By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Prime_P_Sarmiento]Prime P Sarmiento
The school year has started and as a mother, you are probably worrying how you are going to juggle everything. How and when will you pick up your child from school? How can you help them with their homework?
Here are three tips that will help you and your child get through another school year:
1. ) Create a detailed schedule for you and your child:
Get a planner and create a detailed schedule of your child's classes and study time.
Also include your daily chores and job duties. Put it down so you will remember what needs to be done on a certain time/day. This includes what time you need to pick him up or if you're leading that week's car pool.
To help you stick to your schedule, it's advisable to list down your three MITs (Most Important Tasks) for the day (and/or weekly MITs if possible).
Also put some time to honor yourself. This means that you need to get some "me" time and recharge. This will help you deal the things that you need to do as a mother, wife and career woman. Don't hesitate to schedule a time to visit a spa or take a 15-minute nap. You deserve it more than anyone else!
2.) Invest in a private tutor
You know your child's weaknesses and if you have observed that he was having difficulty in a certain subject during the previous school year, then it's time to find a private tutor to help him with his homework.
No, you don't need to get a second mortgage to get high quality instruction. A private tutor charges at least $50 an hour. But hiring an online tutor will only cost you about $20/hour and you can access a tutor anywhere. This is an inexpensive and flexible way to get one-to-one tutoring for your child.
An online tutor can also help even if your child is doing well in school. You can use these services to improve their comprehension and study skills.
That said, you have to be more discerning in picking a company that offers online tutorial services - as this in crucial in enhancing your child's academic performance. Choose a company with a proven track record in hiring only the best teachers, implement proven learning methods like mind mapping and employs only tutors who know how to motivate your child to do better in school.
3.) Prioritize
Review your child's curriculum so you can see what homework or lectures need to be done first or how much time needs to be devoted on a certain subject.
At the same time, you also need to review your schedule vis-�-vis your duties as a mother. Here's a quick tip: do something required first thing in the morning. That usually gives the feeling of accomplishment for the rest of the day.
Lastly, and most importantly, even though you have a great deal of work to do, always make time for your family. That family bonding time like going on a family walk or a picnic may seem trivial, but they're important to keep your child secure, prevent you from getting overwhelmed and cement family ties.
Prime is a content management strategist for Ahead Interactive ( http://www.aheadinteractivetutorial.com), leading provider of live, video-powered online tutorials.
AI guarantees the undivided attention of an online teacher and hires only the most qualified and dedicated instructors to help students shine and be always ahead.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Mommy-Tips:-Keeping-Up-With-the-New-School-Year&id=6567337] Mommy Tips: Keeping Up With the New School Year
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
16 Helpful and Fun iPhone Apps for Moms
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Claire_Itz]Claire Itz
If there's one person that needs some extra help in this world, it's mothers. They run around everyday with their heads cut off trying to keep everything going smoothly. I can't hire them an assistant, but I've found a few apps that can make your life easier. There are many more great iPhone apps, but after recent news that Apple tracks your activity, I thought it would be best to find apps that didn't require a lot of personal information (such as banking figures, medical information, etc). There are apps that can do amazing things with this info, but I would not use them due to Apple's policies and therefore can't recommend them. Anyway, onto the fun!
�
Intuition
This is called the mother's personal assistant and for good reason. In it, you can make any sort of list you like (grocery list, to-d0 list, wish list, notes), manage your calendar, create reminders, find grocery coupons based on your location and share all this info through email, facebook or twitter. You can also break everything down into as many categories and also view everything on a map. There's not much that can limit what you can do with this app making it a true personal assistant.
Mom Maps
Have you ever wanted to go out with your kids to just have some fun but can't get past trying to find something to do? A lot of activities on search engines aren't necessarily for kids or families, so this app was created! It's an interactive location-based map which has stuff just for kids and families. It includes parks, playgrounds, family-friendly restaurants, museums and indoor play areas to search from. You can also read reviews from other users to help make up your mind. All around good app for the family.
Red Laser
This cool little app is sweet and simple. Just scan a barcode using your camera and you can see what that item costs on major sites all across the internet. So, no more overspending on a toy at Target only to find an ad online for $10 less. Don't worry about tantrums either. Instead of saying "it's expensive here, we'll get it cheaper somewhere else". You can now say "it's too expensive here, but I know where we can get it cheaper". Plus, now your child will be on better behavior for the week spent waiting for the toy to arrive.
Silent Bodyguard
You hope that you will never have to use this, but if you do, it will come in handy. With the push of a button, you alert your emergency contacts through text message that you are having an emergency along with your location. Your assailant will never know that you have alerted anyone and help will soon be on the way.
Fastmall
This is truly helpful to all moms who want to get in and out of the mall or just to keep a time limit. It guides you turn by turn through the mall to find stores, bathrooms and even your parking spot. You can also find the stores to go to based on what you're looking for and find deals going on at each store. It's quite the handy dandy tool for someone that doesn't want to get sidetracked.
Sit Or Squat
I've known about this app for a few years and I think it is indispensable for moms. Based on your location, this app uses GPS to find the bathrooms nearest to you that are available to the public. No more wondering where the bathroom when the your kid needs to use the bathroom, because when a kids needs to go, a kids needs to go now!
Baby Phone
This app turns your phone into a baby monitor any time you need. Place the phone by the baby and when the baby makes a noise, your phone will call the phone number that you have set up the app to call. So, when your baby wakes up, the phone you designated will ring and you will avoid the cost of a baby monitor, or simply be able to use it on the go.
Food Additives
For moms that are worried about what ingredients are going into your food, use this app. Just look up the ingredient you're wondering about and you will find all health info you need including function, origin and risks. It's also great for people who have allergies and need to know to the risks of ingredients.
Weet Woo!
Most kids love YouTube, but sadly there are a lot of videos on there that are not good and kids need to be protected. With this app, your kids can surf YouTube with a safe filter, so they won't run into indecent content. They can have fun and you can be sure they're not seeing anything they shouldn't be.
Your Breastfeeding Friendly Locator
One of the biggest pains about having a newborn is nursing while in public. Some people treat mothers very rudely and some are just down right intolerant. So, this app was created to help moms find places where they can breast feed based on their location. There is no more need to try to find a corner where you will be alone or a bathroom stall to huddle into. You can now find places that are friendly with kids, breastfeeding and everything that entails being a new mother.
Siri
I love this app and I'm not a mom. It's an app that acts as your assistant. Voice activated, it can answer almost all of your needs, such as "what is the status of American flight 452?" or "book a table at the best sushi place around here" or "get me a taxi". Just say it and Siri does it. I love it and it makes me a more helpless.
Fruit Ninja
This is a favorite of my nephews. They can stay busy for quite some time with it. It's simply just chopping fruit that pops up in the air. Maybe it's the graphics, but kids love it! It's an easy and fun way to keep them busy.
Voice Plus
This is another favorite of my nephews. It's fun for kids and parents can play too. You make a voice recording and then you can change the voice in over 20 ways and replay it to make your kids laugh. They have deep voices, high voices, guitar voices, slow voices and so many more all guaranteed to make your kid have some silly fun.
Crazy Mouth
This is another app for kids. It's a bunch of different mouths that do different things. There's whistling one, a growling one, a baby crying and a few more. You just choose one and hold the phone to your mouth. It makes kids laugh and they'll want to do it themselves too. It's just some more silly fun.
Shopkick
This app makes shopping more fun. You earn points for checking in at stores by just tapping on the stores that show up around you. These points earn you prizes such as gift certificates to Best Buy, American Eagle, Restaurant.com, iTunes and many more places. You can also makes donations to charity and get Facebook points. You earn something from shopping and you have to love that.
Read Me Stories
This is an interactive book app for kids to help them learn to read in a fun way. Pages do things, so it's somewhat like a mixture between a book and a movie, which is sure to be new to your kids. They'll enjoy it while they learn and you can help them along as well.
Phones are more than just phones these days and you should use them to their fullest to get your money's worth and to make your life as easy as possible. Hopefully these will do just that. If you have any other cool apps, let us know below.
Claire [http://www.InspiringPretty.com]http://www.InspiringPretty.com, Co-Creator
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?16-Helpful-and-Fun-iPhone-Apps-for-Moms&id=6557232] 16 Helpful and Fun iPhone Apps for Moms
If there's one person that needs some extra help in this world, it's mothers. They run around everyday with their heads cut off trying to keep everything going smoothly. I can't hire them an assistant, but I've found a few apps that can make your life easier. There are many more great iPhone apps, but after recent news that Apple tracks your activity, I thought it would be best to find apps that didn't require a lot of personal information (such as banking figures, medical information, etc). There are apps that can do amazing things with this info, but I would not use them due to Apple's policies and therefore can't recommend them. Anyway, onto the fun!
�
Intuition
This is called the mother's personal assistant and for good reason. In it, you can make any sort of list you like (grocery list, to-d0 list, wish list, notes), manage your calendar, create reminders, find grocery coupons based on your location and share all this info through email, facebook or twitter. You can also break everything down into as many categories and also view everything on a map. There's not much that can limit what you can do with this app making it a true personal assistant.
Mom Maps
Have you ever wanted to go out with your kids to just have some fun but can't get past trying to find something to do? A lot of activities on search engines aren't necessarily for kids or families, so this app was created! It's an interactive location-based map which has stuff just for kids and families. It includes parks, playgrounds, family-friendly restaurants, museums and indoor play areas to search from. You can also read reviews from other users to help make up your mind. All around good app for the family.
Red Laser
This cool little app is sweet and simple. Just scan a barcode using your camera and you can see what that item costs on major sites all across the internet. So, no more overspending on a toy at Target only to find an ad online for $10 less. Don't worry about tantrums either. Instead of saying "it's expensive here, we'll get it cheaper somewhere else". You can now say "it's too expensive here, but I know where we can get it cheaper". Plus, now your child will be on better behavior for the week spent waiting for the toy to arrive.
Silent Bodyguard
You hope that you will never have to use this, but if you do, it will come in handy. With the push of a button, you alert your emergency contacts through text message that you are having an emergency along with your location. Your assailant will never know that you have alerted anyone and help will soon be on the way.
Fastmall
This is truly helpful to all moms who want to get in and out of the mall or just to keep a time limit. It guides you turn by turn through the mall to find stores, bathrooms and even your parking spot. You can also find the stores to go to based on what you're looking for and find deals going on at each store. It's quite the handy dandy tool for someone that doesn't want to get sidetracked.
Sit Or Squat
I've known about this app for a few years and I think it is indispensable for moms. Based on your location, this app uses GPS to find the bathrooms nearest to you that are available to the public. No more wondering where the bathroom when the your kid needs to use the bathroom, because when a kids needs to go, a kids needs to go now!
Baby Phone
This app turns your phone into a baby monitor any time you need. Place the phone by the baby and when the baby makes a noise, your phone will call the phone number that you have set up the app to call. So, when your baby wakes up, the phone you designated will ring and you will avoid the cost of a baby monitor, or simply be able to use it on the go.
Food Additives
For moms that are worried about what ingredients are going into your food, use this app. Just look up the ingredient you're wondering about and you will find all health info you need including function, origin and risks. It's also great for people who have allergies and need to know to the risks of ingredients.
Weet Woo!
Most kids love YouTube, but sadly there are a lot of videos on there that are not good and kids need to be protected. With this app, your kids can surf YouTube with a safe filter, so they won't run into indecent content. They can have fun and you can be sure they're not seeing anything they shouldn't be.
Your Breastfeeding Friendly Locator
One of the biggest pains about having a newborn is nursing while in public. Some people treat mothers very rudely and some are just down right intolerant. So, this app was created to help moms find places where they can breast feed based on their location. There is no more need to try to find a corner where you will be alone or a bathroom stall to huddle into. You can now find places that are friendly with kids, breastfeeding and everything that entails being a new mother.
