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Here are articles I have found in various magazines, news papers or websites.

Food Allergies in Infants

Symptoms of food allergy/sensitivity in babies: 

Respiratory Passages: recurring ear infections, congestion, wheezing, runny nose

Skin: eczema, cradle cap, facial rash/infant acne, dark circles under eyes (allergic shiners)

Intestines: diarrhea, mucous stool, dark green stool, constipation, gassiness, occasional spitting up, excessive spitting up, vomiting, reflux, blood in stool, poor weight gain, burn-like rash around anus, abdominal discomfort

Other: fussiness (possibly due to upset stomach)

 WHAT is my baby allergic to?
It can be frustrating trying to figure out what your baby is allergic or sensitive to.  Keep a detailed food diary, writing down what you eat each and what the baby's reactions were and when.  Most mothers find that the baby will react anywhere from 12-18 hours after mom eats the offending food.  But it can take much longer, up to 72 hours.  It takes up to 3 weeks for your body to fully rid itself of cow's milk protein so the reactions to this can persist for a while.  The two most common allergens are milk and soy, so that is a great place to start.  Eliminate foods from your diet and see what happens.  There is more information at the bottom of this page on common allergens.

What about allergy testing?
There are two main types: RAST testing and skin testing.  Many pediatricians believe that these tests are not very conclusive for children under 2 years.  Both are questionable in accuracy but can give you some helpful information. RAST test is a blood test that sees if antibodies are present in the blood to certain foods that are tested.  The presence of antibodies doesn't always mean that there will be an allergy-- so these tests are only about 50% reliable in diagnosing a food allergy-- but they can be helpful if you are trying to sort out a child's allergies.  Here's a link: http://www.pride-net.com/aac/gi007.htm

The information above came from: Infants and Babies with food allergies

Link to different types of Allergy Testing

Another symptom of allergy may be eczema. This dry scaling skin condition can look almost like the shedding of skin, and may also appear behind the ears and on the scalp. On the head, it is often misdiagnosed at home as cradle cap. If it appears behind the ears, it may look as if you are not washing the child frequently enough, but it will not wash off.

Swelling of the eyes, lips and face may also be a sign of allergic reaction. If swelling occurs, it is most important to monitor the child's breathing as the possibility of swelling in the throat also exists, and if the throat swells, it could close off the breathing passage, leading to anaphylactic shock and possibly death.

Some children will suffer breathing problems, a constant runny or dripping nose, and seemingly weeping eyes. Many undergo treatment for plugged tear ducts, or are treated for frequent colds with over-the-counter decongestants and anti-histamine combination products. Some children who have sinus problems, may develop a cough as the throat because inflamed from drainage at night and during nap times.

Even young infants who are exclusively breast-fed can exhibit signs of food allergy. More often than not, these sensitized reactions occur because of exposure in utero or during nursing in a genetically predisposed child. Moms diet is causing the allergic reaction. Most likely a factor in these instances are bovine dairy products.

An infant experiencing allergic reaction may sleep much more than is considered normal for his or her chronological age. Conversely, they may sleep little and seem to be unable to self-calm - needing almost constant attention from the parent. The child may also eat non-stop, mistaking the pains of flatulence, for the pangs of hunger. Other children will refuse to eat at all, resulting in a diagnosis of failure to thrive.

For some children, food allergy causes them to overeat, but the brain can only deal with the toxins by storing them as fat. These children will have huge bellies but emaciated legs and arms. If the reaction is to wheat gluten, they may have a peculiar rash on the buttocks and upper thighs known as DH, or dermatitis herpetiforma.

Signs and symptoms of allergy can be confusing even to the adult sufferer, and, indeed, often seem contradictory. A concerned parent, or one who has a family history of allergy, should consult with a qualified specialist who can advise her on the warning signs of allergy in infancy and who can provide him with some ideas for prevention.

