tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77317857836607592872024-02-18T20:00:20.365-08:00The Parent FairyYour Parenting Assistant.
Helping parents with the ups and downs of parenting and kids with the ups and downs of growing up.The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-15538576479176858532010-04-22T10:00:00.000-07:002010-04-23T12:25:55.934-07:00Parental Stress - 15 Smart Ways To Stress Less<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c_lobnOKJZI/SmYMZJRIg0I/AAAAAAAAAIM/b1w2j87lNjU/s1600/ParentStress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c_lobnOKJZI/SmYMZJRIg0I/AAAAAAAAAIM/b1w2j87lNjU/s200/ParentStress.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Parenting help for today revolves around parental stress, and ways to stress less while traveling the parenting road, so you can be at your best as a parent.<br />
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Being a good parent is not an easy road and wreaks havoc on stress levels. In fact, parenting, although so important to the future of our kids, is one of the areas that professionals say causes the most stress in a person's life. Parents stress about their future and that of their kids, whether they are doing a good enough job, finances, future goals, parenting techniques, safety and well being of their kids, their health, their children's health, trying to keep up with incorporating a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their kids, meeting the demands of parenting, and the demands of their kids, cooking, keeping house, and above all else they stress about giving their kids certain comforts they may not have had when they were growing up, and not making the same mistakes their parents made, and let's not forget the automatic guilt that comes with parenting, whether warranted or not. Quite a list don't you think? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4fcc7bpbncw6goy32pnzv9vgb0.hop.clickbank.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"> <img border="0" height="48" src="http://www.frugalmom.net/cookbook/creatives/animation2.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This level of stress in so many areas of daily life, can lead good parents into an overwhelming state of mind, thus causing an unhappy, agitated state, which definitely takes its toll on the well being of a person. This can interfere with parents being at their best for their children, their partner and themselves. It isn't fair - we have such an important job but with the responsibility comes an enormous amount of stress that actually ends up lessening our abilities. Too much stress takes away from us and thus takes away from our children. Turn the tables on stress, don't let it change who you are as a person or a parent. Take these 15 secrets and use them toward beating down your stress.<br />
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1. One thing we have nowadays that perhaps our parents did not have it an array of ways to reduce stress. USE THEM! Find the one that best suits you and engage yourself in calming your mind and body. Consider regular exercise, meditation techniques, yoga, outings with friends where you can be who you used to be before you had your kids. Taking time out for yourself is of huge value and it doesn't take long before you can feel the value in your life and your parenting.<br />
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2. Reach out and grab hold of the wonderful information that is out there to assist you in being a good parent, and help you through tough times in raising kids. Other moms and dads have lots to share and you will find that they alone, have more to offer in information than just the professionals. Don't let this information go to waste. Milk it for all it's worth.<br />
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3. Feeling overwhelmed is a common trait of parenting. Do not ignore it - instead get help to conquer it before it gets out of control. Forget what people might think, those people are going through the same thing you are and like you, they don't want anyone to know how hard they find parenting - this is a very common human trait. The smart parents are the ones who get the help when they need it and they are better parents and partners because of it.<br />
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4. When you feel the anger mode coming in - take a breathe, count to ten while slowly releasing your air. Breath slowly and controlled.<br />
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5. Take time every day to have a conversation with your child and build on good communication. This helps prevent conflicts, and aids in a better all around behaved child, thus preventing parental stress.<br />
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6. Keep your passions in your life. Do not let go of the things you love and need to keep smiling and thriving. Having children doesn't mean neglecting yourself or your needs.<br />
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7. Keep a social life with and without your partner. Having people you can relate to in your life is a gift. People need other people to share and rely on for whatever reasons. Do not close yourself off from the world and live only in mommy or daddy land. You are an adult, with wants and needs.<br />
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8. Be realistic in your expectations of your children. Have an awareness of raising children, the areas of maturity that encompass tough times and get a head start on them so that you don't feel overwhelmed and surprised when they fall upon you. Being prepared helps a person feel in control.<br />
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9. Avoid <b><a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2010/04/parenting-help-9-slip-ups-in.html">parental slip ups</a></b> to avoid unnecessary parental stress.<br />
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10. Get proper sleep. If you aren't sleeping well take appropriate measure to deal with the problem. Don't just leave it and figure it's a part of parenting. It isn't. Getting proper sleep is of major consequence to the way the brain functions throughout the day. Not getting enough sleep is a stress causing factor on its own.<br />
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11. Do not ignore your health. If you have a recurring physical problem, or illness, no matter how afraid you might be you must bite the bullet, face your fear and address the problem. Remember that not everything is life threatening and most illnesses can be dealt with and fixed. In the back of your mind you will stress about an illness of health problem that you are not addressing. By addressing it you will be fixing it and dealing with it which is still better than ignoring it and then really having something to worry about later down the road.<br />
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12. Do not take on more than you can handle. If you are feeling overwhelmed with one child make an educated decision on when or if you will have another. Don't let your pregnancies pile up on you if you are not inclined that way. Take your time and don't let anyone or anything push you in a direction you are not ready for.<br />
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13. If you are having marital problems address them. Do not let them pile up and do not let them get the best of you. Remember also that your kids will learn how to be a partner themselves from the examples you and your partner set so address marital issues and get them sorted out. Do not be afraid to get professional help if you feel you need it. Professional marital assistance is extremely common and you may feel alone but trust me you are not. It's simply one of those things everyone hides.<br />
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14. Do not compare yourself to other parents and families. Everyone has different circumstances. What you may think looks so great in another family could very well simply be an act because everyone wants to look like the perfect parent in front of other parents. Every couple has their problems and every parent has their strengths and weaknesses. In society today, people don't want to share their shortcomings they just want to appear perfect.<br />
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15. Be aware of the areas of childhood that cause problems in a child's behavior, such as a poor diet, poor sleeping habits and too much television watching to name a few. These poor behavior causing areas will only add stress to your life and cause unnecessary friction as you try and get behavior under control. There are already plenty of time when as a parent you will have to deal with poor behavior from your children, there is no need to add anymore.<br />
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Parental stress is part of the parenting territory but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't do the necessary to limit this stress as much as possible and do the necessary things to help yourself perform well under stress and duress. Nip as much parental stress in the bud as you can, stress less, and parent at your best.<br />
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<u><b>More parenting assistance</b></u><br />
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<b><a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2010/04/weight-gain-in-pregnancy-long-term.html">Weight Gain in Pregnancy Sets A Pace For Obesity</a></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Every mom and mom to be needs to be aware of the findings of unnecessary weight gain in pregnancy. Please share this information.</span>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-16386759780907155402010-04-21T10:05:00.000-07:002010-04-25T11:37:07.114-07:00Parenting Help: 9 Slip Ups to Avoid in ToddlerhoodThe best parenting help in the world would be if each toddler came with an individual owner's manual to assist parents in the trying times of toddlerhood. Sure there is plenty of helpful advice out there from other moms and dads and professionals, but every child is different, with a different temperament so usually parents end up on a trial and error basis when using parenting help to assist in raising their toddler. Much of parenting is trial and error and not giving up until you find the help that works best for you and your toddler. A perfect example of this is a toddler's bedtime - getting them to go to bed without a fuss and remain in bed throughout the night.<br />
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</div>This particular parenting help is to lend you a hand in avoiding the slips ups that end up slowing down our efforts and working against quicker successes. When dealing with toddlers, regardless of the technique you are using for whatever situations, avoid these nine slips ups to help your ride be a little less bumpy and support whatever technique you are using for whatever situation.<br />
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<b>Slip Up #1: Not Enough One on One</b><br />
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Make no mistake that family time is important but be cautious not to go overboard but rather concentrate more on having one-on-one time with each child. Professionals have always stressed to parents how children, especially toddlers love one-on-one time with their parents.<br />
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Simply get on the floor with them and play. No distractions, no TV, no telephone calls - just you and your toddler. Let him see that at that time he is the only thing that matters. <br />
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<b>Slip Up #2: Being Inconsistent</b><br />
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Engraving your toddlers life with consistency is what will award you with a more durable and agreeable toddler. Toddlers especially thrive when they know what to expect. Like a consistent bath time and bedtime, and even what to expect when they are not behaving.<br />
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The parenting help to assist in fixing this problem is to keep regular routines for your toddler. Have a system set up with your partner ahead of time that both of you will use when your toddler acts up. Make sure your caregiver adhere to the same system and make it clear that regardless of whether she agrees with it or not she must follow the same system as you and your partner. Systems will change and be revised as your toddler grows through the stages of childhood.<br />
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<b>Slip Up # 3: Too Much Explaining</b><br />
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Dr. Phelan explains that at the time when a parent says "<i>No</i>" to something, and the toddler insists, and then parent begins to explain, once again why - this is what Dr. Phelan calls the talk-persuade-argue-yell-hit pattern. The argument goes back and forth with tears from the toddler and further agitation building in the parent. <br />
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Once you lay down the law avoid eye contact. If toddler disobeys, give a BRIEF verbal warning. If toddler persists then go into whatever consequence you decide to use for this type of misbehaving, such as time out or, some parents will simply ignore their toddlers continuous demand once they have already laid down the law. This is the what I use with my toddler and it works quite well. I say it once, if she argues, I give a brief verbal warning, if she continues I ignore her demands within the particular situation at hand. Remember that toddler's are not adults and are not able to grasp reasons for things so explaining is not accomplishing anything except frustration. <br />
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<b>Slip up #4: Serving Only Toddler Foods or Favorite Foods</b><br />
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Feeding your toddler only fish sticks and fries or mac and cheese will prevent him from wanting to eat anything else. Doing this early on will cause you to have to break bad habits and enforce new ones which we all know is a tough task.<br />
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Encourage your toddler, as early on as possible, to eat grown up foods, healthy ones of course. If you do this early on you will find they are less reluctant to try new foods and will have a broad desire for different type foods.<br />
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Don't always fall prey to their, "I don't like it!" Introduce new foods one at a time, if they resist, wait a week and then try again with that same food. Toddlers who are conditioned to eat the same kiddie foods, will often say they don't like another food just because they don't want it but after a few tries they will usually go for it and thus broadening their scope of meals.<br />
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Picky eater toddlers are quite common so by introducing new foods at a regular pace you help them open up to different types and tastes of food. If they fight you, don't make a fuss and don't allow yourself to become a personal chef to your toddler as this will open a whole other can of worms you will have to deal with.<br />
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<b>Slip Up #5: Lending Too Much Help</b><br />
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When you see your toddler taking time to do something or struggling a bit, think twice before you jump in and help. Constantly helping your toddler before you have given him a chance to succeed on his own is sending him a message that he is incompetent or incapable of doing something. You will also be interfering with their ability to become self-reliant. <br />
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Of course, there are times when a toddler does need help but give your toddler the chance to see it through on his own. When you do offer help, avoid completing the task for him. Only help a little and then allow him to continue on his own. Cheer your toddler on as he works at his task and encourage him not to give up. Children need to learn to endure struggle and persevere, an important parenting skill to start teaching during the toddler years. <br />
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<b>Slip Up # 6: Potty Training Too Soon</b><br />
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<a href="http://micheljayn.mserv.hop.clickbank.net/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="320" src="http://www.babysleepsolution.com/babysleep120x600.gif" width="64" /></a>Another very common slip up, parents inveigle their toddlers into potty training to soon. They tend to use harsh and abrupt reprimands which turn into a power struggle, putting a very negative, unhappy tone for their toddlers, which usually backfires and does not get the results they think it will. This type of behavior can easily cause the training to take even more time, making your toddler feel insecure and less likely to even attempt toilet use.<br />
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Parenting help says parents can set the tone for their toddler by introducing the toilet and briefly explaining what its use is. Consider showing your toddler how the toilet is used by using it yourself and he can watch. In good time your toddler will want to copy you, and at this point you can praise his wonderful new skill of using the toilet. Don't forget to introduce the skill of washing hands along with toilet so the two tasks become one complete measure.<br />
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<b>Slip Up# 7: Big Kids Bed Too Soon</b><br />
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I have always been puzzled as to why this slip up is so common as well.<b> </b>A baby's crib not only keeps them safe but it also helps enforce good sleep and bedtime habits. Moving your child to a bed before he is ready will play havoc with his sleep patterns and put parents in a position of exhaustion when they find themselves in the position to lay in bed with their toddler until he falls asleep, or the other side of this picture is all too common which is toddlers waking in the middle of the night and climbing into bed with mom and dad.<br />
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When your toddler starts climbing out of his crib or asks for a real bed, this is the best time to begin the change from crib to bed. This usually comes between the ages of 2 to 3.<br />
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<b>Slip Up #8: Allowing Too Much TV/Movie Time</b><br />
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Professionals will tell you that according to recent studies toddlers who watch too much TV often have glitches in their learning abilities later on. Too much TV also promotes laziness and you will find your toddler doesn't want to do anything else but watch TV. Watching too much television is also associated with overweight kids in childhood.<br />
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Instead of TV keep your toddler active by helping him use his imagination through pretend play, creative games, reading, outdoor activities. Talk to your toddler to promote language, verbal skills, and listening. The less TV time your toddler has the better. <br />
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<b>Slip Up #9: Handling a Tantrum</b><br />
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Here is a parent's biggest nightmare, especially when it happens in public. Why? We feel judged and for whatever reason a toddler having a tantrum in public makes parents feel inadequate in their parenting, which is ridiculous because all toddlers have tantrums regardless of their mom and dad's parenting level.<br />
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There is no point in trying to talk your toddler out of his tantrum, and there is no point losing your temper because it only makes things worse and will make your toddler cry and scream even more. Remember it is your toddler who is most important and not people and their opinions. Not to mention most of these people have simply forgotten that they too were once in the same position as you, or they simply have not yet dealt with their child having a tantrum. Ignore the glares; don't even look around to see if anyone is looking at you. If someone has something to say put a smile on your face and ask them if they remember the days of toddlerhood. Then, take your toddler to a change of location away from the public eye and let the tantrum run its course. Once your toddler is finished his tantrum, give him a loving smile and hug and carry on with your day.<br />
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With this parenting help you now know 9 slips ups to avoid when traveling through the toddler years, helping to make parenting in toddlerhood a little less of a bumpy road and adding more value to your parenting skills. <br />
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<u><b>More Parenting Help</b></u><br />
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As a mom or mom to be are you aware of the consequences of too much <b><a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2010/04/weight-gain-in-pregnancy-long-term.html">weight gain in pregnancy</a></b>? Please share this information with other moms and moms to be - it's such an important topic!<br />
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Major time saver for the family cook! <b><a href="http://4fcc7bpbncw6goy32pnzv9vgb0.hop.clickbank.net/">once a month cooking</a></b> and a freezer full of meals! I love this!The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-53527207294739753392010-04-20T11:45:00.000-07:002010-04-21T00:13:17.549-07:00Weight Gain in Pregnancy Sets A Pace for ObesityPregnancy is an exciting time as expectant moms and dads look forward to the arrival of their new baby. They make preparations such as planning out the nursery, choosing parenting techniques, and selecting names. Moms to be often stress about their ability to be a good parent. One of the things expectant mothers need to be aware of nowadays is weight gain in pregnancy and how it can affect them in the future and their child. <br />
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Excessive weight gain in pregnancy is associated with long-term obesity for mothers, who are more likely to be overweight or obese 21 years of less after giving birth. Not to mention the added excessive weight gained with each following pregnancy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.schriever.af.mil/shared/media/ggallery/hires/AFG-100419-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://www.schriever.af.mil/shared/media/ggallery/hires/AFG-100419-004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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A study led by Dr. Abdullah Mamun, at the University of Queensland, Autstralia says, "<i>Weight gain during pregnancy independently predicts the long-term weight gain and obesity of women</i>. <i>Our study found that that excessive weight gain in pregnancy has profound long lasting impact on the future development of obesity.</i>"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/10/23/article-1222447-06F03BDC000005DC-508_468x353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/10/23/article-1222447-06F03BDC000005DC-508_468x353.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The study used more than 7000 mothers and their children born at Brisbane's Mater Hospital during 1981-83. Using a database of records with the women's weight before pregnancy, and the maximum weight gain before giving birth, researchers were able to calculate the amount of weight gain throughout pregnancy. Of the 2026 women included in the study, 33 percent gained excessive weight, 41 percent gained sufficient weight and 26 percent gained insufficient weight during pregnancy. The average weight gain for mothers participating in the study was 32.4 pounds per week. According to Dr. Abdullah, these women were 4.5 times more likely to be over weight or obese even 21 years after giving birth.<br />
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Such factors including maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, education level, smoking habits, television watching, hypertensive disorder, diabetes, method of delivery, duration of breastfeeding and menopausal status were taken into consideration, but had no altering effects on the study.<br />
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Professor Leonie Callaway said it is possible that some of these women who had excessive weight gain in pregnancy might be metabolically prone to this, and even without a pregnancy, might have ended up gaining weight at a quicker rate over time.<br />
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However, increased awareness and knowledge about the implications of weight gain during and prior to pregnancy can be an effective tool.<br />
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1. Awareness of a healthy diet and keeping fit prior to pregnancy.<br />
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2. Maintaining a fitness regime and healthy eating habits from as young an age as possible.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://micheljayn.thedsp.hop.clickbank.net/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46vSnOus5igrnqgmwElBtDt0Px13-Ve5ovOLSz8a64nUAP_F_jyTfcjcHQxUmDsWxiBo9QTc4JwzfFXfBT56W23E41bhmshpD-0xtzh1zURCoxOvJ-9DviUiYEynoA7PFRW8M1iKAWD4/s320/long+ad.jpg" width="108" /></a></div>3. Being fit and of a healthy weight prior to pregnancy. <br />
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4. An awareness of documented information on pregnancy as opposed to old wives tales handed down through generations.<br />
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5. Maintaining a fitness regime throughout pregnancy - much of this depends on a woman's fitness level prior to pregnancy and should always be arranged by a health professional familiar with keeping fit during pregnancy.<br />
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6. Losing unwanted pounds within 6 months following delivery. Be cautious here as rapid weight loss can effect breast feeding practices. The weight loss should be on a healthy level and properly administered through proper diet and exercise.<br />
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7. Breast feeding as opposed to bottle feeding, or at least incorporating both methods if necessary, as breast feeding lessons calories and also helps protect against breast cancer.<br />
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In a previous research Dr. Mamun found that children whose mothers had unhealthy weight gain in pregnancy were more likely to be overweight or obese in childhood and adulthood. This is actually not a new finding, as there is plenty of research to support this idea and in fact most of us can already notice that over weight moms and dads often have overweight kids as well. Much of this is also the lack of introducing a healthy lifestyle to themselves and their children, causing a chain reaction throughout the family history.<br />
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Regardless of the situation, moms and moms to be need to be aware of the replications on themselves and their children should they be overweight prior to pregnancy and further gaining weight throughout their pregnancy. Weight gain in pregnancy should be at an amount that is normal for a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. Awareness and education of a healthy, active lifestyle prior to and during pregnancy can massively assist in unwanted excessive weight gain in pregnancy.<br />
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Never underestimate the power of a <b><a href="http://micheljayn.thedsp.hop.clickbank.net/">healthy diet</a></b> - a lifestyle change that will positively effect everything you do and experience in this life.The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-29397165200639524712010-03-28T04:57:00.000-07:002010-03-29T07:09:20.444-07:00Good Parenting Discipline Tactics - Gets Results<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/TopicGuides/2005/2005-main_Temp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/TopicGuides/2005/2005-main_Temp2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Discipline is an area that is commonly known to parents as the place where we seem to make the most mistakes. I mean let's face it, when you are overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and sometimes even fed up being a parent, you are expected to make an immediate decision that requires clear, concise, sensible fair discipline rules. Result based discipline tactics will help parents not get entangled in discipline traps that cause much frustration and repeat offender kids. <br />
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Many parents have said to me that one area of parenting they hate, yes hate, the most is the area of discipline. I can totally understand that. Not only is it daunting but it makes me feel guilty and rather down for the rest of the day whenever I have to discipline my kids, and, many times I would do it wrong or forget the rules. But, now after 19 years of parenting a now teenager and 5 years of parenting my now 5 year old, I have the discipline area down pretty pat, which has helped me make great strides in disciplining with success and having less repeat offenses by my kids.<br />
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Here are some discipline tactics to help you avoid the traps and get a more positive experience out of your efforts.<br />
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<b>1. One Style Does Not Fit All </b><br />
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Our grandmothers or even mothers will tell us what they found to be affective when disciplining their children. Their approach back then was simple. One method of discipline was used on all the kids. However, it is important to remember that children are all different, especially when it comes to the way they handle being disciplined or scolded. Some children are rather sensitive and can't handle being spoken to sharply, while others are not the least bit bothered. Some will learn quickly while others will take more time, needing repetition when the situation arises again. And some need to express themselves rather loudly before they can begin to hear what you are saying to them. So in a nutshell, children have different temperaments, so be sure to select discipline tactics that suit the individual.<br />
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<b>2. Understanding Where and Who They Are In Life</b><br />
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Age and development also plays a role here. Toddlers are known for doing outrageous things you have repeatedly told them not to do, thus pushing your limits as a parent. Tweens are searching for their independence from their parents, wanting to prove to themselves that they can get on with you. This usually shows itself through odd or crazy behavior, again resulting in your need to repeat yourself and reinforce punishment. Neither one of these age groups is interested in listening to a long lecture.<br />
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Good parenting discipline tactics require that a toddler receive direct, quick, simple discipline while a tween will require punishment within appropriate boundaries.nd with this, does not necessarily come perfection. Both tween and toddler will usually be repeat offenders putting your discipline tactics and your parenting to the test.<br />
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When you understand where and who they are in life you gain the key to selecting the best approach of discipline for them, you and the situation.<br />
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<b>3. Overdoing it</b><br />
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This one is a bit tougher, and even more so for parents who are frustrated from not seeing an improvement after repeating discipline for the same old issues. Ensure the punishment fits the crime as opposed to the punishment fitting your level of frustration and agitation. Ensuring you are able to uphold the punishment is another part of not over doing it. It's tough I know, but think about the punishment before you inflict it. Don't tell your toddler he can't go to the party if you yourself have to be there for some reason. Don't tell your tween he has to stay home all day and not go out unless you know for sure that you yourself don't have to go that day.<br />
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It helps if you keep a punishment in mind for when you need it this way you are less likely to throw out a punishment that is over the top or not realistic. Another good idea and a very helpful one if you ask me, is to have a single word or phrase that you use on your kids when they are getting out of line or showing signs they are about to be repeat offenders. What ever the phrase you choose, don't shout it but rather use a firm tone of voice, a stern serious face, and a glare that lets them know you are not kidding and will shove out the disciplinary measure if you need to. This is also good because you are giving your child the chance to make the right decision on his own before slamming down the discipline. <br />
