1. Hopscotch is a game that children have played for years. Draw a pattern of eight to twelve squares on the sidewalk with chalk. The children will place a rock or button in the first square, hop over the square with the rock, and then jump in the rest in sequence. At the end they’ll turn around and return, picking up their rock on the way. They’ll try to get the rock in each square until they get to the last one. They lose their turn if they step in the square with the rock.

2. Duck Duck Goose is another game you can play with your preschooler. Start with friends, family, or stuffed animals, sitting in a circle. One person is chosen as “It” to go around the circle, tapping each person on the head as they say “duck.” When they say the word “goose” that person gets up and chases them around back to their place, and they become it.

3. Most children have played Simon Says before. A group of children, or adults, stands in a line and “Simon” gives them instructions. As long as the phrase “Simon says” is given before the instruction, the group does what Simon says. If Simon says to do something but fails to say “Simon says,” the person who still does it is out. This continues until only one person is left and they then become Simon.

4. Tag is another game that’ll get your preschooler moving. Several children are chased by one child who is “It.” This child will try to tag the others, which will make the tagged child it. The children can play for as long as they’re having fun.

5. Bug Hunt is a game you may not know. Find pictures of bugs (ladybugs, ants, crickets, butterflies, etc.) and glue them to index cards. Give each child two or three cards and let them try to find those bugs.

6. Traffic Light (Red Light, Green Light) is a game where children are lined up on one end of a yard and another child plays the “stop light.” As soon as that child turns away from the others and yells “green light,” the other children move forward and try to reach him. The children must stop when the stop light turns and says “red light.” The child that reaches the stop light first then becomes it.

7. Help your child with a Treasure Hunt. Hide a gift and then create a treasure hunt where they’ll have to go around the yard or house, go through boxes, up and down stairs, to find their treasure.

8. Musical Chairs is another game that children love to play. Of course you’ll want to have a number of children (or adults) to play, as well. A circle of chairs are placed in a room, seats facing outwards, with one less chair than the number of children. Music starts and the children walk around the chairs; when the music stops the children try to find a seat. The one left standing is out, another chair is taken, and the music begins again.

Take time to play any of these eight fun games for preschoolers to keep them active. You’ll both have fun and your child will learn how to remain active and fight obesity.

1. Some babies are unwilling to nurse, or suck poorly as a result of medication they received during the labour. Narcotics are responsible for many such situations, and meperidine (Demerol) is particularly bad as it stays in the baby’s blood for a long time and affects the way he sucks for several days. Even morphine given in an epidural may cause the baby to be unwilling to nurse or latch on, since medication from an epidural definitely does get into the mother’s blood, and thus into the baby before he is born. Other interventions during labour and birth (e.g. intravenous fluids in large amounts, vigorous suctioning of the baby at birth which is simply not necessary for a health full term baby) can also cause difficulties with the baby latching on. For more information see the book The Latch and other keys to successful breastfeeding, chapter 4, Causes of Latch Problems.

2. Abnormalities of the baby’s mouth may result in the baby’s not latching on. Cleft palate, but not usually cleft lip, causes severe difficulties in latching on. Sometimes the cleft palate is not obvious, affecting only the part inside the baby’s mouth.

3. A baby learns to breastfeed by breastfeeding. Artificial nipples interfere with how the baby takes the breast. Babies are not stupid. If they get slow flow from the breast (as is expected in the first few days of life) and rapid flow from the bottle, they will not be confused—many will figure it out quite quickly.

4. If the mother’s nipples are particularly large, or inverted, or flat, these nipple variations may make latching on more difficult, not usually impossible.

5. A tight frenulum (the whitish tissue under the tongue) may result in a baby having difficulty latching on. This is not, strictly speaking, considered an abnormality, and thus, many practitioners do not believe that it can interfere with breastfeeding; many studies indicate that it does interfere.

However, one of the most common causes of babies’ refusing to latch on arises from the misguided belief that babies in the first few days must breastfeed every 3 hours, or on some other insane sort of schedule. This results in anxiety on the part of the staff when a baby has not fed, for example, for three hours after birth, which results, frequently, in babies being forced to the breast when they are not ready yet to feed. When the baby is forced into the breast, and kept there by force, when the baby is not interested or ready, we should not be surprised that some babies develop an aversion to the breast. If this misguided approach then results in panic, and “the baby must be fed”, alternative feeding methods (the worst of which is the bottle) are then used, resulting in worsening of the situation and the beginning of a vicious circle.

