing an organized sport than in free play, the risk of overuse injuries went up. The study also found that when children spent more hours in active play per week (whether an organized sport, free play or both) than the child’s age — such as more than 10 hours for a 10-year-old boy or girl — the risk of overuse injuries increased. Researchers in that study recommended to parents not to let kids overdo it with any one sport or spend too many hours a day or a week engaging in sports and free play. If a child is specializing in a sport, some sports medicine doctors recommend that the child not participate more than 3 or 4 days a week, and that parents only allow the athlete to participate for 7 or 8 months of the year. Reinjuries If a young athlete has been injured, it is important to let the body heal fully before resuming participation in a sport; returning to the sport before an injury has completely healed increases the chances of a reinjury. Additionally, it forces the body to compensate for the parts that haven’t fully healed, and this can result in injury of other body parts. In case of an overuse injury, you may want to have your child be examined by a doctor, who can decide if rest will be sufficient to heal the damage, or if the child should be seen by a sports medicine specialist. Getting overuse injuries diagnosed and treated may keep an injury from developing into a bigger and more lasting problem. By Marc Courtiol

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Post-Concussion Care Recommendations for Children’s Sports Injuries Are Often Inadequate

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 21:14:36 +0000

In tandem with recent media attention to concussions in professional sports, the American Academy of Pediatrics presented a detailed report on concussions in youth sports at its recent national conference in Orlando. The report, titled “Returning to Learning Following a Concussion,” discusses results from various studies, and its authors call for cognitive (mind) rest following a concussion, instead of just physical rest. Lead author Mark Halstead, MD, FAAP, stated that children who have suffered a concussion may have trouble learning new things or remembering what they have learned; he added that returning to academics too soon may worsen diverse concussion symptoms or even prolong recovery time. The authors of the report called for pediatricians, school officials and parents to work as a team in assessing a child’s health status following a concussion, and to be willing to make adjustments in the school setting and in academic requirements, to give the child time to fully heal and facilitate their return to learning. A review of concussion cases that was discussed at the AAP meeting found that 25 percent of all children who sustain sports-related concussions do not receive appropriate discharge instructions from emergency departments. And while many doctors recommend physical rest for patients, only a small percentage (estimated in a study at between 4 and 12 percent) address cognitive rest. A retrospective study cited at the meeting also found that about a third of concussion patients were discharged without specific instructions for a follow-up. Since 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have offered an online concussion education program, which includes a fact sheet with a detailed list of possible concussion symptoms, ways to prevent concussions in youth sports, and recommended instructions upon discharge from hospital emergency departments. The CDC developed this site for sports coaches and trainers; the program takes about 30 minutes and can be completed by anyone (it can be found at: www.cdc.gov/concussion/headsup/online_training.html). Mark Riederer, MD, of the University of Colorado, who reported on studies at the AAP meeting, called on pediatricians to partner with emergency departments to review and even rewrite, if necessary, discharge instructions, as a strategy for improving current discharge recommendations. What Is a Concussion? A concussion is defined as any injury to the brain that disrupts its normal function, temporarily or permanently. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). All concussions are considered serious and should be evaluated by a physician. While many concussions involve loss of consciousness, a concussion can also occur without loss of consciousness. Concussions can happen in any sport; they can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. They can also occur when a blow to the body causes the head and brain to move back and forth quickly; this causes the brain to bounce or twist within the skull. The sudden forceful movement can cause brain cells to stretch or even tear, damaging the cells and causing chemical changes in the brain. Because most children and adolescents look normal after a concussion, school personnel may not recognize the need to make academic or environmental adjustments for the child. This is where a pediatrician can give the school team (teachers and coaches) valuable guidance about how to proceed with each individual concussion case, as well as perform cognitive tests on the child if needed, to determine whether the child’s brain is ready to resume learning. All concussions are different, so it is unadvisable to use the same approach in dealing with children who have suffered concussions. With respect to signs and symptoms of concussion, these usually appear soon after the injury; but they may also not be noticeable for hours or even days. Common physical and cognitive concussion symptoms include: Headache or feeling “pressure” inside the head Temporary loss of consciousness “Seeing stars” (a fitting analogy, as a strong impact to the head can actually make a person “see” white, star-shaped objects on a dark background) Nausea or vomiting Decreased coordination or balance Double or blurred vision Weakness Numbness Confusion Slurred speech Sensitivity to light Sensitivity to noise Appearing dazed or mentally foggy Having trouble remembering events just before or after concussion, or other memory problems that were not pre-existing Sleeping more or less than normal Fatigue These are some of the physical and/or cognitive symptoms. Cognitive symptoms may take longer to go away than physical symptoms and should be assessed ongoingly by a specialist. Further, concussions can cause a child emotional difficulties, including nervousness, moodiness, irritability and depression. These are also not discussed very frequently by medical professionals and should be given attention when they do occur. If emotional issues from a concussion are getting in the way of your child enjoying life and they persist longer than a month, talk to your pediatrician about possible solutions. In the home, if your child was concussed and you notice that the signs or symptoms have gotten worse, or you see changes in the child’s behavior or personality, contact your child’s doctor right away. If loud music or use of computers or television produce symptoms, the child should take a break from these activities, as well. The young athlete should wait until all symptoms have disappeared before returning to his or her sport, even when they feel better and are eager to get back into things. Most young concussion victims will recover within three weeks’ time. Any concussion symptoms that return upon exertion indicate that the concussion is not yet fully resolved. Final clearance to return to full activity should be given by a physician. One of the key reasons that it is important not to return a child who still has concussion symptoms to his or her sport is the greater likelihood of a second concussion taking place. Repeat concussions — those occurring within hours, days or weeks of the first — can slow down recovery, produce long-term problems or cause serious complications such as brain swelling, permanent brain damage or even death. By Jamell Andrews

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The Importance of Reducing Stress in Your Life During Pregnancy — and Some Ideas for Doing So

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 22:26:11 +0000

In a perfect world, all women who become pregnant would have a relatively peaceful nine months, with plenty of leisure time to rest and to plan for the joyous arrival of their babies. But in the real world, adversity happens often. Sometimes, a woman is subjected to high stress levels during her pregnancy, whether the stress is related to money worries, family, a tragedy, or even problems with her partner. Life does sometimes throw us curves that we did not anticipate. But if you are pregnant, you have an even greater reason to do everything in your power to take control of the stress in your life. Many separate studies conducted over the last several decades by a large number of researchers have documented a long list of harmful effects to the baby, which can be observed at birth or many years later, as a result of high cortisol levels in the mother’s system during pregnancy. Cortisol is a naturally occurring steroid hormone synthesized by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys. Its formal name is hydrocortisone; but it’s more commonly referred to as the “stress hormone” because it is considered the primary stress hormone for the body. When a person is under stress, the adrenal glands release several hormones, including cortisol, into the blood. Cortisol causes blood sugar to increase for energy, so that we can fight or flee the perceived danger; it also enhances the brain’s use of sugar (glucose). Cortisol is also necessary for many routine, important physiologic functions. But prolonged stress and the concurrent prolonged cortisol level increases have been amply documented to cause harm to humans (as well as other species). In the case of pregnant women, high maternal cortisol levels were found to be more damaging to the unborn child in the early stages of pregnancy than in latter stages. Some of the documented adverse effects to the child as a result of high exposure to maternal cortisol in the womb include: premature birth, low birth weight, increased fussiness and fearfulness in infants, behavioral and emotional problems in infancy and childhood, and greater reactivity by the older child to stress. Because cortisol suppresses the immune system, that also means that a mother-to-be puts herself and her baby at greater risk of getting sick if she doesn’t take steps to relieve the stress in her life. All around, the best thing to do is to look for ways to reduce stress, both while you are pregnant and after you welcome your new baby home. The following are time-tested methods for reducing stress that you can try, during and after your pregnancy: Low-impact exercises such as walks, stretching and yoga: We start with exercise because of its manifold health benefits. It will help get all your body’s systems in sync, improve your overall health, gently strengthen muscles and help burn excess fat, boost your immune system, and help you feel more relaxed and in control of your life. Consider joining an exercise class for moms-to-be, where you may wind up making new friends who can be there for mutual support when the babies start arriving Reach out to your loved ones: Schedule a periodic lunch or dinner with your favorite friends or family members, who will give you support and help you look at your situation more favorably or help you make important decisions about what to change to decrease your life stress Get plenty of sleep, and if you find that you need to sleep a little more when you’re expecting, so be it! Nothing will make a person feel more lethargic and hopeless than being sleep-deprived. Make sure you get 8-9 hours of sleep every night. Cut down on screen time (TV, computers, etc.), if you need to sleep a little more Make lists of the things that you will need for the baby, then start doing a little shopping! And while you’re out there, don’t forget to buy plenty of loose-fitting clothes for the months that follow! If you plan ahead for what’s to come, your feelings of stress will decrease Eat a healthy diet — this is more important than ever now. Avoid caffeinated beverages, which will make you extra-anxious (and they won’t help your developing baby, either). Drink plenty of water daily, to keep the right fluids in your body going to all the right places Don’t underestimate the power of humor! Pick up a book written by your favorite famous funny person Lose yourself in a novel that you always wanted to read, but hadn’t For the majority of us, who believe in a supreme Creator, prayer is certainly an important aspect of our daily lives, and if things aren’t going well at a sensitive time such as this, pray harder! By Lisa Pecos

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Teach Your Children How to Avoid Colds

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 22:20:46 +0000

Colder weather usually means an increase in the number of colds that all of us could get, including children. A lot of kids stay home from school with a cold every year, especially when the weather turns cold. Colds can be caused by hundreds of different viruses; these viruses are contracted from droplets of mucus that an infected person releases into the air when they exhale. But they can also be caused by touching items or surfaces that have been contaminated by a person with a cold, if we then touch our mouths, eyes or noses. If your child is 2 or 3, he or she can begin learning how to avoid catching colds from other children. Here are some useful tips to pass down to your youngster (and they’re good for grown-ups to follow, too!). 1. Wash hands frequently! There is almost no such thing as washing hands too often. Teach your child to soap and lather for about 20 seconds, as a quicker wash job won’t be thorough enough. Your child should wash his or her hands after coming home from school, before eating, after going grocery-shopping with you (where she may have been gripping the shopping cart handle with her hands), after playing with other children, and whenever you feel that your youngster’s hands may need washing. As a parent, avoid possible contamination by not touching any part of your face with your fingertips, if you’ve been around an infected person or out in public. Should you transfer a virus from your fingers to your cheek, for instance, you may infect your child when they come up and kiss you. Cold viruses can live for several hours after an infected person deposited them on a lifeless surface. Using a mild soap is fine, it will still do the job and not dry out your child’s hands. Foaming soaps are great also. When you’re away from home, moist sanitizing towelettes are convenient. Liquid hand sanitizers are a little harsh, though. Even if you read labels and buy the type that doesn’t have harsh chemicals, you still have to contend with the fact that they’re mostly made of alcohol, which can be drying to the skin. 2. Teach Your Child to Sneeze or Cough into the Inside of the Elbow: This will help keep the disease from spreading to other children and family members. 3. Use Separate Utensils and Eating Ware for Everyone: This may be obvious to a lot of people, but the point to remember with this is that it is a good idea never to share foods from the same plate or drinks from the same container. It is smart to teach your children never to exchange germs in this way, as a person can be infected and contagious before any symptoms appear. Also, some parents feel that it is okay to kiss their children on the mouth; but there again, you only increase germ transfer by doing that. As an added precaution, when someone is sick in your household, use a little bleach with your dish-washing soap when washing dishes (vinegar is another great, and natural, disinfecting solution). 4. Wipe Household Items that Get Touched by Different Family Members: Do this frequently. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to avoid germ transfer. These items include counter tops, door knobs, light switches, remote controls, computer keyboards and the like. Soap and water will work, or you can use a diluted disinfectant. When wiping computer keyboards, use regular soap and water or a cleaner, but wring out excess fluid from cloth or sponge, as no liquid should go past the surface of the keys (also, be sure that computer is turned off). If your child comes down with a cold, wash his or her toys. Wipe down or soak plastic or wooden toys, and launder stuffed animals. 5. Don’t Smoke Around Your Children — Studies have shown that people who smoke cigarettes are more prone to getting colds and other infections. Similarly, children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are also more likely to catch colds. 6. Have Your Sick Child Stay Home from School and Other Activities — This will not only prevent other children from possibly catching your child’s virus, but it will give your child the rest that he or she needs for their body to heal and recharge. 7. Make Sure Your Child Gets Enough Sleep — Few things make a person more susceptible to getting sick than lack of proper sleep. Not getting enough sleep, even for one night, weakens a person’s immune system, whether the person is a grown-up or a child. A weaker immune system means the body will be less capable of fighting a virus when exposure to the virus occurs. Young children need 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night; babies and toddlers need even more. That’s uninterrupted sleep (except in the case of newborns, who may wake up multiple times a night for feedings). Make sure your child has a quiet, dark room in which to sleep. Either noise or light will diminish the quality of their sleep. 8. Teach Your Children to Love Fruits and Vegetables! These are an important part of a healthy diet for all of us. Not only are they packed with vitamins and other unique nutrients that promote good health, but also, because they’re rich in fiber, they help move waste out of the body, which is another important way to stay healthy. Oranges are especially good at cold time, as they will make body aches go away. You can also try diluting orange juice with hot water; this will soothe a sore throat and give your sick child’s immune system the boost that it needs. (Please note: fruit juices are not recommended for infants under 6 months of age.) By Lisa Pecos

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Spanking Young Children Is Tied to Problem Behavior Later

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 22:47:17 +0000

Parenting styles differ, but we have become increasingly aware in the last few decades that physical punishment backfires and does more harm than good, when trying to get children to behave. A new study adds to the scientific evidence that researches have amassed, which shows that corporal punishment — in this case, spanking — has long-lasting, damaging effects in children. Researchers from Columbia University in New York found that kids who were spanked as five-year-olds were more apt to behave aggressively and have discipline problems later in elementary school; spankings at that age were also associated with lower vocabulary scores. The study used data from a long-term study of children who were born in 20 different American cities between 1998 and 2000; 1,900 children were included in the study. Researchers interviewed parents when the children were 3 and 5 years old, asking parents whether they spanked their children and how often. They then asked the mothers about the children’s behavioral problems. Researchers also administered a vocabulary test to the children at nine years of age. The study results showed that 57 percent of mothers and 40 percent of fathers reported to have spanked their children when the children were three; 52 percent of mothers and 33 percent of fathers said they spanked their children when the children were five. These numbers reflect national statistics, which show that a majority of children in the United States experience spanking at some point, despite all the evidence that physical punishment harms children. In the above study, children showed more aggression and acting-out behavior when they got spanked by their mothers at age five. It did not matter if the spankings were infrequent or frequent. Children who were spanked by their fathers regularly at age five got slightly lower vocabulary scores. Children who got spanked only at age three, but not at age five, got similar behavior and vocabulary scores as those who had not been spanked. This may show that as a child’s memories from their first three years of life fade, psychological or attention problems that the spanking would have caused later on are averted. With respect to the vocabulary test, it could also mean that parents who still spanked their children at age five were not talking to their children (thus, not increasing the children’s vocabularies) as much as the parents who no longer spanked their children at age five. The study was published online recently in the journal Pediatrics. Better Behavior Management Techniques: Child experts continue to urge parents not to use corporal punishment, but to try more positive — and effective — ways of correcting a child’s behavior. Time-outs work, as long as they’re used infrequently. An even better approach is to reason with your child, maintaining a calm voice, giving them an age-appropriate explanation as to why you want them to behave is a specific way or do something specific. There is also a lot to be said for positive reinforcement. Accentuating the positive truly is a good way to mold a child’s behavior, as children respond well to being praised for behaving or for doing something right. If there is a certain behavior that is problematic, for instance, you can post a chart on the refrigerator and award smiling-face stickers when your child has a good day or a good week. Soon, the good behavior will become natural and you’ll no longer need to dispense stickers! If you are out in public and your youngster throws a tantrum, don’t start yelling or spanking them; this is unnecessary and only stresses out everybody, including you and everyone around you. Instead, lower your head to the child’s level, or raise theirs up to yours, and explain calmly that it is important for them to behave — “I need you to act like a big boy right now, so that we can get home and (add your plans)” are words that will appeal to a youngster, as they always want to be told that they’re a big boy or a big girl. If your child behaves well while shopping one time, that evening at home, you could say something like, “I am really proud of the way you behaved like a big boy when we were at the mall today. Since you are getting to be such a big boy now, I can take you to the store with me more often.” Younger children also thrive on treats, so, another way to get compliance from them is to offer them a favorite healthy treat when they behave or do what you ask of them. And speaking of treats, hunger is a big reason why children will get cranky and impatient when they’re out running errands with you. So, one good way to avoid hunger-related tantrums is to always make sure that you have something quick and ready for your child to munch on, such as apple or orange slices, grapes, or a natural granola bar or tortilla chips. Another great advantage of always having an emergency healthy snack for your children to eat is that you won’t have to resort to buying expensive, non-nutritious, chemical-laden treats or fast food. Another technique for promoting good behavior is to give your little one plenty of attention and affection on an ongoing basis. One-on-one attention is great; even when you have several children and a spouse who all need attention, try to have even a few minutes with each individual child as often as possible, and make sure you show your child love and give him or her praise for his or her unique individual qualities. The appeal with spanking is that it can produce immediate compliance — immediate results. But keep in mind that finding other ways to handle problem behavior, such as taking the time to explain a situation to your child, reasoning with the child, or teaching them to negotiate and compromise will produce more positive results in the long run, and you will be teaching your child valuable

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Keeping Your Kids’ School Lunches and Game-Time Snacks Safe from Bacteria

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 20:37:46 +0000

You are a mom who understands that we are what we eat; you want to be sure that your children eat healthy, fresh, wholesome foods. Because these foods do not have toxic, artificial preservatives or non-nutritious fillers in them, you know that many of them spoil much faster. A tummy ache, or worse, can happen in a snap, if the food has excess bacteria — and bacteria can multiply very quickly when the food isn’t kept cold enough or hot enough. Here are some helpful tips for keeping those highly nutritious, natural foods fresh until it’s time for your children to eat them: For lunches, an insulated lunch box helps to keep foods in the safe temperature range for hours Use frozen gel packs to further help keep perishable foods cold and safe Foods such as meats and dairy products, including yogurt, need to be kept cold, to stay fresh (one exception is hard cheese, which does not need refrigeration) Freeze fruit juices in individual containers overnight; that way, they will help foods stay cold inside the lunch box, and they’ll be thawed when it’s time to drink them a few hours later Use an insulated thermos to keep foods such as soups and stews hot. It is also a good idea to keep cold milk in a thermos, as milk is highly perishable Pack sandwiches in sealable plastic bags or wrap them in plastic wrap. You can also use washable plastic containers; these are also great for fruits like grapes or fruit sections Prepare perishable sandwiches the night before and store in refrigerator, to make sure they are cold when you place them in lunch box with frozen gel packs the next day; this will further insure that the foods stay cold Throw away any perishable food left in the lunch box when your children come home, as it is no longer safe to eat Non-perishable items do not need to be kept cold or hot. These include: Peanut butter and preserves sandwiches Chips, crackers or breads (buy the natural kinds of these items, with no artificial additives) Canned meats like tuna Whole fruits and vegetables Single-serve pre-packaged fruits (if you chop fruits or vegetables at home, pack in plastic containers and use cold packs to keep them cold Wash cold packs at night with soap and water, and place back in freezer, so they’re ready to go the next day As important as keeping foods at the right temperature, is insuring that your hands are clean when you prepare the foods, and that your children’s hands are clean when they eat them. Stress to your children the importance of washing their hands thoroughly with soap before eating. If water is not accessible, tuck a couple of wet wipes in a small plastic bag and seal the bag. Eirian Hallinan

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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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To Get Your Child and Teenagers to Listen About Health Dangers, Try Using Positive Messages

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:07:01 +0000

A new study found that when it comes to getting through to young people, you may be better off focusing on the positive, rather than using scare tactics. If you’re a parent, you may at times get frustrated by how hard it is to get your children to listen to you when you warn them about the dangers of smoking, drinking alcohol, speeding when driving, or whatever the possible danger is. The study, done at University College London in England, involved participants between 9 and 26 years old, who were asked to estimate their risk of suffering certain bad events, like being in a car accident or getting lung disease (from smoking). They were then told the actual statistics for those events. Researchers found that younger study subjects were less likely to modify their views based on the negative information they were given — while positive information influenced the views of participants across the board. Lead author Dr. Christina Moutsiana theorized that this could explain why scare campaigns targeted at young people, spotlighting the dangers of cigarette-smoking, have had little effect at cutting down on the number of teens who start smoking regularly in Great Britain. Researchers offered that health and safety campaigns highlighting the positive outcomes of desired behaviors might influence young people more than campaigns currently used. The results of this study were published in a recent issue of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. All of us who are adults were once young, and we remember how, as teenagers, we used to think of ourselves as invincible. Young people tend to think that something bad won’t happen to them personally. Rather than always harping on the negative consequences of something, then, it may be useful to highlight the good. Some examples: To discourage smoking: Point out to your child that people who smoke don’t usually wind up looking like the beautiful models used in the ads. Talk about how smoke ages and dries the skin, causing wrinkles. Years of smoking could well result in emphysema, something not very often talked about. Explain that emphysema is incurable, and once a person has it, every single breath they take is a struggle. The other side of that is that if a person doesn’t smoke and they live a healthy lifestyle, they can have lovely, youthful skin for many more years than if they smoke. If they refrain from smoking, eat healthy and exercise, the will increase their life expectancy by many years or even decades. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day, about 1,000 young Americans under 18 years of age become daily cigarette smokers; 69 percent of all smokers want to quit completely, and smoking is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths in the United States. To discourage speeding or drunk-driving: Explain that most people who get in car accidents don’t die, but they are often left with injuries that can impair their ability to move for the rest of their lives. Car accidents also leave lots of people with bone pain that will never go away completely. As far as fatal accidents, of which there are far too many, the upside of being a careful driver is that we lessen our chances of dying in an accident. Help your teenager think about, and relish, the future: falling in love, having children, being successful at their chosen livelihood, etc. Remind your child often of how much you love them; if your child knows that he or she is loved, they will be less likely to take chances, to impress or fit in with peers (or rebel from you). To discourage sexual activity: Point out to your pre-teen and teen that it is unwise to have a baby too young, as that will greatly limit the person’s options as far as schooling and career later on. Explain that no birth control method is 100 percent reliable. Talk to them even briefly about the many sexually transmitted illnesses that they could catch, some of which are incurable! Any kind of physical contact can be risky, even if they don’t go “all the way.” Emphasize that there is no way at all to know if another person is free of disease just by looking at them, no matter how clean or attractive they may look. The only totally sure way to avoid catching a serious illness, or having an unwanted pregnancy, is to abstain from sex until they are older and until they know their romantic partner better. By Jamell Andrews

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Is Vitamin D Important for Reducing Ear Infection Risk in Young Children?

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:17:36 +0000

A growing number of studies shows that vitamin D is an important tool for preventing ear infections in young children. Vitamin D, found naturally in some foods and in enriched foods, and made by the skin when exposed to sunlight, is used by our immune systems to fight disease — the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is present in many types of cells that the immune system manufactures when it’s under attack by invading microbes. Ear infections are very common among babies and younger children; because they have the potential to damage a child’s hearing when they’re untreated or when they’re recurrent, it is essential for parents and caregivers to take all steps possible to avoid them. Recent studies have shown that low vitamin D levels in blood plasma are linked to greater numbers of ear infections, as well as respiratory infections and gastrointestinal upset, particularly in infants and children younger than 5. In a recent study by the University of Milan in Italy, children just under three years of age with recurrent ear infections were split into two groups: one group got a placebo, and the other group got 1,000 IU’s (International Units) of daily vitamin D. The children were treated for a four-month period, and they were monitored for six months. The results showed that the group that got vitamin D supplementation had a much lower risk of developing one or more episodes of acute otitis media (AOM) during the six months. AOM is the most common type of ear infection and affects the middle ear. Children who were given the vitamin D got 26 middle-ear infections, while the placebo group got 38. The risk of less severe ear infections was also lower in the vitamin D group. AOM infections, where the middle ear swells up, are the most common reason for children under five years of age to need medical intervention. Study researchers recommended vitamin D supplementation for children with low levels of the vitamin in their plasma. A diet with plenty of foods rich in vitamin D is of course another way to avoid low levels of this important vitamin in your child. These foods include: dairy products, fish such as salmon and canned tuna, egg yolks, mushrooms (the larger kinds, like shiitake and portobello, are especially rich in D vitamin), and enriched foods (including whole-grain cereals). How to Get Vitamin D if Your Child Is Lactose-Intolerant or Is Allergic to Milk Proteins Children with lactose intolerance or cow’s milk allergies are at greater risk of becoming vitamin D-deficient. For these children, you should consult with your pediatrician first; but what works for some is giving them lesser amounts of milk or dairy products at a time, spreading out these foods throughout the day, which decreases the chances of stomach upset or an allergic reaction. Also, organic milk is often much better tolerated by children (and adults), since it does not have the antibiotic or pesticide residues that non-organic milk has, and is therefore easier on the gastrointestinal tract. For children whose pediatricians have determined to be lactose-intolerant, you can also try giving them low-lactose dairy products, such as aged cheeses (like cheddar or Swiss), yogurt, or lactose-reduced and lactose-free milk. Children with severe milk allergies, who are a relatively small number, may have to abstain from eating dairy products completely. For these children, soy- or rice-based foods or milks enriched with vitamin D, and other foods with vitamin D, may be the way to go. Another strategy for strengthening your child’s immune system is to make sure that he or she eats plenty of vegetables and fruits every day. These have antioxidants that fight disease and that are in some cases not found in other foods; they’re also rich in dietary fiber, which will help your youngster stay regular. Having regular (daily) bowel movements is another way to insure that the body’s waste products are routinely eliminated. For a young child, it’s key to make every calorie count. Instead of allowing your kid to fill up on sugary cereals, candy bars, sodas, and the like, teach him or her to enjoy the flavors of all those natural foods that don’t pose any health problems for the individual child. Natural foods are the most nutritious and health-promoting, by far. Getting regular exercise is also great for the immune system and overall health. Let your kid play in the Sun for a bit every day, thus getting a physical workout while he or she absorbs sunshine, which will also replenish the child’s stores of vitamin D. By Lisa Pecos

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Is Playing Sports Good for a Child with ADHD?

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 19:48:45 +0000

Yes, it is. Child experts agree that playing sports is a great way for children who suffer from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to build self-esteem, get exercise, enhance social skills and make friends. Playing sports helps boost a child’s self-confidence, something with which ADHD kids often struggle. Signing up your child for a sport offers the added benefit of steering him or her toward a more active routine, thus decreasing or discouraging more sedentary activities such as TV-watching or playing video games, and that’s a good step for any child. Helping Your Child Choose a Sport Some sports might be better for your child than others. For example, a sport like baseball, which involves a lot of time standing around on the field, may not be a good match for your kid. Better sports for him or her might be basketball or soccer. Then again, if your child has difficulty following instructions when there are a lot of them, or if he or she has trouble focusing in situations where there are many things happening simultaneously, a team sport might not work. In that case, you should pick from individual sports such as swimming, tennis, martial arts, and so forth. Martial arts like karate are recommended by some, because children stand in rows, all performing the same moves at the same time. This reinforces timing and helps kids stay focused. If your child isn’t sure about what activity he or she would enjoy best, let your kid try different ones; it’s okay to try a few sports before finding one that’s a good match. And if your kid has his or her heart set on a specific sport, let them pursue their interest. Every child with ADHD is different, so, be flexible as you and your kid decide on a sport. Also keep in mind your child’s personality. If he or she isn’t the competitive type, you should find a sport or a sports situation where the emphasis is on having fun and the camaraderie, and not on winning. Pick a sport that can be easily worked into your child’s daily routine. If weekdays are hectic, consider choosing an activity that can be performed on the weekends. Keep your child’s new routine as stable as possible; this is what works best for a child with ADHD. And be sure not to overbook your child, so that he or she will still have time to do his school work and responsibilities at home. Some parents of ADHD children report that their kids’ grades improved after the children started a sport. This may reflect the fact that sports help kids with focus and self-discipline — as well as providing the added health benefits that all exercise gives: a better-functioning body and mind. As a final note, to further enhance your child’s chances of success, you may want to meet personally with your child’s coach or instructor and ask if they have had any experience with ADHD. By Marc Courtiol

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Parents: The Best Way to Decrease Children’s TV Viewing — Is to Decrease Your Own!

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 20:26:19 +0000

It’s no secret to any parent that children, especially younger ones, strive to be like their parents and do the same things that parents do. So, it may come as little surprise that a study published recently in the journal Pediatrics found that the best predictor of how much time a child spends watching television … is how much time the parents do. Researchers at the Annenberg Public Policy Center (U of PA) interviewed 1,500 parents with children 17 and younger about the parents’ screen time habits (viewing DVDs, movies on the Internet, and so forth). They were also asked specifically about their television-viewing habits, as well as their kids’. When possible, adolescent children were also interviewed about their own TV habits. The interviews revealed that parental TV time was a better predictor of how much time the kids watched TV than whether parents removed a television set from the children’s bedroom, restricted the kids’ TV viewing, or how much TV parents and kids watched together. Parents spent an average of 4 hours in front of a screen, and the more screen time they had, the more their children were in front of a screen, as well. For every hour that parents watched television, children had an additional close to 30 minutes of screen time. Parental restrictions on TV-viewing had some effect on 6- to 11-year-olds. Adolescents, on the other hand, reported viewing almost an hour more of TV a day than their parents suspected. The American Academy of Pediatrics has been advocating for years that children not be allowed more than 1 to 2 hours of non-educational screen time a day. (And it recommends that children under 2 not have any screen time.) Too much TV-watching has been linked in past studies to the following: Obesity – The more television a child watches, the greater the risk of the child becoming overweight. Letting kids have a TV inside their room increases this risk. Difficulty Sleeping – The more TV children watch, the more apt they are to have difficulty falling asleep; their sleep schedules are also more likely to be irregular, leading to sleep deprivation. Poor School Performance – Sleep deprivation may be one of the main reasons why children who have TV’s in their bedrooms tend to do worse on tests than children with no bedroom TV’s. Behavior Problems – Elementary-age students who have more than two hours a day of screen time have a greater risk of emotional, social and attention problems. Playing video games in specific is associated with a higher risk of attention problems in kids. Exposure to Media Violence, Especially on TV – This can desensitize children, who are impressionable, to violence, which may cause them to view violent outbursts as a normal way to deal with frustration Child experts offer these tips to parents: No TV’s or computers in children’s bedrooms; keep those in common areas where you can monitor content viewed by your children When not watching a program, turn off TV Help your kids make healthier use of their time by suggesting other things to do, like reading, playing sports, board games, helping around the house, volunteering in the community Set a good example for your kids — you will be much more effective if you walk the walk, and not just talk the talk! By Eirian Hallinan

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Does Drinking Sodas Cause Problem Behavior and Aggression in Young Children?

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 22:05:46 +0000

We’ve all heard the warnings: soda pop is bad for us. Many studies have linked moderate-to-heavy soda-drinking to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal cancers and other serious illnesses. Even light soda-drinking (defined as 2 or more sodas a week) was found in one study to be linked to pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest and hardest-to-cure cancers. Diet sodas are also bad; they have been linked to even more disease than regular sodas, by some estimates; which makes sense, since they have an even greater number of toxic chemicals than regular sodas. The fact is, for those of us who aim to eat natural diets and be conscientious consumers, sodas are a complete no-no. The ingredients are more times than not a long assortment of artificial chemicals and preservatives that don’t belong in anyone’s body — least of all, a child’s. Previous studies had shown a link between soda-drinking and aggression, depression, and suicidal thoughts in adolescents. But a recent study, published in mid-August, 2013 in the Journal of Pediatrics, sought to examine the effects of soda consumption in young children. Researchers from Columbia University, the University of Vermont and the Harvard School of Public Health followed almost 3,000 new moms from 20 American cities, and the women’s children, beginning at delivery. Follow-up interviews were carried out when the children were around 2. When the youngsters were 5, their mothers filled out a “Child Behavior Checklist,” where moms noted how many daily servings of soda their children drank, up to “four or more.” The researchers found that even one daily soda was associated with increased undesirable behavior, and the more soda a child drank, the higher he or she scored on negative behaviors that the study measured: Children who drank between 1 and 4 servings of daily soda scored much higher on tests measuring aggression than kids who did not drink sodas Two or more servings were associated with higher scores for withdrawn behavior Children who had four or more servings scored higher on tests measuring attention problems “With every increase in soda consumption, the association and the scores basically increased,” lead author Shakira Suglia, ScD, assistant professor of epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, told Medscape Medical News after the study was published. The researchers adjusted for candy or fruit juice consumption, and for various social factors, including maternal depression and domestic-partner abuse against the mother, and the results still held up; especially, Dr. Suglia noted, for aggression among children with the highest soda consumption. Even one soda is one too many for young kids, and adolescent consumption of soda should also be minimized, Dr. Suglia added. More soda is sold per capita in the United States than in any other country. But folks who value their health and that of their families know that drinking sodas is a big step in the wrong direction. In the case of children, not only is a child who is allowed to drink sodas being toxified with the assortment of harmful chemicals present in the majority of sodas (including most of the name-brands that we all know), but also, the child is being deprived of nutrients that she or he very much needs, to grow. Necessarily, the more soda a child drinks, the less she is drinking of nutritious beverages that will help her grow and be healthy. It’s very easy to shape a young child’s habits; but a parent must lead by example. Sodas can lure nearly everyone. Many people enjoy that crisp, bubbly, tangy taste that sodas have, and children are no exception. But as the more knowledgeable persons in the household, parents must teach their children what is and isn’t healthy. And the younger you start them on the right track, the better. Ideas for Great-Tasting, Light Beverages that Are All-Natural One great and natural substitute for sodas that everybody can enjoy is carbonated water with all-natural fruit juice. Pour about a third of a glass of juice (to avoid over-consumption of sugar), and fill the rest of the glass with carbonated water, or even regular water, topped off with carbonated water. This beverage tastes just like a soda, has the pretty, natural color of the juice you select, has antioxidants and vitamins … and lacks the empty sugar calories and/or toxic chemicals in all sodas. Other than diluted natural juices or straight juice in moderation, a young child needs to drink plenty of milk for growing bones and teeth, and plain water for hydration. Water can be filtered, bottled, or in a pinch, if you live in a big city where the tap water tastes bad, let the tap water sit in your refrigerator in an open container for an hour or more, to dissipate some of the chlorine taste. Squirt some natural lemon juice, and you have a healthy, tangy, refreshing beverage with no sugars, and antioxidants that will repair body tissues and fight disease. Add a little raw or brown sugar, and you have delicious, natural, nutritious lemonade (what kid doesn’t love lemonade?). No matter what the reason, whether lower price, convenience or an acquired taste, soda pop should never be an option for a child of any age. Nor, for that matter, for the parents. By Lisa Pecos

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Getting Your Child Off to a Good Start with a Good Breakfast!

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 19:14:12 +0000

Before we knew it, summertime was over, and it was time for our kids to go back to school. We may no longer be able to fix elaborate breakfasts before the kids rush to school; but there are certainly plenty of breakfast choices that are healthy, tasty, and easy to prepare. We all know by now that eating breakfast is important, as it fuels our bodies and minds for the day ahead. But what kind of breakfasts are nutritious and healthy? Your family as a whole should focus on eating whole, natural foods, and avoiding processed, pre-packaged foods for the most part. Some processed foods are okay, so long as you become a label-reader, which is the only way you’ll know exactly what’s in the package. We know to avoid excess sugars and fats; but we should also be watchful of artificial additives, such as preservatives, flavorings, colorings, and stabilizing agents, all of which add no nutritional value and in fact can only be toxic to your system and harm your health, being that they’re unnatural chemicals made in a laboratory and not grown in the soil. Well, that leaves out most if not all kids’ breakfast cereals advertised on TV, doesn’t it? Yes, it does. A healthy breakfast can consist of whole-grain cereal with no artificial additives. Good examples of healthy breakfast cereals are Raisin Bran, Grape Nuts, various bran flakes and corn flakes. Make sure your cereal does not contain “BHT,” an artificial chemical preservative used in some brands of flakes, but not in others. Sometimes, BHT is only added to the packaging, as in the case of Kellogg’s corn flakes; but this is still an unnecessary chemical and should be avoided. Look for cereals that use no preservatives, or that use mixed tocopherols (vitaimin E) as the preservative. Cereal should be served with milk, preferably organic, which is healthier, tastes better, and does not upset people’s stomachs the way non-organic milk can (organic milk does not have residues of chemical pesticides, fertilizers or antibiotics in it, so it is easier to digest). For variety and added flavor, try mixing chopped fruits or nuts with the cereal. Eggs are another great way to start the day. Use olive or coconut oil for frying eggs, as these oils are very good for your health. You can scramble or fry eggs on their own, or add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes, and natural cheeses, to change up the flavor and add nutrition (plus dietary fiber from the vegetables). To go with your eggs, look for natural, preservative-free breads. Preservative- and additive-free breads are a little hard to find at supermarkets in this day and age, but it’s worth taking the time to look for them. Your bread should only have 4 or 5 ingredients, all natural. If you see a long list of ingredients on the bread’s packaging, you know that most of them will be artificial and unnecessary. Butter your bread with real butter or eat plain for fewer calories; never use margarine, which has artificial ingredients and has been linked in studies to heart disease. Another great breakfast is oatmeal. The quick kind only takes a minute to cook. Instead of buying the small, flavored packets of oatmeal, which contain artificial ingredients, buy a big container of Quaker oats, or a store brand, and cook it with chopped bananas, raisins, nuts, etc. Chopped fruit and yogurt make a great snack, or a healthy quick, light breakfast on days your kids may be running late. Or they can always eat a banana or a natural granola bar and guzzle a glass of milk with it. You can accompany your child’s breakfast with a small glass of fruit juice. For a bigger thirst, try diluting the juice with plenty of filtered or bottled water. Carbonated water adds a great kick to the juice and makes it taste a lot like a soda, without all the harmful chemicals present in nearly all sodas. Sodas should be avoided as a whole, not only because of the chemicals but because they offer no nutrition, other than the empty calories in the sugar. Another beverage to avoid are so-called “juice drinks” (such as Sunny D and Tampico) that in truth have only 2 percent juice or no juice, and are a glassful of artificial chemicals that don’t belong in your child’s system. By Jamell Andrews

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Things that a Parent Can Do to Boost a Child’s Self-Confidence

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 18:20:58 +0000

Thinking positive and believing in oneself are much more than just feel-good concepts thrown around by psychologists looking to sell us books. Most people who achieve success in life on their own merit, at whatever goals they set for themselves, will tell you that believing in oneself, and not quitting in the face of defeat — even many defeats — are the keys to success. When you are the parent of a child, you get the exciting, rewarding opportunity to mold a little mind from the beginning; thus, you will continue to influence the world even when you are no longer in it. One of the biggest gifts that you can give to your child is a healthy sense of self — self-confidence that will help carry the child through the challenging or difficult situations that life will present. And this education begins early in life. Tending to your newborn’s needs in a prompt manner and with love will convey to your baby that she matters, and that she’s important to you. When your baby begins saying her first words or taking her first steps, it’s not too soon to start instilling in her self-confidence by verbally praising her growing accomplishments. When a child enters school, you have a new set of opportunities to direct your child’s sense of self in a positive direction. When your child gets a bad grade, for instance, do you reprimand her for not studying … or worse, for not being as smart or studious as another sibling? Any situation that involves your child’s expenditure of effort, and the potential for success or failure, is a moment that you can use to teach your child to think positive, be positive and appreciate themselves. In the case of a bad grade, for instance, it would be much more useful to sit the child down, and in a soft, calm tone of voice, discuss the reasons why the bad grade may have happened. Was your child involved in too many other activities in or out of the home, so that school work was neglected? Would the child benefit from drawing up a daily schedule with your help, indicating how much time he or she is to spend on school work each day? Your child watches how you handle adversity, and he or she will take cues from you that will likely stay with them throughout their life. Looking for solutions to problems in a constructive manner, then, is an important strategy to teach your child. If you exercise patience with your child and praise him or her for making an effort or for succeeding at something, not only will your child learn to be positive and examine a situation constructively, he or she will also feel more comfortable discussing problems with you. If you are quick to criticize your kid, you will accomplish the opposite result: your child may feel too intimidated or scared to talk to you about a struggle they may be going through. Being supportive of your child and helping to guide him or her through a challenge will pay big when your child becomes a teenager. They will be less apt to run to their peers for moral support and to copy undesirable behaviors from other teens, to get their peers’ approval. If you have a loving, nurturing and supportive relationship with your child, he or she will come to you for advice more or feel more free to share what’s going on in school, with their peers or with other situations. This gives you the advantage of staying better informed about what’s happening in your child’s life, and it also gives you the opportunity to give your child advice and administer thoughtful, loving discipline, as needed. No matter our age, we all like getting positive feedback about ourselves and the things we do, especially from people who matter to us. This strategy is useful with small children, who delight in their growing accomplishments — things that we grown-ups may take for granted, but which are big to a child just learning the basics of life. But it also works with older kids, who, deep down, will always want their parents’ praise and approval. Don’t be focused on your child getting something right, but in the child making the effort. If they try something and fail, this can be a great time to teach the lesson that we don’t always succeed when we try, maybe not even when we try many times. But if we keep trying, we may just reach our goal. Be there for your children when they fail at something — your son didn’t make it onto a sports team, or your daughter didn’t get an A in French, like she really wanted to get. It’s important to convey to your child that we all have talents, things that we’re good at, and that no one is expected to excel at everything. But once again, if we keep trying, we might just get there. Be sure to praise your child when they achieve a success, such as when your daughter makes the cheerleading squad, or when your kindergartener comes home carrying something that he made for you at school. You may not be able to figure out what his gift is supposed to be — but being that you love your child, you should appreciate that he put his little heart into it. Tell him how much you love him and how you love the gift he brought you. By Lisa Pecos

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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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Having “The Talk” with Your Child: Tips on Talking to Your Pre-Teen or Teenager About Sex

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 20:49:12 +0000

If you feel uncomfortable even bringing up the subject of sex with your pre-teen or teenage son or daughter, you are not alone. More than one parent has elected to avoid having that talk altogether because they didn’t feel comfortable. However, given the potentially very serious and life-changing consequences of sex, it is a subject that parents ought to discuss. At no other time have children of all ages been exposed to so much gratuitous sex as today’s children. Sexual messages abound in television, movies, music and advertisements, while the Internet is a new source of ready sexual content for children who are not being carefully supervised. Today, more than ever, it is important to bring up the subject of sex with your son or daughter, instead of relying only on school to teach them what they need to know. Some child experts advise that parents not wait until children become teenagers to start talking; instead, they recommend that parents begin introducing the topic of sex when children are in elementary school. But at the very least, you should be bringing up the subject about the time that your child begins puberty. A 2009 survey by the U. S. Dept. of Health and Human Services found that 40 percent of adolescents had had sexual intercourse by 10th grade, and 62 percent — a majority — had had sex by the 12th grade. Schools can only do so much to guide children in a particular direction; the bulk of the responsibility for molding a child’s mind and his or her principles lies, fittingly, with the parents, the most influential and important people in a child’s life. So, don’t let a little uneasiness keep you from bringing up this very important topic. Child experts advise that the sex talk is best not limited to just one talk; it should be an ongoing dialogue. If you’re looking for opportunities to ease into the topic, you can certainly use something that you and your child watch on TV or hear in a song, to start the dialogue. Keep in mind that the quality of your relationship with your child will affect how well you are able to discuss this sensitive topic: the closer you and your child are, the more your child will trust you and confide in you. One thing that you don’t want to do is lecture or use scare tactics, which may in fact backfire. Instead, be sincere when you talk. Express your true feelings and expectations for your child, being mindful to talk about specific consequences that may arise from having sex before a young person is ready: pregnancy, STDs, emotional upheaval, and so forth. There is no better time to consider and discuss your religious faith than when dealing with the topic of sex. If you are in the 90 percent of Americans who believe in God, this is a perfect time to talk about your religious faith and principles with your child, as they relate to sex. Convey to your child that under God’s plan, a young person who lives in their parents’ home is expected to abstain from having sex; sex by a young, unmarried person living in the parental home is not tolerated under God’s mandates. It is considered a serious offense against the family and against God. There is also no better time to impress upon your child the belief that there’s nothing special or original about doing what “everyone else” is doing. Sure, today’s teens are more sexually active than teens used to be in the past, but explain to your child that it’s important to be a person of principle and to stand for something, instead of allowing oneself to be swayed by changing social norms and peer pressure. It’s also a good idea to help your child understand how the entertainment media can affect his or her way of thinking and acting. Explain that while we live in an age and a culture where sexual images are everywhere, basic principles of personal responsibility and accountability never change. Impress upon your child that he or she matters; speak positively about them and teach them to love themselves by being a loving parent. All those things will go a long way toward helping your child respect himself or herself, which will make them much better equipped to hold their ground when peer pressures arise. Explain to your son or your daughter that pressuring someone to have sex does not constitute love, and in fact, it shows a lack of respect toward the person being pressured. Be prepared to answer questions that your child may have, in a caring and thoughtful way. If you don’t know the answer to a question, you two can research it together. Once you’ve begun an honest, open and ongoing dialogue about sex issues, it’s key to complement the talks by keeping tabs on your child: get to know his or her friends and learn about the types of activities your child is engaging in. Keep the computer in a shared space, where you can monitor your child’s activity on it. Address specific parameters for your child. Many of today’s teens consider oral sex not to be sex. Explain to your child that oral sex is sex, and that diseases can be caught through it, just like with vaginal sex. Talk about non-sexual ways in which your child can express his or her love for another peer: long talks, holding hands, hugs, and maybe even kisses. You should also point out to your child that his or her tastes in members of the opposite sex will in all likelihood change as he or she grows older — yet another big reason not to go too far with someone they may be infatuated with at the moment. By Jamell Andrews

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Do Eyes Need to Be Protected from the Sun?

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 16:26:24 +0000

We all know by now that it’s important to protect our skin from excessive Sun exposure, to avoid skin cancers that can be caused by the Sun’s ultraviolet rays. But besides our skin, other organs that need protection from the Sun are our eyes. While protecting skin and eyes from overexposure to the Sun’s UV rays is important year-round, it is all the more essential in the summertime, when the Sun’s rays are the strongest because Earth’s northern hemisphere is tilting toward the Sun. Just like overexposure to UV rays can burn the skin, it can also burn the eyes’ outermost layer, as well as the corneas and the lenses. Sunburn of the corneas is called photokeratitis; the condition can cause excessive tearing, and it can feel like there’s grit inside the eyes, from layers of cornea peeling after they’re sunburned. In more serious burns, photokeratitis can cause painful, temporary blindness; people describe the sensation as their eyeballs being “on fire.” Because photokeratitis usually occurs in combination with cold wind and snow, it is also called snow blindness. People with lighter-colored eyes are at higher risk for damage to the corneas from too much sunlight. There is usually no long-term damage associated with photokeratitis. However, long-term excess exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can contribute to chronic conditions, such as the development of cataracts (a clouding of one or both lenses that diminishes vision); macular degeneration (a condition that leads to distortion or loss of vision in the center of the field of vision); certain eye cancers; and growths on the visible surface of the eyes, which can be removed with delicate surgeries, but which can recur. Long-term Sun exposure without protection can also damage the retina; this damage is irreversible. The Importance of Protecting the Cornea The cornea is a transparent layer in the front of the eye that covers the iris (the colored part that controls how much light goes in), the pupil (the hole in the middle of the iris through which the light enters), and the anterior chamber (a fluid-filled pocket between the cornea and the iris). But the cornea serves as more than just a protective layer for the eye; the cornea, the anterior chamber and the lens, which is behind the iris, refract (bend) incoming light rays toward the center of the eye, allowing them to enter through the pupil, after which the rays reach the light-sensitive layer that lines the inside of the eyeball, the retina. The cornea, then, is an important component in our eyes’ ability to form images with the help of light rays. And because it’s first in line, the cornea bears most of the damage when we don’t protect our eyes from excessive UV radiation. (We need to keep in mind that UV radiation is also produced by artificial sources of light, such as household lights, tanning beds, a photographers’ flood lights, welding equipment, etc.) How Do We Protect our Eyes from Sun Damage? Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat or sun visor are your two best defenses whenever you spend time in the Sun — be it gardening, driving, snow-skiing on a sunny day (snow reflects sunlight, making the likelihood of sunburn greater), and so forth. With respect to sunglasses, don’t go by price; some inexpensive glasses may offer full UV protection, while some expensive ones may not. The best thing to do is check tags or stickers on glasses, to make sure that they indicate that glasses offer “100% UV protection.” You want glasses that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Be wary of ultra-cheap glasses that small vendors may sell, and buy your sunglasses at an established chain store or department store (several companies also sell glasses with full UV protection online). Sunglasses that haven’t been coated to block rays can actually do damage: the dark lenses will cause your pupils to relax and let in even more UV radiation. Keep in mind that if you wear contact lenses with UV protection, you still need to wear sunglasses, if you’ll be in the Sun (or in a very bright space) for a prolonged period, as contacts don’t protect the white area that surrounds the cornea and iris. Wrap-around lenses, though not necessary, will add protection by keeping sunlight from entering through the sides. If you have children, outfit them with protective sunglasses, too; they need protection from the sun, just like adults. By Lisa Pecos

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Sunshine, Tanning Beds and Suntans — What Are the Healthy Options for Your Teen?

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 18:57:09 +0000

Peer pressure being as strong as it is in the teenage years, a lot of adolescent girls and boys may want to head outdoors as the weather heats up and get a suntan. But with all that we now know about excessive sun exposure and skin cancers, some fans of tanning may opt instead to use tanning beds to achieve a golden glow. But are tanning beds any safer? Scientific opinion runs the gamut. Some health authorities believe that tanning beds are a safer method of tanning than prolonged exposure to sunshine. Tanning beds emit mostly the UVA rays that tan, while eliminating UVB rays that burn. However, other experts believe that tanning beds are in fact more dangerous than sunshine, which has both UVA and UVB wavelengths: recent research has shown that both UVA and UVB rays may be harmful. A 2012 study from Yale University showed that young people who used tanning beds regularly had a 69 percent increased risk of getting basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. Other studies have shown that tanning beds increase the risk for melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. The cancer risk goes up with the number of years that the person has used a tanning bed. We can readily see the damage that excessive sun or tanning beds can do to a person’s skin when the skin has been tanned for years and years. Far from looking healthier, the person’s skin tends to look dry, wrinkled and prematurely aged. Tanning beds are out — or at least, they should be. But this isn’t to say that someone should avoid the sun completely. And you don’t always want to use sunscreen, either. As most of us know, sunlight is an excellent way to get the body to manufacture its own vitamin D. Sunscreens reduce the body’s production of vitamin D by close to one hundred percent! Vitamin D is an extremely versatile substance that the body uses for many functions, including the absorption of the mineral calcium, which is used by all the body’s cells. Vitamin D is vital for cardiovascular health, it regulates cholesterol and blood pressure, it helps strengthen the immune system, and it’s important for healthy and strong bones, teeth and hair. And whereas D supplements may accumulate in the blood and can take months to be lowered to normal levels, the body has the miraculous ability to know when it’s made enough vitamin D from sunshine, and it automatically shuts off vitamin D production! The body produces the most active form of vitamin D, which is D3, or calciferol. This is the most useful kind of vitamin D for the body’s bones and other tissues. Clearly, sunshine is very good for us and one of the best ways, or the best way, to maintain optimal vitamin D levels. Production of vitamin D is only one important reason to avoid sunscreen lotions. Another reason is that nearly all sunscreens sold in the United States have a lot of artificial chemicals that themselves have been linked to cancer when used a lot. Even most “natural” sunscreens in fact contain a lot of unnatural chemicals. If your teenager will be using sunscreen, look for one that has all-natural ingredients (the active sun protection ingredients can be titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are both natural minerals that reflect and scatter the sun’s UV rays). Other ingredients will be plant extracts, and natural skin nutrients and moisturizers. Also, look for a sunscreen that has broad-spectrum UV protection, meaning that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. By and large, however, your teen should be able to limit her or his sun exposure by simply limiting time spent in the sun, or by wearing protective clothing, including wide hats and long sleeves. It doesn’t take but a few minutes of sunshine for the skin to make enough vitamin D to meet the body’s needs. If your child is particularly fair-skinned, they will want to be extra careful not to stay out in the sun too long when not using sunscreen and they are not wearing protective clothing. Another important thing that you as a parent can do is point out to your child that healthy, hydrated skin is beautiful, no matter the color. A little daily sun will gradually and safely deepen a person’s skin tone, while promoting good health in many ways. As for spending hours in the sun daily without any protection, or in a tanning bed, the risks are simply too great. And you need to impress upon your child that in the end, while deep tans, suntans, may look attractive, they will certainly not keep the skin itself looking attractive in the long run, and may lead to serious health complications. By Jamell Andrews

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Prescription Drug Abuse by American Teens Up One-Third in Five Years

Eirian — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 18:28:02 +0000

Prescription drug abuse by teens appears to have increased by 33 percent in a scant five years, according to a survey launched in 2012 and published in 2013 by The Partnership at Drugfree.org, in conjunction with the MetLife Foundation. The survey interviewed 3,900 teenagers in grades 9-12, who attended public, private and parochial schools. Eight hundred parents were also interviewed at home. The survey covered the period between 2008 and 2012. Close to 1 in 4 students, 24 percent — or more than 5 million teens — admitted to abusing prescription drugs at least once. Some of the more commonly abused drugs were Ritalin and Adderall, both of which are used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It may surprise some to learn that almost one-third of the parents interviewed believed that Ritalin or Adderall could improve a child’s school performance — even if their child had not been diagnosed with ADHD. The survey also found that twenty percent of teens who admitted to abusing prescription drugs said that they were younger than 14 the first time that they did so. Many parents and teens said they believed that prescription drugs were safer than street drugs. Medical professionals caution parents and their children not to make this false assumption, as prescription drugs can pose some of the same problems as illegal drugs, including addiction and long-term physiologic harm. Researchers also found that close to 80 percent of all teens had discussed alcohol and marijuana with their parents; almost one-third had discussed crack/cocaine with their parents. But only between 14 and 16 percent had discussed painkiller/prescription drug abuse with parents. That’s despite the fact that 56 percent of the teens kept their prescription drugs in their parents’ medicine cabinets. Almost half of all parents admitted that they did not restrict their child’s use of the child’s prescription drugs at home, and 1 in 5 parents said that they had in fact at some point given their children a prescription drug for which the child had no prescription. Survey authors recommend that parents establish control of prescription drug use by locking up medicine cabinets and tossing expired prescriptions. Parents should also discuss with their children the dangers of prescription drug misuse. It goes without saying that parents should lead by example. After all, you are your child’s greatest influence. With our modern increased interest in reducing environmental and chemical pollutants, and the growing interest in letting nature nourish us as well as heal us, parents would do well to consider whether a physical condition, either the parent’s or the child’s, truly needs laboratory chemicals to be treated. ADHD in a child, for instance, could respond well to a natural, low-sugar diet. Depression and attention-deficit disorders could respond to getting more sleep at night, and to getting regular exercise. Time spent with the family (including outings and dinners at the dinner table) is a way to ward off feelings of alienation in your teen and boost feelings that they are loved and that they are a valued member of the family; this will boost their self-confidence and improve communication between you and your teen. Instead of turning to a pharmaceutical company, you and your child can prompt your own bodies to manufacture the necessary, natural chemicals that will promote good health and feelings of well-being. If you combine getting enough rest and regular exercise, spending family time, and eating a healthy diet that celebrates the abundance of nature while it avoids artificial chemicals and processed foods, you and your teen will only feel better and be healthier, now and in the future. By Eirian Hallinan

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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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What Are Good Foods to Eat for a Child Who Plays Sports?

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 16:49:54 +0000

When it comes to food, the great thing about it is that we all have very similar nutritional needs: for the most part, what’s good for one person is good for everyone, and what’s bad for one person is bad for all. Some people, including a lot of the experts, would have us believe that we need to go on special diets to suit our individual needs; but while that approach might make a lot of people in the diet and nutrition business wealthy, the truth is that our personal physiologies are much more similar to everyone else’s than they are different. All of us, including young aspiring athletes, should eat a regular diet that’s low in fats and refined sugars, has plenty of lean protein, and includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds and legumes (beans and different pea varieties). Athletes as well as non-athletes of all ages need to get enough calcium and iron, two important minerals. Calcium is used by every cell in the body and is essential for bone growth and daily maintenance and support of adult bones. Foods rich in calcium include: dairy products, eggs, salmon, and green leafy vegetables, with collard greens and kale having the highest content. (With respect to dairy products, one of the biggest sources of calcium, if your child is lactose-intolerant, it is recommended that you try organic dairy products, as these are usually fine for lactose-intolerant people to consume.) Vitamin D is needed by the body to absorb and use calcium; therefore, vitamin D should be consumed regularly also. Vitamin D-rich foods include: fortified dairy products, eggs, mushrooms, salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Human skin also produces vitamin D when exposed to sunshine. Iron is essential for the manufacture of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen to all the body’s tissues. Iron, then, will give the athlete energy and strength. Athletes lose iron through sweat (and females also lose it through menstruation), so, it’s important to replace it daily. Foods rich in iron include: beef and lamb, liver, pumpkin seeds, beans, and whole grain cereals. Nutritional requirements may vary just slightly for a youth who participates in sports. For starters, the young athlete may need to eat more, as he or she is burning more calories through practices and competitions. Before practice or before a game, the athlete will want to eat a meal containing healthy carbohydrates and lean meat, such as pasta with vegetables and meat sauce. A meal should be consumed at least two hours before starting physical activity. If there are time constraints, the athlete may opt to eat a lighter snack, at least one hour before physical activity is to start. A filling, nutritious, high-protein snack would be, for example: yogurt or cottage cheese with chopped fruit and nuts. Another excellent on-the-go snack could be natural granola bars with a tall glass of organic milk. It is recommended that children who participate in sports eat meals at home as much as possible, as opposed to from a vending machine or at the ball park. Healthy, whole foods are usually not available before practice, or before and after a game or competition. Healthy snacks for before, during or after practice or games are also important, as they can tide over the athlete and boost energy until meal time. Candy bars should be avoided, as they’re high in sugar and low in other nutrients. The following are excellent snacking choices: Whole-grain, all-natural crackers, potato chips or tortilla chips (read package labels to avoid artificial preservatives and hydrogenated oils) Fruits (fresh or dried) Nuts Granola bars Trail mixes To add nutrition and filling power to the above, spread all-natural peanut butter or cottage cheese on crackers; use sour cream or plain yogurt as a chip dip; string cheese sticks go well with chips, too; mix chopped fruits with plain yogurt. Replenishing fluids is another important element of athletic competition. Sodas are to be avoided because of their high sugar content (and assortment of toxic artificial chemicals). The athlete should drink mainly water, before, during and after practice or competition, to stay properly hydrated. Natural fruit juices diluted with a lot of water (one part juice, three parts water) are also a good low-sugar, thirst-quenching choice. If physical exertion has been prolonged, or if the weather is hot, a sports drink may be in order, as it will not only hydrate, but also replace important salts that the body loses through perspiration. But choose sports drinks that have no sugar or are only lightly sweetened. Read labels and steer clear of artificial preservatives and artificial sweeteners. It is important to eat a healthy diet not only before practice or on game day, but always, of course. After all, the food that your child has eaten in previous days will also be a part of what gives the athlete his or her strength and energy at game time. By Marc Courtiol

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How to Talk to Young Children so They’ll Listen

Eirian — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:06:11 +0000

Getting a young child to give you his or her undivided attention while you talk to them is sometimes tricky, as any parent knows; but there are specific things that you can do to better your chances of being heard. Even with a very young child, a parent or caregiver should take steps to establish a loving and nurturing relationship. Hugs, compliments, mock tummy tickles, enlisting your little helper in jobs around the house — these are all ways in which you can instill in the child the feeling that you love and appreciate him or her. The more time you spend together, the more “in tune” you will be with your child’s temperament, and how to go about teaching discipline, obedience and good social behavior. A child who feels safe, loved, and who gets plenty of parental attention will be more inclined to follow your directives with little or no protest. But to better your chances that your words won’t go in one ear and out the other, here are some useful tips for getting a child’s attention: Make sure child is looking you in the eyes, so that you know he/she is listening to you. If it’s a delicate matter, get down to child’s eye level for more emphasis. If child is a toddler, pick him or her up and raise to your eye level to talk. Always do your best to keep your voice relaxed, and don’t yell! The more your child hears you yell, the more child will be stressed and will conclude that it’s okay to yell. Show empathy if child is upset (or in the middle of a tantrum). Begin with, “I understand why this makes you feel upset…” then explain, briefly, why you’re asking child to do what you are asking for. If the child sees that you care about his emotions, he will feel validated. Ultimately, validation is what we all crave in life, and babies and young children are no exception. Having his emotions validated will help form a sense of security in your child. Phrase your statement in a cause/effect manner, offering an incentive for the child to cooperate. This works especially well with younger children. Example: “Honey, if you finish picking up your toys, we can go outside and play for a while.” Young children love to feel that they’ve helped out in some way. If there are younger siblings around, you could say something like, “We will come back to this park another day; but right now, we need to get home so that baby Deirdre can take a nap in her crib; otherwise, she will be very tired and she’ll cry a lot.” Use affection to get child’s attention: grab your child and put a gentle arm around him as you speak. In the case of a toddler, scoop her up and raise her to your eye level, then talk. Be patient — repeat instructions as needed until child remembers to perform desired task without being asked. You can also ask child to repeat an instruction you’ve just given, to make sure he or she got it. Children can be forgetful, and this is something to be forgiven, as their brains are still being molded and the neural pathways that transmit messages back and forth are still in the process of being reinforced. Praise the child when he or she does something that they were asked to do, and even more so when they do it without being asked. Positive reinforcement helps children (and all of us, for that matter!) feel valued and builds self-esteem. If you’re in the middle of something and your child or children are trying to get your attention, don’t fly off the handle. Take it as the lovely and gratifying thing that it is to have these little persons be so dependent on you for all their needs, and looking up to you in every respect. If you’re very busy, you may be able to get away with giving your child a warm squeeze, a quick kiss on the cheek, then suggest something he can do while you finish with your work (some ideas: coloring, reading a children’s book, playing with other siblings). Keep daily routines simple and consistent, so that there will be less chance that children will throw tantrums or grow uncooperative because they’re tired, hungry, etc. And speaking of hunger, steady blood sugar levels are important for children, just like they are for adults. Feed a young child small, healthy snacks in between meals. (Some ideas: chopped fruit, a steamed vegetable with melted cheese, a slice of whole grain bread and cheese, bread and a hard-boiled egg,.) This will help maintain the child’s blood sugar levels constant throughout the day and thereby reduce the incidence of tantrums, which can easily erupt when blood sugar is low and child gets cranky. By Eirian Hallinan

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Things to Think About when Signing Up Your Child to Play Sports

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:50:07 +0000

The benefits of playing organized sports are well-established. They include giving children the opportunity to interact with peers and coaches to reach a common goal. This can help foster leadership skills as the child learns to get along with others and follow instructions, while working to improve their personal best. Team sports can also help a child learn new skills. A young person can learn about the thrill of challenging oneself, and the importance of practicing a skill until it is mastered. Last but not least, team sports offer a fun and safe way for children to get regular exercise. Participation in youth sports has been linked to better grades, higher self-esteem, and lower obesity rates. According to some studies, however, a sizable majority — 70 percent — of children who participate in organized sports quit by the time they are 15 years old. The following are things you should consider when signing your child up to play sports, to improve the chances that the experience will be fun and enriching for all, and your child will stick with it longer. First, you need consider your child’s emotional and physical readiness to play a given sport. There are youth leagues that recruit children to play as young as 4 or even 3 years old. But many parents may opt to wait until their child has reached an older age, to sign them up for a sport. Child experts advise that when younger children are involved, competition should not be emphasized as much as just providing a fun and safe opportunity for the child to be physically active. Next, you should give thought to your child’s personality, to help you decide whether he or she would be better suited to play a team sport or an individual sport. You should insure that the appropriate safety gear has been attained and will be always worn, to help prevent injury. And as the parent, you should check to see that your child will be matched up with kids of the same size. Make signing your child up for a sport a joint family decision, considering how practices and games will affect the child’s and the family’s everyday life. To help you gauge the amount of time that the sport will demand from you and your child, you may want to get a schedule of practices and games and map out on a calendar what a week would look like. Another point that must be considered is what the financial cost will be to the family. Discussing costs upfront with your spouse may avert arguments later. As a parent, you should also consider whether you want to be involved in the sport as a coach or in another role; this can be a good way to spend time with your child and show you are interested in his pursuits. Tempting as it might be, try not to push your child into a sport just because you played that sport, if your child shows no interest in it. And it’s okay if your son or daughter doesn’t take to the initial sport you sign them up for. It may take a few tries or a few years to find a sport that’s a good match. If your child shows frustration or unhappiness with a sport, you can try to determine if the problem is fixable, or if the child simply doesn’t like the sport. There’s no point in pushing a child to participate in a sport, if he or she is not enjoying the experience. And if it turns out that your child is not into playing organized sports, that’s okay, too. He can still keep fit with other activities that don’t involve competition. Medical experts recommend that a child be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Parents should view participation in sports as a way for their children to be active, enjoy themselves, learn the importance of discipline, learn about camaraderie, and so forth. Parents generally should not sign up their children with the hope that the child will earn an academic scholarship to college or even a professional sports career. The reality of college and professional sports is this: statistics from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) show that only some 3 to 6 percent of high school basketball, football, baseball, and soccer players make it onto a college team. And only roughly 1 to 9 percent of college athletes make it to the pros. Among students who play high school sports, only about 2 percent are awarded college athletic scholarships, and there is much more money available for academic scholarships. By Jamell Andrews