The above information came from: Recognizing symptoms in infants of allergies

Having trouble getting your ZZZ's? You may need to include more magnesium in your diet. Try taking 100mg to 250 mg of magnesium in the evening, 20 minutes before bedtime. On a long-term basis, make sure you take a multivitamin that contains between 400mg-600mg of magnesium.
(found at realage.com)

Antibiotic Resistance
(after reading this article go to my forum and post your opinion)

Today, drug-resistant bacteria account for  three out of five hospital-acquired infections, affecting nearly 2 million Americans.  Germs can reproduce every half-hour. "When you hit bacteria with antibiotics, particularly at low doses, their response often is not to die but to become resistant," says Jerome Schentag, Pharm. D. "One resistance leads to another."
Scientists have stepped up development of new antibiotic. But it takes 10 years and hundreds of millions of dollars to create a new antibiotic.
Here are some ways to be conservative about taking them:
1) Do not demand or expect antibiotics. They offer no benefits in treating colds and other viral infections, the cause of 80 percent of all fevers and inflammations. Viruses, not bacteria, cause colds and flu.
Neither you nor your child needs an antibiotic for green or thick nasal mucus, a normal progression of a cold, for which antibiotics are of no use. Just because you have a few days of fever or two weeks of a sore throat or cough does not mean you've got anything more than a cold.
Avoid antibiotics for a sore throat, unless a culture or rapid strep test reveals strep throat.
"If you had an antibiotic recently, you're three to nine times more likely to have a resistant infection than someone who has not had an antibiotic," says Richard Besser, M.D.
2) Don't consider antibiotics an automatic response to ear infections. If your doctor urges painkillers and watchful waiting for a day or two, follow his advice. 
3) Finish the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better. Otherwise, you may leave behind the most virulent organisms to continue to grow and breed.
4) Stick to the small guns. "The more often a drug is used, the more likely bacteria are to develop resistance to it," says Scott Fridkin, M.D. So you are best off using the antibiotic with the smallest group of bacteria affected - one for a particular illness.
5) Do not overarm yourself with antibacterial scrubs, soaps, mouthwashes, and toys. Certain antimicrobials may kill some bacteria strains, but they also can strengthen the survivors.
"To avoid the spread of germs, wash before you eat and after you use the bathroom, change diapers, or shake hands. A lot of viral illnesses are passed hand-to-mouth," says Stuart Levy, M.D.  Closing the toilet lid before flushing prevents the spray of germs.
Dr Levy also says that "It is okay to expose kids to germs. If you confront an organism at an earlier age, you build immunity to it."
6) Lower your child's risk of ear infections by keeping him or her away from smokers. Studies show that children who are not exposed to tobacco smoke are less likely to get ear infections, says Bruce Canaday, PharmD.
7) Have your children vaccinated. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests the new vaccine Prevnar for all children under the age of 24 months. It helps prevent disease caused by the most common invasive bacterium in children: Streptococcus pneumoniae. Every year these cause meningitis, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia in children under 5.
Prevnar targets the seven strains of pneumococcus that cause up to 80 percent of all pneumococcal invasive disease in children under 6 years old in the US. These strains also are among the most antibiotic resistant.
It reduces the risk of ear infections by 10 percent, a new vaccine under development is expected to cut cases of ear infections by 30 percent in children under 6 years of age.
7) Take precautions when caring for a patient at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest  washing your hands regularly with soap and water after contact with the sick person. Use towels only once for drying. Linens should be changed and washed if soiled and on a routine schedule

.
It is important to note that most germs are not foes. They digest food, process vitamins, and protect us from bacteria that cause disease, explains Levy.
(article by Michele Meyer, taken from Better Homes and Gardens March 2001)