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<a href="http://micheljayn.mserv.hop.clickbank.net/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="400" src="http://www.babysleepsolution.com/babysleep120x600.gif" width="80" /></a><b>4. Underdoing it</b><br />
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I used to be famous for this one when my teenager was a toddler. Simply voicing to your child he is going to get into trouble at the moment he is doing something not right, is really not going to work. Good parenting discipline tactics require that your approach be more direct and firm. Going over to your child and helping him do the right thing and then giving him another chance to play nicely is a better approach.<br />
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Think about what would be the most effective punishment. Canceling sports if your child really doesn't like it that much is really not accomplishing anything. Make sure the punishment or discipline measure is one that will help him think twice the next time and one that he will feel the consequences of his actions. My daughter's favorite thing in the whole day is pretty much her night time story before bed. Taking this away as a punishment worked but then she grew a little older and it didn't work anymore so keep up with your child's movement when it comes the things he loves, hates or couldn't care all that much about.<br />
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<b>5. Consistency</b><br />
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If you sometimes allow something (for whatever reasons), and then sometimes don't allow it, you are confusing your child, especially young ones. Children know very well that they can often times soften up mom and dad or that mom and dad will let something slide, so they use it to their advantage. Sometimes parents get caught up in whatever they are doing at the time and their kids get away with doing things they shouldn't. Consistency is key to how long it will take for your child to stop being a repeat offender in the same area.<br />
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Parents must follow through with punishments so choose them wisely. Taking away TV all together is usually a pretty good punishment for most kids, however, if you say it is for the entire day then you can't back off from that in the evening when you are busy doing something and don't want your child underfoot. Your child will learn that you are not serious or that the punishment will cease as soon as you are busy. <br />
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<b>6. Using the positive to wipe out the negative</b><br />
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Many parents find themselves in the position of feeling guilty a lot because it seems they are always punishing their kids and thus creating a rift in the relationship. This can be the case with a child that doesn't listen well and is always somehow in trouble.<br />
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One of the things these parents can do is to observe the good behavior no matter how small and let their child know they appreciate it and get praise for it. If your child is sitting and playing nicely with is playmates as opposed to fighting and taking away toys then praise him for it even if it is for five minutes. Use this technique and you will find it makes a world of difference because most children want to please their parents and noticing their good behavior will help them want to do good more often. <br />
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Another good parenting disciple tactic is when you go out with your kids and you know they are likely to act up, don't scold them in advance by assuming they will be naughty. Instead, let them know how they can help you and get them involved in some tasks and offer a reward for good helpful behavior. Give your kids the opportunity to prove you wrong and behave themselves, as opposed to assuming right away they are going to be naughty. Show them you have faith in them.<br />
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In conclusion discipline is really about showing your kids how much you love them while helping them grow up to be all the good things. Apply good parenting skills by helping your child feel your love even when disciplining him by taking a deep breath at the time of frustration and thinking clearly about how you should punish him that will have the better outcome. Utilize good parenting discipline tactics such as positive reinforcements, keep age and temperament in mind, punish to fit the crime, follow through and be consistent in all your efforts.The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-61346186120792184782010-03-10T01:22:00.000-08:002010-03-10T01:45:09.627-08:00Cooking Healthy Family Meals - Once A Month<a href="http://4fcc7bpbncw6goy32pnzv9vgb0.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank"><br />
<img border="0" height="60" src="http://www.frugalmom.net/cookbook/creatives/468x60-a.gif" width="468" /></a><br />
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Cooking healthy family meals pretty much top the list these days with parents making healthier food choices and meals for their family. One common question many parents ask themselves everyday is, <i>"How can I find any free time when I spend so much of my time in the kitchen!"</i> Yes, cooking 3 meals a day plus snacks is a lot of preparation, a lot of cooking, and a lot of time.<br />
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Let's face it even if you are a person who loves cooking, such as I do, the time to self indulge in cooking and fancy unique ingredients is simply not on the chopping board with our busy schedules and lifestyles. Instead cooking healthy family meals takes the lead. <br />
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Frugal Mom has done something really really awesome for us parents! She has provided us with a guide for cooking once a month with the outcome being a freezer full of meals. Yes you read it correctly! Does it work? Yes it does! Are the meals healthy? Yes they are! Are they tasty even after being frozen? Yes they are! As far as I am concerned Frugal Mom has hit the nail right on the head, helping parents find time for other things besides living in their kitchens.<br />
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<b>Here is why this guide is priceless.</b><br />
<ul><li>Simple meal times with the meal already done keeping nicely in the freezer.</li>
<li>Cooking once a month gives you your much needed free time to tend to other important matters or to do something for yourself.</li>
<li>Once a month cooking is a "save money" treat</li>
</ul><b>What do you get with the guide?</b><br />
<ul><li>Complete step by step instructions</li>
<li>Over 70 family friendly meal recipes - tried and tested</li>
<li>Forms to help you stay organized </li>
<li>A chance to save some money</li>
<li>A more simplified life with more time for your kids, your spouse and yourself.</li>
<li>An online support group</li>
<li>Formatted for "easy to print"</li>
<li>A bonus "Bulk Freezing - Ground Beef</li>
<li>A money back guarantee - although you won't need it</li>
</ul>With a great idea, a professional approach, and a God send to parents, Frugal Mom has all of the above and gives us a way of cooking healthy family meals once a month. With all this she has kept the price of her guide to a minimum making it easily affordable. You can view comments from others who have purchased her guide and find out more details at: <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4fcc7bpbncw6goy32pnzv9vgb0.hop.clickbank.net/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTWZaPlO_4lo-JpJs3DZFQMj9QAUc65MkBI0i_dIs5IzPYp349tUxXed311z_pM1qjgipXy7BttQAhc9CD40euaMmOjCyZjxqf53PsoA8hjXJZCLO324mXKGfLwK5yXXcu4d1jcSNKTk/s200/Cover-200x230.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4fcc7bpbncw6goy32pnzv9vgb0.hop.clickbank.net/">Frugal Moms Guide To Once A Month Cooking</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A Freezer Full of Meals!</div>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-48768587665140432762010-02-27T09:07:00.000-08:002010-03-23T07:53:49.482-07:00Good Parenting: Help with Child Stealing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.life123.com/bm.pix/child-stealing3.s600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.life123.com/bm.pix/child-stealing3.s600x600.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>Your five year old is definitely old enough to know he should not be taking things without asking or paying for them. In other words he is old enough to know that stealing is not acceptable. If you are like many parents who have arrived home to find there little one had taken something that does not belong to him, utilize these good parenting guidelines with help for child stealing. <br />
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1. Although you may very well know your child has stolen, do not lose your temper and immediately begin accusing him. Instead, ask him how he managed to pay for that or who gave it to him. Give him a chance to be honest. Most kids at this age are honest when they are asked directly about a situation. <br />
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2. Once you have established that he has stolen, calmly put across your disapproval. State that stealing is hurtful to himself, his parents and the people he is stealing from. Give an example of how he would feel if someone stole his favorite toy or his pet.<br />
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3. Let the first offense go with a warning but if it happens again you need to put down a punishment. Good parenting requires that you communicate this rule to your child and ensure that they understand that next time they will be punished.<br />
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4. Another rather tough but necessary good parenting guidelines for help with child stealing is to hold your child responsible for his actions by having him return the item and apologize. This can be a rather stressful task so do it together with your child and offer support. This task alone will make quite an impact and is often enough to make your child never want to take anything again without asking.<br />
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Stealing once or twice as a young child is quite common but good parenting skills for handling child stealing requires that you handle the situation calmly, immediately and seriously. Do not just assume that because it is common that it will just pass on it's own. Make sure your child knows the rules of punishment and that he is made to return the item and apologize with your help. If stealing happens often talk to your doctor to see if there could be an underlying problem.The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-72328983981297419972010-02-25T01:21:00.000-08:002010-03-23T07:54:21.273-07:00Toddler Eating: Tips To Create Healthy Eaters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.samsclubmemberservices.com/BabyCenter/Media/images/ArticlePOV/GreatIdeasForHealthyNibbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://www.samsclubmemberservices.com/BabyCenter/Media/images/ArticlePOV/GreatIdeasForHealthyNibbles.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The first tip to creating healthy toddler eating is a rather obvious one but one that is often overlooked or not adhered to. <b>It is vital that parents provide healthy foods by keeping the shopping on a healthy level for everyone in the family not just their toddler or baby. </b>Good parenting means providing good healthy meals at least 90% of the time.<b><br />
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Remember that by toddler age, your child should pretty much be eating the same as the family. If not, this means you are still making separate healthy meals for your toddler. Yikes, that's a lot of work to carry on doing for years to come, not to mention your child will notice that no one else in the family is made to adhere to to eat healthy eating and there for must not be that important. Hence, your toddlers attitude will change toward his meals and you will begin to have mealtime nightmares when your toddler does not want to eat his food but his older sisters or brothers or mom or dads. <br />
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<b>When doing the shopping keep the idea of "Variety" in mind.</b> This is important so that you can offer your toddler a variety of foods and dishes in small amounts, in a simple non fussy way. Doing this will encourage him to try new foods over a period of time and understand the idea of choice and educate him on the many different foods available.<br />
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Ensuring their toddlers get the daily health requirements from their meals and snacks is one of the biggest daily good parenting concerns. The best way to do this is to <b>plan meals and snacks around the five major foods groups displayed in the <a href="http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/pyramid.html">food pyramid.</a> </b>(Cereals, bread, pasta, rice, fruits and vegetables, meat and fish)<br />
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Ages 2-5 years need the same number of servings in each food group as an adult but their serving sizes are about one third smaller than an adult. <br />
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After trying out different approaches I find it easiest to put a weekly meal plan together and do my weekly shopping around that. This way meals and snacks are planned for the week and I don't have to worry about what to cook or give for snacks. I also know I have the ingredients required for each meal and don't have to take time to go to the store. I also devote half of one day to cooking some meals or snacks ahead of time and freezing them so that I have more free time during the week and less hassle with cooking.<br />
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<b>Snacks play a big role in the day of a toddler.</b> With snacks you have another way of fulfilling your child's nutritional needs as well as open his taste buds to new foods. Snack time should be fun and become a good toddler eating time that he looks forward to but also carries healthy benefits. <br />
<ul><li>Offer a variety of snacks throughout the week.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Avoid large portions as they are often overwhelming and wasted.</li>
</ul><ul><li>With smaller portions your toddler can always ask for more.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.downtownpet.com/blog/uploaded_images/vegan-cupcake-coffee-bean-706780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.downtownpet.com/blog/uploaded_images/vegan-cupcake-coffee-bean-706780.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>When you give a junk food snack always add healthy foods to it.</b> For example: If you give ice cream, instead of chocolate syrup use honey with nuts and raisins as a topping. When you make baked goods <a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/06/blog-post.html">add a puree vegetable to the mix</a> before baking and use wholemeal flour instead of white. When you bake with chocolate or use chocolate for anything, use dark chocolate as it holds an abundance of anti oxidants. Keep this idea in mind whenever you give your toddler junk food.<br />
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With this tactic even junk food will have some benefit to it and your toddler will learn to always incorporate a healthy food with whatever he eats because he watched mom and dads good parenting while growing up. It also shows your toddler throughout his growth that goodies are fine in moderation and can taste just as good when healthy tid-bits are added and there is no need to overindulge.<br />
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Toddler eating does not have to be the hassle it has become. Good parenting means the sooner you introduce your toddler to different foods and make meal times fun and non stressful the easier your road will be in setting up your toddler for a lifelong commitment to good eating habits, good nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ9bD209vAORpigYq674JmkGYB6DXSnR9lsLXzHLH4vucYmacxKCkpl3z0tSw0glORD-PtZv7Khss1lKViFLn4IrOMkUb7Btb-aTe5vtq15HyisSTiDuWEN_D-b2WncudFN1EZG8TFag/s1600-h/line2_squares2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ9bD209vAORpigYq674JmkGYB6DXSnR9lsLXzHLH4vucYmacxKCkpl3z0tSw0glORD-PtZv7Khss1lKViFLn4IrOMkUb7Btb-aTe5vtq15HyisSTiDuWEN_D-b2WncudFN1EZG8TFag/s320/line2_squares2.gif" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MGNSNk3rTWA7V-JLyS_MSfyC0HyCi94EJEpbadO2vMixOUWsJ_YEQ8n2LIUvqBBADY-pkDjrJbKyDOCeSTP8MpSVKbYlDEbMgffxts9T93J66kPkhuSUA1f08Jaj-8EF1d_QqXoBbxg/s1600-h/Cover-200x230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MGNSNk3rTWA7V-JLyS_MSfyC0HyCi94EJEpbadO2vMixOUWsJ_YEQ8n2LIUvqBBADY-pkDjrJbKyDOCeSTP8MpSVKbYlDEbMgffxts9T93J66kPkhuSUA1f08Jaj-8EF1d_QqXoBbxg/s200/Cover-200x230.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><i><b>Frugal Mom teaches you how to do once a month cooking with easy step-by-step instructions. <a href="http://4fcc7bpbncw6goy32pnzv9vgb0.hop.clickbank.net/.frugalmom.hop.clickbank.net" target="_blank"><br />
Frugal Moms Guide To Once A Month Cooking</a></b></i></div><i><b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">A must have for every family cook! </span></b></i>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-77561069203617869102010-01-30T09:04:00.000-08:002010-02-01T02:07:11.762-08:00Tween Behavior - Say Goodbye To Your Back Talk Tween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/images/uploads/kids_3.20.09_tweens_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://www.ecostiletto.com/images/uploads/kids_3.20.09_tweens_main.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Talking back in a rude tone, the sucking of teeth under their breath, the snide remarks when asked to do something, the snappy attitude when they have to do something they don't want to do, rolling their eyes the minute you start to talk is all bad tween behavior, with the most common being back talk. Tween back talk accompanied by a rude tone and body language has to be the single most annoying, exhausting thing parents of tweens have to put up with. It comes along everyday with just about every situation - unless they are getting something they want - but if not, God help you!<br />
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With the onset of adolescence tweens are trying to figure out who they are as individuals, separate from their parents. There are also outside influences such as cell phones and text messaging. emails and chat rooms that allow tweens to nurture their relationships with their friends and develop closer bonds. This results in pushing their parents away at an earlier age.<br />
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In tween behavior Boys and girls act differently. Boys are more withdrawn and defiant where as girls are more dramatic and tend to over react to the smallest of situations.<br />
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Tween back talk is to some degree normal, however, that does not mean that it can't get worse or out of control. Just like with so many other areas of childhood and growing up, this is an area that needs to be addressed each time it rears it's ugly head. Here is some advice on how to handle those tween behavior attitudes so that you and your tween can live together in peace and harmony.<br />
<ul><li>Parental Status, not friendship.<br />
Throughout the stage of tweenhood it is important that you maintain your parental status and do away with the "I want to be my tweens friend" status. Your tween will learn to behave appropriately by the way you deal with him in whatever various situations arise.</li>
</ul><ul><li>As your tweens independence grows and he struggles to find his individualism you need to be sure you introduce very clear rules. Take into consideration the areas of importance such as right from wrong, honesty, kindness and marks in school. Ignore the more trivial things such as his or her hair style or preferred style of clothing.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Make sure your tween knows where you draw the line when it comes to his back talk and tween behavior. You might decide to ignore the sucking of his teeth and mumbles under his breath but will you be so kind as to ignore him walking away from you and slamming his bedroom door or shouting back at you? Your tween needs to know exactly what behavior you will not tolerate by any means.</li>
</ul><ul><li> Nip tween behavior in the bud as soon as it starts. Don't wait till your tween is already shouting and screaming at you for weeks on end before you take the bull by the horns. Instead make the rules clear from the very first sign of tween back talk. Let your tween know that you understand this stage of growing up and you know what he or she is going through and that you are here for him, but that even a good friend won't hang around if he behaves badly toward them.</li>
</ul><ul><li> Decide on an age appropriate punishment for violations. When it comes to dealing with tween behavior and punishments, parents have to be consistent and let their tween know that unacceptable behavior will have a negative effect on his or life, one that will definitely impose on their tween social life or hobbies. Punishing your tween by not taking them shopping is not such a big deal but punishing your tween with not going out on the weekend or taking away their cell phone or computer privileges will have more of an effect and make them think twice. Make sure you keep your upper hand. It is highly important that you choose punishments wisely and follow through with them, otherwise your tween will not take you seriously. </li>
</ul><ul><li>When faced with poor tween behavior remain calm but stern, try not to shout, you don't want to be behaving in the way you are trying to teach your tween not to. </li>
</ul><ul></ul><ul><li>Remember that respect is a two way street, although it can be a difficult thought to keep in mind when the heated arguments start because your tweens behavior is out the door. You will need to always, no matter how many times you said it-you have to keep telling them that the name calling and abuse is hurtful and remain respectful to them no matter how hot the flames are. Help teach them by example. </li>
</ul><ul><li>When things do get heated gain control of the situation by taking a breather, a step back, put the drama on pause and take a breather. Doing this will also encourage your tween to do the same when faced with heated arguments in his life and also show maturity and sensibility. This will also enable both parties to calm down and collect their thoughts, possibly giving your tween the chance to turn it around and address the situation in a more appropriate manner. If you have been working on these points you might find it is here that you get an apology for bad tween behavior from your very own tween. </li>
</ul><ul><li> Spend some one on one time with your tween. Don't make it a big deal but more of a casual approach. If your taking a trip to the store ask your tween to join you and let them have the lead in conversation. It doesn't matter what the conversation is about, when your tween gets comfortable with this he will begin to open up and the conversation could change course to things you might want to know. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Make yourself available to your tween when he needs to talk. It is hard at times to stop in the middle of a task or important situation but it is necessary so that your tween can see and feel that you care about his needs and thoughts and that he is just as important as everything else in your life. It also gives you a chance to know what is going on his life no matter how trivial it may seem to you as an adult it is important to your tween and he needs your help. If you really can't break away at the time he approaches you then set an appointment for a short time later and keep the appointment time. Experts say that a tween is more likely to approach his parents if he feels they will listen and not lose their cool or judge unimportant facts.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Put a "Family Night" into action, on the same night every week. Spend time together without any outside disturbances. This means no cell phones, no video games, no outside influences or disturbances at all, the same goes for mom and dad. Set some activities into place such as cooking, setting the table and other preparations for dinner. Play games or just sit and chat.</li>
</ul>Remember that although bad tween behavior does come along with the territory of having a tween, it can get out of control and become unbearable to live around, turning your darling sweet child into a monster from hell - so take these steps into account in order to get tween back talk and bad tween behavior under control. By putting these actions into motion you will also be preparing yourself and your tween to have a better relationship when tween becomes teen. <br />
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<ul></ul>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-32774004775190526542010-01-17T07:38:00.000-08:002010-03-23T07:55:58.280-07:00Good Parenting: Healthy Lunch Box Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><a href="http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/stockbroker/stockbroker0808/stockbroker080803909/3506797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/stockbroker/stockbroker0808/stockbroker080803909/3506797.jpg" width="133" /></a>Ahhh... the good ole lunch box / snack-box challenge. And yes, if your good parenting then you know it is exactly that - a challenge! Oh sure it's easy if your just gonna throw any ole edible item and beverage in there, but if you are attempting to provide a healthy, yet delicious snack or lunch for your child, with the hopes he won't trade it for someone else's junk food, then you know the constraints of the situation.<br />
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A child's energy, attention span and stamina at school depends much on his nutrition. Good parenting means giving your child a healthy breakfast and lunch or snack, which is just as important as being in a good school and having a good teacher. Just as important as hygiene, and just as important as learning to be a nice person. Unfortunately not all parents take the time to ensure a nutritious meal and send their kids to school with a box full of junk, making it harder for the other kids to be interested in their healthy snack, which furthers to a parents frustration when the healthy lunch or snack box comes home untouched. <br />
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Good parenting means recognizing that it isn't always a good idea to solely rely on school cafeteria lunches, because although the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says school lunches should provide one-third of a child's nutrition needs, meeting caloric needs alone is not necessarily nutritious enough. Calorie dense makes no sense if the meal is not also healthy.<br />
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<b>Tips To A Well Balanced Lunch</b><br />
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A lunch consisting of a lean meat, whole grain, low-fat dairy product and fruit and/or vegetable is a well-balanced, healthy lunch. 1-2 to of these is good for a balanced healthy snack. Packing a sandwich with lean meat or tuna fish is good – but making that sandwich with whole grain bread, a good source of fiber, is even better. However, unless from very early on a child is accustomed to eating brown bread, kids usually become totally uninterested in their sandwich if it's made with brown bread. A good idea is to start off slowly but keeping the healthy sandwich on white bread but making sure you have also packed their favorite fruit to compensate for the brown bread. Include a few carrots and cucumbers as well, or their veg of choice that is packable. Tell your kids that if they don't want the brown bread they have to eat a fruit and veg along with their sandwich.<br />
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Pack a bottle of water instead of juice boxes. Most juice boxes are high in sugar. However, water will keep a child hydrated without the sugar rush, extra calories and a lowered immune system. Water is also beneficial to the skin, as well many other parts of the body. If your child insists on the juice then dilute the juice in a water bottle. <br />
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Involve your child in the decision making of his lunch or snack. This helps to alleviate swapping his food with others. Use the opportunity to chat about healthy eating but try and make it fun and entertaining and not like a classroom experience. <br />
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Help keep your child from using his milk money for junk food by packing a dessert. You can satisfy your child's sweet need with tiny amounts of junk food mix in with healthy foods. A small amount of M&M's with trail mix, one cookie with yogurt, fruits topped with raisins and a little caramel or chocolate sauce or dipping sauce. <a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/06/blog-post.html">Try making muffins or cookies with pureed vegetable in the ingredients.</a><br />
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So if your going to make a lunch or snack box, take a few extra minutes to make it count toward your child's well being and functionality through out the day. It will take some time for your child to get used to his new foods so use the suggestions above as well as be creative and before you know it your child will be accustomed to his new healthy friends and coming home with an empty lunch or snack box. As a parent you will have earned an "A" in parenting for the healthy lunch box challenge.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi940DrubYk5SKvgawutfiQZh287l3dREfz94S6RkLWZTnY6oO_cgZAPhA9_NW9MzmAw5oLcnL3-sRSOvtEO7GqgvuTbq6Z6S2r3BAeCFZAigtpDSEHL5r97xKs55RcRlJteMPi54ZRNcY/s1600-h/line2_squares2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi940DrubYk5SKvgawutfiQZh287l3dREfz94S6RkLWZTnY6oO_cgZAPhA9_NW9MzmAw5oLcnL3-sRSOvtEO7GqgvuTbq6Z6S2r3BAeCFZAigtpDSEHL5r97xKs55RcRlJteMPi54ZRNcY/s640/line2_squares2.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYVBK7-QtTN_L4Ktjix46Y7VXojUMTjvugkecoKMbd4EM3m0vLKVkMgbv7_1gExotTZMw3uKTFAj2GKQlrxAcRC4SszEoBkmnvCRyARA1fswMJ6mCg_VJM9OkEmQVFQZYskymL4Wpezc/s1600-h/Cover-200x230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYVBK7-QtTN_L4Ktjix46Y7VXojUMTjvugkecoKMbd4EM3m0vLKVkMgbv7_1gExotTZMw3uKTFAj2GKQlrxAcRC4SszEoBkmnvCRyARA1fswMJ6mCg_VJM9OkEmQVFQZYskymL4Wpezc/s200/Cover-200x230.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b><i style="color: #cc0000;">Frugal Mom teaches you how to do once a month cooking with easy step-by-step instructions. </i></b><a href="http://4fcc7bpbncw6goy32pnzv9vgb0.hop.clickbank.net/.frugalmom.hop.clickbank.net" target="_blank"><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Frugal Moms Guide to Once A Month Cooking</span></a></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">A must have for every family cook!</span></span></div>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-56217030806898934262010-01-10T08:18:00.000-08:002010-01-10T08:32:06.003-08:00Healthy Kids: Get Them Outdoors!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greenhour.org/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Green Hour - Discover the Wonder of Nature" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.greenhour.org/images/banners/GH_200x50.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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I recently came across a website that encourages families to spend more time outdoors, learning to appreciate nature, which further encourages our children to grow up to be "Green" friendly. According to <a href="http://www.greenhour.org/">Green Hour</a>, In the last two decades, American childhood has moved indoors. The average boy or girl spends just <b>four to seven minutes outdoors</b> every day. Studies show that children who spend regular time outdoors are healthier, happier and grow up with a love of nature.<br />
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Green Hour Program is a part of the The National Wildlife Federation and encourages all Americans to <b></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.greenhour.org/content/activity/detail/8968" style="font-weight: normal;">Be Out There</a> </b>and support its national campaign to give back to our children what they don’t even know they’ve lost: childhood’s essential wildness and connection to the natural world.<br />
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Now, a growing wave of research indicates that <b>children who spend time outdoors are healthier</b>, overall,than their indoor counterparts.<br />