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Pediatric Hypertension

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:14:26 +0000

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the development of a national database on high blood pressure in children has contributed to the recognition that there is indeed a rise in the number of children with elevated blood pressure. The complications associated with continued high blood pressure, like heart attack and stroke, make diagnosis and treatment of the condition a priority for parents. There are numerous primary causes for pediatric hypertension, with obesity and renal problems accounting for the vast majority of cases. But one rarely identified factor is the “white-coat syndrome.” Within the first few years of life, a child begins to understand that a doctor’s office is a “serious place.” The child may perceive that his mother feels stressed out, and the child then becomes stressed, raising blood pressure and providing the physician with a “false positive”: the child will have a blood pressure greater than the 95th percentile for age, weight, height, and sex, thus being diagnosed with high blood pressure when he does not have the condition. If there are questions about the accuracy of the diagnosis, parents can opt to test their child’s pressure at home while the child is comfortable in a passive, but alert state, like watching TV. If he is playing video games or engaging in some other activity, the environment might be stressful and thus bias the resulting blood pressure reading, much like in the case of white-coat syndrome. If your child’s blood pressure is indeed high, there are many preventive measures that can be used to lower it. There are a number of medications; but as with all illnesses, it is best to exhaust lifestyle changes before embarking on a pharmacological path. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has outlined a diet-based method, “D.A.S.H.” (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), to lower blood pressure. (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/prevent/h_eating/h_eating.htm). In addition to natural dietary changes, the NHLBI recommends lowering the salt and sodium intake, maintain an active exercise routine with 60 minutes of physical activity for your child every day. Unnecessary stress should be avoided as well. Many parents ask about vitamin and mineral supplements to help their child’s blood pressure and other ailments, and although this is not often discouraged, it would be best to eat the natural foods which are high in these vitamins. For high blood pressure, the NHBLI recommends that parents focus on potassium intake for their children, as this has proven to be the most effective mineral for lowering risk of high blood pressure. Harvard Health Publications confirms the finding. (http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0705c.shtml). Additionally, the USDA has produced a list of foods that are high in potassium. (http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/SR20/nutrlist/sr20w306.pdf.) As one might guess, fruits and vegetables top the list, with tomato products taking first place. Other high-potassium foods are: orange juice, white beans, leafy green vegetables, potatoes with skins, and various fish, including salmon, tuna and mackerel. By Marc Courtiol

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How to Talk to Teenagers so They’ll Listen

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:35:37 +0000

The teenage years are a dreaded time for many parents, as teens begin to rebel and dismiss their parents’ good counsel, reaching out for approval from their peers instead. But there are things that you as a parent can do to strengthen the quality of your relationship with your teen, and thus make him or her more receptive to your advice and instruction. Perhaps the most fundamental step to getting your teenage son or daughter to trust you and listen to you is to be loving and kind to your child. If you strive to have a harmonious and respectful relationship with your child, fewer conflicts will arise. That does not mean not disciplining your child, because correcting a child when they do wrong (in a compassionate, thoughtful manner) is every bit as important as giving them your love, your attention, and providing for them. Being positive is also important. Whether you’re at work, at home or elsewhere, trying to live in harmony with others is usually key to making good things happen in life. Parenting is no different. If your children see that you tend to look at the positive — or even humorous — side of a situation, they will be more inclined to come to you for advice, to share their daily experiences, and to trust your judgment. On the other hand, if you don’t take time to listen to their concerns before you pronounce mandates, or if you largely ignore your children, or if you’re overly critical, your child will be reluctant to open up to you and may in fact begin to build hostility or resentment. Being excessively critical or demanding as a parent can also greatly harm your child’s self-esteem, not only in the teenage years, but even for life. Make time to communicate with your children as often as possible. Frequent communication and sharing of affection are important. There again, the more you try to stay connected to each and all of your children, the closer you will be to them and they will be to you. The closer you are emotionally, the more they will respect you and want to please you. Give your teenagers plenty of positive attention. If you give them loving attention often, they will not act up to get your negative attention, to compensate. Work to maintain a stable, predictable routine, allowing for new pursuits, play time, etc. If there’s too much going on in your lives, either in or outside the home, you and your children will feel like you’re being pulled from different directions, and all parties may start feeling stressed. In that case, it’s time to slow down the pace or omit some activities. Teens grapple with self-esteem and identity issues a lot. Be supportive; pay well-deserved compliments, no matter how trivial you may think the compliment is. We all love good things to be said about us. Lead by example — if there are behaviors or activities that you very much don’t want your teen engaging in (violence, profanity, drinking alcohol or using drugs, to name a few), then you as a parent must model the behavior that you want from your child. You are their biggest teacher, mom and dad are the most influential people in their lives. Lastly, stay emotionally connected and spend time with your teenager. There is no substitute for a parent spending tender moments with his or her children, whether it’s out and about, or quietly watching TV or working on a hobby at home. Children want your attention and your acceptance … and even though most teens would deny it, they also want — and need — your direction, and thoughtful discipline. In today’s world, it is more important than ever to be vigilant over your children, monitoring as closely as needed activities such as texting, use of the internet, TV viewing, and so forth. As we well know, the teenage years are a time when children become concerned with their image at school, their appearance, being accepted by peers, etc. It is also the time when many start experimenting with sex. At a key developmental junction like this, it is important for parents to monitor their teenagers’ activities as closely as necessary, and to work to maintain an open, honest and ongoing dialogue. The more a parent shows concern and love for a teenage son or daughter, and the more dialogue there is, the less prone the teen will be to succumbing to peer pressures of any kind. Parents are extremely influential to their children, even when a teenager’s blossoming thirst for independence and autonomy might make the child behave as though he or she is unconcerned about a parent’s opinions. The truth is, if the parent has taken the time to develop and nurture an emotional relationship with his or her children, these children will still look up to the parent and yearn for the parent’s approval, even when they give the impression that they do not. The teenage years are a challenging time for most teens. However, having parents who guide, support, and discipline their children with love, common sense and consistency, will make a world of difference in how smoothly the teen transitions into adulthood, and how emotionally prepared the young man or woman will be for life’s multiplying challenges in the years ahead. By Jamell Andrews

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Important Steps to Prevent Sports-Related Injuries

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:29:15 +0000

The following is a break-down of what parents need to know, to help their children remain free from sports-related injuries. Education Doctors treat around one million sports-related injuries in American school-age children every year. For parents, it is important to learn basic ways to avoid injury when their children practice sports, whether it’s at school or around the neighborhood. First, parents should make sure that a child has been taught the complete rules of the sport clearly and thoroughly. Second, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE) be conducted for your child before competing in any sport. These examinations can range from simple checks to rigorous batteries of tests for extreme competition. For example, if your child wants to participate in long-distance running, it needs to be determined that his aerobic conditioning is strong enough to compete. Third, understand the risk associated with each sport. Full-contacts sports, like football, have more injuries than non-contact sports like golf. Below is a list of sports with the most injuries: SPORT Hospital Visits per Year, Ages 5 to 14 Basketball 180,000 Baseball 110,000 Football 200,000 Bicycling 212,000 Ice Hockey 20,000 Roller Skating 44,000 Skateboarding 66,000 Snowboarding 22,000 Soccer 88,000 Trampoline 65,000 Source: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine The types and seriousness of injuries of course vary with different sports. Bicycling has a large number of injuries, but most are just scrapes and bruises. America’s favorite sport, baseball, on the other hand, has the highest rate of mortality, with four children between ages 5 and 15 dying per year in the United States. So, be aware of available statistics when considering which sport your child should practice. Another point to consider with injury statistics is the level of participation. Basketball has a high number of injuries, but it also has the highest number of children playing, far exceeding soccer in the U.S. Also, keep in mind that full-contact sports are not always the most dangerous. Skateboarding is no-contact, yet it has a high incidence of injury. Equipment The most important piece of equipment in any sport is headgear. Protecting the head from injury is paramount. Next comes footwear. Proper fit, traction, and ankle support are just some of the issues to consider for preventing injuries when buying footwear. Most injuries to children involve sprained ankles and knees. Proper shoes, specific to each sport, minimize that concern. An equipment checklist should be made for each sport and a separate bag should be prepared which contains all the equipment. Checks should be done before and after each practice or competition. SPORT Proper Equipment Basketball eye protection, elbow/knee pads, mouth guard, high-top shoes Baseball batting helmet; shin guards; elbow guards; athletic supporters for males; mouth guard; sunscreen; cleats; hat; detachable “breakaway bases” rather than traditional stationary ones Football helmet; mouth guard; shoulder pads; athletic supporters for males; chest/rib pads; forearm, elbow, and thigh pads; shin guards; proper shoes; sunscreen; water Bicycling :shin guards, athletic supporters for males, plastic cleats, sunscreen, water Ice Hockey Helmet, mouth guard, neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, pants, shin guards, skaters, stick, puck, bag Roller Skating Helmet, elbow pads, mouthguard, wrist supports, knee guards Skateboarding Helmet, elbow pads, mouthguard, wrist supports, knee guards Snowboarding Helmet, goggles, gloves, mouthguard Soccer Shin guards, plastic cleats Trampoline Safety harness Preventing Muscle Injury Through Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs Aerobic exercise needs to be preceded and followed by a period in which the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are warmed up and stretched, to lower the risk of injury to them during play. Proper stretching is one of the most effective ways to prevent sports-related injuries in children. Make warm-ups and cool-downs part of your child’s routine before and after sports participation. Warm-up exercises, such as stretching and light jogging, can help minimize the chance of muscle strain or other soft tissue injury during sports. Warm-up exercises make the body’s tissues warmer and more flexible. Cool-down exercises loosen muscles that have tightened during exercise. Severity of Injury One of the most difficult decisions a parent faces is during game-time competition: assessing the severity of an injury to the child, who may not fully understand what has happened to him or her. And there is a fine line between playing through a little pain and discomfort, and putting your child at risk of further injury. Many children are hesitant to fully state the pain they are experiencing because they don’t want to stop playing. It is the responsibility of parents and coaches to look for signs as to when a child is at risk. Below is a list of common sports injuries and the signs associated with them: Injury Symptoms Heat-Exhaustion Water depletion: Excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness. Salt depletion: nausea and vomiting, frequent muscle cramps and dizziness. Sprains Ankle sprains are classified as grade 1, 2, or 3. A grade 1 sprain is defined as mild damage to a ligament or ligaments without instability of the affected joint. A grade 2 sprain is considered a partial tear to the ligament, in which it is stretched to the point that it becomes loose. A grade 3 sprain is a complete tear of a ligament, causing instability in the affected joint. Bruising may occur around the ankle. Pay close attention to swelling. If there is no significant swelling and the child can jog in place with no pain, it is most likely safe to continue play. Concussion The terms mild brain injury, mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), mild head injury (MHI), minor head trauma, and concussion are identical in meaning. A grade 1 concussion presents post-traumatic amnesia longer than 30 minutes, and no loss of consciousness. A grade 2 concussion presents loss of consciousness longer than five minutes or amnesia lasting 30 minutes to 24 hours. A grade 3 concussion displays

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The Hygiene Hypothesis — Is a Little Dirt Good for Your Child?

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:31:12 +0000

You may have heard the term human microbiome or microbiota, which refers to the thousands of species of microscopic organisms that inhabit the bodies of both healthy and diseased humans. These beneficial or “friendly” bacteria and fungi play vital roles in keeping us healthy and helping with normal processes such as digestion of the foods that we eat. Friendly flora can be found on our skins, in the skin’s deeper layers, our mouths, parts of our eyes, and our gastrointestinal tract. Our bodies in fact contain 10 times as many cells from these organisms as human cells, even though the organism cells are much smaller than our body cells and as such, the combined weight and volume of these friendly pathogens is a lot smaller than the weight and volume of our cells. So, bacteria and fungi are a part of life — 90 percent, to be exact. Our understanding of the crucial role that these organisms play in keeping us healthy has increased greatly in the last decade-plus. There are now volumes of medical texts describing the importance of bacteria and other allergens to our existence. One of the newer theories arising from the study of these friendly flora is the “Hygiene Hypothesis.” This hypothesis states that a lack of infant and toddler exposure to infectious agents and friendly bacteria increases the risk of allergic diseases later on. The mechanism for this is not yet fully understood, but studies that have been done point to the validity of the hypothesis. The hygiene hypothesis has also been linked to the rise in autoimmune diseases and even asthma. And there is some evidence supporting the idea that disorders like autism may be explained by the hygiene hypothesis. In 1963, Dr. David Poskanzer and his colleagues at Harvard University hypothesized that both multiple sclerosis and polio might be linked to an excessively high level of hygiene. In 1966, Uri Leibowitz and colleagues at Hadassah University in Israel concluded in a study that a greater and statistically significant number of Israeli children with access to treated drinking water, plumbing and fewer than two people per room developed M.S., compared to children who lived in less sanitary conditions. In 1989, Dr. David Strachan reviewed data from more than 17 thousand British children born in March, 1958, comparing different social and environmental factors in an effort to find a correlation between the children’s environments and their risk of developing hay fever. Strachan found that firstborn children had a 20.4 percent chance of developing hay fever; second-born children had a 15 percent chance; third-born children had a 12.5 percent chance; fourth-born children had a 10.6 percent chance; and fifth-born children had an 8.6 percent chance. Children without siblings could not get exposed through them to bacteria and allergens. The doctor’s conclusion was that we need exposure to other people’s bacteria at an early age, to help strengthen our immune systems. In 2008, a study by Dr. Chris Cardwell published in the journal Diabetologia found an increased risk for type 1 diabetes in children born by caesarean section. The study concluded that this was a result of not being exposed to natural bacteria in the course of birth. The hygiene hypothesis has now expanded to include exposure to friendly bacteria and parasites as important developers of our immune system. In 2003, Dr. David Elliot, a gastroenterologist and immunologist at the University of Iowa, conducted a study in which 54 people with ulcerative colitis were given Trichuris (whipworm) eggs or a placebo. Forty-four percent of the people with the worm eggs improved significantly, while only 17 percent of the placebo group improved. So, what are parents to do, in view of the hygiene hypothesis? It is still important to take basic sanitary measures — wash hands often; dispose of stagnant water; house cleaning, vacuuming and dusting should still be performed often. But the point that the hypothesis underlines is that exposing young children to different people, especially other infants and toddlers, and even having pets, can be a good way to strengthen your child’s immune system, and possibly reduce the chances of their contracting certain diseases later on. By Lisa Pecos

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Child Brain Development

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:17:34 +0000

Astounding Facts About the Amazing Human Brain! The brain is one of the first organs to develop in a human embryo, and it continues to change and mature for a person’s entire life! All 100 billion nerve cells present in an adult’s brain have been made by the time a fetus is six months old! A newborn’s brain weighs 25 percent of its adult weight at birth. By two years of age, a toddler’s brain has reached 75 percent of its adult weight! Sixty percent of the human genome (a person’s genetic makeup) — or 60 thousand genes — is dedicated to brain development! While the brain’s different parts develop on different timelines for different individuals, the stages of development are the same for all of us. Below are some developmental milestones of the human brain, beginning with its formation in utero. Four weeks after conception, a thin layer of cells forms along the back side of the embryo. The cells continue dividing, and the layer, now the neural plate, thickens, eventually folding in on itself and forming a tube whose ends later fuse. The upper end will become the brain structure, and the lower end will form the spinal cord. The neural tube is the beginning of the embryo’s central nervous system. One month after conception, cells in the neural tube begin multiplying extremely fast — at times, as many as 250 thousand nerve cells, or neurons, are created per minute! Neurons conduct electrical impulses, or signals, from the brain to the rest of the body, and from the body to the brain. All organs and body parts continuously send the brain status reports through tiny electric signals that are passed along a neuron’s body, or axon, and out to the connecting points between neurons, or synapses. Neurons, then, support the brain’s ongoing regulation and maintenance of the body’s basic homeostatic processes, as well as the brain’s processing of input from all five senses. At birth, most of the brain’s 100 billion neurons are not yet interconnected. Some neurons have been assigned to specific autonomic, life-sustaining functions (e.g., heart beat and breathing); but most have not yet been given a task and are inactive. These neurons now wait for the newborn to begin having sensory experiences — seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting, feeling — which will stimulate the neurons to form trillions of synapses, as well as establish neural communication pathways. The first three years of life are a period of fast growth in the human brain. A three-year-old’s brain is twice as active as an adult’s! Ways to enrich a toddler’s brain and stimulate synaptic connections include: having back-and-forth, loving conversations; singing; reading to her; playing. Interactions with other humans, of any age, are a better method of stimulating a child’s brain than watching television! Educators rely on the young brain’s plasticity — its ability to be molded by experiences — to teach school-age children. Repeating learned information, such as the spelling of words or multiplication tables, will form synaptic connections that will preserve those memories for life. Synaptogenesis, the formation of connections between synapses that started in the womb, continues throughout childhood and into adulthood. From around age ten on, most brain changes serve to improve function of the more sophisticated and versatile frontal lobes, which are involved in motor function, problem-solving, memory, language and impulse control. Two brain growth spurts occur as the child enters the teenage years: between ages 13 and 15, brain size and function increase, especially in motor and spatial perception areas of the frontal cortex. At around this time, the pea-sized pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, starts secreting different hormones into the bloodstream that will cause other organs to secrete hormones of their own — giving way to sexual maturation and reproductive capability. The second growth spurt happens at about age 17, when the frontal lobes increase in size again, as do their synaptic connections to the rest of the brain. Final adult brain weight of 1300 – 1400g (3 lbs.) is reached in the late teens. By age 18, through periodic “pruning” — the brain’s shedding of weak connections between neurons — the number of synapses in an 18-year-old’s brain has been reduced from 1,000 trillion to 500 trillion — the same number that an 8-month-old baby has! The ongoing debate about the influence of nature, or genes, vs. nurture, or environment, in shaping a young person’s brain — and by extension, their personality — seems to be reaching a peaceful compromise, with most health and medical experts now agreeing that both nature and nurture can be, and are, important. Many of the genes or genetic predispositions in a person’s genome can be swayed in this or the opposite direction, based on the experiences to which we’re exposed from birth — or even before birth. And in our age of increased vigilance over such factors as pollutants and maintaining healthy lifestyles, it’s worthy of mention that avoiding toxins, eating healthy natural diets, and getting plenty of sleep and exercise will optimize the brain’s potential, helping to keep it — and the rest of our body — healthy and happy. By Marc Courtiol

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The Advantages of Homeschooling

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:55:57 +0000

Once upon a time in the United States, all children were taught either at home, or through apprenticeships, where they learned a trade with which they would later earn a livelihood. But in the mid 1800’s, public schools began proliferating throughout the country, and most children subsequently started attending public schools. In recent decades, however, more and more American parents have begun looking to homeschooling again as an option for educating their children. In 2012, three percent of all school-age children — about 1.5 million — were being homeschooled in the U.S. The top three professions for the fathers in these households were: accountant/engineer (17.3%), professor/doctor/lawyer (16.9%), and small-business owner (10.7%). Parents list a number of reasons for electing to homeschool their children. The three most frequent reasons given in surveys are: Believing that parents can do a better job of teaching their kids than the results that can be achieved in a setting where many kids compete for one teacher’s attention To be able to give their children religious or moral instruction, which, by law, are not provided at public schools, which constitute the majority of schools Concerns about the school environment Homeschooling indeed puts parents in charge of their children’s education. The homeschooling curriculum has to be government-approved. As such, parents may have to file paperwork with a government entity, to state who is teaching the child, and what subjects are being taught. Parents have good reason to be skeptical about the ability of most regular schools to do a great job teaching their kids — after all, American students overall rank 17th in the world academically! Further, some statistics point out that children who are homeschooled do better on all categories, academic and social, than children who attend regular schools — regardless of the parents’ educational background or household income. Some people think that U.S. students are being outperformed globally because American government focuses too much on the lowest achievers and does not invest enough resources to encourage and support the highest achievers. The homeschooling setting is an ideal place to help insure that a student gets the individual attention that he or she needs, regardless of their academic abilities: if the student has difficulty with a particular subject, he or she can get individualized attention, instead of the whole class moving forward without the student. Likewise, if a student excels at a subject, he or she won’t be held back by the rest of the class. Homeschooling may also be a good choice for families who live in isolated rural locations, and for families who are living abroad temporarily. Homeschooling usually utilizes a parent as the teacher, or a paid tutor. The American government is also now offering homeschooling curricula that can be followed on the Internet; for parents who don’t own a computer or a printer, the federal government will ship a computer and printer on loan to the student’s home, all free of charge. One of the disadvantages of homeschooling vs. attending a regular school is that homeschooled children may not get to interact with peers of the same age as often. Parents who homeschool have gotten around this problem by forming groups of homeschooled kids who participate in joint activities in their communities — be they educational field trips, socializing events, or even volunteer work. A homeschooled child can also be taken individually on educational field trips by the parent or tutor. Beginning in the 1960’s, American philosopher and theologian Rousas John Rushdoony began advocating homeschooling as a way of combating the secular, amoral nature of the public school system in the U.S. At about the same time, education professionals Raymond and Dorothy Moore began arguing against the academic validity of the growing early childhood education movement, which aims to recruit children as young as three years old into pre-school. The Moores reviewed more than eight thousand studies on early childhood education, and the physical, intellectual, and emotional/social development of children. The educators concluded that instead of helping children to succeed, formal schooling before ages 8-12 in fact was damaging to young children academically, socially, emotionally, and even physically. They offered evidence that increasingly earlier enrollment of students in schools was leading to problems such as juvenile delinquency, nearsightedness, behavioral problems, and increased enrollment in special education classes. The Moores asserted that the psychological bonds and emotional development made at home with parents during the early childhood years resulted in important and long-term benefits that were cut short by early enrollment in schools. They concluded that the far majority of children were much better off learning at home, even with lesser capable parents, than in a school setting, even with the very best, most gifted teachers. Similarly, American educator and author John Holt did not view homeschooling as the answer to bad schools; instead, he saw the home as “the proper base for the exploration of the world, which we call learning or education.” He believed that home was the best educational base for children, no matter how good regular schools may be. By Lisa Pecos

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If Your Child’s Pediatrician Asks Whether You Smoke Cigarettes, He Is Not Being Nosy!

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:19:19 +0000

Compared to years past, today’s pediatricians are more apt to ask parents about their smoking habits. And while some parents might take offense to that, your child’s doctor is only trying to help keep your youngster healthy. In our modern day, American society has largely accepted that cigarette smoke poses some of the very same dangers to those who are around a smoker as it does to the person who smokes. Young parents may not yet have developed any health problems, making the hazards of smoking — and secondhand smoke — less obvious to them. Recent statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency show that 11 percent of American children six years and younger are exposed to secondhand smoke on a regular basis (four or more times per week). Exposure to secondhand smoke presents an especially real threat to children because they are still developing physically, and because they have higher breathing rates than adults: whatever contaminants are around them will be ingested that much faster by a young child. Another point to consider with respect to young children and secondhand smoke is that whereas a teenager or an adult is likely able to walk away from the smoke and even exit the home where the smoke is being generated, a young child has less control of his or her surroundings. After all, just going to another room in the house won’t do: cigarette smoke travels throughout the home! For children, secondhand smoke exposure results in a higher risk for middle-ear infections, the most common type of ear infection in youngsters. In infants and children under six, regular exposure to secondhand smoke leads to an increased risk for serious lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. And we’ve known for some time that secondhand smoke also increases the likelihood of an infant dying from SIDS, crib death. Secondhand smoke exposure can also irritate a child’s upper respiratory tract; it can increase the number of colds and sore throats that a child gets. Further, it has been linked to a small but significant reduction in lung efficiency and lung function in children. One of the more frequent conditions that children can acquire from ongoing exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke is asthma. Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting an average of 1 in 13 school-age children. Children who don’t have asthma and are routinely exposed to cigarette smoke are more likely to develop the illness. As for children who already have asthma, cigarette smoke can trigger asthmatic attacks and worsen asthmatic symptoms. Another important point that parents who smoke should consider is that if there are cigarettes in the home, older children will be more tempted to try them. Every day in the United States, an estimated one thousand youths under 18 years of age begin smoking regularly! Federal law banned cigarette advertising on radio and television in 1970. And while this was a brave and wise move on the part of the government — and one which helped reduce the percentage of Americans who smoke by half — glamorous, captivating cigarette ads still abound in magazines and on billboards. A parent is well-advised to take proactive steps to counter the influences to which his or her children are exposed through various media. Consider the following numbers gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: in 2010, American cigarette manufacturers spent a startling $8 billion on advertising and promotions — $22 million a day! States generate a combined total of tens of billions of dollars every year, money which is available to them for the prevention and control of tobacco use. These monies come from excise taxes and legal settlements against the tobacco industry. However, the CDC points out that states are spending only a tiny percentage of these funds to fight tobacco consumption. In 2013, states are expected to collect $25.7 billion in tobacco taxes and legal settlements. But they are spending less than two percent of that money on anti-smoking programs. Doctors recommend that parents not smoke inside the house, and that they alert visitors who smoke that smoking is not allowed around the children. In addition, for the 69 percent of smokers who stated in a recent CDC poll that they want to quit, there are over-the-counter and prescription aids to help them do so. Substituting a harmful behavior, smoking, for a healthy one, such as exercise, can be an even better option. So aware have we become now about the dangers of secondhand smoke for adults (it’s responsible for about three thousand lung cancer deaths a year in adult non-smokers in the U.S.) and for children, that doctors now caution us about thirdhand smoke: the smoke particles and gases that linger after a cigarette is extinguished. These toxic, cancerous substances cling to furniture, clothing and hair … long after the smoker has finished smoking. By Marc Courtiol

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Are Hand Sanitizers Dangerous?

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:31:15 +0000

Many of us heard the sad story recently about the Klamath Falls, OR 12-year-old girl who received second- and third-degree burns to one-fifth of her body while inside a hospital, after static charge sparks ignited the hand sanitizer she had just used to clean her hands and a bedside table. The sanitizer then burned olive oil that was on the girl’s scalp and T-shirt, making the flames burn more fiercely. The fire marshal stated that the girl was burned through an unusual set of circumstances that had come together. The girl was at the hospital undergoing tests after she hit her head at school and lost consciousness. The olive oil had been used to remove glue from her scalp that had held electrodes for an EEG exam in place. The girl had wiped some of the oil on her shirt. The young girl had recently learned about static electricity, and she is said to have been trying to create sparks in her bed by scuffing her feet and rubbing the bed sheets. That’s when the alcohol-based hand sanitizer she had just used, which she may have also wiped on her shirt, caught on fire. Since this unfortunate incident, fire authorities have stated that hand sanitizers are safe to use, as long as they’re used in a well-ventilated area, away from any flames or heat sources, and they’re used as directed. But the event brings up an opportunity to ask the question of whether using hand sanitizers, especially for children, is a good idea after all. For starters, many brands have harsh synthetic chemicals that can be toxic to our systems. Further, the amount of alcohol in sanitizers can be between 60 and 85 percent of the product’s volume, with most sanitizers containing a little more than 60 percent. This could prove too harsh for children’s skins, which are thinner and more delicate than adults’ skins. If there is any type of flame or an incandescent heat source, such as a space heater, there is the risk, however small, that the sanitizer bottle could catch on fire, since alcohol fumes are forever being released from the dispenser. Or a person’s hands could be ignited after using the sanitizer and before the mixture has had a chance to dry. Perhaps the unfortunate incident in Oregon is a reminder that sometimes, less is more, and that the natural way of going about things is often better than a commercial artifact. Using a mild soap and water would be better for young children’s skins than using a harsh hand sanitizer. And when soap and water are not available, a parent could fill an empty plastic bottle partly with some rubbing alcohol, then fill the rest with water. If you carry that as your emergency cleanser, it offers two ready advantages — besides the lower cost: you decide how much alcohol you want in your hand cleaner, and you know that your solution won’t have any synthetic additives that have been found to be toxic in some studies, and are frowned upon by natural health advocates (these include triclosan and propylene glycol, common ingredients in hand sanitizers). Another great natural cleanser is vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and you have a natural solution that will clean not only hands … but your home, as well! Vinegar offers the added advantage of moisturizing skin, instead of drying it, like alcohol can do. If you want your hand cleaner to have more of a fragrance, you can use natural oils such as tea tree oil, which is a good antibacterial (and skin moisturizer), to make it. There are also moist towelettes, which can come in very handy in a pinch. The challenge with these, however, is that many contain harsh chemicals that, again, can be bad for skin or even produce rashes. If you do opt for moistened, packaged wipes, buy ones that have neither alcohol nor fragrance, so as to be less irritating to a child’s skin. By Marc Courtiol

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Talking to Your Daughter about Her First Menstrual Period

Alex — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:26:35 +0000

A lot of parents these days rely in small or in large part on schools to supply their children with information about the changes that happen to the body during puberty, and about sex. But it’s a very good idea to supplement the education that children may get in class — and even to begin having those discussions, in age-appropriate ways, long before they’re brought up in the classroom. For starters, it’s likely that as your child approaches his or her teenage years, he or she will begin hearing “things” from their friends and schoolmates. By being proactive in teaching a child, a parent makes an excellent opportunity to correct any misinformation that the child may have heard, and to add information that will be useful to them. As they’re about to reach puberty, both girls and boys should have been told about the changes that will transpire in their bodies and girls have menstrual period. And these days, the education needs to start earlier. In the case of girls, whereas a century ago, American girls began menstruating at 14 or 15, girls in the United States nowadays usually start menstruating at age 12 or 13; some begin much earlier (and some later). Three years before menarche, her first period, your daughter will start developing breasts. If you haven’t already had discussions, this is a good time to begin ongoing talks about the changes that are about to take place, and what they will mean. You can get as involved in the anatomy and biology of these changes as you wish (i.e., discussing the female sex hormones that drive them, estrogen and progesterone, as well as the function of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the release of one monthly egg into the uterus, etc.). For this, you may want to find a good book with illustrations, or a video, which you and your daughter can read or watch together. It is advisable that you view the materials with her, so as to address any comments or questions that come up. If you prefer to keep things simpler, here is some information that you will want to convey to your daughter, long before that first period arrives: She will begin developing breasts three years before her first period If she is developing faster, or more slowly than her friends, it is important to let her know that different people mature at different ages; reassure her that her development is normal Closer to menstruation, she will start getting a white vaginal discharge; explain to her that this is the vagina’s way of staying clean, and it is perfectly normal The beginning of menstruation means that she’ll be able to get pregnant if she has sexual intercourse. Even if she hasn’t yet gotten her first period, there is a small chance that an egg could be released from the ovaries just before she gets her period, and be fertilized if sperm are present. Meaning that she could potentially get pregnant, even if she hasn’t yet ever menstruated A typical monthly cycle is 28 days long (though a small percentage of females have longer or shorter cycles) During her first years menstruating, a girl’s periods may be irregular, and she might even menstruate only 3-4 times a year Periods normally last 3-5 days, and they can be light, moderate or heavy, depending on the person Though sanitary napkins may be advisable for a young girl whose pelvis isn’t yet fully developed, there is no reason why she cannot use tampons, especially if she wants to swim If she does opt to use tampons, discuss the dangers of toxic shock syndrome with her (TSS), which can be largely prevented by changing tampons regularly (every few hours), and using the smallest-absorbency tampon possible (e.g., regular slim, as opposed to super-absorbent) Cramps: they often accompany the beginning of a period; they are normal and are the result of the uterine muscles contracting. The following help to prevent or relieve menstrual cramps: Eating a well-balanced diet Eating foods rich in iron and B vitamins before, during and after a period Regular exercise and stretching Getting plenty of sleep If necessary, your daughter may use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Aleve or Motrin (if cramps are consistently severe enough to interfere with your daughter’s daily activities, talk to your doctor) If you feel a little uncomfortable bringing up the subject of menstruation with your daughter at first, use questions that she may ask through the years as launching points for discussions, or reflect back on your own adolescent experiences, starting a conversation for instance, with: “I remember how anxious I was about getting my first period when I was your age…” which will likely invite comments and questions from your daughter. By Lisa Pecos

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New Guidelines to Fight Type 2 Diabetes in Children

Alex — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:27:16 +0000

The current childhood obesity epidemic has led to the American Academy of Pediatrics publishing new guidelines, for the first time ever, for doctors to follow in managing type 2 diabetes in patients between the ages of 10 and 18. Type 2 diabetes affects 90 to 95 percent of the 26 million American adult diabetics, but it had been rare in children and adolescents. As childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed, one in three children younger than 18 diagnosed with diabetes is now diagnosed with type 2. Few doctors have been trained to manage type 2 in children, and until now, few studies have been done on pediatric type 2; few medications have been evaluated to determine safety and efficacy in children with type 2. The new clinical practice guidelines addressing pediatric type 2 were published in the February, 2013 issue of Pediatrics, published online on January 28, 2013. Doctors who authored the guidelines recommend to their colleagues that when it is unknown whether a young patient has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, insulin treatment be used for all patients with very high blood sugar or with ketosis (ketosis involves high levels of ketones in the blood — small particles that indicate that the body is burning fat, instead of carbohydrates, for energy). Once it is established that patient has type 2, insulin treatment can be stopped, and treatment can then consist of lifestyle changes, as well as the drug Metformin. The recommendations call for youths with type 2 diabetes to get one hour’s worth of daily moderate-to-vigorous exercise, and to limit non-school-related computer use to less than two hours a day. Primary care doctors are advised to be on alert for type 2 cases in their young patients, as type 2 symptoms are not as obvious as type 1 symptoms, and the onset of type 2 diabetes is more gradual. Prediabetes is more common in overweight youth than full diabetes, so the doctors advise that it’s important to intervene when it becomes obvious that a child is gaining excess weight; it is easier to prevent type 2 diabetes than it is to treat it. The guidelines also call for coordination between the primary care physician, a specialist, an nutritionist and other professionals who may be needed, such as a psychologist or social worker to help implement necessary lifestyle/behavioral changes. Type 1 diabetes, usually diagnosed in children and young adults, results from an autoimmune reaction in which the body attacks and destroys pancreatic cells that produce insulin; the body is therefore unable to produce insulin (insulin is responsible for causing various cells in the body to take up glucose from the blood and convert it to energy). Type 2 diabetes results from muscles and other tissues in the body developing a resistance to the insulin produced by the pancreas. The pancreas compensates by making more insulin; blood sugar goes up, as the body is unable to make enough insulin. Symptoms of type 2 include glucose in the urine, low energy, a discharge from the penis or vaginal yeast infections, frequent urination, and excess thirst. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by maintaining a normal weight and eating a healthy diet. To avoid unhealthful weight gain, doctors recommend that children eat healthier, smaller food portions. Whole foods are always better than processed foods; a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, healthy low-fat proteins and grains, and low in sugar, will help keep everyone, of any age, healthy. Medical experts agree that medications alone can only do so much for type 2 diabetes; lifestyle changes — more physical activity and a healthful diet — are key to maintaining or regaining good health. By Marc Courtoil

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Before You Give Your Child Stimulants for ADHD, Try Some Dietary Changes

Alex — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:37:10 +0000

The American Psychiatric Association estimates that between 3 and 7 percent of American children suffer from attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, though some studies show even higher rates. ADHD diagnoses have increased by an astounding 66 percent since 2000. Many children now take prescription drugs, chiefly stimulants, to combat the symptoms of ADHD — hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Because it’s a growing problem, studies continue being done to try to determine if there are other alternatives, besides drug therapy, that could help a child with ADHD. The Role of Nutrition Proper nutrition, including a wide assortment of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids is important for a young child, to support normal brain development. Studies have found that children with ADHD, as well as many Americans who consume the typical “Western” diet — high in processed foods and low in nutritional value — have low levels of essential fatty acids (EFAs). These include omega-3 and omega-6 acids. In a study of close to 100 boys, those with lower levels of omega-3 acids had more learning and behavioral problems than boys who had normal levels. Studies on the link between low omega-3 fatty acids and ADHD have yielded mixed results. A few studies have found that omega-3’s help improve behavioral symptoms, though some have criticized the studies’ methodology as not being rigorous. While some experts feel that more studies are needed, eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids could prove beneficial. Good food sources of omega-3’s are: Fish, including salmon and sardines Beef and dairy products from grass-fed cows Omega-3 enriched egg yolks Wild rice Beans Good-quality fish oil supplements can also be purchased; they can be found at most supermarkets and pharmacies, as well as natural supplement centers and online. Herbal Therapy Many parents report good results using herbs as sleep aids, for ADHD children who have difficulty sleeping. These can be bought in capsules, and some come in tea bags for tea as well. Popular calming herbs include: Valerian Lemon balm Kava Hops Passion flower If your child is taking other medications, you should consult with your pediatrician before using herbs, as they may produce undesired effects when mixed with other medicines. For example, calming herbs should not be taken in conjunction with sedative medications, as they can increase the sedative’s effects. Elimination Diets At least a small percentage of children with ADHD is believed to be reactive or allergic to certain foods or food additives, which can induce hyperactive behaviors. Whole foods that may be a problem include: Milk (though buying organic milk may make all the difference) Eggs (again, organic eggs may be better tolerated than non-organic) Nuts Wheat Soy products Food additives that are suspected by some experts, as well as parents, to cause ADHD and trigger symptoms: Artificial colorings (especially yellow, red or green) Artificial preservatives If you suspect that a whole food, or a food additive, may be behind your child’s ADHD symptoms, you could try doing an elimination diet, where you eliminate from your child’s diet all foods and additives that you suspect may be causing the symptoms, wait 2-4 weeks, then, if symptoms improve, reintroduce foods one by one, waiting a week before introducing the next food. Keep a journal where you write specific comments about your child’s behavior after consuming the different foods. You can continue this process until the culprit food or foods have been identified, or until you know that none of the foods was the problem. Elimination diets are something for which you may want to enlist the help of your pediatrician or a registered dietician, to prevent nutritional deficiencies and get feedback on your child’s reactions to the foods. Sugar Though many parents suspect that sugar sets off ADHD symptoms in their children, no study has found a link between sugar consumption and ADHD. However, for a number of other reasons, it is certainly healthy for children and adults alike to consume a low-sugar diet. Brown, raw sugar and honey, used in moderation, are always better than the bleached, nutrient-depleted sugar used to make candies, children’s breakfast cereals, and most processed foods that contain sugar. Eating a Healthy Diet Consuming a healthy diet, low in processed foods and rich in whole, natural foods (organic, whenever possible) is a good choice for everyone in the family, and will foster good health in general, now and in the future. A healthy diet for school-age children, and their parents, is low in fat, high in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Lean protein (lean steak, chicken, fish, and beans) is also part of a healthy diet. We all need good fats daily, too, such as those from avocados, nuts or olive oil (for cooking or salad dressings). Low-fat dairy foods are also good. Eat balanced meals by including simple and complex carbohydrates, protein, and good fats at every meal. Carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, starches, pasta) should make up about 50 percent of a person’s daily food intake, with protein and fats evenly split, give or take, for the other 50 percent. Seek out foods high in omega-3 acids, or purchase a good fish oil supplement. A Few Parting Tips on Encouraging Good Behavior from Your Child Keep things simple Stick to a clearly defined, stated routine. For example, lay out a series of steps that your child must always follow when he or she gets up in the morning and gets ready for school. Have specific rules about when homework is done and under what circumstances (i.e., no outside distractions such as TV) Reward good behavior with verbal praise, as well as periodic treats As hard as it may be, remain calm, even when things are chaotic! Getting worked up will only aggravate the situation By Marc Courtiol

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Should Children Take Antidepressants?

Alex — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 02:42:13 +0000

While this decision is one that parents of minors should ultimately weigh carefully and decide upon, many of us are hesitant to put too many artificial chemicals inside our bodies. These chemicals often come with undesirable side effects, sometimes dangerous ones, and never is the case more so than with antidepressants. The ongoing, tragic series of mass shootings by children and young adults that the United States has experienced recently, has brought the subject of youths and antidepressants to the forefront once again. Some of the children and young adults who committed these crimes are now known to have been taking antidepressants. As we know, some of the shooters went on to kill themselves after committing their massacres. A few years ago, an evaluation of clinical trials in patients under age 18 found that a current frequently prescribed class of antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, raised the risk of suicidal thinking when compared with a placebo. Many studies followed, and while their findings varied, a pattern was found: when compared with a placebo, antidepressants, including SSRIs, seem to double the risk of suicidal thinking from 1-2 percent, to 2-4 percent in both children and adults. One of these SSRIs was fluoxetine (Prozac), which is approved to treat depression in children, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Many children’s advocates feel that antidepressants are being prescribed excessively for children, and that the long-term effects haven’t been studied enough. For example, a common side effect of SSRIs is that they diminish the sex drive, ability to perform, and sexual satisfaction in adults who take them. This damage can sometimes be permanent. Parents should give careful thought to whether they want to move in that direction with their children, possibly impairing the children’s future ability to engage in sex and derive enjoyment from it, when they become adults. Symptoms of childhood depression include: Intense sadness Irritability or frequent anger Low self-esteem Changes in sleep pattern — sleeping too much or sleeping less Persistent clinginess or withdrawal Decreased or increased appetite Frequent headaches Feelings of worthlessness Thoughts of death or suicide The causes of childhood depression can include traumatic life events, diminished physical health, history of depression in the family, or dietary imbalances. Also, families where there is ongoing chaos or conflict (such as fighting/arguing between parents or other relatives) can increase the chances of a child or teen becoming depressed. Not all children will display all the symptoms listed above. If you suspect that your young child or teen is in the 2.5 percent of American youths who suffer from depression, here are some natural, beneficial, side effect-free things that you can get your child to try: Exercise every day: regular exercise increases endorphins — brain hormones that enhance feelings of well-being; exercise also decreases anxiety and boosts self-esteem Encourage children to play or interact with other kids, have sleep-overs Encourage your children to volunteer in the community, helping others who are less fortunate, or becoming involved in activities at your place of worship Have your child stop consumption of caffeinated sodas (or sodas in general); caffeine increases anxiety, nervousness, and can worsen feelings of sadness after caffeine’s effect wears off Avoid sugary foods or treats. Sugar may give child an initial rush of energy, but when blood sugar and energy later drop, child may feel more depressed. Stick to fresh or dried fruits as snacks. When eating ice cream, chop fresh fruit or nuts and pour over ice cream, to slow absorption of sugar into bloodstream Insure that your child is getting enough levels of B vitamins, which help boost blood circulation and will energize him or her naturally (you may wish to buy a quality multi-vitamin + minerals, or a B-complex supplement) Omega-3 fatty acids aid normal brain function. Salmon and sardines are rich in these; but you can also purchase quality fish oil capsules, which filter out contaminants like mercury in fish. Look for “DHA” on the label Eat foods high in magnesium: peas, beans, nuts, whole grains, green vegetables. The body uses magnesium to produce the mood-enhancing neurotransmitter serotonin; emotional stress is known to deplete magnesium Other things you can do: Talk to your child, to try to pinpoint what’s making them blue. Make empathic statements such as, “I can understand how (a certain situation or event) could make you feel very upset.” Help them try to have a positive outlook for the future by expressing hope that things can and will get better with a particular situation. Let them know that you love them and that they are important to you. Speak of human imperfection, but how we all just need to keep doing the best we can and working on improvement. Pray together. If you feel the need, seek the help of a school counselor, or a psychotherapist. By Marc Courtiol

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Are Your Children Needlessly Being Poisoned by Flame Retardants?

Alex — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 02:56:04 +0000

In the 1970’s, the United States government implemented fire safety standards that now have manufacturers of many types of furnishings and household goods using toxic flame-retardant chemicals, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs. PBDEs are similar in chemical structure to PCBs, which were banned after they were found to be linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and impaired brain development in fetuses. But PBDEs are now being used prevalently by manufacturers of many products, including polyurethane foams for furniture; mattresses; plastics for television cabinets, computers, electronics and small appliances; wire insulation; carpeting; as coatings for draperies and upholstery — and on baby furnishings, including crib mattresses, high chairs, car seats, and walkers. Fire retardants help slow down flame ignition and the rate of flame growth. But since their chemical components are not bound to the materials to which they’re applied, these chemicals can easily be distributed through the home, winding up in household dust, and even on our clothing and on our hands, after we handle products that contain these chemicals. Not only are most of us being exposed to PBDEs, which are increasingly being found to be toxic, these chemicals are also contaminating the air, soil, waterways, and landfills. What was initially meant to help insure public safety, has now become a source of great concern for doctors, environmental scientists, and consumers: As many as 97 percent of all Americans have significant levels of PBDEs in their blood. This includes most children and many newborn babies! A typical American baby is born with the highest concentrations of fire retardants in their blood among babies born in the entire world! PBDEs have been found to disrupt the human body’s hormone-releasing mechanisms, and they are also believed to damage brain processes that affect learning and memory. A recent study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that exposure to these chemicals in unborn babies, and in childhood, was associated with diminished attention, fine motor coordination, and cognition in school-age children. Higher exposure to these chemicals in adults was linked to decreased fertility. They are also believed to be toxic to the liver and thyroid gland. Previous studies found PBDEs in human breast milk. And while babies and children are among those most at risk for PBDEs’ ability to disrupt and harm development, products for babies and children are also the most likely to contain these chemicals! The Ecology Center found PBDEs in 60 percent of car seats made in 2011 that were tested. And a study recently published in Environmental Science and Technology detected PBDEs in 80 percent of strollers, high chairs, changing table pads, and walkers that it tested. A Renowned Surgeon and College Professor Lied to State of California to Get PBDEs into Baby and Children’s Products Recent increased use of toxic fire retardant chemicals in baby and children’s products was partly the result of false statements that a renowned college professor and burn expert gave to California and Alaska lawmakers in 2011. Dr. David Heimbach, a former surgery professor at the University of Washington, and burn expert, testified before lawmakers about babies who had been burned to death while sleeping on mattresses that did not have flame retardants. Gripped by the doctor’s touching testimony, lawmakers authorized the increased use of flame retardants — despite voiced concerns from doctors, environmentalists, and even firefighters. Later, it was uncovered that Dr. Heimbach’s testimony had been made up! The babies he focused on, who had presumably been burned to death, had never existed. Dr. Heimbach turned out to be a paid consultant for the Citizens for Fire Safety — which was found to be nothing more than a front group for companies that made flame retardants (and which now no longer exists). A spokeswoman at the University of Washington told the Chicago Tribune reporter who broke the story that the university was “very disappointed” in Dr. Heimbach’s actions. However, the doctor was not disciplined in any manner because by the time the story appeared in the Tribune and other newspapers, the doctor had already retired. The fire retardant industry has essentially overstated the benefits of fire retardants going back decades now, even forming the phony “watchdog” group that campaigned for the use of these chemicals. What Can You Do to Decrease Exposure to PBDEs in Your Household? California Governor Jerry Brown promised in June 2012 to reform the state’s stringent furniture flammability standards (these standards resulted in the increased use of flame retardants nationwide). California’s standard could be revised by the summer of 2013. But until standards are modified, here are a few important ways to minimize household exposure to PBDEs for you and your children: Because flame-retardant chemicals settle in dust particles, dust your home frequently. Vacuum often, and mop hard surfaces often, too. Be especially vigilant to eliminate dust as much as possible if you have a baby or toddler who plays on the floor a lot: toddlers who play on the floor and put things in their mouths often have greater levels of PBDEs in their bodies! Wash your hands and your children’s hands after handling electronics, especially before eating. Buy organic baby items and mattresses, as well as organic building materials, including carpeting. Some manufacturers also now offer products labeled “flame retardant-free.” By Jamell Andrews

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Important Things You Should Consider Before Bringing Home a Pet for Your Children

Alex — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:57:35 +0000

Around holiday time or birthdays, a lot of well-meaning parents cave in to their children’s pleas for a pet. But sometimes, things don’t go smoothly, especially with younger children, and the pets are soon after returned to the seller or shelter, or given away. Or worse, the child or the pet wind up getting seriously hurt. There are stories of kittens getting crushed by toddlers who accidentally sit on them. One mother posted a comment on a website recently, letting other parents know that her gentle, loving four-year-old daughter had just squeezed her hamster to death. A child’s age is certainly an important consideration, before you decide whether or not to get your child a pet, and what type of pet is appropriate at their stage. Just as a young child can accidentally or intentionally pose a danger to the pet, the pet can also be a danger to a child. A study on dog bites published in 2006 by Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, showed that babies in the study who were one year of age and younger were at higher risk for getting bitten by dogs — often family pets — after the infants inadvertently annoyed the dogs by doing such things as pulling on their tails or disturbing the animals when the animals were eating. Also, small dogs were more likely to attack small children than older children. The researchers theorized that small dogs are more apt to feel “superior” to little children, and may wish to establish their “place in the pack,” as dogs do in the wild. In the United States, a little more than one dog bite serious enough to require medical attention is reported per every 1,000 people. Studies show that children are more likely to get bitten by dogs than adults. A child who is older than one year is certainly not out of danger. Nationally, the highest incidence of dog bites is among 5- to 9-year old boys. Children tend to underestimate the possible danger of interacting with dogs, and as such, they are more careless than adults. Little boys, who might be more fearless and more physically active than little girls, will take more chances with a dog or get within its vicinity more, and so they wind up getting hurt more. Direct physical contact is not always the reason for a bite. Some bites on boys have happened when the boys were cycling past a dog. As a result of their findings, the researchers in the Pediatrics study recommended that parents postpone getting a dog until their children are of school age. Other experts recommend that parents wait until the children are 7 or 8. Once the dog does arrive, parents should either get training for the dog, or actively educate their children about not roughing up the animal, and proceeding with some caution around the dog. Another thing to consider is the different temperaments that different breeds of dogs have. Some are better with children than others. If you think you’re going to need your child to do most of the care for the animal, then you’ll want to wait until they’re older yet. Once your child is about 10, he or she will be mature enough to help care for the pet on a daily basis. However, you should still always check to see that the animals have enough food and water, and that their cage or litter box is kept clean. If you already have a pet, and you bring home a new baby, be sure you introduce your infant to the pet, and supervise interactions closely, gradually increasing the length of time that the baby and the pet spend together. As the baby grows into a curious toddler, you will want to keep a vigilant eye, to insure that they don’t hurt the pet or are hurt by the pet. By Lisa Pecos

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Effective Ways to Handle Children’s Tantrums

Alex — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 20:06:06 +0000

We’ve all experienced it: we’re at the grocery store, or even a department store … when out of nowhere, a child starts letting out nerve-congealing screams that quickly direct our attention to the source — a toddler or slightly older child is upset that he or she can’t have some enticing-looking goody they’ve come across, and they’re letting the whole world know they’re upset. Very often, the parent accompanying the child does nothing at all to calm the youngster, simply ignoring the meltdown altogether — which interestingly, is what a lot of experts recommend that a parent do in such a case: nothing (“why should you let your child manipulate you,” the logic goes). On a few occasions, we will watch as the parent starts administering whacks to the child — which usually only escalates the screaming. In this writer’s view, neither ignoring the tantrum, nor applying corporal punishment, is a fair solution. Ignoring the hollering is disruptive and distressing for everyone in the vicinity, including the parent. Hitting the child, on the other hand, will not only make the youngster even more upset, but as we all now increasingly understand, hitting children can lead to even more behavioral problems later on, and damage a child’s psyche all the way into adulthood. So, what is a parent to do? First, parents need to understand that throwing tantrums is a part of growing up. From about age one, to around age four, most children can be counted on to periodically release their frustrations of the moment by screaming, hitting, kicking, dropping to the floor, and so on. The fact that children have very limited vocabularies in their first years means that they’re that much more likely to become frustrated, when they’re unable to communicate their feelings about something to other children or adults. You don’t want to immediately cave in to your child’s demand, however, and certainly not every time, because that will teach the child that if they throw a tantrum, they can get whatever they want. But what a parent can do is take specific steps to put an end to the tantrum there and then, and other steps to decrease the chances of disruptive emotional outbursts occurring in the future. At the beginning of a tantrum, it is important for a parent to remain calm. Take a couple of deep breaths, if necessary, then gently grab your child by the shoulders or lift them up to your level, making eye contact and acknowledging their emotions with comments such as, “I understand that you’re upset right now.” Then, you explain to the child that you need for them to behave while at the store. If the child cannot be controlled, you may need to leave the store for a moment, or even go sit inside the car, until your child has calmed down. You then ask him or her if they are now ready to go back to the store and behave in a nice way. If the tantrum happens at home over a toy, for instance, help two fighting children reach an agreeable solution. For younger children, you could offer the screaming child some type of distraction — another toy that they can play with, or try to engage them in another activity for a while, even if it requires moving the child to another area of the home. Soon enough, the child playing with the coveted toy will grow tired of it, and the formerly screaming child can then have a turn at it. If a child has engaged in physical violence against another child (or an adult), you will want to place the aggressor in a “time-out” for a little while, separate from others, and verbally reinforce that he or she cannot hit people. Later on, after the tantrum and the time-out are done and over with, take the opportunity to teach your child to communicate his or her feelings with words, instead of punching, kicking or hollering. Children are more apt to throw tantrums when they are tired, hungry, thirsty or under too much stress. So, taking that into account, plan shopping trips for times when child is properly fed and has had enough sleep (for example, after their nap). If you think that shopping is going to take a while, plan ahead by taking a small snack inside a baggie for your child to eat, along with some water or diluted juice to drink, in case he or she starts to get cranky or hungry. Some healthy suggestions for snacks: tortilla chips and small chunks of cheese, or a couple of string cheese tubes with some grapes or apple slices. (Always remember to carry something to wipe your child’s hands with, before they touch the food.) With respect to emotional overload, work to ensure that your child is not overwhelmed by too much going on around them at home, or too many activities in their day. It is also important for bed times and meal times to be consistent every day. Positive reinforcement is very helpful: when your child does behave well, or when they are able to stop a tantrum on its tracks, with minimal assistance from you, tell them how proud you are of how well they behaved; tell them what a “big boy” or “big girl” they’re getting to be — kids love hearing that, and it will cause them to behave in ways that will generate more positive feedback from you. By Lisa Pecos

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5 Ways to Know if Your Child is too Busy

Alex — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:36:38 +0000

Today’s parenting culture is one of ambition and high expectation. In an age of increasing competition in all areas of the socioeconomic spectrum, we all want our kids not just to do well but to excel. In light of this, many parents forget to leave their children time for the simple things—playing outdoors, engaging in imaginative activities and such. We tend to think time that is not spent engaged in a productive activity is time wasted. Having high expectations for one’s children is perfectly natural, and there are virtues to this parenting approach, but there must be a sense of balance. Kids who are not allowed to be kids tend to suffer in numerous ways, and it is up to the parents to make sure things do not go too far. The trouble with this is that it can be difficult to know what is normal. Families live in their own insular worlds, and without extensive interaction with other families, you can never really know if your private family interactions are in line with the standards of your peers. So let us make it simple. Here are some ways you can know whether your child is too busy. 1. Shortage of interests: For most kids, school work is a necessity and does not qualify as an outside interest. If it seems like your child’s mind is constantly occupied with school-related things, this could be a problem. In this case, ease up on the responsibilities and encourage your child to do things that he or she truly wants to do. 2. He or she cannot keep up: If you child seems always behind on his or her school work yet puts plenty of effort into it, this is a sign that the load is too great and that you may need to find ways to give your child more free time. 3. Stagnant social life: When a child spends too much time on school and other responsibilities, it begins to take a toll on social activity. Children have different levels of social activity, but there is a problem if your child almost never sees friends outside school or does not seem to show an interest in making friends. 4. You cannot keep up: If your child’s responsibilities are so numerous that you and your spouse cannot keep up with them yourselves, this is a good sign that there is too much going on in your child’s life. Of course, you also may be busy, and having multiple kids can make the situation even more chaotic. But if you are having trouble keeping up with everything, maybe take a step back and ask yourself if your child could use a little more free time. 5. You do not have quality family time: If you feel your child is drifting away from you on a personal level and that you do not have enough old-fashioned quality time, take this feeling seriously, as quality time is essential for healthy families and for individuals within families. Make it a priority to just spend time together without feeling as if you need to be engaged in productive activities. There is nothing wrong with that. By Marc Courtiol

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How Important is Reading to your Toddler?

Alex — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 03:03:37 +0000

If you read many parenting books and articles, you have probably heard that reading to babies is useful for bonding and for exposing young children to a variety of words and sounds but is ultimately not that important for development. This is certainly true when it comes to children under a year old, but the story becomes much different for children aged two to three. During these years, reading continues to be important for bonding and language development, but it is also an important way to teach your child about the world and to get an early jump on his or her education. In short, if you are not already reading to your toddler, it is time to start. The basic benefits of reading There is undeniable proof, backed by countless studies, that toddlers whose parents read to them have distinct advantages in numerous areas, including socially and educationally. The reason for these benefits are easy to understand. Reading helps expose the toddler’s developing mind to sights and concepts that are not present in his or her daily life, and this helps prepare the child to process all sorts of new situations in life. In general, the more broad a young child’s experience with the world, the more prepared he or she is to process new experiences, and reading is a big contributing factor to this. Plus, there is the simple fact that words introduce new concepts, helping children to think better and think in new directions. Language development is not the only element in intellectual skills, but it is crucial, as words represent things in the world, and the more words a child knows, the more comfortable she will be with the world. Meanwhile, reading to toddlers helps them develop their unique personalities and interests. When you read to a child who is under a year old, you might find that he is engaged in the material but not significantly more engaged in one book than in any other (although many young children best enjoy the books they are familiar with). Through the toddler years, though, you will notice your child taking a greater interest in certain types of books. The more types of books you expose her to, the greater chance she has to find things she likes—and this helps lay the groundwork for future hobbies and personal pursuits. Reading well Reading has little benefit if you try to do it when your toddler is not in the mood and hence not receptive to the educational side of it. While it is best to read to your child as often as possible—having multiple reading sessions a day is optimal—what is most important is that you discover the times and moods in which your child will be most engaged in the activity. This might be early in the morning, later in the day after a nap, or in the evening before bed time. The only way to know for sure is to experiment. Meanwhile, it is also important to let your child have a hand in what books you read and how you read them. At some point, you might find your child asking you to read the same book over and over. This might be boring for parents, but it is a sign that she is taking an interest in something, which is good. Plus, you can bet that she will move on to a different book in time. Even though reading can at times become a chore for parents, it is also important to be engaged and to try to read well. Kids love when their parents read slowly and clearly, point things out in the pictures, and even do voices for the different characters. If you genuinely have fun with it, your child will also have more fun. At some point during the toddler years, you may find your child has increasing difficulty sitting still through an entire book, paying attention, and following along without grabbing for the pages. None of this is bad. When your child loses interest or wanders off, you are free to stop reading, but be ready to pick it up again when she comes back. Also do not be afraid to let her flip through the books herself. Board books are great for this, but at some point during the toddler years your child should learn to flip through a paper book without destroying the pages. This might take practice, so keep giving her chances. By Jamell Andrews

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Sibling Rivalries in Children

Alex — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 02:50:15 +0000

Relatively few children are fortunate enough to be close friends with their siblings — in few cases, siblings can even be best friends. But in the majority of cases, routine quabbles, and even drag-out fights, are a fact of life in the lives of brothers and sisters. Sibling rivalries can often go on even into adulthood! What Causes Sibling Rivalry? Some of the more basic reasons for sibling disputes are differences in personalities, ages and gender. But siblings can also fight over getting their equal share of household goods or parental attention. Or they can be competing to define who they are, and to show that they are a separate entity from their siblings. Children may be more apt to start fights with each other when they are hungry, bored or tired. They may also not know how to get positive attention from their siblings, so they start fights. Many children will vie for their parents’ attention: when parents are busy with their jobs, or when a new baby arrives in the home, kids may act out to get the parental attention they crave, or the attention that they were accustomed to getting before the new baby arrived. Siblings can also fight over possessions that they cherish. Sharing toys or other favorite things can be difficult to do for younger children. Issues of fairness can be another area of conflict: if one or more siblings feel that a brother or sister is getting preferential treatment from mom or dad — whether or not these feelings are justified — they can resent the sibling who is perceived to be getting the better treatment. What Can a Parent Do? For parents, one of the important things is to know when to intervene and stop the fighting, and when to let your children work out their differences by themselves. You should stop yourself from intervening every time you hear your children argue — letting your kids resolve their own problems will teach them valuable lessons about compromising, and negotiating for what they want. But if you see things starting to get physical, or if you see that a child is consistently at the receiving end of bullying from his or her other siblings, you can take specific steps to teach your kids to get along. If things are getting physical, separate the kids. Send kids to their own bedrooms for a while, to “cool off.” Take up their issues of disagreement when everybody is calm. If fighting is consistent and becomes problematic, take time to teach kids about negotiation and compromise. Talk to them about not yelling, and talking to each other, instead. Encourage your children to give input on solutions that will be satisfactory for everyone — work on creating “win-win” solutions with them. If kids can’t come up with solutions, you as the parent can offer peaceful suggestions. For instance, if kids are fighting over the same toy, suggest that they play a game together with that toy. Don’t hesitate to ask kids themselves what they think would be an acceptable solution to the conflict. Enforcing specific rules is important: no hitting, name-calling, or damaging each other’s property. For parents, it is important to not play favorites. Even if you do happen to like one kid over the other (you would not be the first parent), don’t make it obvious. Refrain from telling one kid that their sibling is better at something. This can not only fuel sibling rivalries, but it can also harm your own relationship with your children. Don’t strive for equality, but for fairness: kids’ ages are likely different, and as such, they may be allowed to do different things. For instance, an older child will be allowed to go out with friends and stay out later, whereas a younger child has to be in bed early. An older sibling should be able to play with his or her friends, without a younger sibling always tagging along. The main thing is to treat each of your children as the unique individuals that they are, letting each know that they are special for their own talents and individuality. Giving each kid individual attention is a good way to establish a child’s uniqueness and special place within the family. Even a few minutes a day — 10 or 15 minutes of one-on-one time — will help instill in a child the sense that they are valued as an individual. As parents, we should also give each child a right to his or her own possessions: kids shouldn’t have to share every single thing with their siblings. Each child should own something that is totally their own, and that they don’t have to share with anyone. If kids fight over the same toy (or the remote control, for instance), schedule specific times when each child is in charge of that item. Having fun as a family is another way to foster cooperation and harmony among siblings. If kids have fun together, it will encourage them to work with each other when conflicts arise. If kids need time away from each other, and even from the family, as in the case of teenagers, arrange times for them to spend time with their peers engaging in age-appropriate activities. Parents Are Children’s Best Role Models Parents are the most important role models in their children’s lives. The way that parents resolve problems and conflicts will serve as a key example for children to follow. If you and your spouse work out conflicts in a non-aggressive manner that’s respectful and does not try lay “blame” but instead looks for solutions, your children will likewise pattern their problem-solving behaviors to what they see you and your spouse do. Finally, if you find that you are having too difficult a time controlling your children’s fighting, it may be time to seek professional help. By Jamell Andrews

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Nerves in Kids: The Brain-Gut Connection

Alex — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 23:23:30 +0000

We as parents try our best to buffer our children from stimuli or situations that could cause them undue psychological stress. We keep an eye out on what they watch on TV, the Internet, what video games they play. We strive to prevent them from witnessing situations that could emotionally traumatize them or make them fearful, which could lead to nightmares or generalized anxiety. In short, we do the best we can to protect our children’s minds — their brains — from undue stressors. But until recently, not a lot of attention was placed in Western culture on the role that our gastrointestinal systems play on stress levels, emotional health, sleep, and all-around proper brain functioning. We’ve always known that a situation that produces sudden, extreme fear or distress can result in a person involuntarily vomiting, urinating, or even defecating on the spot. The brain-gut connection is a very powerful one indeed… But only in recent years have researchers begun uncovering the precise mechanisms through which our brains and our digestive systems are so strongly interconnected. This new field of science, known as neurogastroenterology, has made giant leaps in our understanding of the brain-gut connection, and new discoveries continue to be made. The “Second Brain” One of the more startling recent discoveries about the enteric nervous system, as the autonomic system that regulates digestion is called, is just how vastly more complex and intricate it is than most of us, even researchers, could have imagined. Some leading scientists have in fact nicknamed the gut the second brain, due to the many important similarities between it and the brains inside our skulls. We now know that the human gut is home to scores of neurotransmitters, just like our brains. Neurotransmitters are organic chemical compounds, manufactured by our bodies, which serve to transmit tiny electric signals — or messages — between the body’s nerve cells, the neurons. Almost every chemical that is found in the brain and controls the brain, has also been identified in the gut — neurotransmitters, as well as hormones. In the case of serotonin, the so-called “happy” hormone, which also works as a neurotransmitter, the GI tract actually manufactures 95 percent of all the body’s serotonin, with the brain producing the remaining five percent. Serotonin is known to greatly influence our overall sense of well-being; it regulates mood and aggression, and it relieves anxiety and depression. It’s also considered to be a natural sleep aid. So, striving to maintain a healthy GI tract, and optimal serotonin levels in the gut, will promote better emotional health, as well. Communication between the brain and the gut flows both ways: neurons in our guts send signals to our brains, and our brains send signals to the gut. The brain and the gut communicate with each other in a continual basis, forever processing external and internal stimuli and responding accordingly as a unit.. Emotions and the Gut Just like the brain, the GI tract is sensitive to emotions — anger, anxiety, sadness, happiness. Stomach or intestinal distress can be the physiological cause of emotional anxiety or depression — or it can be the result of these two.. Health practitioners find that a sizable percentage, even a majority, of patients suffering from chronic anxiety and depression will also have problems with their gastrointestinal function. The factors that disrupt one system may cause trouble for the other, as well. Likewise, what may cure problems in one system, could be beneficial to the other, too. Researchers have found that stress and depression can affect the automatic, coordinated peristaltic movements in our bowels that push food along the GI tract toward elimination. If these muscular contractions become too slow, they can cause constipation, inflammation, or make a person more susceptible to a GI tract infection. If peristalsis occurs too fast, it will lead to diarrhea. Nerves in the colon (the large intestine) are linked to the brain, as well. Stress and conflict in your child’s life (family problems, moving, taking tests, or other anxiety-producing situations) can produce intestinal imbalances..Heartburn, abdominal cramps, and loose stools can all be caused by stress. If you take steps to reduce stress, anxiety or depression in your child, digestive problems will likely improve. And you could also be preventing future digestive issues in your kid. One prominent physician who teaches physiology, as well as psychiatry, at UCLA, found that up to 70 percent of the patients that he treats for chronic gut disorders had experienced early childhood traumas (such as divorce, chronic illness or parental death). Irritable Bowel Syndrome We’ve been hearing more and more about IBS recently. So far, researchers have more questions than answers about this puzzling condition, which is characterized by abdominal pain, and either diarrhea or constipation, for several days each month, over several months. Scientists believe that IBS may be caused by a combination of physiologic, as well as psychological factors. Half of all IBS sufferers date the start of their symptoms to a major stressful or traumatic life event. Children with IBS are said to have increased sensitivity within the gut to external stimuli such as stress, as well as pain and bloatedness. Candidiasis and the Brain-Gut Connection In no other condition is the direct and strong connection between gut health and brain health more apparent than in excessive candida growth — candidiasis. Whether from excessive use of antibiotics or steroid-containing products, or from eating a diet that’s too high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, the populations of candida fungus that are normally present in the colon in relatively small numbers, and that aid digestive processes, can start growing extremely fast, overtaking the digestive system, as it were, gobbling up its nutrients and manufacturing toxins that can affect the entire body. Candida overgrowth can result in a long list of digestive, as well as cognitive and emotional ailments, including skin rashes, thrush, food allergies, alternating constipation and diarrhea, memory problems, poor concentration, hyperactivity, irritability and anxiety. Probiotics In addition to working to minimize the

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Does Entertainment Play a Role in the Increasing Gun Violence Among Youth?