Siri
I love this app and I'm not a mom. It's an app that acts as your assistant. Voice activated, it can answer almost all of your needs, such as "what is the status of American flight 452?" or "book a table at the best sushi place around here" or "get me a taxi". Just say it and Siri does it. I love it and it makes me a more helpless.
Fruit Ninja
This is a favorite of my nephews. They can stay busy for quite some time with it. It's simply just chopping fruit that pops up in the air. Maybe it's the graphics, but kids love it! It's an easy and fun way to keep them busy.
Voice Plus
This is another favorite of my nephews. It's fun for kids and parents can play too. You make a voice recording and then you can change the voice in over 20 ways and replay it to make your kids laugh. They have deep voices, high voices, guitar voices, slow voices and so many more all guaranteed to make your kid have some silly fun.
Crazy Mouth
This is another app for kids. It's a bunch of different mouths that do different things. There's whistling one, a growling one, a baby crying and a few more. You just choose one and hold the phone to your mouth. It makes kids laugh and they'll want to do it themselves too. It's just some more silly fun.
Shopkick
This app makes shopping more fun. You earn points for checking in at stores by just tapping on the stores that show up around you. These points earn you prizes such as gift certificates to Best Buy, American Eagle, Restaurant.com, iTunes and many more places. You can also makes donations to charity and get Facebook points. You earn something from shopping and you have to love that.
Read Me Stories
This is an interactive book app for kids to help them learn to read in a fun way. Pages do things, so it's somewhat like a mixture between a book and a movie, which is sure to be new to your kids. They'll enjoy it while they learn and you can help them along as well.
Phones are more than just phones these days and you should use them to their fullest to get your money's worth and to make your life as easy as possible. Hopefully these will do just that. If you have any other cool apps, let us know below.
Claire [http://www.InspiringPretty.com]http://www.InspiringPretty.com, Co-Creator
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?16-Helpful-and-Fun-iPhone-Apps-for-Moms&id=6557232] 16 Helpful and Fun iPhone Apps for Moms
Monday, December 26, 2011
Can I Be a Stay at Home Mom?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stacy_Keeler]Stacy Keeler
I am a stay at home mom. I became one the day my first son was born in 2005. This was a joint decision that both my husband and I had made before we even got pregnant. We both knew from the beginning that the best thing for our family was to have me stay home with our kids. I want to just share a few points with you about some of the major concerns that people have when they are deciding on whether or not to stay home.
Money Matters: One of the biggest factors in choosing to be a stay at home mom is obviously the financial one. Losing that second income can be fearful. Can we afford it? One question that I am sure is asked a lot. But with some proper planning and budgeting it can be done and is being done.
Work from Home: There are many options out there for stay at home moms to be able to earn an income from home without having to take an outside job. Some examples would be: Direct Sales, Virtual Agents for Call Centres, Home based businesses, freelance writing and translating. These are but a few. Find an area that you enjoy or are passionate about and I know if you look, there will be something out there that you can do make some extra money.
Time for yourself: This area will obviously be cut down dramatically. It is an area though that does need attention. It is during these times for yourself that you will get your strength back. It may mean taking a small walk in the evening, or reading a book. Joining a local moms group is a great way to get time for yourself and also get to know other mothers and form new friendships. Once your kids are in school full time, and you have chosen to stay at home, your daytime will allow more time for yourself also.
Rewards: Although being a stay at home does have its struggles, but the rewards that come with it far outweigh any struggle. One of the greatest rewards of being a stay at home mom is getting to experience so much of your children's lives and getting to be a part of it. Having your child know that when he comes home from school you are there ready to talk about their day, snack in hand of course!
Being a stay at home mom is a job and a career!
If you are looking for an honest, ethical and legitimate way to generate a full time income from home, [http://www.liveoutyourdreamtoday.com]click here
For free training, free education, and a free income generating website, visit [http://www.liveoutyourdreamtoday.com]www.liveoutyourdreamtoday.com today.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-I-Be-a-Stay-at-Home-Mom?&id=6583740] Can I Be a Stay at Home Mom?
I am a stay at home mom. I became one the day my first son was born in 2005. This was a joint decision that both my husband and I had made before we even got pregnant. We both knew from the beginning that the best thing for our family was to have me stay home with our kids. I want to just share a few points with you about some of the major concerns that people have when they are deciding on whether or not to stay home.
Money Matters: One of the biggest factors in choosing to be a stay at home mom is obviously the financial one. Losing that second income can be fearful. Can we afford it? One question that I am sure is asked a lot. But with some proper planning and budgeting it can be done and is being done.
Work from Home: There are many options out there for stay at home moms to be able to earn an income from home without having to take an outside job. Some examples would be: Direct Sales, Virtual Agents for Call Centres, Home based businesses, freelance writing and translating. These are but a few. Find an area that you enjoy or are passionate about and I know if you look, there will be something out there that you can do make some extra money.
Time for yourself: This area will obviously be cut down dramatically. It is an area though that does need attention. It is during these times for yourself that you will get your strength back. It may mean taking a small walk in the evening, or reading a book. Joining a local moms group is a great way to get time for yourself and also get to know other mothers and form new friendships. Once your kids are in school full time, and you have chosen to stay at home, your daytime will allow more time for yourself also.
Rewards: Although being a stay at home does have its struggles, but the rewards that come with it far outweigh any struggle. One of the greatest rewards of being a stay at home mom is getting to experience so much of your children's lives and getting to be a part of it. Having your child know that when he comes home from school you are there ready to talk about their day, snack in hand of course!
Being a stay at home mom is a job and a career!
If you are looking for an honest, ethical and legitimate way to generate a full time income from home, [http://www.liveoutyourdreamtoday.com]click here
For free training, free education, and a free income generating website, visit [http://www.liveoutyourdreamtoday.com]www.liveoutyourdreamtoday.com today.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-I-Be-a-Stay-at-Home-Mom?&id=6583740] Can I Be a Stay at Home Mom?
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Motherhood Accessories
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Samantha_K]Samantha K
We all know babies don't come with a handbook. New and veteran moms alike can feel overwhelmed with all of the products out there designed to make motherhood easier. Fortunately, there are tried and true motherhood accessories out there, which new and veteran mothers swear by. These accessories improve the parenting experience by providing solutions to some of parenting's biggest problems. The following is a list of products parents can't live without.
Baby Sling: Parents who have used them swear by them. Baby slings allow parents to carry their baby much more frequently than they would normally be able to, while still allowing them hands-free freedom to do the things they need to do. Carried babies are usually much more calm, allowing the parents to feel a lot less stress. Slings also allow parents maximum body-to-body contact, enabling them to develop close bonds with their baby.
Shopping Cart Cover: Shopping cart covers are a soft, fabric cover with an elastic band that covers all four sides of a shopping cart (or high chair). These covers are very easy to slip on and off the shopping cart, and they prevent babies from chewing dirty, germy carts. They even include convenient pockets for storing bottles, toys, cell phones, etc. These covers are easy to carry everywhere, and they can be thrown right in the washer.
Car Seat Cover: Car seat covers are a cloth cover with Velcro handles that attach around the car seat handle with the cloth forming a protective tent around the entire car seat. These covers serve many purposes. They keep the sun/light out of baby's eyes, they protect them from germs, and they help keep babies who fall asleep in their car seats asleep. In addition, car seat covers also keep unwanted attention from random strangers at bay.
Diaper Changing Mat: There are ordinary diaper changing pads, and then there are portable diaper changing systems that go the extra mile. Diaper changing mats of today are a motherhood accessory every mom-on-the-go needs. These mats are machine washable, they store diapers, wipes, and ointment, and they provide a sanitary place wherever you go to change your baby's diaper. They're easy to store and they can be taken anywhere.
Upright Baby Seat: An upright baby seat, like a Bumbo, is a perfect seat to hold babies snug and secure without the inconvenience of straps or seat belts. The material is soft, protecting babies from harm, but it still provides a secure, washable seat for babies who are transitioning into sitting upright on their own. Also, babies love to sit upright, so they can see what is going on around them and know what mom and dad are doing.
These products have become life-savers for many parents, grandparents, and care providers alike. With all of the baby products on the market, these products have come out on top time and time again. They assist in making parenting, and caring for children in general, easier, more convenient, and, above all, more enjoyable!
Samantha Kirya is the owner of MyaMaternity.com where you can find beautiful and functional <a target="_new" href="http://www.myamaternity.com/category_32/Baby-Slings.htm">baby slings</A>. Visit us today for the best deals on <a target="_new" href="http://www.MyaMaternity.com">maternity clothing</A>, diaper bags, baby slings and more.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Motherhood-Accessories&id=6592236] Motherhood Accessories
We all know babies don't come with a handbook. New and veteran moms alike can feel overwhelmed with all of the products out there designed to make motherhood easier. Fortunately, there are tried and true motherhood accessories out there, which new and veteran mothers swear by. These accessories improve the parenting experience by providing solutions to some of parenting's biggest problems. The following is a list of products parents can't live without.
Baby Sling: Parents who have used them swear by them. Baby slings allow parents to carry their baby much more frequently than they would normally be able to, while still allowing them hands-free freedom to do the things they need to do. Carried babies are usually much more calm, allowing the parents to feel a lot less stress. Slings also allow parents maximum body-to-body contact, enabling them to develop close bonds with their baby.
Shopping Cart Cover: Shopping cart covers are a soft, fabric cover with an elastic band that covers all four sides of a shopping cart (or high chair). These covers are very easy to slip on and off the shopping cart, and they prevent babies from chewing dirty, germy carts. They even include convenient pockets for storing bottles, toys, cell phones, etc. These covers are easy to carry everywhere, and they can be thrown right in the washer.
Car Seat Cover: Car seat covers are a cloth cover with Velcro handles that attach around the car seat handle with the cloth forming a protective tent around the entire car seat. These covers serve many purposes. They keep the sun/light out of baby's eyes, they protect them from germs, and they help keep babies who fall asleep in their car seats asleep. In addition, car seat covers also keep unwanted attention from random strangers at bay.
Diaper Changing Mat: There are ordinary diaper changing pads, and then there are portable diaper changing systems that go the extra mile. Diaper changing mats of today are a motherhood accessory every mom-on-the-go needs. These mats are machine washable, they store diapers, wipes, and ointment, and they provide a sanitary place wherever you go to change your baby's diaper. They're easy to store and they can be taken anywhere.
Upright Baby Seat: An upright baby seat, like a Bumbo, is a perfect seat to hold babies snug and secure without the inconvenience of straps or seat belts. The material is soft, protecting babies from harm, but it still provides a secure, washable seat for babies who are transitioning into sitting upright on their own. Also, babies love to sit upright, so they can see what is going on around them and know what mom and dad are doing.
These products have become life-savers for many parents, grandparents, and care providers alike. With all of the baby products on the market, these products have come out on top time and time again. They assist in making parenting, and caring for children in general, easier, more convenient, and, above all, more enjoyable!
Samantha Kirya is the owner of MyaMaternity.com where you can find beautiful and functional <a target="_new" href="http://www.myamaternity.com/category_32/Baby-Slings.htm">baby slings</A>. Visit us today for the best deals on <a target="_new" href="http://www.MyaMaternity.com">maternity clothing</A>, diaper bags, baby slings and more.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Motherhood-Accessories&id=6592236] Motherhood Accessories
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Baby Wakes Up at Night - What's a Mom to Do?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Donielle_Schipper]Donielle Schipper
My six month old baby wakes up at night around 10:30, and then decides it's time to stay awake for the rest of the night. So what does a mom of five young children do when this happens for over a week?
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #1
Don't get frustrated! I know that sounds easier said than done, and believe me, I haven't obeyed that rule very well myself. When you have a baby waking up in the night and you are dead exhausted from a long day of homeschooling, cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, cooking some more, cleaning some more, etc., etc... (you get the picture), you don't have a lot of patience in reserve, that's for sure! But you have to remember that sleep for a 6 month old is sometimes reversed and it's not going to last forever.