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The National Wildlife Federation recommends that parents give their kids <b>a "Green Hour" every day</b>, a time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. This can take place in a garden, a backyard, the park down the street, or any place that provides safe and accessible green spaces where children can learn and play.<br />
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This great program is free to join and will send you activities that adults and kids can enjoy outside. Their website also offers, books, games and activities, parents' guide, resources, downloads and photo tips to help you get great pictures that you can share with the "Be Out There" Online Community.<br />
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I hope all of you that read this will take advantage of this original, sure fire campaign and sign up today. It's free, fun, and beneficial on so many levels in a child's life, and yours!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greenhour.org/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Green Hour - Discover the Wonder of Nature" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.greenhour.org/images/banners/GH_200x50.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<i></i>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-28272630630433088762009-12-08T01:13:00.000-08:002010-03-23T08:03:11.002-07:005 Secrets To A Smiling Santa Photo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab51/micheljayne/santa013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab51/micheljayne/santa013.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So you want that perfect, smiling Santa photo do you? Are you going to get one this year or is it going to be a screaming nightmare?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My daughter turned five years old this year and until now I do not have a Santa photo of her for Christmas' past. Why? Simple, being a shy child, who would not let anyone hold her except her father and I (not even grandparents), I knew there was no point in taking her to have her picture taken with Santa unless I could be happy with a picture like this one on the right, and feel good about it which I would not have. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So I learned to do without the Santa photos over the past 4 years but have come into possession of some very helpful tips to help avoid screaming and fear over sitting on Santa's lap for a picture.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Before we get into getting that non screaming picture with Santa it is important for parents to know how to handle the situation of fear with their child correctly for good and positive parenting. As parents we need to learn how to support our child in times of fear, as baby to child years has many different fears, which we as adults cannot gauge but a child's fears are just as bad as ours and worse, because young kids do not have a concept of time, or procedure in which to rely on for support in facing their fears. They only have us, their parents and how we handle their fears and get them through it in a positive nature is highly important toward their mental and psychological growth and toward their confidence as an older child and adult.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Toward the end of this article are you will find important information on handling a young child's fear in situations and the reasons behind why it is important to do.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now here are some secrets to eliminating a precious but screaming face in your child's Santa Photo</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<a href="http://micheljayn.mserv.hop.clickbank.net.success742.hop.clickbank.net/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="200" src="http://www.babysleepsolution.com/babysleep120x240.gif" width="100" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Familiarize Your Child</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's helpful if your child is familiar with Santa Clause and is able to see him in real life, as apposed to just TV or books. Let your child see other children sitting on Santa's lap and taking pictures, but don't make a big deal about it. As your walking and shopping be sure to pass by the Santa's Grotto so your child can see Santa and his interaction with other kids.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ask your child if he wants a picture taken with Santa and evaluate his response. If he seems to hesitant, offer to take the picture with him. If he seems ready to go for it then take him back to the picture taking session the following day. It is suggested this conversation take place after leaving the shopping center as apposed to doing it right in front of Santa's Grotto. This is so that your child feels relaxed and not put on the spot while he assess the situation. If he decides to go for it, take your child back to Santa's Grotto the following day.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Friends, Toys and Snacks </b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kids often want to do something but their fear holds them back. To assist your child in not changing his mind when it comes time to sit on Santa's lap try the following:</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div>*Let him take a friend with him.<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div>*Let him take his favorite snack with him, even it's something you prefer he doesn't have. After all, this is a special occasion and hopefully next year all will be well.<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div>*Let him take his favorite toy to give him to give him courage.<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Distraction Can Work Wonders</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Distract your child so that he is more interested in his own thing, as apposed to the thing he may be fearing, which in this case is simply taking a Santa Photo.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div>*Use finger puppets for him to play with while waiting in line.; Let him keep the finger puppet on his finger throughout the entire process of sitting on Santa's lap to taking the picture.<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div>*If your child is a learning buff then take flash cards small enough for him to hold in his hands and work them with him as you are standing in line.; Try and keep it going even seconds before it's his turn to walk up to Santa for the picture.<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div>*Don't take time to try and get that perfect pose, perfect clothes and perfect smile. Often times the unposed moments are the most memorable memories and the better photos. Plus, too much fiddling around will only get you closer to a teary eyed crying photo. <br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Mom, Dad, or Both</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A friend of mine took her 2 kids (2 years old and 4 years old) to have their picture taken with Santa. This was the second time they had tried it and both kids were screaming their lil heads off in fear. My friend then had a thought that was actually a great memory for herself and her kids. She, at 40 years old had her picture taken with Santa while her kids watched in line. It didn't convince them to have their picture taken at that time but when she took the picture home, compared it to her Santa pictures when she was a young girl and shared it with her kids, they wanted to go back and have their pictures done as well. The next day she took them and she finally has her first kids' Santa picture that she has so patiently waited for.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A great idea for a good laugh, original idea with a happy ending, and most of all now her kids want to go everyday for their Santa picture!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Try it and let me know if it works for you and don't forget to post me the picture, and your story, so I can share it on my Blogs.<br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Parenting Education when dealing with fear.</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have seen many Santa photos with screaming, crying, hysterical kids and it actually upsets me. A child's fear should never be dismissed, laughed at or taken lightly, especially for something as trivial as a photo. Although as adults we know that there is nothing for them to fear, a child does not have this same notion. Just as a woman would be scared to death to walk into a room with a rapist and have no protection, a child experiences that same fear, and even worse, as young children do not have the knowledge of time, or procedure in which they can rely on for comfort. As adults, We know the picture only takes seconds but a young child does not know seconds and does not know the procedure of the moment of fear he is involved in. Parents should never lesson their child's trust in them by forcing them to carry through with fearful moments.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In the event you are standing in line with your child, or actually get to the front of the line, it's your child's turn and suddenly everything changes and your child begins to show fear at sitting on Santa's lap for the photo, parents need to respect their child's feelings and gracefully and graciously accept it, support the child and remove them from the fearful situation - in this case pass on the picture taking event for the time being.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When you and your child leave the line, do not show disgrace, agitation or disappointment in your child. This will only make your child feel bad about himself and make him feel as though he is not good enough for you. It will also add trauma to the situation of Santa picture taking and can easily delay his acceptance of it when he remembers how mom or dad were angry at him for being scared, he will shy away from the process all together. In a nutshell, where there was no bad experience with Santa taking pictures, if a parent behaves badly for the failure of it, this causes a bad memory for your child and causes him stress in the process. You are also lessening his trust in you by not supporting him when he needs you most, and adding to a lack of self esteem.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Instead, compliment your child on how long he stood in line and how he was almost able to do it. Show support, love and tenderness and let him know he can always try again next year or in a week or so if he chooses. Once at home parents can release their frustrations by screaming into their pillow if they wish. <b><a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/08/toddlerhood-fears-reasons-and-solutions.html">Toddler Fears and Solutions</a></b></div>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-70012402500098018112009-11-22T07:36:00.000-08:002009-12-29T23:41:39.352-08:00Teen Obesity - Over Weight Child To Obese Teen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://news.softpedia.com/images/news2/Obese-Teenagers-Are-More-Likely-to-Die-Prematurely-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://news.softpedia.com/images/news2/Obese-Teenagers-Are-More-Likely-to-Die-Prematurely-2.jpg" width="131" /></a><br />
</div>Teen obesity is no longer <b>becoming </b>a nationwide problem, it <b>is </b>a nation wide problem. Approximately 70 million Americans are obese. More than one in three of all adults and one in five of all children are overweight, and unless there is intervention to assist, these children are likely to become obese by the time they are teens, which is exactly what the world is seeing today. Over weight kids becoming obese teens.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqxdLqaYoDlM9oDGfi-ffFHnXlJkHt7vGZWs3V0uT63Gbn1AqjtlEteZL6XDQ3AiCaNrBSmfuWT9RW2Ob70dwy33ERkkBf6zD5_t9y3T2o2m3zGo1yrYD4fg5Bdu6Vv9EoRwctN3caqok/s1600/obese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqxdLqaYoDlM9oDGfi-ffFHnXlJkHt7vGZWs3V0uT63Gbn1AqjtlEteZL6XDQ3AiCaNrBSmfuWT9RW2Ob70dwy33ERkkBf6zD5_t9y3T2o2m3zGo1yrYD4fg5Bdu6Vv9EoRwctN3caqok/s200/obese.jpg" /></a>The older a child gets the harder it is to get them on track with a healthy diet and lifestyle. The older a child gets the harder it is for him to adhere to a healthy diet. Lets face it, there are mouth watering goodies around us every minute and a teen normally doesn't have the discipline required to adhere to a diet when every one else around them is eating as they please. As adults we know how hard it is for us to remain on and follow a diet, so you can imagine how difficult it is for young kids and teens. <br />
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The change needs to start at home with parents setting a good example toward healthy eating and lifestyle. Expecting an over weight or obese child to adhere to a diet while his parents are eating to their hearts content is not logical and makes the difficult task of dieting even harder for the child. When parents tell their child they need to eat healthy and exercise to remain fit, healthy and in shape but they themselves put no or little effort into doing the same, they are contradicting themselves and adding to the problem of overweight or obese teens.<br />
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If your child is over weight or obese consider making healthy lifestyle changes along side your child, setting an example and at the same time gaining fitness and health yourself. This creates a partnership throughout the struggle of weight loss and sets a positive tone and relationship between you and your child. This can also help with the emotional struggle that comes with being over weight or obese, such as depression, which is caused by lack of self esteem, bullying, and isolation.<br />
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Choose a diet and nutrition program, set goals, start the process, and together with your child walk the road of health, fitness, wellness, and a stress free lifestyle. Together with your teen eliminate obesity and gain health.<br />
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<a href="http://offto.net/zhchnn/">The Diet Solution</a><br />
All Natural diet and nutrition program<br />
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<a href="http://www.wellspringacademies.com/">Well Springs Academy</a><br />
Summer Camp for over weight or obese teens<br />
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<a href="http://www.campshane.com/">Camp Shane</a><br />
Summer Camp for over weight or obese teens<br />
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<object height="445" width="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8HSqE1U_m_0&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8HSqE1U_m_0&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br />
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<object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jgx--OQbMPQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jgx--OQbMPQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br />
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<a href="http://offto.net/zhchnn/">The Diet Solution</a><br />
Diet and Nutrition Program Eliminates Future Dieting<br />
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<a href="http://www.exrx.net/FatLoss/ChildObesityIntervention.html">Child Obesity Intervention</a><br />
Intervention Strategies<br />
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<a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/547408">Medscape </a><br />
Evidence Based Program Helps Fight Childhood Obesity<br />
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<a href="http://commonhealth.wbur.org/guest-contributors/2009/12/bicycling-as-antidote-to-childhood-obesity/">Bicycling As Childhood Obesity Antidote </a>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-90378189635451725862009-11-07T03:01:00.000-08:002010-03-23T06:44:39.836-07:00Natural Remedy For Constipation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marilu.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/flax%20seeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://www.marilu.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/flax%20seeds.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Not only is constipation uncomfortable but it also means toxins are trapped in the body, as you are not able to relieve yourself means your gut is not able to perform the release of toxins. Over the counter constipation medicines are not usually administered to young children with the exception of a suppository, which is not easy to administer, difficult on a young child, and cannot be used too often. So why not whip up a natural remedy at home that is safe and effective for child use, and also houses health benefits that come from the nutrients of flax seeds.<br />
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This natural remedy for constipation is effective and child-use safe. Why not give it a shot!<br />
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<u><b>Constipation Natural Home Remedy</b></u><br />
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<i><b>Ingredients</b></i><br />
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-1 tbls flax seeds<br />
- 1/3 cup of clean water<br />
- 1 glass or cup<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://micheljayn.mserv.hop.clickbank.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="40" src="http://www.babysleepsolution.com/babysleep468x60.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<i><b>Directions</b></i><br />
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1.Add the flax seeds to the water.<br />
2.Cover to keep the water clean.<br />
3.Allow them to soak overnight.<br />
4.Drink in the morning on an empty stomach<br />
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Usually, doctors won't prescribe an over the counter medicine for constipation to a baby, toddler or pre-schooler, except a suppository, which is not easy to administer and parents often take their child to the doctor to have it done. But this constipation natural remedy does not have side effects like over the counter medication, is easier to use, more cost effective, and is an effective remedy, that can be used whenever constipation rears it's ugly head.The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-84766297380183800962009-11-06T11:33:00.000-08:002010-03-23T08:11:42.341-07:00Bee Sting & Bug Bite First Aid and Natural Remedy Recipes<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://landscapeipm.tamu.edu/img/other/beneficials/honeybees/BeeStingRemoval.Merchant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://landscapeipm.tamu.edu/img/other/beneficials/honeybees/BeeStingRemoval.Merchant.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>It is important that parents and caretakers have a first aid box and procedure book on hand, in the home, in the event of accidents, illnesses, and emergencies. Here are some natural ways to disinfect, soothe, and prevent further swelling of bug bites, bee and wasp stings and first aid procedure for removing a stinger.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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Bug bites are often painful, terribly itchy, and can swell up to quite large.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
A bee or wasp sting is painful and the sooner you remove the stinger and treat the wound, the better and faster there will be relief and less swelling.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You can easily and effectively treat bug bites, bee and wasp stings and even black widow spider bites with these natural remedies.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It is important to follow first aid procedures first before applying the remedy for healing.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><b>First Aid Treatment</b></u></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>DO NOT SQUEEZE THE STINGER AT ALL WHILE IT IS STILL IN THE SKIN.</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Remove the stinger carefully and slowly. DO NOT SQUEEZE IT. Squeezing it will release further venom into the blood stream. Immediately discard the stinger in the trash.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. Clean the wound with an antiseptic.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fightagainstbv.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/natural-remedy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://fightagainstbv.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/natural-remedy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><u><b>Natural Remedies Recipes</b></u></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Plantain Leaves Natural Remedy</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Crush plantain leaves to extract their juice.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. Apply the juice over the wound and apply a loose band aid.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Toothpaste Home Remedy</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Apply toothpaste to the wound and cover with a band aid.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Homeopathic Remedy #1</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Apply Apis Mallifica 30x to reduce inflammation, pain, burning and stinging.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Cover with a band aid</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Homeopathic Remedy #2</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Apply Cantharis 30c for bee or wasp stings and cover with a band aid.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Homeopathic Remedy #3 - For severe allergic reactions to bee stings or black widow bites</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Apply Carbolicum Acidum, 30 c and cover with a band aid </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://micheljayn.mserv.hop.clickbank.net.success742.hop.clickbank.net/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="200" src="http://www.babysleepsolution.com/babysleep120x240.gif" width="100" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Homeopathic Remedy #4</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For itching, pain, and burning</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Apply Urtica Urens, 30c and cover with band aid.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Insect Bite Oil</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-1tsp lavender essential oil (stops itching and reduces swelling)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-1 tbls vegetable oil</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Mix ingredients and apply to the wound. Cover with band aid.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>DO NOT USE THIS OIL AROUND EYE AREA</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Extra strength Sting Paste</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-1 tbls Echinacea root tincture</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">- 1 tbls distilled water</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-1/8 tsp lavender essential oil</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-1 tbls Bentonite clay</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Combine Echinacea, water, lavender and mix.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-While stirring the clay, slowly and gradually add the mixture.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Apply this paste to the wound. It will stick to the skin.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Store the paste in an air tight container to avoid it drying out. If it does dry out add a little water to bring it back to paste form. Use over a few days if need be.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Avoid Mosquito bites with this natural remedy, which acts as a mosquito repellent.</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-1 tsp Lavender oil</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Rosemary (seasoning from the grocery store)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Grind both together and apply to your skin.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Do you know?</b></div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Do you know that applying sugar over a bite wound will keep it from scarring?</span></b></li>
</ul><ul><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Do you know a slice of raw onion on an animal bite will fight infection and draw out any poison?</span></span></b></li>
</ul><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">Parents can prepare the above natural remedies ahead of time, store them in an air tight container and keep them in the first aid box or natural remedy cabinet so they are ready to use when bug bites or bee stings occur. </span></span></span><br />
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</span></b>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-6057227721633773732009-10-10T09:47:00.000-07:002010-03-23T08:13:39.256-07:00Teach your Toddler not to Interrupt<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><span style="font-size: small;">The concept of interrupting makes no sense to a toddler. Anything that directs your attention away from her is threatening. After all, in </span><span style="font-size: small;">a toddlers mind, the world and everything in it revolves around them and especially when it comes to mom and dad.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><br />
The Reasons it Happens</span></div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Toddlers are not yet able to grasp that there are other people and activities that sometimes require your attention or capture your interest.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">A toddlers short term memory is not yet fully developed. This leaves them with the urgency to speak now before they forget.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">By the time your child is 3 or 4, she'll begin to understand what an interruption is and what the request "Please don't interrupt" means, and her short-term memory will develop enough that she'll be able to hold on to a thought (for a couple of minutes, anyway).</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here are some things you can to get this problem under control and help your toddler to be more independent when you are trying to have a conversation.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Start Early</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">From as early as 6 months old you can begin to instill certain principles and manners in your child. Talk to your child from birth. This will develop his self esteem and self worth.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Set Up the toys</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Set up a play area for your child to learn to occupy himself while you are busy.Don't expect them to play on their own for very long. They will at some point begin to interrupt your conversation. This is where the training comes into play.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Tell them not to</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By the age of 3 your toddler needs to be aware of what you expect from her when you are having a conversation or busy doing something. When they interrupt, firmly tell them that interrupting is not a nice thing to do and you will talk to them as soon as you are finished. Remember that 10 minutes to a toddler can seem like a lifetime so be conscious how long you are expecting them to wait. After 10 minutes, look to them and have a brief chat. Let them know you have not forgotten about them and that they are just as important as the other things you have to do.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You have to be consistent in this particular area. Learning comes with training and teaching. It's up to you to teach them what they need to know now and for later in life. Consistency is key here.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://micheljayn.mserv.hop.clickbank.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="41" src="http://www.babysleepsolution.com/babysleep468x60.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Read and Teach</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read your toddler children books about manners and being polite. When your toddler forgets his manners remind him of the character in the book and what she has to do.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Model the behavior </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Toddlers love to mimic their parents behavior. So follow these simple rules with spouse and other people.</span></div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Don't cut your spouse or other people off when they are talking.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Don't interrupt your child when she is talking to you. If you do cut her off when she is talking, apologize for doing so.</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soon your child will mimic your good manners and learn to admit her own mistakes when she makes them. An exceptional quality for any human being to have. Do the same with other gestures, such as </span><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic;">please, thank you, pardon me</span><span style="font-size: small;">, etc</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A toddler learning and understanding the basic principles behind good manners, and when to use them takes time and everyone in the household should participate. These vital tools can be instilled in your children from toddler age by having patience, consistency and practicing. The earlier you start the better and when they reach their teens some of the harder work will already be under your belt.</span></div><br />
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</div>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-41928553179957216192009-10-10T09:46:00.001-07:002010-03-23T08:17:58.235-07:00Toddler Fears - Reasons and Solutions<a href="http://raisingchildren.net.au/verve/_resources/vpc_clinging.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: #009900;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://raisingchildren.net.au/verve/_resources/vpc_clinging.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 180px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 180px;" /></a><span style="color: #009900; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #33ff33;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/" target="_new"><img alt="As Featured On EzineArticles" border="0" src="http://ezinearticles.com/featured/images/ea_featured_70_7.gif" /><br />
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-------------"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings."</span></span> </span><span style="color: #009900; font-size: 85%;">~Hodding Carter, Jr.</span></span><br />
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It is perfectly normal for a toddler to have fears. Abnormal fears are ones in which you cannot get your toddler to focus on anything else because he is consumed with his fear. Obviously a fear such as this needs to be addressed differently. But today we are addressing fears that are normal for toddlers and how to help ease a toddlers anxiety and help him face and overcome his fears, through gentle, loving, heroic parenting.<br />
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The most common of toddler fears is strangers, someone coming to close, darkness, loud noises and crowded places. Sitting on the potty is also a common toddler fear, as well as going to the doctor or the doctor himself, nurses and the first day of school. These are the most common but are not by any means the only ones.<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></b><br />
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<b>Their Fears are Fears Nonetheless</b><br />
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What may seem silly to an adult is not silly to your toddler. They are afraid of the dark because they cannot comprehend that light will chase it away. They may be afraid of strangers because there is no familiarity to them at all. They can be afraid of places because they cannot understand variety and differences in sounds, structures, etc and cannot understand how things are made and constructed. They feel overwhelmed and insecure, which then sets of their fear.<br />
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<div style="color: #666666; font-style: italic;">A toddlers fears should be handled constructively and taken seriously. You should not laugh or make fun of their fears, nor should you discount them and brush them under the rug figuring they will outgrow them. It is how they outgrow them that counts and to what degree of support they receive, that will have a huge baring on the length of time it takes for your toddler to overcome his fear, and the emotional impact it will have on him.<br />
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<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Observe and Pretend Play</span></div></div><br />