5 Medicine Mistakes to not Make:
1) Sharing Medicine - If you children have the same symptoms or condition, they should to share their prescription medication. Each child may require a different dose of medicine, depending on his age, weight or medical history.
2) Stopping treatment to soon - Make sure your child always takes the full cause of his medication, even if he feels better and the symptoms go away. This is especially important with antibiotics.
3) Using leftover medicine - Always check containers for expiration dates, since most medicines will gradually lose their potency and effectiveness over time. 
4) Referring to medicine as 'candy' - Children may mistake their medication for a harmless treat and swallow some when you're not around to supervise them. If your child needs medicine, it's important to explain whey, when, and for how long he'll have to take it.
5) Using the wrong dosing device - About 75% of adults use a kitchen teaspoon to dole out liquid medication, but this is not an accurate way to measure it, especially for little children. If your child's medication does not come with an oral dosing syringe or dropper, then purchase one, they are much more accurate.

Medicine-Cabinet Must-Haves
Syrup of Ipecac - Induces vomiting if a child swallows poison. Use only under the direction of a physician or poision-control center.
Thermometer -Digital ones are easier to read, all though mercury ones are slightly more accurate.
Antiseptic - Use on open wounds, such as skinned knees, scratches and minor cuts
Electrolyte solution - Helps prevent dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting. Buy solutions made especially for children such as Pedialyte or Kao Lectrolyte.
Pain reliever/fever reducer - Acetaminiophen and ibuprofen are eqaully effective for lowering fever and controlling pain.
Hydrocortisone cream - Use on minor rashes or insect bites to relieve itching. Do not use for diaper rash or chicken pox
Antihistamine - If your child has a severe allergic reaction, emergency services may recommend that you administer this.

Dosing Dos and Don'ts
Syringes and oral droppers - For infants and toddlers. Squirt medicine between the tongue and side of mouth.
Dosing Spoons - Use for older children. Gently pour the medicine into your child's mouth or allow him to sip it.
Medication cups - Use for older children. Make sure the medicine is even with the calibrated line and double check that you have poured the correct dose.

Technique Tips for Ear, Eye and Nose Drops
Eardrops - Have child lie on his side. For a child 3 or younger, pull the outer ear down and back. For a child 4 or older, pull the ear up and back. Squeeze dropper so the liquid slides slowly into the ear canal. Place a cotton ball into the outer ear for five minutes, until the medicine has been absorbed.
Eye drops or ointment - Have child sit or lie down; tilt his head backward. Gently pull down lower lid to form a small pocket. Insert the drops or squeeze a thin strip of ointment onto a gauze pad apply. Have you child shut her eyes for a minute. Always wipe ointment tube with alcohol after using.
Nose drops, spray or mist - For drops; with child lying down, slowly insert drops. Have him lie still for ten seconds and then sniff two or three times.  For spray or mist; with child seated and head tilted slightly back, insert sprayer and have him gently inhale as you squeeze.

Fever, Cold and Flu Remedies
Pain Reliever - acetaminophen, ibuprofen
       For: Fever, body aches, and pains
       Side Effects: Ibuprofen may cause stomach upset
       Misc: Infant drops are safe for babies as young as 6 months or 
               younger, if directed by a doctor.
               Never give aspirin to a child under 18 because of the risk of 
               Reye's Syndrome.
Antihistamine - 
       For: Runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing due to allergies
       Side Effects: Causes sleepiness in most children, may also cause
                           agitation or dry nose, mouth and eyes.
        Misc: Talk to your doctor before giving it to children under 6. Do not 
                 give it to an older child for more than 5 days unless directed
                 by a doctor.
Antidiarrheal and antacid -
         For: Diarrhea and other stomach upset
        Side Effects: Constipation
         Misc: Doctors generally do not recommend these for young children
Cough Syrup -
         For: Coughing associated with cold and flu
        Side Effects: Suppressants may cause drowsiness or over-
                            excitement.
         Misc: Most doctors recommend cough suppressants only before
                  bedtime to help children sleep.
Decongestant - pseudoephedrine
         For: Nasal congestion due to colds, sinus infection, allergies
         Side Effects: Hyperactivity, irritability; dry nose, mouth and eyes
         Misc: Make sure you buy the right formula for your child's age and
                  weight.