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #2
Encourage baby to go back to sleep. When my six month baby wakes up at night, the first thing I do is try to get him back to sleep. Here's the list of things I usually try:
a) nurse him back to sleep
b) pat him gently on the back
c) offer him a binky
d) rock him gently in a dark room
e) softly play some relaxing music
f) lay down with him on my tummy so he can relax to my heartbeat
I go through this list pretty much in the order above, but sometimes it just doesn't work. Which leads to....
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #3
When nothing is working, just go with the flow. Usually after about two hours of trying the above list and my six month old still doesn't want to sleep, I will get up with him and just let him play for a while. This solves more than one problem. It causes me not to feel as frustrated because then I feel like at least I'm getting something done, instead of just laying there waiting for baby to fall back to sleep. It also allows my poor husband to get a little rest, because when baby is not sleeping through the night, you can bet hubby is not sleeping through the night! He may seem to be still asleep, but he's often told me that he doesn't feel rested in the morning when the baby wakes up at night.
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #4
Use this quiet time with no other kids around to get something done! As a mother, you know that a little quiet time to really focus on something is a precious commodity. So why not use the time that your baby is awake at night to do just that? In my case, I usually get a little reading done, or I do exactly what I'm doing right now... writing a blog! I'm here for the baby if I start to notice him winding down, but I also am accomplishing something and using my time awake wisely.
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #5
Find someone to help with your other children, should you have any, in the morning. I am blessed to have a husband that works at home and is willing to spend a few hours in the morning getting the rest of my kids fed and ready for the day when the baby is not sleeping all night. But if you don't have that luxury, I recommend finding someone who would be willing to help you out. Your mom, or a close friend can be a lifesaver in situations like this. Just make sure you ask! I know it's hard because you may feel like a burden, but believe me, it is worth it to have those few extra hours of sleep when you've been up all night with the baby!
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #6
Enjoy! I know that doesn't sound possible in the middle of the night when you are soooo tired and just want to sleep. But remember that these days are few and fleeting. Before you know it, your little six month old baby will be a teenager, and instead of keeping you awake because he's not sleeping through the night, he'll be keeping you awake because he's out with his friends all night. At least while he's a baby, you get to spend the wee hours of the morning with him instead of worrying about him!
Hope this has been an inspiration to you as you deal with your baby waking up at night! May you be blessed as you care for your little one with love and patience.
I am a stay at home mother of five children. I love homechooling my children and teaching them to live healthy lives. I enjoy staying healthy and fit and love helping others to do the same!
Please visit [http://www.donielleschipper.com]Superfit Homeschool Mom and join me on my fitness journey!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Baby-Wakes-Up-at-Night---Whats-a-Mom-to-Do?&id=6594753] Baby Wakes Up at Night - What's a Mom to Do?
My six month old baby wakes up at night around 10:30, and then decides it's time to stay awake for the rest of the night. So what does a mom of five young children do when this happens for over a week?
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #1
Don't get frustrated! I know that sounds easier said than done, and believe me, I haven't obeyed that rule very well myself. When you have a baby waking up in the night and you are dead exhausted from a long day of homeschooling, cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, cooking some more, cleaning some more, etc., etc... (you get the picture), you don't have a lot of patience in reserve, that's for sure! But you have to remember that sleep for a 6 month old is sometimes reversed and it's not going to last forever.
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #2
Encourage baby to go back to sleep. When my six month baby wakes up at night, the first thing I do is try to get him back to sleep. Here's the list of things I usually try:
a) nurse him back to sleep
b) pat him gently on the back
c) offer him a binky
d) rock him gently in a dark room
e) softly play some relaxing music
f) lay down with him on my tummy so he can relax to my heartbeat
I go through this list pretty much in the order above, but sometimes it just doesn't work. Which leads to....
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #3
When nothing is working, just go with the flow. Usually after about two hours of trying the above list and my six month old still doesn't want to sleep, I will get up with him and just let him play for a while. This solves more than one problem. It causes me not to feel as frustrated because then I feel like at least I'm getting something done, instead of just laying there waiting for baby to fall back to sleep. It also allows my poor husband to get a little rest, because when baby is not sleeping through the night, you can bet hubby is not sleeping through the night! He may seem to be still asleep, but he's often told me that he doesn't feel rested in the morning when the baby wakes up at night.
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #4
Use this quiet time with no other kids around to get something done! As a mother, you know that a little quiet time to really focus on something is a precious commodity. So why not use the time that your baby is awake at night to do just that? In my case, I usually get a little reading done, or I do exactly what I'm doing right now... writing a blog! I'm here for the baby if I start to notice him winding down, but I also am accomplishing something and using my time awake wisely.
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #5
Find someone to help with your other children, should you have any, in the morning. I am blessed to have a husband that works at home and is willing to spend a few hours in the morning getting the rest of my kids fed and ready for the day when the baby is not sleeping all night. But if you don't have that luxury, I recommend finding someone who would be willing to help you out. Your mom, or a close friend can be a lifesaver in situations like this. Just make sure you ask! I know it's hard because you may feel like a burden, but believe me, it is worth it to have those few extra hours of sleep when you've been up all night with the baby!
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #6
Enjoy! I know that doesn't sound possible in the middle of the night when you are soooo tired and just want to sleep. But remember that these days are few and fleeting. Before you know it, your little six month old baby will be a teenager, and instead of keeping you awake because he's not sleeping through the night, he'll be keeping you awake because he's out with his friends all night. At least while he's a baby, you get to spend the wee hours of the morning with him instead of worrying about him!
Hope this has been an inspiration to you as you deal with your baby waking up at night! May you be blessed as you care for your little one with love and patience.
I am a stay at home mother of five children. I love homechooling my children and teaching them to live healthy lives. I enjoy staying healthy and fit and love helping others to do the same!
Please visit [http://www.donielleschipper.com]Superfit Homeschool Mom and join me on my fitness journey!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Baby-Wakes-Up-at-Night---Whats-a-Mom-to-Do?&id=6594753] Baby Wakes Up at Night - What's a Mom to Do?
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Gratitude In A Season Of Abundance
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jeanne_Fiorini]Jeanne Fiorini
Many times in Maine, as the autumn season rolls around, we locals find ourselves bemoaning the end of a lackluster summer but hey, isn't that the best we can expect, living in this neck of the woods? Such complaints will not be heard this year, after a prolonged season that I'm calling the "Summer of The Empress."
In the Tarot, The Empress is the card of the archetypal Mother: the force of procreation, the process of birth and the giving of life, the embodiment of compassion and nurturance. She is your physical mother, the abundant mother earth, the doorway to life and the helpful hand along the way. She has associations with both the planet Venus and the astrological sign of Cancer; her ability to create varying and diverse forms of physical life is boundless.
I live in Southern Maine, which is a watery, Cancerian place to live to begin with. Toss in the steamy weather we had for much of the summer along with the presence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean, and we've been about as soggy as you can get without actually sitting in a puddle. This summer's days were long and humid, stretching out before us in languid waves, one after another after another. In response to this luxury, the greenery around my house took on a life of its own.
The forsythia bush sits like a woolly mammoth at the corner of my house, its tendrils threatening to strangle me in my sleep if not trimmed on a regular basis. Perennials grew extremely high this year; for instance, the globe thistle in front of my house reached well over five feet high. No joke -- I measured them for journalistic accuracy. The Empress was in her glory.
While The Empress card is ruled by Venus (and not by Cancer, which rules The Chariot card), The Empress' collaboration with the forces of nature, motherhood and nurturance is in alliance with the values of home-and-hearth-oriented Cancer. We had three eclipses during the 2011 swing through the Gemini/Cancerian cycle, heightening one's awareness of the emotional patterns that lay beneath the surface of consciousness. And that's just the water which flowed in the inner life.
Let's talk about the vegetable garden, which did well despite the intermittent spells of beastly heat and unending rain. In its second year of production, things fared much better than last year when we had so much heavy and prolonged rain that fungus overran much of what had started out in promising fashion. It's ALL the realm of The Empress, really: the seeds, the soil, the rain, the bugs, the sunshine, the rodents. All those who work the soil eventually come to understand that a garden's output will be determined by the manner by which what you've planted responds to what The Empress dishes out.
This year The Empress must have had a hankering for strawberries. My little plot yielded so many of the delicious berries that we'll be eating them from the freezer at Thanksgiving...and at Christmastime...and maybe even Valentine's Day.
The peas and the lettuce, on the other hand, have had their struggles. Off to a good start, it got too hot too quickly for each of them, although they hung on for dear life, hoping for cooler temperatures and some shade. What has been life-giving for the strawberries -- and the tomatoes -- has not been so good for the peas and lettuce. Indiscriminate Empress.
Finally, there's the fact that my daughter is pregnant with her first child. Oh my goodness, talk about an Empress' dream.
Not only are my daughter and I both Librans with water-sign moons (which has made for a lovely and harmonious mother-daughter relationship) we both are numerological "3's", connecting each of us to the energy of The Empress. My numbers are "21/3", the World/Empress combination; my daughter Kate is a singular "3."
A family friend who knows nothing of these sorts of metaphysical connections and personality profilings saw a recent picture of the mom-to-be and said, "Has she been waiting all her life to be pregnant and become a mother? I've never seen her looking so healthy and so happy." It's true. Her happiness has grown in equal measure to her belly; with only a few weeks of pregnancy left, if her smile widens any further she'll have to sprout more teeth.
If there was anything more rewarding to an Empress than to see her daughter overflowing with life and enjoying every moment, I surely can't imagine it. I'm likely to be a blithering idiot by the time this child actually arrives, so it's good to put thoughts to words while there's still the capacity to do so.
No doubt about it, a full expression of The Empress surrounds me these days. And The Empress in me is satisfied, content to watch the work of nature as it expands and unfolds of its own accord, rewarding the eyes that seek its beauty and comforting the heart that recognizes its power.
Jeanne Fiorini http://www.tarotworks.com
As owner and creator of "TarotWorks," Jeanne Fiorini is a professional Tarot practitioner who lives in the great state of Maine. With over twenty years of experience working with Tarot and the symbols of archetypal psychology, Jeanne brings a unique combination of wit and wisdom to her articles, Tarot readings, classes, workshops, and other projects. Jeanne's second book "Tarot Spreads and Layouts/A User's Manual for Beginning and Intermediate Readers" was released in 2011 by Schiffer Publishing Ltd and has been widely praised by the Tarot community. Visit http://www.tarotworks.com and check out the wide variety of "TarotWorks" offerings.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Gratitude-In-A-Season-Of-Abundance&id=6589953] Gratitude In A Season Of Abundance
Many times in Maine, as the autumn season rolls around, we locals find ourselves bemoaning the end of a lackluster summer but hey, isn't that the best we can expect, living in this neck of the woods? Such complaints will not be heard this year, after a prolonged season that I'm calling the "Summer of The Empress."
In the Tarot, The Empress is the card of the archetypal Mother: the force of procreation, the process of birth and the giving of life, the embodiment of compassion and nurturance. She is your physical mother, the abundant mother earth, the doorway to life and the helpful hand along the way. She has associations with both the planet Venus and the astrological sign of Cancer; her ability to create varying and diverse forms of physical life is boundless.
I live in Southern Maine, which is a watery, Cancerian place to live to begin with. Toss in the steamy weather we had for much of the summer along with the presence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean, and we've been about as soggy as you can get without actually sitting in a puddle. This summer's days were long and humid, stretching out before us in languid waves, one after another after another. In response to this luxury, the greenery around my house took on a life of its own.
The forsythia bush sits like a woolly mammoth at the corner of my house, its tendrils threatening to strangle me in my sleep if not trimmed on a regular basis. Perennials grew extremely high this year; for instance, the globe thistle in front of my house reached well over five feet high. No joke -- I measured them for journalistic accuracy. The Empress was in her glory.
While The Empress card is ruled by Venus (and not by Cancer, which rules The Chariot card), The Empress' collaboration with the forces of nature, motherhood and nurturance is in alliance with the values of home-and-hearth-oriented Cancer. We had three eclipses during the 2011 swing through the Gemini/Cancerian cycle, heightening one's awareness of the emotional patterns that lay beneath the surface of consciousness. And that's just the water which flowed in the inner life.
