(1) Do Not Always Say “Yes”

As easy as it might be to say “yes” every time a young child asks for things, resist falling into that habit. It is important that you only give your child things on your terms. It is crucial that parents always show, through words or actions, that they are the ones in control, not children, and to accomplish this in a positive, loving way.

(2) Serve Medicine With Ease

If your child has a condition that requires medicine, mix it into a sweet liquid. You can hide it in the child’s favorite juice, or just stir some sugar directly into the medicine. For eye drops, since children can never keep their eyes open, have them close the eye and apply a drop to the corner of the eye, then have them blink. When they open their eyes, you will see that the eye drop falls directly in.

(3) Soothe a Finicky Baby

To soothe a finicky baby, deck an essential oil, like lavender, on your neck near where the baby rests. The oil has a smell which should calm and soothe the child. The lavender can also run double duty in helping your baby fall asleep due to the calming properties of the oil.

(4) Toy Variety

Maintain variety in your toddler’s toys. Shift to toys that haven’t been played with in a while to prevent boredom, and use all the toys to his or her full potential. Children can become uninterested in a toy quickly, unless it’s a favorite. By rotating toys, your child will see them as new and exciting again when you reintroduce them. This will save you from having to buy more and more toys.

(5) Traveling

When you are traveling with young children, try to keep familiar routines intact, such as meals and bedtime. Small children and infants are often stressed out by traveling. However, if you follow their normal bedtime ritual no matter where you are, they are likely to have no problems sleeping.

As you should already be aware, raising a child is simultaneously the most difficult and the most rewarding thing you will ever do. Whether you are the parent of a newborn or already have several older children, there is an unending stream of questions and challenges when it comes to parenting. Try applying the ideas you have just reviewed to help you resolve your own parenting issues in a positive manner.

(1) Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is often the best option when dealing with children who are difficult or have repetitive behavior issues. Sometimes, these negative behaviors are just a way for children to express themselves. Many children are unsure of how to show their feelings properly. Helping your child find ways to express how they feel is one of the best things that you can do.

(2) Stay Involved

Always stay involved in your child’s life. You’ll find that most education professionals are more than happy to let you know what your offspring is experiencing in the hours he or she is away from you. Take advantage of the options that are available to you and stay active in your child’s schooling.

(3) Consistent Rules

You should give your children a consistent set of rules to follow. Clearly communicate the negative consequences associated with failure to abide by those rules. Establishing rules and setting limits shows them that you care and that you want them to do right. Not only do they encourage good behavior, rules can make the job of being a parent easier for both your significant other and you.

(4) Relationship Role Model

You and your spouse should foster a strong relationship. Children learn about relationships from the example set by their parents. This can help their childhood and their adulthood. You will be proud of the man that you have raised.

(5) Uniqueness

Each child is unique and has different needs and expectations. What works on one child may be completely ineffective on the next. This applies to rewards as well as to punishments. Regardless, keep in mind the techniques that were effective in the past.

(6) Share Time Evenly

If you are due to have another baby, realize that you will have to distribute your time evenly between the kids. It is often the child who cries the loudest that gets more attention. When you are aware of this already, you can avoid feelings of guilt.

(7) Healthy Eating

You can reinforce good eating habits by eliminating high-calorie snacks and junk food from your home. Your child probably won’t ask for junk food if you don’t have any around. Try reserving these special treats for events like Halloween and Christmas.

Getting knowledgeable advice is the best way to improve your parenting. Try applying the tips from this article and see how your child reacts. With time, you should gain confidence and know right away what is best. Becoming a great parent can be challenging, and it is important to succeed. You are better equipped to take on the challenge then you even realize.

During my last checkup, my optometrist blasted me a bit when he found out that I seldom wear sunglasses. I was told it is one of the known causes of cataracts, and, in fact, sun exposure is the No. 1 cause of eye disease.

Read more here.

p.s. Do not just buy sunglasses that are tinted plastic. Ensure that they have actual UV filtering. Investigate and read the fine print.

What I found interesting about this article in The Star is that it had real life examples from both sides of the fence. Some of the quoted parents, like I, preferred informal daycare, and others wanted more government operated facilities.

The bottom line for most families is that day care is expensive. Especially true if one of the parents has a lower paying job, as is common in industries like retail stores. I personally know a family where the lower earning parent makes $12.50 per hour, or $100 per day before deductions. In their community the best deal they have found, where they feel positive about the care provided, is $45 per day. That is about 1/2 of the one income. That is a large chunk, and the government’s $100 a month deal only covers 2 days a month, or about 10% of the cost.

Check out The Star’s article and let me know what you think.

Grandpa Richard

I know that times have been tough financially, and I wanted to pass on some helpful information that I thought you could use.

Two years ago Joy Anderson became a single mom. And wanting to stay home with her 3 young kids, she had to find a work-from-home job that would give her a full-time income. She considered running a home daycare, but she didn’t like certain aspects of running a home daycare business, like working 10-12 hours a day!