Parents are aware of the importance a child's imagination plays in their growth and childhood. Fueling their imagination by encourage pretend play is on the list of priorities. However, with a growing imagination can come new fears, insecurities, and worries for a toddler.<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-style: italic;">Often times a child will display his fears through his toys during pretend play. Parents can observe their child when playing - don't disturb them in their imaginative world but watch and listen from a distance. If you see your child playing out his fears, watch him play it out and try and gain a sense of where the fear might be coming from. Talk to your child about it and offer a loving helping hand through understanding and advice. Another suggestion is to play along with your child, in pretend play, and destroy his fear. This is where mom and dad get to use their imagination to find a way for his toys to destroy his fear into thin air. </span><br />
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<div style="font-weight: bold;">Bad Experience Fears<br />
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</div>Toddlers will soon learn in some way or another that there are falls, scrapes, trips and embarrassing moments in their life. Riding a bike and falling off can put a fear in them about getting hurt and they don't want to get back on the bike again. Or, they try ice skating and fall, and vow to never go ice skating again. It is fears like this that can hold your child back from some of the splendid things in life for him.<br />
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It is your duty as a loving parent to help your toddler face his fears and get back on the pony. This is something adults have to do many many times in their life, and learning from a young age, with support and understanding will foster a more resilient child in adulthood.<br />
<ul><li>Help your child feel more confident in new situations.<br />
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<li>Take his fears seriously, offer support and reassurance for each episode of fear.<br />
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</ul><ul><li>Always be upbeat and positive when you deal with your toddler fears. You have to be solid, strong and secure, yet show that you are taking their fear seriously.<br />
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</ul><ul><li>Take the bad memories and turn them into good ones. Remind your child of the fun he had when he was riding his bike and how great the pictures are of his first bike ride. Don't pressure him, just remind him of the fun stuff. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Be honest. If something is going to hurt don't say it won't . Reassure your child it will only last a second and give him something to look forward to after his ordeal.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Avoid being overprotective.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Don't over react. Avoid over reacting to small childhood falls, spills, trips and mess ups. Over reacting will cause an even more vivid memory for your toddler and also scare them, which only adds to trauma. If he sees you cool it helps him to realize it isn't such a big deal.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Be aware of your child's temperament in order to gage his fears, and how best to help him.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Be Patient. In time child will move forward and will find strength from you if you have been supportive, and will to take bolder steps.</li>
</ul><ul><li>When discussing your child's fears with another person, make sure your child cannot hear your discussion.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://micheljayn.mserv.hop.clickbank.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="41" src="http://www.babysleepsolution.com/babysleep468x60.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul></ul><b>Bedtime Fears</b><br />
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</div>It is natural for a child to not want to go to bed. After all, the things in his life that make him feel secure and safe, he has to say goodbye to at bedtime, including his toys, mom and dad.<br />
<ul><li>Choose a soothing bedtime routine to perform on a nightly basis. Doing this will also help your child learn to sleep independently, lessening bedtime tantrums and waking up mom and dad in the middle of the night to help get him back to sleep. <a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/07/baby-sleep-help-early-prep-for.html">Baby Sleep Help - Early Prep for Toddlerhood</a><br />
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</ul><ul><li>For a 1 year old who wakes in the middle of night looking for reassurance, it is good to go your child's bedside and soothe him if necessary. Try not to take your child out of bed and refrain from taking him to your bed, so as not to start bad habits toward bedtime problems in the near future.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Helping your child to stay in bed at night will help him face his fears of the dark and develop confidence when he realizes there is nothing to be afraid of, and night will soon turn to day.<a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/01/personal-baby-sleep-tips-from-parent.html"> Help Baby Sleep through the Night - 4 Little Secrets</a></li>
</ul><ul><li>Resist disturbing your child if you hear him playing in bed or talking to himself or his toys (venturing into pretend play). This is his way of dealing with his fears and helping to put himself back to sleep.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Using pretend play and role playing can help with bedtime fears and fears of the dark as well, and are highly effective in soothing your child when mom or dad are involved.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Keep an eye out for fears that could be phobias and will require professional attention. Phobias will disrupt your child's development and regular activities, and won't respond to repeated attempts of reassurance. The sooner you diagnose a phobia the sooner the treatment can take affect and help your child.</li>
</ul>If mom and dad support, understand, sympathize, and work together with their child when their fears set in, your child will be assured of getting security and help when they need it and this will help them take the initial step in facing and then conquering toddler fears.<br />
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<div style="color: blue;"><u><b>Related Links</b></u></div><br />
Learn the top 7 <a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/06/blog-post.html">toddlerhood early starters</a> <br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">gq4j6eryha</span>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-6418365127193595002009-10-10T09:46:00.000-07:002010-03-01T03:57:22.222-08:00Live Stress Free At Home - 14 Stress Reducers<a href="http://7stressreliefgifts.com/images/stress-relief-image.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://7stressreliefgifts.com/images/stress-relief-image.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 221px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 271px;" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: lucida grande;"><o:p> </o:p></div><span style="font-family: lucida grande; font-size: small;">Regardless of who you are, or how much money you make, or how successful you are - stress is a part of everyday life. The more one cares about life and everything it encompasses, it seems the more stress one is capable of having. Reducing stress and utilizing stress relief mechanisms that suit you and your life style is one of the most important things a person can do for themselves.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><br />
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Home life stress is one that tends to be constant and consistent. Many people simply think they have gotten used to but they have simply gotten used to it being around. I it ironic that parents have so much responsibility laying on their shoulders when it comes to doing right by their kids, that it is impossible not to stress, yet at the same time living a stress free life aids in longevity. Well, don't we all want to be around to see our kids grown up, successful, and enjoy our grand kids?<br />
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<span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Home stress is due to various issues stemming from relationship issues to youth problems, worrying about the future, worrying about future finances, your child's education money, your child's future, trying to do everything perfect and always trying to be the perfect parent, and spouse, to name just a few.</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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Basic Thinking To Control Stress</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><br />
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It takes practice everyday to get your mind used to focusing in a different direction other than your fifty million worries. You have to take that focus and turn it around into something positive and stay there.<br />
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<div class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family: lucida grande; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: small;">Retrain your mind where to focus when you worry by:</span></div><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Not worrying about many things at one time. Take one day at a time and each day you only get to worry about one thing (if you must worry about something)</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Focusing on the present day, that morning, or afternoon or evening, instead of worrying about the future. A person cannot change their future, they can only do the best they can, work hard, take care of themselves, etc.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Everyday wake up and tell yourself it is going to be a good day. Don't think any differently. Pretend if you have to that all is well and tell yourself all will be well and all is well. Practice to believe this in your heart and mind, and allow positive flow throughout your body, mind and day to day activities.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: lucida grande; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Stress Relief Do's and Don't s</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do get your body on the move. Sports, yoga, hiking, a brisk walk. Make something you enjoy but keeps you physically on the move. The more durable your body the more durable it is to combat the effects of stress and help fight off illnesses related to stress.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do eat a balanced diet.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do reduce caffeine in your diet.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do drink Green Tea.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do manage your time. Rushing all the time or always having to do everything at a high pace because you are in a hurry or running late adds fatigue to you and the people around you. Manager your time so that you are able to do things at a normal pace, in a normal time frame. You will find you are in a better state of mind throughout your busy schedule.<br />
</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do get plenty of rest. Try and keep yourself on a sleep schedule allowing for 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Nap in the afternoon if you can and when the opportunity knocks.<br />
</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do engage in a social life and surround yourself with acquaintances and friends. Hearing about other people's life can often times make us feel better about our own, and more appreciative of what we have and where we are in life. Social engagements also help the mind to relax and focus on other things and people around.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do quit smoking. Smoking, although you think you are helping yourself at a stressful point when you have the cigarette, the physical effect is actually the opposite. The nicotine is aiding your stress, weakening body parts and functions that naturally help you cope with stress.<br />
</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: lucida grande; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do simplify your finances and schedule as best you can. Every little bit helps so don't be put off if you can't make major changes. Making small changes over a period of time will end in a larger simplicity later on.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do engage in a fun activity at least 2-3 times a week. Whatever fun is to you - do it. Give it priority.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do engage in a calming activity every day. This could be a stress related exercises, such as yoga, meditation, music therapy, breathing exercises, or taking a quiet walk. Whatever it is there should be no interruptions, no phones, no TV. Just you and your own quiet relaxing world. You do not get to worry at this time! Go to a pretend world, a place where all your worries and fears cannot touch you. This takes time to master but it is worth the effort and will help you find peace and serenity.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: georgia;"><li><span style="font-family: lucida grande; font-size: small;">Do keep a clutter free home. Mess is different than clutter. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://zenhabits.net/2007/08/a-guide-to-creating-a-minimalist-home/">A Guide to Creating a Minimalist Home</a><br />
</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: georgia;"><li><span style="font-family: lucida grande; font-size: small;">Do keep a journal and add an entry at least 4 times a week. Do not just write the negative but also the good, the positive, the funny, and the unexpected. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do not procrastinate. When things are left undone or situations are not faced, and left hovering above you like a dark cloud, they will add stress to your life and fatigue to your body.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do not be aggressive (this takes time and often requires professional help, depending on how deep or often the aggression). Instead assert your feelings, beliefs, preferences, etc. Work on not being aggressive or passive.<br />
</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: lucida grande;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do not use alcohol or drugs for stress relief. Not only are you asking for a huge problem in many areas but when you are not on the alcohol or drugs you will not be able to cope in reality, thus causing you and your body stress, anxiety and fatigue. You must learn to cope on your own and use your own inner strength and knowledge to distress.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: lucida grande; font-size: small;">Many people think that they don't need to be concerned with stress reducers unless they are encountering something bad in their life. But the truth is, at that time, it is simply more obvious to you because of the harshness of the situation. If you get yourself in a position to distress regularly and do the things that help keep stress and it's harsh effects at bay as much as possible, you will be better prepared and emotionally stronger for the times of deep serious stress and will find you are more likely to recover better, faster, and can be more of a rock for the people around you that need you. You will also be less prone to depression as you age and will age better in many physical aspects.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: lucida grande; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you are a parent it is highly recommended that you have stress relief routine on your agenda everyday, to better handle life's many ups and downs, shocks and hair raising events. Be prepared for them mentally and physically to help you bounce back on track. You will be better for yourself and all those who love and need you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8n1ZT-eLme7kPyeojVq6K1-Ny7xgwttq-gEdgNYdwODmw45FMxh-6Df1vcY5hCx9YQ4bgZvXiowxz8Xdf6dDSw8hxJD4qXxdBzpHnuPvm2pjQG5rjUMzNOThUvE478gdhi1Zqefw6SU/s1600-h/line2_squares2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8n1ZT-eLme7kPyeojVq6K1-Ny7xgwttq-gEdgNYdwODmw45FMxh-6Df1vcY5hCx9YQ4bgZvXiowxz8Xdf6dDSw8hxJD4qXxdBzpHnuPvm2pjQG5rjUMzNOThUvE478gdhi1Zqefw6SU/s320/line2_squares2.gif" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSbwaiyyd3XFD7riJptk9DAZxPL-LctoHYj1e4fWeDU4ZFXowlw4G3osikxe1-yxHT_PhQGxbuXcw8OXJk3lFj24bMMSsuWP0cFHmhQk_5q0I2a4YltwbOevabhDydrZqsG9G1rlBk9g/s1600-h/Cover-200x230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSbwaiyyd3XFD7riJptk9DAZxPL-LctoHYj1e4fWeDU4ZFXowlw4G3osikxe1-yxHT_PhQGxbuXcw8OXJk3lFj24bMMSsuWP0cFHmhQk_5q0I2a4YltwbOevabhDydrZqsG9G1rlBk9g/s200/Cover-200x230.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>Frugal Mom's Guide to Once a Month Cooking is here! Not only does it have over 70 mom-tested once a month cooking recipes, but complete step-by-step instructions for doing once a month cooking, and lots of great forms to help you! <a href="http://4fcc7bpbncw6goy32pnzv9vgb0.hop.clickbank.net/.frugalmom.hop.clickbank.net" target="_blank">Frugal Moms Guide To Once A Month Cooking</a><br />
A must have for every family cook!<br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Stress-Mess---Put-a-Stop-to-Job-Stress">Job Stress: Drive A Divide</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/09/reduce-morning-stress-to-smile.html">Reduce Stress In The Morning To A Smile</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://healthandfitnessfairy.blogspot.com/2009/05/reduce-stress-10-edible-stress-busters.html">10 Edible Stress Busters</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div></div>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-31388345071505698932009-10-10T09:45:00.000-07:002009-10-27T12:20:36.849-07:00Reduce Stress In The Morning To A Smile<a href="http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4873134/animal-alarm-clock-rooster2-main_Full.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4873134/animal-alarm-clock-rooster2-main_Full.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 324px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 324px;" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;"><span style="color: red; font-style: italic;"></span></span>For parents mornings can be a nightmare that comes right at the start of the day. Stress and anxiety wake up with you as you struggle with time constraints, fussy eaters, uncooperative kids, training and parenting, and trying to have eyes in the back of your head. By the time a parent finishes with the kids in the morning, there isn't usually much time left for themselves, so taking time in the morning to sip coffee or read the newspaper is yesterdays dream with little reality in sight.<br />
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Parents certainly deserve to have mornings where they can breathe normally, think clearly and enjoy the little time they have with their kids before leaving for a whole day to go to work - wouldn't you agree? If you make a few changes, you can reduce stress and anxiety in your morning routine.<br />
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If you find yourself in a position where you are raising your voice often, frantically rushing around with hardly the time to breath, not taking time calmly to have breakfast with your spouse or kids, often late to school and work, rushing on the road or feeling sick by the time you make it to the car, then it is time for you to make some changes that will have a positive effect on your morning stress and anxiety levels, enabling a more productive less anxious parent for your kids and yourself.<br />
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Here are some tips to eliminate anxiety and stress in the mornings and get you smiling, energetic and happy to face the day and your kids.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Preparations</span><br />
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Choose a time in the evening and do whatever necessary tasks you can so there is less for you to prepare or do in the mornings.<br />
<ul><li>Get breakfast items ready as much as you can.</li>
<li>Prepare lunches and snacks.</li>
<li>Layout clothes so your kids aren't fussing about what to wear in the mornings and you are not rummaging through your closet looking for something to wear.<br />
</li>
</ul><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Get Rid of Aggravations</span><br />
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Another way you can reduce stress and anxiety in the mornings is to fix or change things or situations in that annoy you.<br />
<ul><li>An alarm bell that rattles you when it goes off.<br />
</li>
<li>An untidy kitchen that means you have to wash dishes before you prepare breakfast </li>
<li>Squeaky doors.</li>
<li>Broken items that cost you time in the morning, particularly things that are regularly used in the mornings.<br />
</li>
</ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tend to yourself</span><br />
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Take one hour before bedtime to look after yourself. Do something that you enjoy or just take that time to relax and do nothing except what you like or want to do. This could be watching TV, a movie, or you’re favorite past time. During this time, avoid agitations as best you can.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Waking Up</span><br />
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<ul><li>Wake up an hour before it is time for your kids to wake up. This gives you the time to get dressed like you did in the good ole days before you had your kids. You can relax, enjoy your coffee, read the paper, or watch the news - without interruptions and without someone needing you for everything. This can make all the difference in the way you handle your kids in the morning and throughout the rest of the day. It also gives you time to wake up without the feeling that work is right at your bedside. If you get adequate nightly sleep waking up a bit earlier will become easy within just a few days.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Take 10 minutes to do a light stretching routine in the morning. This gets the blood flowing, the brain working, and has natural relaxation value.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Drink a glass of water. Why water? The body is more fatigued when it is even mildly dehydrated. This is because the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. It is here that fatigue rears its ugly head. During nightly sleep there is an amount of dehydration that takes place while sleeping so waking up to a nice cool glass of water will refresh your body and mind, which is a key component to reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue upon waking up. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Add music and a hot shower to your routine before the kids wake up. Listen to music that you enjoy and makes you feel good, which in turn promotes positive, feel good rhythms throughout the body and mind. A hot shower will wake you up and refresh you.<br />
</li>
</ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sleep and Your Kids</span><br />
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Fighting with kids to go to bed, bedtimes taking ages to get underway and sleep interruptions in the middle night cause not only lack of sleep for you and your kids but also cause fatigue and anxiety. If nightly sleep is not routine it effects your child the next day and you.<br />
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<a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/07/baby-sleep-help-early-prep-for.html">Grow your child into a nightly sleep routine and train them to sleep independently</a> so they are able to fall back asleep on their own when they wake in the middle of the night. A sleep routine also enables a smoother ride at bedtime, which saves you valuable time in the evenings and gives you something to look forward to when you can rely on a quick, pleasant child bedtime.<br />
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The value of a speedy bedtime and an independent sleeper reaches out into many areas of happy, healthy parent, parenting and child.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Eliminate Searching</span><br />
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Keep your home organized so that you know where your belongings are. Searching for things you need in the morning is stressful and takes up valuable time. Keeping a tidy organized home has valuable benefits for everyone in the family, especially a busy working mom and dad.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Schedule Something Fun </span><br />
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Very busy schedules deserve something to look forward to. With so many things on your schedule, make sure that one of them is something you can look forward to and enjoy. Something just for you<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Keep in Mind</span><br />
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In the event that you are running late for work or school, remember that if most of the time you are on time, no one is going to die if you are late once in a blue moon.<br />
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Eliminate your morning nightmare of struggles and fatigue by using these tips to reduce stress and anxiety, and give yourself and your kids the gift of a happy, smiling, patient parent.<br />
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<span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">More Beneficial Information</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/08/live-stress-free-at-home-14-stress.html">Live Stress Free at Home - 14 Stress Reducers</a><br />
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<a href="http://healthandfitnessfairy.blogspot.com/2009/05/reduce-stress-10-edible-stress-busters.html">10 Edible Stress Busters</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.beautysurvival.com/beauty_bits10.html">Beauty Products that Reduce Stress</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2083845/eczema_and_school_smoothing_out_the.html?cat=5">Eczema - Smoothing Out the Morning Routine</a><br />
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</div>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-62881931911751981922009-07-21T08:06:00.000-07:002010-03-23T08:18:40.756-07:00Baby Sleep Help - Yes and No's for Baby Bedtime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://micheljayn.mserv.hop.clickbank.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="41" src="http://www.babysleepsolution.com/babysleep468x60.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Baby sleep help is crucial if you want to be one of the fortunate parents who have a toddler that goes to bed without a fuss and stays in bed throughout the night. Parents need to begin the training process with baby early, once he no longer takes feedings at night. It takes effort from both parents to help their baby have solid bedtime and sleeping habits, and is part of a child's healthy lifestyle.<br />
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This baby sleep help will educate parents on what to do and what not to do while getting their baby adjusted to a sleep routine and sleeping through the night.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">What Not to Do</span><br />
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- Do not let your baby to get used to being rocked, driven, or walked to sleep, or any other habit forming sleep helpers.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">- Do not let your baby experience anything frightening in the evenings. Such as TV show, video, jokes from siblings, or scary books.</span><br />
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- Don't give sugary snacks or drinks, especially in the evenings.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">- No more drinks one hour before bedtime.</span><br />
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- Don't allow his bed to become the time out or punishment place.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">-Don’t rush through the routine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">What to Do</span><br />
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- Adhere to a nightly bedtime routine. Consistency will get you faster results and will help create a solid sleeping pattern for your baby. Make sure the routine you follow is carried out nightly and is adhered to by anyone putting your baby to bed. <a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/07/baby-sleep-help-early-prep-for.html">Baby Sleep Help-Prep for Toddlerhood</a><br />
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- Try a baby massage instead of a bath. <a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/01/baby-massage-they-love-it.html">Toddler Sleep Help - Baby Massage</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">- Be sure your child has healthy eating habits throughout the day and evening.</span> <a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/06/health-hazards-stir-with-toddler-sleep.html">Health Hazards Stir - Non sleeping toddlers</a><br />
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- Dinner time should be at least 2 hours before bedtime.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">- Keep it simple. Bedtime and naptime routines should be simple and not rushed.</span><br />
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- Make sure your baby gets the required exercise during the day for his age.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">- Put a nap time in place and keep it consistent (Don’t over indulge on the length of time of the nap. Too long a nap will cause problems at bedtime).</span><br />
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- Make sure your baby gets plenty of stimulation during the day appropriate for his age.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">- Prepare your baby’s bedroom for a sleep friendly environment.</span> <a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/01/personal-baby-sleep-tips-from-parent.html">Help Baby Sleep through the Night-4 Lil Secrets</a><br />
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- Make sure eating, playing, napping, etc is on a routine basis as well, and at the same time every day.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">- Put your baby to bed when he is a little drowsy but not completely asleep.</span><br />
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- Predictability and consistency with daily routines, nap times and bedtimes.<br />
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Adhering to the yes and no’s of baby bedtime and practicing a bedtime routine on a nightly basis is baby sleep help that supports your baby's bedtime preparations and assists him in sleeping through the night. By the time your baby reaches toddlerhood you are likely to have an independently sleeping toddler that goes to bed without the nightly nightmare and remains in bed throughout the night.The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-62795800423683160632009-07-20T08:21:00.000-07:002009-10-28T02:13:58.212-07:00Baby Sleep Help - Early Prep For Toddlerhood<span style="color: #33cc00; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"> ------"Always kiss your children goodnight - even if they're already asleep." </span> <span style="font-size: 85%;">~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuUNWudMScG98s1EXRKIlGdt-QGEVMkBwmjxGFWKVAdFKTgeKl9iWANpP7tc-EjqSDRMEr2T5qVQlI86efSYJc6Gt4qSd30ysS5s2GCXhbHP-vrST-8TPgYdu89VaqQPOPJ8I5_kF2HQ/s1600-h/help+baby+sleep+prep.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360564704712586978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuUNWudMScG98s1EXRKIlGdt-QGEVMkBwmjxGFWKVAdFKTgeKl9iWANpP7tc-EjqSDRMEr2T5qVQlI86efSYJc6Gt4qSd30ysS5s2GCXhbHP-vrST-8TPgYdu89VaqQPOPJ8I5_kF2HQ/s200/help+baby+sleep+prep.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 113px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 145px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%;">You’re at your wits end, pulling out your hair, yawning all the time, and your eye lids feel the weight of the world. Instead of consistent sleep you are getting a couple of hours here and there because your baby cries for you throughout the night. You know you are not alone and you know this is all a part of parenting but what can you do to stop the interference of your sleep? How can you get your baby to sleep at night and through the night? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">Here is baby sleep help for you to put into action tonight, but it is important to remember that consistency is what will solidify your child’s nightly sleep pattern, and will be especially beneficial for you and your baby when they reach toddlerhood and preschooler years. Start early training for an independently sleeping toddler and preschooler by putting these tools into action.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">A Solid, Warm, Cuddly Routine</span><br />