Let's talk about the vegetable garden, which did well despite the intermittent spells of beastly heat and unending rain. In its second year of production, things fared much better than last year when we had so much heavy and prolonged rain that fungus overran much of what had started out in promising fashion. It's ALL the realm of The Empress, really: the seeds, the soil, the rain, the bugs, the sunshine, the rodents. All those who work the soil eventually come to understand that a garden's output will be determined by the manner by which what you've planted responds to what The Empress dishes out.
This year The Empress must have had a hankering for strawberries. My little plot yielded so many of the delicious berries that we'll be eating them from the freezer at Thanksgiving...and at Christmastime...and maybe even Valentine's Day.
The peas and the lettuce, on the other hand, have had their struggles. Off to a good start, it got too hot too quickly for each of them, although they hung on for dear life, hoping for cooler temperatures and some shade. What has been life-giving for the strawberries -- and the tomatoes -- has not been so good for the peas and lettuce. Indiscriminate Empress.
Finally, there's the fact that my daughter is pregnant with her first child. Oh my goodness, talk about an Empress' dream.
Not only are my daughter and I both Librans with water-sign moons (which has made for a lovely and harmonious mother-daughter relationship) we both are numerological "3's", connecting each of us to the energy of The Empress. My numbers are "21/3", the World/Empress combination; my daughter Kate is a singular "3."
A family friend who knows nothing of these sorts of metaphysical connections and personality profilings saw a recent picture of the mom-to-be and said, "Has she been waiting all her life to be pregnant and become a mother? I've never seen her looking so healthy and so happy." It's true. Her happiness has grown in equal measure to her belly; with only a few weeks of pregnancy left, if her smile widens any further she'll have to sprout more teeth.
If there was anything more rewarding to an Empress than to see her daughter overflowing with life and enjoying every moment, I surely can't imagine it. I'm likely to be a blithering idiot by the time this child actually arrives, so it's good to put thoughts to words while there's still the capacity to do so.
No doubt about it, a full expression of The Empress surrounds me these days. And The Empress in me is satisfied, content to watch the work of nature as it expands and unfolds of its own accord, rewarding the eyes that seek its beauty and comforting the heart that recognizes its power.
Jeanne Fiorini http://www.tarotworks.com
As owner and creator of "TarotWorks," Jeanne Fiorini is a professional Tarot practitioner who lives in the great state of Maine. With over twenty years of experience working with Tarot and the symbols of archetypal psychology, Jeanne brings a unique combination of wit and wisdom to her articles, Tarot readings, classes, workshops, and other projects. Jeanne's second book "Tarot Spreads and Layouts/A User's Manual for Beginning and Intermediate Readers" was released in 2011 by Schiffer Publishing Ltd and has been widely praised by the Tarot community. Visit http://www.tarotworks.com and check out the wide variety of "TarotWorks" offerings.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Gratitude-In-A-Season-Of-Abundance&id=6589953] Gratitude In A Season Of Abundance
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Day Confinement Nanny Vs Live-In Confinement Nanny
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Zhang]Stephanie Zhang
Once you decide to hire a confinement nanny, you have to determine whether you want to invite your nanny to live in your home for a given period of time after the birth, or if you would prefer them just come to your home as a day job. There are advantages and disadvantages to be considered for both options.
Daytime Confinement Nanny
A day confinement nanny will come into your home every morning and leave at an agreed upon time of the evening or night. This arrangement may be used to control the expense of hiring the nanny, but you cannot let cost make this determination for you. You have to consider all of the advantages and advantages then compare the experience to that of having a live-in nanny. Only then can you decide which is the right option for your family.
The benefit to having a confinement nanny come in only during the day is that you can control the hours that they work. This gives you time to spend with your family, without the presence of someone else. The disadvantage to this is that it leaves the new mother and baby without professional support during the nighttime hours. This can be incredibly difficult for both the mother and the baby, especially if the mother is having a difficult time adjusting to her new role.
If the new mother is having intense pain or feeling worn out and tired, then not having the confinement nanny on hand at night can be a huge disadvantage. Remember, newborn babies do not sleep through the night and mothers can easily become exhausted trying to keep up with the demanding feeding schedule of a healthy baby. This is why you must make sure the nanny sets everything up in the home for easy nighttime feeding before heading out to her own home for the night.
Those who go for the day confinement nanny typically need to control expenses, do not have the room in their home for the nanny to comfortably live for a month or longer, or do not trust others in their home and want more alone time for the family. Those who have help in the evening and nighttime from family members may also choose to go with the day confinement nanny.
Live-In Confinement Nanny
A live-in confinement nanny is always on hand. She comes in once the baby is born and does not go home until the agreed upon contract has expired. She is there in the middle of the night when the baby won't stop crying and the new mother cannot figure out what to do. She is there when it is time to give a screaming baby his very first sponge bath. She is even there for fun times of taking pictures and laughing with the adorable baby.
The downside to having someone there all the time is that they are there all the time. The family doesn't get nearly as much alone time with the new baby, since they always have the nanny in the home. The new parents may be able to go out of the house more to keep up with their daily lives and the new mother will get tons of rest, but at times it will be exhausting having someone else in the home. That is a small sacrifice that must be paid for the luxury of having the nanny on hand at all times.
# 1 leading [http://www.pemconfinement.com/]confinement nanny agency in Singapore. Check out [http://www.pemconfinement.com/]PEM Confinement now.
Feel free to publish this article on your website, or send it to your friends, as long as you keep the resource box and the content of the article intact.
The content is our own opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pem Confinement Nanny Agency.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Day-Confinement-Nanny-Vs-Live-In-Confinement-Nanny&id=6600647] Day Confinement Nanny Vs Live-In Confinement Nanny
Once you decide to hire a confinement nanny, you have to determine whether you want to invite your nanny to live in your home for a given period of time after the birth, or if you would prefer them just come to your home as a day job. There are advantages and disadvantages to be considered for both options.
Daytime Confinement Nanny
A day confinement nanny will come into your home every morning and leave at an agreed upon time of the evening or night. This arrangement may be used to control the expense of hiring the nanny, but you cannot let cost make this determination for you. You have to consider all of the advantages and advantages then compare the experience to that of having a live-in nanny. Only then can you decide which is the right option for your family.
The benefit to having a confinement nanny come in only during the day is that you can control the hours that they work. This gives you time to spend with your family, without the presence of someone else. The disadvantage to this is that it leaves the new mother and baby without professional support during the nighttime hours. This can be incredibly difficult for both the mother and the baby, especially if the mother is having a difficult time adjusting to her new role.
If the new mother is having intense pain or feeling worn out and tired, then not having the confinement nanny on hand at night can be a huge disadvantage. Remember, newborn babies do not sleep through the night and mothers can easily become exhausted trying to keep up with the demanding feeding schedule of a healthy baby. This is why you must make sure the nanny sets everything up in the home for easy nighttime feeding before heading out to her own home for the night.
Those who go for the day confinement nanny typically need to control expenses, do not have the room in their home for the nanny to comfortably live for a month or longer, or do not trust others in their home and want more alone time for the family. Those who have help in the evening and nighttime from family members may also choose to go with the day confinement nanny.
Live-In Confinement Nanny
A live-in confinement nanny is always on hand. She comes in once the baby is born and does not go home until the agreed upon contract has expired. She is there in the middle of the night when the baby won't stop crying and the new mother cannot figure out what to do. She is there when it is time to give a screaming baby his very first sponge bath. She is even there for fun times of taking pictures and laughing with the adorable baby.
The downside to having someone there all the time is that they are there all the time. The family doesn't get nearly as much alone time with the new baby, since they always have the nanny in the home. The new parents may be able to go out of the house more to keep up with their daily lives and the new mother will get tons of rest, but at times it will be exhausting having someone else in the home. That is a small sacrifice that must be paid for the luxury of having the nanny on hand at all times.
# 1 leading [http://www.pemconfinement.com/]confinement nanny agency in Singapore. Check out [http://www.pemconfinement.com/]PEM Confinement now.
Feel free to publish this article on your website, or send it to your friends, as long as you keep the resource box and the content of the article intact.
The content is our own opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pem Confinement Nanny Agency.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Day-Confinement-Nanny-Vs-Live-In-Confinement-Nanny&id=6600647] Day Confinement Nanny Vs Live-In Confinement Nanny
Friday, December 16, 2011
Get Big Time Benefits With Breastfeeding
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joel_Gray]Joel Gray
Mothers that are interested in giving their babies a healthy advantage in life should consider breastfeeding. Many health professionals have long praised the benefits of breastfeeding. There are numerous reasons why breast milk is preferred over store bought formulas for providing nourishment to babies. While breastfeeding may not be the most convenient option for some mothers, the number of benefits offered to both mother and child is surely an incentive to give breastfeeding a try. Both babies and mothers have much to gain from the very natural process of breastfeeding.
As many people are aware, there are many benefits for a baby that is breastfed. Many mothers choose to breastfeed as oppose to using more convenient formulas as a result of the good effects that breast milk has on a baby's growth and functioning. Breast milk is loaded with antibodies and nutrients that are not found in the synthetically made formulas that are available in most stores. The antibodies within the formula are very effective at helping to boost the immune system of a baby.
The antibodies are known to help prevent many diseases that formulas cannot. Such diseases and conditions that may be prevented by breastfeeding include respiratory infections, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), diabetes and even leukemia. All of these health benefits are the main reason why breastfeeding is highly recommended.
Just as there are numerous benefits for babies that are breastfed, mothers also experience positive effects from nursing their newborns. When women choose to nurse their children there is a chance that they are improving their own health. Many women decrease their risk of breast and ovarian cancer and diabetes. Likewise, the chances of developing the very emotionally draining psychological condition known as postpartum depression is reduced as a result of nursing. In addition, women that breastfeed are more likely to return to their pre-pregnancy weight than those that use formula to nourish their babies. These are the many reasons why women should consider nursing their babies.
One of the most important benefits of breastfeeding is the establishment of the mother and child bond. Numerous studies have been done to analyze the effect of breastfeeding in the development of the bond between mother and child. Many studies suggest that children that are breastfed receive many mental and emotional benefits that other babies do not receive. It has been noted that children who were breastfed are more emotionally secure and tend to have less mental and behavioral problems.
Finally, it is more economical to breastfeed. Breast milk is free whereas the cost of formula can equate to hundreds to thousands of dollars over time. Mothers that are interested in breastfeeding their babies on the go can purchase special pumps and breast covers that will allow women to provide their babies with the benefits of breast milk. Even the purchase of these items is significantly less than purchasing formula from a store. Overall, breastfeeding is a healthier, cost effective way to provide infants with the nourishment they need.
Raising strong, active and healthy children in today's fast-paced and fast food environment gets harder and harder with each passing day. To get tips and ideas about [http://www.concerningkids.com]child fitness, child health and child nutrition and learn how to keep your children healthy, active and happy check out [http://www.concerningkids.com]Concerning Kids. At Concerning Kids, you will discover fun things to do that will help your kids live longer, live stronger and lead a more active, fun and healthy lifestyle.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-Big-Time-Benefits-With-Breastfeeding&id=6606734] Get Big Time Benefits With Breastfeeding
Mothers that are interested in giving their babies a healthy advantage in life should consider breastfeeding. Many health professionals have long praised the benefits of breastfeeding. There are numerous reasons why breast milk is preferred over store bought formulas for providing nourishment to babies. While breastfeeding may not be the most convenient option for some mothers, the number of benefits offered to both mother and child is surely an incentive to give breastfeeding a try. Both babies and mothers have much to gain from the very natural process of breastfeeding.
As many people are aware, there are many benefits for a baby that is breastfed. Many mothers choose to breastfeed as oppose to using more convenient formulas as a result of the good effects that breast milk has on a baby's growth and functioning. Breast milk is loaded with antibodies and nutrients that are not found in the synthetically made formulas that are available in most stores. The antibodies within the formula are very effective at helping to boost the immune system of a baby.