There is no evidence that a healthy full term newborn must feed every three hours during the first few days. There is no evidence that they will develop low blood sugars if they don’t feed every three hours (the whole issue of low blood sugars has become a mass hysteria in many postpartum areas which, like all hysterias, results from a grain of truth, perhaps, but actually causes more problems than it prevents, including the problem of many babies getting formula when they don’t need it, being separated from their mothers when they don’t need to be, and not latching on). Babies should be together, skin to skin with their mothers, most of the day (See handout The importance of Skin to Skin Contact). When they are ready, most will start looking for the breast. Having the baby with the mother skin to skin immediately after birth and allowing the baby and the mother the time to “find” each other will prevent most situations of the baby not latching on. Mother and baby skin to skin will also keep the baby as warm as being under a heating lamp. Having the baby and mother together for 5 minutes though, is not the answer. The mother and baby should be together until the baby latches on, without pressure, without time limits (“we’ve got to weigh the baby”, “we’ve got to give the baby vitamin K,” etc—these procedures can wait!). This might take 1-2 hours or more.

But the baby is not latching on!

Okay, so how long can we wait? There is no obvious answer to that. Certainly, if the baby has shown no interest in nursing or feeding by 12 to 24 hours after birth, it may be worthwhile to do something, mostly because hospital policies usually require the mother to be discharged by 24 to 48 hours. What can be done?

1. The mother should start expressing her milk, and that milk (colostrum), either alone, or mixed with sugar water, should be fed to the baby, preferably by finger feeding *(read on). The mother should start expressing her milk as soon as baby has refused the breast—preferably within the first 6 hours. If it is difficult to get colostrum (often hand expression works better than a pump in the first few days), then sugar water alone is fine for the first few days. With finger feeding, most babies will start sucking, and many will wake up enough to attempt going to the breast. *As soon as the baby is sucking well, finger feeding should be stopped and the baby tried at the breast (Often a minute or two of finger feeding will do the trick). Finger feeding is essentially a procedure to prepare the baby to take the breast, not primarily a method to avoid the bottle, though it will do that too. Therefore it is done before attempting the baby at the breast, to prepare him to take the breast. See handout Finger and Cup Feeding.

2. Before discharge, early, competent help needs to be arranged so that the mother and baby are getting help by day four or five at the latest. Many babies not able to latch on in the first few days will latch on beautifully once the mother’s milk supply has increased substantially as it usually does around day 3 or 4. Getting help at this time avoids the negative associations with the breast that many babies develop as time goes on.

3. A nipple shield started before the mother’s milk becomes abundant (day 4 to 5) is bad practice. Starting a nipple shield before the mother’s milk “comes in” is not giving time a chance to work. Furthermore, used improperly (as I see it often being used), a nipple shield may result in severe depletion of the milk supply. See below on the importance of maintaining a good milk supply.

We’re Home From Hospital, the Baby Won’t Latch On, What Do I Do?

The single most important factor influencing whether or not the baby latches on is the mother’s developing a good milk supply. If the mother’s supply is abundant, the baby will latch on by 4 to 8 weeks of life no matter what. What we try to do at the clinic is get the baby latching on earlier, so that you won’t have to wait that long. So, it is more important you keep up your supply, than avoid a bottle. The bottle interferes, and it is better you use other methods (such as a cup) if you can, but if you feel you have no choice, you should do what you need to do.

Learn how to get the best position and latch from an experienced lactation specialist (see also handout When Latching and see the videos at www.drjacknewman.com ). As the baby comes onto the breast, compress the breast so that the baby gets a gush of milk. Try the baby on the breast he seems to prefer, or the breast that has more milk, or the side you feel most comfortable with if neither of the previous apply, not the breast he resists more.
If the baby latches on, he will start sucking and start drinking (get information on how to know a baby is actually getting milk at the breast—see handout Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk? and see the videos at www.drjacknewman.com).
If the baby doesn’t latch on, don’t try to force him to stay on the breast; it won’t work. He will either get hysterical or “go limp”. Move him away from the breast and start again. It is better to go on-off, on-off several times than to push him into the breast when he hasn’t latched on.
If the baby goes to the breast and sucks once or twice, he hasn’t latched on a little; he hasn’t latched on at all.
If the baby refuses the breast, don’t keep at it until he’s angry. Try finger feeding a few seconds to a minute or two, and try again, perhaps on the other side. Finger feeding is primarily used to prepare the baby to take the breast, not primarily to avoid a bottle.
If the baby doesn’t latch on, finish the feeding with whatever method you find easiest. Cup feeding works and is better than a bottle.
Using a lactation aid at the breast may be helpful, but often requires an extra hand.
At about two weeks after birth, a change in what you have been doing often seems to send a message to the baby that “there’s more than one way to do this”. If you have been finger feeding only, a change to a cup or bottle will sometimes work. If you have been bottle feeding only, switching to finger feeding may work (only before attempting the baby at the breast is good enough if finger feeding is too slow, and finishing the feeding with cup or bottle).
How to Maintain and Increase Milk Supply