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As you may know by now babies feel more stable when they have can get idea of what to expect next, which is why throughout the day it is preferred for many things to be handled on a routine basis. Getting your baby to sleep at night and throughout the night is no different.<br />
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- Choose your baby’s bedtime and begin the routine no later than 45 minutes before hand. Adjust the time if you need to but there should not be a lot of time in between each piece of the routine. It should flow together one after the other.<br />
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- Calm, Cozy, quiet atmosphere. Turn the lights down and keep the noise down to a bare minimum.<br />
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- Consider a <a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/01/baby-massage-they-love-it.html">baby massage</a> as opposed to a bath. It has health benefits, is less hassle, and much more relaxing to your baby and you. You can use this time to chat to your baby about the day and what exciting things they can expect tomorrow. Soft music and dim lights for a cozy atmosphere. No TV, no disruptions. All your attention should be focused on your baby.<br />
<br />
- Consider taking your baby directly to his room after his bath or baby massage, put him in his bed, and read him a story and sing a song (a relaxing tune).<br />
It is here that common mistakes are made that can start bad habits causing sleep interruptions and major toddler and preschooler sleep problems.<br />
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If you rock your baby to sleep at night you are starting a pattern in which you nor your baby will be able to break, and you will find within a short time your baby cannot sleep without being rocked and will wake up frequently as a toddler and preschooler unless you fix the problem. Do you have time as a parent and professional to undo things? Isn’t it better to simply not let bad habits start? Of course!<br />
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Skip the rocking altogether and replace it with a bedtime story and songs in his comfy cozy room. This doesn’t mean that you should never rock your baby. Rocking is enjoyed much by parent and child and of course is a wonderful time. You can rock with a story or songs during the day, morning, or early evening, well before bedtime. Just don’t let it become a bedtime ritual that will later come to haunt you.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Bedroom Enhancements</span><br />
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Your baby’s room should be ready in advance with a cozy, soft atmosphere.<br />
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- A very soft night light so baby is not alone in the dark and can see the lovely things around him in his room.<br />
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- My personal idea for a night light is a fish tank that your baby can see from his crib.<br />
<a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/01/personal-baby-sleep-tips-from-parent.html">Baby Bedroom Secrets</a><br />
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- Soft music. If you can find something from his favorite baby show or cartoon, preferably soft, low key music.<br />
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- Leave your baby’s room door open when you leave the room and always tell him you love him and will check on him later.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Give him chances</span><br />
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Baby sleep help requires that you always give your baby a chance to fall asleep on his own. If he cries the minute you leave the room, give him a few minutes before you go rushing back in. Often times he will fall asleep on his own and this is good because it is preparing him for toddlerhood to be an independent sleeper which is what every parent wants! When you do enter his room adhere to the following:<br />
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- Do not talk to your baby<br />
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- Pat him on the back for a few seconds only (this is done to let your baby know that you are still around and have not completely left him)<br />
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- Leave the room again and continue this process as needed, each time leaving a two minute gap in between the time you re-enter the room.<br />
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Nine out of ten times your baby will fall asleep before you need to go in for the second time. When he doesn’t make sure he is okay with diaper wetness and that he is not ill. Otherwise, expect him to test your patience sometimes and it is then your responsibility to help him out and hold strong to the routine of the two minute gaps. No matter how dreaded it seems to listen to your baby cry for a few minutes, rest assured it will not hurt him and what you are dreading now is nothing to what you will dread a short time later when in toddlerhood.<br />
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If you begin doing this early, you will be doing yourself a huge favor and your baby. Toddler and preschooler sleep help is much more dreaded because your baby is older and can walk and talk, adding more complications to parents when their toddler has a tantrum at bedtime and won’t sleep through the night. Lack of sleep for you and your toddler massively disrupts many things including your child’s learning abilities in school and their behavior throughout the day. A child with solid sleeping habits is a better behaved child with a better attention span and is part of your child’s healthy lifestyle. <a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/06/health-hazards-stir-with-toddler-sleep.html">Health Hazards stir Non-Sleeping Toddlers</a><br />
<b><br />
Daytime Prep</b><br />
There are things you can do during the day toward baby sleep help. These things will help with your baby sleeping through the night.<br />
- Do not give foods that increase energy before bedtime.<br />
- Your baby should have a nap daily.<br />
- You should be supplying your baby a healthy diet, low in fatty foods.<br />
- Limit television watching to half an hour a day. You can increase this to one hour when baby gets a bit older.<br />
- Regular daily exercise appropriate for his age.<br />
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Put your baby on a sleep routine and stick to it on a nightly basis. Grow the routine to suit your child’s age as he grows into toddlerhood. Help your baby to feel comfortable and secure in his room alone at night by providing him a nightlight and some soft music and do your best to avoid starting bad habits toward future bedtimes. With this baby sleep help you will be able to get your baby situated into a nightly routine to help you both now and in the future, and will help you avoid toddlerhood bedtime battles.The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-53930338889038561782009-07-14T04:28:00.000-07:002010-03-23T08:21:49.438-07:00Toddler Cold Medicine - Home Remedies in the Cabinet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.medrounds.org/guide-to-realistic-parenting/images/sick_toddler_small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.medrounds.org/guide-to-realistic-parenting/images/sick_toddler_small.jpg" style="float: right; height: 400px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 267px;" width="133" /></a></div><br />
One of the ways parents can limit toxins being ingested by their children is to use home remedies as toddler cold medicine. Professionals advise that parents minimize use of over-the-counter medicines for their children unless they are truly needed.<br />
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<div id="body">Here are a some natural remedies to use when your children have a soar throat and cough due to a common cold or flu.<br />
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<b>For Common Cold and Congestion</b><br />
(Check with your nutritionist on dosage for a child younger then toddler age)<br />
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Avoid mucus producing foods<br />
(Dairy products, red meat, oats and gluten containing grains. Bananas and Soya products)<br />
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<i>Ginger Lemon Tea: To soothe mucus membranes</i><br />
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in one cup of hot water. Add 1 teaspoon of juiced ginger. Let steep for 1-2 minutes then strain to remove ginger. Take as needed.<i><br />
</i><br />
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<i>Fresh ginger: To help decongest sinus cavities</i><br />
1/2 teaspoon juiced ginger, given in a spoon with Manuka raw honey. 2 times daily<br />
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<i>Propolis syrup or lozenges: Anti-viral.</i><br />
Follow directions on the box<br />
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<i>Echinacea syrup or tincture: Boosts immunity.</i><br />
0.5ml 3 times a day until symptoms are better for a maximum of 10 days<br />
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<i>Honey garlic vinegar mixture: anti-viral, anti-bacterial</i><br />
1 teaspoon Manuka raw honey with a bit of crushed garlic and apple cider vinegar. 2 times daily<br />
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<i>Eucalyptus oil: To soothe mucus membranes.</i><br />
Put 2-3 drops on your child's pillow at bedtime, on his t-shirt during the day or in a humidifier.<br />
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<i>Salt water nasal spray: to clear out the sinus passages</i><br />
Can be purchased from the pharmacy; administer as needed<br />
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<i>Topical Vitamin E: for older children, to soften and heal the nose's mucous membranes and blood vessels </i>Squeeze the contents of a vitamin E capsule into the nostrils at bedtime<br />
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<a href="http://micheljayn.mserv.hop.clickbank.net.success742.hop.clickbank.net/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="200" src="http://www.babysleepsolution.com/babysleep120x240.gif" width="100" /></a><b>For Cough</b><br />
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Avoid mucus producing foods<br />
(Dairy products, red meat, oats and gluten containing grains, bananas, soya products)<br />
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<i>Honey garlic vinegar mixture (as above)</i><br />
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<i>Eucalyptus oil (as above)</i><br />
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<i>Zinc lozenges: to boost immunity; 1/4 tablet for toddler.</i><br />
For an older child follow instructions on the packaging or ask your pharmacist<br />
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<i>Vitamin C: to boost immunity</i><br />
Start with 500mg 2 times a day (reduce if child gets diarrhea)<br />
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<i>Magnesium: to ease tightness in the chest</i><br />
Or obtain by consuming more magnesium-rich foods such as almonds or<br />
From supervised supplementation if necessary (consult your nutritionist)<br />
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If you do use over counter medicines please try and also use the above suggestions. This will help limit the amount of over counter medicine you will have to give to your child per day until their cold symptoms subside. For example: Save the over the counter medicine for night time to get a good night sleep.<br />
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<b>A Baby Lymphatic Massage</b><br />
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<b>The Benefits</b><br />
A Lymphatic massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which runs through the entire body and is a natural draining system that filters out unwelcome molecules and attacks microbes. During illness a lymphatic massage assists in boosting a child's immunity and speed up his recovery.<br />
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<b>How to Administer</b><br />
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1. Use a natural oil such as almond oil, or vitamin E oil (especially good for children with Eczema)<br />
2. Start at the feet and work up. Use short, firm strokes. It is important to work upwards towards the heart, as this is what drains the lymph nodes.<br />
3. Do twice a day, 20 minutes, working all the way up to the throat. Just before bedtime is highly recommended. If your child has a soar throat he may complain at this time that it hurts him, like a scratchy feeling. Use a more gentle stroke at this time, but try and complete the procedure for maximum benefit.<br />
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Giving your baby a lymphatic massage is a simple task with high reward. Many parents continue to administer this massage even after their child is well because of it's comforting, relaxing effects for parent and child. It is also a great replacement for a bath before before bedtime to help prepare your child for sleep mode.<br />
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These home remedies are just as effective, if not more, then the average over the counter cold medicine. In conjunction with a lymphatic massage, make no mistake this combination has a very powerful effect.<br />
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</div>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-78967118300397343882009-06-05T09:08:00.000-07:002010-03-23T08:19:57.689-07:00Health Hazards Stir with Toddler Sleep Problems<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtxNP22WIqHbauUNezcmrErzAnsG3YX7ugcFGnnPghq1kdiZBZY4dCUcdXaAbvr2VzdYoKGO6Y4jdCtWrk0A7_bCut5CHBAacZtq_u5CZLF5xhN8eAs6fgWpPKHserZh50ioEo2g3xXo/s1600-h/press+release+featured.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350856063122940306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtxNP22WIqHbauUNezcmrErzAnsG3YX7ugcFGnnPghq1kdiZBZY4dCUcdXaAbvr2VzdYoKGO6Y4jdCtWrk0A7_bCut5CHBAacZtq_u5CZLF5xhN8eAs6fgWpPKHserZh50ioEo2g3xXo/s200/press+release+featured.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 70px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 70px;" /></a><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344187312207640338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCnpkB2iRu1wIfYBx9ZqmsEoOoeXK3SKJlETcq7hMTctgnAVcacxJurjYAMq_64kWWCdFJJbgyTwsQ7Umf0XBSH9FhyeLdiomP4UoJvn1_cxjFsV_SmpGK0jJgjGa_YKzcfFWzA1I_qw/s200/toddler+sleep.jpeg" style="float: left; height: 119px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 140px;" />As a parent, are you aware of the effect lack of proper sleep can have on your toddler? You probably know it isn't healthy for them but do you know in what areas it will affect them? If parents don't get their toddler sleep problems under control and ensure their toddler sleeps through the night some of the affects could be as follows:<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Slower brain function.</span> Your toddler will start school around the age of 3. Earlier if you put him in nursery or pre-school. His lovely brain all fresh and new is not able to give him its full capacity for learning because he has not had enough sleep, either from falling asleep too late or from disturbed sleep in the middle of the night. School time means waking up very early for parent and toddler. Not enough sleep will make this task of waking early extremely difficult, as your child's body feels like it has not had enough rest, also causing the above problem during school time. So this has a double affect. Difficulty in waking up early for school and slower brain function during learning time at school.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Diet and Eating.</span> Toddlers will often have less appetite from being over tired. This is not to say they just won't eat but it can be the culprit to his eating poorly or not eating enough for his age. This in itself carries with it other health and nutrition issues. It is also likely that due to being tired, his body will crave more carbohydrates and sugary foods. This causes weight gain, which houses a whole list of illnesses. In deed toddler sleep problems have an immense effect on the body, mind, and appetite.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Weight problems.</span> Toddler sleep problems contribute to toddler weight problems. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEh7bok23eJ4WRDcMis4qOdyN8jkFyABoK53VafUF1qJ_jyJ6-JadkcBwImmnpSYSji44euCqwmNojavguV2fHPQ0PH-fLGE0STKKFRZxQj8BBLtwi1Q2Pb4Xr8mhhIxSyglR5QgZPqA/s1600-h/fat+toddler.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344190463202182866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEh7bok23eJ4WRDcMis4qOdyN8jkFyABoK53VafUF1qJ_jyJ6-JadkcBwImmnpSYSji44euCqwmNojavguV2fHPQ0PH-fLGE0STKKFRZxQj8BBLtwi1Q2Pb4Xr8mhhIxSyglR5QgZPqA/s200/fat+toddler.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 84px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 126px;" /></a>Professionals say a toddler who watches too much TV and lacks sleep is 16% more likely to be overweight. As you may know, obesity in children is a major focus in the health world right now. These toddlers tend to only want snacks, usually while watching TV, but when it is time to consume a meal, they are not bothered. Overweight and too much sugar in the diet can lead to diabetes, which experts say is fast on the rise in children.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://micheljayn.mserv.hop.clickbank.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="41" src="http://www.babysleepsolution.com/babysleep468x60.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWlnt47YEsWCXpZvXk2VxpPgYFOfPbfd9jSKlFjbaDz2LP9n8Jjrftf7qi0NqzGAcHPFWqcire1AOfE_3P2LB6FmpNfDVPgip56Kh85JNkugi6uG37DSx4dsnpRQ4XKewHi1rnCdouQM/s1600-h/toddler+exercise+comic.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344190961756135490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWlnt47YEsWCXpZvXk2VxpPgYFOfPbfd9jSKlFjbaDz2LP9n8Jjrftf7qi0NqzGAcHPFWqcire1AOfE_3P2LB6FmpNfDVPgip56Kh85JNkugi6uG37DSx4dsnpRQ4XKewHi1rnCdouQM/s200/toddler+exercise+comic.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 87px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 139px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Physical Fitness.</span> A Toddler who lacks sleep is less inclined to be physically active enough for their benefit. They don't have the energy to keep up with other kids their age, making them feel inadequate and uninterested in physical activity. This along with toddler sleep problems contributes to weight gain. Physical activity will help your toddler sleep better and have a more healthy appetite. Get your toddler physical!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Immune System. </span>Lack of sleep lowers your child's immune system. The same goes for lack of exercise and being overweight.<br />
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Toddler sleep problems can be addressed either by following <a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2008/12/baby-sleep-solution.html">a solid routine</a> prior to bedtime, or choosing a professionally designed <a href="http://helpbabysleepatnight.blogspot.com/">baby sleep program</a> . Either way, make no mistake that it is imperative toddlers get a good night sleep on a regular basis in order for their body to operate to its full potential. While you are working through this stage with your toddler ensure to boost his immune system to strengthen his body against illness and disease.The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-75796979363543223972009-06-04T07:19:00.000-07:002010-03-01T04:00:52.889-08:00Toddlerhood: 7 "Start Early" Areas<span style="color: #33cc00; font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-size: 100%;">---"The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable." </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">~Lane Olinghouse</span></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00659/news-graphics-2008-_659811a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="145" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00659/news-graphics-2008-_659811a.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Parents often say that toddlerhood is the most </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">trying time of parenting as they turn their backs on their normal life and begin living the life of chaos, sleep loss, tantrums, unrealistic demands, demanding temperaments and guilt.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There are certain areas of toddlerhood that are particularly tough and rigorous and if they get out of control, which is often the case, can cause disruption in vital areas such as health, fitness and well being for both parent and child.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">There is no way to avoid any of these areas and rightly so, as toddlerhood is a time when toddlers have their own thoughts and ideas about things he wants and wants to do, but doesn't yet have the emotions or body structure in place to nourish these needs and wants. What parents can do to ease the road for a more healthy stress free toddler, is to approach these areas ahead of time, gradually working through the process as baby grows into toddlerhood.<br />
<br />
It's a huge learning time and toddlers are curious and inquisitive little creatures, which is of course a good thing but can be hard on the nerves of parents requiring double the patience, double the understanding, and the ability to put themselves in the mind of a child</span>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You can ease the journey through toddlerhood and help yourself and your child by getting a good head start with training and teachings for these areas before your child reaches toddler age. This will also pave the way to a well adjusted sleeper in the preschooler stages. By the time they are at the terrible 2's stage they will be easier to handle, their habits will be easier to handle, and mom and dad will have a much easier time tending to themselves, their relationship, and raising their kids, as apposed to only raising their kids and leaving their personal needs and wants aside. You can have both, you can nurture your needs and your child's needs at the same time. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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<span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">Parents Homework</span><br />
<br />
The absolute best way for parents to approach the toddlerhood stages on a positive note is to research and understand what goes on in the mind of a toddler, what these stages mean and what you are in for. If you understand what goes on in the mind of a toddler you will be able to understand their behavior and offer them the help they need for positive growth during this time. Being prepared is always a good place to start on any journey.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">The best book I have ever read with regards to toddlers is, </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;">"The Happiest Toddler on the Block." </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">You can find a link to the book on this page on the right hand side. This book offers great parenting tips on how to handle this time frame and helps you to be emotionally and educationally prepared for toddlerhood, which helps you prepare your baby as well.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">I cannot tell you the freedoms I have that other parents around me don't have simply because I put certain techniques and procedures into place before my daughter reached toddlerhood. Further on down the page are a few examples of these freedoms.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjle983P1eubRYdsLOyrHgtT6QEpPoYzWxla8AokRjHRrvDA_W87iZ5fmVvDNjyYCuXs55143VkXHjU1ls4-XLK4bDiw73U9huzFJaNeGGU3dLiw8kN9KUvNxAPWtutX-ctZysejh7nk9Y/s1600-h/baby+sleep+and+a+dad.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344274341130544290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjle983P1eubRYdsLOyrHgtT6QEpPoYzWxla8AokRjHRrvDA_W87iZ5fmVvDNjyYCuXs55143VkXHjU1ls4-XLK4bDiw73U9huzFJaNeGGU3dLiw8kN9KUvNxAPWtutX-ctZysejh7nk9Y/s200/baby+sleep+and+a+dad.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 118px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 91px;" /></a><span style="color: #000099; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;">Area #1</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Toddler Sleep Problems:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Train your baby BEFORE toddlerhood to be an independent sleeper</span><br />
<br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: georgia;">If you are not already aware, toddler sleep problems is when a toddler cannot get to sleep on his own without mom or dad to put him to sleep, who won't comply nicely to going to bed, and who wakes up in the middle of the night regularly needing mom or dad to put him back to sleep.<br />
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This means that at bedtime every night the nightmare begins with bedtime tantrums, that can continue further when the parent leaves the room and the child is screaming his head off, calling mom and dad and begging them not to leave the room. Some children will go so far as to pretend they are sick or something is hurting them or say they are scared.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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Parents usually spend anywhere from 2-4 hours just trying to get their child to go to sleep. This takes away from the free time a parent should have when their child goes to bed. Not to mention the health and behavior issues for a child that isn't getting the require sleep for his age and health and behavior issues that encompass sleep loss for mom and dad.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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Then there is the night waking. It is normal for a child to wake briefly at night but there is no need for them to have to wake you up to put them back to sleep if you have taught them how to fall asleep on their own. If you have done this, they will put themselves back to sleep and this goes together well when it is time for them to sleep without pull -ups and get up to go to the bathroom at night if they need to. Imagine if at that age, they still had to wake you up to put them back to sleep!</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Let me not forget the health hazards involved with toddlers sleep problems and preschoolers who do not get the required amount of sleep daily.<br />
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Many parents find out the hard way that their toddler or preschoolers problematic behavior is likely due to their poor sleep habits and lack of sleep. Some of these areas include, poor eating, being less active, irritability and crankiness, and not functioning to full capacity at school, are to name a few. </span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/06/health-hazards-stir-with-toddler-sleep.html" style="font-family: georgia;">Health Hazards Stir from Toddler Sleep Problems</a></span> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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With so many things to remember every day, all the time, we all know how easy it is to forget even the important things. If someone has forgotten to prepare the house with night lights, or forgotten to close the gate on the stairs, your toddler's night waking habit becomes a danger for him, as he could trip on something left on the floor by a sibling or fall down the stairs.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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Parents lose precious sleep, toddler loses precious sleep and this bedtime nightmare will go on for years if you don't get it under control as soon as possible.<br />
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A preschooler who cannot sleep on his own is a road you don't want to travel and a poor sleeper at preschool age will not adapt well in school and will have a slower brain function to name a few.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">By beginning the process early you will enjoy the stages of toddlerhood more and avoid the depth of bedtime tantrums, sleep loss and health issues that come with toddler sleep problems.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000099; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;">It is imperative that you begin your baby on a sleep routine once he no longer needs night feedings.</span> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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Babies, toddlers and children need routines. It helps them feel cared for and loved and tells them what time of day it is until they are old enough to tell time. Although they put up a fuss this is only because the tasks involved in the routine sometimes don't suit them at that moment and they have not yet learned how to handle disappointment, especially when mom and dad are there to fix everything and make the day bright and exciting. For them, it is like suddenly all the fun as to come to an end and they don't understand why.</span> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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Bind yourself and your child to a bedtime routine on a nightly basis. Consistency with the routine is a key component to it's success.</span> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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Sample Sleep Routine<br />
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<ul style="font-family: georgia;"><li>Chose a suitable time for your child to go to bed every night. This timing will change as your baby grows into toddler hood. Begin the winding down process 30 minutes before baby bedtime.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: georgia;"><li>Put on PJ's, dim lights, give a bath or even better is a <span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/01/baby-massage-they-love-it.html">baby massage</a></span>. Set a relaxed mood in the the room of the house you will be in with your baby. This lets your baby know that it is approaching bedtime without you having to say anything. He will grow into toddlerhood recognizing this sign.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: georgia;"><li>Prepare his room for sleep mode by using soft lighting such as a night light, playing orchestra music or baby lights. <span style="color: blue; font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/01/personal-baby-sleep-tips-from-parent.html">Help Baby Sleep at Night - 4 Little Secrets</a></span><br />
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</ul><ul style="font-family: georgia;"><li>Avoid starting bad habits at bedtime. Do not get your child get addicted to soothing measures that help baby to sleep like being rocked or fed to sleep at night. This will start a bad habit that you will only have to break later on and is one of the main causes for bedtime struggles. At a certain age it is unhealthy for your child to eat just before bedtime so when this time comes around your child will not be able to get to sleep on his own and will require you to feed him in order to get him to sleep, thus begins the bed time struggles. The same goes for rocking your baby to sleep every night.<br />
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This doesn't mean never rock your baby, or never use rocking as a measure to help baby to sleep. It simply means don't make it a habit. There are plenty of other times during the day when you can rock your baby, such as when reading a story, or just for cuddle time.<br />
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What your baby should get addicted to is his bedtime routine that let's him know it's time to sleep and he becomes prepared instead of suddenly being pulled from his fun time to go to bed. A bedtime routine will also become a bonding time for parent and child, when it runs smoothly and becomes a pleasure instead of a nightmare.<br />
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</ul><ul face="georgia"><li>Choose a bedtime activity he can rely on to help baby to sleep. Decide what your last activity will be with your baby before he goes to his crib for the night. It should be an activity based on a calming, relaxed mode of interaction, but doesn't put him to sleep in your arms.<br />
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</ul><span style="font-family: georgia;">Some examples:</span> <br />
<ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Rocking and singing bedtime songs.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Rocking while reading a story.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Reading a story while your baby is in his crib.</li>