The antibodies are known to help prevent many diseases that formulas cannot. Such diseases and conditions that may be prevented by breastfeeding include respiratory infections, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), diabetes and even leukemia. All of these health benefits are the main reason why breastfeeding is highly recommended.
Just as there are numerous benefits for babies that are breastfed, mothers also experience positive effects from nursing their newborns. When women choose to nurse their children there is a chance that they are improving their own health. Many women decrease their risk of breast and ovarian cancer and diabetes. Likewise, the chances of developing the very emotionally draining psychological condition known as postpartum depression is reduced as a result of nursing. In addition, women that breastfeed are more likely to return to their pre-pregnancy weight than those that use formula to nourish their babies. These are the many reasons why women should consider nursing their babies.
One of the most important benefits of breastfeeding is the establishment of the mother and child bond. Numerous studies have been done to analyze the effect of breastfeeding in the development of the bond between mother and child. Many studies suggest that children that are breastfed receive many mental and emotional benefits that other babies do not receive. It has been noted that children who were breastfed are more emotionally secure and tend to have less mental and behavioral problems.
Finally, it is more economical to breastfeed. Breast milk is free whereas the cost of formula can equate to hundreds to thousands of dollars over time. Mothers that are interested in breastfeeding their babies on the go can purchase special pumps and breast covers that will allow women to provide their babies with the benefits of breast milk. Even the purchase of these items is significantly less than purchasing formula from a store. Overall, breastfeeding is a healthier, cost effective way to provide infants with the nourishment they need.
Raising strong, active and healthy children in today's fast-paced and fast food environment gets harder and harder with each passing day. To get tips and ideas about [http://www.concerningkids.com]child fitness, child health and child nutrition and learn how to keep your children healthy, active and happy check out [http://www.concerningkids.com]Concerning Kids. At Concerning Kids, you will discover fun things to do that will help your kids live longer, live stronger and lead a more active, fun and healthy lifestyle.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-Big-Time-Benefits-With-Breastfeeding&id=6606734] Get Big Time Benefits With Breastfeeding
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Top 6 Places Where To Buy Cloth Diapers
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Sanford]Sarah Sanford
It used to be difficult to find cloth diapers. They were not so popular, as the majority of parents used and still use disposable diapers.
Nowadays, due to increasing demand for reusable diapers-both the old kind that are used with plastic pants and the modern, all-in-one cloth diapers, they can be easily found in various places. You can definitely find them online, mostly find them at megastores, and sometimes find them at specialized baby boutique stores.
So, where to buy cloth diapers?
MEGASTORES
1. Babies R Us. It is a great place to buy disposable diapers. They have a good choice of them. But they also offer a few reusable diapers types, like Gerber Prefold Birdseye, BumGenius Snap, and Gerber Gauze Flatfold Cloth Diaper.
2. Target. You can definitely find reusable diapers in Target. The top three best-sellers at this megastore are: BumGenius, FuzziBunz One-Size and Trend Lab Reusable Diaper with Liner.
3. K-Mart. This store offers only a few selections, such as Kissa's Cotton Fleece Fitted Diaper and Marvels One Size Diaper.
Great thing about traditional stores is that you can buy and get your chosen products the same day and you do not need to pay shipping.
ONLINE
1. Amazon.com. Currently the biggest online store. It offers a huge array of goods, for a decent price. Cloth diapers are among those goods. Their selection consists of Gerber Flatfold Birdseye, Thirsties Duo Wrap Snap, Blackbird, and OsoCozy Prefolds Unbleached Reusable Diapers.
2. Cottonbabies.com.Unlike Amazon.com this online store has a smaller selection of cloth diapers, but they offer free shipping within the U.S. as well as blogs, forums and informative articles. Here you can find the BumGenius Deluxe All-In-One, BumGenius One-Size and Chinese Pre-fold Reusable Diapers.
3. ReDiaper.com. Re-Diaper offers gently used cloth diapers and its covers for up to 60% of the cost of new ones. They carry high quality, brand name reusable diapers, such as BumGenius All-In-One, Thirsties All-In-One and Duo Diapers, and Baby Beehinds Bamboo One-Size Fitted Diaper.
BABY BOUTIQUES
If you do a google search for "Baby boutique + [your city]" you may be surprised how many such small stores can be found in your area. Some of them will definitely sell reusable diapers.
As you can see there are many places where you can find cloth diapers. The key is to trust your personal preference and check out the best price. They will guide you to make the best purchase decision.
Now, you know the best places to find and [http://www.adultdiapersreviews.org/]purchase cloth diapers. But how you know which of the reusable diapers are the best to buy. Find reliable and informative reviews on our website on [http://www.adultdiapersreviews.org/]cloth adult and baby diapers.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-6-Places-Where-To-Buy-Cloth-Diapers&id=6614402] Top 6 Places Where To Buy Cloth Diapers
It used to be difficult to find cloth diapers. They were not so popular, as the majority of parents used and still use disposable diapers.
Nowadays, due to increasing demand for reusable diapers-both the old kind that are used with plastic pants and the modern, all-in-one cloth diapers, they can be easily found in various places. You can definitely find them online, mostly find them at megastores, and sometimes find them at specialized baby boutique stores.
So, where to buy cloth diapers?
MEGASTORES
1. Babies R Us. It is a great place to buy disposable diapers. They have a good choice of them. But they also offer a few reusable diapers types, like Gerber Prefold Birdseye, BumGenius Snap, and Gerber Gauze Flatfold Cloth Diaper.
2. Target. You can definitely find reusable diapers in Target. The top three best-sellers at this megastore are: BumGenius, FuzziBunz One-Size and Trend Lab Reusable Diaper with Liner.
3. K-Mart. This store offers only a few selections, such as Kissa's Cotton Fleece Fitted Diaper and Marvels One Size Diaper.
Great thing about traditional stores is that you can buy and get your chosen products the same day and you do not need to pay shipping.
ONLINE
1. Amazon.com. Currently the biggest online store. It offers a huge array of goods, for a decent price. Cloth diapers are among those goods. Their selection consists of Gerber Flatfold Birdseye, Thirsties Duo Wrap Snap, Blackbird, and OsoCozy Prefolds Unbleached Reusable Diapers.
2. Cottonbabies.com.Unlike Amazon.com this online store has a smaller selection of cloth diapers, but they offer free shipping within the U.S. as well as blogs, forums and informative articles. Here you can find the BumGenius Deluxe All-In-One, BumGenius One-Size and Chinese Pre-fold Reusable Diapers.
3. ReDiaper.com. Re-Diaper offers gently used cloth diapers and its covers for up to 60% of the cost of new ones. They carry high quality, brand name reusable diapers, such as BumGenius All-In-One, Thirsties All-In-One and Duo Diapers, and Baby Beehinds Bamboo One-Size Fitted Diaper.
BABY BOUTIQUES
If you do a google search for "Baby boutique + [your city]" you may be surprised how many such small stores can be found in your area. Some of them will definitely sell reusable diapers.
As you can see there are many places where you can find cloth diapers. The key is to trust your personal preference and check out the best price. They will guide you to make the best purchase decision.
Now, you know the best places to find and [http://www.adultdiapersreviews.org/]purchase cloth diapers. But how you know which of the reusable diapers are the best to buy. Find reliable and informative reviews on our website on [http://www.adultdiapersreviews.org/]cloth adult and baby diapers.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-6-Places-Where-To-Buy-Cloth-Diapers&id=6614402] Top 6 Places Where To Buy Cloth Diapers
Monday, December 12, 2011
4 Money Saving Tips for New Moms
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jay_Finks]Jay Finks
A new baby brings lots of joy and excitement to a family. It also brings lots of new expenses for diapers, food, clothing and medical costs. This can equate to a drastic change in the financial situation of the family.
Moms will scramble to find ways to save money, so that they can make the family's income stretch as far as possible. There are lots of ways, but some are easier to do consistently. Here are some of the best things that moms can do when they are making room for their new baby:
1. Clip Coupons: Coupons have certainly made a comeback in a major way, and more moms are using them than ever before. With the economy getting worse, clipping coupons has become necessary in order for the average family to make ends meet. There are several ways to collect coupons. Moms can collect coupons by collecting the Sunday newspaper circulars. They can also find coupons on the internet. Many moms belong to couponing forums. You can join coupon clipping websites or go to manufacturer's websites and Facebook pages to find coupons.
2. Buy Second-Hand Items: Buying "second-hand" almost seemed synonymous with poverty a few years ago, but now it's almost trendy. There are consignment stores cropping up everywhere and they won't accept torn, stained or broken items. There are lots of name brand clothes and popular baby gear to be had in these shops. You will find nice cribs, toys, bouncy chairs, Peg Perego high chairs, strollers by Maclaren and Joovy, snow gear, nursing items and the list goes on. Take the leap and check one out, you might be surprised at what you find.
3. Check your local Craigslist "Free Stuff" section: Anytime someone moves out it seems like there are lots of items they can't take with them. You can find the most amazing things being given away for free, and the kicker is you are also doing them a favor by hauling it away. Items are often large furniture items, d�cor and the like. Save some big bucks on these items by getting them from the free classifieds. Word of caution: be careful not to put yourself in danger by going into a stranger's house alone. Take a friend or spouse with you. Often times, free items are left curbside and there is no need to go inside.
4. This one may seem counter-intuitive: Buy high quality baby gear
Yes, when shopping for baby gear, you will save yourself hundreds of dollars by choosing products that will last for several years. Avoid buying items that will only be used for a few months or for a short period of time. For example, every new mom needs a stroller. Having a newborn, you really need a stroller that holds the infant carrier too. But maybe you are also planning to have more kids within a few years. If so, you really should consider purchasing a stroller that will accommodate your plans. They make these tandem strollers that have a seat in front for a baby or infant carrier and a standing platform and seat in the rear for an older sibling. These strollers are a little more expensive than a regular stroller, but you will only have to buy one and it will be useful to you for several years.
The same goes for cribs. If you can, buy a convertible crib that converts to a toddler bed. They too are a little more expensive, but not by that much. Plus, you will really save a bundle by not having to buy a second bed in the future.
They are now making convertible high chairs as well. They start off as a high chair and convert to a booster when the child is older. Buying these types of products saves hundreds of dollars in the long run and are well worth the investment. Not only will you have these items for a long time but they are quality products that will last better than cheap ones.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways for moms to save money. With a little research, effort and creative thinking, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on items for the kids.
Jay enjoys writing about family and kids and all that comes with it. If you want to learn more about tandem strollers like the [http://www.joovystrollers.org/joovy_ultralight.html]Joovy Ultralight, check out my website about [http://www.joovystrollers.org/]Joovy strollers. My wife and I own one and absolutely love it.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?4-Money-Saving-Tips-for-New-Moms&id=6622359] 4 Money Saving Tips for New Moms
A new baby brings lots of joy and excitement to a family. It also brings lots of new expenses for diapers, food, clothing and medical costs. This can equate to a drastic change in the financial situation of the family.
Moms will scramble to find ways to save money, so that they can make the family's income stretch as far as possible. There are lots of ways, but some are easier to do consistently. Here are some of the best things that moms can do when they are making room for their new baby:
1. Clip Coupons: Coupons have certainly made a comeback in a major way, and more moms are using them than ever before. With the economy getting worse, clipping coupons has become necessary in order for the average family to make ends meet. There are several ways to collect coupons. Moms can collect coupons by collecting the Sunday newspaper circulars. They can also find coupons on the internet. Many moms belong to couponing forums. You can join coupon clipping websites or go to manufacturer's websites and Facebook pages to find coupons.