· Express your milk as often as is practical, at least 8 times a day, using a reliable pump that expresses both breasts at the same time. Using compression while pumping increases the efficiency of pumping and increases the milk supply (another hand is helpful, but mothers have rigged up the pump so that they don’t have to hold onto the tubing or flanges while pumping and thus can compress without help).

· If the baby hasn’t latched on by day 4 or 5, start fenugreek and blessed thistle to increase milk flow. See handout Herbal Remedies for Increasing Milk Supply. Domperidone may also be useful. See handouts Domperidone, Getting Started and Domeprido9one, Stopping.

· If you must use a nipple shield, do not use one at least until the milk supply is well established (at least 2 weeks after the baby is born). Get good hands on help first—a nipple shield is really a last resort.

Do not get discouraged. Even if your milk supply is not up to the needs of your baby, your baby is still likely to latch on. Get good hands-on help. Do not try to do this on your own.

Baby Weaning – When is it Most Appropriate?
By Stella Mak

It is generally most appropriate to start baby weaning to solid food when your baby is around 6 months old. The reason for this is that most babies will have doubled in bodyweight so they will be ready for some solid food. However, if you have a very small baby, you might want to wait till your baby has grown a bit bigger.

You can also see changes in your baby’s development at around this period whereby their mouth will start to change so that they can cope with solid foods. From birth till now, your baby’s digestive system is only able to cope with breast milk or baby formula consumption. As such, the process of baby weaning has to be done gradually.

When your baby is 6 months old, you can start baby weaning by introducing soft solid food. You should not delay solid foods introduction for too long as it can hinder your baby’s ability to swallow solid foods and your baby might also not want to try other food except milk by then. Most babies are very curious to what you are eating and want to try as well when they are between the age of 6 to 10 months. If you were to wait till your baby is past one year old, they might not be willing to accept it. Besides, milk will not be sufficient to keep them full throughout the day and night if you do not feed them with solid foods.

When your baby is still in the early stages after his birth, breast milk or milk formula itself is sufficient to give him nutrition for his proper development. However, this balanced nutrition has to be balanced up with solid foods, thus you have to introduce a variety of nutritious foods into your baby’s new diet. This will help to maintain your baby’s healthy nutritional requirements.

With the introduction of solid foods into your baby’s diet, it will also mean that there will be additional cost to your budget. You will have to buy bowls, spoons as well as other utensils that are suitable for feeding your baby. Most of these items are not very expensive so you can shop for a good budget price.

To make life easier for you, you can invest in a food processor whereby the food that you want to feed to your baby can be blended into much softer substances so that it is easier for your baby to digest. Fortunately, such food processors are not very expensive nowadays so you might want to really consider getting one.

Make sure the solid food feed to your baby is not hard. In fact, cereal is a good choice but it depends on your baby as some babies can develop allergy towards cereals, so you should not introduce more than one type of food each day in order to keep track of which food is causing the allergy if any.

When you first start on baby weaning, you can do it once a day. Just feed a small amount to your baby to see if he likes the taste and whether he develops any allergy to it. Your baby’s milk consumption will still stay the same throughout this period till he is about one year old when he might demand more solid food and less of milk as solid foods can keep him full for a longer period.

Stella Mak is a qualified school teacher with over 18 years of experience and she is also the mother of a pair of twins. She runs an informative blog that covers tips related to baby advice at http://www.babyadvice.expertreviewslist.com To take advantage of this useful information as well as to get her free newsletter, make sure you check out Stella’s blog. Also, find out how to wean your baby smoothly and naturally at her website http://www.childrenproblemshelpdesk.com/babyweaning.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stella_Mak
http://EzineArticles.com/?Baby-Weaning—When-is-it-Most-Appropriate?&id=2501619

Developing Toddler Motor Skills
By Rachel Paxton

If you have a toddler, you already know that he or she is a little bundle of endless energy! My twin boys turned two several months ago, and they have been non-stop action since they learned to walk. There is never a dull moment! It’s been a long time since I’ve had a toddler in the house and I had forgotten how quickly they grow and how much they learn during this toddler stage.