Alex — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:22:44 +0000

The recent series of horrifying, unspeakably senseless mass shootings perpetrated by teenagers and young adults in different American states has all of us in this country searching for answers. What can be causing these increasingly common, genocidal outbursts of gun violence? And what can we as a society do to change things? Most of us understand that it would be simplistic to try to pin the growing number of mass shootings by young Americans on any one or two factors, in what has become a very complex society. A reasonable mind has to conclude that the causes behind these horrific events must be manifold. But it would be intellectually irresponsible, perhaps even morally negligent, to say that the entertainment media — television, movies, music, and nowadays, video games — play no role in this worsening state of events. Literally hundreds of studies have been done in the last few decades, which alternately find that television, video games, and other forms of entertainment that young people are exposed to, play no role in aggression and future propensity toward violence, while other times, studies find that children who are exposed to violence on television and other media are indeed more likely to display future aggression and violence, and show a decrease in “pro-social” or cooperative behavior. Before video games gained explosive popularity in this country, the focus was on TV and movie violence. A 15-year study by the University of Michigan, published in the journal Developmental Psychology in 2003, tracked the lives of hundreds of children in Chicago, to measure the effects of childhood exposure to TV violence on aggression as young adults. The study found that the more a child watched violent TV shows, the more likely he or she was to engage in later aggression, such as pushing, grabbing or shoving their spouse or another adult. They were also more likely to be convicted of a crime later on. The study also found that when violence was rewarded on TV, such as when a “hero” character received glory for killing a bad guy, the influence on the young viewer was worse than a bloodier act by a bad guy who was ultimately brought to justice. In the case of the hero character who was rewarded, violence was more likely to be seen as acceptable. The popularity that video games have gained in the past decade-plus gives parents yet one more reason to be concerned about the psychological influences to which their growing children are being exposed. As in the case of Hollywood regarding TV violence, many studies have been done that alternately show that children who play violent video games have an increased tendency toward aggression in the short term or long term — while other studies show no such link. States wanting to restrict younger kids from being able to purchase more violent, “mature” video games have been successfully challenged in courts by the very lucrative gaming industry. Current estimates indicate that around 90 percent of American kids ages 8 to 16 play video games, an average of 13 hours a week (with boys playing more than girls). And even when video games are not violent, it cannot be disputed that the more a person, of any age, spends time playing games that not only remove them from the world around them, but could tend to warp their sense of reality, the more out of touch they might become over time. It is believed that this is partly what happened in the case of James Holmes, the 25-year-old former PhD college student who walked into a packed Aurora, CO movie theater heavily armed, and killed 12 moviegoers at random. Friends who knew Holmes say that he became obsessed with video games, and he sometimes believed that he was one of the characters in them. With respect to the gratuitous violence in video games, critics point out that game publishers are, to a certain extent, training children on the use of lethal weapons — as well as desensitizing them to murder, by allowing them to role-play the killings of hundreds or even thousands of pretend enemies in a single video game. In July 2000, four respected national health organizations came together to tell the American public that violence in television, music, video games and movies does, indeed, increase aggression in children. The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, said in a joint statement that “prolonged viewing of media violence can lead to emotional desensitization toward violence in real life.” The groups stated that the effects of media violence exposure are “measurable and long-lasting.” The doctors were quick to point out that other major factors contributing to increased gun violence among youth are family breakdown and the availability of weapons. With respect to this last point — the proliferation and, yes, glorification, of firearms in this country — this is a state of affairs that has now left an emotional scar in the nation’s collective psyche forever. We now know that Nancy Lanza, the mother of Adam Lanza, the 20-year-old former college student who shot to death first his mother, then 20 children and six employees at an elementary school in Newtown, CT, had at least a dozen firearms inside her home. We now know that Nancy was an avid gun enthusiast, and that she often took her two sons to the local firing range to practice target shooting. Adam was mildly autistic, and his mother knew that he had emotional problems (so much so, that she was in the process of having him involuntarily committed). Two obvious questions that arise are, what were all those guns doing in the house? And why would a mother have wanted her boys to practice shooting guns; specifically, semi-automatic ones? Some things that parents in the U.S. can do, to stem the growing tide of gun violence in our youth, while we all wait for politicians to do

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Raise Kids Who are Smart about Money

Alex — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 05:19:27 +0000

Most people are not born with a natural ability to make smart financial decisions. As a species we are not designed to think about the long-term consequences of our actions, and the allure of the short-term can be powerful. That is why becoming smart with money takes plenty of training along with a decent amount of self-discipline. Although most of us recognize the importance of making smart financial decisions, it is clear that too many of today’s young people are not getting the parental guidance they need. All you have to do to grasp the seriousness of this is look at the ballooning figures pertaining to student debt and student loan defaults. Granted, much of this difficulty has to do with rising tuition costs and a bad economy, but young people nevertheless must live with their financial decisions, and making the wrong choices with money can have devastating lifelong consequences. Early training Let us start at the beginning, so that your child will be well-prepared for the difficult choices before he or she reaches the college years. Children should be taught the fundamentals of money from an early age. Of course, we do not want them to have to worry about money or have it add an unnecessary complication to their lives, but it is a good idea to give them a chance to learn to manage money early on. The best and most obvious way to do this is to give the child allowance. The money cannot be for nothing, however, as this would send an unproductive message. Allowance should rather be tied to accomplishments that require actual effort. These can be household chores, school performance, or good behavior. One popular approach that many parents find works well is to give the child the opportunity to earn the money he or she would need to buy the things that many parents give for nothing. Keep birthday and holiday presents minimal, but give your child a fairly generous allowance (tied to accomplishments) and encourage him or her to save money for coveted toys and other items. The earlier you can instill the value of saving, the better. Approaching college As your child gets into the high school years, it is time to start introducing more advanced money-related concepts. For one thing, do not forget about interest. Make a deal with your child in which you provide monthly or annual compound interest for money saved. This is easy enough to do if you keep records, and it teaches your child the power (and the danger) of interest. If you do these things right, then your child will have a good grasp of many basic financial concepts by the time college-planning years roll around. It is important to involve your child in this process so that you are not sending her out into the world with no idea how her school is being paid for and no sense of what is going into it and what is at stake. Let her know exactly how much you can afford to pay and how much she will have to contribute through scholarships, grants, or loans. Carefully talk through each of the options and let her contribute in the decision-making process. If she has a solid foundation and is involved, she will be more likely to make smart decisions. By Lisa Pecos

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What to do With an Underachieving Child

Alex — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 23:54:14 +0000

Getting a child to live up to his or her full potential is one of the most challenging things about being a parent. On one hand, we do not want our children to feel that we are putting undue pressure on them to do things they may not necessarily want to do. On the other, practically every child needs at least a parental nudge every now and then, and this often means being the bad guy in your child’s eyes. It is yet another area of parenting where the parents really do know what is best and should use their authority to bring about positive growth for the child. If you have a child who seems to be a chronic underachiever, you do not have to accept the status quo. All children can be taught to try harder and reach their full potential. If you are stumped as to what to do, here are some tips. 1. Shared choices: One of the major trends in modern parenting is the tendency to give kids unprecedented control over the activities and interests they pursue. Where once parents tended to impose things on their children, we now let our kids decide what they want to do and give them our blessing. There are great things about this approach—it gives kids a sense of self-empowerment, for one—but it also leaves too much wiggle room for laziness and lack of persistence. You cannot force your kids to love activities they are just not into, but you can at least make them try. 2. Emphasize effort: Another mistake modern parents often make is allowing their children to give up on new things before they have a chance to find out if they like it or have a talent for it. Your child might have the potential to be a world-class pianist, for instance, but you will never know this if she gets frustrated and gives up after the first or second lesson. Again, you do not have to force her to do things she does not want to do, but at least make sure the things she does try get a fair shot. 3. Enforce requirements: To make sure your child performs well in school, one of the most obvious steps is to use your parental authority to impose a certain amount of homework time every day. Similarly, you can make sure that a certain amount of time per day or week is spent on certain productive activities such as learning an instrument or practicing a sport. Or, even if you do not make specific time requirements, you can simply make sure your child always has two or three extracurricular activities or pursuits. 4. Know when to quit: Your child has a finite amount of energy, and time spent on an activity that he is just not cut out for is time that could be spent on something worthwhile. So while it is good to enforce persistence and due effort, also try to learn to recognize when an activity or pursuit just is not going anywhere and is not worth the struggle. 5. Be an achiever: Of course, it is important to remember that children learn much about the world by observing their parents, and it is obvious that parents who do not try hard at anything send negative messages about the benefits of putting effort into things. So if you want your child to achieve his or her full potential, make every effort to also do so yourself. By Jamell Andrews

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Survival Tips for the Toddler Years

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 22:57:00 +0000

If you are a new parent, most of what you have heard about the year or two immediately following infancy is probably negative. You hear about the terrible twos, temper tantrums, disobedient children who get into everything, and the like. But while there are certainly some gigantic challenges to raising a toddler, this period becomes a lot easier if you know what to expect and if you go into it with an awareness of how you can mitigate your toddler’s most difficult behaviors. If you take it from the experts, here are some of the most important tips you will need to know. 1. Make time (and a place) for playtime: Before your child could crawl, you probably made an effort to give her a half an hour to an hour of tummy time every day, and after she could crawl you likely gave her a decent chunk of supervised playtime during the day. But now that your child is older, playtime must be a way of life. In an ideal scenario, your child will have several hours a day of more or less free playtime. This is not just fun, but it is also when your child learns about the world using all the senses. So give her plenty of opportunity to play freely in all sorts of safe environments. 2. Get comfortable around other kids: While a toddler is less and less a baby and more an actual kid, there are some important elements of kid-ness that take a while to develop. For one thing, children under a year and a half to two years of age are typically very halting in their social interactions, if they are interested in being social at all. Still, even before your child is ready to make real friendships, it is a good idea to get him out among other kids so that he will be at least somewhat comfortable around others when the social skills begin to develop. 3. Just talk: If you read many parenting advice articles and books, you will come across all sorts of tips for helping your toddler develop language skills behind the first few words. While many of these tips are useful, there is one overarching piece of advice that is almost infallible: Just talk to your child. You do not have to talk constantly, but just pretend your child understands what you are saying (and she likely does understand more than you realize) and talk to her like a real person. As long as you do this, speech will come sooner or later—and there is no rush. 4. Do not rush potty training: You might be eager to set the diaper aside for good (or at least until you have your next one), but trying to potty train will be a waste of time until your child is ready. Before your child understands most of your speech, is able to follow orders, and has good bladder and bowel control, there is no point in trying to force it. 5. Consistency and structure: Though toddlers benefit from experiencing new things as often as possible, these new experiences should come within a life that is more or less predictable and well structured. Children thrive when they know what to expect from the world, when there are routines each day, and when the people around them behave in a consistent way. There is nothing wrong with deviating from the routine from time to time, but try to make it so that a typical day in your household is comfortingly predictable. By Lisa Pecos

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What to do About a Child Who Lies

Alex — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:59:22 +0000

Every child lies, just as every adult lies. These might be difficult truths to accept, but if you search your own past and examine your actions honestly, you will no doubt find that there have been many situations where you found it useful to lie. Children are no different, except that they are often poor liars and tend to do it even when there is little chance they will get away with it. There are many reasons that they do this, but the most important thing parents need to know is that they are far from alone, which means there are plenty of proven solutions to stop a child’s lying. What lying means Your child’s lying does not mean that you are a bad parent or that you have a problem child. Again, every child does it at one time or another—though some do it to a greater degree than others. Those who do it more become that way because experience shows that they can get away with it or that the consequences are minimal. While it is true that parents have to be at least partially complicit in a child’s habitual lying, do not be too hard on yourself. You want what is best for your child, and this can sometimes mean slipping into overpermissiveness, especially when you wish to keep the peace in the household. The good news is that there is no evidence showing that a lying child grows up to be an adult who tends to lie more than anyone else. Nor is it a signal of immorality or poor character. It is simply a bad habit. Stopping the habit To understand how to stop the lying habit, you must also understand why it happens. The main reason is that the child does not want to get in trouble. Remember, children need positive validation from their parents and do not like to let us down. So when a child has failed to do a chore, for example, the tendency is to try to please the parents by pretending to have done the chore. It is illogical—after all, it is easy enough for parents to see whether a chore has been completed—but children rarely think these things through in the moment. So one of the most effective ways to reduce your child’s lying is to take away the opportunity to lie. For instance, instead of asking, “Did you clean your room?” you can say, “I noticed your room has not been cleaned. When do you plan to do it?” Or you can simply ask why the room has not been cleaned. Of course, the child may lie about the reasons, but this at least addresses the main subject at hand. While setting your child up for success can have great benefits, stopping lying still comes down to setting rules, watching closely, and imposing punishment on a consistent basis. This is one area where laying down the law as a parent is essential. When you make exceptions or let instances of lying pass unremarked upon, you send the implicit message that they can get away with it. This situation can quickly get out of hand as the child becomes not only comfortable with lying but good at it. So even though punishment can hurt parents as much as children, do not let your child’s lying go unpunished. By Marc Courtiol

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The 5 Keys to Being a Great Parent

Alex — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 20:45:43 +0000

For anyone who has never raised a child, the idea of parenting might seem like a rather simple thing on a day-to-day basis. After all—how complicated can it be? Just try to be a good role model, attend to your child’s needs, and make sure your child learns the rules of acceptable behavior. But of course, as any parent knows, raising children is not so simple. On any given day, there is a set of complicated issues that can make even the most conscientious parent feel cowed and helpless. But at the same time, there are some general principles that can guide one’s parenting choices and make things at least a little less complicate. If you are looking for guidance, here are a few key qualities that all great parents have in common. 1. Making the child feel big: The last thing any parent wants to do is give a child an overinflated sense of self-importance, but we do want our children to know that they are capable of anything and that they do not have to feel limited. From the parent’s perspective, instilling this sense of self-confidence can seem difficult, but it is really just about gently nudging the child toward the great things he or she is capable of accomplishing. 2. Praise what is truly good: For many parents, especially first-time parents, there is an understandable tendency to give over-the-top praise for every single thing the child accomplishes, no matter how trivial. This is great for the child’s self-esteem, but you also have to make sure you give him or her something to work toward. 3. Be consistent: There are many ways in which children’s minds differ from adult’s minds, but one of the most important is in the way children thrive under routine and order. When there are rules that are upheld consistently, with very few exceptions, children’s natural tendency is to go along without hesitation. But if you are too lenient with your rules and give too many exceptions, the child has no reason to believe that the rules are worth taking seriously. That is where consistency comes in; no matter how hard it is, make your child know that rules are rules, and he or she will have no choice but to go along with them. 4. Be good: There is no underestimating the extent to which children pick up on their parents’ behavior. And you cannot hide your own tendencies from your children. When people live together, there are very few secrets, and those secrets that do exist are not easily kept. So if you want to be the best parent possible, you have to set aside any harmful or self-destructive tendencies you may have and truly become the best person you can be. This may in fact be the most difficult part of being a good parent, but it also may be the most important. 5. Know your kids: Parenting guides have their uses, but you are ultimately the only one who knows your child. Approach all outside advice with a grain of salt; it comes from people who do not know your children as well as you do. Most of the time, if you think about who your children are, you can trust your instincts to determine the best course of action. There will come a time when knowing your kids will prove difficult, so make sure you are on the ball during the early years. By Lisa Pecos

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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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5 Things Teens Do Not Tell Their Parents

Alex — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:38:28 +0000

As kids grow, it can be difficult for parents to let go of the parent-child dynamic that was established during the early years. Teens might still be far from fully formed adults, but they are unique individuals with strong senses of themselves, and much of their behavior is oriented toward growing and becoming adults. For parents, the old closeness of the early years must sadly give way to something else. No longer will you know everything about your child; there will be secrets, unspoken wants, and even deception. This is one of the reason that the teen years can be the most difficult stage of parenting. You may not know everything that goes on in your teen’s mind, but there are a few things that many teens have in common. As your teen advances through these years, here are several things that you might want to keep in mind. 1. They need space In the younger years, your child might have been perfectly content to play within your sight and perhaps did not mind if you were always around. Your teen, however, not only wants privacy but needs it, and this is not a bad thing. It is a sign that she is becoming an independent person. 2. They know more than they let on It is not just teens who have secrets they want to keep from other family members. Parents of course have their own need for privacy, and they have their own lives, many aspects of which they might not want their children to know about. When you live under the same roof with someone for years, however, the truth tends to come out. Many teens are smart enough not to let on that they know what they know, but there is a good chance they know more than you realize. 3. They think about sex If your teen has hit puberty, there is no getting around it—your teen is thinking about sex. It is not just a distant concern or a mere curiosity. It is no secret that many teens do have sex, and you cannot assume that your child is somehow immune from this pressure. And unless your lines of communication are open to an unusual degree, your child is probably not going to tell you if he or she is engaging in sexual activity. 4. They know how to manipulate their parents By the teen years, kids have had much experience in getting what they want from their parents, and they will often manipulate you with no qualms. If there are imbalances between you and your spouse when it comes to discipline or allowed behaviors, your child will take advantage of this. And if she knows you are a sucker for a question asked in a certain way, she will use this. 5. Drugs and alcohol are easily available Many children make sound decisions when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Some refrain from them entirely, while others use them only once or twice or only occasionally. But the one fact that unites most of today’s teens is that these things are accessible. And if your child gets into the habit of using one of these things, there is little chance that he or she will ever come right out and say it. Fortunately, many teens are not as clever as they think they are when it comes to hiding these behaviors. By Lisa Pecos

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Teaching Your Kids a Good Work Ethic

Alex — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:37:44 +0000

Many children are not predisposed to working hard and carrying out their responsibilities with enthusiasm. In fact, most kids must be taught these things, often with great hardship and frustration for the parents. Kids want to play and enjoy their idle time—which is perfectly natural and even healthy to some degree—and typically do not take well to being forced to do things that are not fun and do not have immediate rewards. That is why in order to raise children who have a strong work ethic, parents must lay down the law. Though teaching children a good work ethic comes with hardship—and you may sometimes feel like a mean parent—it benefits them in the long run. Kids who understand the value of work and are able to focus on getting jobs done are more likely to grow into successful adults. In fact, a strong work ethic is one of the keys to lifelong success, and the foundations must be laid in childhood. If you are a parent struggling with these issues, here are some important tips to help your child start off right. 1. Homework is the foundation: Think of homework as a metaphor for all the boring, even unpleasant tasks your child is going to have to do through his or her life. There are a few keys to enforcing good homework habits—namely, to be organized and to be able to focus and ignore distractions until the work is done. These skills will carry into adulthood in many productive ways. 2. Chores teach value of repetitive work: Some of the most unpleasant tasks we must perform in life are those that are merely maintenance. What they accomplish is only temporary and does not have long-term benefits. This is the nature of most household chores, which when boiled down to their essence merely involve fending off dirt and clutter for a brief time. That is why they must be done again and again. There is some short-term reward in these jobs, however, as anyone who can see the beauty of a tidy room will tell you. Of course, kids do not always appreciate this, but they can learn it with strong parental guidance. 3. No small or automatic rewards: If you reward your child for every task performed, he or she will only be working for the short-term reward. Instill long-term thinking by holding rewards until much has truly been accomplished. When it comes to homework, defer rewards until report-card time. And while allowance is a reliable way to reward your child for chores, do not let it become automatic. Give allowance not just for perfunctory performance of your child’s allotted chores; give it for a job exceptionally well done. You might even vary the amount of allowance given based on your discretion. 4. Be a hard worker: Do not overlook the importance of setting a good example. If you want your child to understand the value of a good work ethic, you have to demonstrate the practices and benefits in your own life. Understand also that your child does not see you when you are at your workplace, so make an effort to always have home projects that give you a chance to show what hard work can accomplish. 5. Teach the value of work for the sake of work: We tend to work for the benefits and awards that it affords us, but do not forget that there are many benefits to work in itself. Good work gives one a sense of personal value and enhances self-esteem, and there is something very satisfying about a job well done. Plus, many types of work can qualify as decent exercise, which too many of today’s children are sorely lacking. By Lisa Pecos

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Homework Headaches? 6 Tips for Parents of Young Children

Alex — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 18:00:36 +0000

Few children are predisposed to diving into homework with enthusiasm. Most have to be taught the discipline and sense of duty required to stay on task and get the often boring work done on time. Teachers can only do so much. When it comes to instilling good school habits at home, parents must play an active, hands-on role. Some children take to it better than others, but in any case, good parents stay informed of their children’s homework activities and provide whatever pressure is needed to make sure it gets done. But how do you parents avoid the homework headaches? 1. Get organized: Create a system in your household for keeping track of all homework. There are a few ways to do this, but perhaps the best option is to have a homework notepad in a common area of your house such as the kitchen. When your child gets home from school, have him or her write all the day’s homework tasks. Later, cross them off when they’re completed. Or, if you think your child has the discipline, have him or her bring a special notepad to school to write down all homework assignments as they are given. 2. Use big-picture rewards: If you reward your child for every homework task completed or for each successful day of homework, this will send the message that homework is not a valuable activity in itself. So instead of giving many short-term rewards, reward your child for good grades at the end of the term. 3. Make it a family activity: Set a time every evening for each member of the household to settle down with some quiet, studious activity. (If one parent has other things to do, it is fine if only one parent is there.) Make sure the study area is without distractions, and settle down with a book or something of your own to study. Another benefit of this family study time is that you are immediately available if your child needs homework help. 4. Cultivate self-discipline: Early in your child’s homework life, you might have to take a heavier hand in getting him or her to sit down quietly and perform the work. As your child grows, however, try to back off a little bit. Instead of constantly reminding your child that homework time is approaching or that there are still homework tasks on the table, wait to see if he or she takes the initiative. If it does not seem like this is going to happen, then you can step in and exert parental authority. 5. Divide subjects: If you and your spouse are both available for homework help, divide up your child’s subjects. This way, you can each have your areas of expertise, and the help you provide will be better informed. If this is your strategy, make sure your child’s homework time occurs when both parents are usually available. 6. Know when to seek help: Parents cannot know everything, and there is a good chance you have forgotten much of what you learned during your own school days. If your child is struggling with a subject and you don’t feel you are qualified to provide the help he or she needs, be aware that there are plenty of options. Start by talking to your child’s teacher and school officials to see if there are any tutoring options available through the school. If not, you should be able to find many private tutoring services, plus many individuals willing to help. And you can always ask friends and family members who have expertise in relevant areas. By Lisa Pecos

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Keep Your Marriage Strong After Having Kids

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:23:34 +0000

Many healthy, loving couples are not fully prepared for the challenges of having children. These challenges are difficult to foresee, and. almost no couple is immune to them. Even couples who have never been through a serious argument before having children can be tested by all the new tensions and pressures that come with bringing a new family member into the world. While there are many problems that can arise in a marriage after children are in the picture, the most common issue is a stark reduction in the sense of love, intimacy, and connection between both parents. When the focus is on the kids—and when children are babies, they do get all the focus—parents have trouble tending to their own connection, and this can lead to serious problems if not handled well. If you and your partner are expecting kids or have recently encountered problems you suspect might be due to your parenting responsibilities, here are some things you can do to help make sure your connection stays strong. 1. Spend time together without the kids. In order to stay close, you have to have time to reconnect without the kids getting in the way. It does not matter how you do it. Whether you hand off the kids to a family member, get a babysitter, or squeeze in a little together time while the kids are in bed, make sure you get a little time together, if not every day then at least several times a week. Use this time to talk about what is on your minds or simply to snuggle and be close. 2. Get on the same page. Much marital difficulty after having kids results from disagreements, spoken or unspoken, arising from the act of parenting itself. In order to guard against these sorts of tensions, make sure you and your spouse devote plenty of time to discussing your strategies and tactics for parenting. The more you are in agreement on your approaches, the better you will understand each other when dealing with the kids. Plus, consistent parenting is easier for the children to understand and makes a peaceful household. 3. Find other ways to communicate. When you are too busy to find time to reconnect as a couple, keep your connection going by staying in touch other ways. Perhaps your job lets you send off a quick email or text message between tasks, or maybe you can squeeze in a phone call during your lunch break. In any case, it is important for you and your spouse to know that you are in each other’s thoughts. 4. Make time for romance. When it comes to your love life, the days of spontaneity are mostly in the past now, and it might take some adjustment to find ways to keep the spark going without sex seeming like a chore or an obligation. Even if you find that you have to schedule time to be intimate, try to be flirtatious and affectionate at other times so that the spark is already kindled when you finally get alone together. 5. Talk about other things. When you and your spouse get together, it may be very tempting to talk about the kids and nothing else. Many parents fall into this trap. But keep in mind that the two of you once had many other things in common and that your children are not the foundation of your relationship. To remind yourself of this, always make an effort to talk about things other than the children. This does not make you bad parents; it makes you well-rounded people. By Lisa Pecos

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The 5 Most Common Parenting Mistakes

Alex — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 20:20:22 +0000

Parenting is a process of continuous learning and adjustment, and no parent makes it through unscathed. Many mistakes parents make are easily recognizable and can be fixed right away, while others are only visible with the benefit of hindsight. But while no parent can be perfect, it is possible to improve one’s approach by listening to those who have been through it before and accepting the wisdom of others. You can never hope to be perfect, but you can do your best. If you want to avoid some of the most common parenting mistakes, here are some important points to keep in mind. 1. Wanting your child to be perfect or very advanced: From the first year of a baby’s life, parents tend to keep track of all the milestones, celebrating every time the child is early for one and worrying when the child is late. We often become so desperate for our child to be ahead of the curve that we neglect to see them for who they are. Even children who are behind in many crucial categories have their own unique talents and special charms. Try to see your child for who he or she is instead of imposing unrealistic expectations. 2. Not practicing what you preach: The “do as I say, not as I do” approach might work for doctors, but it is not a way for parents to operate. You live with your children and spend a tremendous amount of time with them, and children tend to see and understand more than their parents realize, so you simply have to be a good role model. When you become a parent, it is time to set aside those old bad tendencies and selfish practices and to get serious about being the best person you can be. 3. Blaming children for things beyond their control: It is quite common for parents of infants and toddlers to become irritated and even angry when the child is inconsolable. In these moments, we may wonder why the child cannot simply settle down. What we must remember, however, is that young children often do not understand what is afflicting them, and fussing and crying are how they let us know that something is not right. This carries into the later years, when bad moods, general upset, and tantrums are often signs that something is not right beneath the surface. 4. Not being consistent: Children learn by repetition, and lessons usually do not take root until they have been received multiple times. And even when you do repeat the same lesson, it will not take hold if you are inconsistent about it. For example, if you stop your child from a certain behavior one day and are lenient about it the next, this will send the signal that you are not serious about your prohibitions. As a parent, you will learn that exceptions must be very rare, as children can turn exceptions into expectations very quickly. 5. Sending conflicting signals: Parents need to be like teammates. Everything they do should be part of a strategy that has been discussed and agreed upon in advance. If you do not do this, then there is a good chance you and your partner will be on different pages with various things. Early on, this will make it difficult for your child to learn the rules of the household. Later, your growing child will learn how to use the parents’ different tendencies to get what he or she wants. Avoid this by keeping the lines of communication between you and your partner open. By Lisa Pecos

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Helping Your Child Lose Weight

Alex — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 20:46:40 +0000

Because we love our children unconditionally, it is very easy for parents to become blind to any physical problems their kids may have. When a child becomes overweight, parents tend to think he or she is just a little plump or that it is just a passing phase that will end at the next growth spurt. Children do indeed go through phases and their bodies are constantly involving, so in many cases there is nothing to worry about when a child has a couple of extra pounds. But parents do need to watch closely, because weight problems can get out of hand faster than you may think. There are countless reasons why parents need to keep an eye on their children’s weight. First, there are the basic reasons of health. Children who are overweight can develop health problems that may plague them for life. Second, children set many of their lifelong habits during these years, and teaching your kids to eat well and exercise turns into a great gift later on. Meanwhile, there are also social factors; kids who are obese or even just overweight often face teasing and bullying, which raise a whole additional set of issues. It is parents’ responsibility to make sure their children are healthy, and this sometimes means putting your fit down and imposing rules and habits that children may at times resist. But if you keep in mind that your child’s lifelong health is at stake and that nothing could be more important, facing down a little resistance does not seem like such a big deal. And in the long run, your actions now will teach your child appropriate approaches to health. Even if your efforts are not now appreciated, your child will grow up to recognize the value of what you taught them. Child weight-loss tips There are many things you can do to keep your child healthy. Here are a few tips to get you started. Start with yourself: You cannot expect your child to be healthy and lose weight if you yourself do not set a positive example. If you or your spouse has a few extra pounds, now is the time to get into a good diet and exercise routine. Make health a family affair, and what your child learns will be more deeply engrained. In fact, at least one study has shown that parents losing weight is one of the most effective motivating factors for child weight loss Set a plan and stick to it: Most people are capable of creating health plans and sticking with them for the most part. Where we fail is in the exceptions—when we let ourselves have a special treat, a snack, a drink, or anything else that falls outside of the plan we have set. Of course, occasional treats are fine, but too many people allow these exceptions to become routine. In order to whip your family into shape, you will need to be the strong one. Make sure the whole family sticks with the plan, and save the exceptions for special occasions Limit screen time: While diet is important, making sure your child is physically active is just as crucial. There are many types of exercise you can urge your child into, but one of the best general ways to make it happen is to impose a strict limit on the amount of time your child can spend with screens every day. Two hours seems to be the magical number, and studies have proven this to be a good limit. Find what works best for your family Go on family outings: There is nothing wrong with having low-key weekends featuring family time, homework, and relaxing, but it is a good idea to devote at least one day every week to going out and doing something physical as a family activity. Hikes are the perfect examples, but there are plenty of other things you can do to encourage kids to be active By Jamell Williams

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Child Speech Development: What’s Normal?

Alex — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 03:06:22 +0000

Most parents understand that children develop at different rates, and that this is as true for speech development as anything else. Yet if you are the parent of a two-year-old who has barely started to speak, a five-year-old who has trouble making himself understood, or a ten-year-old who is unusually quiet, it is only natural to worry that there is something wrong. In many cases, children with delayed speech can benefit from speech therapy, but if your child is within the normal range, there is no need to overreact. Keeping in mind that every child is different, let us look at the normal timeline for speech development. If your child is roughly on time with everything—give or take a year or so—then you have nothing to worry about. The first year Do not expect much during your child’s first year. Your child’s vocalizations for the first few months will consist of little more than crying and a few vowel sounds. Soon after that, she will begin to make simple vowel-consonant combinations such as “ba” and “ma,” and these will gradually become more varied for several months. If you are lucky, you may hear one or more basic words by the end of the first year—usually “mama,” “dada,” or “baba” (for “bottle”)—but it is perfectly normal for these words not to come until some time in the second year. The second year Things become more interesting in the second year. If the first words did not appear toward the end of the first year, there is a good chance they will come near the beginning of this year. And in the latter half of the second year, many children begin to combine words to begin to express wants or needs as well as to convey thoughts and impressions. By the second birthday, much of your verbal communication with your child should begin to resemble actual two-way conversation. Ages two to three At some point in your child’s third year—and if it is not until the fourth year, do not worry about it—you will begin to lose track of all the words your child knows, and he or she will regularly surprise you with new words, phrases, and even complete sentences. Many children experience a sort of language explosion at this time, and while their language is far from sophisticated, it becomes more and more complex and varied. Ages four and up At age four, many children still do not talk in ways that we would consider normal, and it is not unusual for a child’s speech to be only fully decipherable by parents and other family members who are used to hearing it. Even so, this is the age where you should begin to be able to tell if your child has significant delays or impediments. If he or she is far behind peers, has trouble forming simple words, or does not seem to be developing, this is when you might want to meet with a child speech therapist to diagnose any possible problems. Most child speech problems can be fixed either through therapy or through natural development. Some people carry speech impediments into adulthood, but these cases are rare. If you identify the problem early and take actions to fix it, there is no reason why your child should remain delayed or impeded in the long term. In any case, there are some very simple things that parents can do to help their children’s language development at all ages. Most important, keep a running conversation with your child when you are together. Also be sure to expose him or her to many different people’s speech, and read plenty of books so that your child gets to hear a wide variety of words and phrases. Even when they cannot say your words back to you or clearly express their own thoughts, children are listening, and this is a crucial part of speech development. By Marc Courtiol

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Encouraging Independence in Your Young Child

Alex — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:36:38 +0000

As much as we love our children, parents need to have lives of their own, and they cannot spend every waking hour supervising children. Of course, we do not begrudge infants and toddlers their need for constant attention, but growing children need to develop a sense of independence. Not only does it give parents relief, but it also gives the child lots of breathing room to learn, grow, and be creative. In fact, developing a hands-off approach in certain areas is good parenting, as it helps your child develop a degree of independence that will be useful later in life. The early years Although children need constant supervision throughout the first two or three years of their lives, there are things parents can do during this time to give children a chance to develop their ability to play independently. For a toddler, it is a good idea to set aside an area of the house that is totally baby-proofed and to give the child at least an hour or two of play time in this area every day. Provide easily accessible toys and child-safe books, and let the child guide his or her own playtime. As the child approaches preschool age, take the same idea outside. Whether it is in a backyard, a park, or a playground with an area for young children, set your child down and supervise in a hands-off manner. Do not worry if your child gets dirty or wants to wander around. A little dirt never hurt anyone, and there is nothing wrong with wandering, as long as the area is safe. Pre-school and early school years As your child ages toward the pre-school and school-age years, there will be many opportunities to allow him or her to tackle tasks independently. Mix fun things with things that are not so fun. For example, one day you might allow your child to browse freely in the children’s section of the library, and the next you might teach her how to pick up her own play area. Also during these years you can reinforce your child’s independent play abilities by noting the types of activities that interest him or her the most and providing these activities in your household play area. For instance, if your child loves to color, make sure there are art materials readily available. Growing children As your child grows toward the preteen and teen years, your job as a parent is to facilitate independence without overstepping your role. Early on, talk to your child often about his or her interests and the things he or she wants to do. Then, make sure your child not only has the resources to accomplish these things but also knows how to go about doing so. Teach about setting goals, making plans, and persisting until things are complete. There are many ways in which your child can benefit from your hands-on involvement in various activities, but parents also need to learn when to step back and let learning happen. Kids learn partially by watching, which is where you can come in, but they also learn by doing, and sometimes giving a child the room to figure out how to solve a problem or achieve a goal independently is a great gift. As you’re considering these weighty issues, there will also be plenty of opportunities to give your child independence in tangible ways. For example, someday it will be time to let her walk to a nearby friend’s house or cross the street without your direct guidance. Your child will also have to learn to do homework without being prodded, to stay safe when left home alone, to decide what extracurricular activities to participate in at school, and a thousand other things. If your child tackles these challenges smoothly, you will know you have done well.

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Kids and Sports: The Parents’ Role

Alex — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:19:49 +0000

The benefits of organized sports for children cannot be overestimated. Even when a child is not particularly sports-oriented or does not excel on the playing field, the experience itself is valuable. It teaches kids how to work with others and how to take instruction, it introduces them to teamwork, competition, and the importance of practice, and it encourages them to challenge themselves to do difficult things. Meanwhile, it also provides all-important physical activity, which is as important as ever in the age of the obesity epidemic. But there are many things to consider when involving your child in sports. Most important, you have to think about whether your child is ready and which sports might be the best match for him or her. Every child is different, and some children thrive in some sports and flounder in others. You know your child best, so you will have to use your own judgment in making this decision. Options There are a few obvious choices in team sports for young children. In the U.S., tee-ball and soccer are popular choices, but there are plenty of others, especially if you live in a city where there are many opportunities. Basketball, softball, volleyball, and youth football are also available to young children, though each comes with a unique set of concerns. But you do not have to rely on team sports. There are plenty of other sporty activities that kids can enjoy—for example, gymnastics, swimming, dancing, martial arts, jump-roping, bicycle riding, and hiking. And for children who get enough physical activity yet are not inclined toward athletic sports, other possibilities include chess, book clubs, and ping pong. Scouting—as in boy scouts, girl scouts, and their younger equivalents—is also a good replacement for sports. Things to consider When signing your child up for sports or a similar activity, there are a few things to keep in mind, including the following. • Will your child still have enough free time for homework, home play, family time, creative play, and other activities? Sports can be fun, but young children especially need plenty of free time. • Does the schedule of practice and games conflict with your family schedule? • If you have multiple children playing sports, do their separate schedules work together harmoniously, or will you have to do a lot of running around to get them to their practices and games? • What level of involvement are you able and willing to handle? Many youth sports leagues encourage active parental involvement. Calling it quits When starting your child in one of these activities, try not to sweat it too much. Many children go through many sports-related activities before finding one that they enjoy. Talk to your child about what he or she wants to do, and do not get angry or frustrated if they decide they no longer want to participate in an activity. Of course, persistence is an important skill to learn, but there also has to be some level of enjoyment. As a parent, you are in the best position to determine whether your child is truly ready to quit. If he or she is simply frustrated after a bad practice or a losing game, or if the request to quit comes during a bad mood, then you can probably put off quitting for now. But if your child seems consistently unhappy with the activity, does not seem to be thriving, and is no longer benefiting from the experience, then there is a good chance that the activity is not right for your child and that it is time to try something else. By Jamell Williams

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Childhood Fears and Anxiety: What Can Parents Do?

Alex — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 19:59:47 +0000

A certain amount of fear and anxiety is a natural part of life and childhood. It is what drives us to take precautions and to keep ourselves and our families safe. In children, while fear and anxiety are often illogical, they are in many respects an important part of growing up. But in some children these feelings can become excessive, and the effects may actually hinder learning and growth. Where these feelings become problematic is where they are not tied to reality and are persistent. It is normal for a child to have a fear that disturbs her every night for a brief phase, but if the phase does not pass soon and the fear continues for months, it becomes a problem. Meanwhile, if a child is consistently anxious about things that are not worrying or dangerous, this can be a sign of deeper disturbances and a potential for future problems. In such cases, it is usually a good idea for parents to seek professional help for the child. Doctors trained in child psychology know how to handle these things and can offer lots of potential solutions. When is fear normal? In many cases, some fear is normal—for example: • Babies and toddlers tend to experience stranger anxiety and separation anxiety, both of which are natural developmental stages. • Older children are naturally afraid of the dark as well as of things that do not exist, such as monsters and ghosts. • Kids are naturally afraid of real things they hear about in school or on television, such as house fires, natural disasters, and serious crimes. Fears such as these come and go through a child’s upbringing, and they are mostly nothing to worry about. As long as your child is well adjusted and happy and functions well both at home and at school, these fears are perfectly normal. There can even be some fun in them; what child has not delighted in telling ghost stories with friends? Dealing with anxiety Anxiety is another matter. Again, some anxiety is to be expected in people of all ages. We all have things that worry us, whether irrationally or based on actual experience. In healthy people, anxiety can even help shape us in positive ways. But in kids as much as in adults, too much anxiety can become a serious mood disorder. When determining whether your child’s anxiety is normal, first consider whether the behavior fits the stage your child is in. For example, almost all babies are afraid of strangers for at least a brief period in their first or second year. Also understand that your child is likely to have more anxiety around times of transition or instability. If you are moving to a new town, for example, or if your child is starting in a new school, some anxiety is understandable. Anxiety becomes a problem when it inhibits a child’s ability to function normally. If he or she has anxiety attacks at school, if the feelings prevent her from performing her educational activities, or if the anxiety makes her seem unhappy overall, there is good reason for concern. With both fear and anxiety, the most important thing for parents to do is try to understand. Do not belittle or dismiss your child’s feelings. Instead, take them seriously, and talk about the feelings as much as possible. Learn coping strategies and try to pass them on to your child. And if everything you try fails, do not be afraid to seek professional help. By Lisa Pecos

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Finding Safe Toys for Toddlers

Alex — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 22:05:39 +0000

For young children, toys come with numerous benefits. Not only are they fun, but they also stimulate the imagination and help with learning. But there is a serious side to toys; each year, millions of children are treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries, and tragedy can result from poor choices of toys or inadequate parental supervision. As a parent of a young child, you are already well aware that babies tend to put things in their mouths, which is why we keep small objects away from them. Indeed, choking is one of the biggest risks that parents need to worry about, and this extends into the toddler years. Children two and three years might not be as mouth-oriented as babies, but they do tend to put things in their mouths. So when it comes to finding safe toys for them, avoiding choke hazards is still important. In the U.S., the Consumer Product Safety Commission closely oversees the safety of children’s toys and ensures that all are properly labeled. When shopping for toys, check all labels, and approach all toys without safety labeling with caution. Of course, you may sometimes receive homemade toys or toys shipped from countries that have different labeling practices. In these cases, use your own parenting sense, and err on the side of caution. Here are a few important things to look for on toy safety labels: • Make sure all toys, especially fabric ones, are made of flame resistant materials. This should be noted on the safety label. • Make sure all fabric toys are washable. • All paint used on toys should be free of lead. • All art materials should be made of nontoxic substances. Also keep in mind that while older toys might have some sentimental value, they should be used with caution if they were manufactured before modern safety standards were put in place. Again, use your common sense, and steer clear of anything that causes you to worry even a little. Here are a few other guidelines to keep in mind when choosing toys for toddlers: • Watch out for any small parts that can come off during rough play. This includes batteries stored in compartments that can be opened. • Avoid toys that are breakable or that have parts that are breakable. • Avoid toys that have parts that can be chewed off. • Watch out for points, sharp edges, or small ends that reach to the back of the child’s throat. • Watch for toys with splinters, rust, or flaked paint. • Throw away toys once they are broken or damaged. • Regularly check the website of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for news about toy recalls. If you find that you have a toy that has been recalled for any reason, remove it from your child’s play area immediately. Even if you keep all these guidelines in mind, you will find that they do not very much limit what toys are available to your child. A quick browse through the toy store or a search through any online toy retailer will show you that there is a very thriving market for toddler toys, and there is an incredible array of safe options. By Jamell Williams

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What to do if Your Child is a Reluctant Reader

Alex — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 03:57:08 +0000

For young children, being able to read is an important foundation for all later education. But some children do not take to it as well as others. Some have difficulty learning how to read and hence cannot have fun doing it, while others simply do not enjoy books as much as their parents would like them to. In these situations, it is important for parents to play an active role so that the child does not fall behind. Reading does not have to be your child’s favorite activity, but he or she should be capable of enjoying it. And even if that is not possible, a strong proficiency with written words, letters, and sounds will help your child later on. If your child is a reluctant reader, here are some things you can do. 1. Have a varied book collection. Your child should have an ample collection of books of many varieties, at least during the early years of reading. This way, he or she can try lots of different reading experiences to and develop tastes. Eventually, you will find that some books just do not need to be there, but for now, keep all the options open. 2. Let the child decide what to read. As a parent, you of course have your own tastes, and your may even have certain children’s books that are dear to your heart. While it may hurt your feelings a little if your child does not like your personal favorite, it is important not to try to force tastes. 3. Let the child decide how to read. In addition to giving your child freedom to read the books she wants, also try not to force so-called “normal” reading habits on her. For examples, as grownups, we might not enjoy reading the same book over and over, but some kids like to do this, and it is perfectly fine. Or if your child wants to read the pages out of order, read very fast, or jump around from book to book, do not worry about it. What is important is that she is engaging with the books. 4. Read aloud with your child. Even if your child does not have much patience during reading time, at least make an effort to have regular out-loud reading session—preferably one per day during your child’s very early years. This way, you help build your child’s vocabulary, you help make it fun, and you get some nice bonding time. 5. Provide non-book reading opportunities. Do not forget that the written word is all around us virtually all the time, and much of it is not in book form. Pointing out the various instances of letters and words in the world can help your child enjoy the reading process, and it can be great for his or her developing ability to connect words with things and ideas. With your child, read road signs, advertisements, product labels, words on the television, pieces of mail, and so on. 6. Seek help if you think it is needed. As your child grows, if he or she seems to be falling behind, there are many resources available. Talk with your child’s teacher or even your pediatrician about the options that are available. By Lisa Pecos

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Why Tears Are A Good Thing!

Alex — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 22:14:12 +0000

Crying is particular to human beings and is a socially adaptive skill. There are often lots of tears shed during the first few weeks of school because it is usually the first time your child experiences an extended separation from you. It is an important stage for your child when she begins to learn that she can be part of a group outside of her family. During those first days she is working out how to cope with separation, loss, anxiety and change. The skills and techniques she learns will be needed throughout her whole life. As a protective parent you may find it difficult to see your child crying but know that generally, children are resilient and can utilise coping skills remarkably well. Crying is one of a child’s best coping strategies so children should be allowed to cry. The benefits of crying include: • The release of tension – it is not healthy to bottle up negative emotions such as loneliness, fear, anger or anxiety. It means you are probably not breathing well, you are tense and rigid. Once you cry, your lungs expand and fill with oxygen. Once your tears have subsided you begin to breathe more efficiently. The louder you cry, the better, as it is more of an emotional release. You will find that once you have stopped crying your muscles are more relaxed. • Crying encourages people to come to you and it has been observed that popular children are often the ones who are emotionally open. Other children will comfort the tearful child and strong bonds are created. Crying can help others by showing a tense child who finds it hard to cry that it is safe to release your tears. Children have their own individual ways of coping. Your child may cry and want to be held and understood or perhaps she prefers to be left alone and maybe hides behind a curtain or piece of furniture where she feels safe. Your child may cry quietly or loudly, for a short time or until she is unable to cry any longer. You will probably see your child go in and out of a crying session all the while trying to process her feelings and observing what others are doing. At some point she may be distracted by something fun or that makes her laugh. You should not tell your child to stop crying or to pull herself together. Avoid saying things like ‘stop crying’ or ‘your eyes will go all red’ or ‘the other children will think you are silly’. Unless she has been crying for an excessively long time and making herself unwell also refrain from trying to distract your child or saying ‘I do not know why you are making such a huge fuss’. By crying your child is soothing herself and as long as she is not hurting herself or others there is nothing wrong in crying episodes. Everyone cries at some point and it is totally acceptable for you to cry sometimes. It is a healthy and natural way of releasing anxiety. It is a hard time for you to adjust when your child first goes to school. Being emotionally open, accepting your child’s tears and realising how wonderful crying is as a coping mechanism will enable your child to develop her coping skills in a healthy way. By Eirian Hallinan

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Why Is Autism On The Rise?

Alex — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 21:51:48 +0000

Here in the UK about one in one hundred people have an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) which could be conditions such as Asperger syndrome (AS) or autism. The reason the term ‘spectrum’ is used is because the symptoms of these disorders are very varied. Children with an ASD generally are similar in that they find it difficult relating to others because they do not develop their language and social skills in the same way that other children who are the same age do. Children who have autism are often diagnosed by the time they are two years old. They find it hard to communicate and interact. Autistic children sometimes have a learning difficulty like dyslexia and autism is more common in boys. Asperger syndrome is usually not as severe as autism although it is a similar condition. Children with AS do not usually have a learning difficulty and do not find it as difficult to communicate as autistic children. AS children often have an average or above average intelligence. It is not completely understood at the moment as to what the causes are of ASDs. It is thought that the conditions run in families. There is a theory that autism is linked to the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine but there is no scientific evidence that proves this to date. An environmental author called Brita Belli wrote a book called ‘The Autism Puzzle’. It is about how in Europe, Asia and the US autistic spectrum disorders are on the rise and how there may be a strong theory that it could be to do with environmental poisons. Belli studies the chemicals that we eat, drink and inhale in our modern world. Belli acknowledges that more children are being diagnosed with ASDs because doctors are now more knowledgeable about the conditions. Years ago many autistic children were just labelled eccentric or developmentally disabled. She also agrees that genetics probably play a part. However, Belli writes that she believes there is another important factor to consider because there has not been a rise in how many adults and teenagers being diagnosed with the disorders or misdiagnosed in the past. This realisation stirred Belli’s curiosity and she began researching the relationship between the health of human beings and environmental poisons. Belli begins by saying that “The idea that a toxin can cause autism is neither controversial nor speculative,” because thalidomide, valproic acid, misoprostol are all medications used in the past which have been linked to autism. Also an insecticide called chlorpyrifos has been blamed too. Belli goes on to say “Many other chemicals distributed far and wide across the natural world by power plant smokestacks, leaking waste sites, improper storage facilities, and outdated manufacturing processes have been proven to cause injury to developing brains”. Belli talks about lead, mercury, PCBs and chemicals used to make flame retardants, electronic equipment, insulation and plastics being known to pose risks to foetuses and newborn babies. She is very interested in ‘autism clusters’ which are areas in the world that have a higher rate of ASDs. A researcher called Carol Reinisch carried out experiments on clam embryos and discovered that a combination of chemicals have a much more destructive impact on the body than one chemical on its own. Belli wrote of Reinisch’s research that she “made a solid case for the fact that toxins in combination can have a unique impact on the way brains develop. It is likely not one bodily insult that’s driving up [autism] cases, but a number of contaminants and exposures acting in concert.” By Eirian Hallinan

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I want to Go Back to Work but I Have Lost My Confidence

Alex — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 04:58:04 +0000

It seems to be a common factor that when women are considering going back to work after taking time off to look after their children, a feeling of insecurity and lack of confidence overwhelms them and puts them off the idea. A long time out of the work place makes some women feel that simple tasks such as answering the phone or taking part in a meeting can be very frightening. This lack of confidence stops many women returning to work and for those who do it means they do not perform as well as they should. Are you having these feelings? And if so why is this drop in confidence occurring? It may be that after a long time looking after your children you have forgotten about who you are along the way. You may have been a top sales exec or dynamic marketing manager able to exceed your targets and run meetings without a second thought but now it seems that person was from another lifetime and you do not know how to find her again. You need to recover the woman you were before you had children. Confidant people are not born, they are made. Confidence is a skill that can be learnt. Rediscovering your ‘before children’ persona will start to rebuild your confidence. Confidence is such an important life skill because you need it to express yourself, stand up for yourself, negotiate, cope with stressful situations and tackle challenges. A healthy level of self confidence enables you to do these things efficiently and helps in all areas of life including family and professional. Having confidence makes life easier and more fun. If you are suffering from a diminished self-belief and confidence then there are exercises you can carry out to help you remove your fear and find your confident self again. • Be positive! Think before you say ‘I can’t’ about how you can change that statement to ‘I can’. You can write a list of things you would like to achieve and for all the negative excuses you can come up with preventing you from reaching your goals, write positive statements. For example you could change, ‘I cannot go back to work because of all the school holidays’ to ‘I can go back to work, I just need to find the appropriate childcare’. Then make a note of how you would feel if you achieved this goal • Think back to a time when you felt you were ‘firing on all cylinders’ or feeling ‘on top of your game’ and this could be before you had children, at work or more recently enjoying your family life. If you were looking through an imaginary window at yourself how were you coming across? Write a list, so you might say that you looked happy, fulfilled and confident. What skills were you implementing at the time? Perhaps you were making someone laugh, negotiating, introducing people, multi-tasking? Really recall how good you felt and try and re-feel it • Make a list of the skills you use on a daily basis. Many of the things you do running your family household are transferable to the workplace. You negotiate with your children all the time, you are probably highly proficient in busy diary management and you have experience in event’s organising with all the birthday parties your children have. Having children and running a busy household has no doubt enhanced your organisational skills, creative skills and problem solving! • Do not be afraid to assert yourself so if that means saying no sometimes, so be it. You need to be in control of your time and in charge of your self-management • Look after yourself because looking and feeling great does wonders for your self-belief and confidence! By Eirian Hallinan

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Teenagers and Acne: What Parents Need to Know

Alex — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 21:13:20 +0000

Acne is a very common concern during adolescence, and virtually every teen deals with it to some degree. Even small acne breakouts can be cause for anxiety, and serious acne problems can lead to depression and social delays. So from the parental perspective, acne is not to be taken lightly just because it happens to almost everyone. There are good and bad ways to deal with the issue, and improper handling of the situation can lead to worsening acne problems, not to mention permanent scarring. Unfortunately, while modern science has made some headway in acne treatment, there is still no cure for the problem, and it cannot be fully prevented. Part of the reason for this is that the causes of acne are complex and still somewhat mysterious, and it also has to do with the fact that there are many different types of acne, each with its own set of contributing factors. The best way to deal with the problem is to take your teen to a dermatologist, but if you are curious about your teen’s acne, here are some basic things you need to know. What causes acne? Again, there is no single cause of acne, and many types of acne are still somewhat mysterious. What is known, however, is that most forms of acne are caused primarily by buildups in the pores resulting from an overproduction of oil. It can also result from bacteria buildup, as well as from the irritation of hair follicles. In many cases, acne results from a combination of these factors. Contrary to popular belief, acne is not simply caused by dirty skin. In fact, washing the skin too much can cause irritation that may actually worsen the problem. Meanwhile, though greasy foods and chocolate are not known to contribute to acne, it is thought that foods that boost the blood sugar—especially carbohydrate-rich foods—can trigger acne problems or make them worse. Other things that can aggravate acne include: • makeup and other irritants • wearing hats, headbands, or other articles that stay in contact with the skin of the face • excessive touching of the face with the hands • hormone changes • too much sun exposure • too much washing or scrubbing Common myths One common myth about acne is that getting a tan can help clear up the problem. While it is true that tan skin can make acne a little less visible, sun does not have a noticeable effect on the acne itself. In fact, as already noted, too much sun exposure can irritate the skin and make things worse. Another common myth is that acne pimples go away faster if you pop them. This does make the pimple less visible for the immediate future, but it is actually one of the worst things you can do in the long run. One immediate effect is that it pushes the bacteria deeper into the skin, which may just worsen the pimple, make it bigger, or cause it to last longer. And the long-term effect of pimple popping is scarring. Some acne scars last for weeks or months, deeper scars and pits can be permanent. Treatment The most important rule for treating teenagers mild to moderate acne is not to overtreat it. Choose one course of action and stick with it continuously. In the case of your teenage child, find a product that is well reviewed and reported to be effective, and have your child use it regularly over a period of weeks. When it comes to acne, the tendency is to want it to go away immediately. This is impossible. All effective acne treatments require weeks to take effect. If you try one thing for a few weeks and there is no improvement, move to the next thing. Do not pile treatments on top of each other, as this might make things worse. Many of the most effective over-the-counter acne treatments contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, both of which help to kill the bacteria in the skin and slough off dead skin cells that clog the pores. Start with lotions or washes that have moderate amounts of these. If these basic over-the-counter solutions do not work, it is time to see a dermatologist, who will evaluate the exact nature of the acne and recommend something accordingly. Your child might get an antibiotic prescription to help kill the bacteria in the skin, and there are many topical treatments that are only available by prescription. Again, it can take a while for these treatments to take effect, but your child’s doctor will guide you through the process and let you know what to expect. By Marc Courtiol

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How To Conquer The Homework Battle

Alex — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 22:37:08 +0000

Threatening, bribing and punishing are futile methods to use when attempting to get your child to do her homework. Let us be clear, most children do not like to sit down to do their homework after being at school all day. You cannot make your child do her homework or make her enjoy it. You can use methods that assist her to do her work. You can be positive, motivational and consistent. Read on for tips that will help you at least reduce the head-ache you may currently have battling with your child over homework. First you need to accept that your child’s homework is her problem and not your own. If you see it as your problem you will be inclined to panic, scream, shout, threaten, bribe and create ultimatums which are not tactics that work. As a parent it is your job to provide a structure and an opportunity for your child to carry out her homework. It is your child’s job to utilise these opportunities to accomplish her own tasks. During the homework battle, begin by substituting the word ‘homework’ with ‘study’. Have a consistent structure that means that at the same time every day the TV goes off, there is quiet time and your child is expected to study whether or not she has homework or not. You can discuss with your child when this study time is going to take place every day. It could be immediately after school, after dinner or first thing in the morning. The idea is to stick to the agreed time and implement it every school day. Even though they may initially buck and rear, children actually love structure and routine, it makes them feel safe. Be persistent, it may take a few weeks for the routine to become established. You can have a ten minute signal before study time begins so that your child can finish up her current activity and prepare for quiet study time. Do not be tempted to solve problems for your child; just remember your job is to assist. Only help if your child asks you to. If you are faced with the ‘I cannot do it’ lament tell her to act as if she can. Tell her to pretend she knows how to do it and then step away and see what happens. If your child is persistent in her defeatism then rather than telling how to do it, ask her questions that encourages her to think for herself. Questions such as ‘which bits do you understand?’ or ‘how can you find out’ are more helpful than just giving her the answers. Be encouraging and praising verbally rather than materially. To encourage your child’s willingness and interest in learning you need to make the right, positive, verbal affirmations rather than making promises of presents, sweets or money! Assist your child in her time management and when she completes her study well and in good time praise her and emphasize how good she must feel learning something new and being able to hand in her work to her teacher on time. Help her realize how good it is to learn, how knowledge is power and that learning is a lifelong gift that she can achieve so much from. By Eirian Hallinan

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Playground Safety: Not Just for Overprotective Parents

Alex — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 04:17:21 +0000

For both parents and children, there is something magical about a playground. It gives the child an opportunity to play freely in a safe outdoor environment and to interact with other kids, and it gives parents the chance to sit back and relax in the fresh air while the child plays. But of course, while many children thrive when given the chance to play an area designated for them, no playground is completely safe. There are things to fall off of and things to bump into, and there can even be sharp edges. Parents do not have to hover over their children at the playground, but it is a good idea to be aware of the safety issues and to train the child in basic safety. Balancing safety and fun Many playgrounds built in the 21st century are designed with safety in mind. Many have padded floors, avoid high heights, and provide special areas for very young children. But there are plenty of older playgrounds still in use, and with these in particular it is important for parents to be vigilant. This does not mean that you have to entirely avoid certain playgrounds, but try to be aware of the potential safety risks of the playgrounds in your area, and direct your child away from the areas that are risky. You do not have to do this alone. In fact, visiting playgrounds can be a great opportunity to begin teaching your child about safety precautions. This does not have to ruin the fun. When introducing your child to the world of playgrounds, discuss the rules of the playground and make sure he or she is aware that some activities are unsafe. Also make sure your child knows that you are watching. Children are natural explorers and experimenters, and it is only natural for a child to try things on the playground that may be unsafe. At these moments, it is important for the parent to step in and let the child know that the activity is unsafe. Some young children might not react well to this instruction, but when it comes to safety, it is imperative for parents to set clear boundaries. Safe playgrounds For some parents, finding a safe, modern playground is easy. But for others, the options may be slim. But no matter what playgrounds are in your area, try to narrow down your choices to the safest two or three options, and visit those playgrounds regularly. If you are not sure what to look for, here are some things to keep in mind: • Safe surfaces: Many modern playgrounds have floors that are padded, but this is not always necessary for safety. Grass, dirt, and sand floors are also relatively safe. But try to avoid playgrounds that have concrete or asphalt surfaces, and stay away from the ones that might have debris such as glass, trash, rocks, or tree stumps. • Spacing: There should be a decent amount of space between pieces of playground equipment so that children do not collide with each other. • Dangerous pinch points: Check for points in playground equipment where a child can get pinched or where body parts can get caught. • Safe confines: Make sure the playground is secure, so that children cannot run out into surrounding traffic. Also, especially for parents of young children, it is a good idea to find playgrounds that have multiple sections for children of different ages so that your children can play in age-appropriate areas. There is no reason why a two-year-old, for instance, should play on slides, wings, and structures built for children much older. Try to find a playground that has a designated area for younger children, with lower play equipment and special features for young children who may not be fully comfortable with how to play. Teaching safety Children can find all sorts of creative ways to use playground equipment, and watching them use their creativity is one of the great joys of being a parent. But of course, it must be done safely. If your child gets a special kick out of swinging, for example, it is important to make sure that he does not let this joy make him do unsafe things. Most playground equipment is designed with specific purposes in mind. Your child does not necessarily have to be completely normal in the way he uses equipment, but he must keep his activity safe. So when he behaves improperly, be sure to let him know Kids generally understand the idea of safety, and when parents set clear limits, kids are usually comfortable staying within them. Make sure your child knows that playing on the playground is a privilege that has to be earned and maintained. If he or she cannot act within the bounds of safety, then it is perfectly reasonable that they should be deprived of playground rights. As parents, our first job is to keep our children safe, and this sometimes requires us to be a little mean for our children’s benefit. So if it becomes necessary for you to set boundaries until your child can learn to be safe, do not be afraid to do so. By Jamell Williams

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How Can I Help My Shy Toddler?

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 20:09:00 +0000

Your child has her own unique personality. She may be shyer than some or more outgoing. The way you respond to her basic temperament greatly affects and influences her. Sensitive and encouraging parents can help a shy child and abusive parents can make an outgoing, lively child feel withdrawn and disconnected. To help a shy child you can: Lead by example – behave in a way you would like your children to, so be polite, considerate and caring to people Give her responsibilities within the family life by encouraging her to take pride in her own little jobs like folding the washing or clearing the table and this will help with her social skills Be affectionate with your child as this helps her feel more open which in turn enables her to make friendships Praise your child when she shows thoughtfulness and courtesy so she knows you value these social skills Do not encourage or promote competition between your children Love your child for her own uniqueness so that she will value herself and feel willing to share herself with others Toddlers define themselves by their possessions. Your child thinks of herself as the girl with that house, that sister, that brother, those parents, those toys, that Wendy house so if her friend comes over and plays with that Wendy house she can feel like she is lost, what will happen if it is not hers anymore? Before her friend comes over to play have a discussion about which toys are going to be played with and which are being kept away. Do not expect her to share them all or to share her chosen toys for hours on end. You can always buy some new play dough or crayons and drawing pads as new stuff does not belong to either child. Baking cakes with you is always a good activity that they can equally get involved with. If your child is particularly shy you can sew a button into her coat pocket and tell her that when she holds it you are thinking of her. When your child is finding it hard to cope this will soothe her. Help her with social skills by giving her some helpful strategies. Tell her what a good opening line is to start a conversation like how she can introduce herself or offering to play a game with her friend. Let her have a say in what she wears, she will most likely want to wear similar clothes to the other children as she will not want to stand out. Once your child is at nursery, ask the teacher if there are other shy children and speak to their parents. Suggest getting your kids together to play. Once your child has made one friend it will strengthen her confidence in making more friends. Always be aware of how you are affecting your child’s self esteem. Build her confidence by praising her and telling her that she is the best girl and that you love her. By Eirian Hallinan

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Getting your teen to talk about his or her feelings

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 23:09:13 +0000

Many 21st-century parents are very conscious of the importance of keeping the lines of communication open with their teens. This often comes at the expense of old-fashioned discipline and parent-child hierarchy, but for many parents the trade-off is worth it. In exchange for that old-fashioned stuff, you get a strong emotional connection with your child that is almost like a friendship, and you are rarely kept in the dark about important things. Still, even in this day of unprecedented openness between parents and children, some teens are not willing to go along with it. And those who do go along with it often still go through phases in which they distance themselves from their parents. Under normal circumstances, this distance can frustrate parents, but it is ultimately expected and usually manageable. But when you suspect that your child is having serious issues or is suffering in secret, this distance can become a problem. There are a few very serious reasons why a formerly open child might close herself off from her parents, including the following: • depression, anxiety, or another mood disorder • drug use or other illicit behaviors • eating disorders • trouble with a boyfriend or girlfriend • too much school-related stress Of course, these are not the only reasons why a child may shut down the lines of communication with parents, and some are not so serious. For example, perhaps your teen is just going through a perfectly natural rebellious phase. Or maybe he or she has a new boyfriend or girlfriend and is temporarily shutting everything else out. Whatever the case may be, do not automatically assume the worst. Try to figure out the situation before taking action. Getting your teen to talk The first thing to keep in mind is that your teen probably does not want to be treated like a child. He or she is well aware that you have watched them grow up and that they have very few secrets from you, so if you want your child to open up, let her make a clean break from childhood. Do not bring up old issues, and be open to the possibility that your teen is an autonomous individual with thoughts, feelings, and abilities that may surprise you. But simply adopting this open-minded approach does not guarantee you open communication with your child. You might have to work on them over time and gradually teach them that you are willing to talk openly without judgment and without treating them as a child. You might be required to make many failed attempts at heart-to-heart talks before a decent one ever occurs. Do not be discouraged. But if your attempts do not seem to be working, make sure you are not doing any of these things: • Using what your child says against him or her, either right away or later on • Interrupting your teen when he or she is talking • Using the talk as an opportunity to preach • Bringing up things from the past, which sends the message that you do not believe they can grow or change • Trying to stop your child from experiencing things and making mistakes of his or her own Alternatives If you feel you have done everything right and your child still will not open up to you, then it could be that he or she is in a non-talking phase and will not budge. In this case, you can try to send in a proxy—for example, your significant other, an older sibling, or a close friend of the family. Of course, this should not be an attempt at espionage, as it needs to be private between your teen and the person he or she talks to. But after the talk, you can at least ask your proxy whether there are serious issues, even if you cannot learn the details. If that does not work, it might be time to exert some parental authority. If you feel that something is seriously wrong with your child, make him or her go to a child therapist or a guidance counselor. Many children very willingly open up to their therapists, especially once told that the conversation will be confidential. And though you will not be able to listen in on the conversation, your child may soon learn to open up as the therapy begins to have an effect. By Marc Courtiol

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Help! My Toddler Is Swearing!