2. Buy Second-Hand Items: Buying "second-hand" almost seemed synonymous with poverty a few years ago, but now it's almost trendy. There are consignment stores cropping up everywhere and they won't accept torn, stained or broken items. There are lots of name brand clothes and popular baby gear to be had in these shops. You will find nice cribs, toys, bouncy chairs, Peg Perego high chairs, strollers by Maclaren and Joovy, snow gear, nursing items and the list goes on. Take the leap and check one out, you might be surprised at what you find.
3. Check your local Craigslist "Free Stuff" section: Anytime someone moves out it seems like there are lots of items they can't take with them. You can find the most amazing things being given away for free, and the kicker is you are also doing them a favor by hauling it away. Items are often large furniture items, d�cor and the like. Save some big bucks on these items by getting them from the free classifieds. Word of caution: be careful not to put yourself in danger by going into a stranger's house alone. Take a friend or spouse with you. Often times, free items are left curbside and there is no need to go inside.
4. This one may seem counter-intuitive: Buy high quality baby gear
Yes, when shopping for baby gear, you will save yourself hundreds of dollars by choosing products that will last for several years. Avoid buying items that will only be used for a few months or for a short period of time. For example, every new mom needs a stroller. Having a newborn, you really need a stroller that holds the infant carrier too. But maybe you are also planning to have more kids within a few years. If so, you really should consider purchasing a stroller that will accommodate your plans. They make these tandem strollers that have a seat in front for a baby or infant carrier and a standing platform and seat in the rear for an older sibling. These strollers are a little more expensive than a regular stroller, but you will only have to buy one and it will be useful to you for several years.
The same goes for cribs. If you can, buy a convertible crib that converts to a toddler bed. They too are a little more expensive, but not by that much. Plus, you will really save a bundle by not having to buy a second bed in the future.
They are now making convertible high chairs as well. They start off as a high chair and convert to a booster when the child is older. Buying these types of products saves hundreds of dollars in the long run and are well worth the investment. Not only will you have these items for a long time but they are quality products that will last better than cheap ones.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways for moms to save money. With a little research, effort and creative thinking, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on items for the kids.
Jay enjoys writing about family and kids and all that comes with it. If you want to learn more about tandem strollers like the [http://www.joovystrollers.org/joovy_ultralight.html]Joovy Ultralight, check out my website about [http://www.joovystrollers.org/]Joovy strollers. My wife and I own one and absolutely love it.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?4-Money-Saving-Tips-for-New-Moms&id=6622359] 4 Money Saving Tips for New Moms
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Garbage Man Fantasy
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_M_Jones]Kimberly M Jones
Do you ever fantasize about throwing all of your children's toys away? Okay, maybe not all of them, but a considerable portion? I do: In fact, almost every day! I think it's because my children love to get out all of their toys, but hate to put them away.
So yes, I do eliminate toys when my children aren't around, which has resulted in some strange childhood behaviors. For instance, if my kids can't find something, they immediately assume I threw it away. Instead of looking for the misplaced item, they begin digging through the garbage cans. Occasionally, when I am tucking them in for the night, they beg me to not throw any of their toys away while they sleep. I have also noticed them hoarding things. It makes me feel kind of bad, but who can keep every Happy Meal toy, and how many stuffed animals does a kid really need? Plus, I don't even throw them away. I take them to Goodwill!*
Which is how I finally discovered the why behind my son's desire to be a garbage man. He said, "I will find the coolest toys!"
* Technically, I do throw the Happy Meal toys away because I know that no mother would purposely purchase one from the second hand store---unless, of course, she is crazy or it is some kind of collectible.
More Random Ramblings:
Do you ever let your kids do something that you know you will regret later just so you can accomplish something desirable now? I do it all the time, however, I'm wondering if there is an alternative to this see-sawing madness? I mean, why should we as mothers have to pay so royally for a little serenity or alone time? I'm just throwing this article out there in hopes that one of you have chanced upon a better alternative... and let's keep it legal because it's not devilishly difficult to think of criminal solutions.
My friend lent me her book, "The Help", and I am trying to sneak a few pages here and there throughout the day, knowing full well that not much reading will occur once my husband returns from work. Sometimes I just feel remarkably rude and uncommonly cold when I greedily place my nose in a book just after we've put the children to bed. So I'm trying to nibble at this book piece meal during business hours so that I'm not tempted to devour it in the evening. But let's face it, it's terribly difficult to pick at something so delicious and gratifying when what I really want to do is secret myself away and voraciously consume it.
So I sat myself in our loft and read away while all sorts of obnoxious noises occurred. I heard screams, laughs, whispers, and silence (the latter two far more unnerving than the former). When I had indulged as long as I dared, I descended to find a complete disaster. Was it worth it? I don't know. Surely it seemed so while I was reading, but now that I am faced with sorting through the rubble and heap of unwanted toys, I'm not so sure. At least my husband and I will have something do together upon his return. Just kidding! As if I could leave any evidence of my afternoon of negligence.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Garbage-Man-Fantasy&id=6620316] Garbage Man Fantasy
Do you ever fantasize about throwing all of your children's toys away? Okay, maybe not all of them, but a considerable portion? I do: In fact, almost every day! I think it's because my children love to get out all of their toys, but hate to put them away.
So yes, I do eliminate toys when my children aren't around, which has resulted in some strange childhood behaviors. For instance, if my kids can't find something, they immediately assume I threw it away. Instead of looking for the misplaced item, they begin digging through the garbage cans. Occasionally, when I am tucking them in for the night, they beg me to not throw any of their toys away while they sleep. I have also noticed them hoarding things. It makes me feel kind of bad, but who can keep every Happy Meal toy, and how many stuffed animals does a kid really need? Plus, I don't even throw them away. I take them to Goodwill!*
Which is how I finally discovered the why behind my son's desire to be a garbage man. He said, "I will find the coolest toys!"
* Technically, I do throw the Happy Meal toys away because I know that no mother would purposely purchase one from the second hand store---unless, of course, she is crazy or it is some kind of collectible.
More Random Ramblings:
Do you ever let your kids do something that you know you will regret later just so you can accomplish something desirable now? I do it all the time, however, I'm wondering if there is an alternative to this see-sawing madness? I mean, why should we as mothers have to pay so royally for a little serenity or alone time? I'm just throwing this article out there in hopes that one of you have chanced upon a better alternative... and let's keep it legal because it's not devilishly difficult to think of criminal solutions.
My friend lent me her book, "The Help", and I am trying to sneak a few pages here and there throughout the day, knowing full well that not much reading will occur once my husband returns from work. Sometimes I just feel remarkably rude and uncommonly cold when I greedily place my nose in a book just after we've put the children to bed. So I'm trying to nibble at this book piece meal during business hours so that I'm not tempted to devour it in the evening. But let's face it, it's terribly difficult to pick at something so delicious and gratifying when what I really want to do is secret myself away and voraciously consume it.
So I sat myself in our loft and read away while all sorts of obnoxious noises occurred. I heard screams, laughs, whispers, and silence (the latter two far more unnerving than the former). When I had indulged as long as I dared, I descended to find a complete disaster. Was it worth it? I don't know. Surely it seemed so while I was reading, but now that I am faced with sorting through the rubble and heap of unwanted toys, I'm not so sure. At least my husband and I will have something do together upon his return. Just kidding! As if I could leave any evidence of my afternoon of negligence.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Garbage-Man-Fantasy&id=6620316] Garbage Man Fantasy
Thursday, December 8, 2011
From Mother to Mother-In-Law
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Susan_Leigh]Susan Leigh
As her offspring start to become young adults, engaging in their own relationships, becoming more independent, a mother may look forward to the time when her children are off her hands, settled in their own relationships. She may hope to eventually become a grandmother, with all the satisfaction and pleasure that comes from that role. The reality is often a little more tricky than that. The progression from mother to mother-in-law can be a diplomatic tightrope, especially at first.
What is it about becoming a mother-in-law?
Even the nicest of mothers can be regarded as interfering or over-possessive when they become a mother-in-law. Their new son or daughter-in-law may feel threatened by the dynamics of their family-in-law, especially if their own experiences of family life were very different. Jealousy may be a factor as the desire to be the most important person in their partner's life becomes stronger. Changing status from boyfriend or girlfriend to husband or wife can cause tension to occur and perhaps even a power struggle to arise.
Some families have grown up sharing everything, all the details of their lives on a regular basis. Becoming a mother-in-law may mean that such intimacy stops as the new living arrangements start to take precedence. Even when a couple have lived together before marriage it often a fact that once they marry things change. Loyalty changes and a spouse often expects to have more say, more influence and first claim on their partner's time and attention than their other relatives.
A new son or daughter-in-law is often keen to be accepted, wants to be welcomed as a new addition to the family. But upgrading their role to spouse can cause a dramatic change. There is a significant difference between boyfriend or girlfriend and partner. Often everyone is all too aware of the subtle shift of role and this can be difficult for a mother to accept, especially if she was very close to her child or regularly involved in the details of the couple's life before they married. Taking a step back can be very hard to accept.
Some couples start life together by living together under the same roof with family. This can be problematical, as the logistics of cooking, establishing separate routines and timetables need accommodating. A mother may be tempted to ease their burden by offering to cook, do the laundry, clean, and indeed she may be happy to help if she has the time and has done those chores for years. A new daughter-in-law may perceive such offers as subtle criticism, that she is not good enough or has a less than perfect way of doing things.
Making their own mistakes and finding their own way of doing things can be an important part of a couple starting their lives together. It can take a little time and include a few disasters, but that is often part of their journey together. A mother-in-law may know that she can be of help but it has to be offered tactfully and with sensitivity. Offering help in a specific situation can sometimes be enough to communicate support and empathy. Occasionally taking her daughter-in-law out for lunch or a coffee can be friendly and supportive. A good relationship can be established as two individuals, away from the home, in a relaxed, neutral setting.
Arguments between the couple can be a difficult area, as a mother often wants to protect her child from hurt and distress. When one person confides in their family it can be hard not to get involved, take sides, give advice, agree with whatever negative things have been. The problem is that things said cannot be unsaid and can colour the mood at future meetings. Taking sides can start to create tension between members in a family, cause future embarrassment and make any attempts at reconciliation tougher. Relationship counselling can be a good option as it provides a neutral environment for the couple to address their issues and work out the best way forward.
Start as you mean to go on is a good rule of thumb. At first settling down brings its own honeymoon period, but quickly establishing good habits that suit both sides longterm is important. Being tolerant, honest and maintaining a sense of humour and perspective can set in place good habits about visiting each other, mutual respect, privacy and all those other niggles that can over time erode good will and cause major tensions and disharmony in families.
Susan Leigh is a Counsellor and Hypnotherapist who works with stressed individuals to promote confidence and self belief, with couples in crisis to improve communications and understanding and with business clients to support the health and motivation levels of individuals and teams.
Further help, advice and articles are available.
For more information see http://www.lifestyletherapy.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?From-Mother-to-Mother-In-Law&id=6546249] From Mother to Mother-In-Law
As her offspring start to become young adults, engaging in their own relationships, becoming more independent, a mother may look forward to the time when her children are off her hands, settled in their own relationships. She may hope to eventually become a grandmother, with all the satisfaction and pleasure that comes from that role. The reality is often a little more tricky than that. The progression from mother to mother-in-law can be a diplomatic tightrope, especially at first.
What is it about becoming a mother-in-law?
Even the nicest of mothers can be regarded as interfering or over-possessive when they become a mother-in-law. Their new son or daughter-in-law may feel threatened by the dynamics of their family-in-law, especially if their own experiences of family life were very different. Jealousy may be a factor as the desire to be the most important person in their partner's life becomes stronger. Changing status from boyfriend or girlfriend to husband or wife can cause tension to occur and perhaps even a power struggle to arise.
Some families have grown up sharing everything, all the details of their lives on a regular basis. Becoming a mother-in-law may mean that such intimacy stops as the new living arrangements start to take precedence. Even when a couple have lived together before marriage it often a fact that once they marry things change. Loyalty changes and a spouse often expects to have more say, more influence and first claim on their partner's time and attention than their other relatives.