Time to bring your child to the doctor? 
(Parenting Magazine - December/January 2001)

Time to bring your child to the doctor? If so, here are some tips I found in Parenting magazine to make sure you get the most out of your child's doctor visit:
1)Time them right - coincide appointments with your child's naps or meals and see when the office is least busy so that you are not stuck in the waiting room.
2) If you think you need extra time say so - if you have issues about your child such as bed-wetting or poor eating habits, alert the staff when making the appointment that you have an important issue to discuss.
3) Feed your child before-hand or bring along a snack - having a full tummy will help your child from getting cranky and restless.
4) Dress him for success - avoid clothes that are hard to remove.
5) Head problems off at the pass - if you know your child dislikes the scale, ask the nurse if she can be weighed after the exam. If your child prefers to be examined while you hold him, ask the doctor if he can perform most of the procedures with your child in your lap.
6) Write it down - bring a list of questions so that you do not forget what you want to ask your pediatrician. Some questions you may want to consider: Is my child growing as expected?
              What changes should I see during his next stage of 
              development?
              Are his immunizations up-to-date?
7) Don't censor yourself - there is no such thing as a silly question.
8) Prepare to report - be prepared to answer questions on general topics, such as sleeping, eating and how health or behavior has changed since the last doctor visit. You will also be asked questions on milestones such as walking and toilet training.
9) Be truthful - if your child is not sleeping enough or eating the wrong kinds of food, fess up; your doctor can only make accurate judgments if your forthright with him.
10) Trust your instinct - tell your doctor if you feel something is not right with your child. And do not be afraid to be persistent, a good physician will pay attention to parental intuition.

Anatomy of a Checkup
1) Evaluate a child's height and weight to make sure they are growing properly.
2) Run hands over a baby's or toddler's head to check that the soft spots and ridges in the skull are closing properly.
3) Shine a light into eyes to track their movement, which will indicate whether the eye muscles are developing normally.
4) Check inside of ears for signs of fluid or infection and examine nasal membranes for swelling (which can indicate a cold or an allergy).
5) Look inside the mouth and throat to check for signs of infection and to make sure teeth are coming in as they should.
6) Feel the neck for any unusual growths or swollen glands.
7) Listen to the heart for any abnormal rhythms and to the lungs for wheezing or other respiratory problems.
8) Press down on the abdomen to be sure the internal organs are growing normally and that there are no abnormal masses.
9) Check the groin area for any unusual lumps, tenderness or signs of infection.
10) Evaluate posture to ensure the spine is growing straight.
11) Measure blood pressure, starting when a child is around the age of 3.
12) Take blood to check your child's hemoglobin (usually between 9 and 15 months) and do a urine analysis (starting around 24 months).

Tonsil Trouble
Doctors no longer remove problem tonsils to prevent persistent infections. The Am Academy of Pediatrics recommends that tonsils be taken out only if in a year a child has had 7 sever sore throats accompanied by fever, swollen glands, recurring ear infections, or strep; if  there is pus around the tonsils; or if tonsils do not get better after six months of antibiotics.
If a tonsillectomy is needed, there is now a new way to remove the tonsils that has recently been approved by the FDA. It uses radio-frequency energy to shrink tonsils, allowing for less pain and a speedier recovery.

Drug Warning

I found this article in the Lake Charles American Press, Nov 7, 2000.
Look for phenylpropanolamine also called PPA. The FDA advises consumers to not use PPA-containing products.  It is found in oral decongestants, but many use the safe alternative pseudoephedrine.

PPA is also the ONLY nonprescription appetite suppressant sold. The FDA recommends that you call your doctor about prescription-only alternative drugs.