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 30 May 2012 22:53:19 +0000

You may be stunned to hear your little angel say a swear word! Many parents experience these shocks at some point so do not fret! This often happens as children begin to explore language. It happens because they have heard someone else say it in frustration and they want to express the same emotion or they do it because they know it achieves a reaction and therefore think that it is funny. The best action to take straight away is to NOT REACT. Ignore the swearing completely by saying nothing and making no eye contact. Certainly do not laugh or smile. If the swearing took place for attention seeking this will halt the behaviour in its tracks. If your child continues to swear then remain calm and say something like, “We do not use words like that as they can upset people”. You do not need to explain what the word means just calmly say, “That is not a nice word so we do not say it”. With an older child you may find that he pushes for an explanation so ask him what he thinks the word means. Keep things simple and short. If he is referring to a part of the body say something like, “that is a word for bottom but it is not a nice word and we do not use it as it can upset people”. As a family, discuss with the other adults what you all think is acceptable language and what is not. Agree to use substitute words like “crumbs!” or “crackers!” in times of frustration. Or say “I feel really annoyed” instead of swearing. When your child emulates you by saying that he feels angry rather than saying a swear word, praise him and ask him why he feels the way he does. If he tells you that his friend said a bad word tell him he is a good boy for walking away and not using bad words himself. It is a good idea that you and the other adults in your family monitor what your child is exposed on the radio, television and computer. With older children regular swearing needs to be dealt with by a form of punishment or taking away of a special privilege. As a parent you need to make it clear to your child what the consequences are of swearing and then following through with the chosen punishment. This has to be consistent as idle threats will not work in the long run. Even if you are a fairly lenient parent when it comes to swearing you should really make your child aware that much of the outside world will not look favourably on the use of bad language by children or adults. Peoples’ perception of bad language can mean that your child will be considered disrespectful and of a limited vocabulary. People may think that your child cannot express himself in an intelligent way and is lazy with his speech. Emphasise to your child that in some situations swearing is totally unacceptable. By Eirian Hallinan

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Sibling Rivalry: What’s Normal, and When to Get Involved

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:05:15 +0000

Sibling relationships can be among the most complex in the world. With our siblings we share a special familiarity, plus lots of shared experiences that give rise to a unique understanding. With siblings, there are few secrets and very little mystery. Your siblings see you at your best and your worst, and they have known you when you are at your most vulnerable. In short, there is nothing simple about sibling relationships. The special bond siblings share is fantastic in many ways. Unlike friends, you cannot permanently lose touch. There may be ups and downs and periods of sparse communication, but you always know you will reconnect in the end, and when you do you will still have that special bond. Hence, siblings are the people we always can turn to when we feel most alone. But as any parent of multiple young children knows, there is also a dark side to the sibling relationship. Every relationship is different, but most sibling pairs have some degree of competitiveness. The older one often feels robbed of parental attention, and the younger one often feels slighted or left out. This can lead to resentments that give rise to arguments, fights, and even drawn-out periods of mutual animosity. In times like these, parents might understandably feel at a loss for what to do. Normal rivalry The most important thing to understand is that some sibling rivalry is normal. No matter how careful you are, there is nothing you can do to prevent these perfectly natural feelings from occurring. In general, there is nothing wrong with a manageable amount of rivalry between siblings, as long as the parents do not take sides. This rivalry can foster a spirit of healthy competition that encourages both children to grow and thrive in ways that they might otherwise miss out on. Plus, they help kids learn conflict-management skills that can be important throughout life. As a parent, if you watch your kids closely, you will likely see that there is much more than rivalry at work. Even the most intensely combative sibling pairs often share moments of tenderness, selflessness, and mutual support. Ideally, these moments will become more common as each child moves through the various phases of life and eventually becomes an adult. In many cases, the shared experience of rivalry can actually help forge a stronger bond between siblings who later find an appreciation for one another. When to get involved For normal rivalries, the best course of action for parents is to give the children a chance to work through their conflicts on their own, stepping in only when the rivalry turns into one-sided bullying or physical fighting. At these times, it is often best to separate the kids and let their feelings subside. Many children have an astonishing ability to just let these things go after an hour or two apart. Plus, the time apart gives you a chance to talk to each separately to work out a solution to the present conflict. When you do get involved in your children’s conflicts, there are a few things to keep in mind: • Do not take sides. In some situations, one of the children may obviously be in the right, but it is important to mediate this situation in such a way that both children feel they are being treated fairly. • Do not get hung up on who started a conflict. Instead, focus on each child’s part in exacerbating it. • Serve as a model of respectful conflict management. • Listen to your children’s concerns, but know when it is time to tell them to cool it and separate. • If the sibling rivalry becomes more than you can handle, you can always seek help from a professional family therapist. By Jamell Williams

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My Teenager Has Acne, How Can I Help?

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 22 May 2012 04:09:01 +0000

Acne can inflict the young and the old but is most common during our teenage years. The acne that teenagers suffer from is called acne vulgaris and is triggered by puberty’s reproductive hormones surging through their bodies. These raging hormones make the sebaceous glands enlarge and increase the production of sebum. The pores produce a kind of protein called keratin. The increased sebum and production of keratin, dead skin cells and bacteria block the hair follicles which stops the sebum being able to get through the skin pores. Acne is when the skin erupts because it is infected and inflamed by the bacteria and sebum clogged hair follicles. At a time in your child’s life when he is already often angry and confused, angry skin can really get him down. The diet your teenager sticks to can greatly affect his skin’s health. This is where you can educate him and help him control and often eradicate his acne. Remember that some people are more naturally inclined to have acne because of their heredity plus pollution and other external bacteria and toxins play a part. The good news is a healthy, well-balanced and nutritional diet can really be effective in the fight against acne accompanied by a thorough cleansing regimen. Begin by accepting you and your teenager need to be as patient as you can. What can seem pretty minor to you can feel like a disaster to an adolescent child. Your child is going through the most emotional and confusing time in his life. You can help soothe him with good nutrients in his diet and this will reflect in his skin. Banish processed foods from your teen’s diet as they contain saturated fats, synthetic dyes and way too much salt and sugar. These are all toxins that need to be expelled from the body and one way is through the skin. Encourage your child to drink lots of fresh water every day as this will flush out lots of toxins. Add lots of natural foods to his diet with high fiber whole grains, fruit, vegetables and fresh juices as this will help his colon eliminate toxins. Your teenager needs his essential fatty acids and omega 3s so make sure he is eating lots of protein. The nutrients that are most needed for good skin are: • Vitamin A which is found in green and yellow fruits and vegetables plus animal livers and fish liver oils • Vitamin C that is contained in green vegetables, berries and citrus fruits • Vitamin E that can be found in legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, avocados, cold pressed vegetable oils and dark green leafy vegetables • Zinc which is in fish, egg yolks, kelp, mushrooms, soy, whole grains, legumes and liver meats • Essential fatty acids and Omega 3s that are in walnuts, oily fish such as salmon and mackerel and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities By Eirian Hallinan

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What to Do About a Child’s Nightmares and Night Terrors

Alex — Fri, 11 May 2012 23:14:32 +0000

Everyone, no matter how old, has nightmares from time to time. Some adults remember their dreams more clearly than others, but we all have at least a few memories of nights and mornings when we woke in sheer terror, then felt that sense of relief that comes from the realization that it was all just a nightmare. Dreams are a strange phenomenon that science has yet to fully explain, but nightmares are something we have all experienced and thus can identify with on a personal level. But for young children, there is a special acuteness to the terror that comes with nightmares. As adults, though we may not fully understand why nightmares happen, we are very aware of them and have had plenty of experience dealing with them. Young children do not have that bedrock of experience to help them cope emotionally with an especially difficult nightmare. So when they wake up seized with terror over what they have been experiencing in their sleep, it is often difficult to dismiss the feelings and move on as adults do. For many parents, dealing with children’s nightmares and night terrors is a unique challenge. On one hand, we know that the terrors result from dreams and have little or no bearing on the real world, so the temptation may be to dismiss the child’s terror as silly and fleeting. But on the other hand, the feelings are very real in the moment, and every parent hates to see his or her child in the throes of such terror. Nightmares and night terrors Though nightmares and night terrors are closely associated, we can draw a distinction between them. Nightmares are those bad dreams that we all have experienced at one time or another. In your sleep, you are faced with a very disturbing situation that causes you to feel feelings that we hope never to experience in real life, but then you wake up, realize that it was all in your mind, and move on. Night terrors in children are different from nightmares in some crucial ways. The science on these matters is still in development, but it is believed that nightmares occur during deep sleep, while night terrors occur during periods of transition from one stage of sleep to another, often during the early stages of sleep. So it is common for children to experience them soon after being put down to bed at night. The good news about night terrors is that children often do not remember them later. Severe terrors can cause the child to wake up, but in many cases, the spell consists of strange behavior such as sitting up, screaming, and thrashing around. These are obviously upsetting to the parents, and they can be dangerous if the child is not in a safe place. But more importantly, they can serve as a sign that the child is under stress, is not getting enough sleep, or is ill at ease with the sleeping conditions. Dealing with nightmares and night terrors One positive thing about nightmares is that, while the initial feelings may sting, they do pass, and their memory often begins to fade within minutes. So in this situation, the parents’ job is to simply be there to provide comfort and to remind the child that the real world is a safe, loving place. And if your child is old enough, it is also a good idea to talk about the nightmare. Often this helps the child grasp that the whole thing was made up in the mind. With your comforting presence, the child should soon be ready to go back to sleep. The best way to deal with night terrors is simply to understand what its happening and to know that it is a common occurrence among young children. The spells usually pass after a few minutes, and there is a good chance that your child will not even wake up from it. So instead of picking your child up to comfort her, just keep an eye on the situation and wait for her to calm herself down in her sleep. If this does not happen after a few minutes or she wakes herself up, that is when you can use your comforting presence to help calm her down. Both nightmares and night terrors can be a sign that the child is under stress, so if they happen often, take a look at what factors might be causing the stress. If your household has recently undergone a change, then that is likely the explanation. If you feel that the problem is serious and you do not know what to do about it, do not be afraid to call your doctor. Though these sleep issues may not be serious in an of themselves, they could be symptoms of something more serious. By Marc Courtiol

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Keep Your Kids Learning Through the Summer

Alex — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:44:34 +0000

No student remembers every single thing she learns in school. Even over the course of a school day, many things will go in a child’s ear and out the other. And as any parent who is active in the educational process knows, kids are wildly inconsistent with their learning. They learn some things with little effort, while other things require endless repetition and instruction. In any case, it is only natural for some of the things a child learns during the school year to be lost during those three to four summer months. Much that is lost will be reiterated in subsequent school years, but other lost knowledge might go away and never come back if the information is not kept fresh. That is where parents come in. You are not required to essentially give your child summer school. Summer is supposed to be a time for children to play and experience the world. But there are things you can do to make sure what your child has learned does not go away. And in the process, you can also help them learn new things. Encouraging summer reading The last thing your child is going to want to do during the summer is read the types of books used in school curriculums, but there is nothing wrong with encouraging your child to read widely and often, and even to read some books intended to be educational. While books read in the summer will not necessarily pertain directly to the subjects your child covered during the school year, well-chosen books will build upon your child’s existing knowledge and internalize it in the process. The best practice for encouraging this sort of summer reading is to make kids learning an everyday routine. Just as you probably had a homework routine during the school year, in the summer you can set a time in the evening that is devoted solely to books and other learning activities. You can even take the weekends off, if that routine works well for you. Active learning Another way to build on your child’s previous school year is to engage in outdoor activities that related directly to things your child has learned in the past year. But you do not have to worry about having an exact correspondence between school learning and summer learning. Just try to engage in things that your child will enjoy while also learning things. Wilderness hikes and visits to the zoo are perfect examples. Visiting the library Over time, it is only natural for the collection of books you have at home to become boring, and your child will reach a point when they are no longer learning from those books. That is why it is a good idea to visit the library regularly, both for reading time at the library and to check out books to read at home. Though technology is changing the way young people engage with books, libraries are still warm and welcoming places where children can be exposed to a wide variety of subjects and imaginary worlds. Activities During the summer, also make sure to sign your child up for activities. Physical activities such as sports are very healthy and productive, and children actually learn a lot from them, but you can also take classes, go to one-time events, and take your child to day camp (and of course, there are also sleepaway camps for children who are old enough). As long as your child remains active and continues engaging in new learning activities, he or she will continue making educational leaps forward during these important months. By Lisa Pecos

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How to Keep Your Teen Out of Trouble: 10 Tips

Alex — Thu, 03 May 2012 01:57:35 +0000

Teens are naturally rebellious, and when you combine this with all the potentially destructive influences that today’s teens are exposed to, it is not surprising that the percentage of young people who have been arrested at least once has grown in recent years. And these incidents can have lifelong repercussions. Even a minor offense such as shoplifting or drug possession can set a young person back and shut opportunities to them. And of course, there are many much more serious crimes that can taint records permanently and even ruin lives. Sadly, much of what teens do must be out of their parents’ hands. We cannot watch our children every second of the day, and the teenage years are a time when kids need an increasing amount of freedom in order to find themselves and become independent people. But while you cannot control your child’s actions, what you can do is provide a positive influence and a supportive home environment to reduce the risk that your child will turn to bad behaviors. If you are worried your teen might get into trouble if left to his or her own devices, here are some things you can do. 1. Assign responsibility: Idle hands are the devil’s playthings, as the adage goes, and there are many things you can do to keep your child busy. Most important, make sure you have a system for assigning chores in your household. If motivation is an issue, consider tying chores to allowance. And when your child gets old enough, a summer job is not a bad idea. 2. Have plenty of family time: Time spent with family is time when a teenager cannot be out getting into trouble. Of course, family time is deeply unappealing to many teenagers, so make sure you have family discussions about the sorts of things you can all enjoy doing together. 3. Have limits: For many of today’s parents, the temptation is to want to be the teen’s best friend, and this can make things difficult when it comes to discipline and setting rules for the household. But now that the child is becoming more independent, it is important to continue to establish that the parents are the authorities—at least until the child turns 18—and that certain structures and rules must be observed. 4. Instill positive values through action: No matter how much you lecture your child about the importance of doing things right, staying out of trouble, and doing well in school, it is not going to have an effect unless you back up your words with actions. So, as part of your family activities, try doing things that are good for the community and the world. There are many volunteer opportunities that welcome the participation of whole families. But it does not need to be as structured as that. As long as the household energy is positive and nurturing, your child will be less likely to get in trouble. 5. Stay in touch: Many parents resist giving their children their own phones, and for very good reason, as phones can be abused. But if you get a phone and a plan that lets you monitor your child’s activities and limit their capabilities, it can actually be a wonderful open line of communication between you and your child. Sure, your teen might use the phone for many personal things, but it will also ensure that he or she is always within reach, and they have no excuse for ignoring you. By Lisa Pecos

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I Want To Be A Good Grandparent!

Alex — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:25:22 +0000

As a new grandparent you want to be the best you can be! Your new role is not as daunting as becoming a first time parent but many things have undoubtedly changed since your own children were little. With so many more mothers returning to work childcare is required more often and many grandparents find so much joy in helping to look after the new additions to the family. In terms of setting off on the right foot with your child and his or her partner you can look at these helpful hints: • When the baby is born send a present to the mother. Make sure it is a gift specifically for her like a back cushion to ease her comfort or flowers and bath smellies to keep her spirits uplifted • Offer to help especially during the first three months after the baby’s birth when both parents will be tired • Ensure that you ask the parents when it is convenient to come and help as they will need time alone as a new family • You need to be direct about how much time and help you are willing to give because if you are over burdened and tired you could become resentful • Do not criticize your child’s partner as this could begin to negatively impact on your relationship with both of them • There are sometimes four grandparents so be understanding that all of you will have your own opinions, ideas, requirements and capabilities When it comes to looking after your new grandchild in your own home make sure that you have written down all the information you need to do so. It is a good idea to make notes about feeding times, bed and nap times and formula quantities. As your grandchild becomes older make a note of what programmes they are allowed to watch. It may be a good idea to baby or child proof your home in a similar way that your child has done to his or her own. The more relaxed you are looking after your grandchild the more joy you will receive from the experience. Have healthy snacks at hand and try not to bribe the children with sweets. If your grandchildren misbehave it is a good idea to defer to their parents. Give the parents the high status they deserve; do not have secrets between you and your grandchild. Collecting and ferrying around your grandchildren in a car means you need to know how to safely buckle them up. Ask your child to show you the proper and safe use of the child seat, pram and or push chair. Remember that children’s experiences and memories are more valuable than gifts so think of fun activities to do with them. Nature walks are great fun where you can look for and identify plants, trees and wildlife. Or if you are strolling around the neighbourhood you can play a game giving scores out of ten to people’s front gardens you walk past. Always ask the parents whether they agree to your suggested activity. Reading to your grandchildren is a wonderful pastime which they will treasure. As they become older show them that there is more fun to be had with puzzles and board games than watching television programmes. Remember not to favour one grandchild. Love and nurture them equally. Remember their birthdays! Your role is invaluable and your grandchildren should feel they can talk to you openly so encourage them to do so. There is a saying ‘There’s no place like home except grandma’s’. By Eirian Hallinan

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Should I Give My Child Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements?

Alex — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:58:03 +0000

If your child is not eating a meal of fatty fish like salmon or sardines at least once a week then it is a good idea to give him a daily fish oil supplement. Oily fish includes salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, eel, pilchards and fresh tuna and if your child eats a meal with one of these fish once or twice a week then he will probably receive the level of omega-3 fatty acids his body requires. Popular fishy meals that kids like are fish sticks and canned chunk light tuna but they are not a good source of omega-3s although they are low in mercury. Solid white albacore is a type of canned tuna that contains a higher dose of omega-3s but it usually is higher in mercury content so some experts recommend that children avoid it. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids (specifically DHA and EPA) which are required for your child’s optimum brain and eye development and experts claim that they play a significant role in improving intelligence, memory, co-ordination and enhancing your child’s concentration skills at school. Ideally it is better for your child to get all his nutrients from his meals as he will benefit from the nutrients in other foods at the same time. However, many children do not eat enough of the right fatty fish that contain the desired levels of omega-3s and especially if you are trying to avoid fish with high levels of mercury. Cold water fish often referred to as fatty fish contain the highest amounts of omega-3s. The capsule supplements are not a good idea to give your child as they pose a choking risk but you can easily purchase the liquid form. It is very important that you check you are buying highly pure oil from the flesh of fish, not from the livers as these can contain harmful toxins and excessive levels of vitamin A. Your child may not like the fishy taste of the liquid supplement so there are varieties that disguise the fishiness with citrus and vanilla flavours. You can blend the supplement with milk or a juice too. Begin with a low dose at a meal time so one teaspoon a day for a week and then you can increase this to two to three teaspoons per day if your child is willing. There are no known side effects. If your child is not eating the servings of fatty fish listed below at least once a week then a supplement is recommended. • 1-2 years old – 1 ounce of fatty fish • 3-6 years old – 1.5 ounces of fatty fish • 6 years plus – 2 ounces of fatty fish By Eirian Hallinan

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Help! My Child Is So LAZY!

Alex — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 05:29:35 +0000

As a parent of a seemingly lazy child you may feel very frustrated with attempts to motivate him. Some parents are baffled by their children being so different in their levels of activity. Children are different and some are inherently more active than others but few are naturally lazy. Often a child’s energy is being used for growing and his body needs to rest, this can often be mistaken for laziness. Once he has rested and his body has caught up he should return to normal but if you are worried that there may be underlying medical problems then ask a pediatrician to evaluate him so that you can eradicate any physical problems. Work out what would be an appealing goal or reward for your child so that you can encourage his motivation. Do not bribe him but help him see the benefits of being successful in carrying out tasks. If he gets his homework done in good time or tidies his bedroom then spend some alone time with him by going for a walk together or shopping for something he needs. Make sure the rewards you promise, you can definitely follow through with. Praise is really important so even if he does not accomplish all you hoped he would, still give him plenty of praise for all he did get done. Using words that explain how his efforts have resulted in success shows him how he can achieve things and recognize his accomplishments. Your child emulates you so keep a really positive attitude towards learning skills and your perception that school is fun! You guide your child’s attitude towards education and lifestyle choices. Do not let him hear you criticize the school or teachers as this will breed negativity within him and give him justification to not carry out the work they have set out for him. If you need to speak with the teacher then arrange to go to the school to do so without your child. Children can seem oblivious to deadlines and time management. A good way of helping your child manage his time and get tasks done without constant delays is to use a chart system. Make a chart that shows him what he needs to be doing at certain times in the day. Make sure you help him accomplish each task on time so he sees that it is possible and then he can begin to get things done on his own and on time. In the big wide world time management is essential so show him how it can be done and praise his efforts and accomplishments. Every child is interested in something so you need to discover what that is for your child. Learning becomes incidental when he is absorbed in an interest that really appeals to him. If your child particularly enjoys a subject tell his teacher so that they can encourage his interest and ability to learn. Children like to express themselves and need outlets to do this. Extracurricular activities can build their confidence and help to discover what their passions are in a creative way. Your child’s talent is waiting to come out and shine. Find the activities that make your child happy and all areas in his life will improve, just as it would with an adult. The best way to deal with your child’s apparent lack of motivation is to embrace it. Adjusting your expectations and accepting that all children are different will help you. Some kids just spend more time with their heads in the clouds. They may be artistic and dreamy and bring joy in a different way to highly active children. By accepting your child’s personality and helping whenever you can to motivate and nurture his interests you will be a lot happier and so will he. By Eirian Hallinan

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Help! My Child Is Sleepwalking!

Alex — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 22:35:00 +0000

If you are shocked to find your child sleepwalking rest assured that it is fairly common in childhood and not usually anything to worry about. It can be triggered by stress, illness or not enough sleep but with most sleepwalkers it is not a sign that they are psychologically disturbed. There are risks associated with a child wandering around the house whilst asleep as they could fall down the stairs or wander out of the front door. There are precautions that can be put in place which I will discuss later. Sleepwalking is most common in children aged between three and seven years and usually they have grown out of it by the time they reach nine years of age. If the sleepwalking begins at around the age of nine or above it is likely that they will continue to sleepwalk into adulthood. Most children who sleepwalk have parents that did so too. Bedwetting children often sleepwalk. Other symptoms related to sleepwalking are: • Sleep-talking • Screaming • Violent attacks on the person waking them up • Strange behaviour like urinating in wardrobes • Will not remember sleepwalking Your child’s sleepwalking episode is most likely to happen when he is in a deep sleep but it can also happen during lighter stages of his sleep or non REM. As well as walking he may just sit straight up in his bed and look around. It is not dangerous to waken your sleepwalker in terms of causing him a heart attack, brain damage or shock but he could inadvertently lash out at you so it is better to gently guide him back to bed. Wise precautions to take if your child is a sleepwalker: • Erect stair gates at the top of the stairway or at his bedroom door • Do not let him sleep in a bunk-bed • Lock all your windows and doors before you go to bed • If you find him sleepwalking, gently guide him back to bed Along with sleepwalking other nocturnal experiences your child may have are nightmares and night terrors. Your child will find it difficult to ascertain what is real and what is not so nightmares can be traumatic for him. Nightmares are very common in children and can start from two years of age, most commonly occurring around seven years of age. They occur most frequently between 4am and 6am during the REM sleep phase. Your child will probably come to you to be comforted after a nightmare and can usually describe it to you. You may find that he is scared to go back to sleep so calmly explain that he is safe and that his dream is not real. It is his brain processing events and it may be that he is a little stressed about something. Again bunk-beds are not a great idea if your child has lots of nightmares as he may lose his footing if he is distressed or not fully awake. A bottom bunk can be dark and cave-like so may encourage nightmares. Night terrors are different to nightmares and normally occur during deep sleep (non REM) and this is usually between 1am and 3am. If your child is experiencing a night terror he is probably rapidly breathing, has a heightened heart rate, is sweating and panicking. Your child’s pupils will probably be dilated and although his eyes are open he is still asleep. He will be difficult to wake and once he has woken up he will probably not remember the experience but will appear dazed and confused. He may be hard to comfort. Night terrors are common in ages three to five years and often run in families as does sleepwalking and bedwetting. Precautions to take: • Stay close to your child during a terror so he does not inflict any harm to himself • Avoid bunk-beds • Erect stair gates • Do not shout or alarm your child in an attempt to wake him, rather turn the light on and speak calmly to him and hold him if he allows you to Seek help from your doctor if: • The terror has a duration of longer than thirty minutes • Your child does something dangerous • He makes jerky movements, stiffens or drools • Your child’s day times are adversely affected By Eirian Hallinan

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What Parents Need to Know About Cutting

Alex — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:50:22 +0000

Cutting—or, as it is known in medical circles, self-injury—has gotten a lot of attention over the last few years, and there is a growing awareness that it is a serious issue among teens, not just due to the physical harm it causes but also because it is often a symptom of deeper emotional problems. Still, though the issue is more out in the open than it used to be (and it is not a new thing), many parents are still uncomfortable talking about it. To put it simply, the phenomenon known as cutting involves intentionally cutting oneself with sharp objects in order to draw blood and make marks. The most common areas of cutting are the wrists, belly, and thighs, and the most common tools used for cutting are razor blades, knives, and scissors. Cutting disproportionally involves girls, but boys are not immune to the phenomenon. There is good reason why many parents shy away from this issue. To a grownup, this type of self-injury may seem purely irrational, and we might have a hard time imagining our own children engaging in such strange behavior. But that is exactly how so many teens are able to keep the habit hidden from their parents; no parent thinks their child would do this, so they are unlikely to suspect it. What do kids cut? There are many reasons why kids cut, but the one factor that cannot be overlooked in most cases is the social element. Many teens are aware that the phenomenon is out there, and it may even have a certain romanticism to the teenaged mind. And when it becomes a social thing that multiple teens engage in, it becomes especially alluring. But there are other reasons besides peer pressure. Perhaps most important, many teens who cut say they do so to deal with strong emotions. Teens are typically full of inner turmoil, including many feelings they do not understand, and cutting is a way to distract from those feelings while also making the inner pain simple and physical. For some teens, it provides a feeling of self-control, and it can even be a relief. Meanwhile, cutting has also been described as a sort of addition. Once a teen makes a habit of it, the habit can be difficult to break, and it may become the go-to method for dealing with strong emotions of any kind. And even when the teen resolves to stop cutting, the temptation can come flooding in at moments, making it difficult to resist. In extreme cases of cutting, the activity might not be simply an outward sign of normal teen turmoil. The behavior is strongly associated with real mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, and it can be a clear sign that a teen is in need of professional help. What can parents do? Many teens who cut keep their habit secret and are liable to make excuses or false explanations when confronted about any visible marks. If you suspect your child is cutting but are not sure, talk to her about it without being accusatory. There is a chance she is eager to admit it to someone. If not, just make sure that you are emotionally available and that she knows you are there if she needs help. Some teens are eventually able to stop on their own, while others need professional help. If you find out your teen is cutting and cannot stop, it is a good idea to seek professional help. It may turn out that the cutting has resulted from peer pressure rather than any deep psychological problem, but it is best to play on the safe side. To help get to the bottom of the problem, have your child speak to a mental health professional. By Jamell Williams

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Should Kids Be Allowed to Have Caffeine?

Alex — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:47:26 +0000

Many parents have strange approaches to giving their kids caffeine. On one hand, we do not think of coffee and even tea as being appropriate beverages for young children, yet on the other hand, many parents allow their children to drink soft drinks practically to their hearts’ content. And while soft drinks are lower in caffeine than coffee, they have a good amount of it, and they deliver all the caffeine-related effects that coffee does. So while caffeine is not the worst thing in the world, parents should be aware of how it affects kids so they can make informed decisions. What does caffeine do? First, it is important to realize that caffeine affects children more intensely than it does adults. Of course, this is simply because children are smaller. A 180-pound grownup will feel the effects of caffeine much less than a 60-pound child. So, for all the effects that caffeine has on all of us, think of them as doubled for children. The following symptoms of excess caffeine can affect grownups as well as kids, but they can be triggered in children by relatively small amounts of the substance: • Difficulty sleeping, possibly including insomnia and night terrors • Nausea • Headaches • Difficulty focusing on tasks • Excessive heart rate • Excessive blood pressure • Nervousness, anxiety, and emotional volatility As grownups we can usually recognize such symptoms, and it is easy to dismiss them because we know the causes. But for kids, these things are likely to have more of an unconscious effect, triggering a sense of overall irritability, malaise, and bad temper. And of course, the more caffeine a child has, the worse it is likely to be. Other issues Aside from the immediate side effects, that are many other things that parents should know about caffeine’s effects on children, including the following: • Caffeinated drinks, especially soft drinks, are associated with elevated risk of childhood obesity. In fact, many medical experts blame the popularity of soft drinks for the childhood obesity epidemic that is now affecting so many children. • Caffeinated beverages contain huge amounts of sugar, which means they are terrible for the teeth. With their syrupy texture, they tend to stick to the teeth and the gums and can sit there for hours, contributing to cavities and other problems. • Caffeine can make medical problems worse. For instance, if a child has nervous disorders or heart problems, having even one soda can make things worse. • Caffeine leads to dehydration. And, again, the effects are more intense for children than for grownups. In hot weather, especially, the dehydration associated with caffeine can greatly contribute to many problems. • Conscious parents naturally shy away from giving their children addictive substance, yet caffeine qualifies, and it can actually be intensely addictive. Believe it or not, a huge proportion of American kids are already hooked to caffeine and suffer withdrawal symptoms when they have to go without. Do kids need caffeine? The simple fact is that there is just no reason why kids should have to have caffeine. It has no nutritional value, and it is easily avoided with a little effort. The key is for parents to cut it out themselves, and especially to keep all soft drinks out of the house. These can be replaced with healthy juices, milk, and, of course, water. But one does not have to be so extreme. There is nothing wrong with having a soda every now and then, and teenagers can even have coffee. (Despite the widespread myth, coffee does not stunt growth.) For parents, the most important thing is to monitor kids’ caffeine intake. Remember that it is an addictive substance and that one occasional drink can easily become several a day. So make sure you take charge and set limits. By Lisa Pecos

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Had Enough of the Backchat?

Alex — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:41:28 +0000

Do you feel exasperated dealing with backchat and disrespectful behaviour from your children? It can be difficult to handle your children’s bad manners, rudeness, swearing, sarcasm or cheekiness and most parents complain about it at some point. Think about why your child might be behaving this way as there are various reasons as to why it might be happening: Your child is testing her boundaries and limitations She may be emulating her friends She may enjoy the guaranteed reaction from her bad behaviour whether it be shouting or laughing, it is all attention directed at her Your child may feel that she is not being heard, that no one is listening to her or that she feels she is being treated unfairly. With mumbled comments, backchat and saying things under her breath this is usually the case In terms of dealing with this behaviour there are some helpful tactics listed below: If her rudeness is minor like sulking or fairly inoffensive backchat then it is best to ignore it and just say something like ‘I will not put up with being spoken to like that’ and then do not respond any further until she is communicating with you properly again More offensive and rude behaviour can be dealt with using the ‘naughty-step’ technique. Tell your child that you will not tolerate such disrespectful behaviour and people do not speak to each other rudely in your family. Then take her to the naughty step Do not laugh if your child is rude or cheeky as this communicates to her that she will receive positive attention for such behaviour and she will just repeat it If your child is rude or is bad mannered to someone else in public take her aside and explain to her why her behaviour is unacceptable. Explaining why you disapprove of the way she has behaved offers her guidance. For e.g. ‘I noticed you ignored the librarian when she asked you to quieten down and I think this upset her as it was disrespectful. You must be more polite or we will have to leave play at the park to another day’ Children learn how to behave and treat other people by watching and emulating their parents and other adults around them. Remember the saying that ‘actions speak louder than words’? The best way to show your kids how to be respectful, polite and considerate is to treat them in this way and let them see you treat other people in your family and everyday life this way. Also: Continually but gently remind and guide her on appropriate behaviour and communication, when to say ‘thank you’ and when to say’ excuse me’ Do not make sarcastic, snide comments or put downs towards other people as she will notice this and imitate you thinking that it is acceptable to treat people this way Be courteous, polite and well mannered and she will copy you When you are correcting her do so in a firm, clear, calm and polite way Respond positively to her good behaviour with approval, praise and affection Keep an eye and ear out to what she is being exposed to on the television, radio and when she is with her friends Make sure she feels listened to and encouraged to have an opinion that is valued By Eirian Hallinan

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Early Childhood Teeth Care: The Basics

Alex — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:51:13 +0000

Much confusion surrounds the issue of how to help young children achieve good dental care. Because we know that those early teeth are going to fall out after a couple of years, many parents assume that early childhood dental care is not a priority and that kids do not need the kind of brushing routine that adults have. But on the contrary, there are some very good health-related reasons to pay close attention to your child’s dental care from a very early age, and it is never too early to begin instilling good habits. Very early dental care What many people do not realize is that babies do have teeth. In fact, the teeth develop during the second trimester of pregnancy, and they are more or less fully formed at birth. Of course, the teeth are still hidden beneath the gums at this point, but if you look closely at your child’s gums, you will see they are pitted and ridged, partly due to the presence of the teeth underneath. Even before the teeth start coming through—which typically begins at around six months of age—the rough surfaces of your child’s gums need to be cleaned, especially after feeding. Otherwise, bacteria can build up and eventually lead to gum problems. You do not need to do much, however. Simply wiping the gums with a damp washcloth after feeding is usually sufficient. When the teeth start coming through, keep them clean by brushing them with a soft child’s toothbrush at least twice a day. Where there are no teeth yet showing, continue to wash the gums at the end of the day with a damp washcloth. Meanwhile, now is a good time to get out of the habit of allowing your child to go to sleep with a bottle in her mouth. The lingering milk or juice can wear away at the tooth enamel, eventually leading to a condition known as bottle mouth, which is associated with cavities and the necessity for teeth pulling. Starting dentist visits The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children get their first dental check-up within the first year of life, preferably between the emergence of the first teeth and the first birthday. This may come as a surprise to many parents, and indeed the recommendation is not borne out in practice, as many children do not get their first dental appointment until they are two or three years old. But there are some good reasons to start early. Pediatric dentists are trained at catching issues that may potentially become problematic later on, and they can help ensure that your early dental care is on track and in line with modern recommendations. So, in other words, starting with early dental preventative care is a good way to prevent problems later on. From this point, it is a good idea to bring your child in for a dentist visit every six months or so. Keep in mind that young children tend to grow fast, so potential mouth and jaw issues can develop rapidly. So if you want to ensure that your child does not need braces or other treatments later on, keep up these regular visits. Training good dental care Once your child is old enough to start brushing his or her own teeth, the fun begins. It is crucial to instill good habits at this age, as studies have shown that good early dental care translates into good lifelong dental health. So once your child is old enough to grasp the concept of brushing teeth, start encouraging her to take matters into her own hands. She should brush at least twice daily, for at least 30 seconds at a time. Until she gets the hang of it, use very small amounts of toothpaste to prevent her from swallowing too much. Meanwhile, it is also a good idea to teach your child the importance of avoiding foods that lead to tooth decays. Candy and other sweets might be okay in moderation, but when consumed habitually, they contribute to accelerated tooth decay and cavities. Teach your child that good dental health is good for her all around health, and that it prevents bad breath and promotes a good appearance. Some kids take to the habit quite well, while other seem naturally predisposed to forget or to rush through their dental care routine. That is why it is a good idea to supervise your child’s dental care early on, and to make sure he or she brushes during a time when there are not going to be other distractions. Childhood teeth care. By Lisa Pecos

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Alcohol and Your Teenager

Alex — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:15:24 +0000

Alcohol is considered socially acceptable as long as it is drunk moderately but it can cause mixed messages being communicated to our young people. We tell our children drinking is bad for them but they then see us consuming alcohol and sometimes too much at social occasions. What do you do if you discover your child is drinking excessively? What do you say without seeming hypocritical or risk your children losing their trust in you? Many children have their first sip of an alcoholic drink at around twelve years old, often with their parents. Boys in particular see drinking as a sign of maturity and independence. Adolescent drinking at around fourteen to fifteen years of age can become more secretive so often hidden from parents. By the time they have got to seventeen years old they often regard themselves as responsible drinkers and do not usually hide what they are doing. Research shows that parents’ attitudes are more influential than they sometimes realize. It has been discovered that parents who are more permissive about drinking are more likely to have children who drink than those parents who are more disapproving and set boundaries. Any age group can be affected by alcohol abuse but young people are at more risk because they are still growing and their brains are still developing. Young people usually need far less alcohol to produce the same effects seen in adults so they are more likely to engage in dangerous behavior like violence or unsafe sex. Even light drinking can cause a young person’s growing brain short and long term damage. The long term effects could be cancer, liver disease or high blood pressure. Some research has shown that children who begin to drink at a very early age are more likely to develop alcohol problems later in life. As a parent you need to be realistic. A total ban of your children drinking could lead to them behaving secretively. It is best to teach your children the realities of drinking alcohol and the dangers it can pose. Building your child’s self esteem by praising them and encouraging open communication can strengthen your relationship with them so they are more likely to listen to you and come to you for advice. If you are worried that your child is drinking excessively or secretly try talking to them and sometimes it is advisable to get professional advice from your doctor or local support group. The following are tips for parents of young people: Start by being a good role model. Your attitude towards drinking is more influential than your child’s peers Begin to teach your child the risks of alcohol when they are young. Have discussions with them about peer pressure and also the reasons good and bad, as to why people drink If your child is drinking think about why this is happening. Are there any underlying problems going on such as low self-esteem, bullying at school or family issues? If you discover your child is drunk when they get home just encourage them to get to bed and wait until the next day to have a talk with them Try and find a calm time of day to talk to them about their excessive drinking. Be open when you chat about the effects of alcohol and encourage them to be honest with you about their behaviour and discuss peer pressure Keep talking to your children about sensible drinking and how they can pace themselves by eating a substantial meal before going out, by having soft drinks between alcoholic drinks Ensure that you have educated your child about how alcohol can impair peoples’ judgements and how many people catch STDs and have unwanted pregnancies due to unprotected sex because of being drunk Talk about the dangers of drink driving and always have a plan and a back-up plan of how to get home safely Keep telling your child that you love them and that no matter how angry or disappointed you may be you are always there for them. Try and make them feel that they can always call you no matter what. They are then more likely to contact you if they are in danger or someone else has got hurt By Eirian Hallinan

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Children’s Growing Pains: What Can Parents Do?

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:46:10 +0000

That kids experience growing pains is no myth. At times of growth (and kids do grow at uneven rates), to feel actual pain in the bones, muscles, and joints is quite common. Its prevalence is difficult to measure, but it is believed that as many as half of all children experience growing pains regularly. As grownups, we may not remember just how uncomfortable these pains can be, but they are significant enough to disrupt sleep, make it hard to focus in school, and cause irritability. Background Growing pains can occur at any age, but they most often affect kids during periods of especially rapid growth, which are common between the ages of three and five and again between eight and 12. And of course, during growth spurts that may occur at other ages, growing pains are common. It is believed that the pain is not actually caused by the growth of bones and muscles, but rather by the extra strain put on them by running and playing at times of rapid growth. In other words, the body is working hard to grow during these times, and combining this with intense physical activity is a recipe for soreness. And very often that soreness does not kick in until the end of the day or, even worse, late at night. Growing pains usually take the form of soreness centered in the muscles, especially in the legs. Children suffering from these pains usually do not mind being touched and rubbed where the pains are centered. When an area of pain is sensitive to touch, this may mean something more serious is going on. Meanwhile, visible redness or swelling, either in the muscles or the joins, is also unlikely to be growing pains. In this case, see your child’s doctor if it does not go away. What to do Growing pains typically go away on their own, especially with a healthy dinner and a good night’s sleep. But because children are often understandably in a hurry to make the soreness go away, there are things parents can do, at least to provide a placebo effect. Try these pain-alleviation methods: Encourage your child to stretch out the sore muscles very thoroughly. Give your child a glass of milk, and inform him or her that the milk will make the pain go away. (There is little scientific backing for this, but your child will find it comforting. And, anecdotally, many parents find milk does help alleviate kids’ soreness.) Gently massage the sore area, or have your child self-massage. If your child is old enough, provide an over-the-counter pain reliever. For children under twelve, talk to your pediatrician about what painkiller, if any, is best. Hold a heating pad to the sore area for fifteen minutes. Meanwhile, because growing pains are not serious, many children just want parental reassurance in these moments. Do not dismiss your child’s pains or accuse him or her of faking them. Provide support, and make sure your child knows the pain will pass shortly. Of course, pain and soreness are often signs of more serious issues than growing pains. If any of the following symptoms occur and last longer than a day, contact your pediatrician. Pain that hinders movement or causes limping Pain early in the day, even after the child has had a good night’s sleep Redness or swelling in the area of the pain Unexplained rashes General weakness or fatigue Strange behavior Fever These symptoms are not typically associated with growing pains and may be cause for alarm. By Lisa Pecos

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Parenting Tactics That Damage Your Child’s Self Esteem

Eirian — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:31:27 +0000

Be aware that even though you feel you are doing your very best raising your child, sometimes your parenting strategies can be damaging to your child’s self-esteem and the parent-child relationship. Your child needs to grow up with a healthy level of self-esteem to be more resilient to the lessons learnt and the knocks taken in life. A good self-esteem enables your child in decision making, having confidence in the judgements she makes, knowing what is right and wrong and having an ability to ‘bounce back’ after a knock. Healthy self-esteem is especially important during your child’s adolescent years when the chances are she will experience peer pressure to experiment with cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. When thinking about your parenting tactics consider the following: Do you bribe your child? Rewarding and praising children for admirable things they have done is good but using the short cut of bribing them is not. For example, if you say ‘if you do the washing up I’ll give you your pocket money’, it is not helpful because your child needs to understand from an early age that she is an important and responsible member of the family who needs to carry out everyday domestic tasks just like everyone else. Your child should not feel that she should be paid to do these things. Instead encourage her to take responsibility for certain duties as early as you can so that it just becomes second nature to her. Leaving this encouragement too late can make things very difficult. Even with small infants you can teach them the importance of tidying up after play time or putting away crayons after drawing activities Do you use threats to try and control? For example, ‘If you do not put your clothes away, you will not be going out to play this afternoon’. Threats are no more useful than bribes simply because they are incredibly hard to stand by and more often than not you renege on the threat allowing your child to get away with whatever it is they have or have not done. Your child soon learns that there is no meaning in your threats. Future threats become irrelevant to your child. If you really want to use a threat then you have to stand by it. Make it crystal clear that this is a final warning and then if you need to carry out the threatened form of punishment make sure that you do. This way you will less likely have to issue threats in the future Do you nag your child? If you find that you are nagging your child by constantly asking her if she has completed a task you soon find that you are assuming responsibility for her. Your child never realises that she is responsible for her own actions which is fundamental in building her self-esteem. Mum and Dad are always there to do what she should; she never accepts responsibility for things. When a child or teenager does not carry out an important task, for example getting up on time to get to school or a Saturday job, you should do nothing! Your child will soon learn that there will be a natural consequence to her failure like being scolded by a teacher or employer. The embarrassment she suffers at being reprimanded will be a lot more effective in her taking responsibility for herself than you repeatedly reminding her to do things (nagging!) How helpful is it to criticise? Usually it just leads to your child building up resentment, even though you are only trying to teach her the right way of doing things. To enhance your child’s self-esteem concentrate on trying to catch her doing something positive that you can praise. More positive recognition is required rather than negative Other tactics to avoid are passing the buck – ‘Wait until your father get’s home!’ Deal with punishments in the moment. Smacking – it usually leads to rebellion. Insincere praise – is easily detected even by small infants. Find something to genuinely praise your child for. By Eirian Hallinan

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Does My Child Have OCD?

Eirian — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:37:11 +0000

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterised by repetitive and unwanted thoughts. These obsessions create actions made by the sufferer as they try to eradicate the anxious thoughts which are compulsions. OCD cases vary from mild to severe and manifest in different ways. With children suffering from OCD their obsessive thoughts can cause high levels of distress and anxiety often dominating their time and ability to focus and hold their attention on things. Research carried out estimates that 1.9% to 3% of children have OCD so out of 1000 children in a school 19 to 30 of them will probably have this disorder. OCD does not discriminate between ethnicities or social groups. If you are concerned about your child there are symptoms to look out for although only a medical professional can make a qualified diagnosis of OCD. There are a plethora of ‘themes’ in OCD cases but common indicators that may encourage you to seek medical advice could be some or all of the following: Wanting their toys and nick-nacks perfectly aligned and their bedrooms kept tidy in a particular way Excessively worrying about their handwriting being neat enough Prolonged and repetitive washing of hands Repetitively having showers and baths Excessive worrying about becoming ill or catching a disease Worrying about something bad happening to loved ones Taking extreme and repetitive measures to protect the home by constantly checking locks, taps and plugs When they are carrying out certain tasks they feel they have to count and sometimes this in multiples of a particular number Holding onto and refusing to throw away old items that are useless and not needed If you do think that your young child is suffering from OCD the first thing you should do is get advice from your doctor. If your child is older or a teenager you may find that your child would like to talk to their doctor alone. It is important that you encourage them to do this. Awareness of OCD is increasing but unfortunately not all doctors are sufficiently knowledgeable at the moment. You can get help online. In the UK there is something called a GP ‘Ice Breaker’ which patients can print off and take to their GP. It explains what OCD is and that your child may need to be diagnosed and offered CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). Research has proven that OCD if identified and treated early has a much better chance of recovery so early intervention is essential. By Eirian Hallinan

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Is My Child A Bully?

Eirian — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:34:52 +0000

In the UK alone approximately sixteen children a year commit suicide because of the trauma they endure due to bullying. The offending children who have tirelessly bullied their victims know exactly what they are doing but it seems that sometimes, the people in authority such as school teachers claim they did not know the bullying was taking place. Friends of the bullies also probably knew what was happening. Before a child has to have medical treatment or dies, people need to speak up if they suspect such bullying. If you are concerned that your own child could be bullying another then the following is a list of signs to look out for. To be clear, YOU ARE A BULLY IF YOU DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: Name calling Fabricate stories to get them in trouble You deliberately try and may succeed in taking their friends away and isolating them You tell or encourage other people not to be friends with them You physically hurt them including hitting, kicking, pushing or tripping them up You spit at them You make unkind or derogatory remarks about their looks or appearance You make unkind or derogatory remarks about their culture, religion, race or colour You make unkind or derogatory remarks about their medical condition or disability You damage their property You tell them you cannot spend time with them because you are busy but then go and enjoy yourself with other people in front of them You make jokes about them even though you can see they are upset and traumatised You play around with them when you know they are not feeling comfortable with it and you know they want you to stop If you are watching the bullying and just going along with the crowd without saying something to a teacher or responsible adult You leave them out when you are choosing a games team to be deliberately unkind You take their belongings away by force, threats or steal their property and/or demand money from them You hide their belongings You send them abusive texts or harass them with silent calls You threaten them You spread rumours about them You make comments about them ‘fancying’ other people It is understandable that your first reactions might be shock and disbelief if your child is accused of bullying but before you dismiss the notion entirely take a breath and think. Be willing to speak with the teachers at the school, be open and willing to work with the teachers as you need to take what they are saying very seriously with the aim of finding solutions to the problems. The teachers and staff should be aware that sometimes children are falsely accused of bullying and an in-depth investigation should reveal this. There are various sanctions that could be made against your child depending on the result of the investigation. It could be a detention, a warning, temporary exclusion or for a one-off incident where your child has violently harmed another then this could mean they are expelled. If it has been revealed that your child has been violent, been abusive by phone or made demands for money and he or she is over the age of criminal responsibility then the parents of the victim would usually be advised to make a complaint to the police. Parents of a bullied child do not complain to the school straight away in most cases, so there is usually a long history of abuse and unhappiness felt. In some cases the victim has to take time off school because of fear and will sometimes need to see a doctor because of the stress and trauma they feel. If you are worried your child might be a bully you can ask the school for a copy of the bullying policy so that you can read it with your child. By Eirian Hallinan

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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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Encouraging Your Budding Little Artist

Eirian — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:38:06 +0000

Watching your child expressing herself through painting and drawing is wonderful. As your child grows up she will continually explore and experiment though painting and drawing if she enjoys this medium. There are many artistic activities and materials that you can introduce to her over the years, to nurture her creativity. When your little one is still a small infant the initial scribbles and marks she makes is the start of her creative expression and also the beginnings of learning to write. Once you have given her the tools you can then just give her bags of encouragement. The following are some tips to get your little one off to a flying start, things to say and not to say plus the developmental stages to look out for: When your child is about twelve to fifteen months old give her jumbo crayons, washable paints and markers with large brushes and heads to make marks with on plain paper. At this age she should have stopped putting everything in her mouth and is beginning to understand that these tools make marks on paper. Avoid the small water colour paint palettes as these are for older children Let your child make her creations on large pieces of blank white paper so that her movements can be unrestricted, freer. You can put plastic or old newspaper underneath to help soak up spillages You do not want your child to worry too much about making a mess so use washable pens and paints and cover her clothing with a baggy old top Allow plenty of time for her art activity and spend time watching and smiling which will encourage her The comments you make should be are open-ended and encouraging for example, “Wow, I love those blue curvy lines” or “that is fantastic, really interesting!” When your little one is older and can talk you can ask her to tell you about her drawing. Do not tell her what she is drawing or what colours she should use. Let her tell you about what she is creating if she chooses to. Let her be free so do not force an idea on her, she should be drawing or painting freely from her own mind. It could be that she is just enjoying the colours or marks and lines she is making and does not have a picture in her mind Artistic Development – The Stages Stage 1: Random, uncontrolled scribbling using large movements from the shoulder. One or two hands may be used and crayons are usually held in a fist grip Stage 2: Controlled scribbling, marks are repeated like irregular, open circles, curves, vertical and horizontal lines. The crayon, marker or brush may be held by the thumb and forefinger Stage 3: She will begin to name her creations even though they are unplanned. The image she has created could represent people, objects or pets as examples Stage 4: At this stage your little one starts representational drawing for example a sun, so an irregular circle with rays sticking out of it. Or maybe a circle with human features inside the circle or sticking out of it Stage 5: Here you will see her making developed representational drawing and this means planned ideas that she puts to paper so more detail, control and colour usage. It does not matter if the colours are not realistic If you think your child is artistically inclined then to encourage and nurture her development is a wonderful gift to give her. Each child has their own unique creative spirit which needs to be nurtured so that she can utilise it to help her express herself in a free and unlimited way. By Eirian Hallinan

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Are You Worried About Your Child’s Speech?

Eirian — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:14:36 +0000

You may be concerned that your child is having difficulty with his speech. There are common problems that are often diagnosed and this is a guide to how you can detect them, how to help your child and also how you can seek professional help. Stuttering – a sign to spot early on is if you notice that your child is getting stuck on a sound in a particular word. An older child who is developing a stutter will be more self conscious so will attempt to hide it which means they might not talk so much and avoid using words they are struggling with. You can seek help at various stammering associations or help lines depending on where you are in the world. The associations can put you in contact with speech and language therapists in your area. There is no need to be referred by your doctor, although some parents may prefer to do this. In terms of what you can do yourself at home then it is advisable that for at least three times a week for five minutes arrange some time in the day to give your child your one-to-one attention and do so in a quiet, calm and relaxed atmosphere. Speak slowly to your child so that he can understand and follow what you say more easily but not so slow it becomes unnatural. Just try and communicate in a relaxed way. Pausing for a second before you ask or answer a question can help and express your interest in what he is talking about, not in how he is saying it. Keep your sentences simple and concise whilst keeping eye contact with your child; do not look away if he stammers. Try not to ask too many questions and when you do allow sufficient time for him to answer them. At meal times ask the rest of the family to take turns to speak so that it limits the occasions your child who is struggling with speech is interrupted. Praise and discipline this child as you do the other children. Try and keep to an organised lifestyle so that you are not rushing all the time or feeling like you do not have time to help your child adequately. Tiredness can aggravate stammers so maintain regular sleeping patterns. Another piece of good advice is to resist the urge to finish your child’s sentences off as he may find this frustrating and could hinder him further. Phonological development describes the process of a child learning new sounds, storing and then accessing them to form words correctly. It is a complex system and is connected to the child’s ability to organise and use new sounds. A phonological delay usually becomes apparent when a child is late in developing speech sounds or has difficulties with speech. It occurs in the absence of any physical difficulties using the muscles for producing speech. This disorder is also known as articulation disorder and developmental phonological disorder. If a child suffers with a phonological delay then associated difficulties with language and literacy can also be expected. Bear in mind that children gradually develop the sounds used for speech and it is to be expected that mistakes in pronunciation will be made and is usual up to and beyond the time a child starts school. Do not expect perfect speech in a toddler. If, however he is not understood by anyone outside your family by three and a half years then you are right to be concerned. To spot a phonological delay look out for the following. If your child struggles with words that most of his peers do not have problems pronouncing and you cannot see any improvement over a three month period. If you think your child cannot seem to hear the difference between the correct way of saying a word and the way he says it. For example, if he says ‘cap’ instead of ‘tap’ show him pictures of both and see if he can tell you which one is which. You can assist your child by seeing a speech therapist and asking their advice. Also work on listening skills and you can use games with pictures to practice pronunciation. When you are looking at toy animals or images make the associated noises like a ‘miaow’ for a cat or ‘woof’ for a dog so that your child can associate sounds with meanings. By Eirian Hallinan

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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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Developing Your Child’s Handwriting Skills

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:00:30 +0000

By Lisa Pecos With the rise of computers and electronic gadgets as tools for all types of school-related activities, kids spend far less time writing by hand than they used to. As a result, many people fear that the ancient art of handwriting is bound to become a thing of the past. While this is true to some extent-writing by hand is certainly less important than it used to be-it is still important to have good handwriting for the times when it is called for. The importance of good handwriting is easy to overlook, and when our children are young we tend to think of it as an insignificant matter. But when you think about the difference between poor handwriting and good handwriting on a college or job application, it is clear that good handwriting is an important ingredient for achieving success. Developing handwriting skills Handwriting should begin as early as a child recognizes letters and is capable of drawing them. For most kids this happens somewhere in the third or fourth year. At this time, it is a good idea for parents to spend at least a few minutes a day learning letters. This can involve reading children’s books intended to teach letters, reciting the alphabet, or simply practicing drawing letters on paper. Once your child is familiar with letters, even if she cannot yet remember them or draw them all, it is time to start writing basic words. But do not overwhelm her with too many words at once. Start by teaching her to write her name. She may not fully grasp the significance of each letter, but by this time she should at least understand that the writing on a page means something. When it is her name, it will feel extra special. If you continue this daily practice and regularly read to your child, then she will naturally come to understand letters and words more and more. From this point, it is only a matter of time until she starts sounding out words and spelling them on her own. Improving Handwriting The most important thing for improving a child’s handwriting is to make sure he gets plenty of practice. But the practice does not have to be confined simply to writing. Encourage your child to scribble and draw as much as he wants, and over time this will develop into improved hand-eye coordination and better control over writing implements. That is why it is a good idea to provide your child with plenty of crayons, paper, and other art supplies from a very early age. The more chances he gets to use his hands and draw, the better he will be. Of course, not everyone is gifted with the ability to write well. Some children can never develop perfect handwriting because their natural skills may lie elsewhere. If your child falls into this category, do not think of it as a bad thing. Instead, let your child focus on his or her talents, and when it comes to writing, focus on the technical parts. Make sure your child has a good knowledge of all the letters and how they are best written, and try to figure out what might be holding him back. For example, he might be rushing or holding the pencil wrong. But if his writing is technically sound, there is no need to put too much pressure on him to make it beautiful. If your child has good teachers during the early years of school, then all you need to do is train him in the fundamentals and reinforce what he learns by having practice sessions at home. But if you think your child needs extra help, find a good book on the fundamentals of good handwriting and relearn the basics for yourself. And in more extreme circumstances, there are tutors and occupational therapists that can help.

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Tips for Helping Your Child with Homework

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:55:32 +0000

By Lisa Pecos All parents want to see their children succeed in school, and studies have shown that kids whose parents are more involved in their educations are more likely to do well. Thus, helping your child with his or her homework should be a no-brainer, but it is not always so simple. In the early years, things are relatively easy because young kids have very little homework and what homework they have is simple. But as children get older, the homework becomes more time-consuming, and they eventually cover subjects with which we, as parents, may not be confident. Confronted with calculus, for instance, most parents cannot be blamed for being a little intimidated. Yet whatever age your child may be, there are certainly ways you can help, even if you are not fluent with some of the subjects your child is covering. Here are several ways in which every parent can be involved. 1. Enforce a homework time and space. Establish a set time during the day in which your child must do school-related activities. Anywhere from one to two hours will be enough, though more is sometimes necessary at certain times of the year. Meanwhile, make sure the homework time takes place in a space that is free of distractions, including gadgets, TVs, and games. If a computer is necessary, use one that does not have an internet connection or stay in the room so your child cannot surf the web or play games. Your child may claim there is not enough homework to fill the full homework time. Even when this is true, there is no reason to cancel homework time. Just turn it into school-focused reading time. 2. Keep a daily homework log. Every day when your child comes home from school, urge him or her to make a list of the day’s homework tasks. Even better, have them keep a notebook in which they can write all their assignments as they receive them throughout the school day. This will give you a clear sense of how much homework your child has and make it easier to plan homework time. 3. Check the work. Make a habit of checking all the schoolwork your child does, and give feedback whenever necessary. Remember, however, that it is never a good idea to do your child’s homework for them. Instead, when you find something wrong in the homework or when the work shows poor effort, turn it into a teaching moment. 4. Get involved with the school and teachers. It helps if you are able to meet and talk with all your child’s teachers. This gives you the chance to find out what they expect and what specifically you can do to make their jobs easier. And beyond merely talking to teachers, it is always a good idea to be involved in school events and parent-teacher organizations. This is just one part of the big picture, but it helps keep you aware of what is going on in your child’s education. 5. Make sure your child succeeds. If your child consistently has trouble with homework and you feel as if you are in over your head, seek the help of an outside professional. There are plenty of subject-specific tutors as well as general tutors who can help your child learn good study habits.

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Should Kids Get Their Own Cell Phones?

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:09:47 +0000

By Marc Courtiol Although it may sometimes be hard to imagine life without cellphones, most grownups can recall a time when we were not all in constant touch with one another, and when every household shared a single stationary phone. And because most of today’s parents grew up in that world, many have a somewhat traditionalist attitude when it comes to whether to give their own kids cellphones. Many feel there is no reason a child needs a cellphone, while some take a more modest approach, allowing that it may be a good idea to provide their kids cellphones at, say, 14 or 15, when the social life picks up. Whatever your feelings on the matter, it is important to realize there is no right or wrong approach. There are plenty of arguments in favor of giving kids cell phones, and there are also some good reasons not to. For anyone now contemplating the issue, let us weigh the pros and cons of both sides. Reasons to give kids phones Among all the reasons to give kids cellphones, there is one that strikes most parents particularly close to the heart. Namely, cellphones make it easier for you to keep track of your kids. No longer must parents be left guessing when their kids stay out past curfew or fail to touch base for a few hours. With a cellphone, your teen will have no excuse not to keep your apprised of what is going on. So even if you generally do not embrace technology, this is one area where you might want to make an exception for both your own and your kids’ sake. Another factor that should not be overlooked is the importance of letting young people live in their own time. While parents may have a sentimental attachment to a simpler era when technology was not so ubiquitous, there is just no getting around the fact that things have changed. Technology is an important part of today’s world, and cellphones are a big part of it. So by depriving your child of today’s technologies, you may be setting her back not just socially but also in terms of her long-term success. Cellphones and other new technologies surely involve a lot of mindless activities, but they also help build skills that will be important in the coming years. Finally, let us face it: There is a very good chance that all your child’s friends are going to have cellphones. If it has not happened yet, then it will probably happen when your child reaches his or her teen years. Sure, we do not have to go along with something just because everyone is doing it, but for young people that social factor is huge. Reasons not to give kids phones Cellphones, especially today’s smartphones, involve a lot of mindless, unproductive activities. All time spent texting, surfing the web, or playing games, is time that could be devoted to more productive things like studying, exercise, and quality time with family. Kids already have enough going on in their lives. Why complicate things further with a time-consuming gadget? Meanwhile, it is no secret that most kids are more tech-savvy than many of today’s parents. So no matter what type of limitations you try to impose on your child’s cellphone use, there is a good chance that he or she will be able to get around your restrictions and use the phone for things that you do not intend. So, in other words, giving your child a cellphone opens a can of worms that you may not want to deal with right now. Inside that can of worms are many things that can be scary for parents. There are a few frightening cellphone-related phenomena that have made headlines over the last few years. Sexting and cyberbullying are particularly scary, and cellphone use obviously elevates the risk that these things will occur. Plus, the simple fact is that today’s kids have taken to texting with a disconcerting fervor. If you do not want to have your child constantly tapping away at that phone during homework, at dinner, in the car, and so on, then you might want to avoid providing a phone-or at least impose strict limitations on when and how the phone may be used. And ultimately, there are ways around all these issues. For instance, you can provide your child an old-fashioned cellphone-that is, one without all the smartphone bells and whistles. One that simply makes and receives calls may be good enough. Another option you might consider is to limit the hours of the day when your child has access to the phone. Keep the charger in a central area of the home or even in your bedroom, and make a rule that the phone must be on the charger at certain hours of the day. Be creative, and do whatever you need to do. What do you think? Send us a video clip of your opinion on this article and receive a free gift. Please provide clip and mailing address.

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Welcoming a Second Child: How to Handle the Change

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:22:32 +0000

By Lisa Pecos Having a first child is one of the most difficult things you will ever have to do. From the middle stages of pregnancy until those blessed later months of the first year when the baby gets less fussy and more predictable, you are put through a series of challenges that test every fiber of your being. So it is a wonder that anyone would make a conscious choice to complicate things further by bringing a second child into the picture. Yet people do it all the time. And yes, many aspects of having a baby are easier the second time around, but in many ways you will feel just as challenged and bewildered as you did the first time. Preparing for the baby The pregnancy is the easy part. You have been through it before, and you know what to expect. The birth process may of course be different this time around, but at least you have your experience with the last birth to make you more comfortable. So when it comes to getting ready for a second child, the most challenging part is preparing your first child for the changes that are about to occur. Exactly how you prepare your first child depends on how old he or she is. If the she is old enough to understand what is going on, start talking to her about it as early as possible. Explain to her that there is a little brother or sister on the way, and talk about it regularly throughout the pregnancy. And when it comes time to start preparing for the new baby in tangible ways, let your first child be involved. Let her pick items for the baby’s room, give her a chance to pass some toys or books down to the younger sibling, and read books that help her understand what is happening. As the due date approaches, continue gradually preparing for the new arrival, but make sure you do not take the focus off your first child. Give her plenty of attention, and let her know that she is still huge in your hearts and minds. And for now, you might want to hold off on any other major changes. One big change is enough. For now, make your child feel as safe and stable as possible. Meanwhile, consider it a blessing that you are now intimately familiar with how a baby can wear you out, and try to rest up before the baby comes. If you have a spouse with whom you can take turns caring for your first child, consider yourself lucky, and get plenty of sleep while you can. After the baby comes When the second baby comes, the real fun begins. You are going to have to figure out a way to care for your newborn 24/7 while giving your first child all the attention he needs. This can be a tricky balance to achieve. If you prepared your first child well and he is old enough to understand, then he may cut you a little slack if you do not give him all the focused attention he used to receive, but do not push your luck. Young children rarely think logically about these things, so it is important to make sure your firstborn feels as loved as ever. One way to prevent bad feelings from developing is to let your first child be as involved as he or she wants to be. Some young children want nothing to do with their newborn siblings, while others want to be around them constantly. Let your firstborn decide how much involvement he or she wants, and do your best to make it happen. During this time, you will find that there are certain toys, books, videos, or activities that are particularly useful in that they keep your first child occupied while you are caring for your newborn. Starting during the pregnancy, try different things to find out what particularly captures and hold your child’s interest. Then, keep these things easily accessible. While caring for your newborn, keep in mind that a little bit of attention goes a long way. It is only natural for your firstborn to experience a little jealousy, and he or she cannot be blamed for acting out in some small ways. But if you keep giving your first child plenty of attention and never act as if you are trying to brush him or her aside, then you should be able to get through these tough months with little drama.

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Helping Your Teen Learn to Drive Safely

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:05:35 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Because driving is such a routine thing for so many adults, we tend to forget what a serious act it is to get behind the wheel. A car is a massive, potentially dangerous piece of machinery, and operating one comes with a world of adult responsibilities. So it is hard for many parents to imagine that their 15-year-olds will soon be driving unsupervised. Sure, there are drivers’ training classes and learner’s permits, but your child is still your baby, and no amount of preparation can fully prepare you for the day he or she drives off without you. Still, by playing an active role in your child’s learning and taking some smart steps, you can set your mind at ease and feel confident that your teen will be as safe and responsible behind the wheel as any grownup. Early training First, keep in mind that driving is like anything else: The more you do it, the better you will be. So while your child is in the learning stage, take every opportunity to get out there and practice. It is important to go through everything not just once or twice but many times. Practice all types of parking and maneuvering, and get plenty of driving in both city and highway settings. By the time your teen actually gets a license, the practice time should total dozens, if not hundreds, of hours. Common sense says that you cannot just put a young person behind the wheel and expect them to be comfortable with city driving right away. It is best to find a large empty parking lot to practice simple maneuvering and parking. Once he or she is comfortable with that, hit some country roads or quiet neighborhood streets where there are not many people or cars around. Instruct your child not to panic when another car approaches. If it helps, use emergency flashers when a car approaches, slow down, and signal the other driver to go around. In this stage, it is important to continuously emphasize all the basic tenets of driving. If you have not had driver’s instruction in many years, you may actually want to give yourself a refresher on the rules before taking your child out for training. Then, as you are on the road, emphasize the importance of defensive driving, and teach basics such as safe following distances, being safe around pedestrians and cyclists, checking blind spots, and constantly scanning the road ahead. Advanced training When your teen has mastered all the skills that go along with basic driving on non-busy streets, it is time to graduate to the harder stuff. There is some debate about whether highway driving or city driving is harder. City driving is undoubtedly more complex and involves many skills that can only be learned through practice. Highway driving is simpler but involves higher speeds, and the entering and exiting parts can be nerve-racking. Whichever one you choose to approach first, make sure you do it at an hour of the day in which the streets will not be busy, and discuss everything extensively beforehand. If you are going to take your teen on the highway, do it on a section of highway you are very familiar with so you can talk him or her through the whole process. You may even want to drive through it yourself a couple of times as your teen observes. Learning city driving is much the same. You should do it in an area where you are very familiar with the roads. Start with simple, straightforward courses before asking your child do to any complex maneuvers. When you get to the more difficult parts-such as left turns and entering busy roadways-advise your teen not to panic and to take as long as he or she needs. If things do not go well, go back to the drawing board and repeat some of the early training steps until the lessons are more deeply engrained. All of this can be difficult for parents who want their children to be safe. But the fact is that the only way to really learn to drive is to get behind the wheel and learn by doing. And even though your teen may be anxious to rush the process, make sure to spread the process out over a long period, and allow plenty of time for repetition. By the time your child gets a license, driving should seem like a routine task.