A new son or daughter-in-law is often keen to be accepted, wants to be welcomed as a new addition to the family. But upgrading their role to spouse can cause a dramatic change. There is a significant difference between boyfriend or girlfriend and partner. Often everyone is all too aware of the subtle shift of role and this can be difficult for a mother to accept, especially if she was very close to her child or regularly involved in the details of the couple's life before they married. Taking a step back can be very hard to accept.
Some couples start life together by living together under the same roof with family. This can be problematical, as the logistics of cooking, establishing separate routines and timetables need accommodating. A mother may be tempted to ease their burden by offering to cook, do the laundry, clean, and indeed she may be happy to help if she has the time and has done those chores for years. A new daughter-in-law may perceive such offers as subtle criticism, that she is not good enough or has a less than perfect way of doing things.
Making their own mistakes and finding their own way of doing things can be an important part of a couple starting their lives together. It can take a little time and include a few disasters, but that is often part of their journey together. A mother-in-law may know that she can be of help but it has to be offered tactfully and with sensitivity. Offering help in a specific situation can sometimes be enough to communicate support and empathy. Occasionally taking her daughter-in-law out for lunch or a coffee can be friendly and supportive. A good relationship can be established as two individuals, away from the home, in a relaxed, neutral setting.
Arguments between the couple can be a difficult area, as a mother often wants to protect her child from hurt and distress. When one person confides in their family it can be hard not to get involved, take sides, give advice, agree with whatever negative things have been. The problem is that things said cannot be unsaid and can colour the mood at future meetings. Taking sides can start to create tension between members in a family, cause future embarrassment and make any attempts at reconciliation tougher. Relationship counselling can be a good option as it provides a neutral environment for the couple to address their issues and work out the best way forward.
Start as you mean to go on is a good rule of thumb. At first settling down brings its own honeymoon period, but quickly establishing good habits that suit both sides longterm is important. Being tolerant, honest and maintaining a sense of humour and perspective can set in place good habits about visiting each other, mutual respect, privacy and all those other niggles that can over time erode good will and cause major tensions and disharmony in families.
Susan Leigh is a Counsellor and Hypnotherapist who works with stressed individuals to promote confidence and self belief, with couples in crisis to improve communications and understanding and with business clients to support the health and motivation levels of individuals and teams.
Further help, advice and articles are available.
For more information see http://www.lifestyletherapy.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?From-Mother-to-Mother-In-Law&id=6546249] From Mother to Mother-In-Law
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Autism: What About The Non Affected Siblings?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Val_A_Bruce]Val A Bruce
So many chapters of life with my now eighteen year old autistic daughter Sarah have been about a sort of societal fast or seclusion, engaged upon by myself and my family. This means that engagement with my other two children remained private, in the home. I was not able to be involved in an ongoing fashion in their activities outside of the home. It is kind of hard to explain.
With great frequency I have had to removed myself from a lot of normalcy, so that I might remain along Sarah in order to figure things out; she is just really complicated. My husband and I even opted to maintain two residences for the times when the severity of autism which turned to psychosis was too great. The plan was that my husband Steve would stay in town with my other daughter Jana, and son Jeff; I would go to the farm house to wait the psychosis out with Sarah. That was what our weekends were like over a span of several years. It seemed important to do such. It seemed to be the right thing, in order to give Jana and Jeff something that resembled normalcy; some respite from the extreme highs and lows of Sarah's psychosis. The two champions of Sarah had already persevered so much before her worsening into overt psychosis; at about ten years of age.
I simply was not able to give up on Sarah, so I had relinquished the idea that I would be able to contribute as much as I would have liked, in Jeff and Jana's life. Steve was there for all of us, while also running a small business that usually required ten to twelve hour days in order to keep operational efficiencies optimized, the bread and butter flowing. Steve was there as a father should be and he sometimes tried wearing the mother hat. But hard as we tried, Jeff and Jana developed independence out of necessity; because I wasn't there for them as much as I would have like to have been. A mother's touch was often missing from their lives.
Along with the missing mother's touch, we survived the several years of extreme highs and lows by developing rather stoic personalities. Grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, and long time friends were the ones to deal with the change; our way of participating with celebrations and holidays held so dear became diminished. (We have slowly begun to recover from our lack, since Sarah has begun a trend in improvement. She has always been part of us and we will always be part of her and so we feel her journey in all of its phases.)
During the years of lack when I wasn't there as I should be, I had opportunity to agree with both Jeff and Jana on the subject. I admitted to them that I have not been there for them because the battle we all shared was an impossible one. In the quiet times, we were able to reason that since we faced an impossible battle it was important not to expect perfection from each other; rather accept the earnest attempts at the best that we could do.
I did a lot of praying and my kids always knew this. I told them I did such because I am weak on my own and seemed to fail them at times. When I prayed I usually asked for protection for my kids; and that people and experiences would come their way that were pleasing. My examples in admitting what I could and could not achieve, and in seeking protection in the form of supernatural community involvement, may have seemed lame. It is likely that the example may mean something to Jeff and Jana when they become older.
There did come a day when I was able to watch Jana perform at the Metrodome. She was in high school marching band and it was her senior year. With God's good timing, her sister Sarah started to do well enough for me to feel comfortable with going on a day trip in order to watch and be wowed by Jana.
Watching Jana (percussion) as the marching band performed, and feeling the energy of all the enthusiastic band parents from differing bands was an overwhelming and welcome experience. At times, I had a chip on my shoulder because I was not a part of the band parent scene and didn't know how to explain my lack of involvement. I figured that I was being judged as a mother who doesn't really care. Insecurities aside, at the Metrodome I just wanted Jana to see that I basked in her awesomeness. So, I sat at the fifty yard line as close to "the pit" as I could get. YEAH JANA!
A couple days after the performance I shared the following to one of the band parents:
"As a parent who has not had the involvement in band that the band parents do, I have not had a lot of exposure to practices and performances. I would have to agree that, as I watched Lincoln Band this weekend, I felt it to be a wonderment and a testimony to what community at its best can accomplish. The band, comprised of students with many differing levels in ability, shows what happens when all the differing abilities are brought together via practice, focus, and discipline. The students are given quite a gift when they are provided with the opportunity to be part of the band. The band's success must also be attributed to those who are the active and involved band parents, since those parents offer support for the band directors and assure that all the functions of band are operating at 100 percent. What would we do without all those wonderful band parents? To all the directors and active, supportive band parents; thanks so much for the most positive experiences my daughter has had in high school. I cried as I drove home from my daughters last performance, gratified for the experience my daughter has had by being part of the band."
Yes. I did cry. I have missed a lot in Jana's life and have only hoped that her heart might have a continuing understanding, that sometimes regrets are necessary ones; even as it doesn't make them hurt any less. With all that she has endured I consider the band community and experience has both protected and enriched Jana. The dramatic Sarah would say that band, "Saved Jana's life!" - just as band did for me when I was in high school and walked uphill both ways to early morning band practice!
As an aside, even as I daily consider my lack I revel in a lot of little things. Jana is a lot like me. One time when we were on an errand, we were discussing weekend plans and how we might be able to do something together once Sarah was asleep. In unison - she said, "When I am with you I feel like I am with myself", while I was saying, "Being with you is like me in stereo". We both just looked at each other wide eyed and then laughed. I might not have given her all the time she needed when she was younger, but it was nice that we wanted to be together now.
Jeff is like me too. One day last winter he made the drive out to the farm for a visit and we began to discuss Sarah. At some point in the conversation I alluded to the fact that it looked like Sarah might have a rough winter because I saw some behaviors intensifying. That in turn decides what type of Christmas we might have. I looked at Jeff and said having a normal Christmas might be out of reach and apologized. The next thing I knew our conversation lead to Jeff stating that he was glad we never placed Sarah in long term care and he never would have been able to get over it if we had done so. I never really knew he felt that way, and knowing so was the best early Christmas present. One I will hold on to for a lifetime.
Valerie Ann Dunham Bruce chronicled her family's experiences in "Hello, Dr. Wells"
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Autism:-What-About-The-Non-Affected-Siblings?&id=6629516] Autism: What About The Non Affected Siblings?
So many chapters of life with my now eighteen year old autistic daughter Sarah have been about a sort of societal fast or seclusion, engaged upon by myself and my family. This means that engagement with my other two children remained private, in the home. I was not able to be involved in an ongoing fashion in their activities outside of the home. It is kind of hard to explain.
With great frequency I have had to removed myself from a lot of normalcy, so that I might remain along Sarah in order to figure things out; she is just really complicated. My husband and I even opted to maintain two residences for the times when the severity of autism which turned to psychosis was too great. The plan was that my husband Steve would stay in town with my other daughter Jana, and son Jeff; I would go to the farm house to wait the psychosis out with Sarah. That was what our weekends were like over a span of several years. It seemed important to do such. It seemed to be the right thing, in order to give Jana and Jeff something that resembled normalcy; some respite from the extreme highs and lows of Sarah's psychosis. The two champions of Sarah had already persevered so much before her worsening into overt psychosis; at about ten years of age.
I simply was not able to give up on Sarah, so I had relinquished the idea that I would be able to contribute as much as I would have liked, in Jeff and Jana's life. Steve was there for all of us, while also running a small business that usually required ten to twelve hour days in order to keep operational efficiencies optimized, the bread and butter flowing. Steve was there as a father should be and he sometimes tried wearing the mother hat. But hard as we tried, Jeff and Jana developed independence out of necessity; because I wasn't there for them as much as I would have like to have been. A mother's touch was often missing from their lives.
Along with the missing mother's touch, we survived the several years of extreme highs and lows by developing rather stoic personalities. Grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, and long time friends were the ones to deal with the change; our way of participating with celebrations and holidays held so dear became diminished. (We have slowly begun to recover from our lack, since Sarah has begun a trend in improvement. She has always been part of us and we will always be part of her and so we feel her journey in all of its phases.)
During the years of lack when I wasn't there as I should be, I had opportunity to agree with both Jeff and Jana on the subject. I admitted to them that I have not been there for them because the battle we all shared was an impossible one. In the quiet times, we were able to reason that since we faced an impossible battle it was important not to expect perfection from each other; rather accept the earnest attempts at the best that we could do.
I did a lot of praying and my kids always knew this. I told them I did such because I am weak on my own and seemed to fail them at times. When I prayed I usually asked for protection for my kids; and that people and experiences would come their way that were pleasing. My examples in admitting what I could and could not achieve, and in seeking protection in the form of supernatural community involvement, may have seemed lame. It is likely that the example may mean something to Jeff and Jana when they become older.
There did come a day when I was able to watch Jana perform at the Metrodome. She was in high school marching band and it was her senior year. With God's good timing, her sister Sarah started to do well enough for me to feel comfortable with going on a day trip in order to watch and be wowed by Jana.
Watching Jana (percussion) as the marching band performed, and feeling the energy of all the enthusiastic band parents from differing bands was an overwhelming and welcome experience. At times, I had a chip on my shoulder because I was not a part of the band parent scene and didn't know how to explain my lack of involvement. I figured that I was being judged as a mother who doesn't really care. Insecurities aside, at the Metrodome I just wanted Jana to see that I basked in her awesomeness. So, I sat at the fifty yard line as close to "the pit" as I could get. YEAH JANA!
A couple days after the performance I shared the following to one of the band parents:
"As a parent who has not had the involvement in band that the band parents do, I have not had a lot of exposure to practices and performances. I would have to agree that, as I watched Lincoln Band this weekend, I felt it to be a wonderment and a testimony to what community at its best can accomplish. The band, comprised of students with many differing levels in ability, shows what happens when all the differing abilities are brought together via practice, focus, and discipline. The students are given quite a gift when they are provided with the opportunity to be part of the band. The band's success must also be attributed to those who are the active and involved band parents, since those parents offer support for the band directors and assure that all the functions of band are operating at 100 percent. What would we do without all those wonderful band parents? To all the directors and active, supportive band parents; thanks so much for the most positive experiences my daughter has had in high school. I cried as I drove home from my daughters last performance, gratified for the experience my daughter has had by being part of the band."