Some medications PPA is found in:
Contac - 6 versions and only in one of them is the drug found in, call the manufacture at 18002451040 to find out which one if you are unsure.
Robitussin CF - stores are selling 2 versions of this and one contains PPA and the other does not. If you are confused you can call Whitehall-Robins Healthcare, which also makes PPA containing Dimetapp, at 18007624675 weekdays 9am-5pm.
Triaminic. Tavist-D and Alka Seltzer Plus - some versions of these products also contain PPA as do numerous generic and store brands.

The FDA is answering PPA questions toll-free at 1888INFOFDA. If you want to call on a direct line, which is not free, 13018274570.

Beware of Swimming Pool Illnesses.......
Who would have thought, there are dangers in swimming pools know as recreational water illnesses (RWI). They can make your child sick to his/her stomach. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued and advisory to swimmers and pool operators.
The culprit is Cryptosporidium bacterium, which can survive, even in chlorinated water, for days. The bacteria causes symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting in healthy people, but can be fatal for people with a suppressed immune system.
What you can do:
* Do not take your child to the pool if he/she has diarrhea.
* Tell your child not to swallow pool water.
* Wash your hands and your child's after using the bathroom or changing a diaper to avoid passing germs to the water.
* Do not change diapers by the pool.
* Take your child for regular bathroom breaks so that there is not  a chance of having an accident while swimming.
For more information check out the CDC's website.

Make yourself a priority!

While watching Oprah, I saw a show with Dr Phil and he spoke on how and why you need to make yourself a priority in your life.  I know it sounds impossible and far fetched, but after watching the show I began to think of how important and possible it can be. Here are some notes I took from the episode and here's the link to Oprah's site.

Ways to Make yourself a Priority Without Feeling Selfish

1. Get over the guilt of making yourself a priority.
    - Leaving yourself 100% focused on your family leaves you bankrupt. You can not only withdraw from yourself, you must put in a deposit. (Think of yourself as a bank account.)
    - When you do not take care of yourself your family misses out and gets a tired shell of a person instead of all of you since you have nothing left to give.
    - Feel guilty for denying yourself joy and pleasure out of life.
    - Being a Mom is enhanced by you taking care of yourself.

2. Structure your life to make yourself a priority.
    -Make an appointment with yourself just as you would for a doctor's appointment.
    - You are a leader so learn how to delegate. Give your spouse and children things to do to help you out around the house.
    - Accept less than perfection. By letting someone else do a task you do, accept 70% instead of 100% and enjoy a bubble bath or reading a magazine.
    - You need friendship! It's actually even important for your health to have a friend that you can go to and confide in, it helps you to relieve stress. Allow yourself time to have friends.

3. Find your passions and make them a priority.
    - List things that you used to enjoy doing and ask yourself why you stopped.
    - Try out all of the things on the list to help you find a passion.
    - By finding a passion it will light you up and in turn you will come home with a new glow and a new look on life and pass it on to your family.
    -Go way back to the happiest time in your life and find a passion that gives you that sense of happiness. The feeling of being excited and fulfilled.

4. Gain the support of your family.
    - Sit your family down and tell them:
  I want to talk about me. I have been cheating all of us, you have not been getting all of me.  I am sorry, but I can not give you what I do not have. (For example: hope, happiness, joy, peace.) I need to do something for myself. I need you to help me. I need to you to say let me help.
 If I do not get some downtime, I will wear myself out.

I hope this helps you to find some true happiness and peace in your life. I am working on doing this for myself. I started out by doing something as simple as walking in the morning before my children get up and reading a magazine while they play outside.

While reading in Parenting Magazine this month I ran across and article that made me stop and think, when was the last time you talked to some of your other friends including those that do not have children? We all seem to get in a rut and only speak to one or two friends.
Here are some ways to stay in touch:
1) Don't wait for a crisis. Send cards, notes, emails or pick up the phone.
2) Do a little 'do'. Schedule informal get-togethers at home and get a sitter for the children.
3) Curb the baby talk. Your childless friends are not going to want to hear about children the whole time you are together.

