14 Steps To Reducing Your Infants Reflux
February 23, 2007
Many of the things listed below will help with your baby’s discomfort and spitting up, eliminating the need for medication.
POSITIONING STEPS FOR REDUCING REFLUX
Positioning During and After Feeds
1. Keeping the child upright during and for at least thirty minutes after feeds can help to reduce reflux by allowing gravity to work at holding the food in their tummies. As well, after feeding, try to keep them as motionless as possible for at least thirty minutes after feeding. Formula fed babies may require longer periods since formula is digested slower than breastmilk.
A Word About Car Seats
2. Some car seats position baby in such a way that they hunched and slouched over, putting added pressure on their tummies which can increase reflux episodes. Look for a car seat that allows baby to be reclined enough that they aren’t slouched yet, inclined enough that they are fairly upright.
Sleeping Position
3. As with positioning after feeding, keeping baby propped during sleep is essential when they have reflux. It can help reduce painful reflux episodes and reduce the risk of aspiration.
Prone vs. Supine (Front vs Back)
Top 10 Things To Never Believe From Your Teenager
February 23, 2007
1) It’s not my (pot, beer, cigarettes, etc.), I’m just keeping it for someone else.
Yeah right. The next question for the parent to ask is, “If you are keeping this for your friend, what is your friend keeping for you?” One of the reasons parents can get fooled here is that you so desperately want to believe that it is not theirs and they are not doing drugs. It’s important to remember that this is something your teen might be counting on.
2) When caught with drugs - This is just the first time I’ve tried it.
Unlikely. Usually when kids get caught with and/or using some drugs, they have been doing it awhile. They have simply slipped up, gotten caught, and are trying to find a quick way out of it.
3) We don’ have homework in that class
Sometimes this is true. Or they have already done it at school. Often times it’s a good excuse for not doing homework, or for covering up for skipping class. Either way, it’s one of the easiest to check out by talking with the teacher. Which parents need to be doing anyway.
People of the Century by Dan Rather
February 23, 2007
Dan Rather made a significant and tactical error and got involved in politics where he should not have gone. I personally and millions of American’s lost complete respect for him and he left the news media under a cloud of darkness while disgracing his family name and negating so much of his earlier work. But alas I cannot deny one of his books and specifically the sincerity of his voice before he lost any good sense he had. I would like to recommend his audio tape, as it does enlighten us as to just how great we are as a nation and lists some superstars in the last century, many of which should be honored in this way and are still amongst us today. I therefore recommend:
Audio Tape; "People of the Century, By Dan Rather," read by about fifteen great Americans.
Diana, Princess of Whales
February 23, 2007
Younger generations unfortunately will not understand how larger than life Diana really was and it would be difficult to describe. If you will read the book about her or go buy the audiotape you can play it for your children. Even having shared part of the human history with her in this period, I learned quite a bit about the real Diana and all the good she bought to the world. You will learn more and be able to pass on a true account of a larger than life character of the human endeavor. So I recommend to you:
"DIANA-Princess of Whales, Queen of Hearts" By Geoffrey Giuliano.
Very interesting Biography of her life and how she changed the way we all think. The book discusses her great efforts in the AIDS situation, drug abuse, Land mine efforts, poverty, and Homelessness. She never stopped bringing attention to the World’s Problems and offering solutions through her charity work even after she was no longer the Princess. She was a great person and should be remembered as such. The People’s Princess-that she was. She was a school teacher, a nanny, a philanthropist, a spokesperson for the world and a member of the elite royal family. She never forgot her roots, her people or her children. I recommend that every one learn more about her life so they can strive to achieve in their lives what she had taught by example.
School Days - Top 10 Tips for Establishing a Good Routine
February 22, 2007
Teachers know that children thrive in an environment with routines, boundaries and rules. Unfortunately, parents often forget it! And yet by establishing good routines and encouraging children to help you maintain them, you have an opportunity to set a pattern and a discipline that will stay with your children for the rest of their lives. You will make school days easier and far less stressful, reduce the chances of starting your day late or dragging on forever with the homework, put an end to nagging and shouting, and have happier, more relaxed kids.
Here are 10 tips for establishing a solid, school day routine.
1. Lay the breakfast table the night before
Put everything out apart from perishables. If you keep all your breakfast things in one cupboard or one area of the kitchen this routine will be easier to establish, and older children can take it in turns to do it.
2. Put out your clothes the night before
Lay out a complete set of clothes for each child, checking them as you do it. Older children should do this themselves - you can double check when you say goodnight. Then if something is missing (or shoes need polishing) you have time to put it right. Lay your own clothes out too!