At this age toddlers are developing many motor skills. There are two main types of motor skills: gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills involve large muscles, and are strengthened by walking/running, climbing, and general play. Fine motor skills involve mostly the hands and fingers and hand to eye coordination. Your toddler will strengthen many of these abilities on his or her own, but there are many ways you can encourage and help them to develop their motor skills.

Eating and Grooming

The easiest way to encourage your toddler to develop motor skills is to have them help with everyday activities like feeding and grooming themselves. Toddlers are famously messy when eating, but this is the age when they should be using a spoon and fork to feed themselves, as messy as it may be. This will greatly help their fine motor skills and hand to eye coordination. Your toddler will also enjoy dressing and undressing, combing their own hair, and brushing their own teeth.

Drawing and Coloring

A toddler as young as 18 months old is capable of coloring. I didn’t know this until my boys brought home their first coloring page from Sunday School. I couldn’t believe it! Toddlers love to scribble. Walmart sells some great oversized coloring books that my boys love to color in. Sit and color with them and show them how to hold the crayon. My boys love to take the crayons out of my hands and tell me “no” when I try to color on the same page with them!

Puzzles and Shape Sorters

Puzzles and shape sorters are great for toddlers 18+ months old. Again, I was surprised at how young my boys were able to place pieces into a wooden puzzle. It took them a couple of months to figure out which pieces went where and to be able to turn the pieces just the right way to fit into the puzzle, but it kept them busy for 10-15 minutes at a time and it was amazing how much they remembered each time they sat down to do their puzzles. Shape sorters are also great. We’ve had several different ones, and the boys have responded better to some than others. We found a neat one at Baby Depot that is shaped like a toolbox on the outside and is a shape sorter on the inside. My boys have spent many hours figuring out which shapes go where. The toolbox makes a sound when the shape is placed in the correct hole.

Songs with Hand Motions

Toddlers love to sing and dance. Songs with hand motions are a great way for toddlers to learn fine motor skills. My boys started doing small hand motions at around 18 months old, but after about age 2 they were ready to do most of the hand motions to their favorite songs. Some of their favorites: “Itsy-Bitsy Spider”, “Patty Cake”, “If You’re Happy and You Know it Clap Your Hands”. Sunday school favorites include: “Deep and Wide” and “This Little Light of Mine”.

Free Play and Exercise

Playing is a great way to develop both gross and fine motor skills. Running, jumping, hopping, and skipping are all skills your toddler will eventually master. I’ll never forget the first time one of my boys jumped. He squatted all the way down on the ground and threw himself up in the air with his hands all the way up, and jumped about a half an inch off the ground. It was the most hysterical thing I’d ever seen. When you catch your toddler doing these types of activities you can encourage them to keep doing them to develop these skills.

While your toddler may or may not be ready for a tricycle yet, this is a good age to introduce one to them, so they will know what’s expected and be ready to jump on and pedal away when they’re ready.

My boys are also working on mastering climbing jungle gyms at the park, and playing “catch”. Throwing and catching a large ball is great for developing your toddler’s hand to eye coordination. At first just have your toddler hold out their arms and throw the ball into their arms so it is easy for them to catch. They will soon get the idea!

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For resources for the Christian family, including parenting, toddler and preschool activities, homeschooling, family traditions, and more, visit http://www.Christian-Parent.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Paxton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Developing-Toddler-Motor-Skills&id=2474248

Problem-Free Breastfeeding – Ten Tips to Make Breastfeeding Easier and More Effective
By CC Swift

Breast milk is nature’s perfect food because it contains all the nutrients your baby needs. It also helps protect your little one against infection since it contains antibodies for the diseases which you (the mother) have already experienced. There are many studies showing that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of stomach upsets and pneumonia during the baby’s first few years.

Full-term babies are able to nurse almost immediately after birth. However, it is perfectly acceptable if you need to rest for a couple of hours after delivery. Your baby was continuously nourished while he was still attached to the placenta. Therefore, he will not be hungry right away.

Breastfeeding does not come easily to new mothers and you may sometimes require help. Here are ten (10) ideas new mothers can try to make breastfeeding problem-free.

1. Position Your Baby Correctly

The most important aspect of effective breastfeeding is the positioning of your baby. Many experts say that this is the key to almost ninety-five percent (95%) of all breastfeeding problems. According to La Leche League International (a support group for nursing mothers), incorrect positioning is particularly responsible for nipple soreness. Your baby’s body should face you entirely; his head, chest and knees should rest against your front. Also, his buttocks should be in the palm of your hand and his head should rest in the bend of your elbow.