</ul><ul face="e" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Singing bedtime songs to him while in his crib.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia"><li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Holding him in your arms and walking around with him patting his back and singing to him. Which ever you choose, try and keep it consistent. When your baby is older you can change the activity for more variety at bedtime. Your aim is </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: bold;">not </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">to put him to sleep while doing this so keep it short but sweet. Between 5-10 minutes tops. The point of this is to relax and spend time with him. Take your baby to his crib.</span><br />
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</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Take your baby to his cozy, sleep mode room and put him down in his crib and say goodnight. You want to put him in his crib before he is asleep to get him used to falling asleep in his own bed. You want to also leave the room while he is not yet completely asleep. This is to get him used to falling asleep without you in his room. </li>
</ul><span style="font-family: georgia;">When you accomplish these areas by toddlerhood your child will be used to falling asleep in his own bed and on his own without you needing to perform nightly rituals (except his routine), or be in his room<span style="font-weight: bold;">. </span><span style="color: black;">You will</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia;"> also find yourself in the pleasing position of having avoided the dreaded toddler sleep problems and can educate other parents on how it's done.</span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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Dealing with crying</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">There are several ways to deal with the crying that will take place at some point when you put him in his bed and leave the room. You will need to do some research into the different solutions available, and many of them you must assess according to the personality of your child as well as the parenting style you have chosen. Start your research early so you know exactly how you want to tackle this issue.<br />
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<a com="" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jp%3Ca%20href=" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /><span style="color: #3333ff;"> Mom and Dads nightmare is about to come to an end! </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Help baby sleep at night...all night....every night</span></a><br />
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Remember that as your baby grows into an older toddler and your toddler grows into a preschooler, the routine needs to be modified to suit their age and personality. So be sure to do the necessary research to make the necessary changes that are age appropriate.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Here are some of the ways having an independently sleeping toddler has positively effected my role as a parent, a wife, a professional, and a friend.</span> <span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><br />
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</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">I can go out with my husband on any night of the week and we are not called back by our nanny. We return home, to a quiet house and our daughter is asleep leaving us with the rest of the evening free.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;"> </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Intimacy is more relaxed as apposed to keeping one eye on the door.</span><br />
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</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">It is rarely that our daughter will wake up in the night and disturb us. When she does, we know she is either not well or simply having an off night and truly needs us.</span> <span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><br />
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</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">When she was younger and napping, naptime was a breeze, leaving me to get many tasks out of the way to free up my time in the evenings. I also used to watch my favorite show on TV or sometimes read a book while she was napping.</span><br />
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</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">I have time to be sociable with friends in the evening. I can have people over before her bedtime, take her to bed, read her story and leave the room without a fuss from her. Instead it's a lovely goodnight with lots of kisses and cuddles.</span><br />
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</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">I am more alive and vibrant with energy and patience for my family and friends.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;"> </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">I have more time to devote to my relationship, my hobbies and myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">My daughter wakes up nicely in the morning and is in a good mood and refreshed for</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;"> school.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;"> </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><br />
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</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">I am not pulling my hair out in the toddler stage as much as most of<br />
the mothers I know and this makes me </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">feel good about myself as a mother.<br />
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</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">Bedtime at my house is a calm, bonding, relaxed time with my daughter. </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><br />
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</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">If there is an evening event and we get home late, she is still able to go to bed<br />
without a fuss as apposed to many toddlers that will beg to stay up and continue to play.</span> <span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><br />
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</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">I go to bed at a decent hour and a get a good nights rest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">It is my hope that ALL parents enjoy the small freedoms they can have even when going through the toddlerhood years. If you have an independently sleeping toddler, you can gain more time for yourself and your needs. Not to mention a better behaved, more healthy, bright eyed toddler as apposed to a cranky, clingy, over tired, always sick, temper tantrum toddler with sleep problems.<br />
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<span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">Baby Sleep Help</span><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://helpbabysleepatnight.blogspot.com/">The Baby Sleep Solution</a><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://babysleepatnight.blogspot.com/2009/02/help-baby-sleep-at-night-toddler-sleep.html">Free Bedtime Delights</a><br />
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</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s1600-h/green+leaf+divider.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347597824581635858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s400/green+leaf+divider.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 20px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 100px;" /></a> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbowed9XWHvI2P8VbQU08hMC9vDTyUcagIVuIHdcTvqgKptnElXDd1mHyY5L8xb9Eg1m5QR08pCQUPsiIoUw9ZtGSp8SiqEJrz_9ZqRcdHSxL9oBl9AZDzciDe2TT8F3YrekZ8YVLbTHM/s1600-h/baby+play+with+blocks.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346103470921240674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbowed9XWHvI2P8VbQU08hMC9vDTyUcagIVuIHdcTvqgKptnElXDd1mHyY5L8xb9Eg1m5QR08pCQUPsiIoUw9ZtGSp8SiqEJrz_9ZqRcdHSxL9oBl9AZDzciDe2TT8F3YrekZ8YVLbTHM/s200/baby+play+with+blocks.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 124px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 93px;" /></a><span style="color: #000099; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;">#2: Teach Independent Play</span> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;"><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;">Introduce independent play techniques early in toddlerhood to help your preschooler be more emotionally prepared for independence.</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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Let's set the mood for a preschooler who IS NOT able to entertain himself through independent play. He will will be clingy, naggy and desperate for attention when you are trying to do something or gets annoyed and jealous when doing something other then with him (talking on the phone, having a conversation, doing a task). To some degree this stage of clingy is normal - but instead of growing out of it naturally, it can overstay it's welcome, when a toddler doesn't learn to get on by himself in small ways, such as playing.<br />
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Parents find themselves desperate for a few moments to themselves or just to do a simple task, and plop their toddler in front of the TV - then spend the rest of the day feeling guilty for it. Not to mention you will find that you are never able to even finish a single thought process because your toddler is right there to remind you that you should not be thinking of anything but him! Does this already sound familiar? Imagine if you are STILL in the same situation when your toddler grows to a preschooler!</span> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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A toddler able to play on his own and entertain himself holds a valuable skill toward independence, creativity and imagination. The value extends to parents when they are able to function in a somewhat smooth, somewhat uninterrupted mode. Thus, saving valuable time and experiencing less stress and time constraints. This means you could finish your day of parenting tasks much earlier and much faster, leaving time for other things, yourself, your spouse, or fun times with your kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">A toddler and preschooler who is emotionally prepared for independence (appropriate for his age of course) will be of considerable assistance to mom around the house, and will be happy to assist in little tasks to help. He will be better equipped emotionally to understand and handle when you need to step out of the room or out of the house to tend to other matters. It is also a huge value toward their behavior and settling in at school or when it is necessary to make changes in their life or schedule.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">Here is how start introducing the idea of independent play to your baby. You will need to maneuver your teachings as he progresses into and through toddlerhood and the process of learning to play solo. I have selected some very good places for you to further your travels once you put the initial steps in place.</span> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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<span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">Teaching Independent Play </span></span> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">The Playroom </span></span> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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Select a suitable room or area where your baby can play on his own. Ensure this area is child safety proof. Gate the room off. It is preferable to have an area where your child can see you, especially in the beginning of the process around 13 months. Otherwise, be sure to use the baby monitor.<br />
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<span style="font-family: comic sans MS; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">Toy Rotation<br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: georgia;">Sort toys in plastic bins or baskets and rotate them so baby doesn't get bored of the same old toys. This also helps to keep your child's enthusiasm up for the toys he has, and helps to avoid him constantly asking for new ones.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Toys should be educational but fun and can be played with without adult supervision and age appropriate.</span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans MS; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">Suggested Toys for Independent Play<br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Be sure the toys you choose are age appropriate and safe.</span> <br />
<ul face="lucida grande" style="font-family: georgia;"><li>wooden puzzles</li>
<li>board books</li>
<li>dolls</li>
<li>play sets like Fisher Price Little People</li>
<li>washable, toxin-free crayons and coloring books</li>
<li>wooden or plastic building blocks</li>
<li>hand and finger puppets</li>
<li>play dishes and food</li>
<li>Toxic Free Play dough <span style="font-size: 85%;">(homemade play dough is a great activity for toddlers. They love to help in the kitchen)<a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/02/non-toxic-homemade-play-dough.html"> <span style="font-size: 100%;"> Non-Toxic Homemade Play dough</span></a></span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Crank Up the Tunes - Toddler Style</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">Music is a helpful tool when raising kids. It helps keep them company and not feel so alone and becomes an extra addition to their toys when they start to sing the words and do a little dance.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Be sure to place the music player on a high shelf. Select a few Cd's for variety. Choosing songs that are familiar to them and they associate with their favorite characters is helpful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black;">The Playroom Introduction</span></b></span> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">Before you begin the procedure of teaching independent play, it is important to introduce the new playroom or area to your baby. Sit with your child and show him all the toys and things he can do in his new play area. Naming the playroom can also be helpful, creative and adds imagination to the fun. For example: "Anna's Magic Castle" or "Mother Goose's Play Room." Although you are sitting with your child, let him play by himself as much as possible.</span></span> <span style="font-family: comic sans MS; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;">The Procedure</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">1. The next day, start off by doing the same as above but this time, turn on the baby monitor and the CD player and leave the room for a few minutes. Wait about 1-2 minutes then return to the room. This lets your child know you are near by and have not left him. It also lets them know that when you step out you will return.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">During this time your child may fuss. It is important for you to remember that you are helping your toddler adjust to this procedure for a specific outcome in the end, which is independence so don't stress out if he fusses. It's all part of the process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">2. Gradually increase the time you leave your child in the room to play until he is able to play on his own for longer periods of time. Even when your child is able to sit and play on his own for 30 minutes, it is important that you always check on him, show interest in what he has been doing on his own, and congratulate and thank him for being so good cooperative.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">3. After each independent play time, praise him for the great job he did in his playroom and reward him by spending some quality time with him, one on one, without any distractions.</span> <span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">Helpful Tip 1:</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> If you find your toddler keeps screaming, then stay out of the room but talk to him from where you are to let him know you are close by. Then be quiet for a few seconds, then shout out a few brief words to him again and so on until it is time for you to return to his playroom.</span> <span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">Helpful Tip 2:</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Another good tip is do not go running into the room just because you hear him fuss - walk into the room calmly, spend a little time pumping up his ego, then leave the room again.</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Each child has his own limits as to how long they can entertain themselves and play solo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">You will learn your child's limit as you progress through the procedure. When he plays solo and that limit is up, you must respect that and at that point spend sometime with you toddler one on one without any distractions - just you and him.</span></span> <span style="font-family: comic sans MS; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;">What Not to Do</span></span> <br />
<ul face="georgia" style="font-family: georgia;"><li>Do not expect miracles over night. Every child is different and some will take longer then others to grasp the idea. </li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: georgia;"><li>Do not show fear, annoyance, anger or frustration when he fusses. Smile, as though it is no big deal and carry on with what you have to do. Use pleasant facial expressions and a loving voice as a soothing technique.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: georgia;"><li>Do not use food to keep him quiet. This is the start of a very bad habit that can later have severe effects. You don't want your toddler to learn to soothe himself with food.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: georgia;"><li>Do not totally ignore him thinking it will help speed up the process or make him tougher faster. Your toddler needs to know that you are there. If he thinks you are not, this will cause mistrust and he will see his playroom time as a time completely without you which is too much for him to handle at this age. He will also remember it as a time when he was afraid and will not take well to the idea of the playroom.</li>
</ul><span style="font-family: georgia;">This procedure needs to mature with the growth of your child. So be sure to make the necessary changes and amendments as he grows into and through toddlerhood, and into a preschooler.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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</span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;">For the next steps and alternative measures.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /> </a><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/healthaz/Teaching-Independent-Play.aspx?articleID=8663&categoryID=AZ3h" style="font-family: georgia;">About Kids Health: Teaching Independent Play</a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /> </a><a href="http://www.parents.com/toddlers/development/behavioral/" style="font-family: georgia;">Parents.Com: Developmental Behavior</a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /> </a><a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-494-Parenting-Examiner%7Ey2009m1d13-Easy-independent-play-activities-for-toddlers-and-preschoolers" style="font-family: georgia;">Examiner.Com: Easy Independent Play Activities</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s1600-h/green+leaf+divider.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347597824581635858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s400/green+leaf+divider.png" style="display: block; height: 20px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 100px;" /></a> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: lucida grande; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKLbp9krhxqBBtEYd_oXkM5O_Kk2gNb4wRRTgGqH3qRHcBxMjTqcfLCrvsE_S750fQKYEW0vGp9SYH3_wwl6It1sQI8QxwzcQCUFLZEZAX3Wq-_ajDiTmGHAp8YIVfUhOfyMYj-2Z3Ys/s1600-h/baby+on+solid+food.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348251994329175490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKLbp9krhxqBBtEYd_oXkM5O_Kk2gNb4wRRTgGqH3qRHcBxMjTqcfLCrvsE_S750fQKYEW0vGp9SYH3_wwl6It1sQI8QxwzcQCUFLZEZAX3Wq-_ajDiTmGHAp8YIVfUhOfyMYj-2Z3Ys/s200/baby+on+solid+food.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 123px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 124px;" /></a><span style="color: #000099; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;">#3 Healthy Eating Habits</span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
Teach your child to eat healthy from his first bite of solid food</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">Now here is an area you hear lots about. Children and healthy eating, good food choices, and an education in eating healthy for a healthier, stronger platform as they grow into adulthood and there after.</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I will be the first one to admit to you that this area of toddlerhood is to me, tougher then any other stage.</span><br />
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I have a picky eater on my hands which always complicates things. How is it that my picky eater eats a variety of foods including veggies raw and cooked with her meals? How is it that my picky eater will bring home a piece of candy instead of eating it the second it lands in her hands? How is it that my picky eater prefers dark chocolate to milk chocolate, honey instead of jelly, juice instead of a soft drink, and cucumbers instead of chips?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">Toddlers will fight you for everything they want, and battle with you for everything they cannot have. This is why, when it comes to meals and snacks it is important to gain control as early as possible and put the training in action to prepare for an easier, smoother ride in toddlerhood.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you don't want to find yourself fighting with your toddler at every meal, or battling with him to finish his food, or become one of those parents who's spends the entire day in the kitchen trying to put something together their toddler will eat, then prepare early so your toddler will be more easy going with your meal selections, eat healthy foods he likes, and is able to get through meals stress free with a smile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">Here are the areas parents need to keep well in tact in order to ensure their baby grows into the toddler stage as a healthy, hassle free eater.</span><br />
<ul face="georgia"><li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">From the day you introduce solid foods introduce a variety of fruits and vegetables in order to obtain the variety of nutrients they offer, and to subject your baby to as many different flavors to grow with.</span><br />
</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Use fresh fruit and vegetables, pureed at home as apposed to jar and bottled foods. Prepare ahead of time and freeze for faster meal preparations.<br />
</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Keep a diary of foods liked and disliked. Wait 2-3 weeks and introduce the disliked food again.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia"><li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Do not force your baby to eat a food he does not like. If you do this you will create a negative attitude toward meal times. If you decide to try and mix a food he doesn't like with one he does like, if he doesn't eat it then respect his dislike for it an don't try and trick him again. Otherwise, you will find he will no longer eat the food he does like because he thinks the food he dislikes is in it.</span><br />
</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Use the versatility of fruits and vegetables to your advantage. Raw, steamed, roasted, grilled or boiled. Mashed, chopped crushed, squeezed or cut into funny shapes. Bite size pieces should be age appropriate in size. Slip vegetables into soups and sauces or grind them into meat or chicken balls. With fruits you can make smoothies, chopped into yogurts or cereals or used in ice lollies.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia"><li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Do not give your baby sugary snacks or drinks for as long as possible.</span><br />
</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>When you do introduce desserts make them from scratch at home. Making desserts at home will give you control over the amount and quality of the ingredients used. You will also be able to add health benefits to your child's sugary snacks by adding fruits and vegetables of your choice. Below you will learn how to do this without taking away from the fun and great taste of the goodies.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Build your baby up to be able to eat and enjoy raw fruits and vegetables by the time he is a toddler. Raw foods offer high amounts of enzymes to aid in digestion, plenty of fiber and high quality nutrients to increase energy and stamina and in detoxification mechanisms that get rid of toxins in the body.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Use sugar alternatives as much as possible. Raisins, dates, honey, fresh fruit, apple sauce, fruit juice, etc</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Give healthy snacks and desserts that revolve around fresh or dried fruits instead of cakes, biscuits and cookies.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Avoid sugary and fizzy drinks at all costs. These are addicting and once your child has it he will find it difficult to drink fruits juices and water, and will always insist on a fizzy sugary drink.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Avoid starting bad habits that will cause you and your baby problems later on, and will only be habits you will have to break in order to keep your toddler healthy.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Check food labels for foods high in sugar and learn the different names for sugar that are used on food labels. Ingredients with the highest content will be listed first on the label.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Do not use sugar as a reward.<br />
</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Be sure your children are getting the required amount of vitamins and minerals required daily from their food intake and are receiving the appropriate portions for their age. <span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/babymenu.htm">Wholesome Baby Food</a></span><br />
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</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Keep meals fun and light. Do not show anguish or stress when you prepare a meal for your baby and he doesn't eat it. It is frustrating but don't let it show.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Avoid fast foods at all costs. Introducing these foods too early will cause you and your baby problems later on. Not to mention these foods are extremely unhealthy and high in fat. There are rarely any benefit to them at all.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>It is important that the family eats meals together. A recent 10 year study showed that children from families who eat meals together bring home A's and B's, feel more confident that mom and dad are proud of them, and have better eating habits all around. In order for this to be the case you need to have at least one meal together a day, on a regular basis</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Parents should lead by example when it comes to healthy eating. Let your baby see you eating your veggies and fruits. As he grows, and sees mom and dad eating certain foods, he is more likely to try those foods at some point.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Give your baby the time he needs to eat. Adults eat too fast, which is why parents often find it frustrating to wait so long for their baby to finish his meals. Adults are also pressured with the many tasks that await them after dinner, so they tend to rush their meals. Give your baby the time he needs to digest properly. It would definitely do us some good to learn from our kids and slow our pace of eating down. You might want to try it yourself to assist in having a stronger, more healthy digestive system.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Make eating and snacks fun by using cut out shapes, letters, and designs for some of your baby's meals and snacks.</li>
</ul><ul face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Give your baby feedback and reward his progress.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Grow these basics with your baby into toddlerhood. Remember that as they grow into toddlerhood, there will be a difference in the variety of food for them and ways to introduce side dishes. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>When your baby gets a little older, like 2 years, let them help you in the kitchen while you are preparing meals and snacks. Give them small, safe, easy tasks they can do. This helps get them interested in food, and makes feel good about themselves that they have helped out in the kitchen. You will find that it is a huge assistant to a healthy eater and less of a fussy eater. As your toddler grows older increase his tasks so he can feel more grown up by advancing his tasks in the kitchen.</li>
</ul><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Of course, if you get your child to eat healthy most of the time, one of the best things is that you won't feel guilty when you give him the some goodies, not to mention they will have plenty of chances to have sugary goodies when they go to parties, events, etc and you don't need to worry about it because your baby eats healthy on a regular basis.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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</span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;">Go Homemade</span><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> One of the ways to give your kids some goodies with a health kick is to sneak the good stuff in the ingredients when you bake. If you do this early, and avoid outside treats and goodies, your baby will grow used to your homemade goodies as apposed to the sugary unhealthy junk they would get from outside source.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> You still need to be careful and not over do it because these are still sugary sweets, but at least they hold some value and kids can still enjoy their goodies, as they should, provided you keep consumption to a minimum on a daily basis, and ensure your child is getting the exercise required for their age.</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
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When your baby reaches an age where you begin to give foods such as muffins, cookies, and pancakes, is much more healthy and cost effective to bake them from scratch at home. Another plus point to this is that you can make these unhealthy snacks a bit more healthy by adding a pureed vegetable or fruit to the ingredients.</span> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;"><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">Goodies with a HEALTHY punch</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s1600-h/cupcake+pic.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370524730632559426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s200/cupcake+pic.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 23px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 23px;" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brownies</span><br />
You can add pureed spinach to brownies. The trick is to let the brownies cool 100% so that the taste of the spinach is gone. Add 1/2 cup of pureed spinach and 1/2 cup of pureed carrots to your brownie ingredients. These can be frozen for future use.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s1600-h/cupcake+pic.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370524730632559426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s200/cupcake+pic.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 23px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 23px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pureed vegetables and fruit</span><br />