12 Habits of an Effective Mom

1. Praise positive behavior.
2. Find time for yourself - spiritually, physically and emotionally.    Take 30 minutes for yourself - read a book, take a bath, call a friend, pray, journal.
3. When the going gets tough, step away from it all.   Step back from what has happened so that you can respond to the incident rather than react to it.
4. Stay in synch with your husband and speak only with respect to and about each other.    This will give our children a stable home-life.
5. Make special time for your children.    Read a book, play with them outside, color, play a game.  Taking 30 min to an hour of undivided attention will make the biggest difference in their behavior, after all they thrive for you attention.
6. Keep current with the news.    I tend to put the news on in the morning while I am getting the children and I ready. This way you can stay up on current events.
7. Speak to your children on a level slightly higher than their own, this will help them develop a great vocabulary and language skills.
8. Remember the good things that your mom did and do them.
9. Let your children hear you say only good things about others.    After all, children mirror our behavior.
10. Read to your children daily.    This allows their imagination to soar and it becomes a special time between you and your child.
11. Foster a hobby/interest or 2.   If your child sees you making time for a special activity, it is more likely that he/she will find a favorite hobby or past time.
12. Start early teaching your children prayer, money management, virtues, etiquette and to think of others feelings first.
(This was written by Mia Cornan. Read the entire article by clicking here. It really makes you stop and think and re-evaluate your priorities.)

Finding a Balance in your Life:
 
You don't need to be busy every minute of the day. Stay home with your family. Don't make a commitment unless it is important to you. Get in the habit of saying no to things you don't want to, or don't have time to do (and don't feel guilty about it.) Consider hiring household help if that's an option for you. Don't be a slave to the phone -- that's what answering machines are for. Remember your priorities.

Focus on the positive. 
Take a look around you. What do you have to be grateful for? Taking the time each day to write down at least five things you are thankful for, will serve as a powerful reminder of just how much is going right with your life!

Play. 
When we allow our leisure time to decrease, we may see that our relationships begin to suffer. Take time out to play. Read with your child, get down on the floor and build with Legos, play tag, watch a favorite movie together, or share a cup of tea and some good conversation with your teen. Really be there for that moment. Show your family with one-on-one time how important they are to you.

Share the load. 
Partners and children can help out. Sit down, and decide as a family where the household cleaning priorities lie, and assign jobs. Do you really care if your blinds haven't been dusted in a month? Does anyone else in your family notice, or care? Giving your children age-appropriate duties helps them to develop self-reliance. Sharing the load will result in more time for everyone. Order adds to a calm, peaceful environment within your home.

Don't neglect yourself. 
A body that is well taken care of is much more easily able to deal with the stresses of everyday life. Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get the rest your body needs. It's the advice our mothers gave us, and it still works today.

When something needs to be done, just do it. 
Stop procrastinating. Avoidance takes more energy than actually doing. Even if you are feeling very reluctant to begin a project, once you're in motion you'll forget your initial concerns. It may help to start out with the simplest part, and ease into the most challenging. Get started!

*Finding a balance in your life is an ongoing process. Life is in a constant state of change -- a work in progress. Allow yourself the time to regularly reassess the direction in which you are heading. Are you on track, or have you temporarily derailed? Patiently, but steadfastly work toward your goals. Follow your dreams. *
(found at parentsplace.com)

18 ways to pamper yourself!
(taken from parentsplace.com)

Find the Perfect Bra
We all hate wearing them, but since we must here is a way to make sure you are wearing the right size bra!
To determine your band size, measure around your rib cage just under your breasts. If the number is odd, add 5 inches; if it's even, add four.
To get your cup size, measure the fullest part of the bust, then subtract your band size. The difference defines your cup size. If it is one inch, you should wear an A; two inches B....
Try on several bras, make sure that the band does not ride up, your breasts do not spill out, the band is level in front and back and you feel great.
(taken from O magazine)

Just a Mother??