2. Make Sure Your Baby has a Proper Latch

You could end up with sore and bruised nipples if your baby has not latched on properly. Additionally, he would not be receiving enough milk. Make sure his mouth is wide open before putting him to your breast. At least one (1) inch of your areola should be in his mouth.

As long as your baby is swallowing after sucking once or twice, allow him to nurse on one breast. If he seems to be sucking continuously, it most likely means that he is not receiving enough milk due to an incorrect latch. Interrupt your baby by inserting your little or ‘pinky’ finger at the corner of his mouth. Another way to interrupt him is by gently pinching his nostrils together.

Using either method will make your baby open his mouth to breathe and he will disengage his suction hold. The breast can then be removed. He may cry at this point which will result in his mouth being wide open. Quickly re-insert your breast. A proper latch should be achieved this time around. If not, keep interrupting him until he gets it right.

3. Nurse from Both Breasts with Every Feeding

If your baby appears to be falling asleep or just generally losing interest after nursing from one side, burp him and switch to the other breast. At the next feeding, nurse from the breast that you finished with previously. To avoid confusion, place a mark on the side of your bra that corresponds to the breast from where you need to start nursing, such as a paper clip or safety pin.

4. Do Not Soap Your Nipples

Soaping you nipples dries them out considerably. The glands around the areolas produce a type of antiseptic oil which cleanses them effectively. There is no need for additional cleaning.

5. Allow Your Nipples to Air-Dry

Air-dry your nipples after bathing before covering them up. Do not use breast pads that retain moisture such as plastic, spandex or nylon.

6. Do Not Toughen Your Nipples

Any manipulation or rough treatment does not help. In fact, this could cause serious damage such as bleeding.

7. Use Your Own Breast Milk to Help Heal Sore Nipples

Breast milk contains lubricants and natural antibiotics, especially the milk found at the end of a feeding. When you have finished nursing your baby, squeeze a little milk from your nipple. Rub the milk around your nipple and around the part of your areola that was inside your baby’s mouth.

8. Use a Nursing Bra that is the Correct Size

As a nursing mother, you should wear a nursing bra that is one (1) cup size larger than your regular bras. Make sure that the bra you choose consists of cotton and not nylon. (Remember, nylon retains moisture.) Additionally, the nursing opening should be wide enough so that the breast does not fell compressed. Trying to squeeze the breast into a small opening could lead to clogged milk ducts. This could lead to infection such as mastitis.

9. Establish a Steady Supply of Your Breast Milk

You should nurse exclusively for the first three (3) to four (4) weeks. If possible, avoid giving your baby any bottles or pacifiers during this time. This way both you and your baby will get accustomed to nursing and your milk supply will grow.

This is especially important for women who delivered via C-section. If you have delivered this way, it can be as much as four (4) days after your baby’s birth before your breast milk starts flowing steadily. During this time you have no choice but to bottle feed your baby. You cannot let him starve! However, you can let him nurse for a few minutes before giving him the bottle, even if you have no milk as yet. The benefits of doing this are two fold: (a) it will help your milk production come in faster and more steadily; and (b) it will help reduce any nipple confusion that your baby may experience when he needs to make the complete switch from bottle to breast.

10. Stay Alert and Listen to Your Body

It is unnecessary for a nursing mother to experience acute breast pain while nursing. Seek help and call your doctor if your breast feels inflamed or you are experiencing flu-like symptoms such as a fever. You may have an infection.

With a little practice, breastfeeding becomes easy. Both you and your bundle of joy can engage in this age old form of bonding. Remember, though, that breastfed babies nurse more frequently since breast milk is more easily digested than formula. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s true that you may wish for more sleep but this provides more opportunities for you to bond with your baby.

Sources: 1. Dana Sullivan. “Breastfeeding Month by Month.” Fit Pregnancy October/ November 2004: p 99-100

CC Swift (Carla Crepin-Swift) holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2004. She is currently pursuing her MBA in Strategic Planning.

She has 10 years experience as a Project Manager and Project Management Specialist. Her favourite topics include Project Management, Economics, Finance, Interior Decorating, Health and Caribbean Music.

She has been married for five years and has a three year old son.She lives and operates in Trinidad & Tobago

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CC_Swift
http://EzineArticles.com/?Problem-Free-Breastfeeding—Ten-Tips-to-Make-Breastfeeding-Easier-and-More-Effective&id=2432758

Teens Need to Learn to Hear Their Inner Voice Rather Than the Voice of Their Peers
By Lisa Perrecone

Choices, choices, choices…

Being a teenager today isn’t easy. There are many choices available to them that can have a deadly outcome. As parents we need to learn a different parenting style from that of our parents. Parents ought to develop a style that fosters independent thinking on the part of their teen. When a parent offers their child choices it allows the thinking process to develop. I would recommend offering two choices to start, either of which you can live with. As time and practice progress it will become an automatic part of your parenting style.