Yes. I did cry. I have missed a lot in Jana's life and have only hoped that her heart might have a continuing understanding, that sometimes regrets are necessary ones; even as it doesn't make them hurt any less. With all that she has endured I consider the band community and experience has both protected and enriched Jana. The dramatic Sarah would say that band, "Saved Jana's life!" - just as band did for me when I was in high school and walked uphill both ways to early morning band practice!
As an aside, even as I daily consider my lack I revel in a lot of little things. Jana is a lot like me. One time when we were on an errand, we were discussing weekend plans and how we might be able to do something together once Sarah was asleep. In unison - she said, "When I am with you I feel like I am with myself", while I was saying, "Being with you is like me in stereo". We both just looked at each other wide eyed and then laughed. I might not have given her all the time she needed when she was younger, but it was nice that we wanted to be together now.
Jeff is like me too. One day last winter he made the drive out to the farm for a visit and we began to discuss Sarah. At some point in the conversation I alluded to the fact that it looked like Sarah might have a rough winter because I saw some behaviors intensifying. That in turn decides what type of Christmas we might have. I looked at Jeff and said having a normal Christmas might be out of reach and apologized. The next thing I knew our conversation lead to Jeff stating that he was glad we never placed Sarah in long term care and he never would have been able to get over it if we had done so. I never really knew he felt that way, and knowing so was the best early Christmas present. One I will hold on to for a lifetime.
Valerie Ann Dunham Bruce chronicled her family's experiences in "Hello, Dr. Wells"
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Autism:-What-About-The-Non-Affected-Siblings?&id=6629516] Autism: What About The Non Affected Siblings?
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Moms, Take Heart!
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tricia_K_Johnson]Tricia K Johnson
I did not set out to be an evangelist; I set out to be a mother. But, I soon discovered that motherhood is a great evangelistic opportunity. However, the evangelistic side of motherhood, of all parenting, has been largely overlooked. It is the greatest time and place in the world to teach someone else about Who God is and how to be right with Him. Because no one is born knowing the Lord, our children are a field white unto harvest. If you are a parent who knows the Lord, you are an evangelist to those who live under your roof, specifically, your children.
The Challenges of the Job
Day by day, the work of parenting can seem overwhelming. My husband and I have eight children. The first five were born in a seven-year period of time. I've had three children in diapers at once. I've nursed one while pregnant with another. The actual physical labor of taking care of them has been overwhelming at times. There were entire years when it seemed it would never end; all day and all night our children needed me. I had to depend on the Lord every day just for the physical strength to do the job.
I have a new appreciation for Sarah, Abraham's wife. The conception of Isaac was a miracle itself, given her age and stage of life. But her strength to deliver him in her old age was extraordinary! Still, her greater challenge was to live for God in front of him, being a testimony of His grace in her life.
The Goal and Means of This Job
Children are naturally curious; they want to know about the world, especially our world. As mothers, we have countless opportunities to teach our children about God as we go through each of our days. If we live godly lives before them, they will be curious about our lives and subsequently about our God.
And, to teach my children about God, I have to live what I know and believe. I can't just "say" it. According to Deuteronomy 6:6, God's words have to be in the parents' hearts before they can be taught to the children.
Society often makes us feel that we are not contributing to the world because we are "just mothers." But, what we teach our children about God will shape their perception of the Lord for their entire lives, even when they go out into the world. This, in turn, shapes society. What a contribution it becomes!
Being a mother is not an easy job, but we are not alone. We have our eternal God to help us and give us wisdom and guidance. He makes wisdom available for the asking: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God," (James 1:5) I will plead with the Lord to use me in my children's lives in spite of myself.
The Impact of This Job
Opportunity for Christian service within our families is unlimited. If we train our children to love and serve the Lord, they could, in turn, train their children to love and serve the Lord. That pattern of love and service can go from generation to generation. A vocational evangelist would be considered quite successful to have such an effect on so many!
As I've been raising my children, I've thought of my job here at home as a full-time ministry. I think of myself as an "evangelist" who has opportunity to share - and live - the gospel on a daily basis.
Moms, take heart. Your work is both vital and God-appointed. Embrace the task before you, and don't allow this world to discourage you from what God has called you to do.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Moms,-Take-Heart!&id=6631486] Moms, Take Heart!
I did not set out to be an evangelist; I set out to be a mother. But, I soon discovered that motherhood is a great evangelistic opportunity. However, the evangelistic side of motherhood, of all parenting, has been largely overlooked. It is the greatest time and place in the world to teach someone else about Who God is and how to be right with Him. Because no one is born knowing the Lord, our children are a field white unto harvest. If you are a parent who knows the Lord, you are an evangelist to those who live under your roof, specifically, your children.
The Challenges of the Job
Day by day, the work of parenting can seem overwhelming. My husband and I have eight children. The first five were born in a seven-year period of time. I've had three children in diapers at once. I've nursed one while pregnant with another. The actual physical labor of taking care of them has been overwhelming at times. There were entire years when it seemed it would never end; all day and all night our children needed me. I had to depend on the Lord every day just for the physical strength to do the job.
I have a new appreciation for Sarah, Abraham's wife. The conception of Isaac was a miracle itself, given her age and stage of life. But her strength to deliver him in her old age was extraordinary! Still, her greater challenge was to live for God in front of him, being a testimony of His grace in her life.
The Goal and Means of This Job
Children are naturally curious; they want to know about the world, especially our world. As mothers, we have countless opportunities to teach our children about God as we go through each of our days. If we live godly lives before them, they will be curious about our lives and subsequently about our God.
And, to teach my children about God, I have to live what I know and believe. I can't just "say" it. According to Deuteronomy 6:6, God's words have to be in the parents' hearts before they can be taught to the children.
Society often makes us feel that we are not contributing to the world because we are "just mothers." But, what we teach our children about God will shape their perception of the Lord for their entire lives, even when they go out into the world. This, in turn, shapes society. What a contribution it becomes!
Being a mother is not an easy job, but we are not alone. We have our eternal God to help us and give us wisdom and guidance. He makes wisdom available for the asking: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God," (James 1:5) I will plead with the Lord to use me in my children's lives in spite of myself.
The Impact of This Job
Opportunity for Christian service within our families is unlimited. If we train our children to love and serve the Lord, they could, in turn, train their children to love and serve the Lord. That pattern of love and service can go from generation to generation. A vocational evangelist would be considered quite successful to have such an effect on so many!
As I've been raising my children, I've thought of my job here at home as a full-time ministry. I think of myself as an "evangelist" who has opportunity to share - and live - the gospel on a daily basis.
Moms, take heart. Your work is both vital and God-appointed. Embrace the task before you, and don't allow this world to discourage you from what God has called you to do.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Moms,-Take-Heart!&id=6631486] Moms, Take Heart!
Friday, December 2, 2011
Some Infant Formulas Contain Omega 3
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Sachs]Sandy Sachs
Are you aware that Omega 3 DHA is being added in the infant foods? Top experts recommend the addition of both, omega 3 DHA as well as omega 6 AA in the infant foods. This recommendation came from a group representing 11 different countries. Although breast feeding is considered to be the best, but if due to any reason, it is not possible, then supplements containing omega 3 DHA and omega 6 AA are the best options.
Omega 3, DHA falls in the polyunsaturated fatty acid group. It is considered to be a good fat. Omega 3 fatty acid in the diet is very important for the proper development of a child's brain. Did you know that DHA constitutes 97% of the omega 3 fats in the brain which is 60% fat?
The infant food should contain between.2 to.5% of the omega 3, DHA fatty acids and it should also contain AA at an equal percentage to the DHA level. Omega 3 is also present as an additional ingredient in baby food.
Getting enough omega 3 in the baby's diet is not only important for the development of its brain, it is also important for the baby's eyes and nervous system. An expecting mother should consume sufficient omega 3 in the form of supplements or otherwise while she is pregnant. Third trimester is the right time to do so. That is when the baby's brain is developing the most.
AA, or arachidonic acid is relatively easy to consume. It is readily available in our daily diet. AA can be got from meat, eggs and milk. it is relatively easy for a pregnant woman to get sufficient AA in her diet, but getting enough DHA omega 3 is much more difficult. DHA is found in oily cold water fish. Most of the people in the US don't really like fish so there is a lack of getting enough in their diet.
A lactating mother can pass on these vital nutrients to her breast fed baby, if she eats a proper diet. In case the baby is bottle fed, then these nutrients have to be added externally. Adding omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to a baby's formula has made it a lot closer to being just like breast milk.
Researches have shown that babies getting enough omega 3 in their diet performed better in the cognitive tests, they also slept better and weren't nearly as restless as babies fed formula without omega 3.
As soon as you find out that you are going to have a baby, be sure to add cold water oily fish to your diet. If you are unable to eat fish, then you can take fish oil supplements, or flax seed oil. Make sure your flax seed oil supplements are in a dark coloured bottle to keep them away from light.
If you are pregnant, getting enough omega 3 could reduce your chances of premature birth.You will also know that you are doing what you think is best for your new baby. Getting them started out in life the best you can.
Sandy is a common guest blogger at [http://www.whatisomega3.com]www.whatisomega3.com and offers some sound advice on [http://www.whatsomega3goodfor.com]What's Omega 3 good for, which could be very helpful for you to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Some-Infant-Formulas-Contain-Omega-3&id=6633295] Some Infant Formulas Contain Omega 3
Are you aware that Omega 3 DHA is being added in the infant foods? Top experts recommend the addition of both, omega 3 DHA as well as omega 6 AA in the infant foods. This recommendation came from a group representing 11 different countries. Although breast feeding is considered to be the best, but if due to any reason, it is not possible, then supplements containing omega 3 DHA and omega 6 AA are the best options.
Omega 3, DHA falls in the polyunsaturated fatty acid group. It is considered to be a good fat. Omega 3 fatty acid in the diet is very important for the proper development of a child's brain. Did you know that DHA constitutes 97% of the omega 3 fats in the brain which is 60% fat?
The infant food should contain between.2 to.5% of the omega 3, DHA fatty acids and it should also contain AA at an equal percentage to the DHA level. Omega 3 is also present as an additional ingredient in baby food.
Getting enough omega 3 in the baby's diet is not only important for the development of its brain, it is also important for the baby's eyes and nervous system. An expecting mother should consume sufficient omega 3 in the form of supplements or otherwise while she is pregnant. Third trimester is the right time to do so. That is when the baby's brain is developing the most.
AA, or arachidonic acid is relatively easy to consume. It is readily available in our daily diet. AA can be got from meat, eggs and milk. it is relatively easy for a pregnant woman to get sufficient AA in her diet, but getting enough DHA omega 3 is much more difficult. DHA is found in oily cold water fish. Most of the people in the US don't really like fish so there is a lack of getting enough in their diet.
A lactating mother can pass on these vital nutrients to her breast fed baby, if she eats a proper diet. In case the baby is bottle fed, then these nutrients have to be added externally. Adding omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to a baby's formula has made it a lot closer to being just like breast milk.
Researches have shown that babies getting enough omega 3 in their diet performed better in the cognitive tests, they also slept better and weren't nearly as restless as babies fed formula without omega 3.
As soon as you find out that you are going to have a baby, be sure to add cold water oily fish to your diet. If you are unable to eat fish, then you can take fish oil supplements, or flax seed oil. Make sure your flax seed oil supplements are in a dark coloured bottle to keep them away from light.
If you are pregnant, getting enough omega 3 could reduce your chances of premature birth.You will also know that you are doing what you think is best for your new baby. Getting them started out in life the best you can.
Sandy is a common guest blogger at [http://www.whatisomega3.com]www.whatisomega3.com and offers some sound advice on [http://www.whatsomega3goodfor.com]What's Omega 3 good for, which could be very helpful for you to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Some-Infant-Formulas-Contain-Omega-3&id=6633295] Some Infant Formulas Contain Omega 3