Can be prepare ahead of time, in batches. Make 1/2 cup batches, put them in freezer bags and freeze them until you need to use them. Steam each vegetable for about 10 minutes (do not over cook or you lose the vitamin value). Add a little water if the puree is to thick.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s1600-h/cupcake+pic.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370524730632559426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s200/cupcake+pic.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 23px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 23px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Banana Bread</span><br />
Add 1/2 cup pureed cauliflower to the ingredients. Scrambled Eggs - Add 2 TBLS cauliflower puree or yellow squash, or butternut squash to 1 egg. Do the same for omlette style egg.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s1600-h/cupcake+pic.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370524730632559426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s200/cupcake+pic.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 23px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 23px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pancakes, french toast, waffles</span><br />
Add 1/2 cup pureed cauliflower, or carrot, or butternut squash to the ingredients and cook normally. You can also add bananas to the pancakes and dark chocolate chips for an antioxidant kick. These can also be frozen. Always use dark chocolate for baking for it's antioxidant properties.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s1600-h/cupcake+pic.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370524730632559426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s200/cupcake+pic.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 23px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 23px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ketchup</span><br />
Add carrot puree.<br />
This mixture will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s1600-h/cupcake+pic.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370524730632559426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s200/cupcake+pic.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 23px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 23px;" /></a>If you do find yourself in a position where you have to use a can food for dinner, add a pureed vegetable to the sauce the last few seconds of cooking time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s1600-h/cupcake+pic.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370524730632559426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx03yjjHd0RhhQqJxLLXMLx7gxmhDbHvQz2H0JtEPlHjFUF3QbNkb_377mbhqgbqZrP1VIbBpcNO2sPDUfZf2LdQQEEjC008k7ccUb2n98yOxymws58aU1RhHwpDBDYf72TGOAYMkov0/s200/cupcake+pic.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 23px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 23px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocolate Cake or cupcakes.</span><br />
For parties or special events or just to have at home, make chocolate cupcakes using pureed beets (1/2 cup), you can also add pureed beets to the frosting. For white cupcakes use cauliflower puree.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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Use this same idea for breakfast, lunch and dinner meals, adding a puree to the meal. However, you should always have vegetables at the table so your baby can see you eating them and will soon be interested in trying them himself. Cooking with vegetable puree is just a way to get those required nutrients in your baby but they should not replace vegetables being seen and eaten at the table for meals and snacks. Continuously putting those disliked veggies at the table and seeing mom and dad eat them, will help toddler gain interest in them over a period of time. <br />
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Healthy eating is an area that requires constant attention and follow up. Even when you see your baby, toddler or preschooler is doing well with his healthy eating, be careful that you don't just assume all is well forever. Parents need to follow up, keep their eyes peeled and continue introducing new foods to their kids.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Healthy eating needs to be managed and kept an eye on for several reasons:<span style="color: #3333ff;"><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Healthy eating is an on going process and kids need to continuously be educated on the subject .<br />
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<span style="color: #000099;">2. Pier pressure, poor eating habits of other children, and even other parents and teachers, can over indulge in sweets, and junk food and your kids will need you help to ensure they stay on the right track, especially after all your and your child's hard work. </span></span></span> <br />
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These tips, when utilized regularly, will help you grow your baby into a problem free eater as he grows into and through toddlerhood. You will have a much easier time with your toddler if he is already used to certain eating habits and used to the rules that mom and dad set into place. In the event that you could have a picky eater on your hands, these tips will help to illuminate many picky eater headaches.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">How to puree fruits and vegetables</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Steam the veg or fruit for 10 -15 min's max (no longer or you will remove the vitamins and nutrients, this is why steaming is a preferred method for vegetable cooking)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. Be sure to leave the skin on the vegetables that have healthy value - i.e summer squash and zucchini.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. Put cooked vegetable in blender and blend until smooth.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. Fruits can be simmered in a little water for about 5-10 minutes (be careful not to overcook). Retain the water to puree in the blender with the fruit.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. Puree fruit and it's water from boiling in a blender.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You can freeze portions in freezer baggies to use when you need them. Most recipes will use 1/2 cup portions.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/04/baby-and-toddler-health-9-items-to-go.html">Baby and Toddler Health - 9 Go Organic Foods</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s1600-h/green+leaf+divider.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347597824581635858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s400/green+leaf+divider.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 27px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 133px;" /></a> <span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LEiF2WnOfD1C2eYwaCrS8yPHtZA1DtYcR3oggrxdJEy5xmWWGNo_8brZ4Sc9zA4dSw_IOUByVEtbOKrgO0uxH4HlDeRnTI3uPaqVnnR1hHlhnEby075y8lUtMZNsTujw7d1ffSa4olY/s1600-h/byebye2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363160232697364754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LEiF2WnOfD1C2eYwaCrS8yPHtZA1DtYcR3oggrxdJEy5xmWWGNo_8brZ4Sc9zA4dSw_IOUByVEtbOKrgO0uxH4HlDeRnTI3uPaqVnnR1hHlhnEby075y8lUtMZNsTujw7d1ffSa4olY/s200/byebye2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 79px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 119px;" /></a><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">#4: Goodbye and Separations<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Teach them to say "Goodbye" with a smile</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">.</span> <br />
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This is an area that mom, dad and baby have to work on together. It is also an area that is difficult for parents and is often the cause for couples not enjoying any time out together. A toddler that has problems saying goodbye when mom and dad have to go out or leave for a while is a traumatic experience and can take a long time to get under control. This stage is common and is referred to as separation anxiety. <br />
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Can you imagine that there are parents that have settled on the fact that they simply won't go out together until their child can handle them leaving? It is true to a degree that a child grows out of separation anxiety, however, it takes time and doesn't always leave you with a cooperative toddler when it comes time for him to say goodbye to you. He will be so used to running the show of whether you can go out or not, he isn't going to like it when you leave against his wishes.<br />
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If leaving anxiety is not dealt with it can lead into a whole other bowl of problems, and parents find themselves separately going out or always staying at home. Not to mention there are plenty of other times when you do have to leave your toddler. At school, at a friends house for babysitting, activities, etc.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Parents grow severely frustrated, anxious, and feel their life together lacks excitement and fun because they are not able to make decisions toward their needs but always the needs of their toddler. Your toddler should not be allowed to control your life to this degree. You are the boss, and as long as you are a good, understanding, patient boss, there should be a reward for you when it comes time for you to do something for yourself or your relationship with your spouse. Not to mention all the things you have to do, and need to do, and could do a lot faster if you aren't always towing a toddler everywhere because you aren't able to handle leaving him when he is screaming for you not to go.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Start early and help your baby pass through the separation anxiety stage before toddlerhood. It is much easier to handle a baby in the separation anxiety stage than it is a toddler and it is also easier for baby at this age then it will be when he is a toddler. Both parents need to have the same approach and need to be consistent, strong, diligent and patient. <br />
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Here's how you go about preparing, and working toward an easy, stress free separation time with your baby, preparing him for happy toddler goodbyes.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">Babysitter / Caretaker</span> <br />
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Finding a babysitter you can trust is at the top of the priority list when it comes to leaving your baby when you need to go out. It is extremely common for parents to use nanny cams in order to gauge what is going on in the house when they are not there. Once you hire someone, there are other issues that need to be addressed with your babysitter to ensure that she does things just the way you want and need. You don't want your new babysitter using someone else's ways to care for your baby. Aside from the obvious things your babysitter needs to know, here are some other areas to address before leaving your sitter responsible for your baby. </div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>It is very important that you discuss any necessary details with your babysitter, including how to handle your baby when your leaving and after you are gone, during the time your baby is unhappy about your leaving. Consistency is very important and so is support from the babysitter. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Always make sure your sitter knows your baby's favorite toys, especially the one he uses for comfort in times of fear or insecurities.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>A friendly, patient, not lazy, and preferably experienced sitter are some of the qualities you should be looking for in a sitter or caretaker for your baby. Temperament is also a very important quality for a sitter when caring for young children. Many people do not have the temperament to handle young children but do babysitting jobs anyway, and simply allow the child to sit on his own and scream until they fall asleep. This is one of the reasons nanny cams are high on the list of purchases when it comes to caretakers.<br />
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</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Let your sitter know that you are working with your baby on separation anxiety and that there will be very specific things she must adhere to when you leave.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Make sure your sitter is aware of any special things she can do to help the situation for your baby to find comfort as soon as possible after you leave.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Make sure your babysitter does not use food as a replacement for you. This will start very bad eating habits that can turn into obesity problems. Many sitters will give sweets to get the baby to stop crying, or feed him continuously to keep occupied, as apposed to playing with the child. </li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">The Process / Do' and Don'ts</span><br />
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A baby can show signs of separation anxiety from as early as 7 months. The peak age however, when it really comes into play is between 12-18 months. It is during this time that you need to have your routine and system already worked in so that this time frame is as manageable as possible.<br />
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At this age separation anxiety can occur at anytime baby is separated from a parent. It is preferable, <span style="font-size: 100%;">if possible, to leave your baby with someone that is familiar to them. However, that option is not always available for many people and they have to find a sitter or caretaker.</span><br />
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Hopefully you can find a suitable one and one that can continue to do the job for a while, allowing your baby to become comfortable and secure in your absence. </div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Have your sitter come early for the first few times you use her. Spend some time with her and your baby together so that baby can see you trust her and she's a friend. Do some play activities to break the ice between baby and sitter. This allows your baby to become comfortable with the sitter, while in a secure state because you are still around.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Your sitter should be prepared to help comfort your baby once you leave and preoccupy him immediately by playing with him turning his attention away from your being gone.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>No matter what, always say goodbye to your baby. Even if he is crying, even if he is busy playing, you must say goodbye. Always tell your baby you will be back soon. <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Do not:</span> <span style="color: red;">Sneak out while your baby is busy or not aware. This will cause him to panic the second he finds you gone and leaves him with a strong feeling you have disappeared and not coming back. Avoid this at all costs.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><span style="color: black;">Keep your goodbye simple and to a minimum. A drawn out goodbye is just harder on everyone, it also shows your baby that you yourself are insecure about leaving. Be confident about your leaving. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do not:</span> Do not let your baby see or feel that you are insecure or guilty about leaving him. Although it is a very natural feeling for mom and dad to have, keep it secret from baby.</span><br />
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</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Avoid repeatedly returning to the house or daycare to say goodbye over and over. As hard as this is to avoid, remember that this makes it harder for your baby. Do what is best for him even if you have to sweat through it.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Have a goodbye routine. A big hug and kiss and special quote when you leave. Or kissing goodbye all baby's favorite toys a the same time you kiss baby goodbye.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Use your baby's favorite toy(s) to give him security when you are gone. Give it to him each time you leave. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Invest in a few books to read to your baby about saying goodbye to mom and dad.<br />
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</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Use returning games when you get home. Peek-a-boo, where's the baby, or looking for objects are the most widely used returning games, but only you can assess your baby and will know if there is another type interaction game that he would enjoy more. Always play a returning game with your baby when you get home or pick him up from somewhere.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Teach your baby the meaning of "hello" as early as possible. Play a game with him where you come into the room and say hello and leave the room and say bye bye. Each time leave the room a little longer, even if he cries, keep working on it. It should be a game and you should remain smiling and happy when you say hello and bye bye.</li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Easing separation anxiety in toddlers and preschooler is much more difficult. Start the process early to help goodbyes and separations be more manageable and enjoyable, and alleviate parental and relationship stress.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2153283_ease-separation-anxiety-preschooler.html"> <span style="font-size: 100%;">Ease Separation Anxiety in your Preschooler</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /> </a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_separation-anxiety_12652.bc">Baby Center: Ease Separation Anxiety</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s1600-h/green+leaf+divider.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347597824581635858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s400/green+leaf+divider.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 20px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 100px;" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFAkyVOC0sesVN9BHpqCPBrzbPXqLKv4d9IB7XnfD7JPiAzHamIHavSk6nGO7qxIvqFVY0l2mnsxdZzfUrq67optvvP11wyfyUcRr_WC1EQaFL02isi6mNV6_ZL7QSrXvtke8UmrIbB4/s1600-h/toddlers+sharing.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365438591369934722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFAkyVOC0sesVN9BHpqCPBrzbPXqLKv4d9IB7XnfD7JPiAzHamIHavSk6nGO7qxIvqFVY0l2mnsxdZzfUrq67optvvP11wyfyUcRr_WC1EQaFL02isi6mNV6_ZL7QSrXvtke8UmrIbB4/s200/toddlers+sharing.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 130px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 87px;" /></a><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;">#5: Sharing</span><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Help baby learn to share early, to induce creativity, action, management, and social skills, before toddlerhood. </span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />
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</span> Aside from the fact that it is nice to share, children need to learn to share for other reasons. These other factors highly impact their behavior as adults and teaching this necessity early on offers an added benefit of early friendships, better behavior in social situations, and an easier time for mom and dad when they don't have to sit glued to their kids when in a social situation, or stress about their child creating havoc because they always fiercely want what another child has.<br />
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A child sharing demonstrates the nature of kindness, and at the same time sets a good example for his peers. Young children don't usually want what they already have as much as they want what is out of reach or what is in the hand of another child nearby. Suddenly, the ticker goes off and even if there are two of the same thing, a child will still insist on the one held by the other child. This is a powerful emotion and most times sends a child into tantrums, with no reasoning in sight. <br />
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Another trait from birth is the belief that everything is there's. The "<span style="font-style: italic;">mine</span>" Syndrome is a built in trait and making them share everything all the time will send conflicting messages to a young child. Young children need to learn from as early an age as possible the trait of sharing, but also learn the value of ownership.<br />
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Parents need to channel these forces toward a positive-proud nature teaching their child to have a a high regard for another's feelings. Here is how you can help your baby learn to share early on. </div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Everyone in the family gets used to asking each other permission to use their things. Also ask your baby's permission to use something of his. This creates a world around your child where he grows up hearing and seeing the people in his family having respect for each others things and feelings. If mom and dad are asking permission baby sees this as a normal procedure and will find it much more familiar as he approaches toddlerhood. This also helps detour such a strong "mine" syndrome as baby grows, enabling him to handle the situation better and faster when faced with wanting what another child has. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>If someone in the family needs to say, "no" to sharing, he should offer an alternative, such as, "you can play with these other toys." or, "not right now but later you can."</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Teach your child to take care of his toys and belongings, and to do the same when using something that is not his. Make an example of this by letting your child observe the way you take care of your things by putting them away, cleaning them, or keeping them in cases. Parents can also help their child learn to take care of his things by teaching him to turn his toys off when finished playing with them, and by putting his toys away (as best he can) when he is finished or before bedtime.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Share your own things with your baby. If you are eating something offer a piece to your baby (provided it is safe and healthy for him to eat). When you do share use the world "share" to get him familiar with the word and the meaning of the word through your actions.<br />
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</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>If you see your baby show an object to another person, it is a step in the direction of sharing. Even if he doesn't let go of the object. This action should be noticed and complimented. "How sweet of you for showing your toy to cousin Jack, that is so nice of you!"</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>When you do see your baby share give him high praise and let him know that you are so proud of him. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>If you baby or toddler chooses not to share do not scold or punish him, especially at this age. You can show disappointment but that is it. Don't make a big deal about it, or you are likely to create a negative around sharing and at the same time create your own personal parent and child battleground with regards to sharing.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Be compassionate when it comes time for your baby to share (especially in toddlerhood). When they shows signs of not wanting to share, let them know you understand it is hard but it is a nice thing do. Remind them that you always share with them (as above, you should be leading by example).</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Do not force your child to share. This sends the wrong message which is that another persons needs are more important than his. Encourage him to share and when the opportunity arises remind him it is nice to share. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>When your baby is approaching toddlerhood, and has friends for a playgroup. Remind him that he needs to share his toys. Allow him to put special toys away that he doesn't have to share.<br />
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</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Make sure your baby has plenty of social time with other children his age. This will assist in social development and allow him to see actions and behavior of other kids. It will also help him learn to share and handle different behaviors from kids his own age.<br />
</li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It is important that parents encourage their baby to share from as early an age as possible, so that when the tougher teachings and learning's come into the picture at toddler age, the road is a little less bumpy to parents and toddler, simply because the concept will not be a new one to your toddler, but one in which it will be time for him to take the next step of physically sharing with his peers.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Learning to share doesn't happen overnight, and requires that parents keep regular teachings in place and maneuver those teachings as their baby grows into toddlerhood. Once your baby is about 6 months from toddlerhood, there will be specific age appropriate ways to further this teaching process in toddlerhood.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://babysleepatnight.blogspot.com/2009/08/pretend-play-imagination-parents-guide.html">Pretend Play and Imagination: A Parent's Guide</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s1600-h/green+leaf+divider.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347597824581635858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s400/green+leaf+divider.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 20px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 100px;" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.northsidemontessori.com/images/10.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.northsidemontessori.com/images/10.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 91px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 122px;" /></a><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">#6: Teach Responsibility<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Teach responsibility early and help your baby get a head start with helping others, taking care of himself and helping out as part of the family.<br />
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</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">Aside from the formal methods, children learn by seeing, doing, imitating, and hearing. If your baby observes you putting things away when you finish, and you talk to him about what you are doing, you can expect that he will soon imitate your behavior by throwing his toys into the toy box, or by picking up another toy from elsewhere and throwing it into a box. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />
</span></span></span><span style="color: #000099;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">The good news with this area is that it is easy to get the ball rolling because children love to help out. When they are young, they get very excited at the idea of doing grown up things and you will find them more than willing to take on a task to help out. Of course, as they get older this changes and they become reluctant and unwilling to lend a hand or be helpful to others around them. But if you teach this area early on, you will find that your toddler will be more willing to help, less likely to have a tantrum when asked to do something, and as an older child he will carry out his chores and responsibilities with less procrastination and with more diligence.</span><br />
</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />
</span></span></span><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 100%;"><span style="color: black;">One of the best ways to teach responsibility from a young age is to have your baby help out with chores at home. Make him mommy's little helper and involve him when you can with helping you out and at the same time taking care of his own things. More importantly you want your child to grow up to be a productive adult and that training needs to start from childhood. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #000099; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It is very important that you keep all tasks and chores suitable for your child's age. As baby grows into an older toddler than into a preschooler you will need to upgrade the chores and tasks to suit his intelligence and capabilities. Always make sure the chores or tasks are safe for your child and do not pose a risk to injury or worse.</span></span><br />
</span></div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><span style="font-size: 100%;">If you have older kids make sure they are being taught responsibility and that your baby grows up watching how everyone at home helps out. This arrangement will take hold when your baby gets a little older and can recognize that everyone at home does the same thing.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>When you finish playing with your baby always put the toys away. Say to your baby that it is time to clean up. As he matures in toddlerhood, and even before that he will see cleaning up his toys as a normal practice following play time.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>When your baby picks up the toys and helps you put them away be sure to give high praise. Baby will see picking up his toys or putting things away as an accomplishment and is more likely to look forward to it in toddlerhood, as apposed to being defiant when it's time to clean up or not cleaning up at all, and thinking it is always someone else's job.</li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Once your baby is walking and holding objects securely he is at the start of toddlerhood. It is at that time that you need to start getting him involved in helping out around the house.</div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>When you are making the bed(s) at home, have your baby pick up any clothes on the floor and put them in the dirty hamper.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>When you are washing dishes, have your little one dry the small plastic dishes with a hand towel and put them on the counter for mom / dad/ caretaker to put away.</li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">For Parents Raising a Responsible Child</span></div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Parents need to be responsible all the time, even in the smaller areas they think their kids don't notice. Believe me they notice!</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Children notice the smaller details and compare them with what they have been told. If you teach your child about honesty but tell a lie you are sending mixed signals. You have to practice what you preach.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>For children there is no gray area in between black and white. Something is either wrong or right, not right sometimes and wrong sometimes depending on the situation. Situational ethics sends conflicting messages to your child and he will see that you are making excuses and will replicate this behavior.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Your image to your children should be one of principled authority and not someone who changes the rules to suit personal need.<br />
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</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Teaching responsibility also encompasses social responsibility, and parents must set a good example in these areas as well.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">Set an example early on and let your baby grow up seeing mom and dad being socially responsible.</span></div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Do things that help take care of the environment and the planet.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Do volunteer work and get your little ones involved in whatever areas you can. Talk about your volunteer work and why you do it.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Use "Go Green" procedures in your home, as much as you can.<br />
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</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Do good deeds and be helpful others.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Don't talk badly about others and be careful of using racial remarks.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Be a positive force for the people around you.</li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Teaching early on will allow your baby to grow into toddlerhood with these basics. Parents will be setting a more solid foundation allowing for an easier transition when furthering on with teachings during toddlerhood.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div><div face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s1600-h/green+leaf+divider.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347597824581635858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s400/green+leaf+divider.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 20px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 100px;" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4802781/discipline-main_Full.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4802781/discipline-main_Full.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 74px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 120px;" /></a><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">#7: Taming Early </span><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">(skills to reduce the need for discipline)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">Use skills to reduce discipline early on so your soon to be toddler will have solid obey skills.</span><br />