Start early

The earlier you can begin giving your child choices and letting them suffer the consequences of their choices the sooner you will develop a child with critical thinking skills that will serve them well in their teen years.

The best gift you can give your child is allowing them to make and own their mistakes and be empathetic in your response to their mistakes. Be very clear that you feel bad for them but none the less, it is their mess and they can fix it. Not you. Changing your personal view of mistakes from something that shouldn’t happen to appreciating the mistake as a gift and a wonderful learning opportunity is the key. Allowing your child the natural learning that comes from making mistakes grooms them for making it in the “real world.” Swooping in to rescue them is the last thing you want to do. That just sends the message that they are incapable of handling things themselves.

True Success

Your success as a parent isn’t measured by how much your child needs you. It’s actually measured by how much they don’t. In real life, your success as a parent is measured by how your child navigates the hiccups and bumps on life’s journey. Will they crash and burn or just re-adjust the flight path when the road gets bumpy? As a parent have you been training them early on toward making decisions by giving them choices or have you made those decisions for them, thus stunting their growth and ultimate attitude and altitude?

It’s never easy to see your child suffer consequences by their poor choices. It helps to keep in mind that the younger they are, usually the suffering is shorter and the consequences less life changing. When your child hasn’t been allowed to make enough mistakes when they were young, ultimately the poor choices they make as a teen can lead to much serious suffering and life changing consequences. It’s much better to have a little pain and a few tears in the younger years, than a whole lot more expensive pain in the later years.

Lisa Perrecone, MCPC is a certified parent coach. Lisa resides in Carlsbad, CA. Having raised her own two children she enjoys working with parents on how to become more skilled and powerful in their own parenting.

You can learn more by visiting http://www.lisaperrecone.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Perrecone
http://EzineArticles.com/?Teens-Need-to-Learn-to-Hear-Their-Inner-Voice-Rather-Than-the-Voice-of-Their-Peers&id=2413584

Help Your Aging Parents
By Steve Farrell

Do you have aging parents? If so then you need to pay special attention. As your parents age there are a number of important things you need to do. I learned these things the hard way and am hoping to help you in advance.

The topic of death is seldom pleasant, but it’s a fact we all must face. Every family needs at least one person willing to take the lead with preparing for the eventual death of a parent. Once they are gone it can be very difficult to find important information you are sure to need. Sometimes the surviving spouse doesn’t even know the answers and that is exactly what happened in my life recently.

My wife’s parents were married for 62 years. Suddenly, without warning my Mother-in-law had a stroke that eventually took her life. She managed all aspects of her household and my Father-in-law knew very little about important items we would soon need to know. We could no longer ask Mom so we had to figure everything out the hard way. I have no doubt that things have been missed.

Before you are faced with a similar scenario with your aging parents I urge you to take steps to help yourself deal with the inevitable. The following suggestions are many of the important lessons I learned over a three month period.

1. Make a list of all medicines and supplements being taken, including frequency and dosage.

2. Document the names, phone numbers and addresses for all doctors.

3. Make copies of their medical cards, prescription cards and social security cards.

4. If they have a Living Will make sure you have a copy.

5. Learn about what is owned and what is owed.

6. Have your aging parents name an Executor of Estate.

7. Get Durable Power of Attorney and Medical Power of Attorney.

8. Get named on their bank accounts.

9. Make a list of all important accounts, including user name and passwords.

10. Start asking lots of questions and take some notes.

Obviously there are many other items that could be added to this list. If you at least do these things you will find that you will be able to handle most issues that surface.

One thing I can tell you for sure is that your aging parents will continue to age for as long as they live. The longer you wait to take these steps the more at risk you are of having some very difficult and frustrating times ahead. This all comes from difficult personal experience that I would like you to avoid.

Steve Farrell: I’ve been a Christian for over 30 years and have been a parent for 20 years. I’m also the owner of two websites: one based on Christian living – http://www.christian-life-advisor.com and the other on tunes and other audio related topics – http://www.tunesandmore.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Farrell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Help-Your-Aging-Parents&id=2342958

Planning Ahead For Your Pregnancy
By Carey Baird

Generally parenting begins long before the news is delivered that a new family member is on the way. It is a medical fact that the state of the mothers’ health before the pregnancy strongly affects her health during the pregnancy, which in turn plays a vital role in the baby’s well-being before and after birth.