So she removed all the negative aspects about the business and created something I was totally blown away by! She only works 5 hours a day and makes a full-time income! And she only takes children ages 3-5. She says it’s the best job for stay-at-home moms because you actually spend quality time with your children WHILE you’re making money!

You’ve got to see what she does! Check out her story here: Joy’s Story

Plus, she’s put together some really cool videos (and even a CD she’s giving away for free) to teach you how to do it too!

So if you haven’t started your daycare yet because the whole process seems overwhelming,
or…
if you’ve started your daycare and you feel overwhelmed with the long hours you’re working every day, I whole-heartedly recommend you go check our her story here.

(NOTE: The above is an ad. I have not been paid a fee to place the ad here. If, however, you purchase anything from Joy, I may receive a commission, which then helps to pay the expenses of this website)

Have you ever made your checklist? Here are the baby-proofing items that should be at the must-have tippy top.

I recognize that we don’t all have hundreds of dollars in order to throw down the all-important childproofing budget gap. To help the security of the serious yet monetarily fainthearted, I’ve classified them into the “musts”, meaning that you should not care where you buy them, but good parenting requires them.

When you have more than 1 kid (or are easily distracted), consider the more distractions you have in your house, the more distractable you are, the more important your baby-proofing is.

The following (in order of importance) 9 baby proofing items you “must” have to maintain baby safe:

1 – A Good Gate: Even if you are living in a ranch-style home or even an apartment with no stairway, there will be rooms or areas you will not want your baby wandering into, so a good gate is completely a must-have babyproofing purchase.

2 – A Blind Winder: The number of children strangled every year due to dangling blind and also shade cords is devastating. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission lists cords as one of the “hidden risks” parent’s don’t think of. There are numerous inexpensive window blind winders out there, however if you have to by hand re-wind the cord right after every use, then chances are you won’t use it.

3 – Anti-Tip Anchors: If you have a climber (or probable climber) on your hands, furniture straps are a must. Whether it’s a dresser or a shelf, attach these heavy pieces of furniture on the wall with anti-tip band in order to avoid the furniture from tipping over.

4 – Fireplace Safety: Hard stone around the fire hearth can be very harmful with little ones around. Its sharp edges and rough stone corners can cut, as well as seriously hurt the tripping child. You have to choose one of the numerous good hearth bumper pads available in the marketplace.

5 – Corner Edge Bumpers: You can deal with the corners of your end-tables and coffee tables with corner and side guards. One-dimension-fits all because you minimize the foam to fit your particular table precisely.

6 – Outlet Covers: For used outlets with cords, you may buy a cover that may prevent your child from unplugging the cord and messing with the outlet. They are best for high-traffic areas where you will be plugging and un-plugging items frequently.

7 – Childproof Latches for Cabinets and Drawers: Drawer latches are also a must-have for childproofing your home. They’ll prevent your growing infant from hitting intact drawers with sharp or tiny items stored inside. Ideal for your kitchen, bathroom, or home office. Choose childproof latches that won’t allow your little one to get even a hand inside.

8 – Railing Net: Stair as well as railing nets may also be a must if your railing spindles are generally further than 2.5 to 3 ins apart.

9 – Bath tub Safety Items: Bath-time is always interesting for a growing baby. Keep it risk-free by using some of these little accessories.

• bathtub thermometer to gauge water temperature.
• bathtub safety rail to help the little one get in and out of the tub safely.
• faucet cover that will protect her little head from nasty bumps.

These are the most crucial baby safety gear items out there. Consider them as an crucial investment you will make in the years of growth and exploration still ahead of you.

About the Author: Bonnie M. Ryan is now writing for the designer baby bags web site, her personal hobby blog focused on recommendations to help mothers to get details to become much more eco-conscious and make their very own eco-friendly baby diaper bags.

Optometrists at routine eye examinations can detect vision and eye health issues which if left undetected could cause lasting problems, potentially affecting other areas of a child’s life. The Canadian Association of Optometrists encourages parents to take their children as young as six months for an eye exam and has the following tips for parents:

• 20-20 vision doesn’t necessarily mean healthy eyes. Research shows 98 per cent of Canadian optometrists have detected vision problems in children despite parents’ claims of 20-20 vision.

• A common misconception is that children need to be able to read in order to have their eyes checked. In fact, the Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends eye exams in infants by six months, at age 3, and annually from ages 5 to 19.

• Be alert for signs that your child could have a vision problem. If your child is losing his or her place while reading, rubbing his or her eyes or performing below his or her potential in school then take your child to their optometrist for an eye exam. For more information on signs and what to look for, visit www.opto.ca

• A review of your child’s health and vision history

• Tests for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, colour perception, lazy eye, crossed-eyes, eye coordination, depth perception and focusing ability.

Take your child to see an optometrist annually for a routine eye exam. Make your child’s first test an eye exam.

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About The Author

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(NC)—Parents searching for fun activities that will get the kids excited about exercising outdoors might be surprised to hear that learning golf might just be the ticket.