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How to Get a Child Off the Couch and Active

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:46:07 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Getting kids away from their TVs, computers, and gadgets is one of the greatest challenges today’s parents face, and it is not getting any easier. Many parents understandably want their kids to be up to date with all the modern technology, but for every gadget and game our children gain, something is lost. Today’s kids are losing interest in the simple enjoyment of outdoor activities and sports. If we do not push back against this trend, we may be raising a generation of overweight and unhealthy grownups. Healthy households For parents who want to get their kids active, it is important to establish moral authority by getting active themselves. It will not work if you command your child to go out and play while remaining inactive yourself. There must be a household culture that encourages good habits as a matter of course. Parents too often consider themselves above the law, so to speak, when it comes to doing what we urge our children to do. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that because you work hard to make a living and also run a family, you do not have time to set a good example through exercise. But in reality, there is time for all these things. It is about making a priority of exercise. If it helps, think of it this way: Every parents wants to live to a ripe old age so they can see their children grow up, and exercise is one of the key ingredients in achieving this. So even if you have to set aside other nonwork activities, make daily exercise your most important appointment. Adopting this type of attitude will be good for the whole family. Impose healthy activities Most kids fully understand why it is important to be active and get exercise every day. They just either do not care or prefer more sedentary activities. But if no amount of talking up the importance of health is going to change a child’s mind, what are parents to do? The answer is simple: Present alternatives, and make your child try them. Remember, when your child is fully absorbed in watching TV, surfing the web, or playing video games, the idea of going outside or participating in a sport is not going to seem very appealing. This is one of those situations in which you must exert some parental authority, even if it is difficult at first. There are a few ways to approach the situation. One is to tell your child that they will be participating in a sport (or another physical activity) and allowing them to choose which one. If necessary, present a few choices. Kids do not always take initiative on their own, so parents need to be front and center in encouraging activity. Restrict less healthy activities If applying parental authority via gentle suggestion and encouragement does not work, it is time to take it to the next level. Many kids will never give up their sedentary activities until their parents actively place limits and set rules. This is not the most enjoyable part of parenting, but it is something we all must do from time to time. If you need your child to get more physical activity, it is a simple formula: Restrict the things that prevent him or her from getting that physical activity. For many parents, the magic number seems to be two hours of media time per day-which should include TV, video games, internet, and all other electronic devices. This has been confirmed by multiple studies finding that kids who consume two hours or less are healthier than those who consume two hours or more. And ultimately, while no one is suggesting that today’s kids should have no access to the latest technologies, it is up to the parents to use their discretion. If computer, video game, or phone use is getting out of hand, remember that there was once a time when young people were perfectly content without these things. Our kids, too, can learn to entertain themselves in other ways.

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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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Kids and Homework: What Can Parents Do?

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:42:07 +0000

By Jamell Williams When sending our kids to school, we expect the majority of their education to take place during the six or so hours per day when they are actually in the classroom. But for parents, it is important to realize that education needs to be reinforced in the home. This means not only helping kids with their studies, but also imposing homework times and engaging them in conversation about the things they are learning at school. It is easy to fall into a pattern of over reliance on our children’s teachers—but we must remember that teachers have dozens of kids to worry about. Our kids need us to make their education deeper and more personalized. Establishing a homework time and space As soon as your child begins getting homework assignments, set up an area of the home that can serve as the designated study space. This should not be in the child’s bedroom, as there may be distractions in there, and it is important for your child to have easy access to you for questions. Instead, set aside a distraction-free space in the common area of the house. With the homework time, there are many possibilities. Experiment with different things until you find out what works best for your child. Some kids focus best two or three hours after school, just before dinner time. Some focus best in the hour prior to bed time. Some do best when the homework time is split into two segments before and after dinner. You will know you have found the best situation for your child when he or she is capable of focusing and getting all homework done day in and day out. Meanwhile, whatever you set up for your child’s study time, make sure that you or your spouse are always nearby to help or answer any questions. It is a good idea to make this a quiet reading time for everyone in the household. This way, there is no television or other forms of excitement that may distract the child from his or her studies. So, during homework time, grab a book or magazine and settle in where you are immediately accessible. Organization for good study habits Another important point is to make sure your child approaches homework in an organized way. There are different ways to do this, but one that works for many kids is to keep a small notebook for daily homework to-do lists. Of course, this requires a type of discipline that is rare in young kids, but it is a good habit to learn if your child is capable of it. Take stock of each day’s homework soon after your child gets out of school, and consider how much time will be needed to get it all done. Then, organize the tasks in a logical way that works for your child. Many parents find it best to encourage their kids to tackle the more difficult and time-consuming homework tasks first. Make all this a routine, and your child should eventually become relatively self-sufficient when it comes to homework—though of course, your involvement is always helpful. Being engaged Every family must find its own ways of approaching homework and study time. But if you want your child to do well in school and grow up with a good education, there is one indispensible element: parental engagement. This means more than just helping with homework; it also means communicating with teachers, being involved with the school, and staying plugged in to the community of parents in your neighborhood. It takes time and effort, but there is virtually nothing more important in a child’s life than education, so parents need to be engaged every step of the way. In the end, many parents are surprised by just how much they enjoy being involved with their kids’ education. In helping your child with homework, you will learn plenty of things yourself (and you will relearn many things you have not thought of since childhood). Plus, time spent with your child working on homework is quality time together, a precious resource in these fast-paced times.

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The Negative Effects of the Media on Teens

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:13:54 +0000

By Lisa Pecos Today’s kids plug into media at an earlier age than their predecessors, and the amount of media they consume is staggering compared to the habits of past generations. According to a recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average child between the age of eight and 18 consumes media for seven hours and 38 minutes every day-and the real rate for teens is much higher. As parents, there is good reason to be disturbed by these figures. Granted, certain types of media have benefits, but the negative effects of media overconsumption are considerable. The good news is there are things responsible parents can do to moderate these effects. Television’s Effects on KidsAmong the many forms of media today’s kids commonly consume, television has the longest history, so its effects are best documented. First, there is the obvious effect: Time spent in a sedentary state in front of the television is lost time that could be spent playing, exercising, or studying. Hence, watching too much television can contribute to poor physical health and difficulties at school. Meanwhile, media on teens and many programs on television show characters modeling behaviors that we do not want to encourage in our teens, and some shows reinforce stereotypes that should have been laid to rest long ago. Prime-time television shows commonly show violent acts, adult-oriented sexual situations, and destructive behaviors such as smoking and drinking. We like to think our teens are smart enough to handle such imagery, but media can have effects on a subconscious level. Your child may know certain behaviors are wrong, but after seeing them over and over on television, he or she may come to think of them as not so bad. Other mediaThe effects of video games, the internet, and electronic devices are harder to pinpoint simply because these media are newer than television, but it goes without saying that too much can be harmful to teens. The internet is particularly troublesome because in many ways it is a more extreme version of television. Unsupervised, a teen is capable of finding practically any type of content online, and the web is filled with violent, sexual, and hate-filled content, always just a few clicks away. Meanwhile, the rise of social media has raised a new set of issues, including the potential for oversharing, harassment, and cyberbullying. Although video games have often been demonized as contributing to what is perceived as a violent youth culture, they are actually relatively safe in moderation. Whereas the internet is varied and limitless, video games are self-contained worlds that guide participants through packaged, relatively straightforward stories and scenarios. If overused, they can be harmful in much the same way that television is, but the occasional enjoyment of video games is not a problem. Cellphones are useful in that they help parents keep track of their teens, but they also raise some significant issues. For one thing, cellphones are difficult for parents to monitor. Text messages and call records can be deleted, and apps can be protected with passwords. Your phone company may give you some resources for monitoring your child’s activity, but it is nearly impossible to know what your child does on his or her phone’s apps. That is why it is important to be aware of how your child is using his or her phone. Familiarize yourself with how the phone works, and check in frequently to see what your teen is doing with it. Minimizing media’s negative effectsIn today’s world, it is virtually impossible to completely shield your child from all of the negative effects of media. The best we can do is emphasize the positive effects while minimizing the negative ones. To help make sure your teen stays healthy in body and mind and develops a positive outlook toward media, here are some things you can do. The two-hour rule: Studies have shown that kids who consume over two hours of media per day do more poorly in many aspects of life than those who consume less. Place a limit of two hours for television, video games, and internet combined, and enforce it rigidly. Of course, there can be exceptions, such as when some internet research is part of a school assignment, but set this limit and encourage your child to fill the rest of the time with studying, family time, and physical activity. Monitor internet activities: There is no reason why your child should be given a free pass to do whatever he or she wants online. Install parental controls or tracking software on your teen’s computer to make sure they know you can monitor all their activities. Approve television programs: Under the two-hour rule, your teen will not have time to watch a great many television shows, which means he or she will have to be selective. Make yourself involved in the selection process, and assume that whatever your child watches has your implicit approval. If you are unsure what your child is watching, something is wrong with the picture. Make cellphone use transparent: For now, it might be a good idea to rethink whether to get your teen that fancy smartphone that can do practically everything a computer can do. Such tools in the hands of teens can be dangerous due to their limitless utility. Instead, give your child a more old-fashioned, simpler phone that does little more than send and receive calls and texts. And if possible, monitor your phone records to find out whom your child is communicating with. Make it a family affair: To best regulate your child’s media activities, practice what you preach. Impose a two-hour limit on the entire household, and emphasize alternatives to media consumption such as exercise, family activities, reading, and studying.

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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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What to Do About a Shy Child

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:05:58 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Most children experience some degree of shyness in certain social situations. For example, some young kids are naturally afraid of grownup strangers, and some are shy around kids of the opposite sex. For others, the problem can be more general; they may seem to lag behind their peers in social development, and this may cause them to have trouble making friends, which in turn causes them to fall further behind. If your child falls into this category, there are steps you can take to help her outgrow her shyness. However, it is important to keep in mind that some children are naturally shy by temperament, and it is not necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps your child entertains himself well and is quite content in solitary activities. There is nothing wrong with this. But in any event, it is important for every child to have at least a couple of friends, or else he or she may fall behind socially, and this can lead to lifelong problems. Even if your child is not a social butterfly, some social skills are necessary to get ahead in life. Little thingsOne of the keys to fostering your child’s social skills is to teach her the little things that form the backbone of all polite human interaction. From very early on, you can encourage your child to say hello when she meets someone new. And if she is afraid to speak, teach her to wave. Meanwhile, teaching the basics of good manners-the pleases, thank yous, and so on-will give your child a few simple social tricks to fall back on when shyness kicks in. Being verbalIf you have a shy child, one of the best things you can do to foster increased social skills is to talk to him often. Whenever you are together, make a point of starting a conversation about something that is going on in his life. This should help him develop social skills. But of course, even the shyest children are often quite comfortable around their parents, so make an effort to include your child in conversations involving people outside the family. OrientationFor many people, shyness is at least partially the result of disorientation. When in a situation that they do not quite understand, shy people tend to withdraw even more than normal. Ease your child’s shyness by prepping her beforehand for all social situations you enter. When she is going to meet someone new, talk to her about who the person is and what the person looks like. If the person is nice or has any charming qualities, point this out to your child beforehand. ScriptsAlthough it is nice when children are able to be spontaneous in social situations, some simply do not have the skills or comfort level to interact comfortably with new people. That is why, early in your child’s social development, it is sometimes a good idea to give him scripts. Sometimes you can literally tell him what to say, and sometimes you might simply give cues. For example, if someone asks your child how is summer is going, you might encourage your child to talk about your trip to the beach. With enough repetition, your child should eventually get the hang of things. Do not overdo itIn general, it is not a good idea to try to change a child’s inborn personality. If your son or daughter was born with a moderate degree of shyness, there is no sense in trying to turn him or her into an outgoing person. First of all, it probably will not work. Second, there is no reason to do so. People who are not great socially often thrive in other ways. However, if your child’s shyness is creating real problems at school or in the family, you might want to mention it to your pediatrician or family doctor.

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Setting and Enforcing Kids’ Bedtime

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:43:21 +0000

By Jamell Andrews For parents, getting kids to go to bed at certain times is one of those ongoing struggles that over the years can reach epic proportions. Kids have a powerful, seemingly inborn desire to guide their own sleeping patterns, and for parents there is just no easy way to subvert this force. Granted, some kids are more obedient than others and are perfectly content to head to bed when asked, but these are the exceptions. For most parents, it becomes an issue early in the child’s life, and you continuously have to work with your child to make the household sleep situation consistently positive. Setting bedtimeYoung children respond well to clear, easily understandable rules that are consistent over time. As soon as your child is old enough to understand time and the importance of a good night’s sleep, impose a bedtime that is more or less in line with the child’s preexisting habits. For particularly young children who sleep longer hours than older kids, many parents start out with a bedtime of 7 PM. 8 PM works well for slightly older children, and for preteens and teens the time can be adjusted later. Whatever specific time you decide on, make sure it is consistent. Of course, there will always be days where the normal bedtime rules cannot apply, but make sure there are good reasons for these exceptions. If your child finds she can get out of bedtime simply by begging and pleading strongly enough, this will set a bad precedent. So save exceptions for when you are traveling, when relatives are visiting, or holidays and other special events. Calming and removing distractionsWhen a child is wound up and active, it is difficult to deflate the excitement and get into sleeping mode. That is why there should always be a buffer between active time and sleep time. For the last hour or two before your child’s bedtime, engage the child in calming activities such as reading and schoolwork. Make sure all food and drink is consumed long before bedtime, and try to keep the child away from stimulating electronic gadgets before bed. Once the child is in bed, it is important to make sure there is nothing going on in the home that will cause him or her to want to get up and join in. When multiple children are close together in age, try to make their bedtimes roughly the same so that the younger one will not be tortured by the older one still being up and doing things. Meanwhile, make sure the home is quiet so that it does not sound like exciting things are going on. Comfortable sleepAs grownups, it is easy to forget about all the things that can interfere with a child’s sleep. For example, some kids are afraid of the dark and do not like to sleep without a nightlight. Some are very attached to their parents and like to feel assured that both parents are nearby and easily accessible. And then there is the fact that rapidly growing kids often experience aches and pains as a natural result of growth. So if your child regularly gets up in the night to tell you he or she is scared or does not feel well, you are certainly not alone in this. The best thing you can do is listen to your child’s concerns about bedtime and sleep, and take them seriously. If your child is scared of the dark, do not try to convince her that such fears are irrational. She will eventually grow out of them, but for now the fears are real, so provide her with a nightlight. In the end, making your child comfortable in sleep will benefit the whole household. Your children will sleep better, and the parents will get more peace.

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Spread Your Wings and Fly…

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:42:36 +0000

In the early evening I would sit outside under the tree near our house and watch the birds. One day I saw a Blue Jay come and chase the other birds away if they got to close. I noticed that every time she did that, 2 little Blue Jays would fly up and eat the seeds in the feeder that was hanging in the tree. Then I noticed that she would hop from branch to branch and the little birds would follow her. This went on for a few weeks. She would look down from the branch where she was perched to check on them. Then one day, only the 2 little birds would come. They would eat the seeds and hop around the branches. Everyday they would fly further and further from our tree but always come back until one day they stopped coming. Shortly after that, to my surprise, the mama bird came back. She did not look down from the branches, yet stood there perched. She looked different somehow, proudly standing on her branch and on occasion I could feel her look up into the sky. It occurred to me and I understood that we are all like that mama bird, protecting and feeding her babies when they were little, teaching them the ropes as they hopped from branch to branch. Leaving them to fend for themselves and finally allowing them to spread their wings and fly away. We will be here perched, as this is the time in your life to fly away. Our tree will always be your tree where your roots are planted, where we protected you, taught you the ropes, but now it’s time to spread your wings. Written By Susan J. Englisis

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It’s OK to be Different

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:09:41 +0000

Our son Michael was potty trained at nine months and spoke in sentences at 12 months old. At age two, he would listen to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite over and over. When a friend gave my husband and I tickets to see the Nutcracker one holiday season, I cringed! Mike did stand up comedy at the age of three, and we thought it was necessary to put him into Pre-School to learn to read and write his own first name. After much research, I found our nursery school. The teachers seemed amazing and the grounds were beautiful. The program was mixed with fun and academics; it seemed just the perfect place for Mike. After the first few weeks at school, we were all too excited to get his progress report. I happily met with his new teacher. As Miss Robyn pulled out Mike’s file I thought to myself, “so much writing, he’s so smart!” She proceeded to tell me that he was having a hard time using a pencil. He preferred to play alone and would not join circle time. Maybe he was bored? We spoke further that day and agreed to meet again in two weeks. I spoke with Mike several times after that, and he seemed content with his new surroundings. As we sat on the couch writing our alphabet, I noticed a few backward letters and corrected him. He repeatedly wrote the letter “L” incorrectly. Sometimes on its side, sometimes backward and sometimes he’d get it right. We practiced the letters of his name, but he got bored quickly. My second visit to school was met with much anticipation. Miss Robyn pulled out Mike’s practice paper, and my heart sank. “??IM” was all over the page! She proceeded to tell me that although it is quite common for toddlers to write backwards letters, she had never seen an entire name written that way. She showed me his letter “L” practice sheet and again they were every which way. When Mike was asked to pick out the correct “L,” he said that they were all correct,” A long line and a short line put together.” Spoken like a true artist. The next two years at nursery school proved to be a long hard road for him, and we tried to keep it as pleasant as possible. Finally, graduation day came. The children were lined up on stage facing the audience and Mike had his back to everyone. He sang the songs and did the dances, but would not face front. I asked him why he refused to face forward and he said: “Mommy, it’s OK to be different” just like my letter “L’s”! When Mike reached third grade, he was diagnosed with dyslexia. The time between was used speaking with neurologists, an educational evaluation team and finally a private evaluation was done. The tricky part was that Mike was a wonderful reader and read books well beyond his years. He could talk to you about many subjects, but did not do well in a classroom setting. He always tested high on standardized tests, but did not understand math concepts. His writing skills were poor and he suffered from anxiety about school almost every day. He was extremely disorganized and never on the right page. Dyslexia is often not recognized until 2nd or 3rd grade, sometimes even later. If you can identify problems early, your toddler’s chances of a happy education will be greatly improved. Mike is now 21, an artist, a musician, a college graduate with a BFA degree in Film and a minor in Creative Writing. My epiphany, “Why try to so hard to make him fit in, when he was most positively born to stand out.” After all, it’s OK to be different! Written by Susan J. Englisis

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10 Tasks New Parents Should Master

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:43:47 +0000

Even if you have read all the books and been to all the classes, you cannot know exactly what it is like to be a parent until it actually happens. Every new parent encounters surprises and unexpected challenges. And while most of these challenges are easily overcome, they are quite serious given the fact that you now have a young human being’s life, comfort, and happiness in your hands. There is no reason to panic, though. Most new parents hit their stride within a couple of weeks, and the everyday tasks become second nature. But if you are preparing for the arrival of your first, here are ten tasks to be familiar with. 1. Feeding: If your baby will be breastfed, then this task falls largely upon the mother. However, there are numerous small things dad can do. He can bring the baby to the mother during those late night feedings. He can provide comfort and encouragement. He can also talk to the mother and attend to any of her needs while she is feeing. And if you will be feeding your baby formula, then obviously it is a job that mom and dad can share. 2. Bathing: Newborns do not need to be bathed very often as long as they are cleaned well with each diaper change. Since they are not yet crawling around on the floor or eating messy foods, they generally do not get dirty. There are a few ways to bathe newborns, the most popular ways being sponge bathing and bathing in special tubs for infants. 3. Shampooing: Many newborns are initially averse to being shampooed. We are used to it from doing it all our lives, so it is hard to imagine how strange it must feel to a baby. However, if you are gentle and use a tear-free shampoo, your baby should get used to it after just a couple of baths. 4. Burping: There are a few burping positions that tend to help babies get those air bubbles out of their stomachs. Holding the baby to your shoulder, face down on your lap, or sitting up on your knee are all common methods. All involve patting the baby gently on the back, though some babies need a little more firmness. With trial and error, you will find the best burping position for your baby. 5. Changing diapers: For new parents, the diaper-changing process is often the most daunting one, but within a week or two of having your baby you will be able to do it in your sleep (and sometimes this will not be too far from the truth). If you have all the supplies, including clean diapers, cotton balls, soft washcloths, clean clothes, and ointment or powder, the process becomes self-evident. Hopefully your childbirth class will take you through the process once or twice. 6. Dressing the baby: Getting the baby dressed is not quite as easy as one might think, because babies tend to move around, yet we must be gentle with them. That is why it is always a good idea to have loose baby clothes that can be taken off and put on easily. 7. Lifting and holding: When being held, babies like to be comfortable and fully supported. It takes time to adjust to the world outside the womb, so when carrying your baby, think of it this way: Your job is to make the baby warm and comfortable. Remember that her muscles are still undeveloped, and she needs help getting into a natural position. 8. Trimming nails: You will need special nail trimmers for babies. These are easy to find at any baby store or online. Most babies are born with long nails, and the nails grow surprisingly fast. Trim them every couple of days so that she does not accidentally scratch herself. 9. Swaddling: Babies love to be wrapped up tightly in a light blanket. This works for comforting babies who are crying, helping them get to sleep, and keeping them warm on cool days. Find a good set of instructions on swaddling the baby and practice a few times with a blanket and a doll. 10. Going out: Many new parents are surprised by how much anxiety they feel when going out with the baby for the first few times. Whether you are in a car or walking, there is just something strange about being out and about with a little one in tow. You will get used to it, though, and soon you will not think twice about it. Just make sure you have all your supplies on hand, including all your diaper-changing supplies, a change of clothes, a blanket, a pacifier, and baby sunscreen. By Lisa Pecos

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How to Encourage Kids to Love Reading

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:39:17 +0000

With the rise of television, video games, and now the internet and digital devices, many are worried that the old habit of sitting down and reading a good book is on its way out with the coming generation. But while the act of reading is certainly undergoing change, reading is still a fundamental component of education, and it is as fun as it ever was. For 21st-century parents, fostering the reading habit comes with some unique challenges, but there are a few things you can do to ensure that your kids grow up loving to read books. Start earlyMany childcare experts recommend reading to children every day as early as when he or she is in the womb. While reading to a child in uterus or a newborn is certainly a valuable bonding experience, there is no real evidence that the child actively participates in the process until around the second half of her first year. At this time, she starts to listen, and even begins to understand some of the words. Now it becomes crucial to read to your child at least 20 minutes a day. Meanwhile, it is also a good idea to have a full collection of age-appropriate children’s books for your child to read as part of his own activities. Reading to kids is fun for everyone involved, but they need to get into the habit of picking up books on their own. Make sure your child has plenty of appealing books that are easily accessible (i.e., stored in low places reachable to a child). Changing mediaMany people who grew up prior to this century have a strong emotional attachment to old-fashioned, paper-based books-and of course, many of us still have large book collections that we will not be getting rid of any time soon. So it can be difficult to accept all the changes to the mediums through which we read books. To older people, reading electronic books through tablet devices may seem like it is just not the same as reading an old-fashioned book with real pages that you can turn. But ultimately, the trajectory of history is not in favor of traditional books, and it is simply inevitable that most people will be reading books electronically in the future. So part of encouraging kids to read is to do so according to the times. Today’s kids love electronic devices, and to them it does not seem odd to read a book on a device screen. Granted, old-fashioned books still have a role-they work well as textbooks, and of course, they do not run out of power-but an all-out rejection of new forms of media does not serve children who will live their full lives in the age of digital media. Reading as a way of lifeOne of the best ways to teach children to read as a hobby is for the parents to demonstrate this practice themselves. Have lots of books and other reading materials around, and use them. You cannot convince your kids that reading is fun if you do not demonstrate that you enjoy it yourself. If reading is simply what members of your family do, then your child will not think twice about doing it himself. To get into the habit, you can even have special family reading times in the evenings or on weekends. Create a reading atmosphereWhether you are you are reading to your child or encouraging her to read on her own, it is important to create an atmosphere that is perfect for quiet activity and learning. Give your child a quiet area in which to focus. During reading time, the area should be free of distractions such as TV, computers, and toys. A good time for reading is soon before bed when it is time for the child to calm down and begin easing into sleep. Make it a family activity. By Jamell Andrews

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A Parents’ Guide to Childhood Stress

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:01:51 +0000

We like to think that a child’s world is all lightness and fun, but there are dark sides to the childhood experience. Especially in this age of increased expectations, rigorous study, and intense competition for educational opportunities, kids are increasingly dealing with stress in addition to all the traditional sources of bad feelings in children. Stress is no longer just a grownup problem. Kids face many of the same pressure that adults do, and they also have pressures of their own. If you think your child might be suffering from too much stress, here is what you need to know. Sources of childhood stressThe possible causes of childhood stress are too numerous to list in full, but here are some of the most common ones: Pressure to get good grades and complete demanding regimens of homework Tension and rivalry between siblings Bullying at school or on the playground Bullying through the internet Parental fighting, separation, or divorce Troubling events in the news, or disturbing images in television or movies Fights with friends The death of someone in the family Meanwhile, not having certain things can compound a child’s stress. For example, a child who faces some of the above pressures yet has plenty of time to play and have fun will not feel stress so acutely. On the other hand, a child who has little time to do kid activities is likely to feel the effects of stress very strongly. And these pressures can feed off each other in many ways. For instance, a child whose parents are going through divorce may react to school-based pressures particularly poorly. Signs of stressKids react to stress differently than adults. While adults can usually understand on an intellectual level why they are facing the various pressures in their lives, kids respond less thoughtfully and more emotionally. They may not fully understand why they feel the way they do. All they know is that they do not feel well, and they may respond in any number ways that may seem irrational to adults. The most common symptom is acting out. If your child has been getting in trouble at school, tormenting his or her siblings, or behaving badly toward other kids during play times, this could be a sign he or she is experiencing emotional difficulties resulting from stress. In such cases, it is important to balance any needed punishment with other forms of help to get the child on track emotionally. Other common signs of childhood stress include bed wetting, trouble sleeping, social withdrawal, mood swings, and physical symptoms such as aches or weight loss. Among younger children, the symptoms may also include thumb sucking, lying, defiance, bullying, and bad dreams. Dealing with childhood stressThe number one role of parents when it comes to dealing with stress is to simply be a loving and supporting presence in the child’s life. Set aside some time to spend with your child every day, and make sure he or she knows that you are available to talk about anything. Spending quality time together is key. It is also important to make sure that kids get plenty of play time. Even in the midst of the school year, every child needs time to have fun and pursue his or her hobbies. Without an outlet for the pressures that may be present, problems can build up and become more troubling. Granted, parents do need to make sure their kids do all their homework and fulfill all their home responsibilities, but kids need time to be kids. Finally, there are two things that parents should remember. First, some amount of stress is normal, and parents cannot completely shield their children from the pressures of the world. What they can do, however, is make sure their children feel loved and happy despite any difficulties. Second, it is a good idea to plan ahead for any situations that may make your child feel stress. By honing your family’s coping skills, you will eventually find a way to soften the blow of the harshest stressors. By Jamell Andrews

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8 Tips for Teaching Your Kids Good Manners

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:12:50 +0000

After a generations-long decline in the emphasis on manners when raising children, many 21st-century parents are rediscovering the importance of instilling values of politeness and decorum in their kids. Children who have good manners are better behaved in general, but they also tend to go far in the world because they know how to ingratiate themselves to others in all types of social situations. And ultimately, manners are not just arbitrary rules imposed for no good reason. They help create an ordered society of mutually respectful individuals. So even if you find that manners are not what they used to be, parents can still make a positive difference one child at a time. When it comes to teaching kids manners, there is no need to get bogged down in the details. Instead, place emphasis on being respectful toward others and avoiding selfishness. Here are some of the best ways to instill these values. 1. Lead by example. If you want your kids to behave according to good social decorum, be a model of polite behavior. If you have lost some of the lessons you learned from your parents and grandparents, read a book or two on the subject. Practice good manners even when your kids are not around. 2. Make good manners fun. Teaching kids good manners does not have to be all about giving lectures or scolding them when they do not behave perfectly. Instead, make it into a sort of game, and do not forget to praise and reward them when they consistently do a good job. 3. Provide positive reinforcement. Instead of focusing on any of the negative behaviors your child may exhibit, praise her for doing things well. For example, when she says “thank you” or asks politely for something, tell her that she did it just perfectly. 4. Encourage good manners in the household. Good manners are not confined to our interactions with non-family members. Kids can also practice good manners toward their siblings and parents. Make it a household philosophy, even if taking pains to be polite sometimes seems silly in the comfortable home setting. 5. Provide opportunities to practice. Although it is possible for everyone in the household to always practice good manners toward each other, it helps to give the kids opportunities to show how polite they can be around people who are not in the family. Have family or friends over regularly, and provide your kids plenty of semiformal contexts in which to practice everything they learn. 6. When they are ready, dine out. Kids with bad manners are the bane of wait staff (not to mention other diners) at restaurants, but kids who know how to behave well can be a joy for everyone involved. When you think your kids are ready to behave well in a public place, start taking them out for dinner once in a while. Let them know that if they behave well, you will go out again in a few weeks or months. 7. Start with the fundamentals. The fundamentals of good manners are saying please when you ask for something and thank you when someone gives you something. If your kids learn nothing else about manners, make sure they know this, as it will endear them to their elders, higher-ups, and peers in all kinds of social and professional situations throughout life. 8. Point out others’ errors. When you are with your child and you witness someone else behaving impolitely, use this as a teaching moment. You can simply point it out to your child, or, if you have time, ask your child what that person did that was impolite and what they should have done instead. By Jamell Andrews

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Are You a Helicopter Parent?

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:02:15 +0000

Over the past several years, the phrase “helicopter parenting” has emerged in the media as a term for parenting styles that involve excessive intervention, attention, and guidance on the part of parents toward their children. The term is metaphorical; the parent is a helicopter constantly hovering over the child. It is often used pejoratively, and it tends to bring to mind images of parents completely sanitizing their children’s worlds, going to the hospital for every bruise or scratch, and acting in an excessively entitled manner on behalf of their kids. But the media reports usually fail to capture some of the positive things about 21st-century parenting. Parents who advocate strongly for their children open up many opportunities for their kids, and there are certainly many legitimate dangers that parents need to protect their kids against. However, there is more to kids’ lives than safety and educational success, and every family needs to find a balance that works for them. What makes a helicopter parent? There is no single, widely agreed upon definition of helicopter parenting, but here are a few qualities that many helicopter parents have in common: Over caution: Stereotypical helicopter parents forbid their kids from engaging in any activities that may lead to injury. For example, they do not allow their children to climb trees, go for hikes, or swim beyond the shallow end for fear of all the bad things that could possibly happen. Over attention: Many modern parents give up their own hobbies, interests, and social lives to devote themselves completely to caring for their kids. Meddling: Helicopter parents sometime annoy officials at school and in other institutions (such as day care or summer camp) with their excessive intervention. Emotional access: Many of today’s parents feel a strong urge to know everything that is going on in their kids’ emotional lives. As a result, they try to establish themselves more as friends than as authority figures. Suppressing independence: Helicopter parents do not allow kids to do anything for themselves. The danger in this is that it can create kids who do not know how to do anything and lack crucial life experience. The DrawbacksThe main drawback of helicopter parenting is that it deprives kids of the means to learn for themselves and make their own way in the world. Kids learn by experience, and gaining life experience is inevitably going to involve a few scratches, bruises, and even broken bones. Kids have been climbing trees, riding bikes, and romping through the woods for time immemorial-and you probably had such experiences yourself-so to forbid these activities would be to deprive the child of essential aspects of growing up. And let us not forget that parents need to have their own lives. Even if you consider yourself a parent first and foremost, it is important to pursue your own hobbies, interests, and social life, not to mention career. At least one study has found that parents who devote excessive attention to their kids are unhappy, and another has found that kids with helicopter parents are likely to grow up neurotic themselves. So all in all, parental over caution and over attention are negative for everyone involved. AlternativesSince there is no clearly defined philosophy behind helicopter parenting-and few parents would actually identify themselves as helicopter parents-it can be difficult to present alternatives. But there are a few clear points that no one would dispute. If you want to avoid being a helicopter parent, here are some things you can do: Understand that growing up involves some cuts and bruises. Do not deprive your child of life experience for the sake of absolute safety-which is impossible in any case. Give your child some independence. When it is reasonable for him or her to make her own way to or from school, for instance, let it happen. Of course, it is up to you to decide when your child is responsible enough to get some independence, but it must happen at some point. Trust your child’s teachers to do their job. If you think the school just is not good enough, then maybe your child belongs in a better one. Be an authority, not a confidant. Sure, there are times to embrace your emotional bond with your child, but kids need someone who is willing to make them do their homework and to punish them when they break the rules. In general, take a step back. Many of the behaviors characteristic of helicopter parenting are perfectly fine in moderation. Overdoing it is what creates problems. By Jamell Andrews

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What to Do With a Child Who Whines

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:40:22 +0000

Pre-verbal children use crying to get what they need. After learning to talk, many children have trouble breaking this habit. In fact, some develop a rather complex system of sounds and gestures that sometimes includes crying, sometimes pouting, sometimes tantrums, and sometimes a loud, whiny voice. For parents, as much as we love our children, these behaviors can be infuriating, not to mention embarrassing when they happen in public. There are many ways to deal with children who whine, but the most important thing is not to give in. When you hear that distressed voice, every instinct will make you want to do whatever you can to make your child happy. But this is one of those cases where tough love is better in the long run. By refusing to give in to your child’s whining and tantrums, you demonstrate that those are not legitimate methods for getting what we want. It may take some time, but the lesson will sink in eventually. If merely ignoring your child’s whining has not stopped the behavior, here are some additional things you can do: 1. Acknowledge your child’s feelings. In many cases, whining is simply a way to get attention. Make sure your child knows that you appreciate her feelings and that she does not need to resort to harsh tones of voice to get your attention. 2. Learn the patterns. If there are certain things that regularly cause your child to go into a whining fit, learn to recognize the signs before it happens. For example, if your child is more likely to whine when it is near bedtime or when he has been playing with other kids, take actions to prevent the typical whining triggers that come up at these times. 3. Speak your child’s language. Express your frustration in ways that your child will understand. Use short “I” statements that describe easily identifiable feelings-for example, “I do not like it when you whine,” or “I like it better when you ask nicely for things.” Make these statements in a calm, rational voice that models how you would like your child to speak. 4. Be a model of good behavior. A child’s whining may make you feel tempted to raise your voice, but it is usually best to stay calm. There are times when a firm tone and even a loud voice are necessary to get a child to behave, but there is no need to use these routinely. Instead, demonstrate that big people communicate with calm voices. 5. Reward non-whining. When your child does a good job of avoiding whining or other harsh tactics to get what she wants, take notice, and show her that you appreciate how good she is. Sometimes a little positive reinforcement is all a child needs. 6. Try to understand. There is no call for persistent, everyday whining, but sometimes your child may have good reason for behaving this way. For example, when he is not feeling well, is very tired, or has to go to the dentist or doctor, it is understandable to get a little upset, and many kids are too young to know how to handle these situations calmly. Show concern without reinforcing the whining. 7. Use discipline. If the whining has become a serious problem, start by giving your child a warning. If that does not work, you may have to resort to your preferred method of discipline. By Lisa Pecos

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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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What to Do if Your Child Stutters

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:21:39 +0000

Stutters or Stuttering, also known as stammering, is a speech disorder most commonly affecting children between the ages of 2 and 5, though it appears in people of all ages. There are many forms of stuttering, which itself is only one of a variety of similar speech disorders. It usually involves the involuntary repetition of syllables, the prolonging of words, or mid-word interruptions. The speech difficulties are often accompanied by additional tics such as rapid blinking, lip tremors, and muscular tension in the face, jaw, or upper body. The problems often worsen when the stutterer is excited or under stress. The causes of stuttering are difficult to pinpoint, but it is believed that there are a few factors involved, including: Genes. Stuttering tends to run in the family. Delayed development. Many children who stutter simply have not fully developed their language capabilities. This issue usually goes away with time. Neurological difficulties. Many people who stutter have problems in the way the speech portion of the brain interacts with the language portion. In children, this problem usually goes away. It also appears in adults who have brain abnormalities or damage, in which cases it is more difficult to improve. The signs of stuttering typically appear in the child’s second year of life, not long after he or she has begun speaking. Until the child reaches school age, stuttering is nothing to worry about. It may be a normal aspect of your child’s language development, so give it time. However, if your child is approaching school age and the stuttering persists, then it might be time to consider speech therapy. Many public schools have speech therapists on staff, but this is by no means always the case. If your child has not reached school age or the school cannot do anything to help, get in touch with a speech therapist yourself. You should be able to get a referral through your family doctor. If you are not sure whether your child’s stuttering is severe, here are some signs that your child may need help: You often have difficulty understanding what he or she is saying. The stuttering worsens any time after the age of 3. Your child’s stuttering has led to social difficulties. The stuttering causes your child to avoid using certain words. In the meantime, you can help your child’s language development by encouraging him or her to speak often in spite of the difficulty. Try not to put too much emphasis on correct speech for now. Instead, make speech a fun thing, and try to have patience when your child has difficulty getting words out. Do not use harsh commands like, “Slow down,” or “Spit it out,” and avoid finishing his or her sentences. It is also a good idea to model clear speech yourself. Make an effort to speak slowly and deliberately, and emphasize patience and eye contact in your listening. This way, your child will not feel pressure to get the words out as quickly as possible. Finally, the importance of practicing cannot be emphasized enough. Make an effort to have family dinners every day where you engage in conversation without television or any other distractions. And at other times, talk with your child in a light and pressure-free way as often as you can. By Jamell Andrews

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Should I Vaccinate My Children

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:18:11 +0000

Childhood vaccines are used to protect children from a range of serious illnesses such as polio, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, and meningitis. Practically everyone in the medical community unequivocally advocates vaccination for young children, but the issue has become complicated in recent years. For new parents, it is difficult to ignore the recent controversies generated by those who are opposed to vaccinations. A few high-profile celebrities, along with a growing grassroots movement, have made their vaccine refusal a big issue in the media, and this has many new parents wondering what they should do. The anti-vaccine claimsAnti-vaccine advocates use a number of different arguments. Perhaps the biggest one is the idea that vaccinations cause more problems than they prevent. The argument is that a child’s immune system has trouble reacting to the onslaught of chemicals contained in a typical vaccine, and that this can lead to adverse effects and may cause issues such as autism. Meanwhile, many in the anti-vaccine community also argue that vaccination is part of some sort of conspiracy in the medical industry to force their products upon people. While these arguments may raise some interesting issues-and every parent does have a right to be skeptical about these things-most in the medical community would agree that these concerns are baseless. With regard to the autism claim in particular, no scientific research has found a link between autism and vaccines. In some cases, autism may develop soon after a child receives his or her vaccines, but this is just a coincidence. Another argument is that it is safer for children to develop natural immunity rather than receive a vaccination. While this may be true for illnesses such as the flu or the common cold, the diseases kids are vaccinated against are life-threatening and can have disastrous consequences. Before we had vaccinations, these diseases were a large reason for higher rates of childhood death and lower life expectancies. Most of us would rather not go back to those times. Should you vaccinate?The anti-vaccination crowd is probably not going to go away any time soon, but the fact is that the media noise surrounding their movement is disproportionate to the actual number of people who believe these things. In reality, the movement has made no solid claims, and there is no reason for anyone to take their arguments seriously. What many people do not realize is that the past century has seen a revolution in health, and this is largely thanks to vaccination, which has all but eradicated many of the most serious illnesses from the developed world. The anti-vaccination movement comes at a time when we have forgotten what it is like to have to deal with these illnesses. One-hundred years ago, new parents had to worry about their children getting polio, mumps, measles, and numerous other illnesses. And it was not just a remote threat; these diseases were real concerns, and most people had friends, family members, or acquaintances who had been afflicted with them or had lost children, brothers, or sisters to them. If these illnesses now seem mysterious and remote, it is simply because vaccination has made them that way. So yes, while it is good parenting to question and educate yourself about what your child’s doctor does, not vaccinating a child is simply irresponsible. If you still have doubts, ask your doctor to provide you with more information about why vaccination is a good idea. By Lisa Pecos

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How To Keep The Internet Safe For Your Kids And Home

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:22:18 +0000

By Liz Krause When it comes to the internet, gone are the days when parents know more than the kids – or so it seems. The fact of the matter is, although a child may know how to use the internet faster and quicker, it is the parents’ responsibility to protect them from the dark side of the web. With an endless supply of information and entertainment, a single user often visits hundreds or thousands of new sites every year. The number of websites is growing exponentially, and the use of the web has found more uses than just retrieving data. Today the internet is used to locate local businesses, place orders for dinner, it can be used as a home’s phone service, and it is even used to find the love of your life. Unfortunately, the internet is not as safe and rosy as one would like to imagine – especially for kids. With online bullying, prowling child predators and identity thieves, it doesn’t take much to break through into the privacy of your own home and family once the front door is opened. This article will address some helpful tips to help protect not only your assets and private data stored on the computer, but also your own children. First, protect the computer itself from prying eyes. Home users can divide Internet security into seven categories. Each category is a separate step users can take to secure themselves and their computers while on the Internet. Anti-virus software Firewall Clear private data Secure wireless network Strong passwords Limit sites Update operating system and browser Anti-Virus And Firewalls These two often go together with many anti-virus programs which also include a built-in firewall. Operating systems such as Windows also have a built-in firewall which can be turned off or turned on. The purpose of these two Internet security measures is to prevent viruses or hackers from gaining access to your computer to begin with. Should a virus make its way onto your system, anti-virus programs provide an extra level of protection by alerting you to the problem and guiding you on how to remove the virus. Whether you use free or paid software, every computer should have both anti-virus software and a firewall. Clear Private Data Many browsers store usernames and passwords for filling in forms easily. Storing your passwords on your computer is about as secure as sending a mass email out to a bunch of strangers containing your password and every site you visit. Always clear your auto-fill information, temporary Internet files, cookies and browsing history after each session. For a more secure home environment, turn off the auto-fill for passwords. Secure Wireless Network If you have a wireless network in your home, always set up a network security key with WPA or WEP encryption. This prevents outside users from accessing your wireless network. If you do not know how to do this, either call the support line for your router, or contact a local technician. Strong Passwords Strong passwords are an essential part of Internet security for the home. An easy password lets a hacker quickly access your email, shopping sites, banking information and more. The stronger your password, the less likely you are to have your identity stolen while online. Passwords should be a combination of letters, both upper and lower case, and numbers. If allowed, use a symbol or two, such as % or $. One example of a strong password is taking “cutekitten” and turning it into “CuT3k1tt3N”. Keep your password stored someone other than your computer. Limit Sites Though this one may seem obvious, many users never think twice about visiting as many sites as possible. Whether a link seems suspicious or reputable, they click out of curiosity. Instead, limit your Internet use to sites you trust or need. There are a few ways to tell a trusted site from a possible suspicious site. Bad Sites Numerous pop-ups HTTPS does not appear in the address bar when asked to enter personal information Jumbled information which is hard to read Numerous download links to non-related files Pornographic material or ads More ads on page than actual information Good Sites Easy to read layout Reasonable mix of ads and material (ads do not outshine material) Any ads are related to the site’s content Secure HTTPS symbol when logging in to enter personal information No unrelated pop-ups Update Operating System and Browser Most operating systems release regular security updates and patches to keep your system as secure as possible. Always download and install these updates. You do not have to upgrade your operating system. The same thing applies to your browser. Updates and even upgrades are freely available to keep your system secure while on the Internet. Lastly, educate your children Setup RulesIf you have a very young child, it will not be long until they start asking if the can use the web, get a Facebook account or even play online games. Decide at what age they can start exploring the computer and what features they are allowed to access. For example, if they want a Facebook account to interact with friends, but you feel they are too young, set up a joint account. Perhaps a family account – or set it up so you are the admin and can keep an eye on what is going on. Setup a LocationWhat a young child does behind closed doors is not always what they would do if they had a parent in the same room. Therefore, having a computer in an open central location in the house, rather than in their bedroom is a good idea. Here, the child can do research for school, keep in touch with friends via email, or other means – but all under the watchful eyes of…you. Setup TimesSetting up specific times when a child can use the computer is a sure way of preventing late night chats and surfing to take advantage of a child’s innocent curiosity. In addition,

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Encouraging Your Toddlers Caring Side

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:06:45 +0000

You probably find that little toddlers can be very kind and sweet but this is not always the case. How do you encourage their sympathetic side? Toddlers have an in-built ability to be caring and this can be seen when she tries to comfort you if she thinks you are upset or offering her sibling or friends toys or food. Toddlers also have competing instincts too and this can mean that they behave pretty anti-socially sometimes. When your toddler pushes her friend out of the way to get to some food, her need to eat outweighs her desire to share. When she wants to play on a climbing frame on her own and is cross there are other children in the way, her yearning to perform well at climbing or going down the slide is stronger than her wanting to share the play equipment with her friends. When a toddler experiences adults being unkind to each other, chances are she will emulate this behaviour. If mum and dad are shouting at each other and fighting to get their own way then she will no doubt do this when she too wants her own way. There are three skills that psychologists have identified in toddlers that behave in kind and caring ways. They are sharing, empathy and cooperation. Sharing can be seen when your toddler gives something to another child generously without expecting anything in return. Empathy can be seen when your toddler cries because she sees you or another person is upset. It is not a case of her feeling sorry for you, she is genuinely upset herself. Cooperation happens when your toddler works with others to achieve a common goal. These skills do not come easy or naturally to all children. Most toddlers are largely aware of just themselves and their own needs. Sometimes you have to explain that she must think of others too and demonstrate how. If you think your toddler has a tendency to be selfish regularly then it is about nipping the behaviour in the bud as quickly as possible and also trying to discourage her before any anti-social behaviour ensues. Providing as many opportunities for your toddler to be kind, caring and friendly is the best way to deal with this. Duties such as helping you with chores or helping a sibling with finishing a puzzle, getting dressed or tiding up are good examples. These tasks teach your toddler how to help and care for others and it will soon come naturally to her. You could buy a low maintenance pet like a goldfish and ask her to help you feed it each morning. This can boost the caring nature in your child as she will feel so rewarded for being responsible for the welfare of another living creature. You obviously need to supervise your toddler but let her feel as if she is in charge. Other ways to discourage selfish behaviour: Always praise caring behaviour Set a good example so she knows what you expect from her in terms of being kind to others Tell her how happy it makes you when she is being kind and obedient Encourage sharing at home so she does the same at nursery The whole family should follow the zero tolerance rule of unkind behaviour so she feels included and not confused By Eirian Hallinan

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How To Cope With Sibling Jealousy

Eirian — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:45:30 +0000

Sibling jealousy is incredibly common. To the older child it can be an overwhelming and confusing feeling when confronted with a young sibling and parents need to be patient and understanding. Young children and toddlers are often told that the arrival of their new baby brother or sister is really exciting but when the little bundle arrives and doesn’t do very much it can be a little bit of a disappointment for the older child. The newborn cannot be played with yet and does demand a lot of the parents’ attention and time. To the older child, it can feel as if he is suddenly on the outside of what used to be a very special relationship exclusively reserved for him. Familiar routines suddenly change quite dramatically. Games and special times are reduced and sometimes the older child feels as if there is not enough love to go around. There are many ways children will react during this time like shouting, poking, making a fuss and generally being more demanding. This is because the child is feeling anxious, not because he is being spiteful. Reassure your child about how important his place in the family is, all the love and devotion he can expect and about how reliable you are to him. It is very important to have one-to-one time with him during the day with lots of cuddles and praise for his good behaviour, especially towards his young sibling. If he displays aggressive behaviour it must be nipped in the bud quickly but not by shouting. It is best to suggest other ways to express himself by voicing his frustrations yourself. Say things like, “I know that you feel cross because I am cuddling your little brother (or sister) a lot but I have lots of cuddles for you too!” You can all snuggle up together and you can involve your older child in daily chores explaining how important his help is with looking after his little sibling. He will soon realise how essential he is to you and his sibling and as the baby grows he will discover how fun it is to have a brother or sister. You can gradually introduce the idea of a sibling before you give birth by talking about it a lot with your child and showing him scan photos. When the newborn has arrived let your child take the first meeting at his own pace so it feels like it is on his terms. You will often find that the attention-seeking of the older child will manifest itself by asking for drinks, food, and play or to go to the toilet when you have to tend to the newborn. Do not tell him off and instead involve him in fetching clothes or wipes when looking after the little one, always praising and consistently instilling in the older child how vital and helpful his role is in caring for his little brother or sister. This encourages the older child’s natural love and protectiveness towards the baby. When the baby is sleeping spend quality time with the older child so he feels special. Include your toddler from the start of your pregnancy and be realistic about how much you can do at one time. Encourage your older child to be patient. Asking him to wait five minutes for things is not going to damage or hurt him and if he gets used to having to wait sometimes it means that you are less stressed as you look after two young children that need all your love and attention. By Eirian Hallinan

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Developing Your Child’s Important Motor Skills

Eirian — Wed, 25 May 2011 21:51:58 +0000

Many parents do not realise how important the development of their child’s fine and gross motor skills are in terms of their academic and physical performances. There are lots of games and activities which parents can do with their children to enhance their motor skills. Writing and manipulating small objects are FINE motor skills. You can try the following activities to encourage your children to utilize and enhance their fine motor skills: Blocks – start off with large blocks and as your child grows and develops use smaller and smaller blocks that require more control and steadiness of hand Puzzles – start with large peg puzzles for younger infants. The large pegs sticking out of them require a full fisted grip. As your child grows he can move onto the puzzles that require him to use his thumb and forefinger grip (pincer grip) Play dough – this is great for fine motor skill exercise especially if you add some extra equipment such as rollers and cookie cutters Painting – swap between large and small brushes. Your child will need to use more control with their hands with the smaller, finer brushes. Cotton swabs are good to practise with too as they have small heads and demand finer work. This helps to develop your child’s pincer grip which will eventually be needed for writing Cutting – using scissors requires a lot of coordination. You can buy them without any metal for younger infants who are getting used to manipulating them. Give them some old magazines and let them get cutting Threading – you can use beads or coloured pasta. This does require a lot of control so is a perfect exercise to develop your child’s fine motor skills Running, jumping and hopping are all GROSS motor skills. They require coordination and balance. To enhance your child’s gross motor skills you can try the following activities: Climbing – take them to a kid’s jungle gym and let them climb and explore all over the place. Children have an instinctive desire to climb and begin as toddlers pulling up to stand with furniture. The more they try, the better they become, all the while developing their gross motor muscles Running – this requires gross motor coordination so play games that encourage your child to run and move around speedily Hopping – this develops balance so teach your child how to play hopscotch Ball play – rolling, throwing, catching and kicking balls encourage gross motor development. With younger children start with larger balls but make sure they can pick them up. Smaller balls require finer control Batting – this is hard for children to perfect but they should get practising. Begin with a thicker bat and work towards smaller ones as your child develops. You can play with baseball, tennis, golf and badminton bats as examples Gross motor and fine motor skills develop in tandem. Lots of activities depend on the co-ordination of both areas of skills. At three months old you may notice your baby bringing his hands together over his chest and resting them (a gross motor skill) and then playing with his hands (a fine motor skill). 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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A Look at ADHD

Eirian — Tue, 03 May 2011 18:26:09 +0000

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. The parts affected control concentration, attention and impulsivity. A child with ADHD can behave as if ‘up in the clouds’ or seem ‘dreamy’ or is hyperactive ‘always on the go’. They are unable to pay attention. The child finds it hard to filter all the information going into their brain so is easily distracted and responds before he has had enough time to consider things and also doesn’t know when to stop. He is therefore not able to follow instructions well, not able to concentrate as well as a child without ADHD and is often harder to settle and comfort. A child with ADHD usually has above-average intelligence but because of his difficulties, finds it hard to learn and socialize. It is not caused by bad parenting, but the severity of the symptoms and how well the child can learn to deal with them is often affected by the child’s environment and support. ADHD is long term and can continue through adult life. There is a genetic component and children with ADHD are often related to others with ADHD (usually male). Symptoms: the three categories of symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity. Inattention: this usually becomes apparent when a child starts school because it is challenging. Inattention in adults with ADHD is usually apparent in work or social situations. A person with ADHD may have some or all of the following symptoms Not listening to others, inability to follow rules, frequently changing the conversation Irrelevant noises or events that others just ignore will distract the person with ADHD Paying attention to details is difficult and careless mistakes are often made during school activities Sustaining attention to an activity or task is very difficult like school work or paperwork Frequently moving from uncompleted task to another Putting things off – procrastination Normal daily activities like bringing lunch or attending scheduled appointments are forgotten about. Housework or homework is forgotten about or left incomplete Disorganisation Hyperactivity: symptoms can be discovered in young pre-school children and are nearly always apparent before seven years of age. Symptoms include Squirming when seated, fidgeting Getting up frequently and walking or running around Running or climbing when it is not appropriate and in teenagers this can be seen as restlessness Find it difficult to play quietly Always ‘on the go’ Excessive talking Hyperactivity may vary with age and developmental stage. Toddlers and pre-school children with ADHD are nearly always moving around, climbing, jumping on furniture and running around. They find activities like listening to a story very difficult. School children with ADHD display similar behaviour but less frequently. They will not remain in their seats, squirm and fidget or talk excessively. In teenagers and adults, hyperactivity can manifest itself as restlessness and difficulties in participating in quiet sedentary activities. Impulsivity: symptoms include Impatience Not giving themselves enough time before they make a response Blurting out answers a question has been fully asked Not being able to wait their turn Often interrupting to the point of causing problems in work or social events Starting conversation at inappropriate times Impulsivity can lead to accidents such as banging into others or knocking things over. Children with ADHD can also try dangerous activities because they are unable to consider the potential consequences. They may climb to dangerous levels for example. These symptoms occur from time to time in normal children but with ADHD children these symptoms occur frequently at home, at school or when visiting friends. These symptoms make it difficult for the child to function normally. Diagnosis: a diagnosis of ADHD in a child is made when they consistently display all or some of these symptoms in at least two settings like home and school and have been monitored for at least six months. Sometimes parents do not think the symptoms are being displayed at home because they do not have another child to compare to or they have just adjusted to their child’s behaviour and are handling it well. Your child must also not have another mood, anxiety or personality disorder that can cause the same symptoms. Generally, male children show more symptoms of hyperactivity and female children tend to show more symptoms of inattention. In adults, symptoms are very similar but the hyperactivity tends to manifest itself as restlessness, fidgeting, difficulty in relaxing or often feeling ‘on edge’. Getting help: your doctor is your first point of help. It is very difficult to diagnose pre-school children unless the symptoms are very extreme. Once your child starts school the teacher will quickly be able to tell you if your child is behaving very differently from the rest of the children. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist if need be. Help can also be sought through educational psychologists, language specialists and occupational therapists. ADHD can be treated with support at school, behavioural therapy and medication. By Eirian Hallinan

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First Day of School

Eirian — Mon, 02 May 2011 15:47:23 +0000

To overcome the fear of the first day at nursery, playgroup or school is a big step for your child. Talking to your child about it can help them prepare and alleviate some of their fears. They will naturally be anxious of the unknown so explain and describe where they will be going and for how long they will be there. Also create some excitement about the activities they will be involved with. Ask them what they are expecting school to be like and discuss any fears they are holding on to. Reassure that they will be collected by you or another carer at the end of the day. Do not dismiss any fears that seem silly to you. Listen and talk about whatever they might be worrying about. Before school begins it would be a great help to your child to already have experience in some of the learning activities he is likely to be doing at school. Therefore plan ahead with learning at home long before school starts. This should reduce stress at school because they will be able to keep up or excel at their learning. Along with learning activities, role-plays, reading and games at home can all help to prepare your child for school, help them know what to expect and boost their confidence. During the run up to the start of school, have fun with your child by choosing what they will need like bags, uniform or lunch boxes. You could visit the school with your child so they are familiar with where they will be going. Keep talking about school and the routine they will have at school. It is important that by the time your child starts school they need to be able to sit still, wait and listen. For boys this is often a harder skill to maintain because they are generally more physical. Your child needs to be toilet trained for school and have the ability to dress and undress for physical education. When you are preparing your child for their first day at school tell them that the teacher will probably introduce themselves and tell the children about some of the things they will be doing through the year. Maybe the teacher will give the children a chance to tell the rest of the class their name and something about themselves. Tell your child to play close attention to the class rules that the teacher will discuss and if they do not understand something to put their hand up. Also tell your child that although they may already know some of the other children, it is a good chance on the first day to speak to the children they do not know and make new friends. During the first weeks of school make sure you continue to communicate with your child about their day. There may be moments your child says they do not want to go back to school because the initial excitement has dwindled but the nerves are still there. Rather than ask them how their day was, ask specific questions for examples, what book they read, are there any naughty children in the class? Or who did you play with in break time? This is because young children sometimes find it difficult to answer a broad question. If you feel that something is wrong then always talk to their teacher. Once a child settles down at school and begins to enjoy it, it says a great deal about how his parents have raised him to be confident, independent and resilient. By Eirian Hallinan

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Understanding Asthma in Children

Eirian — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 20:46:01 +0000

Asthma affects the small tubes (airways) that carry air in and out of the lungs, also known as the bronchi. The airways of the lungs are more sensitive in children with asthma. Something that irritates your child’s lungs is a called a trigger. Triggers cause the airways to narrow, inflame the lining of the airways and tightens the muscles. Also there is an increase in the production of sticky phlegm. The symptoms are wheezing, coughing (especially at night) and shortness of breath making the child’s chest feel tight. An asthma attack is a sudden and severe onset of symptoms. Asthma attacks can sometimes be managed at home but may require hospital treatment. They are occasionally life threatening. Asthma is common and a long-term condition that can be well controlled in most children. The severity of asthma symptoms varies from very mild to more severe. It is more common in boys but as children get older and especially post puberty, asthma is more common in girls. Once your child reaches his teenage years the symptoms of asthma may disappear. However, asthma can return in adulthood. If your child’s asthma is quite severe or even moderate it is more likely that it will remain during adolescence and also increases the chance of returning in adulthood. The cause of asthma is not fully understood. It is known that asthma often runs in families and a child is more likely to have asthma if one or both parents have the condition. Triggers (differs amongst children) An upper respiratory tract infection is the most common trigger, for example a cold, flu and other viruses which affect the nose, throat and windpipe Exercise is a very common trigger of asthma in children and can be exacerbated by cold weather Allergens, for examples: pollen, dust mites, animal fur or feathers Pollution and airborne irritants, for example cigarette smoke, chemical fumes A sudden change in weather conditions or temperature Mould, damp and sometimes chemicals found in carpets and other flooring Stress or laughing Food allergies – when this is severe, it is known as anaphylaxis. “oods containing sulphites – sulphites are naturally occurring substances found in some food and drink. They are also sometimes used as a food preservative. Most children with asthma will not have this trigger. Medicines, such as the class of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which includes aspirin and ibuprofen There are some conditions, such as rhinitis and sinusitis, which are known to trigger asthma. In children with asthma and allergic rhinitis, treating the allergic rhinitis as well as the asthma can help bring the asthma under control. It is not fully understood what the cause of asthma is. We know that it can run in families. Certainly if one or more of the parents has asthma then it is more likely that their child will suffer from it. Severe asthma attacks Symptoms of a severe asthma attack include: Your child’s inhaler is not helping the symptoms at all The wheezing, coughing and tight chest are severe and constant Your child’s breathing is very fast and too breathless to talk properly or feed His pulse is racing Your child is agitated and restless Your child’s lips and finger nails look blue If your child or someone else is having a severe asthma attack and they are unable to breathe, dial for an ambulance immediately to get emergency medical treatment. Other help can be found with: Complementary therapies Regular reviews with your doctor Keeping healthy – it is recommended children with asthma exercise at least 60 minutes a day through physical activity. They should be slightly sweaty and out of breath but not so much that they cannot speak. If they seem reluctant to exercise it can be a sign that their asthma is not under control. Never smoke around your child Some children with asthma are encouraged to get an annual flu jab to try and avoid a bout of flu (influenza) Some children with asthma are advised to get an anti-pneumococcal vaccination. This is an injection (one-off) that protects against serious chest infections called pneumococcal pneumonia. With the help of your doctor your aim is to obtain the right treatment to get your child’s asthma under control and for it to remain that way. Asthma treatments are effective in most children and should allow them to be free from symptoms and lead a normal life. By Eirian Hallinan

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Building Confidence in Children

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:31:56 +0000

Are you helping or hindering your child’s self-esteem and feeling of confidence? Say your child tries to carry their bowl of food and a beaker of juice across the room, then trips and spills everything. Do you say ‘I told you not to do that! Now see what you have done!’ It is tempting but it would be much more helpful to say something like ‘Oh dear, you tried, but it didn’t work. Don’t worry. Next time you can try carrying things one by one’. This way your child is not made to feel worse than he already does for failing at trying to do something. Also, it is important to bear in mind that it is not only what your child directly hears you saying but what he also overhears you telling other people like, ‘he’s so clumsy!’ or ‘he never learns’. This can leave the child feeling that this is the absolute unchangeable truth. Building confidence in children, for it is difficult in a stressful moment when something has just been broken or spilt to take a breath, be calm and resist the urge to blurt out, ‘You’re so stupid!’ or ‘I am sick of repeating myself! You never listen!’ Do try though, to remember that too many negative words and reactions can damage children by instilling in them a sense of being stupid, useless or unvalued. Talking negatively about yourself can also damage your child’s confidence. Children emulate their parents and adults close to them. If these adults overreact to situations or have a negative/extreme reaction to stressful circumstances, then it can lead the child to feeling that the adult cannot handle the pressures of everyday life. In turn, they too will not feel confident dealing with problems in life and will feel unequipped to tackle everyday challenges. The following can hinder a child’s confidence: Aggression, using shouting and swearing Cruel teasing and being sarcastic to them Purposely making fun of your child and how he feels Constant nagging and criticism Unkind statements and insults Saying you wish they had never been born Saying you don’t love them It makes sense to do all you can to build your child’s confidence and attitude which is positive and optimistic. Here are some ideas to do this, along with instilling in them a strong feeling of self-esteem. Laugh with your child but not at him Show your child that you believe in him to be a worthwhile and loveable human being Be generous with your praise and admiration. Reassure your child that it is ok to make mistakes, it is normal and how we all learn Really listen to your child so he feels he is being heard and can communicate with you Acknowledge his feelings so again, he feels he is being heard Respect your child’s interests even if they are not that interesting to you. Show a genuine interest in what is going on in their lives Criticise behaviour, not your child. Make it clear to him that it is the action of type of behaviour that is wrong or unacceptable not him Rather than disregard an anxiety by brushing it aside or not feeling it is that important, listen to your child and offer to help with any struggle he is experiencing Encourage your child’s independence! Let him try new things, even if he makes mistakes. The feeling of accomplishment learning to do something new can accelerate the child’s confidence Focus on your child’s achievements and successes in their lives not the things they are less successful at A damaged, unconfident child could possibly benefit from CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) These tips can help your child grow into a resilient, confident individual who feels equipped to cope with the challenges and pressures of life. A strong and confident adult has a better chance of happiness, as he has the foundations to grab life courageously and live it to the full without being hampered by unhelpful feelings of negativity and self-doubt. By Eirian Hallinan

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7 Common Mistakes First-Time Parents Make

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 19:15:38 +0000

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs you will ever have, and no stage is more difficult than the first few months with your first child. It is easy to be led astray by misguided assumptions and poorly thought-out plans, and it is practically impossible to completely avoid making any mistakes. Parenting is after all a learning process, but you can avoid some of the most common mistakes simply by being aware of them in advance. Here are seven of the most common issues that arise for first-time parents. 1. Not sleepingEveryone knows that new parents are commonly sleep deprived, but it does not have to be so bad. Especially if you and your spouse can find ways to share the load and balance your time, then you should be able to get close to your usual amount of sleep every day. Granted, the sleep may be patchy and at unconventional times, but you can get it if you try. 2. Unrealistic time expectationsMany new parents like to think that they will still have plenty of free time when the baby is sleeping or entertaining herself, but you might be surprised by how much of your time is occupied by baby-related tasks even when the baby is asleep. Yes, you should be able to preserve at least some of your personal time, but it may not be as much as you expect. 3. Believing everything you hearThere is a lot of parenting advice out there, and while most of it is harmless, the advice-givers are not always consistent in what they say. Rather than listening to and believing everything you see, try to formulate your own philosophy about parenting, and then listen only to those experts whose beliefs are in line with yours. Also keep in mind that some so-called “parenting experts” are not all they claim to be. Listen to your doctor first and foremost. 4. Spouse neglectThere is no getting around the fact that your baby will be the center of attention in your household, and not just for the first few weeks or months. Parents have to be willing to give up much of themselves in order to care for a child, and this will last until the child is old enough to be independent. For now, try not to let your child get in the way of your connection with your spouse. Find time to talk, to snuggle up without the baby, and to keep your sex life going. Otherwise, bad feelings may develop, and this can affect the entire household. 5. Over-worryingMany new parents spend so much time reading and worrying about all the things that can wrong with a new child that they become all but convinced that bad things are inevitable. Any time you suspect that something may be wrong with your child, it is best to listen to your intuition and take the child to your doctor as soon as possible. But try not to let your paranoia project problems that are not there, or else you will just make yourself crazy. 6. Over-spendingAlthough we do not like to admit it, much of what we buy for a newborn baby is more for the parents’ benefit than the child’s. A newborn baby does not need much more than loving parents and a place to sleep, so you do not have to deplete your bank account in preparation for the birth. Get the things you need, and do not forget that you can get a lot of the non-necessities after the baby is born. 7. Losing perspectiveFirst-time parents tend to get wrapped up in the life-changing nature of the event, and as a result they risk seeing the birth of their baby as a much more momentous event than it actually is. Of course, it is one of the most important events in your life, but it is not such a big deal outside of your family. Try to keep things in perspective by reminding yourself that babies are born every day, and do not take it personally when others do not share your wild enthusiasm for your child. By Lisa Pecos

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The 6 Most Important Parent-Child Talks

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:08:23 +0000

No one said parenting was going to be easy. As children grow up, countless issues can arise, and as parents it is our job to try to guide our children through these times to the best of our abilities. An essential part of this job is to talk to our children about serious issues that kids face. These talks are not always easy, and they can be downright uncomfortable for both parent and child. However, they are crucial for a child’s development, and they are also useful for establishing the lines of communication. There are a few parent-child talks that we often think of as milestones because they occur at important moments in a child’s growth. Many of these talks are as difficult as they are important, and it is not always clear how to approach them. Here are six of the most difficult ones. 1. BullyingAll children face bullying at one time or another. What parenting experts tend to forget is that for every bullied child there is a bully, and in fact the same child may play both roles at various times. But even though we may think of bullying as a standard part of childhood, it is a serious issue. It can be damaging not only to kids’ self-esteem and confidence but also to their school performance. On the other side, bullying behavior often signals deep insecurities or unresolved troubles at home. Bullying usually starts as early as pre-school, so it is never too early to bring up this topic. Later, it is important to make sure your child knows that he can come to you if he is ever bullied. 2. Self-esteem and body imageEating disorders are a growing problem among young people of all backgrounds. These issues are most common in girls, but they are also on the rise among boys and young men. Although there are many causes of eating disorders, the most common are low self-esteem and body image problems that come about due to impossibly high standards of beauty set by the media and perpetuated by one’s peers. The signs of eating disorders may begin as early as elementary school, and they tend to reach their peak during the teen years. In talking about this subject, it is important for parents tell their children that they are beautiful just as they are. While we don’t want to perpetuate the impossible beauty standards, it is a good idea to give our kids the tools to live healthy lives. 3. PubertyAll children undergo major physical and emotional changes during puberty. The physical effects of this stage of life are most obvious for girls, but boys may also feel bewildered by the changes they notice in their bodies. Most schools cover these issues in their sexual education programs, but parents need to be there to pick up the slack, especially given the fact that sex ed programs are being cut in many areas throughout the U.S. 4. SexThe fabled sex talk may be the most difficult conversation that parents have to have with their children. We like to think that our kids are not interested in sex, but the uncomfortable fact is that humans are sexual beings from a very early age. Meanwhile, kids may be just as uncomfortable hearing about sex from their parents. But by approaching the topic with a sense of humor and in the spirit of openness, parents can make sure that the talk is relatively painless. Plus, a little mild discomfort never hurt anyone. 5. Smoking, drugs, and alcoholKids usually have their first exposure to cigarettes and drugs during middle school, and the pressures become more and more intense during high school before peaking in college. Kids need to know that they can talk with their parents about anything, and they should not feel afraid to talk openly about any peer pressure or temptation they may be facing from their peers. Drugs and alcohol can damage young people for life, so it is important to tackle these issues as early as possible. 6. Internet privacyIt may be hard to fathom, but these days there are college freshman who cannot remember a world without the internet. Unfortunately, young people are far ahead of their parents in the realm of technology and online communication. As a result, many parents are not even aware of many of the serious issues that the internet has created. While we may worry most about things like internet porn or web-based predators, privacy online is likely to become one of the defining issues of our time. Kids are wont to be reckless with their web-based sharing, and this can have potentially disastrous effects on their future lives. Parents should make an effort to be literate with regard to these issues and to make sure their kids set limits online. By Marc Courtiol

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Helping Kids deal with Anger

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 04:18:13 +0000

Anger is something that kids learn. From too much violence on television, to video games, the internet, and music, violent images and words surround us all. While adults can listen to or view these things without having them directly impact the way they behave or treat others, children are an entirely different matter. Children are impressionable and easily swayed by the things they see and hear. This is why it is important for parents to take the necessary precautions to keep their children shielded from as much violence as possible while they are growing up. Fortunately, there are things parents can do to help their children learn to manage their feelings of anger when they arise so that they do not resort to aggressive behavior. Preventing aggressive behavior Just as violent behavior and getting angry are learned habits, so is calmness. While all of us experience degrees of anger at one time or another, there are constructive ways of handling those feelings that are much healthier for us. One thing you can do to help your child deal with feelings of anger is to help him develop an appropriate vocabulary. If children do not have any other method for venting their feelings, they are more likely to scream, throw things, or hit or kick others out of sheer frustration. It will not work to ask a child to explain to you how he is feeling because he will not be able to express himself in this way. You can, however, create a chart of descriptive words that he can use to express how he is feeling. First, however, you will need to take the time to explain what each word means. You should be prepared to go over this information with him on several different occasions. Words such as irate, mad, frustrated, ticked off and angry can be written on a chart and then used by you to try to talk to your child about how he is feeling. If you teach your child a variety of different words that he can use to express his emotions, it will help him to express himself more appropriately. He will then be much less likely to have violent outbursts. You might also want to teach your child anger control methods such as silently counting to ten, or taking several deep, slow breaths. Calling in a professional If your child’s anger issues are out of control and you just cannot seem to reach him, you should strongly consider taking him to a therapist for help. It is always best to deal with these issues when a child is still quite young. A professional will be able to offer you some guidelines that your entire family can follow that will have everyone responding to anger in a much healthier way. When children have anger issues that remain unresolved, the feelings of bitterness and resentment can build up and remain with them far beyond childhood. It is best to obtain professional assistance so that your child can learn at an early age how to properly handle his feelings of anger and aggression and have a better chance of leading a peaceful, enjoyable life. By Jamell Andrews

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The Importance of Teaching Kids About Money

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:04:34 +0000

These days, too many people do not learn about money and finance until it is far too late. Americans now hold more debt than ever before, and this is at least in part due to the fact that many of us have had no financial education. Sadly, this has led to millions of cases in which individuals do not begin to get serious about their finances until they are in their 30s or 40s and already thousands of dollars in the hole. The solution is obvious: give kids a thorough financial education, starting as early as possible and continuing until they are out on their own. Parents cannot rely upon schools to give their kids financial education, as most young people never learn about economics or finance until they are in college, if at all. Schools are not getting the job done, so it is up to parents to pick up the slack. Early stages of financial education Many parents’ instinct is to shield their children from financial matters. After all, childhood is the only time in life when people do not have to worry about money, and we may feel that not talking to our kids about money is a way to preserve their innocence a little longer. While this may be true, we can still give kids a sound financial education without exposing them to the stress and pressures that adults associate with money. The earliest step is to begin teaching kids how to count money. In the U.S., this means familiarizing them with the value of pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars, and giving them plenty of opportunities to make conversions between different denominations. Most of this involves simple math, so the instruction can begin as soon as children begin learning their basic arithmetic. Allowance Meanwhile, giving kids allowance is a great way to start them off on money management. However, rather than letting kids figure these things out for themselves, it is important for parents to ask questions about how kids spend their money. We do not want to have too heavy a hand when it comes to our kids’ purchases, but we are the parents after all, so we do have the power to tell our children when a certain purchase is not a good idea. Allowance also gives parents the opportunity about the importance to teach kids about money, long-term financial management. For example, when a child wants a new bicycle, it may be tempting to go out and buy it for her, but we can actually do the child a much bigger favor by providing her with allowance and encouraging her to save up to buy the bicycle herself. Smart financial practices involve emphasizing the long-term, often at the expense of short-term gain, and the earlier kids gain this perspective the better. Many parents choose to give allowance with no strings attached, and of course that is their choice, but there is a danger in doing this. Free allowance may send the message that kids are entitled to money for nothing and that parents have an endless supply to give. Although we want our children to be provided for, it may be more helpful in the long term to show them that money is not free. Consider asking your children to perform a manageable list of chores on a weekly basis in exchange for allowance, and do not forget to emphasize that the work must be done well. Advanced money lessons Later on, it becomes time for kids to start learning about things like investment and loans. At around the time when the child is old enough to get a part-time summer job (i.e., around age 16), it is time to begin introducing these concepts. Kids need to know that there are more things they can do with their paychecks than just spending the money right away. Plus, for many older teens higher education may be on the horizon, and you might want to involve them in the financial planning for college. Given the epidemic of student loan debt now plaguing young people in the U.S., it is a good idea to make sure your teenager knows the serious ramifications of taking out loans. Debt is a serious matter, and young people should go through whatever lengths necessary to ensure that they do not begin their post-college life in a deep financial hole. By Marc Courtiol

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Can an Herbal Remedy Stop the Sniffles?