Below is a list of self-assessment which every mother-to-be should ask in ensuring that she is prepared for the pregnancy that will follow.

Are you taking care of your body?

Your baby needs a functional body in order to ensure a successful birth with no undesired consequences. Often, poor nutrition, smoking and the use of alcohol and drugs may have a serious impact on your baby’s development. This applies especially to the first eight weeks where vital organs of the baby are under construction.

You should always remember, you have only one body and you need to take care of it.

Are you looking at good nutrition?

Good nutrition does not necessarily involve magic formulas, rigid restrictions or loads of vitamins and supplements as advertised on telesales programs we are all so familiar with.

Studies conducted in the United States concluded that if you are a vegetarian you should be in a position to continue with your pregnancy without any difficulty, provided that you include a wide variety of foods. If you do not consume any animal products, milk, eggs or cheese you may develop a shortage of protein, calories, iron, calcium, vitamin B12 and zinc. In this event vitamin and mineral supplement would be advisable.

Theoretically, a woman consuming a wide variety of fresh and high quality food in rough proportions will often be prescribed prenatal vitamins, which will make up for the deficiencies in the mothers’ diet.

Evidence concluded that in taking supplemental folic acid mothers will reduce the likelihood that the baby may suffer from any of a variety of major problems known as Neural Tube Effects. Often neural tube effects may occur before a mother knows she is pregnant. In these events the dosage of folic acid may be increased by the physician.

All pregnant women need additional iron. Iron is required in the formation of haemoglobin, the protein within the red blood cells that binds oxygen and allows the red blood cells to deliver oxygen to all other cells. Calcium intake should generally be 1,000mg per day during the childbearing period. This should be increased to 1,200 – 1,500mg per day during pregnancy. This is required for the new skeleton that is being formed.

Do you weigh enough or too much?

Excessive weight during pregnancy is a risk factor for high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which may lead to serious problems for mother and baby.

Being underweight during pregnancy also poses its threats to the new baby as this generally compromises the nutritional needs of the baby. This often leads to babies being born with a low birth rate, babies experiencing difficulties in maintaining normal temperature or problems in blood-sugar levels after birth.

It is highly suggested that mothers who experienced a history of erratic nutrition consults a dietician before, during and after a pregnancy. It is of great benefit to your baby’s future health that you commit to these visits.

Are you exercising your vital organs?

A pregnancy ensures new changes to a woman’s current lifestyle. Aside from the normal weight gain a woman’s heart will be dealing with an additional 50% increase in blood volume. Muscles and ligaments in the back and pelvis will be subjected to new tensions and strains.

For the reasons mentioned above, exercising your muscles, heart and lung is of utmost importance. The increased stamina and muscle tone resulting from regular exercise will increase energy levels, improve sleep and reduce aches and pain in the lower back during pregnancy.

The majority of people may state that they are not used to exercising, but committing to a goal of thirty minutes of exercise three to four times a week may be sufficient. It is advisable that you consult a physician in order to find more about the type of exercises that may be more applicable to you.

What are you inhaling?

You should always be attentive to your surroundings. What you inhale directly affects the growing baby inside you. One of the most important factors that affect the majority of pregnant women is cigarette smoking.

Cigarette smoking not only affects the smoker, but also those around him or her. The thousands of chemicals making up a cigarette flow directly from the mother’s lungs into her bloodstream and then into the baby. It has been found that nicotine often causes constriction of blood vessels in both the placenta and the baby, limiting the supply of vital blood and oxygen. It is a medical fact that the smoker’s baby is more likely to be born prematurely or to be stillborn.

Not only is exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy a risk, but exposure to cigarette smoke after birth is often associated with colds, ear infections and asthma.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carey_Baird
http://EzineArticles.com/?Planning-Ahead-For-Your-Pregnancy&id=2403377

First Time Parents – The Making of a Good Parent
By Sanjay Kak

It is important to realize that you are not perfect. As you first start raising a new born baby, mistakes are going to be made. Some major ones and some are not so major ones. You must learn from these mistakes, and that is the important part. Keep repeating them and you will land in trouble.

As a couple first finds out that they are going to be parents, panic strikes their hearts and they run to ‘Parenting magazines’ to seek help and guidance. Although this is a bona fide practice, it is not highly encouraged as the conflicting thoughts of various writers can create unwanted stress. Before you rush to the bookstore to buy the latest edition of the most popular parenting magazines, reflect on the fact that nature did not hand us a manual for raising children, if it did, it would most probably have been a religion by now! Good parents learn from the experiences they have in their lives, and teach the lessons to their children. Parenting is a skill that is learnt over time, and the skills become refined with time.