Baby Shower Hostess Etiquette
February 22, 2007
Does baby shower hostess etiquette allow for gift suggestions, if yes, how? Here you will find numerous ways how the baby shower host can provide the baby shower gift suggestions to everyone invited in a most systematic way.
Although, gift giving is something very personal based upon the individual liking and disliking along with the affordability. But these days baby showers are becoming more trendy and generally geared towards convenience and suitability.
These days people are more understanding. Most of the time they are willing to give suitable gifts (that can be utilized by the recipient). Theme parties are invading the old den of great traditions. Now the baby shower guests can be given gift ideas by the hostess according to proper baby shower hostess etiquette.
There is nothing wrong with giving gift suggestions according to proper baby shower hostess etiquette, provided everything is done in a systematic manner. If you are giving a long distance baby shower,then instead of attending these parties physically, people are able to send their wishes and baby shower gifts online too.
14 Romantic Time-Outs for Parents
February 22, 2007
Here are fourteen spontaneous time-outs, specially designed to help you pay the small attentions that are so integral to lasting intimacy.
Day One:
Spend 15 minutes kissing. Many married couples report that the simple act of kissing is the first part of intimacy to disappear. Today, recapture the power of the smooch.
Day Two:
Today, declare a personal moratorium on criticism. Pay attention to the number of negative thoughts you have about the actions of your spouse. How critical are you? How does being critical make you feel? Even when we don’t give voice to our criticism, it drains our energy and keeps us focused on negative thoughts.
Day Three:
Call, email, or write your mother-in-law (or send a simple bouquet of flowers). Let her know how grateful you are for her child.
Day Four:
Spoon.
Day Five:
Reflect on your first date with your mate, writing down as many details as you can remember. Now make plans to recreate it.
Day Six:
Spend tonight in your guest room. Pretend that you and your spouse are on a romantic vacation in a distant port.
Day Seven:
What’s your spouse’s favorite cookie? Bake a batch.
Unique Gifts for Mom
February 22, 2007
Unique Gifts for Mom
by: Rick Chapo
Ah, what to buy for beloved mom for Christmas. Here’s a list of unique gifts for mom that are sure to make her smile.
Unique Gifts for Mom
Okay, she is probably tired of getting bubble bath and so on. This year, you need to get her a unique gift. And here we go
1. Terry Velour Spa Wrap - In the bathroom theme, but so much more, the Terry Velour Spa Wrap is a great unique gift. The wrap is super soft, warm and is put on when getting out of the shower or bath. It has a velcro strap to ensure a snug fit and is a definite keeper with moms. You can expect to pay $40 for this unique gift.
2. Shiitake Mushroom Log - If mom likes to cook, she is going to love this very unique gift. The Shiitake Mushroom Log is exactly what it says, a wooden log on which she can grow gourmet Shiitake mushrooms for years. The log comes with instructions and starts producing mushrooms within 10 to 20 days. After the first crop, the log will continue to produce mushrooms every 8 weeks or so for years. A very unique gift that shows you put some effort into finding her a gift. The Shiitake Mushroom Log will set you back roughly $40
Sharing Books with Children
February 21, 2007
One of my first memories of childhood is that of my mother reading Dr. Seuss books to me in a big brown recliner in our living room. That memory brings with it sounds and smells and a general feeling of safety and comfort that never fades, even after all these years. Naturally, one of the first memories I have of my own first born child is sitting in a big chair and reading Little Golden Books to him.
Sharing books and reading with my children is as natural as giving them baths and making their breakfast. It’s just something I do everyday, and it’s one of the most pleasurable moments of my day. I love to hold my two year old in my lap while we snuggle up and look through his ever growing library of books. His favorite books change weekly as his interests broaden. Books open up the world to him and his imagination is bubbling over with new ideas every day.
Intermission: Wood Chips
February 21, 2007
I wanted to share with you one of the most valuable lessons my daughter taught me when she was sixteen-months-old. I call this essay, "Cherish Your Wood Chips."
Today was one of those days where I just couldn’t get enough done. No matter how many times my pen scratched off a to-do list item - a new one seemed to appear. But you, Samantha, didn’t have anything on your agenda.
At sixteen-months your days are usually quite free. I sat in my home office, routinely punching computer keys, and you came to my office gate. You had your coat, draped over your head, looking like a little green goblin.
“Samantha we can’t go outside today. For one, it’s cold and secondly I just have too much on my plate.” One of your blue eyes peered out questioningly from beneath the green cape. You then walked to the door and pounded on it. I realized that working was futile - you wanted to go play.
I glanced at my watch, if we hurried we could be back in thirty-minutes, enough time to satiate your needs for the outside world without interfering with my needs on the inside world.