“Golf is a game that conditions young minds and bodies, teaching everything from accuracy to coordination, patience, sportsmanship and playing by the rules,” says Barry Wallis, experiential marketing manager and CPGA professional at Callaway Golf.

To get a solid basic knowledge of the skills and rules of the game, book a lesson with a golf instructor certified by the Canadian Professional Golf Association. CPGA instructors can be found at golf courses, driving ranges, through kids’ golf programs, and at many golf equipment retailers. To reduce the cost of lessons, get a few friends together and ask the instructor about a group lesson for a set rate.

According to Wallis, one of the best ways toget kids into golf is to sign up for a golf program tailored to children.

“One of the great kids’ golf programs available now is Callaway Golf for Kids, which gives children a chance to learn that golf can be an exciting sport to play at any age, and teaches them sporting values they can carry throughout their lives,” says Barry Wallis.

Through school- and community-based recreation modules, Callaway Golf for Kids gives kids the opportunity to learn what the game of golf has to offer on and off the course, including how playing golf can help develop character through understanding the subtleties of the rules and traditions of the game.

“No matter how they get involved in the game, golf is a game that can be enjoyed for life,” says Wallis.

More information about Callaway Golf for Kids can be found online at www.mrknickers.com.

www.newscanada.com

From the journal’s abstract …

A 2001 study revealed that $3.6 billion could be saved if breastfeeding rates were increased to levels of the Healthy People objectives. It studied 3 diseases and totalled direct and indirect costs and cost of premature death. The 2001 study can be updated by using current breastfeeding rates and adding additional diseases analyzed in the 2007 breastfeeding report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Further more …

The lives of nearly 900 babies would be saved each year, along with billions of dollars, if 90 per cent of U.S. women breastfed their babies for the first six months of life, a cost analysis says.

“The health care system has got to be aware that breastfeeding makes a profound difference,” said Dr. Ruth Lawrence, who heads the American Academy of Pediatrics’ breastfeeding section.

The findings suggest there are hundreds of deaths and many more costly illnesses each year from health problems that breastfeeding may help prevent. These include stomach viruses, ear infections, asthma, juvenile diabetes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and even childhood leukemia.

Even when Grandpa Richard was raising children (starting 30+ years ago) it was well known that breast milk contains antibodies that help fight infections. It also can affect insulin levels in the blood, which may make breastfed babies less likely to develop diabetes and obesity.

About 43 per cent of U.S. mothers do at least some breastfeeding for six months, but only 12 per cent follow government guidelines recommending that babies receive only breast milk for six months.

If you are a non-breastfeeding mom, like some that have sent me scathing emails over the years, keep this in mind. Why are you not breastfeeding? Is it due to some health-related challenge, or inconvenience? Is it because your family dynamics require you to work full time (ever heard of breast pumps?) or the idea just turns you off?

If you are physically able to breastfeed, consider your child’s future health. Yes, many formula fed babies do just fine, but many people who refuse to wear a seatbelt also live to a ripe old age. The statistics are there. The stats do not say your baby will suffer. The stats say that there is a better chance of great health if they are breastfed.

If possible, I urge you to do what nature intended. If truly not possible, do not feel guilty. If not possible, work with your health care professional to find alternatives that increase your baby’s chance at a great and healthy future.

(NC)—April 22 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, reminding us that there are still things we can do to lighten our impact on the planet. Here are some easy ways to cut your home energy use, courtesy of Warrington Ellacott an energy efficiency expert for Whirlpool Canada, the 2009 Energy Star manufacturer of the year.

Keep your heat or air conditioning from escaping by making sure you have a tight seal on your windows and doors. According to Natural Resources Canada, air leakage is a significant contributor to high energy costs during the heating and the cooling seasons. Use caulking and weather-stripping to make sure your house is airtight – saving you energy and money.

Look for the Energy Star symbol on your home appliances. Don’t see one? Think about replacing them with new, energy efficient appliances – according to the Canadian Appliance Manufacturers Association, replacing a fridge from the 1990s with a current model can cut your energy usage by over 50 per cent. In fact, Whirlpool makes a French door refrigerator that uses less energy in a year than a 75-watt light bulb.

Unplug electronics when they’re not in use. Even when electronics are switched off, they can still draw a small amount of power called a phantom load.

Keep your eyes open for machines that work for you while keeping the environment in mind. High efficiency washers – like the Whirlpool Duet – give great water and energy savings. Plus, the Duet dryer features a cycle called Eco Normal that reduces the energy used by up to 40 per cent.

Turn lights off when you leave. Save energy (and money) by making sure you turn lights off when you leave a room. Go the extra step by switching your bulbs to compact fluorescents – they use less energy and last 10 times longer resulting in less waste.

“Even small changes can make a big difference,” says Ellacott.  “Taking simple steps like these can have a major effect on your resource use, your utility bill, and the planet as a whole.”  

www.newscanada.com