Some of the characteristics of a good parent are as follows:

1) Being understanding
2) Being Considerate
3) Being kind
4) Being Patient
5) A good disciplinarian at the required times.
6) Being helpful

As you embark upon this great journey of parenting, the tough tides of doubt will often assail you, and the unchartered waters of child raising will sometimes overwhelm you. At such times the people to take advice from are your own parents. Yes, your own parents! In this regard, the following questions are relevant:

1) How was I raised by my parents?
2) Are my morals high?
3) Was I a happy child?
4) How did my parents discipline me?
5) How sensitive were my parents to my feelings etc.?

Some of the answers to the questions above will be negative in nature. How you deal with them is exactly what is going to make you a good parent. All the things that you were not happy about you can change. You can avoid making those mistakes.

Ultimately parenting is an organic process; it required the individual to be open minded and versatile. It is an all-day job, with no coffee breaks in between. When the pressure knob tightens, know that this is when you are being molded into a good parent. These tips will help you to sail in your journey of parenting. Happy sailing!

More on Smart parenting and information on Parent tips … The Making of Good Parent

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sanjay_Kak
http://EzineArticles.com/?First-Time-Parents—The-Making-of-a-Good-Parent&id=2406318

The Treasure Trove of a Temper Tantrum – 3 Lessons Packed Into the Little Word “No”
By Karen Zeigler

I recently found myself in the common predicament of air travel – a canceled flight. After making arrangements to get another flight, I sat down to read a book. The ranting and raving of an unhappy customer at the ticket counter interrupted my reading. He was yelling, demanding a supervisor, and throwing his ticket on the counter just to name a few things.

When the screaming subsided, the airline’s answer was still a definite “no”. Although the associate at the ticket counter probably felt like the temper tantrum lasted hours, it only lasted five minutes. For me, it was a quite humorous five minutes. I found myself laughing because the gentleman’s emotional display reminded me of the occasional outbursts of my daughter when she was young and couldn’t have her way while shopping.

In those moments, I just wanted to do everything I could to pacify her so that we could get out of the store peacefully. In those moments, it was hard to imagine any possible positive outcome that could result from such embarrassment. In observing this grown man having a temper tantrum, I discovered a treasure trove of character traits that I taught my daughter when I used that simple, little word “no”.

Respect for others – This is the ability to show regard or consideration for another person. A temper tantrum is throwing aside regard for anyone except for the child himself. Because children first learn skills with their parents before going out into the world, putting an end to temper tantrums is the first step in raising an adult that shows respect for others. Imagine how this plays out in the adult world when Suzy or Johnny enter college or the business world later in life and are trying to earn the respect of their peers or employees. In the business world, you must give respect in order to receive respect. .

Self-control – Practicing self-restraint is another characteristic successful adults exercise well. You only have to think about the adult who has no self-restraint and you can quickly identify many of the problems that can occur. Weight control, health problems, alcohol and other addictions, anger, communication and relationship issues, debt and other financial scenarios are just a few of the problems that can result from lack of self-control. Every area of life is more successful when adults practice self-control. Temper tantrums are one of the first opportunities parents encounter for developing a successful and well-rounded adult.

Patience – Learning patience goes hand-in-hand with delayed gratification. As an adult you already understand that you don’t get everything in life like you want it or when you want it. Controlling temper tantrums is the first step in teaching your child that same lesson. Raising the stop sign now and teaching patience will stop many wrecks along the highway of life. Allowing your child to take the drivers seat with a temper tantrum is setting them up for many of life’s wrecks. From wrecks in traffic on the morning commute to financial “wrecks” and even “wrecks” in marriage, patience is a characteristic to be instilled at every possible opportunity. With weekly shopping trips, you have plenty of opportunities to help your child get this one right.

The next time you are planning your shopping list, begin conversations with your child and put rewards and consequences in place that you can stick to. Before entering the store, ask them to tell you what the proper behavior and attitude should be. Remind them that temper tantrums will result in putting a favorite item back on the shelf. Many stores offer treats from the bakery to children. Start your shopping on the end of the store opposite the bakery so that the cookie is a reward for good behavior.

In the end, you’re not just preventing a temper tantrum that will make your life easier; you are setting your child on the path to greater success in life. That will ultimately make his life easier.

Karen Zeigler

Speaker, Author & Life Coach

http://www.inspirationtochange.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Zeigler
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Treasure-Trove-of-a-Temper-Tantrum—3-Lessons-Packed-Into-the-Little-Word-No&id=2404388