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</span>Your can reduce parental stress by working on discipline early, before toddlerhood. You can get your older baby into a frame of mind of happily listening to you, adhering to your suggestions, and have less arguments later on from your toddler. This stage is also extremely helpful toward the way your toddler will behave in school toward his classmates and teachers, and will help avoid classroom battles and fighting amongst peers.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As a parent your first task for reducing the need for discipline is to work on getting your baby to listen to you by toddler age.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s1600-h/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368763777827758994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s200/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 14px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 30px;" /></a>Give commands using a positive statement. Example: Instead of saying, "Don't stand up in your chair" say, "Sit in your chair so you don't fall and hurt yourself." or</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">instead of "Don't throw your food." you can say, "Please keep your food on your plate."</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s1600-h/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368763777827758994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s200/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 14px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 30px;" /></a>Re frame from raising your voice at least 98% of the time. If you raise your voice often, your toddler will soon see it as normal and will tune you out. If you want your toddler to take you seriously when it's necessary speak in a firm tone as apposed to raising your voice.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s1600-h/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368763777827758994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s200/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 14px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 30px;" /></a>Listen to what your toddler is saying to you. One of the reasons for a toddler tantrum is because the toddler is trying to get a point across but their parent isn't getting it. If you are not sure what your toddler is saying ask</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">them to show you.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: black;">Once your child reaches 20 months begin putting effective parenting discipline skills to work.</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s1600-h/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368763777827758994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s200/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 14px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 30px;" /></a>Take yourself out of adulthood and put yourself in your toddler's shoes. Changing gears suddenly with a young toddler will cause problems. If your toddler is playing and you</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">suddenly tell him it is bedtime it isn't going to go over well. Spend some time with your</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">toddler in his current activity, then gradually and gracefully direct him to where he</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">needs to be soon.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s1600-h/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368763777827758994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s200/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 14px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 30px;" /></a>Every day spend quality time with your child no matter how busy you are. Your child will feel closer to you and will want to please you more often than not. By showing your</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">love for them and by listening to them, with out being distracted, you are creating a</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">better learning environment for them.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s1600-h/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368763777827758994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s200/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 14px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 30px;" /></a>When your child is upset or angry, aside from dealing with whatever bad behavior there may be, it is vital that you take the time to find out what is wrong, or why he did what he</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">did. This will let your child know you care about his feelings. Let him know that you</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">understand him but his actions are wrong. This builds trust and a strong relationship.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s1600-h/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368763777827758994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s200/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 14px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 30px;" /></a>For older toddlers make sure when you punish you do not punish too severely or to mildly. Make sure the punishment you chose fits the crime.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s1600-h/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368763777827758994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s200/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 14px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 30px;" /></a>Be fair and consistent for effective disciplining. Unfair discipline will cause your toddler to disrespect you.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s1600-h/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368763777827758994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s200/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 14px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 30px;" /></a>Parents should find the time to unwind and relax each day, particularly if you are a stay at home parent or caretaker. Find an effective way to unwind that suits your personality</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and schedule. This will help you combat fatigue from parenting stress, and help you be a</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">more effective parent during toddlerhood and throughout your journey of raising kids.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s1600-h/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368763777827758994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvr1NpXeKUTMGnzyKeNpxLBRN8qM7MNPpwOatUNTnc0nLUnFmsdTuvy4kK1ZWStaebaOwYi3WIdSxlHBoFAHqC8vCu8GxIPgk3etJjZGb1siEnJHwj5lbxrN2NrGUkUulLf_VB1FOwDw/s200/pink+finger+pting+right.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 14px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 30px;" /></a>It is vital that punishments are age appropriate. Don't forget your child is young and in a learning process. Good parents are able to put themselves in their child's shoes and remember how little they know and how much more they still need to learn before they get things right. Even once they get it right, it still takes years of practice for consistency to take hold. Until then your job is to gently and lovingly guide them through their learning processes. Teach them, be patient, and they will learn.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">By having an early and effective approach to child discipline parents reduce anxiety and tension within the home. Your child's growth with enjoyment, self confidence, self esteem, safety and security will be your parental success, and your child's good qualities, when you consistently utilize effective discipline techniques from an early age. It is through effective child discipline that a child learns how to be self disciplined, responsible, and confident in the world as an adult.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div face="georgia" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s1600-h/green+leaf+divider.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347597824581635858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWd8UW2eY7slcNbPLt7CTwP536SjefA5oGptUQvVj2an6SdZsVHhaKSg-H3PFAhOThhleJe8KOkw7PTlrw4WOzbgz3-cB65V5sxSqxt-xqlvWCYzafuWRBAwaMAuzFjdEDLK93tdZOo/s400/green+leaf+divider.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 20px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 100px;" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/08/live-stress-free-at-home-14-stress.html">At Home Stress Free - 14 Stress Busters</a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /></a><a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/04/motherhood-ways-to-keep-you-smiling.html">Motherhood: The Fun in It!</a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /></a><a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/04/eat-em-up-mom-and-dad-energy-treats.html">Eat em Up! Energy Jazz for Mom and Dad</a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s1600-h/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345309312047322466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xgYfKSTWHCC18uPbYKzSyxXS0iZomEUAbhyphenhyphenvuLLKkhjAHxujBIR18vaMFtU4b8H_rviFBLgMyohx6WYxZU9CHRltszLbBWT-GJ2gAaDUDOevGZTHTzCA41E3hvAPDQZPQgcDWNVlzk/s200/butterfly+blue+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 16px; width: 19px;" /></a><a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/07/toddler-cold-medicine-home-remedies-in.html">Natural Remedies Cold Medicine</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvy6H5EljA_PdKUXAc6nR3ROx8E70155KtM90NtiQwj-Pdxi7OJKI-8M1dx8Lf3jCGtEYBHasvckktIQDdkmUuObESfWQKYZw7PqJQ4OHe0iNeYD4IsPfN5Xken9ay55nQkuxZE00_Bo/s1600-h/Cover-200x230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvy6H5EljA_PdKUXAc6nR3ROx8E70155KtM90NtiQwj-Pdxi7OJKI-8M1dx8Lf3jCGtEYBHasvckktIQDdkmUuObESfWQKYZw7PqJQ4OHe0iNeYD4IsPfN5Xken9ay55nQkuxZE00_Bo/s200/Cover-200x230.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>Frugal Mom's Guide to Once a Month Cooking is here! Not only does it have over 70 mom-tested once a month cooking recipes, but complete step-by-step instructions for doing once a month cooking, and lots of great forms to help you! <a href="http://4fcc7bpbncw6goy32pnzv9vgb0.hop.clickbank.net/.frugalmom.hop.clickbank.net" target="_blank"><br />
Frugal Moms Guide to Once A Month Cooking</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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4nczk3gbhs</div>The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-73991538481999318322009-04-20T01:14:00.000-07:002009-10-28T02:31:03.502-07:00Marriage Trouble after Kids - Tips to protect marriage<script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Novelist and screenwriter Nora Ephron once wrote, <span style="font-style: italic;">"When you have a baby, you set off an explosion in your marriage, and when the dust settles, your marriage is different from what it was."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-h6cprzXg-LZCzG4kpI0udMOAXil3fZ59WNAvSgf9s_SNwEFYRqR1D-mAlcX0gxQ_bK95ykOunjamRY99XGg4PvcpkD10szz_M-5_qOA5H6qe2esloOygYVNjYVRvuqY_4b9QipvYplGZ/s1600-h/split+cake.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326676703995507986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-h6cprzXg-LZCzG4kpI0udMOAXil3fZ59WNAvSgf9s_SNwEFYRqR1D-mAlcX0gxQ_bK95ykOunjamRY99XGg4PvcpkD10szz_M-5_qOA5H6qe2esloOygYVNjYVRvuqY_4b9QipvYplGZ/s200/split+cake.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 105px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 123px;" /></a>After their two kids were born, the Davis' faced marriage trouble with more than a few battles and much neglect. As parents do, they were engrossed in taking care of their daughters' needs and security. Finding time to feed, bathe, and play with them between work schedules was challenging enough. Hanging out as a couple was like a dream from the old days, when it was just them, and getting together was as easy as signing your name.<br />
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But there was more to it than time management. Their marriage trouble was escalated with routine squabbles about everything from how to discipline the girls to their own expectations and disappointments. They spent zero time together, even when the kids were in bed, somehow they each went on to do their own thing and never met up after wards, whether it was out or just in the TV room.<br />
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Through it all, the nagging question remained: How could they protect their marriage, the relationship that created these beautiful children to begin with, and still manage to be good parents? What can they do as a couple to eliminate their marriage trouble and create a firmer foundation?<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Marriage Trouble after Having Kids</span></span><br />
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These areas will help with marriage trouble after kids. They will help you and your spouse create a firmer foundation for your relationship and at the same time show your kids what a strong couple you are, affirming to them that your family will always be together.<br />
<h4 style="font-style: italic;">Learn to Compromise<br />
</h4>It's a very common problem. We give plenty of attention to our children but not enough to each other. Over time, this transfer of focus can start to hurt even the most solid relationships.<br />
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Make no mistake that a strong relationship with your partner is one of the best things a couple can do for their kids and their childhood. Harboring a solid, loving relationship sets your children up for better marriages themselves when they grow up. They will have had a good example to follow and will want to have the same as they saw their parents having.<br />
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You have to keep battling before you can win the fight. Set a plan in place that enables you and your spouse to have free time together and spend that time together. If you are both too tired then be too tired together. If you just feel like going to bed then go to bed together. Once you get into the motion of doing something together your feeling of tired will bend, as you have something to look forward to and spending time with your spouse.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strengthen the Foundation of your Marriage</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjdDaceNsLR_s44lzJ_KwEXjrDTjNjXnm4dDYbj2ixmhXt5DBqCX4Tkh4yuofHK7k62WvEyrbSCZUxFfBmKGPeQdeD4914HStCqIM3iAQ8XUrk1dIoNnk_V6jUGXq1ZmUtYGIKoxQKUHx/s1600-h/stop+sign.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326678861212535778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjdDaceNsLR_s44lzJ_KwEXjrDTjNjXnm4dDYbj2ixmhXt5DBqCX4Tkh4yuofHK7k62WvEyrbSCZUxFfBmKGPeQdeD4914HStCqIM3iAQ8XUrk1dIoNnk_V6jUGXq1ZmUtYGIKoxQKUHx/s200/stop+sign.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 88px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 132px;" /></a>How can you keep a focus on your marriage when most of your time and energy is devoted to your kids?<br />
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<ul><li>Keep the relationship with your partner at the top of the list, above your children. This doesn't mean to forget about the needs of your children. You can do the little things that let each other know and the kids know how much you value your relationship with your spouse.</li>
</ul><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Keep the Romance Alive!</span><br />
<ul><li>Shift your center of attention sometimes.</li>
</ul>It is important for your children to learn, from a young age, that mom and dad can't just drop everything when they wants their attention. Don't allow them to interrupt your adult conversations.<br />
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This takes time and training just like everything involving kids but it is well worth it when the training takes hold. When your child gets older she can participate more in the conversations but until then it is valuable for your relationship that your kids learn to wait their turn to talk. <a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/04/teach-your-toddler-not-to-interrupt.html">Teach them not to Interrupt</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Warm Welcomes</span><br />
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You hug your kids everyday, usually more then once. Even the dog get a cuddle or two. What about your spouse? Does he/she get greeted with enthusiasm or just a simple "hello" in the midst of your busy schedule?<br />
<ul><li>Once in a while, kiss and hug your spouse when they get home, as if one of you is going away and you aren't going to see each other for a week. The kids will have a giggle and this kind of affection reassures them that you're close to each other, as well as to them.</li>
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The 20 Minute Reconnect</span><br />
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You don't need a whole weekend away or even a regular "date night" to keep the spark alive.<br />
<ul><li>Take short walks together. Catch up on each others life and use this time to reconnect to each other.<br />
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<li>Pair up when you take the kids to daycare or pick them up from an activity. The portion of the commute or waiting time can be used to chat.<br />
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</ul><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Early Bedtime for Kids</span><br />
<ul><li>Get you your kids into a strong bedtime routine from a young age (one year old is good time to start the process). </li>
</ul>This will give you time after your kids are in bed to do things you want and need to do and time to spend together, without interruptions from the kids. A good bedtime for toddlers, especially those in school is 7:30 -8:00pm. Here is a good place to start for getting your child into a sleep routine and some ideas to help them settle into one.<a href="http://theparentfairy.blogspot.com/2009/01/personal-baby-sleep-tips-from-parent.html"> Help Baby Sleep through the Night.</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Toddler-Not-Sleeping-Through-the-Night?-9-Areas-to-Render-a-Solution&id=1894413"><br />
Toddler Sleep through the Night</a><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Help Carry the Cargo</span><br />
<ul><li>Share in the chores. This can also be a prime couple time. </li>
</ul>After the kids are in bed, get the evening chores done together along with some music. Not only will you finish sooner to get to relax, but because you are helping each other there is no resentment about who does more. This is a good time to chat and catch up on things.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Encourage Independence </span><br />
<ul><li>Teach your kids to be independent players as well as sleepers. </li>
</ul>When children learn to entertain themselves for short periods of time, it means less time you have to spend as your tot's activity director leaving more time for yourself and your spouse. This is also an added bonus for your child.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IyR-wXinAdCBaGM8JrOUCG4I3zu8lXt7Uasuu-mL29-TwYIYMkOpEjOEErHxkeZzytXZ_kzzwZhRSSz8byFFcAqAsy2w_S8qxRboQGM5nSzgjlqrozWrBuif8zsTNjTyjVCtZmDICf8I/s1600-h/intimacy+2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326679438844716130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IyR-wXinAdCBaGM8JrOUCG4I3zu8lXt7Uasuu-mL29-TwYIYMkOpEjOEErHxkeZzytXZ_kzzwZhRSSz8byFFcAqAsy2w_S8qxRboQGM5nSzgjlqrozWrBuif8zsTNjTyjVCtZmDICf8I/s200/intimacy+2.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 91px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 69px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">More ways to keep the Glow Glowing</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Revive your past</span></span><br />
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Remember who you were as individuals and as a couple before you were parents. Bring back into your lives the activities you used to enjoy together. This is particularly effective when your routine starts to feel just that - routine.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Schedule Love Making </span><br />
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True. It's not very spontaneous. However, sex is usually the one area left out because something has to give right? So scheduling it into your routine is more practical. Waiting for it to JUST APPEAR one night will cause you to lose your intimate relationship.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Quiet Q</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">uarreling </span><br />
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Loud, out of control arguing is insulting, and will have huge consequences on the intimacy level of your marriage. Doing it in front of your kids will cause them to do the same with you when you have a disagreement. It also shows them you don't respect each other. A Preschooler is old enough to recognize this - make no mistake.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Father can Know Best</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCP7sIn2KATKVTSUQB0_Ygv1oUwvwAjXtPTAJZ_qGT5dm3U0VKwA3qdm_L6L-HtxTO8kGkn3Q7cL2hc-Y6xHJbJ48Yw034aOvQWifqFAWIhTosu0FhOOtZGAckCSWKISREA-5TM60G7Iz/s1600-h/father+and+baby.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326681179314435874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCP7sIn2KATKVTSUQB0_Ygv1oUwvwAjXtPTAJZ_qGT5dm3U0VKwA3qdm_L6L-HtxTO8kGkn3Q7cL2hc-Y6xHJbJ48Yw034aOvQWifqFAWIhTosu0FhOOtZGAckCSWKISREA-5TM60G7Iz/s200/father+and+baby.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 96px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 79px;" /></a>If your spouse thinks you don't trust them to take care of the kids as well as you do, it will cause resentment and you will find your spouse, bailing out of the picture every chance he gets. Don't criticize too much and be open minded with things. Let him do it his way sometimes. Men should guard against fleeing off in order to escape parenting.<br />
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Daytime Dating</span><br />
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You already know that a date can reignite that spark in your relationship -- but you can extend the range of dating by doing lunch dating while the kids are in day care or at an activity. If you both working parents then meet up for lunch.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Feeling trapped?</span></span><br />
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Appreciate that the trying times in your marriage are only temporary. This help you not to feel trapped.<br />
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Feeling disconnected from your partner while your kids are little simply comes with the territory of parenting. It doesn't mean you have a failed marriage and are heading for a break up. However, when faced with marriage trouble use your anger and concern as a sign you need to make an effort to connect with each other.<br />
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Marriage advice from the professionals say that one of a child's biggest anxieties is that their parents won't stay together. You can avoid this fear in your children by ensuring you invest time and energy into your marriage thus avoiding marriage trouble. Knowing their parents have a strong, untouchable relationship is one of a child's greatest comforts so give it to them and at the same time you give yourself the gift of an unbreakable bond.The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731785783660759287.post-44204354755831806352009-04-15T02:25:00.000-07:002009-10-29T04:25:22.107-07:00An Accessory to Motherhood - Great Camera Shots<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhX0IH1VM87Qp2eXzl8E1I2815mDuFykSRlcTyn_KK5_Euz7ydz9DRw-bbMKjTqdIwz2Xug-EmTZWUc3x6S2CKeOZzGAEYqzmPfpQ4L2dkLNe-f7cnCve_W0o9Ycx0OYGM3MM5r5wtY0/s1600-h/peg+camera.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343457869790905058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhX0IH1VM87Qp2eXzl8E1I2815mDuFykSRlcTyn_KK5_Euz7ydz9DRw-bbMKjTqdIwz2Xug-EmTZWUc3x6S2CKeOZzGAEYqzmPfpQ4L2dkLNe-f7cnCve_W0o9Ycx0OYGM3MM5r5wtY0/s200/peg+camera.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 87px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 129px;" /></a>A useful accessory to motherhood is the ability to take great pictures that capture the precious moments and darling faces that encompass your journey as a mother. Motherhood requires quite a few talents - so add one more to your list of accomplishments and try these suggestions for taking great pictures and capturing memorable moments.<br />
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Taking impressive photos is not difficult but does require some practice. Once you master it it is well worth the effort.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s1600-h/camera.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343790753566254498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s200/camera.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 20px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 40px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lighting</span><br />
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Use soft side lighting (try to avoid using a flash).<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Using a flash can cause some images to lose dimension. However, if your photo requires a flash to capture the emotion or expression then use the flash. <a href="http://www.essortment.com/all/photographyli_rawq.htm">More Lighting Techniques</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s1600-h/camera.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343790753566254498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s200/camera.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 20px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 40px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Clothing </span><br />
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It is preferable to dress your child in solid colored clothes. This helps your little one to stand out more in the photo, as apposed to her fabulous outfit getting all the attention in the photo. Avoid hair accessories that pull and irritate so that your child is comfortable and more cooperative.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s1600-h/camera.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343790753566254498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s200/camera.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 20px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 40px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Getting Cooperation and Keeping It</span><br />
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Kaysh Shinn of "Baby Wrangler" suggests you squat down low so that you are eye level with your child. This will enable you to interact better with your child and helps your child feel she has a little friend, as apposed to only a parent.<br />
<ul><li>While behind the camera play peek a boo and use a noisemaker to grab attention and create laughter, which will bring on priceless expressions from your little one. </li>
</ul><ul><li>To get them to look at the camera you can ask them where something is in the camera. For example: "Do you see the fairy here in the camera - look, where is the fairy?"</li>
</ul><ul><li>Don't force your little one to pose. Allow them to wander while you use antics to make them laugh, move, and look at the camera.<br />
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</ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s1600-h/camera.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343790753566254498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s200/camera.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 20px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 40px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Timing</span><br />
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Choose a time of day when your little one is in high spirits. Is it after the nap? Or maybe after the bath?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s1600-h/camera.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343790753566254498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s200/camera.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 20px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 40px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Red Eye</span><br />
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Don't use the red eye reduction option on your camera. There is a moment of delay before the picture is captured which can cause you to miss the moment you were waiting for.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s1600-h/camera.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343790753566254498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s200/camera.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 20px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 40px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eye Contact </span><br />
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Your little one having eye contact with the camera is not always necessary and often times is not preferred. Personality, especially in children is often more potent in a photo. Let laughter and personality dominate the picture as apposed to direct eye contact.<br />
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Have dad kneel behind you, slightly to the right or left and bring on his silly side to make your little laugh or give expressions you know you want on camera. If your little one has a certain expression when he sees something he cant explain then have dad do what is necessary to bring that expression on while you snap the shot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s1600-h/camera.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343790753566254498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42SW7ypPp1ru8PyvcyiNKw07qAJM7ghmBBKOwGvBZ9Ycpm5Hc5jHOE1DIqLb8Ln4RxGUAPYaROvwb6z9HK3aqq-6d7HPPKaBNHWdCzVfFah1rGaTDgo50IbOimzUyIsKEgq9_qQVed_Q/s200/camera.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 20px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 40px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Learning Tool with an added advantage</span><br />
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Once your child is a toddler of about 2 1/2 - 3 years, you can teach them how to take pictures. Most kids love to use a camera but your little one will know how to actually take a pretty good picture - all by his self. Wouldn't that be impressive?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNiepmvQA_yeQxI_6_9orcEoz7BGrubUX12ddyI2XZTeK7XgwwTIgsPFY1m8LGo39zlVPFZ6Iju3DkzFxho4IK-iwRvekmd6i2FqXeCyd9MQHjlKzQfh3VvslyU3S4T7yH225OVFnaWY/s1600-h/CIMG1836.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343457412699227842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNiepmvQA_yeQxI_6_9orcEoz7BGrubUX12ddyI2XZTeK7XgwwTIgsPFY1m8LGo39zlVPFZ6Iju3DkzFxho4IK-iwRvekmd6i2FqXeCyd9MQHjlKzQfh3VvslyU3S4T7yH225OVFnaWY/s200/CIMG1836.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 55px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 73px;" /></a>This is a picture my 3 year old took of her favorite dish mom makes. She has taken quite a liking to photography and now, at 4 years old, has her own digital camera, takes pictures at all our outings and special occasions and downloads them! A great learning tool for independent play and one less task for mom!<br />
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Taking impressive, skillful pictures will enable you to capture precious moments, expressions, group activities and is a fun, useful skill to teach the kids. Add this accessory to your other talents as a mom and build your picture collection with shots that will bring memories to life with smiles, laughter and warmth of heart.The Parent Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14908581191604806228noreply@blogger.com0