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:39:06 +0000

In my household, winter time usually means one thing–runny noses. My children’s noses are like a faucet that never turns off–and if it does, it just starts running again a few days later. I don’t think much of this until I get a bad cold. Like right now–I’ve been perpetually sick for the last two weeks–and I’m miserable. So my poor kids, who have been dealing with this since the day winter hit, they really must be miserable. What’s a mom to do? (Especially since cough and cold medicines are not advised for children under 2, according to the FDA.) The Canadian company Afexa Life Sciences wants to change this and give moms an option, herbal remedy. According to Time Magazine, “the company is so confident of the magical properties inherent in COLD-FX, its North American ginseng-based product, that it’s seeking out the scrutiny of clinical trials. In 2008, research published in Pediatrics – the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics — showed that the botanical extract had no serious adverse effects in children. It works by boosting the immune system, reducing symptoms and duration and helping prevent colds if taken regularly. COLD-FX targets specific immune cells like natural killer cells and macrophages, whose function is to engulf viruses and digest them.” In Canada, COLD-FX is one of the most popular brands, outselling Tylenol and even being the “cold remedy” of the 2010 Olympic Games. But, what really makes it stand out is the fact that the company is willing to have a children’s clinical trial on the product, something that isn’t usually done. Time reports that,”Research has shown that 10% of U.S. children take cough and cold meds each week, yet an FDA report found that fewer than a dozen studies on children’s cough and cold medications were published between 1954 and 2004.” The article goes on to quote Dianne Murphy, director of the FDA’s Office of Pediatric Therapeutics, from a 2009 interview: “Most OTC products other than those for fever or pain have not actually been studied in children for effectiveness, safety, or dosing.” As most of us know, deaths in children were occurring as a result of overdosing from cold and cough medicine, which is why the FDA put a ban on them for children under 2. This fact gets even scarier knowing that if more studies had been conducted, perhaps some of those deaths could have been prevented. So, for me, I look forward to an all natural solution in helping eradicate my kiddos’ sniffles. But for the time being, we’ll just need to be patient as Time reports, “Although it’s popular in Canada, COLD-FX is not readily available in the U.S., though it can be ordered online at places like candrugstore.com. The company branched out to its southern neighbor a few years ago, but because it didn’t have approval to market itself as a cold remedy from the FDA — a process that can take years — sales didn’t take off and the company pulled out. Eventually, they intend to wind their way through the FDA approval process, with the intent of re-entering the U.S. market.”

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Understanding Kids with Hypoglycemia

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:38:33 +0000

Hypoglycemia is a condition that is often associated with diabetes. It is characterized by low blood sugar (glucose) levels. Hypoglycemia itself is not a disease, but an indicator of some other health problem. It is a very dangerous condition for kids simply because our brains need a steady supply of glucose in order to function properly. Signs and Symptoms The signs and symptoms that are typical of kids who are suffering from hypoglycemia can also be indicators of other problems, so it is important to see your doctor if you experience any of these. Visual disturbances – especially double or blurred vision Confusion or abnormal behavior – some people may find it difficult to complete routine tasks that they normally do not have a problem with Loss of consciousness Seizures (though not a common symptom) Anxiety Tremors Sweating Heart palpitations Hunger For the most part, hypoglycemia occurs in kids who have diabetes. It usually results from a person’s medication. Kids and teenagers who do not have diabetes can develop hypoglycemia, however, and there are several reasons why this condition might develop in otherwise healthy individuals. Alcohol consumption (generally excessive) Medications – certain medications can cause hypoglycemia; usually, these are diabetes medications or quinine Endocrine deficiencies – there are some disorders of the adrenal glands and the pituitary gland that can cause a deficiency of hormones that regulate the production of glucose Certain critical illnesses – liver diseases, kidney disorders, and long-term starvation may all result in hypoglycemia Tumors – in rare cases, tumors of the pancreas may develop and result in the development of hypoglycemia. People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery are at risk of developing such tumors Treatment To effectively treat hypoglycemia, there are two basic approaches that must be used. First of all, some immediate treatment needs to be taken in order to raise blood glucose levels. This can be accomplished by eating candy, drinking fruit juice, or taking glucose tablets. The next step in the treatment process is to identify the root cause of the hypoglycemia. For people who do not have diabetes, and do not have any type of kidney or liver problem, lifestyle factors may need to be addressed in order to adequately solve the problem. In some situations, there may be other types of medications that cause periodic episodes of hypoglycemia to occur. This is something that a primary care physician needs to investigate in order to make an accurate determination. In addition, some people may have inherited metabolic deficiencies that directly affect the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body. These types of conditions are usually first noticed during childhood. It would be very rare for an adult to suddenly start displaying symptoms of this type without having had such problems throughout life. If you have one or more of the symptoms that are commonly associated with hypoglycemia, make an appointment with your doctor so that testing can be done. Fasting blood tests are usually the first step in diagnosing this condition. By Marc Courtiol

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Avoiding Sibling Rivalry: How to Prepare Your Child for a New Arrival

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:54:25 +0000

By Jamell Andrews All kids are different, and not every first child responds poorly to the arrival of a second one. In fact, some young children do not show any signs of sibling rivalry at all, instead welcoming new additions to the family with open arms. While some children are temperamentally predisposed to welcoming younger siblings, parents need to be prepared for problems to arise, and there are certain things you can do beforehand to make sure your firstborn adjusts well. Preparing before the sibling arrives Here are a few steps that parenting experts recommend to prepare your firstborn child for the arrival of a new baby: • Talk openly about your pregnancy. Do not assume that your firstborn is still too young to understand what is going on. Kids have an innate understanding of what it means to have brothers and sisters, and they do not like being kept in the dark about these things. • If you are going to be moving your first child into a different room, make the transition as early as possible so that he is adjusted to the new space well before the new baby comes. Things are simpler this way. • Talk about it with your spouse. Make sure it is clear that you will share the job of easing the transition into the next stage of your family’s life. • Give your child a baby doll and show her how to hold it. • Encourage your firstborn to participate in preparations in any way possible. • If possible, wait until your first child is at least in preschool to have your second. This way, you will only have to worry about giving equal attention when your oldest is home. • Children who are closer to their mothers tend to get upset when new babies are born, while children with strong bonds with their fathers tend to do better. In the lead-up to the second baby’s birth, make sure the father and first child get plenty of bonding time. All in all, it is important to make the first child feel that he or she is involved with the preparations for the upcoming baby. Approach this new development as a family, not just as parents. Preventing sibling rivalry after the new baby is born In general, having a happy and warm household where everyone feels loved is the best way to ease the inevitable sibling rivalry. But on a more specific level, you can avoid problems by distributing attention as equally as possible (when the oldest is home) and by working as a team with your spouse. Here are a few ideas that work for many parents: • Take any available opportunities to give special attention to your older child. Even just a few minutes while your newborn is napping can do wonders. • Talk to your older child about her feelings, and acknowledge them. Do not dismiss or discount how she feels. • When it comes to giving your firstborn what he wants, meet him halfway. Children at certain ages (usually in the 2-4 range) tend to regress when a younger sibling is born. If your child acts younger than his age, do not try to fight it. Baby him if that is what he wants. It will only be a phase. • Give your child extra treats around the time of her younger sibling’s birth. • Provide your older child with a space where the younger child cannot go. • Encourage your older child to participate in caring for the baby in any way possible. • Continue to talk openly about the family situation, making sure to point out all the great things about being the oldest sibling in a family.

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A Parent’s Guide to Cyberbullying

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:07:49 +0000

By Lisa Pecos There have always been bullies, but the internet has given mean kids a whole new platform to bully others, and this new platform comes with some serious concerns that parents need to be aware of. Many people tend to think that being on the receiving end of occasional bullying is a normal part of childhood, and that it might even build character. But as recent events have shown, cyberbullying is a serious matter and needs to be treated as such. For parents of bullied children, it has always been difficult to figure out how and when to get evolved. We want our kids to learn to stand up for themselves, and a little moderate bullying has never seriously hurt anyone, but the anonymity of the web seems to foster a level of cruelty and bloodthirstiness that is rare in real-life bullying. And since today’s kids take the web seriously and use it as one of their primary modes of communication, online threats and insults can be just as stinging as real-life ones. What Is Cyberbullying? We are all familiar with traditional bullying; it usually involves repeated acts of cruelty perpetuated by one individual or group upon another. Real-life bullying can become very serious, rising to the level of abuse and often leading to long-term mental and social effects. Suicides resulting from bullying are not unheard of. Cyberbullying is the same, except the repeated acts of cruelty happen over the web rather than on the playground or after school. In many cases, cyberbullying is straightforward; a young person receives repeated threats or harassment or mean notes via social networking sites, emails, instant messengers, or text messages. Many of the high-profile cyberbullying cases have been of this nature, with bullies assaulting their victims with repeated threats, sexual remarks, or hate speech. Other cases of cyberbullying have involved groups of kids ganging up to harass individuals online. For example, a well-publicized case in western Massachusetts involved a 15-year-old girl who committed suicide after being bullied by classmates both at school and online. As testament to the cruelty kids are capable of, even after the girl had committed suicide many of her tormentors continued to leave taunting notes on her Facebook memorial page. Signs of cyberbullying Because kids are often reluctant to talk about their online activities or the cruelty they face at school, parents are often left in the dark about cyberbullying. If you are worried that your child may be a victim, here are some signs to look for: agitation or emotional distress after using the internet or phone; withdrawal from social activities and former friends; poor performance at school; acting out at home; avoiding school or school-related activities; abrupt changes in behavior. What you can do If you strongly suspect that your child is being bullied online, bring it up as soon as possible. Reassure your child that it is not her fault, that the bullying will pass, and that it is just kids being cruel. Talk to her about how you can work together to handle the situation. She may have concerns about tattling or getting the other kids in trouble, but if the bullying is truly severe, then you might consider talking to school officials. While many school districts are still ill-equipped to deal with this emerging issue, the good news is that many teachers and administrators have caught on. Some districts now have established protocols for these situations, so there is a very good chance that the school officials you approach will handle the situation with sensitivity. Meanwhile, parents can also mitigate cyberbullying by keeping tabs on what their kids do online. The web is a vast and potentially dangerous world, and minors should not be allowed to roam free with no supervision. Set up parental controls to limit online access, and be sure to talk to your children about online privacy and security. Of course, bullies have parents too, and finding out that your child is a bully can be upsetting in its own ways. If you catch your child being mean online, understand that it may have to do with underlying mood or aggression problems. Try to get through to them how serious bullying can be, and try to figure out why they are acting out this way. Also consider talking to a guidance counselor or a child therapist about your options.

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Dyslexia in Children

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:05:47 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Dyslexia is an impairment of the brain that causes difficulty with translating written images into language. It is one of the most misunderstood learning disabilities in the United States, and it is also the most common one. It is believed that dyslexia affects approximately 15% of the United States population, though everyone who is affected by this disorder is not properly diagnosed. Contrary to popular belief, dyslexia generally occurs in children who have normal intelligence and vision. Some children with this neurological disorder have normal speech patterns as well, but the majority of them do have some problems interpreting written words and spoken language. Symptoms The symptoms of dyslexia are often hard to recognize, especially before a child is old enough to start attending school. Children with dyslexia can be helped at any age, but it is always best to diagnose them as early as possible. Some symptoms (or signs) that a very young child might have dyslexia include the following: Problems rhyming Late to start talking Slow to add new words to his or her vocabulary For school age children, the symptoms of dyslexia become much more obvious. Difficulty following multiple commands at one time Problems with spelling Difficulty learning a foreign language Reading far below the expected level Seeing numbers or letters in reverse Difficulty processing and comprehending what is being heard Problems sounding out the pronunciation of words that are unfamiliar Difficulty remembering the sequence, or order of things Problems understanding rapid instructions Treatment Unfortunately, the brain disorder that causes dyslexia cannot be cured or corrected, so treatment must be in the form of a variety of remedial education programs. The particular programs that are administered should be determined by a qualified psychologist, who will conduct testing to determine a child’s level of impairment. Teachers who specialize in some aspect of special education often teach the classes that dyslexic children need to take. The different techniques that are utilized in the classroom include touch, vision, and hearing approaches in an effort to improve a child’s reading skills and abilities. Reading specialists may focus on five specific areas that are important in order for children to learn effective reading skills. Reading comprehension Oral reading ability Phonemic awareness (basic speech sounds that are often difficult for dyslexic children to grasp) Building a vocabulary Phonic (speech) recognition In some cases, parents may want to hire a tutor to help their child to develop reading and speech skills. Children who have severe dyslexia are likely to have ongoing problems with reading and may not ever be able to develop really good reading capabilities. When this is the case with a child, it is best for parents to have their child keep regular appointments with a therapist, and to provide ongoing educational support through the assistance of a tutor for help with the learning process. One of the most important things that parents can do is provide a supportive and caring environment for a child with dyslexia. Making it easy and stress-free for children with dyslexia to learn makes them more comfortable and helps tremendously with the learning process.

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How to Beat the Childhood Obesity Epidemic

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:04:41 +0000

By Marc Courtiol According to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 20 percent of American children between the ages of 6 and 11 are now obese, and 18 percent of young people between ages 12 and 19 meet the criteria for obesity. These numbers are startling enough on their own, and they do not even take into account the children who are officially overweight but not obese. All in all, one third of American children are bigger than they should be. The effects of childhood obesity and overweight go far beyond the surface. According to the CDC, overweight young people have a higher risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and high cholesterol, and this can increase their risk of health problems throughout life. Meanwhile, many overweight youths suffer from bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and emotional problems resulting from low-self-esteem and social stigmatization. When overweight children grow up, continued health problems can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, and certain forms of cancer. In light of all these facts, it is clear that parents should be doing more to make sure their children stay healthy. However, this can be more challenging than it sounds since kids are bombarded with media advertisements for unhealthy food, are pressured by other kids into eating unhealthy foods, and too often do not have healthy food options at school. Meanwhile, kids today consume more media than ever and spend less time outside, meaning that they rarely get the exercise they need. Many parents accept these things as facts of modern life, but we do our children a disservice when we do not encourage them to be healthy. This is one of those areas where a little tough love on the part of parents can go a long way. Plus, by talking with your children and making them aware of these issues, you can recruit them on the side of health. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind: Avoid rewarding kids with sweets. This will get them into the habit of expecting sweet treats whenever they do anything good. Try using other rewards. Sweets may be powerful, but they send a potentially negative message. Serve breakfast. Studies have shown that kids who eat breakfast have lower body-mass indices. Plus, having breakfast gives your child a burst of energy and mental alertness that can help during school. Cut out unnecessary calories.> Even when our kids eat moderately and do not overindulge in desserts, it is common for them to still get hundreds of empty calories from things like sodas and fruit juices. In short, there is no reason for children to drink these things, and it cannot hurt to break this habit. Even most fruit juices that bill themselves as healthy are mostly high-fructose corn syrup. Give your child real, fresh fruit instead. Limit media time. Kids who consume less than two hours of media per day are on average healthier than those who consume more. This includes television, internet, mobile devices, and video games. Many kids initially resist these restrictions, but they soon find other more active ways to fill their time. Use lower-fat/calorie alternatives. Especially when it comes to ingredients in meals, you can usually get away with using lighter alternatives without a significant loss of flavor. Encourage healthier snacks and desserts. Many kids get into the habit of expecting sweet desserts after every meal, and some even expect to have additional sweets as snacks in between meals. You can encourage better habits by making fruits and vegetables available for snacks and desserts and saving those sweets for special occasions. Involve kids in meal planning: Educate yourself as much as possible with regard to health, and involve the kids in the process. Work together to create meals that are both healthy and tasty. Some kids are not interested in this type of involvement, but for others it can spark a lifelong love affair with healthy eating.

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7 Ways to Improve Your Child’s School Performance

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:21:34 +0000

By Lisa Pecos School is where kids acquire the bulk of their learning, but it is hard to have success at school without a solid foundation of education in the home, starting at a very early age and continuing through the teen years. Most parents are aware of the things they can do to prepare their young children for the school years, but too many parents neglect to continue their early efforts, assuming that the teachers will take care of the rest. If you want your child to have the best chances of success later in life, it is important to continue your educational efforts. Here are just a few ways that you can help. 1. Reading – According to the U.S. Department of Education, parents should make an effort to read to their children at least 30 minutes a day. Because very young children often do not have the patience for reading sessions this long, it may be advisable to break it up into several short reading periods throughout the day. This prepares the child to learn to read, and it strengthens the parent-child bond. Even after a child starts reading on his or her own, it is an essential activity. 2. Talk about should – Many children are in the habit of putting school out of their minds as soon as they get home, but if you want your child to remain engaged and perform well in her homework, try to make sure she does not forget what she learned that day. At dinner and other convenient times, ask about what types of things she learned in school that day, and be sure to ask follow-up questions and engage in real conversation. This will keep her thinking about what she learned, which will assist in internalizing the new information. 3. Fill your home with books – Studies have shown that children who grow up in houses that are full of books tend to fare better in school. Even if you do not have tons of books, just a few dozen high-quality and interesting books can make a huge difference. Having newspapers and magazines around can also help. 4. Be involved with school – Parental engagement translates into child engagement, and it keeps you abreast of what is happening during those hours when your child is at school. As much as your schedule allows, try to be active in the parent-teacher community, and make sure that you establish strong relationships with all your child’s significant teachers. A positive side effect of this is that it will set a positive example of community involvement for your children to emulate. 5. Be open to questions – Children usually get the chance to ask questions at school, but in many cases there either is not enough time, or kids are simply too embarrassed to ask certain questions. Try to make yourself into a go-to educational resource that your children can use whenever school is inadequate. Inform them that no questions are too silly, and that you will help them track down the answers to any questions you are unsure of. 6. Offer continuous encouragement – Most parents try to find a balance between overpraising their kids and not giving them enough encouragement. While your particular approach will depend on your child’s personality and your own parenting style, it is always a good idea to make sure your child knows you notice the work he puts into learning, and that you are proud of his achievements. Kids get reinforcement at school, but parental encouragement is much more valuable. 7. Place limits on media – The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that parents permit their children no more than two hours of media consumption per day. This applies to television, video games, the internet, and mobile devices. When you add all these things together, two hours of media time may seem draconian to the youth of today, but kids have a remarkable ability to get used to these things.

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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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Our Nations Most Powerful Educators; The Parents

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 20:28:51 +0000

By Tiffany Chappelle ‘Oh, I wish I had the time!’ are the words most often uttered from other parents when I mention I read to my two sons, ages six and eight every single night for a minimum of thirty minutes. I am torn between insult by this comment, which suggests that I am not as busy as they are, and pity they and their children are being denied such an amazing experience. I see this time as essential not only for reconnecting with my boys after a day apart, as a chance to snuggle and be affectionate, or to create a magical, bonding moment that will be treasured for a lifetime, but also as a chance to practice our listening, comprehension, and vocabulary skills. No, I don’t have a degree in education, and I am not striving for one. But the day a person becomes a parent they are given the honor and responsibility of being the primary and most influential educators in their child’s life. A mother or father is the first educators a child encounters, the ones that know their children best, and the ones who should have the highest interest in their children’s success in school. It’s a tragedy that we as parents in this country are not living up to this important role in our children’s lives. There are three primary excuses parents give for failing to live up to the role of educator to their children. First is the belief that we are paying taxes to supply our children with an education delivered by trained professionals through our public school system, and that should be enough. I liken this to sending a child to daycare to fulfill their need for affection and attention. Not to diminish all the wonderful things quality schools and daycares do for children, but teachers and daycare providers are simply no match for a parent. No matter how phenomenal they are, those instructors simply can’t give the personal attention to each of the twelve to thirty students in their charge that a parent can. Most teachers will only spend one school year with a child, approximately 180 days according to the Education Commission of the United States. A parent has the advantage of years with their child; time to learn that child’s individual learning style, needs, strengths and weaknesses. Time is not the only advantage a parent has in being a more powerful influence on a child’s education. The fact that they can love their child like no other plays a large role in how effective they are at planting ideas and information in those little minds. A child’s primary role model and source of information are their parents, after all. Countless books have been written on the various ways that parents have intentionally or unintentionally damaged their children through the implantation of negative ideas and values into the fertile little minds. We recognize so readily that powerful role of education a parent has when it the result is detrimental, and yet make excuses for not using that incredible power to instill quality education into those minds. A further hindrance to the influence a teacher has over instilling education into our youth is the regulation and standardization of education. I feel fortunate to not be bound to the restrictions that teachers have as educators who are hampered by beaucratic red tape limiting the subjects they are able to teach. Professional educators are in a unique position in that they not only have to answer to one supervisor, but all the parents of their students. It is so much easier to not talk about sex, politics, or religion rather than deal with the inevitable fallout from parents for teaching subjective topics in a manner that doesn’t coincide with their personal values. The burden of education is placed on the shoulders of our teachers, who we then restrict through fear, are the first to be blamed when our children aren’t being taught. Rather than taking responsibility ourselves as parents, we have instead chosen to regulate and restrict curriculums through standardized testing, forcing teachers to devote what precious little time they have with our children in educating them not in learning, but passing tests. Placed in such a no-win situation, is it any wonder that according to a Times Daily article, teachers are more likely to dropout than students? The second excuse parents give for taking a passive role in their child’s education is lack of financial resources. Books, computers, and learning materials all cost money, it is true. But the majority of Americans have access to public libraries, which provides not only access to books, but the Internet as well, which is an invaluable resource for finding ideas on free and low cost educational games and activities to share with children. The Internet is the first place I turn when my sons ask me a question to which I don’t have an answer, and according to an InformationWeek article, a resource that as of 2006, 77% of Americans have access to. The Internet is one of many low to no-cost resources to use in education. Schools have limited funding to provide field trips, but parents can easily plan them independently. A trip to a local farm or farmer’s market is an chance to learn about where our food comes from, the difference between organic and conventional foods, providing the perfect time to try something new, and learn about nutrition. Followed up with a cooking lesson, this could be a lesson full of valuable, real-world, hands on learning. Trips to the local police department or fire station might inspire little ones to think of future careers or create a connection between them and their local community. A trip to an art museum can inspire them to try a new art medium at home to express themselves. A trip to a church, synagogue or temple can provide an appreciation for other cultures and religions. All of these experiences are far easier for us

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Avoiding Sugary Cereals

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:54:11 +0000

When I was little, every Sunday, my mom used to drive my brother and I to my grandmother’s house, where she would take us to church. After church, we always stopped by the local grocery store and somehow, someway, my brother and I would finagle our way into each getting a box of cereal. And this wouldn’t be any ordinary cereal, it was SUGARY cereal. Oh the joy! My grandmother would then drive us back to her house, where we would jump out of the car, and run inside, wanting to show my mom what we got. Now, sugar wasn’t really allowed in our neck of the woods, so my mother would give a big sigh, and make a compromise that we could eat it, as long as we mixed it with a non-sugary cereal (such as Cheerios). This lasted until my grandmother got too old to drive, which meant my mom would drop off us off at church, and the whole grocery store part would be skipped. And by that age, I was already moving on to Crispix and Special K, so it didn’t really matter. Now that I’m a mom, I cringe when my son asks for Fruit Loops or Cinnamon Toasted Crunch and can totally relate to how my mother felt. One time, it was my son’s turn to take snack to school, and I somehow let him talk me into getting a box of Fruit Loops and some bananas. I received a scolding from the teacher (the school has a strict no sugar policy), and slinked away, embarrassed. But how did my son know about these cereals in the first place? When I started to analyze it, I see that he gained his knowledge at the point where he grew out of PBS Kids and Playhouse Disney and was watching Nick Jr. and Cartoon Network. In other words, it was television with commercials. Talk about the power of marketing. We can walk down the cereal aisle at the store and he recites every slogan, every jingle, just by looking at a box. It’s ridiculous. So how do you stand your ground and not be suckered in (as I was on snack day)? First off, do exactly that–stand your ground. Yes, I know it’s hard, especially on days when you run out of coffee and you’re feeling especially tired. But, you gotta do it. Secondly, try to limit the commercials. I know, I know, television can be a savior, but if you’re lucky enough to have DVR, use it. Fast forward all those 30 second marketing blitzes. Third–read the ingredient list. Is sugar at the top of the list? Then avoid it. Here are some more suggestions from e-How: Beware of sugar cereals disguised as healthy cereals. This includes cereals like Honey Nut Cheerios, MultiGrain Cheerios and Frosted Mini Wheats. These all have sugar fairly high on the ingredients list, which as we know is a red flag. This is where reading food labels comes in handy. Know what makes a good cereal. Cheerios, for example, is a classic brand that is healthy (not the sugary versions like Honey Nut, but the original kind). Sugar is fairly low on the ingredients list; the cereal is high in fiber; and oats are a healthy grain. Make these cereals more interesting to your kids by adding berries, dried fruit and raw nuts. Now that’s a healthy breakfast! Know your portion sizes. Most of us pour cereal out of the box without measuring. With healthier cereals this isn’t as much of a problem. Two servings of a high-sugar cereal like Corn Pops, however, can be seriously detrimental to your child’s health. Good luck! And may YOU be the master in the cereal department, not your children!

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Signs Your Child May Have ADHD

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:58:45 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is believed to affect about 4 million kids in the U.S. and millions more throughout the world. Over the last several years, ADHD has often been seen a trendy diagnosis, with many people dismissing it as a mere personality trait rather than a problem that warrants treatment. But while there are actually some benefits to mild ADHD, any parent of a severely ADHD child knows that this condition can be quite detrimental, especially when it comes to school. Kids with ADHD often have trouble focusing in class, and they tend to act up in ways that may earn them reputations as problem students. Diagnosing ADHD can be challenging because every child with this condition is different. However, the one thing that all parents of kids with this condition have in common is that they sense their children aren’t normal. Children with ADHD often have trouble fitting in, and they may even have negative emotional responses to their conditions from very early on. Parents tend to notice these things, yet they may not realize it is ADHD until years into a child’s life. ADHD in early childhood The first symptoms of ADHD tend to arrive during early childhood. In fact, many mothers of hyperactive children say they remember their unborn babies kicking unusually vigorously in the womb, and there is also plenty of anecdotal evidence saying that colicky babies tend to develop ADHD later in life. Neither of these claims have been scientifically proven. By preschool age, the symptoms should become much more apparent. If you hear form your child’s preschool teacher that he has trouble following directions, sitting still, or controlling his emotions, this is a good sign that ADHD may be a factor. Even at this age, children with attention-deficit and hyperactivity tend to have a high level of energy, and this is shown in practically everything they do. In some cases, it may even lead to fights with other children or behaviors that may be perceived as aggressive. ADHD in older kids During elementary school, the signs of ADHD become particularly apparent. You can tell certain things about a child by how she acts at home, but these behaviors become most troublesome at school, which is why the condition is rarely diagnosed until children are in the 7-12 age range. At this age, some of the most common symptoms of AHDH include: difficulty paying attention or staying seated during long hours of school; trouble listening and following directions; aversion to homework (rooted in difficulty with such tasks); absentmindedness, often leading to forgetfulness and frequently losing items; excessive talking, even when the child is supposed to be quiet; requent fidgeting; constant feelings of restlessness; difficulty waiting in lines or taking turns with other children. During adolescence, untreated ADHD can lead to additional problems, which may include depression, low self-esteem, and eating disorders. Meanwhile, consistent poor performance in school may create conditions where the child is more likely to act out and join the rebellious crowd at school. In most cases, taking care of ADHD early on can get a child on track. Dealing with ADHD Every child is hyper or inattentive from time to time. In general, even a moderately above-average amount of hyperactivity is nothing to be worried about and probably does not require treatment. However, when a child’s attention-deficit or hyperactivity leads to poor school performance, self-destructive behavior, or frequent fighting with other children, intervention becomes necessary. If you suspect that your child’s hyperactive behaviors may be signs of ADHD, then you might want to consider consulting with your family doctor about whether a medical evaluation is necessary. If it proves that your child does have ADHD, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options.

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Parenting Through Play

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:20:35 +0000

by Ben Johnson Anyone who has spent any amount of time around children know that all kids love to play. My three year old daughter will spend hours with a stuffed animal in one hand and a toy dinosaur in the other. I don’t always understand what each one is saying, but based on the excitement in her voice, they are having a very stimulating conversation. The only thing she seems to enjoy more is when I pick up a toy and join in with her. Role-Play Parenting and Interacting with my daughter at this level has brought countless benefits to my relationship with her and to her social development. When I’m the dad and she’s the kid, we are limited to the constraints that those roles bring with them. When my daughter role-plays, she is no longer a three year old girl, she is a mighty Tyrannosaur and I am a tasty looking bunny rabbit. As I use logic to try and convince her that she should not eat me, she is able to put herself in a position of power and control over me that she might otherwise feel she can only achieve by throwing a tantrum in the supermarket. Difficult Conversations Another benefit to playing with your child is that it allows you to have conversations that can be difficult to have in normal circumstances. My daughter watched a movie recently that gave her bad dreams. I had one of the toys start crying and when she asked it what was wrong, it said it was afraid of monsters. My daughter told the toy that monsters aren’t real and that you can wake up and the bad dreams will go away. The best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else. Nobody likes to be told what to do, even if we know they are right. How to Play Many parents don’t quite know how to play with their kids. It’s always come naturally for me, but one tip that I can give is that all you need to do is pick up some toys and let your child lead the way. Sitting together and interacting in any way is better than nothing. Here are a few suggestions to start with: Build a fort out of blankets Re-enact a scene from a movie you both know using stuffed animals Pretend that you each have super-powers and join forces to catch the bad guys Place a blanket or a box on the floor to use as a boat and go on a jungle safari Returning to your Roles When play time is over, you can go back to being the parent and be as strict as you want. So many people seem to think that you can either be a strict parent or a buddy parent. I say that you can be both. Playing won’t solve all your problems. When we stop playing and put away all the toys, she still cries that she doesn’t want to go to bed. She still misbehaves and needs to go to time out. To kids, words don’t mean anything, they respond to actions. Telling them you love them will mean so much more if you spend quality time with them. This will make discipline much easier for both parties to bear because they will know that even though you are not happy with what they’ve done, you still like who they are. Author Biography Ben Johnson, Age 30 I grew up in a loving family with five siblings. Both of my parents were raised in families where abuse, loss, and financial struggles were all too common. They both committed to raise their family with a higher set of standards and I try my best to continue that goal with my young family.

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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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Getting Kids to Eat Healthy Foods

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:54:22 +0000

By Lisa Pecos According to the USDA, kids between the ages of 9 and 13 require at least six servings of fruits and vegetables per day, with each serving being either a half cup of fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables or a medium-sized fruit. Kids between 4 and 8 need about five servings per day, while teenagers need the recommended amount for adults-seven or eight servings per day. For many parents, getting a 9-year-old child to eat six servings of fruits and vegetables may seem like an impossible task. Kids love sweets, and they have little patience for foods that do not have much flavor. When was the last time you saw a child having a tantrum at the store because his mom refused to buy him broccoli? From the very early ages to the teenage years, getting kids to eat well is a never-ending battle. The good news is that it is not a lost cause, and if you use smart practices in the home, you can get your child to eat healthy foods. Here are some ideas to keep in mind. Get an early start: A 2008 study published in the journal Pediatrics found that infants who are breastfed by mothers who regularly eat green beans are more likely to accept and enjoy the flavor of green beans when compared with infants of mothers who did not eat beans. Meanwhile, other research has indicated that children, from infants on up, can learn to like the flavors when given repeated opportunities to try them. One of the problems with older children is that it can be more difficult for them to accept vegetables if they were not exposed to them at an early age. But with persistence, even kids unaccustomed to vegetables can come to enjoy them with repetition. Eliminate unhealthy snacks: Too many parents fill their cupboards with sweet and unhealthy treats, and many kids become used to having these treats multiple times per day. When these delicious sweets are available, it is only natural for a child to reject more healthy types of snacks. But you can nip this problem in the bud simply by having no candy or snack cakes in the home. Eat as a family: If you want your child to eat healthy, you have to be willing to practice what you preach. Kids are much less likely to willingly eat their broccoli or carrots if they see that their parents do not eat these things themselves. Make sure everyone in the family eats the same thing, and be sure to express how delicious and well-made the vegetables are. Sometimes all kids need is a little mental suggestion, and they will come around. Get kids involved: Many kids love to be given opportunities to show that they can make grownup decisions and be responsible. By giving your child a chance to participate in the grocery-buying decisions, you will give her a greater emotional investment in the meals. Explain the importance of having vegetables with every meal, and then allow her to plan a meal that includes foods from all the categories of the food pyramid. You will still control the details of the actual meal, but she will get extra enjoyment from it once it is done. Learn and talk about nutrition together: Parents need to know their stuff if they really want to set a positive example and raise nutrition-conscious children. Educate yourself as much as possible about nutrition, and pass your knowledge to your children whenever you get a chance. This way, your kids will come to understand that eating well has its own rewards.

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Safest Booster Seats Revealed

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:44:12 +0000

By Jamell Andrews As parents, one of our most important jobs is to make sure that our children stay safe at all times. Even if you consider yourself to be an exceptionally safe driver, accidents can happen to anyone. To be prepared for this event, security experts recommend that parents use booster seats for school-aged children who are still too small for automobile safety straps. To help parents in choosing the right booster seats, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing motor vehicle crashes and related injuries, has released its periodic report on the best and worst models in terms of safety. Reviewing a total of 72 models, the institute has given a “Best Bet” rating to 21 of the booster seats, a vast improvement over the 9 seats that achieved the rating a year ago. Eight seats were given a “Not Recommended” rating. Booster seat recommendations The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that booster seats be used for children who have outgrown the forward-facing and convertible safety seats that are typically used for children of up to preschool age and are still less than 4 feet 9 inches in height. The boosters are essentially lifts that raise the child up by a few inches so that the built-in car safety harnesses fit as they are supposed to. Unlike smaller child safety seats, they do not come with their own harnesses but rather clip in place. The exact installation instructions for booster seats vary from model to model, so parents should consult instruction manuals to make sure their children’s boosters are installed properly. In general, however, the booster seat should be installed so that the lap belt stays low and is snug across the child’s upper thighs. The shoulder belt should cross the middle of the child’s chest (a few inches below and to the left or right of the neck) and fit snugly without being too tight. Four feet nine inches is usually the height at which children can switch to standard safety belts, but given the varying dimensions of cars and children’s differing body types, parents should use their best judgment to determine when to safely stop using the booster. The IIHS’s booster Best Bets None of the booster seats tested by the IIHS are completely negative in terms of safety, so the institute recommends that if you have one that is on the Not Recommended, keep using it until you can get a better one. Even the booster seats in this category are better than having no booster seat at all. The models placed on the Not Recommended list are Eddie Bauer Deluxe, Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1, Evenflo Express, Evenflo Generations 65, Evenflo Sightseer, Harmony Baby Armor w/clip, Safety 1st All-in-One, and Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite. The main problem with these seats is a poor belt fit-with the belt being either too far out on the shoulder, too high, or not snug enough in the lap. The IIHS’s “Good Bets” are better than those on the Not Recommended list but not as good as the Best Bets. They are the Britax Parkway SG, Combi Kobuk Air Thru, Evenflo Symphony 65. GracoTurboBooster Safeseat Sachi, Graco TurboBooster Safeseat Wander, and Maxi Cosi Rodi. The good news is that the Best Bets list is by far longer than the other two lists. Among the Best Bet models are the Britax Frontier 85, the Cosco Juvenile Pronto, the Cybex Solution X-Fix, the Eddie Bauer Auto Booster, the Evenflo Big Kid Amp w/clip, the Recaro Vivo, and 15 others. All of these boosters create the best belt fit and are more likely than the alternatives to keep your child safe. Remember this is my opinion based on the facts that I have reviewed. In all cases, it is up to the parents to decide what is best for their child.

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Discipline for a 4-Year-Old

Alex — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 04:11:51 +0000

My son is on the verge of turning 5, and we were having a small war in our home. Not over what kind of party he wanted, not over how many toys he needs, and not over what food to serve. In fact, it had nothing to do with his actual birthday at all. It was everything else. And I mean, practically – everything – else. I don’t know what was going on in his little mind, but my angel had turned into a wild man who liked to do such things as shout NO! and trip his sister on purpose. And me? I turned into a monster who felt like she was constantly shouting – screaming – really yelling – at the top of my lungs. No fun for anyone. What did I do? I read, and I tried different methods. “Do you need a hug?” I talked in a whisper. I gave us both time outs. I took away computer time. I held back dessert. And nothing really changed until school started. The boy I knew is reemerging; I’m recognizing the little guy in front of me. And now that he’s coming back, we’re having loads of fun. Surfing with Daddy, going out to eat for dinner, picnics on the beach–we’re living life again. So what was it? Summer tiredness? A blossoming little sister? Who knows? But I did read something on Baby Center that made me feel a whole lot better: At this age your child still lacks self-control. It can take more than one, two, sometimes ten times for a lesson to sink in. Repeating transgressions is also a way of testing the limits. Are they firm or mushy? If Dad ignores me this time, maybe what I did isn’t such a big deal after all. Aggression is a normal phase at this age. Specific situations in which your child feels uncertain or out of control usually trigger the incidents. Respond quickly and calmly. Establish set rules and consequences for antisocial behaviors like hitting and kicking. Hmmm, maybe it’s the age–he’s growing up, turning into a five year old, and he’s just getting better. Wish me luck. . .

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Study: Parents at Risk of Postnatal Depression

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:14:07 +0000

By Jamell Andrews A study just released by the Medical Research Council in the U.K. reveals that postnatal depression (also known as postpartum depression), which has been well documented among women, also affects a substantial percentage of new fathers. Looking at a group of 86,957 families, the study found that 39% of mothers experience at last one episode of depression within the first 12 years of being a parent, while 21% of men experience an episode. These findings raise new questions about the emotional effects of parenting and highlight the importance of mental health treatment for young parents of both sexes. What is postnatal depression? Postnatal depression episodes can last anywhere from several weeks to multiple years, and they usually consist of a number of symptoms including persistent sadness, feelings of emptiness, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, reduced libido, and changes in eating and sleeping patterns. These episodes can begin very soon after the birth of a child, but in other cases an episode may not begin until months or years later. In most cases, postnatal depression cannot be traced to any single cause. In women, the hormonal fluctuations that set in soon after the birth of a child are likely a major factor, but they are not the only thing. There is also what is known as “Postpartum Exhaustion,” which results from weariness after childbirth as well as having to keep up with the baby’s unpredictable sleeping habits. Poor sleep is common among new parents of both sexes, and it can compound other factors contributing to depression. Plus, there are a number of evolutionary theories relating to postnatal depression. One idea holds that a woman’s poor mood after birth encourages greater involvement of the father and community, which is beneficial from an evolutionary perspective. However, this would not explain why men also experience postnatal depression. The effects of postnatal depression There have been a number of highly publicized cases of women whose postnatal depression has driven them to do terrible things, but these cases are obviously very rare. Most parents with postnatal depression are able to keep it from harming their children, but it nevertheless can have detrimental effects on the household and the parent-child relationship. The feelings can prevent a parent from bonding with the child, which can have long-term effects. In more severe cases, especially when the depressed parent does not seek treatment, the situation can worsen. Depressed parents may not be able to give their growing children the emotional support they need, and the depression can trigger substance abuse or other mental health issues. Treatment for postnatal depression Normal postpartum depression should last no more than a few days or, at worst, two or three weeks. If it goes on for longer than this, it is time to seek professional help. For ongoing cases of mild depression, psychotherapy may be enough to mitigate the situation. However, where the symptoms indicate major depression and do not dissipate after a few weeks, antidepressants and more intensive therapy may be needed. As the Medical Research Council study indicates, these recommendations don’t only apply to women. When a new father experiences depression that lasts for longer than a few weeks, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention. And if both parents suffer from depression at the same time, couples counseling with a focus on the depressive symptoms may be called for.

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Packaged Fruit–Does it Count as a Serving?

Alex — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 23:34:42 +0000

I try to keep fresh fruit on hand at all times, but I’m lucky–my kids love it and they eat right through it. Here today, gone tomorrow–that’s our fruit bowl. So, on the days when there isn’t anything fresh to pack in the lunches, I reach into the cupboard for eating fresh fruit at all. Marketing by companies, and the way that the copy is written on the label makes parents think that these “fruit my stash of freeze dried fruit. The package says it’s a whole apple (or some other serving of fruit), so it must be a good substitute, right? Well, not necessarily. A recent article in the Health section of the LA Times stated that parents are turning to the substitutes–instead of the real thing–so often that kids aren’t nuggets”, “fruit leathers”, or in my case, freeze dried fruit, is just as good. Mark Kantor, professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Maryland in College Park who was quoted in the article states that, “Fruit snacks, whether or not they claim to provide a serving of fruit, don’t offer all the nutritional benefits of whole fruit and often contain added sugars and sometimes fats.” The article goes on to explain that, “The snacks usually derive their fruit content from the same few sources: purée of apple or pear, apple juice concentrate and grape juice concentrate. Apples, pears and grapes are such popular ingredients in fruit snacks because they’re naturally very sweet, says Anuradha Prakash, professor of food science at Chapman University in Orange. (Prakash is also a spokeswoman for the Institute of Food Technologists, as is Kantor.) Sugars, in addition to vitamin C, potassium, fiber and an array of antioxidants, are the key nutrients in such fruits, she adds — whole fruits, that is. But the words “juice” and “purée” on package labels are an indicator that most of the nutrients didn’t make it into the final, processed product. Vitamin C levels drop during processing because the vitamin is sensitive to heat. Fiber is removed when a fruit is pressed into a juice, and so are antioxidants, many of which are found in the peel.” What does stay in the packaged fruit is sugar–it goes from the whole fresh fruit all the way into the final product in the packaging. And, many snacks that state “made with real fruit juice” mostly have “added sugars in the form of corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup, and some contain vegetable oils, i.e., fats.” Bottom line–keep the fruit bowl filled–the less packaged fruit the better.

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Signs of Depression in Children and Teens

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:00:47 +0000

By Marc Courtiol While childhood depression can be triggered by events such as changing schools, divorce, moving, or a death in the family, there is a genetic component to depressive mood disorders, and some children are more predisposed to these feelings than others. In past generations childhood depression was often dismissed as normal growing pains, but now that we know more about the causes, symptoms and long-term effects of depression, early detection and treatment of depression have become important concerns. If you suspect that your young child may be suffering from depression, do not dismiss it. Depression can take root early in life and have long-lasting effects, but you can take steps now to ensure that your child lives a full and happy life. Here are the most common signs and symptoms of childhood depression: Family history: If there is a history of depression in your family, pay extra close attention to the moods of your child. Even if neither you nor the other parent have depression, these afflictions can skip generations. If you have any parents or siblings who have struggled with mood disorders, then your child could be at greater risk. Irritability: The symptoms of childhood depression mimic those of adult depression in many ways, but there are important differences. For one, while depressed adults often become withdrawn and sad, depressed children are more likely to become irritable and have outbursts of irrational emotion. They do not have the emotional maturity to recognize the meaning of their feelings, so they lash out. Loss of interest in activities: If your child frequently complains that she is bored, or if she does not seem interested in any of the activities she used to enjoy, this could be a sign that her mood has declined. Social difficulties: Having an active social life is a crucial part of childhood development. Depressed children often have trouble interacting with their peers and maintaining friendships, which can lead to arrested development in the social sphere. If not changed early, this can have negative social effects for life. Frequent complaining: More often than in grown-ups, depression in children can lead to physical aches and pains. If your child frequently complains of headaches, stomachaches, or other pains, be sure to take her to the doctor for a checkup. If nothing is physically wrong, it could be that the pains are triggered by depression. They may be signs that your child is reaching out for help. Declining school performance: To do well in school, children need to be focused and engaged. Depression can get in the way of this. If his grades have declined, or if he frequently expresses an intense aversion to school, it could be that depression has begun to interfere with his studies. Frequent crying: Children who are depressed often cry for seemingly no reason. If your child sometimes cries but cannot seem to tell you what is wrong, it could be a sign of unusually melancholy feelings within. Violence or aggression: Depression can cause children to become aggressive toward their peers or siblings. Some children are naturally rougher than others, but if your child has suddenly become aggressive or has repeatedly gotten in trouble at school for fighting, it could be linked to depression. Low self-esteem: Childhood depression often goes hand in hand with feelings of low self-worth. If your child often speaks negatively of herself or seems to lack confidence, these might be symptoms of depression. Morbid thoughts: Children who are depressed sometimes become obsessed with death or violence, and if they do not express these thoughts openly, it may come out in schoolwork or in things like drawings or writings.

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Flavored Milk–Do You Use It?

Alex — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:20:21 +0000

I have a 21 month old daughter that isn’t milk’s biggest fan. She’ll drink a little bit, but not nearly enough to get her day’s worth of calcium in. So one morning, I thought I’d give her some chocolate milk to see what would happen. She didn’t drink it–she guzzled it! Ever since, it’s chocolate milk every morning–she’s underweight as well, so I figure the extra calories won’t hurt. This is why an article in yesterday’s LA Times Health section caught my eye. Entitled, Pro / Con: Should chocolate milk be allowed in schools?, it gives the debate on whether or not flavored milk should be offered at your child’s school. Rachel Johnson, a dietitian at the University of Vermont in Burlington whose research has been funded by the National Dairy Council, says yes–it’s better than no milk at all. However, Marlene Schwartz a psychologist and deputy director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University says no–that we’re teaching milk is only good when it’s sugared up. My thought is that chocolate milk is better than nothing. Once concern of the dietitians is that we have a rate of obesity amongst our children–food such as this will only raise it. I may think differently if my child was on the heavy side, but she’s not. The LA Times reports that, “The National Dairy Council has launched an aggressive public relations campaign, Raise Your Hand for Chocolate Milk, to keep flavored milk in schools. Pediatricians, public health experts and school administrators are divided as to whether the nutritional benefits of flavored milks outweigh their sugary downside.” So what’s your opinion?

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Your Family and Understanding Meningitis

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:25:02 +0000

Meningitis is an infection that results from inflammation around the brain and spinal cord coverings (or membranes). It occurs most often in children (including teenagers) and young adults, though it can pose a risk to some older adults who have weakened immune systems. There are two primary types of meningitis: viral and bacterial. Both types are contagious and have germs that are passed from coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Viral meningitis is quite common and rarely results in a serious condition. In some cases, however, it can cause a prolonged fever or seizures. Bacterial meningitis can be life threatening, and fortunately it is not nearly as common. This type of meningitis must be treated as quickly as possible in order to avoid brain damage or death. Symptoms For teenagers and young adults, the most common symptoms include the following: Headache Fever Difficulty staying awake Vomiting Stiff and painful neck Seizures Children, older adults, and people who have other medical problems may experience the following symptoms: Older adults and people with other medical conditions may only experience a fever and a mild headache. Babies may refuse to eat, have a rash, and be very cranky. Young children may have a cough or have difficulty breathing. They may also exhibit flu-like symptoms. Some other symptoms may include: Nausea Sensitivity to light Leg pain Rash Difficulty waking up It is important for anyone with symptoms of meningitis to see a doctor as soon as possible so that a complete course of testing can be completed. This is the only way to diagnose meningitis, and timing can be a critical factor, particularly with bacterial meningitis. Treatment With viral meningitis, patients sometimes improve on their own within one or two weeks. Of course, antibiotics are not effective with viruses, so the best course of action is to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and take some over the counter pain medication for body aches and fever reduction. With bacterial meningitis, intravenous antibiotics have to be administered as quickly as possible. In many cases, doctors will perform a spinal tap so that they can better analyze the type of bacteria that has caused meningitis to develop. In addition to antibiotics, doctors may also prescribe other treatments for shock, dehydration, brain swelling, or convulsions. If any fluid has accumulated between the brain and the surrounding membranes, it will probably have to be drained or surgically removed. Prevention Bacteria or viruses that cause meningitis can be transferred from person to person through sneezing, coughing, kissing, or sharing a toothbrush, cigarette, or eating utensils. People are also at an increased risk if they live or work with someone who has this disease. To help prevent the spread of meningitis, take the following steps: Cover your mouth and nose – any time you need to sneeze or cough, always remember to do this so you will not spread any germs. Maintain your immune system – to keep yourself healthy, get plenty of sleep each night, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. Wash your hands – everyone should do this regularly throughout each day, but particularly before eating, after using the bathroom, and after being in crowded areas. By Andrew V.V.

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Children and Illness: The Main Reasons that Kids Miss School

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:08:46 +0000

By Cyndra Neal Many parents can probably relate to having a child who seems to be sick all the time. Often times, parents find themselves wondering why their kids get sick so often. They may even feel like their kids are sick more often than other people’s children. The reality, however, is that most kids get sick several times a year, particularly when they are younger. Regardless of whether your kids are in daycare centers, school, or with other child care providers, it is important to remember that children, in general, are carriers of a variety of infectious illnesses that are easily passed around. The illnesses that most commonly cause kids to miss school are discussed here. Stomach Flu Also known as viral gastroenteritis, the stomach flu can develop after coming into contact with someone who is already infected with the virus or after eating or drinking food or beverages that have been contaminated. This is one of those illnesses that simply must run its course because there are no known treatments. The most common symptoms of stomach flu are vomiting and diarrhea, so it is important to ensure that kids stay properly hydrated while they are sick. They also need to get plenty of rest and should return to a normal diet very gradually. The Common Cold When kids cough or sneeze without covering their mouths and noses, infected droplets cause the common cold to be a rapidly spreading menace. Of course, there are still no cures for colds, so the best thing parents can do for their kids is help them get through these unpleasant periods of time. Keep in mind that as a general rule, cold medications are not recommended for children, particularly very young ones, so only use them if suggested by your doctor. When kids have a cold, the best things to do are give them plenty of fluids and let them get a lot of rest. Sore Throat Viruses cause most sore throats, and they are usually accompanied by a cough and a runny nose. If a fever is present, however, it is important that you take your child to the doctor right away, as it is possible that strep throat could be the culprit. Strep throat has to be treated with antibiotics, so do not delay calling the doctor if even just a small fever is present. In addition to making sure children with sore throats get plenty of rest, they should also try to drink lots of fluids and get as much rest as possible. It will be particularly helpful for them to give their voices a break, so encourage limited (or no) cell phone use for a while. Ear Infections These are also caused by viral infections. In many instances, ear infections start out as colds and gradually develop into an infection as fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Because these are viral in nature, antibiotics do not help to clear them up any sooner, so the best thing to do is wait them out. It usually only takes a few days for this type of infection to clear up. In the meantime, contact your doctor to find out his recommended course of treatment, which may include pain relievers or ear drops.

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Being Bilingual — Is it Right for Your Child?

Alex — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 23:00:43 +0000

When I was going through elementary school, my mom would always have me in a bilingual classroom. She’s bilingual (English and Spanish), and when I was a preschooler, so was I. (We lived in Chile then, and when we moved back to California, she wanted me to be able to maintain my Spanish). At the time, there were classes where the majority of students were English learners (ESL) with a handful of students, (such as me) that were Spanish learners (SSL). These days, more and more parents want to have their child learn a second language and as a result, we’re seeing the popularity of bilingual programs rise. Learning to speak a second language is a wonderful experience, but how can you tell if it’s right for your child? Breezy Mama turns to Corie De Anda, M.S., Bilingual Program Specialist for Carlsbad Unified, for the answers. –Alex Part 1: Learning a second language before kindergarten (For Part 2: Learning a second language in elementary school — click here) What is the best age for beginning to teach my child a second language? Ages 6 months to 4 years are the optimal age for beginning to acquire a second language. Children who receive early intensive exposure to two languages can quickly and almost effortlessly acquire both languages simultaneously. At young ages, children can grasp a new language in the same way as they acquire their first language and won’t translate from their first language, as do older children. Young bilingual children have a linguistic and a cognitive advantage over monolingual children (they develop more synapses in the brain and are cognitively more flexible). Will teaching a second language confuse them? How will I know if it is a positive thing for my child? I would say teaching your child a second language won’t confuse them unless they have a language disability. Do not be concerned if your child mixes two languages while in the process of learning a second language, that is to be expected. Not all children exposed to a second language, however, will acquire it well. That is because not all children have a facility for learning a new language easily. According to Dr. Howard Gardner, each person has unique set of intelligences. Not all children have strength in linguistic intelligence—they may be stronger in logical-mathematical reasoning or music, etc. If they do have strong linguistic intelligence, however, they will be able to acquire a second language with ease, as I did as a child. If you notice your child being able to remember new words easily or the lyrics of a long song (not a commercial) or being able to play word games with you, that is an indication that they may have strong linguistic intelligence. Of course, girls usually develop language skills before boys, so if your boy is still not interested in playing language games at 3, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he won’t be able to pick up a second language. You can always expose your child to a second language and see if they like it. No harm can be done by exposing them! How can I expose my child to another language? For young children, exposing them to a new language needs to be done in a natural and fun manner with materials that are designed for use with young children. Having a playmate who speaks another language is an excellent way to expose your child to a new language. Do you have a neighbor or know another family who speaks another language and has a child near your child’s age? Arrange playdates or take turns caring for each other’s child in your own home. How can I teach my child a second language if I don’t speak much of it? Even if you don’t speak the language, you can provide your child with rich language input and you can learn along with your child until he/she gets to a point where they are ready for more complex language at age 5. Just because parents are bilingual doesn’t mean that they will raise bilingual kids—one needs to be intentional about it and kids need to be interested to continue speaking the language after they enter school. You can check out materials from the public library or purchase and download audio CDs, software and/or DVDs to show at home. (See next question for recommendations–Breezy Mama) What programs or materials are available for teaching a second language to preschoolers? How can I get started? Read a step-by-step book for parents such as Raising a Bilingual Child by Barbara Zurer Pearson (click here to order), or The Bilingual Edge by Kendall King (click here to order). Check out books from the library in two languages or books published in parallel versions in different languages, then read the book first in English and then in another language Watch TV programs, such as Ni Hao Kai Lan on Nick Jr. to teach Mandarin Chinese. (Click here to order Ni Hao Kai Lan DVDs.) Listen to songs, since children naturally learn language through songs. For Spanish, look for songs such as those by Jose Luis Orozco. (Click here to order CDs.) Purchase computer software designed for young children such as “Baby Wow.” (Click here to order.) Visit websites such as Our Spanish Lesson Plans Online. Check out or purchase complete language development programs, such as these award-winning programs: Boca Beth (click here to order products); Muzzy from BBC that teaches 5 languages (click here to order products); Little Pim (click here to order products) or Professor Toto (click here to order products). For a review of programs, go to http://reviewcorner.com/foreignlang.html. Part 2: Learning a second language in elementary school What type of programs might be encountered in different school districts? Can you explain a little about each one, as well as the pros and cons of them? Since the passage of California’s Proposition 227 in 1998, the options for parents [that live in California] who want their children

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Understanding your Child’s Temperament

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:00:20 +0000

By Jameel Andrews When children have personalities that are drastically different from their parents or siblings, it frequently causes a bit of frustration for everyone else, particularly the parents. If you find yourself becoming frustrated because you do not understand the temperament of your child, there are some steps you can take that will help your household to run smoother and experience more calm. Temperament refers to the ability of a child to adapt as well as his emotional mindset. The way that your child responds to different activities and the way that he behaves in general are all good indicators of his temperament. It is important for parents to realize that this is something that all children are born with, and it is not simply a mode of behavior that can be altered to suit the lifestyle preferences of parents. How Temperament Forms All children are born with a particular type of temperament. In fact, you can probably learn a lot about the temperament of your child before he is even born simply by paying close attention to his movements and activities in the womb. When children are severely disciplined or bullied by their parents, modifications to the temperament can occur, but these actions also tend to leave emotional scarring and psychological problems that generally affect children well into adulthood. The healthy way to approach handling the temperament of your child is not by forcing him to change; it is to learn how to deal with his temperament and find constructive ways to channel his energy so that it is not disruptive to everyone else in the family. Characteristics of Temperament There are basically nine different characteristics that are representative of the temperament of a child. Distractibility Adaptability Mood – this refers to whether your child is positive or negative about most things Sensory threshold – this is the amount of stimulation that is required in order for a child to respond Attention span Activity level Intensity – this is the energy level a child uses when approaching various activities Approach and withdrawal – this refers to the way a child initially responds to any type of new stimulus such as routines, other people, foods, or other types of changes As a general rule, children can be classified into three fairly broad categories as far as temperament is concerned: easy, shy, or difficult. Easy children are usually positive about most everything, and they are very adaptable to new situations and experiences. Shy children are usually positive about most things, but they are slower to warm up to new people or events in their lives. Difficult children typically have a negative outlook and are very hard to please in most circumstances. Particularly where difficult children are concerned, it is important to rule out the possibility of other problems that may be causing a child to act out. Certain types of illnesses, as well as emotional or psychological problems, can contribute to the development of difficult personality traits. If you have a child who exhibits some of the characteristics of a difficult child, you should have him examined by his doctor, as well as a psychologist, just so you can be sure of receiving an accurate diagnosis.

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Adoption from Home and Afar–Two Moms Share their Stories

Alex — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:32:43 +0000

The thought of adoption can be overwhelming–where do I start? What are the advantages of adopting from the United States? From abroad? In the following story, two mothers open up to Breezy Mama about how their families began through adoption. From financial costs to the emotional pay-offs, Mindy discusses her experience adopting (“I thought she was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen! I got to hold her right away and I just “knew” she was meant to be with us”) in the United States and Lisa, an Adoption Co-Coordinator for San Diego RESOLVE , gives the details (“We knew pretty instantly he was our son. Adoption has completed our family, and brought a new kind of joy into our lives”) of international adoption. Mindy’s Story of Adopting Domestically Starting the Process of Adoption Domestically General Idea of Fees for Domestic Adoption The Waiting Period Getting to Know Her Baby Telling Her Child She’s Adopted Mindy’s Book Recommendations for Children Lisa’s Story of Adopting Internationally Starting the Process of Adoption Internationally Resources for Parents General Idea of Fees for International Adoption The Waiting Period Getting to Know Her Child Telling Her Child He’s Adopted Lisa’s Book Recommendations for Children How to Prepare Mindy’s Story–Adopting from the United States Was your adoptive child your first child? Yes, she was. How did you know that adoption was for you? We tried to conceive a child for 3 1/2 years. After multiple fertility treatments, including four failed IVFs, we decided it was the right path for us. We were ready to start our family and tired of the heartache. If one decided that they do want to adopt, how do you start the process? I would start by doing research on the web. Type adoption into any search engine and you will come up with a lot of information. Visiting message boards helped me as well. I spent a lot of time on adoption.com. Also most pregnancy boards have an adoption forum. It is good to hear other people’s struggles and successes. What are the average costs with adoption? When we adopted our daughter in 2004, the total cost was around $30,000. It is all dependent on how you go about it. We adopted through an agency. We had multiple fees associated with that. Marketing fees, birth mother living expenses, traveling, and legal expenses. You do receive a $10,000 tax credit from the state after your adoption is finalized. (I think that may have gone up as well.) Everyone’s cost will be a little different depending on their situation. For example, my brother and sister-in-law have decided to become Foster Parents with the hopes to adopt. In that situation the state actually pays you and your only out of pocket expenses would be diapers, formula, etc… What made you decide to here in the U.S. instead of from another country? We wanted a newborn and if you adopt internationally they are older. The international process takes longer and there is a lot more paperwork associated with it. We were very anxious to start our family and wanted the shortest wait possible! What are the pros and cons of adopting a child from the U.S. instead of another country? I really don’t know very much about International Adoption. We made our choice to go with the U.S. because we a) wanted a newborn and b) our agency was recommended by a friend who had already been through it. We did an Open Independent Adoption. Meaning, the birth mother chose us and we disclosed all our information to her and had contact. I believe when you adopt internationally it is closed and you never have any contact with the birth parents. This is easier for some even though you get the child at an older age. What is the average waiting time before you are able to “receive a child”? From the day we signed up until the day Mia was born it was exactly four months. I know that some families were told “we have your baby for you” the day a child is born while others get to meet the birth mother and go through the pregnancy with her. Is this a choice that the adoptive parents make? You are usually given the option. If there is a “baby born” situation and the birth mother chooses you or the agency feels you are the right fit they will contact you. At that point, you can determine if that situation is right for you or if you want to wait. Were you ever told you had a child only to have it fall through? We did not experience that, luckily. I do have friends that have and when “their” child finally comes to them they understood why the previous one fell through. It is still heartbreaking though. What was it like meeting the child for the first time? Amazing! I was supposed to be there for the birth but missed it by about an hour. When I arrived I went straight to the nursery and saw her. I thought she was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen! I got to hold her right away and I just “knew” she was meant to be with us. I did have some conflicting emotions though. On one hand you are so happy for yourself, on the other you are sad for the birth mother and her loss. I was also scared in the very beginning to get to close and have her taken away. Mia was born in Nevada and the birth mother had 48 hours to sign her relinquish papers. So you adopted a newborn? Yes, we did. She was released to us straight from the hospital when she was a day old. Every state has different procedures. Mia was born in Nevada which is considered an unfriendly adoption state, according to our agency. So she was initially supposed to be in a foster home for 48 hours until the birth mother

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Teaching Kids about Money

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:28:41 +0000

By Marc Courtiol While many parents often mention the fact that they wish they had learned more at an early age about how to handle money, many of them are surprisingly hesitant to discuss such matters with their own children. This seems a bit odd, since so many of us wish that our children had a better grasp of the reality that money does not grow on trees; nor is it available in an endless supply for the majority of us. Talk to your kids If you want your children to understand how valuable money really is, you need to talk to them about it. Children are not going to understand anything about money and what things really cost if you do not make an effort to teach them. For parents who grow weary of hearing their children whine about wanting this or that all the time, it would seem to be a simple enough thing to do. To demonstrate the cold, hard facts about money, show them where the money goes. Of course, for this to be effective you need to wait until your children are old enough to understand. Trying to explain finances to a toddler is just not going to do you any good. Once your children are old enough to be able to grasp the basics, sit them down for a chat about money. If you write down what you earn and list the immediate deductions that are taken out of that such as taxes, 401k contributions, and insurance premiums, they will be able to see what is left. You should also show them what you pay each month for bills. Once they see what is left over after all of that, they will be far more likely to at least have a general comprehension of why you cannot afford to buy them whatever they want. Make them stick to budgets One of the best things you can do for your children is start them out early with learning how to live on a budget. Give your kids an allowance every week, but do not just let them blow it on whatever they want. It is a good idea to have them put a dollar or two back to save for college, expensive toys they want, or clothing. It makes sense when you really think about it. If you always buy things for your kids without ever letting them handle or deal with money, they are probably going to grow up without any realistic concept of just how much it takes to survive in the world. If parents allow their children to take a more active role in handling money, they will naturally develop a greater appreciation for the true value of it. Without establishing some solid, realistic guidelines for your kids when they are young, they will be much more likely to grow up thinking that they can spend money recklessly without having to worry about the long-term consequences of overspending. If you teach your kids the facts about handling money, they will probably be much more responsible with finances as adults.

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Helping Children Deal with Divorce

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:45:06 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Divorce is a stressful event for everyone involved. Just because parents are the two individuals who are directly going through the process, it does not mean that the children involved are immune from the negative effects. For the most part, the various reactions that children have to news of divorce will depend upon their ages, temperament, and the specific circumstances that surround the divorce. To help your children through this process, it is important that you keep the lines of communication open so that you can both help them as they have questions and concerns. Talking to children about divorce Children know when there is conflict between their parents. This is true regardless of whether you happen to be going through a divorce or not. Once you and your spouse are sure about your plans, talk to your children about the decision you both have made. If at all possible, both parents should be present for this conversation, as it is important for your kids to see and talk to you both at the same time. Of course, it is extremely important that you both leave any hurt feelings, blame, or anger out of your tone when you are talking to your children. All children will need continuous reassurance that they are not to blame for the divorce. Even if you both believe that you have alleviated those types of fears with your kids, you should be aware that these feelings tend to crop up on a regular basis, particularly if your children are very young when you divorce. Older children and teenagers are much more likely to already have a good idea of why you are divorcing, so be prepared for more in-depth questions from them. Helping kids cope with the changes Even if your children do not react right away to the news, they are probably going to have a variety of questions for both of you. They will want to know where they will be living, with whom, and if they will still be able to attend the same school and see their friends. To help your children cope, there are some steps you can both take that will provide them with encouragement and a sense of normalcy. Do not dismiss their feelings – let your children know that it is okay for them to feel sad or angry, but also tell them that things will eventually get better. Encourage them to be honest – you should always let your children know that their feelings are important to you and that you take them, and their concerns, seriously. Offer support to your kids – in addition to asking them if there is anything you can do to help them feel better, consider spending some extra time with them to help them get through the divorce. Be mindful of your privacy – it is very important, particularly in “at fault” divorce situations, that both of you try to keep civil lines of communication open in front of your children. Get professional assistance – if your kids see you taking the necessary actions to obtain help from a therapist or doctor, it will let them know that obtaining help when a person needs it is a positive, healthy thing.

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Understanding Puberty

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:34:30 +0000

By Marc Courtiol There are various stages of puberty that most of us are painfully familiar with. Even though the majority of us understand what happens to girls and boys as they hit puberty, many of us do not completely understand the science behind the changes that occur during that time. If you have started noticing some of the telltale signs of puberty in your child, or even if you would just like to prepare yourself for this often unnerving time in both parents and children’s lives, there are some things you can learn about that might help you to ease your child through this awkward time. Puberty – What is happening? In a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus, a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) begins to gradually be released once a girl reaches the age of 8, and after a boy reaches the age of 9 or 10. This marks the beginning of puberty. It should be noted, however, that the visible signs of puberty may not be evident to parents at these precise ages. The time that each child starts to go through puberty tends to vary between different people, so do not become overly concerned if it does not happen with your child at an age that seems to be “right” to you. Once GnRH is released, it travels to the pituitary gland, which is where two additional hormones are then released that initiate the onset of puberty: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). With boys, these hormones travel through the bloodstream to the testes, which signal the initial production of sperm, as well as testosterone, another hormone. With girls, the hormones travel to the ovaries, triggering the production of estrogen and the release of eggs. At the same time that all of this is occurring, the adrenal glands start producing hormones known as adrenal androgens. These particular hormones have the responsibility for stimulating the development of body hair. Concerns beyond the physical Of course, boys and girls experience a variety of changes that are vastly different, but there are huge emotional changes that kids of both sexes go through once puberty strikes. Many parents of pubescent children chronically complain about temperamental, sullen children who are vastly different from the way they were when they were younger. Such is to be expected from most teens and pre-teens, but many parents find themselves at a loss, wondering how to deal with their unruly child. Experts tend to agree that parents need to take an active role in initiating communication with their children who are going through the awkwardness that is puberty. It is typically recommended that parents try to get beyond any embarrassment they might feel regarding how to discuss sensitive, personal issues with their children, and simply address the various changes that the children are going through. If parents can accept that their children have changed both emotionally and physically, it will likely help them to better deal with the situation, and to have a less frustrating relationship with their children in the long run.

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KidPort Educational Service

Danica Hoppe — Sun, 09 May 2010 01:34:43 +0000

We really like the internet learning resource developed by Bryan Knysh. Kidport is an educational service that helps kids hone their fundamental learning skills in math, language and science by self-reflection on the learning process itself. The course is composed of multiple learning modules that include cognitive, curriculum and experience based components. Kid Port is a recipient of the Parenting Journals Editor’s Choice. For further information please visit: KidPort. KidPort Educational Service

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Risk, Adventure, and Your Child – LifeJackets

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:06:33 +0000

By Brendan Madden A rogue gust capsized the small sailboat, sending the Farley-McSorley family tumbling into the waters of Lake Fairlee. As their lifejackets bobbed them back to the surface, 10-year-old Madison took charge. “Mom, Dad, are you ok?” Satisfied that they were, Madison quickly and confidently guided her parents through the task of righting the capsized boat and they headed back to camp to dry out. Safe on shore, Anne and Brian gazed in amazement at their daughter, who had been a shy and retiring 5th grader when they dropped her off at Vermont’s Aloha Hive camp a few weeks before. Anne’s face broke into a grin. “This is great!” she thought. The family’s experience is emblematic of a growing school of thought amongst parents and childhood development experts: that creating a childhood that is completely safe – that is to say, free from risk – is to rob children of vital growth opportunities. The self-confidence Madison showed as she led her parents through righting the boat and returning to shore was the result of learning to master a situation that contained real consequences. Growing up in a risk-free environment may lead to behavioral or mental health problems. Veteran youth counselor Michael Ungar says, “A whole swath of our youth is feeling lost amid the sanitized, prescribed, regimented order of their too safe upbringings. These children tell me they have everything but what they need: opportunities to experience some measure of risk and responsibility, responsibility both for themselves and others.” According to Tim Gill, author of No Fear: Growing Up in a Risk Averse Society, a children’s appetite for risk requires judicious feeding through outdoor activities involving mastery of physical and technical challenges. “We need to support parents so they feel able to give their children back some of the freedoms that they enjoyed when they were young,” Gill says. “Perhaps most important of all, we need to accept that it is natural and healthy for children to explore, take risks, make mistakes, seek out adventure and test boundaries.” Examples of programs using this approach can be found at every level of education, from preschool to college and beyond. Outdoor nurseries, or “forest kindergartens” which originated in Scandinavia and gained popularity in Europe, offer young children a woodland learning environment, where, under supervision, kids as young as three climb trees, investigate bugs and wildlife and learn to build campfires. Studies show that the developmental outcomes are very positive, and that these programs often have better safety records than comparable indoor kindergartens. For older youth, organizations such as the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Outward Bound and the Hulbert Outdoor Center take expeditions far into the wilderness where students learn to assess the hazards and dangers of the backcountry. Seasoned instructors teach the skills necessary to scale mountain passes, ford swift rivers, and survive in all weather. They then gradually back off and let students take responsibility, until by the end of the journey the students are working through the hazards by themselves. Deb Williams of the Hulbert Outdoor Center sought to foster this kind of development for her daughters as they approached adulthood. “I wanted to raise daughters who were brave, assertive and willing to stand up for themselves. I knew I couldn’t do that without exposing them to risk. But I wanted to do it in a structured way: I wanted to know that someone experienced and responsible was guiding the process. That’s what drew me to the outdoor adventure programs.” Adventures in the real world bring real risks. Liz Tuohy, Senior Risk Management Consultant for NOLS, describes the balance that such organizations strive to achieve: “Risk can bring great reward, and we run programs in outdoor education that change people’s lives (for the better) in a way that nothing else can. And at the same time, nothing we do is worth harm to one of the young people that we educate. And that’s a paradox.” That challenge mirrors the paradox of parenthood: on one hand, we want to keep our children safe. On the other hand, we know that if we shield them from all risk in childhood we may fail to help them prepare to meet an uncertain world as adults. Outdoor adventure programs and summer camps help parents introduce elements of healthy risk into their child’s development. Reflecting on the sailboat capsize at Aloha Hive Camp, Anne McSorley says “When we visited Madison at camp and she wanted to take us out on the sailboat, I was nervous: it was a windy day, and the lake was very choppy. And sure enough, we flipped the boat. But when I saw my daughter react by showing strength and leadership in a dangerous situation, I knew right then we had made the right choice to send her there. I saw her using some impressive skills she’d gained in a few short weeks. It was a scary situation, and she was in control. It wasn’t something I could have given her, not with any amount of “atta girl” cheering at the soccer field. “It changed everything.” Authors Bio and Resources: Brendan Madden is a long-time instructor at the National Outdoor Leadership School. He is currently Director of the Hulbert Outdoor Center in Fairlee, Vermont. He has a one-year-old daughter who is already showing an appetite for adventure. Ungar, Michael. Too Safe For Their Own Good: How Risk and Responsibility Help Teens Thrive. McClelland & Stewart: 2007. Gill, Tim. No Fear: Growing Up In A Risk Averse Society. Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation: 2007. P.16 Honore, Carl. Under Pressure: Rescuing Our Children From The Culture of Hyper-Parenting. HarperCollins 2008. Williams, Deb. Special Projects Coordinator at Hulbert Outdoor Center. Personal communication November 2009. Tuohy, Liz. Senior Risk Management Consultant for the National Outdoor Leadership School. Personal communication November 2009. McSorley, Anne. Partner at WorkBest Consulting. Personal communication February 2010.

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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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Simple Steps to Building Character in Children

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:03:03 +0000

By Jamell Andrews In an effort to teach children how to be responsible, respectful, and honest throughout their lives, schools throughout the United States have implemented structured character education classes. For the most part, parents are extremely supportive of these types of programs because they want their children to learn how to respect others, how to have integrity, and how to exhibit self-control. Building character is also the responsibility of parents, however, so it is not something that can just be left up to school systems to take care of. Teaching and helping your children to build solid characters is one of the most difficult and time consuming parts of parenting, but there are some general tips you can follow that will help you to put your children on the right path from an early age. Parenting should always come first – this may be one of the most basic, yet challenging things for busy parents to do. There are so many demands on our time that it is often an easy thing to pass on spending quality time with your kids. Good parents make time to spend with their kids on a regular, consistent basis, and it goes a long way towards developing strong, positive character traits in children. Set a good example – it is very important for parents to be exceptional role models for their children. Like it or not, your kids look to you as an example of how adults should behave, so you will be the biggest influence in shaping your children’s character traits. Pay attention to what your children see and hear – kids tend to absorb pretty much everything they are exposed to (good and bad). Carefully monitor what your kids watch on television, what they do online, the songs they listen to, and the books that they read. All of these have a tremendous influence on developing children’s characters. Listen to your kids – this is just as important as spending quality time with them. Take the time to listen to what they have to say and most importantly, take them seriously when they talk to you. Practice responsible punishment – punishment tends to get a lot of bad press these days. People report that parents take things too far or not far enough, which results in children that are out of control and undisciplined. Punishment has always been part of the way that human beings learn, and if used in a reasonable manner, it will only serve to strengthen your children’s characters. Use clear language – children can only learn to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong through the use of clear, direct language. If you are direct with your kids, it will help them to develop a clear sense of how to behave throughout life. Make family meal time important – the trend in America for the past couple of decades has been for family meal time to gradually die out. Fewer and fewer families sit down to have a regular meal together, and the result is a loss of values and ideals. Children learn a great deal about manners, rules, and values through shared meals with their families, so it is important that parents make every effort to keep this tradition alive.

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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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What Luck, A Duck!

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:10:22 +0000

By Ambyr Hunt I used to read the kids this book called “What Luck, A Duck!” when they were younger. Basically, It’s a book about this boy who is painting in his garage and he’s really just not very good. Luckily for him this duck comes along and steps in his paint and low and behold, he now holds in his hands a masterpiece. It’s not really a very good book but I liked it just because it rhymed and I’m a sucker for rhyming books. Tonight however we had a not so lucky encounter with a duck, but it is so freakin’ hysterical that if I didn’t share it, I’d be letting all of you down. First of all Josh is out of town. I am beginning to think it would be in the best interest of our children if he would quit leaving me alone with them without his supervision, but I will discuss that with him later. Emma stayed home with the kids tonight while I attended Kindergarten back to school night. When I got home she had all the girls showered and waiting for me to do their hair (yes, I do their hair each evening to make my mornings run smoother). Because it was getting a little dark outside I hollered to my mom, who stayed with me last night to be some relief as I single parent this week, and asked her to be sure the dogs were in the house. Remember we live on land where we do have coyotes howling on our doorstep each night and I do not want a vet bill …ur I mean, I love the dogs so much I am extremely anal about getting them in before the coyotes come out. I hear my mom hollering for P.D. and then I hear the kids start hollering for him. Kaidon starts yelling at him to come in and then Emma gets involved and starts trying to get him. Keep in mind, I am in the little girls bathroom doing hair while listening to the whole ordeal. Next thing I know I hear them talking about a duck. I know exactly what they are talking about because for the last couple of weeks we have had ducks visiting our ponds and I had seen them swimming several times while thinking to myself “it’s good that P.D. is afraid to get in the water or he’d have those ducks dead by now” . Kaidon starts hollering and laughing saying “ahhh the duck! No, P.D.! come here! Get in the house! MOOOOMMMM! “I continue to do hair knowing that the kids I’ve raised are so intelligent that they will just naturally know to stay away from the wildlife and my mom is out there hollering for P.D. to get in the house too so I know they have adult supervision. I had a lot of faith….. until….Emma comes barelling through the house holding the collar of a muddy, wet, swamp smelling P.D.! What happens next will both frighten you and leave you shaking your head in disbelief, I promise! I start telling Emma….ok, so I was screaming like a patient in a psycho ward but that is a minor detail in this story, a minor detail that really doesn’t change the ending at all so just go with it! So, I was telling Emma to take the dog and put him in my shower quickly and DO NOT LET HIM GET ON MY BED!!!! Once he got in the shower (after getting him down off the bed twice and me finally taking over) I realize I need to be in there with him in order to get him clean. I jump in the shower (fully clothed….don’t go there with me) and tell Kayela to hold the shower door closed so P.D. cannot escape while I hold the shower sprayer with one hand, his collar with another hand, the shampoo with another hand, help Kayela hold the door shut with my other hand, scrub every inch of P.D. with another hand, rinse him with my other hand, keep soap out of his eyes with my other hand and keep the water away from his ears with my other hand….you’re getting the point right? It was chaos! What does Emma do? She takes pictures with her Iphone. (I would share the pictures she took but I didn’t have a free hand to hold up my pants and therefore you’d be looking at things I am just not willing to share with blog readers at this time). What does Kayela do? She opens the shower door and lets the dog out! Once I got the soaking wet dog off my bed again I start to wonder why I haven’t seen Kaidon or my mom yet since the whole purpose was to bring the dog in and he was clearly in the building. That’s when I hear it! I swear I hear my mom say “Kaidon, put the duck down” and I know right then and there that this is trouble with a capital “T”! Being the calm person that I am around wild creatures I quickly run to rescue my mom from whatever my son is doing with a duck. I follow their voices to the garage and come upon the scene: my mom holding a hockey stick, Kaidon in his tighty-whities and crocs, dog food (bait) all over the floor and they are both looking for something behind the refrigerator and freezer. My mom says “I told him to put the duck down, and he did, in the garage and now it’s behind here” She jabs the hockey stick in the small opening and Kaidon is standing about 10 feet away looking at me shrugging his shoulders as if to say “oops!” I walk out closer to Kaidon and just about that time the duck peeks it’s head out and I start uncontrollably screaming like I am being chased by a mass murderer!

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Bus Missed – Transportation to School

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:55:11 +0000

By Ambyr Hunt First of all let me tell you, I am so grateful or my seven children and their sometimes idiotic behaviour. Yes, their behaviour coupled with mine makes this blog possible on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis. Our morning adventure starts at 6 a.m. with all five of the little kids getting up, ready for school, breakfast eaten and chores complete by the 7:24 bus arrival. It is our first year experiencing the bus and so far so good. The kids love the social time with their newly made friends and although last week we had two near misses with them and the bus, nothing happened quite like it did this morning. You see, after they are picked up Emma has a whole 24 min. before her bus arrives to get her to school. Her school seems to be eons away from our house in the middle of nowhere and therefore I am absolutely sure that she is ready and waiting on time. A task not too daunting considering she has an extra 24 min. (almost a half of an hour for those of you not clear on this) to catch her bus. Typically this is the time I sit down and do one of the many “made for t.v.” hairdo’s she’s got waiting for me up her sleeve. Today, however, I was midway through loading the dishwasher when the little kids walked out the door and while finishing up, Emma and I chatted. Near the end of my loading and her chatting I noticed her hair wasn’t brushed out after her shower. I let her know that she needed to do that before I started at work on her hair. Off she went to brush out her hair when Tait started to get fussy. I tried to occupy his starving self with his exersaucer and toys while Emma brushed and watched. Finally, giving that idea up I told her to hold him while I did her hair. Glancing at the time, I noticed we only had 10 min. and proceeded to ask her what the style was going to be today. She told me three french braids on the top of her head back into a messy pony tail. I start to work parting and braiding. and get about halfway through one braid when in comes Liz and baby Paisley (great name huh?) who I am watching. I have a brief conversation with Liz before she’s out the door and look at the clock. OK, I have 2 french braids to go and only 5 min. I think to myself “fast fingers, Hunt!” I mean c’mon that’s doable right? I’m all warmed up from doing 3 other girls hair already this morning, it should be NO PROBLEM! RIGHT? ….WRONG! I finish up right when I hear the bus pull away. OOPS! But oh well, their is only about a dozen other stops in our neighborhood, we’ll just catch up to the bus I think to myself and tell Emma to grab a baby and her backpack and jump in my pimped out van! We load in about 3.4 seconds flat and barrel out of the driveway. I mean, we were so fast that P.D. had snuck in with us and I didn’t realize it until we were on our way up the street. So far, I’m sure you’re thinking it sounds like this is my personal retardation getting us into this mess and yes, maybe I have a big part in all this fiasco up until now but hold on, hold on keep reading I promise you this turns out to be one of those “kid things” that you just have to shake your head and wonder! I have never ridden Emma’s bus, I have not personally called the transportation center and asked for a route map and therefore, I have NO IDEA where the bus stops before it reaches it’s destination at her school. So, I say to Emma “OK, tell me exactly (note the emphasis on the word exactly here) where your bus stops so I can drop you at one of the next stops”. She says “OK, go up, up, up the hill here” as I drive she says “OK, there’s a stop……here’s another stop…..uuuhhh….that right there is another one….OK, turn here…..” I’m thinking “good, god this bus driver drove fast to get that far ahead of us!” and I keep driving when I turned she said “oh, is that my bus? in the church parking lot?” I assume, with her wondering if that was her bus that for some reason it stops at the catholic church before heading out onto the main street, so I pull in just as she says “hmmm… wonder why it would stop here today!” SERIOUSLY?? I just pulled in here because you saw a bus, not because yours actually stops here on a daily basis? When I calmly say “Emma, c’mon tell me where your bus goes from here” she says “the saddle rock apartments” OK, those are quite a ways away and what I didn’t mention before was that I am in no position to be driving all over town! Let me explain further….number one: I am out of gas. After running errands for hours yesterday and Tait almost ready for a bottle I chose to go straight home with the thought in mind that the next outing I had I needed to leave 20 min. early to get gas. Obviously not knowing my next “outing” would be to chase down a school bus. Plus, in my hurry…I didn’t bring my wallet!!!number two: I wore Josh’s pajama pants to bed last night… Uhh…think about that for a minute I am 4’11”, he is 6’3″ the pants are like two feet longer than I am and I have to cinch them up to get them to hang very loosely on my hips. It’s not a fashion statement by any stretch, but they are very cozy!number three:I have

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Easing the Pain of Family Springtime Allergies

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:17:39 +0000

By Jamell Andrews For many of us, springtime brings a lot more than warm weather and extended hours of daylight. It also brings chaotic allergies because of pollen, dry air, and gusting winds that blow everything around even more than usual. Fortunately, there are some simple, basic steps that we can all take in an attempt to take the bite out of springtime allergies. While most of us will certainly not be able to completely avoid some sniffling and sneezing, we can effectively reduce the severity of the symptoms we experience by arming ourselves with a bit of knowledge. Less Exposure means More Relief One of the best things we can all do to avoid the worst of springtime allergy symptoms is try to avoid certain triggers. If you have to take care of some chores outside, wear a dust mask to keep allergens at bay. When it is dry and windy outside, try to stay indoors as much as possible. When you have been outside for an extended period of time, change your clothes when you come back inside. It might also be a good idea to take a quick shower to rinse your hair and skin. Your pets should not be allowed on your bed or your couch because pet fur tends to contain pollen Never hang laundry outside to dry. Pollen will easily get into your fabrics, including sheets and towels. Avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are at their highest. Keep your windows and doors closed when the pollen counts are high. Spring Cleaning It is very important that you keep the air inside your home as clean as possible. Taking some basic precautionary measures will go a long way towards ensuring that the air you and your family are breathing is not full of irritating allergens. Use your air conditioner! Some people tend to worry about the cost, but running your air conditioner in your home and your car is one of the best ways to keep allergens out. It might cost a little bit more, but you should always buy allergy grade filters for your home. These really do help to filter out allergens that cheaper filters do not. Use a dehumidifier to keep the air inside your home dry. This will help to reduce the number of allergens that can thrive inside your home. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA or small particle filter. Use allergy-proof covers on your pillows, mattresses, and box springs for extra protection against dust mites. Wash your blankets and sheets in warm water (preferably that is heated to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit). If you have carpeting, make sure you vacuum it at least once each week. Finally, if it is within your budget at all, remove all of the carpeting from your home and replace it with laminate or hardwood flooring. If you try these tips but you find that you are still experiencing a great deal of allergy problems, you might want to see an allergy specialist. There could be other things that are causing you to have an allergic reaction.

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What to do if your Child is being Bullied

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:28:56 +0000

By Anna Rekal Bullying can come in a variety of different forms, and it can start as early as preschool. Children may be picked on or teased, or they may be forced into certain behaviors or activities in order to avoid being beaten up or have their lunch money stolen. Bullying goes far beyond basic teasing, though some people tend to equate the two. Teasing, if a mutual activity between kids, is generally lighthearted and fun. When teasing starts to hurt someone’s feelings or makes that person feel bad, it crosses a line and becomes just another form of bullying. Bullying may be physical or verbal, and it usually impacts children psychologically. In many cases, the effects of bullying leave scars that can impact children’s lives well into adulthood. This is particularly true of bullying that goes on for extended periods of time and that occurs on a regular basis. How to recognize Bullying As a parent, it is important that you know how to spot bullying behavior in your own child and in others. Often times children are reluctant to tell their parents if they are being bullied at school because they are ashamed, or they believe that their parents will think less of them for not being able to handle the situation on their own. If your child is being bullied, he will more than likely display at least one of the following signs: Not sleeping well Loss of appetite Anxiety Not wanting to participate in activities that he used to enjoy or look forward to Moodiness Seems to be upset for no apparent reason Characteristics of a Bully If your child, or one of your child’s classmates or friends exhibits any of these behaviors, it should raise an alarm with you. Problems following rules (or just does not want to follow rules) Impulsiveness Temperamental; easy to anger Views violence as a positive thing Does not display any feelings of empathy for others Becomes easily frustrated Research has shown that children who bully generally come from a home environment where there is at least one parent who is overly permissive and who is not very loving or affectionate with that child. There is also usually a lack of discipline in the home overall, but when bullied children are disciplined by a parent, it is typically very harsh in nature and may be rather violent. Taking Positive Action If you suspect that your child is being bullied, or if he starts to tell you about certain incidents, let him talk about what is going on. The best thing parents can do is show empathy to a child who is being bullied and encourage him to communicate with you about his feelings. You should also try to help your child figure out some different methods of resolving the problem, such as finding some new friends to play with or becoming involved in extracurricular activities. If bullying is occurring at school, try talking to a teacher or the principal to let them know what is going on. Having your child talk to a therapist is an excellent idea, as it would provide your child with an outlet for dealing with his feelings.

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5 Parenting Tips for Communicating with Children & Teens

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:04 +0000

There is nothing that adequately prepares us for the most important job there is—parenting. Children and teens do not come with an owner’s manual, and most of our training is on the job. With our own parents as our most prominent role models, we tend to repeat what we have learned about parenting from them. We do our best, learn as we go, and make our own mistakes along the way; but we don’t have to leave our parenting to chance. We can become more effective parents. We can parent with more confidence instead of frustration. Parenting can be enjoyable and rewarding instead of stressful. Following are some parenting tips for improving communication and building healthy and respectful relationships with our children and teens. (1) Show interest in your kids One of the best ways to get anyone to talk is to show interest in them and what is important to them. Sports, music, or any other activity provides great ways to connect and share. Become engaged in whatever it is your child or teen enjoys. It can be anything–watching a football game together, listening to songs and talking about favorite artists, watching your child draw or build model cars, or helping your daughter with her hair and nails. (2) Initiate conversations Often parents begin conversations with a question instead of simply sharing their thoughts. Kids are more likely to engage in conversations when they do not feel they have to explain or defend themselves. Letting them know you are thinking about them and that you care about what is happening in their lives are good ways to initiate conversations. Timing is important as well. Good times to talk might be bedtime, while driving, or at dinner. (3) Make yourself available Sometimes parents get so busy and don’t realize that their children feel there is no time left for them. They do not express this directly saying, “You know, I’ve been feeling neglected lately. It seems you’re so busy with everything and everyone else and don’t make time for me. And when you are with me, you seem preoccupied and distracted.” They might, instead, distance themselves or act out for some negative attention. Making time for kids can be a sacrifice, especially for very busy parents, but the investment is well worth it. Developing a good relationship with one’s children requires time–both quality time and quantity of time. Planning weekly one-on-one time with no distractions is a good idea. Kids want to know that they are important and valued. Making yourself available to them communicates this loud and clear. (4) Be a good listener You know you have heard someone correctly when they feel understood. One way to do this is to repeat what you think you heard back to them. They will clarify what they meant if they think you are genuinely interested and trying to understand them. Kids also need to feel safe when sharing their thoughts, with no fear of judgment, being cut off, or causing an angry reaction. It is important to resist arguments and criticism. When there are disagreements, parents can express that it is okay to disagree. Although their thoughts and feelings differ, they are not rejecting their child. Parents and their children will encounter many differences in opinion. However, being a good listener lets your children know that you understand where they are coming from without lecturing or threatening. (5) Use words to motivate If you see your children and teens as winners, beautiful, and full of potential, they will know it and act on it. It will show in how you treat them and what you say. As a result, they will believe in themselves as well. Your words have power. The words of a parent can motivate and empower for a lifetime. They can also discouraged and break a child’s spirit if they are negative and critical. We can all recall things our parents have said about us that we have carried with us throughout our lives, such as: I believe in you. You can do anything you set your mind to. You are so smart and creative. Or, you will never amount to anything. You do not have what it takes. You are the ugly one of the family. Let us choose our words carefully. Speaking good things over them, blessing them with our words motivates them to fulfill their purpose in life. It is not easy parenting children and teens and knowing what to say or how to bring out the best in them. Feeling connected and getting along with our kids takes time and effort. The goods news is that parents and teens can have healthy connections that are founded upon trust and unconditional love. The parenting tips provided above are a good start to better communication and a more rewarding parenting experience. For more tips or help with problems, parents may benefit from parenting classes or family counseling. Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved. Krystal Kuehn, NewDayCounseling.org Children need love, especially when they don’t deserve it. ~anonymous Love is the greatest gift that one generation can leave to another. ~Richard Garnett Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC is a psychotherapist, author, teacher and musician. She is the cofounder of New Day Counseling Services, family counseling and child teen counseling center providers of parenting classes, and BeHappy4Life.com, an award-winning, a self-help and personal growth site where you can find hundreds of free resources, insights and inspiration. New Day Counseling1653 W. Big BeaverTroy, MI 48084 248-649-8050 NewDayCounseling.org Find hundreds of free online resources, insights and inspiration at BeHappy4Life.com – the award-winning, self-help and personal growth site Join us on Facebook. Become a BeHappy4Life Fan today!

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Soothing a Fussy Baby

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:47:50 +0000

If you are the parent of an infant, it is pretty much inevitable that you will have to deal with a fussy baby at least from time to time. For many parents, dealing with a fussy baby is a regular occurrence that quickly leads to frustration, loss of energy, and a lack of sleep. Fortunately, there are some basic techniques that can be used that will at least get you started on the road to calming your fussy baby. However, you should always keep in mind that each baby is unique, so find your own different ways of improvising and improving on some of these suggestions to find the methods that work best for your child. Rhythmic Motions Movement relaxes babies because nearly constant movement is what they are used to from the womb. Being perfectly still is unnatural to a baby, so it is important that you provide some different ways to keep your baby moving throughout each day. Doing so will eliminate a lot of your child’s fussiness. One method that is growing in popularity is to carry your baby in a sling. Researchers have known for some time that infants who are carried more often tend to cry less. Specifically, if you carry your baby for at least three hours per day, instances of crying will be reduced by about 40%. You might also want to invest in a baby swing, as these are usually the best substitute for actually being held. Before purchasing a swing, make sure that you do enough research so that you can determine whether the swing you want has any recall notices in effect or other issues that might discourage you from buying it. Dancing with your baby is an excellent way to calm them when they are fussy. The natural movement mimics the experience they had in the womb, so it goes a long way towards helping them to relax. Do not worry if you are not a very good dancer. The most important thing is that you move around with your child in a motion that helps to soothe. Soothing Sounds Babies also tend to respond positively to sounds that remind them of being in the womb. These sounds will primarily be rhythmic, low-pitched, monotonous, and humming. This does not mean that you will need to purchase some expensive equipment in order to get your baby to stop being fussy. Some inexpensive alternatives include the following: Recording of ocean waves or waterfalls. Air conditioner or fan. A clock that ticks loudly. Record lullabies in your own voice on CD. This way, your baby will have something soothing to listen to when you are not at home. Play CD’s of music that your baby seems to respond to in a calm, positive way. Remember that your child’s musical taste may not echo your own, so play some different tunes and watch your baby closely to see which ones seem to have the most calming effect. By Cyndra Neal

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Raising Happy Children

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:11:30 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Raising happy children does not have anything to do with the material possessions that you give to them. Regardless of how many toys kids have or how much you try to shield them from the harsher aspects of life, the ability of children to be happy as they grow up is largely based on internal factors. Signs of Unhappiness One of the primary keys to making sure your children are happy is to know how to spot the signs of distress, particularly among children who are under the age of five. Unhappy children typically display some similar behaviors. Quiet and withdrawn Does not eat very much Is not getting involved with other children Is not laughing or smiling as much as usual Does not want to play Is not talking much Of course, some children may exhibit some of these behaviors (such as being quiet or withdrawn) simply because they are shy. Shyness is certainly not an indicator that children are unhappy, and it is nothing to be concerned about in itself. However, it is much more difficult to spot or interpret the warning signs that may be present in shy children, so it requires a bit more effort from parents in order to ensure that their children are happy. With shy children, it is important to take note of certain behavioral changes, such as becoming more fearful or isolated, so that you will realize right away if your child is unhappy. Did you know that angry toddlers are really displaying unhappiness in the only way they know how? Toddlers are too young to know how to express the fact that they are unhappy about something, so when they feel this way they respond with anger. Kids who throw their toys, have temper tantrums, or who hit their siblings are really distressed and they are expressing it in the most convenient way for them. Keeping your Kids Happy There really is no big secret to accomplishing this. Kids respond best when their parents spend time with them and play with them. For children who are under the age of five, the best thing parents can do is make time for fun activities. These do not have to be arranged activities such as play dates or organized sports. In fact, younger children are happiest when they get to spend time with their parents playing with blocks, coloring, or whatever takes their fancy at home. Try to avoid pushing your kids into participating in any type of activities, as this can have a detrimental effect on them as they grow up. Children need to learn at an early age that they can become anything they want to be and that they are free to choose activities they enjoy. If you help your kids focus on the things they most enjoy doing, it will go a long way towards ensuring that they grow up to be happy adults who are more likely to find careers that they have a true passion for.

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Do Kids NEED Cell Phones?

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:36:22 +0000

By Cyndra Neal This is a question that many parents find themselves wondering about, often when their children are as young as eight or nine years old. Kids are asking for technological gadgets at increasingly early ages, claiming that they need things like cell phones, video games, iPods, and laptop computers. But do your kids really need these things? Essentially, this type of question is one that parents must address on an individual basis. Your particular family circumstances should be the primary guiding force in determining whether your young child needs a cell phone. The first thing that you should take into consideration is how often your child is away from you or your spouse. If you have an eight year old who is never away from you except to go to school, then the odds are pretty good that he or she does not have any real need for a cell phone. On the other hand, if your child spends a good deal of time away from you (with friends, relatives, or at school sponsored events), then you might want to consider purchasing some type of cell phone for emergency situations. The key to maintaining control over your child’s cell phone usage is to make sure that you impose restrictions on phone usage so that your kids do not have carte blanche to do whatever they want. Choosing a Cell Phone for Kids This seems to be one of the biggest dilemmas that parents face, even if they have decided that their child needs a cell phone. Depending on your child’s age, he or she may not really need a “standard” cell phone that you would get from a major cell phone provider. For younger kids, there are some great starter phones that you can purchase that will kind of ease them into cell phone responsibility without putting an enormous strain on your budget. For example, the Firefly Phone is a popular choice that allows parents to pay as they go or opt for monthly plans to accommodate their childs needs. The Firefly Phone comes with parental controls, which should be an absolute must for any parent who is considering purchasing a cell phone for a child under the age of about 14. In addition, Firefly Phones start at about $49, with plans starting at about $10, making it a relatively affordable option for parents who feel the need to buy their young children cell phones. Another option is Kajeet, which claims to be the safest cell phone service for kids. They offer parental controls, a GPS locator, no annual contracts, and no fees for early termination of services. These are just some examples of parental controled phones for kids. Security, Convenience, or too much Independence? The bottom line is that cell phones are expensive. They are not toys, and they should not be handed out to children before giving the matter some serious consideration. If giving your child a cell phone will give you greater peace of mind, or if it will allow you to stay in touch with your child when he or she is away from you, then there is certainly nothing wrong with giving your child this tool. If you’re simply tired of being nagged by a child who wants to fit in with “everybody else”, then you might want to think twice about whether giving your child a cell phone would really be a wise idea. In most cases, children are not really away from their parents enough before they learn to drive to warrant having a cell phone.

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Understanding and Fighting Childhood Obesity

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:22:31 +0000

Over the past 30 years, childhood obesity has been steadily on the rise among children aged 6 to 19. In children between the ages of 2 and 5, about 14% of them are now classified as being overweight. Approximately 20% of kids aged 6 to 11 are overweight and 19% of kids between the ages of 12 and 19 are overweight. All of these figures are up significantly from statistics that were obtained in the early 1970s, with all of them more than doubling in a relatively short amount of time. Understanding the Risk Factors In order to fully understand how childhood obesity has become such an epidemic in the United States, it is necessary to be aware of the risk factors that contribute to the continually increasing weight of children. Physical activity (or the lack of it) – Kids these days very rarely participate in any type of physical activity. Most of them spend their free time playing video games, watching television, and hanging out with their friends participating only in sedentary activities. Sleep – Many children do not get enough sleep each night, and this contributes to weight gain, as lack of sleep increases a person’s risk for becoming obese. Nutrition – This is probably the biggest factor to the rising rates of childhood obesity. Kids routinely consume oversized portions of food, indulge too often in high fat, high calorie junk foods, and drink lots of soda and juices. Genetics – If a child has overweight parents, he or she is far more likely to have a weight problem at some point. Often times, genetic weight problems develop during childhood. With the exception of genetics, the other risk factors for childhood obesity can be easily controlled with lifestyle modifications. Though it is often easier said than done, changes can be made to positively impact your children, thereby reducing their chances of becoming obese, or allowing them to lose weight in a healthy manner. Weight Loss for Kids If your child is overweight, the first thing you should do is talk to your pediatrician about the options that are healthiest and best for your child. You might also want to consult with a nutritionist who specializes in working with children to obtain some advice about how to get your child to eat healthier foods. As a parent, you should encourage your child in a positive, helpful way to become more active and to lead a healthier life. One of the best ways to do this is to lead by example. If your child sees you and your spouse eating healthy foods and exercising regularly, he or she will be much more likely to emulate your example. Some of the positive steps you can take to help your child lose weight include the following: Restrict your child’s television and computer time each day to no more than about two hours. Let your child help you pick out groceries, focusing on healthy items that you will use to make nutritious recipes for meals and snacks. Encourage physical activity of about one hour per day, four to five days each week. Keep healthy, convenient snacks on hand. Following these basic guidelines, as well as obtaining professional advice from your pediatrician and/or nutritionist will help you to get your child’s weight down to a healthier range. By Andrew V.V.

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Your Teenager Could Have Seasonal Affective Disorder

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:16:33 +0000

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that affects teenagers at the same time every year. For the majority of the United States population, the most common time of year for the onset of SAD is fall or early winter. Though some teenagers are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder in the spring or summer, it is not nearly as common during these seasons. Symptoms of SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder is characterized by feelings of moodiness and a lack of energy, but there are a variety of additional symptoms that teenagers may experience. For most teenagers, the symptoms of both fall/winter and spring/summer SAD start out being fairly mild and become increasingly more severe as the season wears on. Symptoms typical in teenagers affected by this condition in fall/winter: Weight gain Oversleeping Depression Anxiety Lack of interest in normal activities Lack of concentration and focus Changes in appetite Feelings of hopelessness Symptoms typical of teenagers affected by this condition in spring/summer: Weight loss Loss of appetite Irritability Anxiety Insomnia Easily agitated Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder Unfortunately, the cause of SAD is still unknown. Like other mental health conditions, however, researchers believe that age, genetics, and your body’s unique chemical makeup all contribute to the development of this disorder. For some teenagers, the reduced amounts of sunlight each day in winter disrupt their internal clock. Your internal clock tells you when you should be awake and when you should be sleeping, so daylight savings time tends to wreak havoc with many teenagers’ normal sleep patterns. Reduced sunlight can also cause a reduction in the amount of serotonin that is produced in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that affects your mood, and it is believed that reduced levels may lead to depression. If you have a family history of Seasonal Affective Disorder, particularly among your parents, grandparents, or siblings, your teenager may stand a greater chance of developing this condition. In addition, females tend to suffer from SAD much more frequently than males. For males who do have SAD, however, their symptoms are generally more severe than they are in females. Natural Treatments There are some mind/body therapies, supplements, and herbal remedies that have been successfully used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Of course, natural treatments are not always healthy for everyone, so it is always best to check with your healthcare provider before beginning a new treatment regimen. If your teenager suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder, talk to your doctor about the following natural treatments to see if they might be a good option for them. Omega-3 fatty acids SAMe St. John’s Wort Melatonin Yoga Acupuncture Massage therapy Meditation When trying to manage teenagers Seasonal Affective Disorder, it is important that they practice stress management in a healthy manner. If you are stressed out, you may find yourself overeating, having dangerous or unhealthy thoughts, or suffering from depression, so try to take control of the stress in your life before it overwhelms you and your teenager. Remember, it is also a healthy practice for your teenager to try to make themselves be social, particularly when they are feeling down and they would rather isolate themselves. Being around other teenagers they know and like can help to boost their mood and lift their spirits. By Jamell Andrews

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Ways to Make your Baby Smarter

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:07:46 +0000

By Jamell Andrews When it comes to infant development, most experts agree that the first few years of your child’s life are the most important in terms of stimulating their learning. If you are looking for some fun, creative ways to get your baby started with learning, these ideas may help you to get the process going. Be Chatty and Silly Make funny faces at your baby, tell him jokes, and tickle his toes on a regular basis to stimulate his developing sense of humor. All of these activities will teach your child to anticipate events and how to respond to your silly antics. Talking to babies is a great way to teach them the art of conversation. Sure, your a baby smarter will only respond with a blank stare at first, but if you talk to your baby as though you are having a conversation with him, he will eventually catch on to the nuances of conversation in general. Over time, your baby will realize the different parts of the conversation where he should be speaking and he will start talking back to you. You should also try singing to your baby (even if you don’t have the greatest singing voice). Research has shown that learning the rhythms of music can help babies to learn math later on. Vision Stimulation Stimulating your baby’s vision is a great way to engage your child’s learning abilities before he ever starts going to school. One way to do this is to make eye contact with your baby whenever he opens his eyes. You will nothave many opportunities with your infant, but each time you make eye contact with him it helps him to build his memory. You should also let your baby stare at himself in the mirror. Even if he doesn’t realize that he’s staring at himself, he will still have fun waving his arms around and laughing at his own antics. This type of activity helps to stimulate your baby’s recognition skills, which will help him with other activities throughout school. Vocabulary Building To lay the foundation for building your baby’s vocabulary, change his scenery from time to time. You can do this by taking him to a park to play and look at the surroundings, or by taking him on a shopping trip to the mall or a grocery store. The sounds, colors, and different faces will all help to stimulate your baby’s learning processes. It is a very good idea to become actively involved in the teaching process so that you can give your baby a head start on the types of learning he will encounter once he starts going to school. Count everything for him to help him learn about numbers, and choose a different letter of the alphabet every day to focus on to help him learn about letters. Babies as young as eight months old can start to learn language if you read to them regularly. It is particularly helpful if you read the same story to them two or three times in a row.

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Are You Aware of Eating Disorders in Adolescence

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:48:49 +0000

By Wendy Wood Do you suspect that your child has an eating disorder? By watching your child’s eating habits you will soon find out if he or she, in fact, has an eating disorder. Here are is a list of tips, tricks and methods for learning more about your child’s eating habits in hopes that we can help your with your situation or to keep if from happening all together. This is such a hard issue to find out about, we feel for anyone who has ever had to endure an eating disorder or dealt with a loved one who went through it. While it can be full of agony, you can pick up on many of the symptoms along the way. Listen, we’ll give you a list of the tips, tricks, and methods to learning more about your child’s eating habits in hopes that it helps you in your situation or keeps it from happening all together. The Sports Athlete We understand that it’s great to get your children involved in extra curricular activities. However, there are a few sports that require you to watch your weight. Wrestling and gymnastics are just a couple, but you only need one to have a change occur. So if you can, keep them out of these sports and if you can’t, at least sit down and discuss the possible problems. Keep in mind a good solid meal three times a day can keep them at an ideal weight. The Disorders from Disorders It’s bad enough that we have things like anorexia, bulimia or others like binge eating. The biggest problem associated with any of this is they can create other disorders and continue the spiraling effect further damaging the body. So it’s important to overcome the obstacles before they get too far out of hand. Where do you start? Finding the symptoms as soon as possible is the key. If you see your child skipping meals, have this uncontrollable knack for excessive exercising, or see a substantial amount of weight loss then you should be concerned. There are other symptoms as well like noticing this binge eating happening or an odd realization that they are counting calories during each meal. All of them are symptoms, and even if you don’t see them yet, talking about them could bring things out into the open. Oh, and we didn’t mention any of the other disorders before because we didn’t want you to be distracted from the information. However, you do need to know about them so you can get educated on as much as possible. There are many, but we’ll just give you a few. Dehydration, hair loss, gum decay, tooth decay, muscle loss, and even death. Routine check-ups are recommended if several of these are noticeable. The Discussion When talking with your children about eating disorders you will soon realize it’s not easy. If they may become defensive which you will want to tread lightly. An easier way to deal with the situation is to call your family doctor ahead of time and talk about the concerns. You don’t want your child to drift further away, especially if there is a situation. So take precautions so the end result will be a successful one. Authors Bio:Wendy Wood is the owner of Mommies Magazine.com, an online website geared to mommies of all ages. Wendy, and her panel of experts, share information on topics from Current Fashion Do’s and Don’ts and Parenting Teens, to Menu Planning and Health-Related Topics that covers all ages of family individuals. Can’t wait to learn more about Diabetes and other health-related topics? Visit Mommies Health Section http://www.mommiesmagazine.com/category/health-matters/ — Stephanie Fish,Buckeye V.A.Social Media Manager and Marketing Assistant www.buckeyeva.com/contact voice: (330)754-0542

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Parents, Teenagers and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:35:00 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a very difficult disorder to diagnose in adults and teenagers. The primary symptom associated with chronic fatigue syndrome is extreme fatigue, which does not improve even with extended periods of rest. Though Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is one that is now widely accepted by researchers and doctors as being a legitimate illness, the exact cause of it is still unknown. Symptoms Despite the fact that researchers have not been able to pinpoint an exact reason for the development of chronic fatigue syndrome, there are some symptoms that are generally associated with this condition. Aside from fatigue itself, the following symptoms are usually present in teens and adults who suffer from CFS: Headache Lack of concentration or focus Memory loss Muscle pain that is unexplained Lymph nodes in the neck or armpits become enlarged or painful Restless sleep, or unrefreshing sleep Joint pain with no swelling or redness Sore throat In addition to the symptoms listed above, there are a wide variety of other symptoms that are sometimes present in adults and teens who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. These symptoms are not part of the official definition of the disorder because they do not manifest themselves in every patient with CFS. Nausea Chills Night sweats Chest pain Abdominal pain Diarrhea Weight gain or loss How CFS is Treated Doctors generally use a combination of different treatments in an attempt to provide some relief for patients. There is no absolute cure for chronic fatigue syndrome at this time, however. One of the most commonly prescribed activities for patients is moderate, steady exercise. Teenagers with chronic fatigue syndrome need to monitor their daily activity carefully because they need to walk a fine line between staying active and not overexerting themselves with sports. Your doctor can help you to create an activity plan that will keep your body moving without exhausting you. Depression is a common diagnosis in teenagers and adults who have chronic fatigue syndrome. If you or your child is suffering from depression, your doctor may prescribe some medication for you to help relieve those symptoms. Behavioral therapy is often used in conjunction with medication so that patients can learn how to identify negative behaviors or activities that may be inhibiting their treatment process. Your teen may also be treated for symptoms of pain with acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. In addition, they might also need to be treated for allergies, low blood pressure, anxiety, or dizziness. Alternative Treatments Many people who are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome seek alternative treatments in an effort to find relief from this debilitating disease. Ginseng is considered to be one of the most effective natural treatments for CFS because it enhances cellular immune function. Ginseng helps to increase energy and reduce feelings of fatigue, and it has proven to be successful in research studies of patients with CFS. L-carnitine levels are usually decreased in people with CFS, and lowered levels of this amino acid can lead to exhaustion and muscle pain. Taking an L-carnitine supplement has helped many patients to find some relief from their symptoms. In addition, patients with CFS have also shown improvement when taking CoQ10, an antioxidant that is found naturally in our cells.

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Guess How Children Learn

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:36:59 +0000

Children thrive in nurturing environments, so it is important that they be introduced to learning opportunities at a very young age. In fact, the earlier you start introducing your kids to different learning tools, the better off they will be in the long run. It is generally recommended that parents start introducing their kids to learning very soon after they are born. How Learning Starts Learning, of course, starts with the billions of brain cells that we are all born with. The brain cells themselves, however, are not the things that prompt learning. Instead, it is the synapses that connect our brain cells together that jumpstart the learning process. Synapses start developing as soon as children begin having experiences of any kind. The billions of brain cells that we are born with are all that we are ever going to have-we don’t develop additional cells over time. For this reason, synapses play a critical role in how children learn and how fast they learn. From birth until school age, it is extremely important that parents give their children as many learning opportunities as possible so that the greatest number of synapses can be formed. Many people do not realize that children’s earliest experiences greatly affect how they behave, learn, and think. Because of this, the importance of giving them a wide variety of learning toys and tools is tremendous. There are many companies that manufacture toys that are designed to help very young children learn, and they do not all cost a lot of money. So, if you are on a budget (as most of us are these days), you will not necessarily have to spend a lot of money to buy the tools that your children need in order to get the learning process stimulated. Create a Learning Environment If you create a home environment that encourages learning, your children will be much more likely to respond in a positive way. Start out by teaching them very small things so that you do not overwhelm your child with more information than they are capable of processing. Keep in mind that children pay extremely close attention to the adults around them, particularly their parents. If your children regularly see you and your spouse engaging in educational activities, or if you simply make the learning process fun and interesting for them, you will keep their minds engaged and keep them interested in learning new things. One of the keys to keeping them interested in learning without discouraging them is to foster an environment that is nurturing and secure. If kids feel threatened or pressured to learn or if they are afraid of being ridiculed or yelled at because they didn’t do something right, then they will eventually become discouraged with learning and they will not be as interested in playing with educational toys. As you introduce your children to learning, remember that we all have different ways of learning and processing information. If you pay close attention to your kids as you introduce them to education, you will probably be able to determine what type of learners they are. This will help you to tailor their experiences so that they can obtain the most from their educational toys. By Jamell Andrews

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The Complementary Parenting Styles of Mom and Dad

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:19:37 +0000

By Jamell Andrews It is believed that children develop into who they (ultimately) are based on the confidence their parents have as parents. In other words, if mom and dad are not comfortable being parents, or if they do not exude very much self-confidence in this role, their children are likely to pick up on these feelings. This can contribute to the overall sense of insecurity or lack of self-esteem that children may feel as they grow older. Children’s personalities are shaped by their familial interactions. Though many parents do not realize it, the way that they act towards each other, and the way they value and respect each other, are vitally important components toward determining a child’s own sense of self-worth. In order to foster a healthy environment for children that is conducive to their development into well-adjusted adults, it is important that parents create a sort of partnership in terms of their parenting goals. Regardless of whether children are interacting with one parent at a time or both parents at once, it is critical that children have a similar type of experience with each parent. This doesn’t necessarily mean that mom and dad have to have exactly the same parenting styles, but it does mean that the two different styles need to mesh together so that cohesive, unified parenting can occur. Another way to think about it is that when parents are at odds with one another regarding parenting styles and methods, children are far more likely to play one parent against the other; a situation that merely adds frustration on top of an already tense one. The various roles that each parent plays, as well as the rules they impose on their children, should be relatively equal so that children do not receive mixed or confusing signals from either parent. If mom and dad do not happen to agree on a particular parenting point, they should take the time to sit down and discuss their differences, which will hopefully allow them to reach a mutual point of compromise that will enable them to co-parent in an equal fashion. Even divorced parents can act together to ensure that they are parenting their children in a way that is cohesive and promotes family unity. This, of course, is generally not quite as easy as it sounds for people who are divorced, but it is not an impossible task. If mom and dad find that they are having particular difficulty in trying to agree on parenting roles and styles, it would be in their children’s best interests for them to seek the assistance of a family counselor. Family counseling can provide frustrated parents with some inventive ways to be able to work together, even if they do not live together anymore and do not still have any type of relationship with one another. The most important thing to remember when working on complementary parenting styles is that open, positive communication is the key to ensuring that the children do not suffer as a result of a failed marriage. Family counseling is also quite helpful for parents who are still married and functioning relatively well as a family unit. Even if mom and dad only have minor disagreements about parenting, it is best to go ahead and talk them out before they escalate into major conflicts.

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Stepping Into a New Role: Balancing Love as a Stepmother

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:33:23 +0000

By Jessica Lawson With divorce rates in America at an all-time high, it is practically inevitable that our children will be affected by broken marriages either directly or through friends. Difficulties, both emotional and physical (due to moving back and forth between residences), can threaten a child’s sense of home and blur the roles of parents. My husband had been divorced for five years when we married, and I joyfully added his two children to my life. I had been told that the possibility of my own pregnancy was slim at best, and would involve a variety of tests and visits to specialists-something we were not prepared to afford at the time. I was convinced that these would be the only children in my life, and I grew to love them quickly. As stepmother to two dual-home youth who lived with me and my husband every other week, I can attest to the heartaches of suppressing the instinct to mother what is not truly yours out of respect to the real mother. Miraculously, I became pregnant eight months into the marriage and gave birth to a healthy baby girl late in 2008. My stepchildren had mixed emotions concerning the news and their half-sister’s arrival. It marked a distinction in the relationship they held with their father; to them, it cemented his decision erase his previous marriage and begin a new life. For the duration of the pregnancy and first several months of my daughter’s life, swirls of joy mixed with guilt due to their slight resentment of my greatest accomplishment to date. Though it is unlikely that they will ever understand, the birth of my own child has only deepened my love for my stepchildren. In this surprisingly common situation, I am often torn in how to manage my role-giving sufficient love and respect to my stepchildren, my daughter, my husband, and myself. I offer three steps of advice to new stepmothers: Step 1: Have a serious discussion with your spouse What will your role be when you get married? Officially, you are a stepmother, but your authoritative rights as a parent will depend on several things including: the age of the children, the relationship between your husband and his ex-wife, and your own initiative. My eldest stepchild, fourteen and fully grown in her own mind, is at the age where texting and boyfriends can cut into school time. Is it my place to tell her that she can’t hang out with friends until homework is done? Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that the answer to this is no. Unless you have a discussion with your husband about policies. Even then, if her mother has a different policy at the other house, it is extremely challenging to offer children the rule stability they need. Children are smarter than you might think; they learn quickly about how to manipulate wriggle room when dual systems are in place. It comes down to a basic fact-you must learn the rules of the household before you can enforce them. If you see a parenting gap, discuss it with your spouse in a tone that doesn’t insinuate anything negative about their own style of child-rearing. Remember though, while at your house, you are the mothering presence. The child’s mother will usually appreciate you erring on the side of doing what’s best for the child, whether that’s initiating more study time, or changing junk food habits into healthy snack alternatives…however, when in doubt, always defer to your husband and his ex-wife. Right or wrong, it is not your job to lay down the law in parenting your stepchildren. Gentle suggestions may be offered to your spouse, but you are not an enforcer in that situation; you are not in a good place to negotiate or change homework protocol and social activities that have been approved by both parents. What about the new child we’ve brought into this family? Regarding a new addition to the family, ask yourself this-do you agree with the way he is parenting his children from his first marriage? If there are things that bother you, be careful and sensitive in your approach. However, when it comes to the child you’ve created together, you certainly have a hard say in things, and don’t be shy about communicating your beliefs. Step 2: Don’t try too hard, but always try I confess that I have resorted to bribery in order to win my stepchildren’s affection. For my stepson, that meant making extra efforts to do fun activities over the summer while his Dad was working-fishing, tennis, a game of catch. I put in extra effort for my stepdaughter too-a trip to KOHLS for a new hooded sweatshirt, a three hour drive to retrieve forgotten homework, a late-night drive to the store to get medicine for menstrual cramps that I’m fairly certain she read about in Seventeen magazine. One particularly rough month about two months after the baby was born, I found myself catering to their dinner requests and mealtimes even if I had already planned the menu for 6:30 to help me work around the baby’s schedule and leave time for homework/family interaction. With a newborn child to manage, I now realize that this was ridiculous, and I should have asked for help and cooperation. I was too caught up in trying to be liked. Honestly, I began to empathize with my own Mom and learned a hard fact that mothers everywhere are aware of: not all of your efforts will be appreciated and acknowledged. It’s sad, but true, so while going the extra mile is admirable and shows your initiative toward being a good stepmother, don’t overdo it. It’s the same as a typical mothering situation; if you’re going above and beyond for personal satisfaction, then great! If, however, you are seeking or expecting accolades, be prepared for the occasional lackluster or indifferent reaction to your efforts. If you offer to help a stepchild in some way or attempt to interact

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Jane Eyre – How to Raise a Kid with Good Self-Esteem

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:21:12 +0000

By David Bain Jesse Jackson once said, “Your children need your presence more than your presents”. When stated it seems obvious that a child’s early years can determine the rest of their life. What seems so obvious, however, is often ignored. Parents often forget that offering support and companionship is as important as a good home and material possessions. It is important for parents to understand that a child’s self-esteem is determined, in large part, by how they are raised. Creating self-esteem is one of the most important aspects of parenting. An exceptional demonstration of this principle is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Jane’s childhood led her to never feel adequate. Jane is raised at Gateshead by her aunt, Mrs. Reed. Mrs. Reed and her cruel kids constantly abuse Jane. Mrs. Reed did not want to adopt Jane and it was only because of Mr. Reed that she did. When Mr. Reed died Mrs. Reed no longer felt as if she had to be kind to Jane. Throughout her experiences at Gateshead, Jane is treated as if she doesn’t belong and she never will. This feeling stays with her for the rest of her life and Jane always feels inadequate. Mr. Brocklehurst, the headmaster of Lowood, comes to Jane’s house and says to Jane, “That proves you have a wicked heart”. At the school at Lowood Jane has few friends and is treated as a wicked child. The school enforces Jane’s feelings that she is a bad child. At Thornfield she doesn’t feel as if she can pursue her love of Mr. Rochester. Jane then flees Thornfield because she discovers Mr. Rochester has a wife. As a result she is forced to beg for food. What makes Jane Eyre such a useful guide to parenting is that Jane is raised exactly the opposite of how a kid should be raised to inspire confidence and build self-esteem. The three keys for raising a child with a good self-esteem are to: Give a sense of confidence Give a sense of importance Give your kids the respect they deserve. Key #1: Give your child a sense of confidence A child needs to feel as if he can accomplish activities and tasks. One way to instill this sense of confidence is to encourage safe risk taking. Jane was constantly being told to stop causing trouble. She is given no room to explore or think for herself. She is told to dust and her maid comes in and says, “Troublesome, careless child! And what are you doing now. You look quite red, as if you had been about some mischief.” Jane is given no room to explore and build confidence. Kids learn through trial and error, so if there is no trial allowed their will be no learning. In fact babies learn to speak through trial and error. They test out words and through positive feedback and encouragement they eventually learn a language. Nothing inspires confidence like taking a calculated risk and being rewarded. For younger kids these risks could include a lemonade stand or a talent show. When I was young my sister and I used to set up lemonade stands every summer. By doing this I learned that I could make smart decisions and run a business. Both these activities can inspire a sense of confidence and self-reliance in young children. For older children simple building projects are good ways to inspire confidence. I still have a catapult I built when I was young. A second key aspect for inspiring confidence in children is freedom. Not “you can eat tons of candy” freedom, but “you are capable to make the right decisions” freedom. If children are allowed to make their own judgments they will be more confident to make decisions in the future. Jane was never allowed any freedom. Mrs. Reed and her kids constantly questioned everything Jane did. Jane tried to read a difficult book and Mrs. Reed’s son, John, comes in and says, “You have no business to take our books”. One way to give your child creativity is to let them explore. A kid’s natural reaction in a new place is to explore it. Unless it is unsafe to do so, let them explore. Creating an environment where kids can depend on themselves inspires a sense of confidence that creates a good self-esteem. Key #2: Create a sense of importance Children need to feel involved and that they are part of the family. In Jane Eyre Mrs. Reed sends Jane up to an isolated room to spend the night when Jane misbehaves. This isolates Jane from the rest of the family and sends the message that she is not important. It is human instinct to try to fit in and be part of a group. Being included in a family makes a child feel more secure and confident. A great way to include kids is to have them help with tasks such as gardening or basic yard work. As a young child I used to be so proud when the food I helped grow ended up on the dinner table. These hands-on activities make kids feel grown up and involve kids in otherwise grown up tasks. Key #3: Treat kids with the respect they deserve Nothing lowers self-esteem faster than not being given the respect you deserve. In Jane Eyre Mrs. Reed treats Jane as if she is not human. She talks to Mr. Brocklehurst about how Jane is a wicked child right in front of Jane. This makes Jane feel ignored and unworthy. To show children that you respect them make sure you hear them out as long as they have something reasonable to say. A good rule of thumb is to obey the rules you set for the kids such as remembering to say please and thank you to them. This will convey the message that they are just as important as you are. Putting it all together Jane Eyre is an extreme example of bad parenting.

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Old and New Natural Ways to Prevent Colds

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:54:20 +0000

By Marc Courtiol If you are a parent to a baby or toddler, you are undoubtedly used to your little one having several colds each year. In fact, it may even seem like as soon as your child has finally gotten over a cold, another one mysteriously appears not far behind. While your first instinct might be to reach for the nearest over the counter cold remedy for children, many doctors are now advising against it. Cause for Concern There is growing apprehension among pediatricians about over the counter cold remedies for children, particularly those under the age of four. The reason for this concern is the multitude of potential side effects that babies and toddlers may experience if they are given these types of medications. This situation is one of great concern for parents, as their choices are quite limited when it comes to trying to treat the colds that their kids typically get five or six times each year. The best thing you can do, of course, is help your kids to avoid getting sick in the first place. Some parents, however, wonder if this is realistically possible. Keeping young children free of cold viruses can seem, at times, like an impossible task. The good news is that there are some positive steps you can take that can help you to at least keep the number of colds that your kids get each year down. Keeping Colds at Bay Fortunately, the things that you can do to help prevent the occurrence of colds are really quite practical. While these actions certainly will not guarantee that your children will never catch a cold or virus again, acting upon them can certainly ensure that your children are less susceptible to catching viruses. Make sure your kids get plenty of sleep each night. When your children are tired their immune systems can become sluggish, which may result in them catching a bug. Babies require up to 18 hours of sleep each day, toddlers and preschoolers need about 12 hours a day, and grade school kids should get about 10 hours a day. Make sure they wash their hands. Sure, this one may seem a little obvious, but it’s worth saying, anyway. Almost 80% of infectious diseases are spread through touch (including colds and flu), so parents,kids need to learn very early in life to wash their hands in warm, soapy water regularly. When hand washing isn’t practical, teach them to use hand sanitizers or antibacterial wipes. They work just as well! Keep your home clean, especially if a member of your family is currently sick with a cold or other type of virus. Try to clean items in your home a few times each day in an effort to keep other members of your family from getting sick. Refrigerators, television remotes, video game consoles, telephones, and light switches are some of the most commonly used items in our homes that are usually not thought about when people are cleaning. Avoid drinks with ice or very cool. Like a cold soft drinks or iced mixed drinks. If your cold prevention efforts should fail, always talk to your pediatrician about some remedies that you can try that will help you to avoid using over the counter medications.

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Getting your Kids to Eat Healthy Foods

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:27:22 +0000

By Jamell Andrews Parents often have meal time battles with their children. The kids decide that they do not like what you are serving them, or they just decide that they would rather have something else. Whatever the reason, one of the worst things you can do as a parent is give in to your kids’ demands and fix something else for them to eat. Early Conditioning Children learn early on whether you are going to give in to their tantrums or not. If you start giving in to them when they are very young, then they will learn that all they have to do is scream, cry, and/or refuse to do something and you will fold like an unsecured tent. If you do not want this to be the pattern of your relationship with your kids, then the best thing you can do is stick to what you tell them from the beginning. Tell your young ones to eat healthy foods. When it comes to meal time, present them with whatever you have prepared and let them know that this is their only option until the next meal. It isn’t going to hurt your children for them to skip a meal now and then, so don’t think that they will starve if you don’t feed them something at every meal. If you present them with a meal, let them know that this is their only food option, and then stick with what you have told them, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that your children will become a bit adventurous when it comes to trying new (and even healthier) foods. Do Not be Afraid of Mild Spices Children do not have to be fed a steady diet of bland foods. Try incorporating oils, herbs, and garlic to jazz up some otherwise boring vegetables. Although it might be wise to steer clear of foods that have a very strong odor or taste, it might actually help your kids to develop a better appreciation for a variety of different foods if you learn to spice them up a bit. Instead of serving plain vegetables as a side dish along with some other foods that your kids are much more likely to be interested in eating, try incorporating vegetables into inventive side dishes, or even main dishes such as casseroles or pastas. Do Not Force the Issue We all have memories of being forced to eat something as children that we absolutely hated. If you can tell that your child is genuinely repulsed by something, do not force him or her to eat it. It is perfectly okay to make them eat one bite of something new, but if they are gagging and/or nauseated by it, do not make them eat any more. Of course, you will need to learn the signs of true revulsion so that you can distinguish between the real thing and the fake so that you don’t wind up letting them off the hook all the time. If all else fails, you can always fall back on the old, “no dessert if you don’t eat your dinner” standby. Sometimes this is all it takes to prompt reluctant children to eat the food that is in front of them.

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Parents! Rid your Home of Harmful Allergens

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:53:40 +0000

For those of us who suffer from allergies, sometimes getting through the day can be a daunting task. Symptoms ranging from itchy, watery eyes to a constantly runny nose contribute to making our lives miserable when our bodies are assaulted by allergens that they simply cannot deal with. Fortunately, if you suffer from allergies or allergic asthma there are some steps you can take that will help to make your life much easier at home. How to Allergy-Proof your House You should know that trying to completely allergy-proof your home can be both time consuming and expensive. Some of the things that you can do, however, are fairly easy and do not cost a lot of money, so you might want to start out by tackling the easiest fixes. Pest control is a very important aspect of keeping your home free of allergens. Instead of having chemicals sprayed throughout your house, try using traps that can be purchased from a hardware store. You might also want to try using some electronic pest zappers that simply plug into your outlets. Temperature control – you want to maintain a temperature that is not too warm. About 70 degrees (or a bit lower) is ideal. You also need to ensure that the humidity in your home remains consistently low (typically no more than 50%). Change your air filters monthly. Even if you buy the types of filters that claim to keep your air clean for two or three months, don’t count on those guarantees. Change your filters at the same time each month so that you can keep on a consistent schedule. Vacuum and mop your floors once a week. Also, use a damp cloth to wipe down the tops of doors and windowsills. If you are the allergy sufferer in your home, either get someone else to do this dusty, dirty work for you or wear a dust mask for protection. Do not allow anyone to smoke in your home. As you take care of these essential items throughout your home, you will need to think about which room you want to start seriously working on in your quest to rid your home of allergens. For most people, the bedroom is the best place to start simply because we spend so much time in this room. The first thing you should look at is your flooring. If at all possible, remove the carpeting and replace it with hardwood or laminate flooring. If this simply isn’t possible, make sure you vacuum your carpet at least once a week. Five Tips for Keeping your Bedroom Allergen Free: Hang curtains and blinds that are washable so you can easily clean them each week. Keep your windows closed at all times. Don’t let pets in your bedroom. Remove as much clutter as possible from your bedroom. You want to remove as many items as you can that collect dust, so remove any small knickknacks, stuffed animals, books, or magazines and store them away in a drawer or storage chest. Use dust mite-proof covers on your pillows and mattress, and make sure that you wash your sheets and comforter at least once a week. If it is within your budget, you might also want to consider having double-paned windows installed throughout your home. These are excellent for preventing moisture buildup, which will help you to keep mold from developing in your home. By Jamell Andrews

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Understanding Adult ADHD and Children ADHD

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:51:00 +0000

The first thing to understand about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is that it is a neurobiological condition. After depression, ADHD is the second most common mental health disorder in adults, affecting about 5% of the United States population. Interestingly, approximately 60% of children who are diagnosed with ADHD continue to have the disorder as adults, so it is typically not a disorder that just goes away over time. With much research having been conducted over the past several years, scientists now believe that ADHD is largely a genetic condition. It is estimated that as many as 85% of people who have this disorder inherited it from one or both parents. Understanding the Symptoms The symptoms are actually not that different between childhood ADHD and adult ADHD. Hyperactivity Inattentiveness Impulsiveness These are the three dominant symptoms that are present in both children and adults with ADHD, but the symptoms do not generally manifest themselves in quite the same way with adults. With adults, inattentiveness actually becomes the biggest issue. It becomes a more dominant symptom than it is with children, particularly for women. Hyperactivity is a symptom that is often felt by adults with ADHD, but the difference between this symptom in adults versus children is that adults are not as likely to actually act on the feeling. Whereas children may be practically bouncing off the walls when they are feeling hyperactive, adults realize that this type of behavior is unacceptable for them, particularly when they are in the workplace or around others. Diagnosing ADHD The criteria are essentially the same for diagnosing adults and children with this disorder. In diagnosing adults accurately with ADHD, health care professionals have to determine the presence of four specific elements. It must be determined that your symptoms actually stem from ADHD and not some other, possibly temporary problem. You must have at least six out of nine hyperactivity or impulsive symptoms, as well as six out of nine inattentive symptoms that health care professionals look for. You have to actually be suffering from impairment due to your symptoms. In other words, if you are consistently underperforming or engaging in impulsive activities at work, at home, or even socially, then you will be far more likely to be positively diagnosed with ADHD. If you are not really suffering from symptoms that are impacting your daily life, your diagnosis would likely be related to some other type of issue. Lastly, your health care practitioner will ask you extensive questions about your childhood in order to determine if you have ADHD. As previously mentioned, ADHD begins in childhood; it is not a condition that simply manifests itself in adults without a prior history of the disorder. Even if you were never officially diagnosed as a child, you might still be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. It is quite common for the symptoms of this disorder to be misdiagnosed as something else altogether, even in childhood. If you routinely suffer from any of the symptoms described in this article and you are concerned that you might have ADHD, consult with your doctor for a complete evaluation. Remember to do more research on this subject and learn what it is truely about, then decide if you or the person you love in your life may need testing. By Jamell Andrews

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Soy and Health Issues in Children

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:30:37 +0000

Many people have turned to soy alternatives in the belief that these foods and beverages are healthier for their children. However, consistent research over the past several years has indicated that soy products may ultimately cause more harm than good. A large factor contributing to the health dangers presented by soy is the fact that so many soy based products are processed. Soy milks, soy burgers, soy cheese, soy ice cream, and any other processed type of “healthy” junk food should all be avoided by people of every age. However, the dangers that soy products pose for children, particularly infants, is the most serious health issue facing us. Some studies have produced results indicating that soy contains glycosides of daidzein and genistein (plant based chemicals) that strongly resemble estrogen. These chemicals contain hormonal and non-hormonal components, and the concentrations of them that appear in products such as soy infant formula and soy milk are 13,000 to 22,000 times higher than estrogen found naturally in the blood. Infants that consume soy based products are consuming estrogen at a rate that is six to eleven times higher than adults who consume soy foods. Toxins found in Soy Manganese Nitrosamines Phytic acid Protease inhibitors Soy lectins Soyatoxin These toxins are even found in soy products that are marketed as organic. It is also important to be aware of the fact that many farm animals are fed some type of soy in their diets. When purchasing chicken or beef, make sure you read labels carefully in an effort to try to determine what type of diet the animal was fed. If at all possible, try to purchase your meats from a trusted market that specializes in all natural or organic products. These stores will be much more likely to have products that carry labels listing the product’s origins. If labels don’t clearly specify the type of diet the animal was fed, ask someone in the meat department if they can provide you with the information. How Soy Affects Children Phytoestrogens have been linked to early sexual development in girls and boys. In some girls, breast development is occurring prior to the age of eight. In boys, the presence of estrogen inhibits the normal development of testosterone. During the first three months of a baby boy’s life, testosterone actually surges through the body in a normal process during which many male characteristics become programmed into the brain. This natural process ensures that boys have certain behaviors and characteristics once they reach puberty, so it essentially defines male behavior as it is supposed to be. If the testosterone’s natural processes are inhibited by the presence of estrogen, the normal male behaviors and characteristics may not develop properly, and in some cases may not develop at all. Basically, feeding your infant soy products is equivalent to giving him or her hormone replacement therapy medication or birth control pills. In fact, researchers have discovered as much as 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in infants who consume soy products than in those who are fed traditional formulas. By Andrew Van Vooren

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How to Find the Right Preschool

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:01:33 +0000

Finding the right preschool for your child can be a challenge. With a variety of different options to choose from, parents can easily become overwhelmed when trying to decide which type of program would be the most suitable for their child. There are essentially four education models that preschools use, but do keep in mind that different schools sometimes incorporate some unique elements into the design of their curriculum. Because of this, it is essential that you take the time to thoroughly investigate each preschool that you are considering sending your child to so that you will have a clear understanding of the school’s philosophy and style of teaching. Preschool Education Models The “Developmentally Appropriate” Model focuses on the individual needs of each child. It is based on children’s ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, abilities, and skill levels. The overall experience that each child has in a preschool that follows this philosophy is a culmination of his or her interactions with other children that may have different or special needs. Teachers in these schools must ensure that each child receives the attention that he or she needs, while also maintaining a sense of unity throughout the classroom. The High Scope Model places an emphasis on sorting and classification, and the proper use of space and time. A main teaching emphasis is on building individual skills, so activities are usually focused on encouraging children to play games that will help them to learn colors, sizes, or shapes. Emotional and social development is not emphasized in this type of learning environment, so if this is important to you, another type of preschool might be a better choice. Montessori schools can be found that are built around a variety of different concepts. When looking at these types of schools, you should engage the school’s director in a face to face conversation so that you can ask questions about the school’s overall teaching philosophy. This will also allow you to get a feel for the school’s environment. In these schools, children are thought of as being independent learners; so of course, individual independence is highly stressed in these preschools. The Reggio Emilia Model stresses the interaction between teachers and children. Teachers in these schools take an active interest in listening and talking to the children they teach, and they emphasize student exploration when it comes to learning. Artistic development is considered to be very important in these schools, so children are encouraged to engage in projects that are sparked by an interest they have. Things to Look For Aside from trying to find a preschool that will provide your child with the type of learning environment and teaching philosophy that you are comfortable with, you also need to carefully examine the school’s director, the teachers, and the classrooms in order to be able to make the best possible decision. When children are preschool age, the most important thing to look for is the amount of direct interaction your child will have with his or her teacher. This type of communication is far more important to children of this age than having computer access or too much time spent alone. By Cyndra Neal

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Preparing for Your Child Becoming a Teenager

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:38:28 +0000

As adolescents, children are attempting to acquire the skills they will need in order to achieve independence as adults. This is the time that they become their own person and create their own group of friends, and this period of transition is typically quite difficult. While some children seem to breeze through their teenage years without a care or problem in the world, the majority of them struggle daily with a variety of different issues. As a result of these struggles, adolescence is usually very stressful for both parents and children. It is important for parents to realize that there are certain things their children will be going through and to try to prepare in advance for this challenging transition. Start Early If you are a parent, you shouldn’t wait until your child is about to become a teenager to try to prepare yourself or your child for this uniquely difficult period of time. You need to start early in your child’s development in order to create what will hopefully be a much smoother transition from childhood to adolescence. Some of the things you can do in an effort to create a better teenage experience for your child include the following: Allow a degree of independence, but make sure that it is appropriate for your child’s age Teach essential responsibility concerning chores around the house and how to take care of personal items Stress the importance of always thinking before acting Let your child know very early in his or her life that there are always limits applied to things that we do in life, and that these limits must be accepted Make sure your child always feels safe, loved, and appreciated at home Encourage your child to talk to you about the things going on in his or her life, and express a genuine interest in these discussions Try to create a general home atmosphere of trust and honesty, and make sure that your child shows respect for you (and other adults); you must also show respect for your child, as well While none of these tasks are simple or quickly accomplished, they are all reasonable goals, but you must begin working on these things when your child is very young. If you wait until he or she is ten or twelve years old to start trying to incorporate these ideas into your relationship, you will probably not be as successful with establishing the type of relationship you would really like to have with your child once the period of adolescence has begun. Learn to Talk to Your Child This might seem like an obvious statement, but the reality is that many parents do not develop relationships with their children that foster open communication. This is actually one of the most important components in trying to maintain a healthy relationship with your child during adolescence, so it is critical that you begin to create a spirit of open communication with your child early in his or her development. If you spend some quality time with your child every day to talk, you will be able to let your child know that you value your relationship and that you are always going to be there if your child needs to talk about something. This can go a long way towards ensuring a better adolescent experience for all of you. By Jamell Andrews

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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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My Baby Has Reflux – Now What?

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:54 +0000

By Cyndra Neal You’ve just come back from your pediatrician with a diagnosis of reflux for your baby and a prescription for an acid reflux medication in your hand. Now’s the time to do some research into the different types of reflux medications prescribed for infants, how they work and are they safe for your infant. Your prescription is most likely for an antacid, H2 blocker or a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). The antacids such as Maalox or Mylanta neutralize acids while the H2 blockers and the PPIs suppress the production of acid in the stomach. H2 blockers include: Tagamet (cimetidine) Pepcid (famotidine) Axid (nizatidine) Zantac (ranitidine) Cells in the stomach lining called parietal cells are stimulated in a number of ways to produce acid. One of these methods is through the chemical histamine2 which signals the stomach to make acid. H2 blockers also referred to as H2-receptor antagonists suppress acid production by blocking the signals of histamine2 to the parietal cells. Proton pump inhibitors work in a different way by completely blocking the production of acid. A molecule in some cells of the stomach, pump acid into the stomach by taking a non-acidic potassium ion out of the stomach and replacing it with an acidic hydrogen ion. The more hydrogen ions in your stomach, the more acidic the stomach becomes. PPIs stop the secretion of acid into the stomach by stopping the action of the proton pump. PPIs include: Aciphex (raberprazole) Nexium (esomeprazole) Prevacid (lansoprazole) Prilosec (omeprazole) Protonix (pantoprazole) Histamine blockers and PPI’s work on different phases of acid production. Histamine blockers work on the beginning stages by blocking one of the first stimuli for acid while PPI’s result in greater suppression of acid by inhibiting the final step of acid secretion. H2 blockers begin working within an hour but only are effective for about 12 hours. PPI’s work for a longer period of time, usually up to 24 hours, but take longer to start working and the effects can last up to 3 days. Another group of medicines that were extremely popular prescriptions for infants are called prokinetic agents. These worked by helping move out the stomach contents quickly and tighten the lower esophageal sphincter so stomach acid would be less likely to wash back up into the esophagus. Propulsid and Reglan which fall into this category were found to have dangerous side effects. Propulcid is now no longer used due to deaths associated with it and Reglan has shown to have an increased risk of neurological side effects in children. Most commonly prescribed for infants today are Zantac (H2 blocker) and Prevacid (PPI). Both are strong drugs and although well tolerated by most children, can produce side effects as well as drug interactions. Renowned pediatrician and author Dr. Greene writes about Zantac on his website: “I’ve begun to hear about doctors who prescribe Zantac for almost any fussy baby. This is unwise. While side effects are uncommon, this is a strong drug that alters the normal secretions of the cells of the stomach wall. I agree with thoughtful use of Zantac. It should not be dispensed like candy.” Many babies will find relief with a few lifestyle adjustments or natural remedies: Feed babies in an upright position. Elevate the head of your baby’s bed by 30 degrees. Feed more frequently with smaller amounts. If you are breast feeding, try avoiding certain foods such as caffeine, garlic and chocolate. Slouching in an infant seat can encourage reflux by causing compression of the abdomen. Try to burp your infant several times during the feeding – it will help minimize gastric pressure. Natural remedies without baking soda can help safely reduce reflux that can also be caused by gas due to improper feeding techniques or milk and formula intolerance. A certain amount of spit-ups are normal for infants as the digestive system is maturing. If your child is suffering from GERD or severe acid reflux, prescription drugs may be needed but some pediatricians use reflux meds as a way to placate the parents. Making sure that you are an informed participant in the treatment of your child can make all the difference in your baby’s health.

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Homeopathy for Children

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:44:37 +0000

First introduced in 1796, homeopathy is an alternative type of medical treatment that uses diluted formulas that are believed to create effects within patients that are very similar to the symptoms that are present in that individual. These non-traditional remedies are prepared by a process known as serial dilution, which involves a series of steps to dilute the substance of a particular solution, followed by forceful shaking. Homeopathic practitioners refer to the dilution process as potentization. When homeopathic professionals diagnose an individual, they look beyond the person’s current physical symptoms. They also analyze the patient’s psychological state and overall physical condition. This complicated process helps them to adequately determine which remedy is most appropriate for the individual. The essential belief behind the practice of homeopathic medicine is that when a person is sick, his or her life force is experiencing disturbances that have resulted in an illness. Homeopathic medical practices are thought to relieve those disturbances, putting the sick individual’s life force back in balance. A large number of childhood illnesses can be treated quite effectively with homeopathic methods. Traditionally, homeopathic medical treatments are those that are prepared from minerals, vegetables, and herbs, are completely non-toxic, and have no side effects. Homeopathic remedies are typically administered in very small doses, which helps to eliminate any possibility of harmful side effects. Historically, homeopathic medicine has proven to be much healthier for our children. These types of treatments do not cause digestive distress, do not negatively impact the immune system, and do not cause allergic reactions. They are even safe for children to take on a long-term basis without resulting in the development of other health problems. Homeopathic medicines have proven to be effective in treating a wide variety of childhood ailments, including: Colic Dysentery Epilepsy Fungal infections Gastritis Headaches Teething pain Vomiting It is possible for parents to select homeopathic remedies for treating their children, but before doing so it is important that they understand exactly how homeopathic treatments should be prepared. You can find all of the information you need to prepare such treatments in reputable books and guides, but you can also consult with your pediatrician for advice. Though all doctors do not advise using homeopathic medicines for children, there are a number of them who do advocate their use. When treating children with homeopathic medicine, you need to determine which symptoms seem to be the most serious. Once this has been determined, you can then choose the best treatment. For more serious illnesses, however, you should always consult a professional before treating your child. Remember that before you can properly treat your child for an illness, that illness must be diagnosed accurately. This is best done by your trusted pediatrician. If your pediatrician does not encourage or approve of your use of homeopathic treatments for your child, you might consider consulting a homeopathic specialist for evaluation. These practitioners will be better able to explain homeopathic medicine to you so that you will be better able to determine if this type of treatment is appropriate for your child. It is important that you understand how homeopathic treatments are supposed to work before you attempt to administer treatment to anyone. By Cyndra Neal

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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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The Declining Quality of Children’s Diets and What to do About It

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:44:47 +0000

According to the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, children between the ages of two and nine have diets that are less than desirable. This is an extremely important issue because poor eating habits that start early in life are likely to continue into adulthood, resulting in a host of health problems that might otherwise be avoided. Over the past few decades children in the United States have developed an alarming trend of eating junk food, being inactive, and becoming obese at very early ages. It is no longer uncommon to find children as young as four or five years old who suffer from high blood pressure or high cholesterol. While heredity is partly to blame in some cases, the vast majority of them are caused by poor diet and lack of exercise. How to Improve your Child’s Diet If you want your child to be healthy and have a greater chance of developing into a healthy adult, you need to take action now to change your child’s eating habits. The earlier you begin this process the easier it will be on both of you. Keep in mind that once a child has been allowed to consume whatever type of junk food they want for years it becomes much more difficult to try to get them to change. Start by introducing whole grains into your child’s diet and gradually try to eliminate most refined sugars. Two of the most important items to cut out of your child’s diet are sodas (both regular and diet) and fruit drinks. Beverages that contain artificial sweeteners are just as harmful as those that are full of sugar. They both contain a certain amount of chemicals and contribute to a variety of health problems. Try to get your child used to drinking water. To help with this process you might want to try introducing some flavored waters, but be careful that you don’t select those containing artificial sweeteners. You must become proactive when it comes to reading labels. Avoid foods that are high in fat, particularly saturated fats, and try to avoid trans fats entirely. If your family eats at restaurants or gets takeout a lot simply because of time constraints and convenience, try to make healthier choices. Instead of choosing fried foods, order something baked or broiled, or order a salad with fat free dressing. Get them Moving! Exercise is such an important component to our overall health. Children and adults need regular amounts of aerobic exercise in order to remain healthy. If your child isn’t interested in participating in sports at school, or if your child is too young to be in school yet, make an effort to get them active. Take them for walks everyday or play games in the backyard that will keep them moving. You need to try to structure your child’s day so that he or she isn’t simply vegetating in front of the television or computer mindlessly killing time. If you can’t get them motivated to become more active around the house, consider enrolling them in some type of activity such as karate, dance, or a little league team. You may have to try several different activities before you find one that your child really seems to enjoy, but if you keep at it you will probably find something that will hold your child’s interest and keep them active. By Cyndra Neal

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Teens and Bed-Wetting : Dealing With Diapers and Plastic Pants

Danica Hoppe — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:12:59 +0000

By Colin Ellison Being a teenager can be a stressful time in life. There’s the pressure of fitting in,preparing to get into college,going to prom,learning to drive. Now imagine if you also had to tell someone of the opposite sex that you have to wear diapers and plastic pants because you still wet the bed? Teenagers can be very cruel when it comes to people being different. I think it’s important for teenagers to be able to talk to other people with similar problems. There are many online support groups for various health problems and teenagers suffering from bed-wetting should take advantage of the many online health resources. You can also start an online support group if you want. Many older children,adolescents,teenagers,and adults deal with bed-wetting every night so there are a lot of people who would be interested if you do decide to start a bed-wetting support group. I think it would help if teenage celebrities(as well as adult celebrities) started talking about subjects such as bed-wetting-it would make it less taboo. I also think it’s important to be able to confide in people about this problem-whether a family member or relative,a teacher,or friend. Sometimes talking to people helps a great deal.. It’s important to be able to gauge the depth and quality of a person’s friendship. There are some people who are real compassionate and understanding. These people are very accepting of other people’s problems and they’re easy to confide in. If you feel you have friends of this nature and if you’re having difficulty coming to terms with wearing diapers to bed then you might want to consider discussing this with them. It’s important to remember one thing-there are plenty of people of all ages who wet the bed so the next time you’re getting ready for bed and putting on your diapers and plastic pants keep this in mind!

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Bullying Prevention Skills and Techniques for Children

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:27:46 +0000

By Mark Lakewood, CEO Child bullying is a big problem in our schools today. The main difference between child bullying today from the past is the nature of the bullying and the violence that occurs in the aftermath. Cyberbullying is becoming a popular and more destructive form of bullying than traditional bullying. More children today are bringing guns to school to seek revenge on others. Child bullying has been around and will probably remain for years to come. Unfortunately, we do not have the power to rid the world of bullying. The answer to the issue of child bullying rests within us, especially the victims of bullying. Victims of bullying are never responsible for being bullied. On the contrary, victims of child bullying have the power in themselves to think, behave, and react in ways that limits or eradicates bullying. As a society, we spend much of our energy identifying and punishing the bully that we fail to spend adequate time empowering the victims of child bullying. We should spend more of our energy on the things that we can control rather than the things that we have limited or no control over. We need to teach children about the power that they already possess. Let me elaborate on a few issues that parents should teach their children regarding bullying prevention. Let’s first talk about the characteristics of child bullying. Typically, bullies and their victims share the same characteristic – low self-esteem. It just depends on whether they internalize or externalize their feelings that will determine if they will become a bully or a victim of bullying. Typically, negative situations and events in the child’s life can trigger low self-esteem. Externalizing feelings can cause some children to become bullies as they attempt to control their environment to compensate for their lack of control in their family. For instance, if the parents of a child are divorcing and the child is very upset about the divorce, he/she might feel powerless in his/her ability to keep his/her parents together. As a result, the child might take out his/her rage on others for purposes of seeking control to compensate for his/her lack of control over their parents’ impending divorce. Given the same scenario (parental divorce), some children internalize their feelings by not talking or acting out how they feel. Instead, they become depressed and withdrawn feeling like a failure. Often, they develop a negative image of themselves and their physical appearance. They look at others and the world around them with shaded lens. When a bully validates this child’s feelings about him/herself, this child often reacts negatively to the validation because he/she feels the bully is correct in their interpretation. Often times, children with high self-esteem do not respond negatively to bullies because they already know that negative personal statements made by the bully are untrue and therefore are unworthy of attention. As human beings, our behavior, thoughts, and feelings are never dictated or controlled by others, situations, and events unless we allow this to occur. Simply said, others, situations, and events can trigger a reaction based on what we think. For example, if I do not want to go to work today and my car has a flat tire, I might experience happiness because I do not want to go to work. On the other hand given the same event (flat tire), I might want to go to work today to take care of some unfinished business. Because the flat tire might delay or eliminate my chances of getting to work, this situation might cause me anger. How could the same event in both situations cause two different feelings? It was not the event at all that triggered the feelings. It was what I thought about the event that triggered my feelings. Therefore, manipulating the way we think can alter how we feel. We have the power to take ownership and control over our thoughts. We however have limited or no control over specific events, situations, and the behavior of others. Sometimes, we attempt to control events, situations, and others but become frustrated when our attempts fail. Now, how does the paragraph above apply to the issue of bullying prevention? The main goal of bullies is to get their victims to experience fear, anger, or sadness. Once their victim demonstrates signs of these emotions via the words he/she says, body language, or actions, the bully has complete and total control over him/her. The bullying will continue until the victim no longer verbally and/or physically displays fear, anger, or sadness in response to the bullying. The bullying will end once the victim responds the opposite of what the bully expects. How do we get children to react the opposite of what the bully expects? This is where role-playing comes in handy. Parents should regularly sit down with their children helping them learn to react the opposite of what bullies expect. Often times, this task is much easier when the parent knows what hurtful words or phrases bullies say that makes their children feel fearful, angry, or sad. Using these hurtful words and/or phrases in role-plays will emotionally prepare children when they are approached by bullies. It is also important to teach children that they have the power to change or affect the agenda of bullies by the words they use. For instance, if a bully calls a child ‘stupid’, the child could defuse the bullying by stating to the bully, “That’s nice”, “How about that”, “Oh, well”, and so forth. The worst thing that the child could do is respond by telling the bully that he/she is stupid or make other negative statements. A negative response will only inflame the situation encouraging further bullying. In addition, parents should teach and role-play with their children specific forms of body language that differentiates a child with high self-esteem from a child with low self-esteem. Body language communicates feelings more so than spoken words. If a child yells at a bully stating that he/she is

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The History of Gripe Water

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:43:22 +0000

By J. Andrews Gripe water has long been a home remedy for the treatment of gastrointestinal discomfort, colic, and teething pain in infants. Gripe water was first developed in 1851 in England and the discovery was actually made by accident. William Woodward, an American who had spent several years being trained as an apprentice to a pharmacist, was working in a pharmacy in England when he adapted the formula that was commonly used to treat malaria patients. He did this simply because he had noticed the calming effect that the treatment had on babies with colic. Woodward’s original formula contained sodium bicarbonate, alcohol, dill oil, water, and sugar. Most of these ingredients have since come under great scrutiny by those in the medical profession, but at the time gripe water was considered to be something of a miracle drug. It became popular quickly with mothers of young children suffering from colic and other gastrointestinal disorders, and its use spread worldwide. Much of gripe water’s popularity was largely based on the recommendations of other people rather than on advertising. Despite the popularity of the original gripe water, however, it was banned in the United States in 1982 because it was regarded as a drug and was considered to be unsafe. It is important to note that the chemical composition of the original gripe water has changed over the years. Alcohol was eventually removed because the public began putting pressure on the manufacturer to do so, and sucrose was replaced with Lycasin, a sweetener that is not as likely to contribute to tooth decay. The original brand of gripe water is still in existence today, along with many other brands of gripe water that have been produced over the years that contain variations of the original formula. At first glance you might be tempted to believe that the different brands of gripe water are all the same, but nothing could be further from the truth. There are some things you need to understand about the different types of gripe water before you choose a brand to give to your child. Colic and Gripe Water Though colic is a condition mentioned often by mothers of infants, there is no exact known cause of colic, nor is there a clear definition to explain exactly what colic is. Over the years, however, it has been generally accepted that colic is related to gastrointestinal distress as experienced by babies. It is usually diagnosed after an infant has cried for at least three hours per day for at least three weeks. Even though it isn’t clearly understood why gripe water works so well in the treatment of colic, the overwhelming evidence over the years suggests that it is, indeed, an ideal treatment. It is also believed to be an excellent treatment for teething pain and hiccups. In fact, many pediatricians recommend the use of gripe water for babies who are suffering from traditional colic symptoms. It is important to get your pediatrician’s recommendation regarding any type of medication before giving it to your child. Today, gripe water can be found worldwide in a variety of different formulations. It can be found in some countries on store shelves and it can also be purchased online. You must be careful when purchasing gripe water, however, because some of the formulations being sold could be dangerous for your child. What to Look For When searching for the right gripe water for your baby, you need to focus on the brands that are strictly homeopathic. Look for brands that are endorsed by the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, or HPUS. You should also ensure that the gripe water you choose meets FDA standards for purity and quality. If a product does not disclose all ingredients on a label, then you would be wise to steer clear of it. There are some basic ingredients that you should avoid when purchasing gripe water. Alcohol Dairy Essential oils such as dill seed and clove Extracts such as fennel and ginger Gluten Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) Soy Sugar The gripe water that you choose should be allergen-free and completely natural. It should also cause no side effects in your already unhappy infant. The best gripe water brands should contain ingredients that have been proven in clinical studies to provide relief for certain symptoms that are related to colic, and they should also be known to be safe and effective. In addition to being familiar with the ingredients that you should avoid when choosing a brand of gripe water, you also need to be familiar with some of the safe, healthy ingredients you should look for. Aloe – Helps to relieve gas, bloating, and cramping. Blackthorn – Helps to relieve abdominal cramps, pressure, and pain. Caraway – Relieves indigestion, gas, and heartburn. Chamomile – Relieves irritability, anxiety, and nerves. It can also help with insomnia and general restlessness due to the discomfort that goes along with traditional colic symptoms. Fennel – This is a centuries old treatment for relieving cramps, indigestion, and gas. It can also provide pain relief. Ginger – Long known for its medicinal qualities, ginger naturally soothes gastrointestinal distress and is also a good treatment for nausea. Lemon balm – A calming herb used to reduce stress and anxiety, promote good sleep, and relieve gas. Peppermint – A digestive aid that has been used for centuries to help relieve nausea and intestinal problems. It is also recommended for the treatment of acid reflux. Vegetable Carbon – Helps to rid the body of toxins and also provides relief from gas pain, cramping, and indigestion. Learning about the history and benefits of any type of medicinal supplement is an important part of choosing the safest, healthiest options for your child. If you take the time to properly research products before giving them to your child, you should be able to feel confident that you have chosen a product that will be safe and effective, and will not produce any harmful side effects that

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Math Anxiety: Are You Passing Yours On To Your Child?

Danica Hoppe — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:58:05 +0000

by Donna Verry Dee Karen Greenburg of Mesa Arizona hated math as a child and she sees history repeating itself with her daughter, Angela. “She’s very frustrated with math,” says Greenburg of the second-grader. “She mostly dislikes doing drills and timed tests. I think I may have passed that on to her through my poor attitude about it. I have been known to say, ‘I don’t understand why they have to memorize math facts and take timed tests.’ I think she has picked up on that and uses it to her advantage.” Beverly L. Stewart, educational consultant and owner of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics in Wilmington DE, agrees that a parent’s own negative attitude toward math can hamper a child’s progress. “Parents with math phobias absolutely pass on those feelings and thoughts to their children. It is such a shame and often the parent does not realize they are doing it.” When Greenburg started hearing her own negative words coming out of her daughter’s mouth, she began exploring alternative ways to engage her daughter in math. Educational computer games and taking turns quizzing each other on the times tables are now popular pastimes at home. Through her college courses as an elementary education major, Greenburg has become aware of a growing array of math-based children’s literature which she plans to incorporate into their reading repertoire. Like Karen, many parents left math class with a sour taste in their mouth. According to Marilyn Burns, math education guru and author of Math: Facing an American Phobia , nearly two thirds of American adults fear and loathe math. So, what steps can math-challenged parents take to overcome their own anxiety and help their children become confident and successful math students? Play Math. Temporarily step away from the text books and worksheets that might have negative associations for you and your child. Get out some blocks, dominoes, a deck of cards or a pair of dice to practice math facts instead. Teresa Smolinski, a technical artist who specializes in art for math text books, and her husband, an illustrator and photographer who struggled with math, were determined that their two daughters would be strong math students. When the girls were little, mealtime included counting food and making math equations out of Cheerios. On the road, they’d have the girls looking for and counting red cars or yellow signs. They’d send them on number-themed scavenger hunts. “We’d give them a list and a bag and they’d have to go out and find 3 yellow flowers, 2 small rocks, 5 leaves, etc.” When one of the girls had trouble memorizing the times tables, Teresa would choose a problem and playfully post it all over the house on sticky notes – on the ceiling over her bed, on the bathroom mirror, everywhere she looked. “I’d just do one problem at a time so she could master it without feeling overwhelmed,” says Smolinski. Now, as teenagers, the girls are successful math students and have even started their own business. Watch Your Words As Karen Greenburg learned from her daughter, children can pick up on a parent’s negative attitude and use it to justify and reinforce their own struggles. Kelly Stettner and her husband John, of Springfield Vermont, are homeschooling their 10 year old daughter. Since Kelly was never successful at math, John has taken the lead in teaching this subject. Kelly is careful not to let her daughter pick up on her math anxiety. “I tell her how awesome it is that she’s doing this stuff, and not how I hated math or was lousy at it. I tell her I didn’t have the terrific teacher that she has — so I didn’t learn the things she is learning.” Emphasize Math in Daily Life Whether you like it or not, you still use math every day. As you plan meals, pay cashiers, figure tips or keep score during games, stress to your children that math skills are a practical necessity that help us get through the day, not a bothersome class designed to torture them. When choosing math classes in high school, consider ones that deal with everyday math situations. Librarian Paula Laurita has traveled the United States giving lectures on literature, library programs, technology and the Holocaust. She and her two sons have all endured serious struggles with math. But keeping it related to real life has helped them. When the boys reached high school, Laurita had them take consumer math instead of pre-calculus. “It was more important for them to learn how to balance a checkbook and evaluate interest rates on loans.” Get Curious If math is a mystery to you, try to solve it. Approach math problems like a hunt for hidden treasure. Inspired by her daughter’s success, Kelly Stettner decided to teach herself some basic statistics. “If she can do this sort of math, I just needed to adopt her fun attitude and learn to ‘speak’ math,” says Stettner. It worked a bit. At least I got over my self-imposed rule that I’m lousy at math.” Ellen Levinas, a Certified Master Virtual Assistant and owner of The Sample Bag website, also faced her math fears. “As I got older and went back to school to finish my degree in business, I had to take math again. I still hated it. But as an adult, I managed to understand why I hated it so much when I was in elementary school and high school. Patience is the number one factor in trying to understand any math problem, and as a child, like most children, patience isn’t something that I had. The second time around, as an adult taking math, I understood that one must completely understand why a formula will work out or why not. This enabled me to talk to my children about patience in doing math problems with a deeper understanding.” Outsource It If you truly are unable to help your child with math homework, find someone who can. Hire a

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21 Days To Back-To-School Bliss

Danica Hoppe — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:00:55 +0000

By Susan Kruger Tips for getting your school-year off to a relaxed and productive start. Gearing up for back-to-school can be a bit overwhelming; there is a lot to do, a lot of transitions to navigate, and often a sense of blues as the realization that summer has, once again, gone by too fast. However, you can easily turn back-to-school anxieties into positive anticipation for a great school year with the following action plan. Plug these steps into your calendar right now and see what a different they can make! One Week before School: Week of Preparation Day 1 (seven days before school): Ease into a “school” bed-time schedule. Slowly transitioning into a “school” sleep schedule ensures proper rest and encourages a positive attitude towards going back to school. Day 3: Create a place for everything, so everything will be in its place. Designate one basket for each child to store his shoes, bookbags, and jackets. Give each child a container filled with standard homework supplies that can be transported from, for example, the kitchen to the computer room. Finally, establish a place for each child to store extra papers from school -a section of your file cabinet or a designated box under his bed. Day 4: Purchase supplies. Keep the supplies minimal and simple. Fancy folders and notebooks are bulky and hard for students to use. The best system to use is a one-inch binder with a plastic folder for each class, keeping all folders in one place. Day 6: Set goals with your children. Help your children look forward to the new school year by having each person (including you) share at least two goals for the new school year: one academic goal and one “fun” goal. First Week of School: Week of Routines Day 7 (night before school): Have a “Sunday Night Meeting” every week! Each member of the family should grab their planners/calendars for a 10-15 minute “meeting.” Ask your children what they have scheduled for the week (such as sports practices), share your plans for the week (children like to know what to expect, so tell them if you will have a late night at the office or will have to attend a meeting at school), arrange rides home from after-school activities, etc. Your week will be much less chaotic because everyone will be on the same page! Day 8: Establish a routine for papers that need your attention. Purchase magnetic clips for each child and post them on the refrigerator. Have your children clip papers here that you need to fill out, sign, etc. (Expect to spend four hours filling out back-to-school papers this week.) Day 10: Get ready for school at night, before you go to bed. Avoid chaotic mornings and forgotten school supplies by having everyone pack up their homework, bookbags, lunch/lunch money, etc. before they go to bed. They should also set out their clothes, shoes, and jacket at night, too. Day 11: Is everyone using their school planners? All students need to use a homework planner! Check planners every night until they are part of everyone’s routine. Day 12: Clean out bookbags once a week. Cluttered book-bags are the root cause of lost assignments and must be cleaned out regularly. (The Sunday Night Meeting is another good time to do this.) Second Week of School: Week of Cooperation Day 14: Hold your second “Sunday Night Meeting” of the school year. Day 15: Give each child a choice about something today. The more you can give your children choices, the more cooperation you will get from them, especially when doing homework. Some choices may include giving two options for dinner or two different times to do their homework. When you give choices -and honor their choices- your children feel empowered and will be much more cooperative. Day 18: Catch your children being good today! Improve cooperation by giving compliments to your children. Keep them specific and succinct (most children are embarrassed by mushy-gushy compliments). For example, “Thank you, Kristen, for coming home and starting your homework right away. I appreciate that.” Positive praise works wonders! Day 21: Give yourself a break! Congratulations, you have survived the first two weeks of school and you are well on your way to a happy, productive school year. Celebrate by scheduling some time for yourself. You deserve it! (c) 2008 Susan Kruger, All rights reserved. You are free to reprint/republish this article as long as the article and byline are kept intact and all links are made live. Susan Kruger, M.Ed. is a Certified Teacher and the author of the book SOAR(r) Study Skills. Her exclusive Homework Rx(r) Toolkit at http://www.soarstudyskills.com/toolkit/index.html includes “25 Ways to Make Homework Easier…Tonight!”, Homework Scorecard, Homework Inventory for Parents and a free subscription to the Homework Rx(r) eNewsletter to help you and your child enjoy homework success.

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The New Colic

Danica Hoppe — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:28:47 +0000

By Cyndra Neal Colic. That word strikes fear into the hearts of new moms and pediatricians everywhere. Although theories abound, very little is known about colic. It comes on as mysteriously as it disappears. Parents inundate pediatric offices and emergency rooms, sure that something is seriously wrong with their infant. Some pediatricians send the parents home with only assurances that their baby will grow out of it. But a disturbing trend is developing among many pediatricians to diagnose colic symptoms as acid reflux and to prescribe Zantac, Prevacid or other acid reflux medications without doing any diagnostic tests. Many pediatricians prescribe acid reflux medications as a test for reflux. Some mothers report their pediatricians prescribed acid reflux medications over the phone without even seeing the infant. The parents are happy because they have something to possibly alleviate the obvious pain their baby is suffering. The pediatricians are happy to be able to prescribe something that might help. The pharmaceutical companies are certainly happy. And the baby…well the baby could still be suffering from colic as well as the added side effects (restlessness, constipation) of the acid reflux medications. The baby may now be prescribed other medications to help counteract the side effects. Dr. Linda Palmer, author of Baby Matters, writes: “Since the development of new expensive drugs for gastric acid reflux, most crying babies are diagnosed with GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease and prescribed the new proton pump inhibitor drugs such as Prilosec and Prevacid. Parents usually find that these provide little help, if any. Current studies reveal that there is great randomness to the symptoms used to diagnose GERD, that while the drugs will reduce acid in the stomach and esophagus they do not reduce baby’s colic symptoms or other symptoms, and that GERD drugs increase intestinal infections and pneumonia. While the GERD diagnosis and prescription of these drugs is lucrative, it sadly steers parents away from finding real solutions for their baby.” Certainly, acid reflux in various forms such as Ger (Gastro Esophageal Reflux), Gerd (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and Silent reflux can be part of colic and acid reflux prescription medication can help. Some babies may even suffer from an underdeveloped esophageal sphincter and require surgery but there are tests to determine these problems which should be administered before prescription drugs. Even Celiac disease (sensitivity to gluten) can cause Gerd symptoms that, once diagnosed, can be helped by a gluten free diet. However, doctors are tracked by many insurance companies according to the number of tests they order and feel tremendous pressure to keep medical costs down. Diagnostics that may be seen as “unnecessary” may not be ordered. Reflux isn’t always caused by over-production of acid. Gas bubbles in the stomach caused by formula, breast milk or improper feeding can cause reflux by forcing the stomach contents back into the esophagus. Parents who take the time to educate themselves and are wary to use prescription drugs without proper testing should know there are natural, safe, homeopathic treatments with minimal side effects to help an infant’s immature digestive system cope with gas and the intense intestinal discomfort it can cause. For more information and support with acid reflux, a group called PAGER (Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association) may be helpful.

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What’s For Dinner? Strategies for Feeding Your Family

Andrew — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:21:28 +0000

By: Jackie Douglas A step-by-step guide featuring 6 practical strategies for busy families to implement successful meal planning. Do you walk in the door each night at five-thirty to a hungry, cranky family? Is it the first time all day you’ve had to think about what’s for dinner? Do you wind up eating peanut butter sandwiches way too often or eat out two to three nights a week because you don’t have the strength or energy to think about cooking? Believe me, I have been there. With two preschoolers and a baby on the way I have recently made the transition from stay-at-home-mom to working-mom due to the downturn in the economy. My family has gone through countless jars of peanut-butter and blue boxes of macaroni and cheese. Not that there is anything wrong with that; children can survive on peanut butter. However, this transition got me wondering if my new dinner-time crisis could be a contributing factor to our nation’s obesity crisis. If people don’t have time to cook, they hit the neighborhood café and fill up on copious amounts of calories. Thankfully, our family did not have the luxury of extra money to eat in such an unhealthy manner. Yet, I was shocked at how many of my new co-workers ate out more than they ate in. People who work typically don’t have time to plan a menu, make a grocery list, let alone find time to make it to the grocery store. My days of free afternoons surrounding myself with cookbooks, planning a dream menu for the week and spending hours at the grocery store showing off my adorably dressed toddlers were gone. I had to develop a system that would save time, save money, and save my children from another peanut-butter sandwich. I found inspiration in a cookbook written by Rosemary Brown, the wife of Jackson Brown who wrote “Life’s Little Instruction Book”. Her cookbook is called the “Big Kitchen Instruction Book”, a gift to me from my mother-in-law with a Home Economics Degree who has always been a home-maker. A second burst of inspiration came from www.flylady.net, a website devoted to “Finally Loving Yourself” (FLYing) which teaches systems to organize your home. The secrets I’ve learned there might help someone else in my situation and promote healthy families. This system will take an investment of time to set-up, but will pay off when family members moan, “yummy”. I suggest taking a Saturday afternoon to implement these suggestions. Give yourself a good three to six weeks to tweak your new system before you give up on it and quote one of America’s top executives Mary Kay Ash when she asks how executive women call their family to dinner, “kids… get in the car!” I’m not a fan of reinventing the wheel, so steal these ideas and make them your own. Step One: Gather all of your favorite cookbooks, recipe cards, and dinner ideas. A laptop with internet access is also wonderful; some of my favorite recipes come from www.foodnetwork.com. Grab a notebook and a pen and start making a list of everything you love and already know how to make. Top on my list would be tacos, hamburgers, my mom’s famous spaghetti sauce, fried tilapia, etc. If you are really new to cooking, you might want to implement the “If it’s Monday” Menu where you pick the same thing to eat every Monday night, Tuesday night, and so on. When I was working full-time and working on my Master’s degree our “If It’s Monday” Menu looked like this: Monday – Spaghetti, Green Salad, Fruit, Crusty Bread Tuesday – Taco Night, Mexican Rice & Refried Beans Wednesday – night off (we go to church) Thursday – Homemade Pizza and green salad, fruit Friday – Barbeque Chicken, steamed broccoli with cheese, Rice-a-Roni, dinner rolls Saturday – Tilapia or leftovers All of these meals can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Recipes are found below. It doesn’t matter what you make, it matters how you plan. Planning your menu is the first step in making this system work. Step Two: Choose a day of the week you will go to the grocery store. There are several reasons you need to choose a specific day; you will save money if you only go to the store one day a week, and it will force you to make a plan. The FLY Lady on www.flylady.net suggests Thursday. Wednesday is clean out your fridge day and menu planning day. Every Wednesday you will write out your menu for the following week, clean your fridge out and see what you already have. Write this as an unbreakable appointment in your calendar. Once you get used to it, it will take less time than driving to the nearest Applebee’s. Step Three: Make your menu and your grocery shopping list. You can find printable menu planning pages at www.organizedhome.com If you will create your menus in a spiral notebook or composition book, after four weeks you will never have to make another one again unless you want to. You need a calendar in front of you so you don’t plan a meal on a night you’ve been invited to a wedding. A simple menu might look something like this: Step Three: Create your shopping list. You will need your cookbooks or websites with the recipes to read the ingredients and make a list of everything you will need to create each dish. One of the tips that have saved me the most time is to make your grocery list according to how the items are laid out in the aisles of your favorite grocery store. Headings on your list might include the following; fresh produce, meats, frozen foods, cheese & dairy, frozen foods, breads, deli, snacks, staples, etc. It does not have to be fancy, just pay attention the next time you are at the store and try to remember where ingredients are located. When your shopping list corresponds to the layout of

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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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Why I don’t like parent education:

Andrew — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:15:39 +0000

By Evan Steele As a clinical social worker, psychotherapist, parent educator, and parent, I have had the opportunity to be on “both sides of the couch,” and observe the current state of parent education. The following are some thoughts about what help is available, especially as it relates to difficult (ADHD, ODD, etc) children. Parents aren’t teachers. The function of a teacher is to promote skills, competence, and growth. While a teacher may help a child emotionally or psychologically, their fundamental function is not to tend to emotional or psychological health. The most important tools therefore that a teacher utilizes are fairness, consistency, and competence. A parent, on the other hand, is responsible for emotional and psychological health. While a parent also promotes skills and competence, the psychological component is vital. Many parent training courses attempt to turn parents into teachers. They teach behavior modification and other limit setting interventions which are effective for promoting skills and competence, but do not address emotional and psychological health. When a teacher makes a behavior chart, s/he is addressing her primary function to promote skills and competence. When a parent does this, however, something is missing. I believe that many parents resist doing behavior charts because they instinctively feel that behavior charts do nothing to address the relational problem that their child is not connected to them sufficiently to be moved by the parental directive. Behavior charts are certainly good ideas and do improve behavior, but no parent dreams for their child that they will get 5 smiley faces and a candy. We do not hope and dream that our children will be compliant. We hope and dream that they will be psychologically well rounded and healthy. If I ignore, withdraw from power struggles, do behavior charts, send them to time outs, etc., I have withdrawn from my child. This may promote compliance, but I don’t want to withdraw from my child. I want solutions that are not just about withdrawing. Difficult children are different. Any parent of a difficult child has heard an earful from well meaning friends, relatives, and professionals. “If you’d only do x, y, or z, your problem would be solved.” To put it bluntly, they just don’t get it. What’s sad to say about many parent training courses is that they also just don’t get it. Oftentimes, the skills such courses focus on are basic parenting skills. The underlying message in teaching basic parenting skills to parents of difficult children is that if you would only have basic parenting skills, you wouldn’t have this problem. I believe that this is 100% (or close to it) wrong. To repeat myself, difficult children are different, and parenting them requires something other than basic parenting. The skills to parent a difficult child may not be fundamentally different skills, but they often need to be applied in a highly skilled, and therefore very difficult, manner. For example, a parent may find himself in a power struggle with his child, and the parent may realize quickly that it was a mistake to enter into the struggle. The parent may feel that to back down would be sending a message of weakness, so he may push the struggle and force the child to comply. With a “normal” child, this interaction may be unpleasant and cause bad feelings, but the child will likely give in and it will pass. With a difficult child, pushing the struggle will likely meet with more and more resistance, and it will end in a full scale blow up. The parent of a difficult child who has found himself in a power struggle therefore needs, in a matter of seconds or less, to be able to 1) calm his anger to be able to consider a skillful intervention, 2) think of how to walk away from the conflict without appearing to give in, 3) manage other family members who may have been dragged in, 4) attend to everyone’s safety (i.e. hitting or throwing objects), 5) think of a consequence that will be effective but not escalate the situation, 6) allow the child space to walk away with some ego/pride intact, and, not doubt, other things that I am forgetting. That requires more than the kind of clichéd advice that parents often get about active listening or spending more time with their children. No one hit wonders please. One therapist’s thing was time out. Another was play therapy. One book is all about compromise and conflict resolution. Another is about behavior modification. I’m smart enough to be able to learn from many sources, but when I pay a professional to help me with my family, I expect them to have more than one trick up their sleeve. The above interventions/approaches can all be effective, but they are never, by themselves, effective all the time in every situation. Parenting classes need to teach multiple approaches and interventions so that parents have different tools to use when one doesn’t work or seem appropriate. I appreciate that we live in a world of specialization, but families are complex, and they call for varied and complex solutions. They make it sound so easy. When parent educators speak about discipline and consequences, it all sounds so logical and simple. When parents get home, however, they often find that it just doesn’t work. This often leaves parents feeling badly about themselves and their parenting. Parents feel that the educators must be smarter and better suited to parenting than they. There’s a reason for this, and it’s not the fault of the parents. A basic principal in parenting is that logical consequences are more effective and produce better outcomes than illogical consequences. A logical consequence is one that flows directly from the (mis)behavior. For example, Johnny throws a toy at his sister. The logical consequence is that the toy is taken away. Johnny exceeds his time allotted for his desired activity (video game, TV, outside play, etc.), so he loses that amount of time (or more) next

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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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Play! The Sanity Saver For Tough Times

Danica Hoppe — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:33:41 +0000

By Eileen McDargh The opposite of work is not play. It’s depression. So states psychiatrist Stuart Brown in his new book, Play: How It Shapes The Brain, Opens The Imagination And Invigorates The Soul. Brown has conducted more than 6,000 play studies on what goes wrong when people do not play-studying everything from serial killers to career-driven CEOs. Given the current plethora of economic turmoil, negative news, layoff paranoia and growing unemployment lines, the notion of taking time to play sounds like a childish daydream. But if Brown is right, we could become a nation of stress-filled, hypertensive individuals who suffer far more than we need to and-at the very extreme-become downright dangerous to ourselves and others. Brown is not original in his assertion. Anacharsis, a 6th BCE philosopher insisted that we are to, “Play so that you may be serious.” Even in the Hellenistic world, play gave rise to scientists, writers, philosophers, and builders of great civilizations. If you consider that the task before us is to build rebuild our cities, our enterprises, and our global community, then play becomes the non-chemical stimulant for channeling stress into productive outputs. Play takes many forms. The trick is to find one that resonates with you. Consider these examples: 1. Give yourself permission to play. Put a play date with yourself on the calendar and treat it as sacred as the meeting with your most important client. Remind yourself that you’ll be refreshed and thinking more clearly if you play. 2. Find the play that best suits you. Start a Play diary, writing down moments of well-being. It might be something that occurred during the week. It might be as simple as walking the dog or as complex as taking an eco-adventure tour. It might be a romantic night with your best beloved or a sweaty 100-mile bike ride. Whatever it is-in the doing, you feel a sense of contentment and joy. 3. Pass play along. Encourage others. Make sure you’re not the driver who keeps employees chained to their desks but rather, lead the way. If you’re in a position to do so, create a Fun Friday where everyone takes a turn at coming up with something that evokes joy, laughter, and contentment. One organization forbade e-mail on Fridays between anyone in the building. Instead, messages were sent via a paper airplanes. Martin Buber, German Jewish biblical scholar believed that “play is the exultation of the possible.” Isn’t that what we all are looking for now-what is possible! Go play….so you might be serious. Since 1980, Hall of Fame speaker Eileen McDargh has helped Fortune 100 companies as well as individuals create connections that count and conversations that matter. Executive Excellence ranks her among the top 100 thought-leaders in leadership development. To hire Eileen to teach your leaders and staff Radical Resilience for these difficult times visit http://www.eileenmcdargh.com/program-radical-resilience.html (c) 2009, McDargh Communications. Publication rights granted to all venues so long as article and by-line are reprinted intact and all links are made live.

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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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Get Your Child to Listen the First Time!

Andrew — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:19:58 +0000

By Toni Schutta Shut the TV off. I said shut the TV off. I said SHUT THE TV OFF!! Does this sound familiar? Do you have to say things three or four times before your child finally complies with your request? Frustrating, isn’t it? You’re not alone. The biggest complaint that most parents have is that their child doesn’t listen the first time. There are lots of reasons why your child may not be listening the first time. Listed below are five reasons why kids tend to ignore their parents’ requests and solutions for turning the behavior around. These tips come from the online audio class, “Get Your Child to Listen the First Time!” which gives you 19 options for reducing your stress by getting your kids to listen the first time. Reasons Why Kids Ignore Parents 1. Parent error! Any statement that you make to your kids can either be said in a positive way or a negative way. The positive approach is likely to gain more compliance. Negative statements are more likely to alienate or irritate your child. For instance, you can say: Look what you just did! How many times do I have to tell you to take your shoes off at the door?! How would your child feel hearing this? Ashamed? Upset? Humiliated? Or you could say: Shoes stay on the rug. How would your child feel hearing this statement? Probably OK, right? Solution: Really examine the word choices you’re making. As often as you can, use positive communication when telling your child to do something. Strive to use positive phrases 95% of the time. 2. It’s hard to leave a desirable activity for an undesirable one. Let’s say your child is playing on the computer and you say Shut off the computer and come unload the dishwasher. Hmmmmm. Computer?? Dishwasher??? What do you think your child would rather do? Solution: Empathize with your child about how hard it is to leave an activity that s/he enjoys. Provide the child with a 10-minute warning, a 2-minute warning and then place your hand on the child’s shoulder and establish eye contact to move through the change of activity. Or have the child use a timer. Enforce a logical consequence if your child does not comply. 3. Stressors in the family. Health concerns, a pending divorce, a death in the family, adapting to a new school, or other problems could be causing your child extra stress. Many of these problems are beyond a child’s control and so s/he will try to take control back by being more “defiant” to a parent’s requests. Solution: Provide empathy. Your child is going through a tough time and responding with kindness and understanding will help your child more than “laying down the law”. You should still require your child to do what you’ve asked, but use a soft touch when you can. Provide extra hugs and allow the child to make choices in other areas. 4. Your child’s developmental age. The developmental tasks of separating from you and exerting power and control are more pronounced during different stages of development. Parents with children ages 3, 5, 11 and 13+ seem to experience the most difficulty. Solution: Don’t take this behavior personally. Create a mantra “like It’s developmental”. Say this mantra to yourself when your child is being defiant so you keep your cool and stay on task in getting the job done. 5. It works! Let’s say that you ask your child to pick up the toys off the floor so you can vacuum. Your child doesn’t pick up the toys, so you just clean up the toys so you can get done vacuuming. What has your child learned? Mom and Dad will mop up after me if I hold out long enough. Solution: Make sure that your child follows through with requests you make. Set up a consequence for noncompliance and follow through. Author: By Toni Schutta, Parent Coach, M.A., L.P. provides parents with practical solutions that work. Visit http://www.getparentinghelpnow.com/7mistakessignup.html to receive the free mini-course “The 7 Worst Mistakes Parents Make” (and How to Avoid Them!) The audio class, Get Your Child to Listen the FIRST Time is available at www.getparentinghelpnow.com

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Managing Your Child’s Anger: 9 Possible Triggers and Solutions for Coping

Andrew — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:59:39 +0000

By Toni Schutta Has your child thrown a tantrum lately, thrown toys across the room or hit a sibling? Odds are that s/he has! Children’s anger can be exacerbating for parents. After all, many adults still struggle with ealthy expression of anger, so dealing with a child’s anger can be doubly frustrating. When your child gets angry, take a step back and try to figure out what may have triggered the angry outburst? Many times, believe it or not, there may be a good explanation. Listed below are nine common triggers for a child’s anger outbursts and possible solutions to help your child calm down. The solutions may also provide ways to prevent the next meltdown. 1. Time of Day- Many children express more anger between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m., right when you get home from work and want to make dinner. Document what time of day is most troubling for your child. Parenting Advice: Take 15 minutes to sit down with your child and talk over his/her day before you begin making dinner. Give your child something relaxing to do while you make dinner. A healthy snack may also tide them over until dinner. 2. Abrupt Changes- Children crave routine and structure. They don’t like curve balls. Parenting Advice: At the start of the day, outline the day’s activities. Five to ten minutes before a change of activity will take place, tell the child what the change will be. i.e. In five minutes, you’ll need to put the toys away and go take a bath. When it’s time to leave you can take the child by the hand to get to the next activity. 3.Too much stimulation- Children may get over-stimulated from too many activities in one day or too much of one activity at a time. Parenting Advice: Try not to over-schedule. Plan down-time in every day. Avoid certain activities if your child is sensitive to stimulation. 4.Overtired- Most children need 10-12 hours of sleep a day to function best. Parenting Advice: Make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Develop a bedtime routine to prepare the child for bed. Allow for quiet times, even if your child doesn’t sleep. 5.Hurt Feelings Parenting Advice: Help the child identify the feelings and talk with you or another person about them. Teach the child to ask for what they need from other people. 6.Jealous Feelings Parenting Advice: Acknowledge that feeling jealous sometimes is perfectly normal and show your understanding. Try to focus on the strengths your child has and never compare siblings. Try to spend some time alone every day (or week) with each child. 7.Child Doesn’t Get Own Way Parenting Advice: Pick your battles. If it’s important to you (or to your child’s safety), stick to your guns. Apply a consequence if your child doesn’t comply and follow through. You can also allow the child two choices s/he can select from. This allows the child to feel some sense of control. If it’s not that important to you, let the child have what they want sometimes. You’re demonstrating to the child that s/he is a responsible person whom you can trust. 8.Not Sharing- This is a skill that takes years to master. Hang in there! Parenting Advice: Have your child put his/her favorite toy somewhere that others can’t reach, thereby avoiding arguments. Assigning an equal amount of time that each child can play with a toy can help, too. Giving the toy a time out so that neither child can play with it if they argue, can also work. 9.Too much energy Parenting Advice: Allow your child time each day to run and jump and let off steam in a positive way. Remember that expressing anger is healthy and normal, even for children. You can’t shield them from hurt feelings, but you can help by finding predictable patterns in your child’s outbursts and making adjustments that will cause fewer outbursts. Author: By Toni Schutta, Parent Coach, M.A., L.P. To receive the free mini-course “The 7 Worst istakes Parents Make and How to Avoid Them!) visit http://www.getparentinghelpnow.com

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Help Your Child Get Organized For School!

Andrew — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:37:38 +0000

By Susan Kruger Disorganization is the greatest complaint made by teachers and ranks as a very close second complaint from parents (rivaling fights and arguments over homework). Every teacher can tell stories about bright and intelligent students who are failing classes because they lack the organizational skills to keep track of their assignments. School counselors and psychologists talk about the huge caseloads of students that are referred to them for suspected learning disabilities, only to discover that a large percentage of these students simply lack organizational skills. It is a growing epidemic. There are two root causes of disorganization: too much “stuff” and no routine or system for managing the things students really need. Let’s first address the issue of too much “stuff” by considering the number of folders and notebooks that students are required to maintain for school. In most cases, teachers require a student to have one folder and one notebook for each class. Students typically have 6-8 classes at one time; this can mean 12-16 different folders and notebooks to organize, maintain, and juggle around between home, their locker, and class. Not only do they have to carry 12-18 different folders and notebooks at various times throughout the day, they are expected to use, store, and retrieve papers from them regularly. Let’s relate that to our lives, as adults… Imagine if you had 12-16 different email accounts to maintain. Imagine if you were expected to log into each account several times each day, respond to emails, and retrieve old/sent emails at the snap of a finger. Would you be able to remember which account was housing the information you needed? Would you even be able to keep up with the tasks and correspondence that came into each inbox everyday? Chances are that the thought of this scenario sounds absolutely absurd, pointless, and counterproductive. So is the scenario of our students carrying and maintaining 12-16 different folders and notebooks daily, even though it is a practice that is beyond common! No wonder students have a hard time bringing the correct folders, notebooks, and papers home everyday! The sheer volume of folders and notebooks (not to mention text-books and workbooks) then leads to the next set of problems… a messy book bag and lost assignments. A messy book bag is the culprit behind many problems, but especially missing assignments. I cannot tell you how many times I have completely exasperated parents complain that they saw -or even helped- their child do an assignment, only to learn that the assignment was never turned in. Every single time I hear this complaint, I peek into the child’s book bag and wouldn’t you know… it looks like a dumpster. Their problem is that they cannot find their completed assignments in the depths of their book bag. The first step in any organizing process is to eliminate the unnecessary items filling the book bag, including old papers, crusty lunches from two weeks ago, and anything else that is not strictly needed for school. Next, eliminate the volume of folders and notebooks. Yes, it is possible to condense students’ supplies… significantly! Try condensing folders and notebooks into one streamlined binder. Then, develop a routine for maintaining order in the book bag. Consider offering a small incentive to your child for cleaning it out daily. Following this routine will help your child retain the organization skills that he needs to be a success in school and in life. (c) 2009, Susan Kruger, All rights reserved. You are free to reprint/republish this article as long as the article and byline are kept intact and all links are made live. Susan Kruger of SOAR(r) Study Skills is a Certified Teacher with a Master’s Degree and the author of the book SOAR(r) Study Skills. Her exclusive Homework Rx(r) Toolkit at http://www.soarstudyskills.com/freestuff.htm includes “25 Ways to Make Homework Easier…Tonight!”, Homework Scorecard, Homework Inventory for Parents and a free subscription to the Homework Rx(r) eNewsletter to help you and your child get started on the path to success.

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Aw, Geez, Mom, Cut it Out! Good Parenting

Andrew — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:33:05 +0000

By Kristen Taylor Uh oh. I’ve become that parent. You know the one: I’m the mother who babies her growing children to the point of eye rolling and groaning; to the point where I’m embarrassing not only my kids, but myself as well. When our children are babies, we have the luxury of observing people with their older kids, and swearing that we’ll never commit the same goofy mistakes that are so easy to see in others. It turns out that those infractions almost impossible to avoid. Try good parenting? Last week, the kids and I were out to lunch, and while we were talking I noticed a whole lot of ketchup on my son’s face. Without announcing my intentions or even thinking about it, I took my napkin to his face and started swabbing. “Mom, once again, don’t just come at me with a napkin. It’s overwhelming.” If your kid talks like a thirty-five year old, he’s probably old enough to clean his own face. My daughter has been the victim of similar attacks, but even worse, they were committed with a spit-swabbed finger. “Mom, don’t wipe your spit on me! That’s gross!” Yes, indeed it is. But how do I help it? We spend the early years fulfilling our children’s every need, often before they even realize those needs themselves. Those patterns and habits are tough to break. Being a parent to a growing child makes for a constant struggle and inner dialogue that goes back and forth between, “Back off and let them handle it,” to, “Just get it done.” Sometimes it’s more efficient to do things yourself, rather than explain something patiently and supervise the process. And sometimes I don’t want to clean up the mess that will result in the kids doing things for themselves, or go through the three tries it might take. But obviously, there are times when I step over the line to complete dork, and that is when the kids have clearly grown up enough to handle certain things themselves. So I pledge right now that I am not going to be that mother, the one who sits next to her son at his wedding and cuts his steak for him. Or maybe I’ll just insist that he have the chicken Author Bio Kristen Taylor is a mother of two and owner of Juvie, an online boutique for preteens and tweens featuring the best girls clothing and boys clothing

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