       A few months ago, when I was picking up the children at school,
another mother I knew well rushed up to me. She was fuming with indignation. 
"Do you know what you and I are?" she demanded.
       Before I could answer and I didn't really have one handy...she blurted
out the reason for her question. It seems she had just returned from renewing
her driver's license at The County Clerk's office. Asked by the woman
recorder to state her occupation, Emily had hesitated, uncertain how to
classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a
job, or are you just . . ."
       "Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a mother."  "We don't
list 'mother' as an occupation...'housewife' covers it," said the recorder
emphatically.
        

 I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the
same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The clerk was
obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high-sounding
title like  "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar." 
       "What is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it, I do not
know. The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations." The clerk paused, ball-point pen
frozen in
midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title
slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared
with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the
official questionnaire.
       "Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what do you do
in your field?"
        Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself
reply, "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't) in the
laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out).
        I'm working for my Masters (the entire family) and already have four
credits (all daughters)."  "Of course, the job is one of the most demanding
in the humanities (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work14 hours a
day (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most
run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather
than just money ."
       There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
      

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new
career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7, and 3.
        Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model (6 months) in
the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.  I
felt triumphant! I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the
official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind
than "just another mother."
      

 Motherhood...what a glorious career!

A Letter to the Children

Dear Kids,

Don't be alarmed; the world isn't coming to an end. I am simply taking a
bath. It will take about 30 minutes and will involve soap and water. Yes, I
know how to swim. Even if I didn't, forcing myself to drown in a half-inch of
lukewarm water
is more work than I've got energy for. (Which reminds me, I'm all for science
projects, but the next time you want to see if Play-Doh floats, use cold
water.)

Don't panic if I'm not out right on time. I've heard that people don't
dissolve in water and I'd like to test the theory. While I'm in the tub, I'd
like you to remember a few things:

The large slab of wood between us is called a door. Do not bang on it to hear
my voice. I promise that even though you can't see me, I am on the other
side. I'm not digging an escape tunnel and running for the border, no matter
what I said a while ago, I didn't mean it. Honest...

There will be plenty of time later to tell me about your day. Later means at
a time when I am no longer naked and wet and contemplating bubble gum in the
blow dryer. I know you have important things to tell me. Please let one of
them be that you have invented a new way to blow bubbles, not a new way to
add gum to your hair.

Believe it or not, shouting, "TELEPHONE!" through the closed bathroom door
will not make the phone stop ringing. Answer it and take a message. Since
Amazing Mind-Reading Mom has the day off, you'll need to write that message
down. Use paper and a pencil. Do not use your brother and the laundry marker.
We can't send him to school with telephone-number tattoos.

Water makes me wet, not deaf. I can still tell the difference between the
sound of "nothing" and the sound of a child playing the piano with a
basketball. I can also hear you tattling at the top of your lungs. I'm
choosing not to answer you. Don't call your dad at work and tell him I am
unconscious in the bathroom. He didn't appreciate it last time. He won't
appreciate it this time. Trust me...

No matter how much I would like it, water does not make me forgetful. I
remember who you are and why you are grounded. No, you can't go to Shelby's
house to play. No, you can't go to Shelby's house to use the bathroom. If
someone is in our other bathroom, you will just have to think dry thoughts
and wait.

Unless you have four feet and a tail, do not think of going outside to
"water" the lawn. I know the dog does it. The neighbors don't feel the need
to call
me when the dog does it.

Unless the house catches on fire, stay inside and keep the doors locked. Do
not go outside and throw rocks at the bathroom window to get my attention. I
know it works in the movies. This is reality, the place where people don't
like to sit in a tub while rocks and broken glass rain in on them.

Do not set the house on fire.

Call me if there is an emergency.

Emergencies are:

1. Dad has fallen off the roof.
2. Your brother and/or sister is bleeding.
3. There's a red fire truck in front of our house.

Emergencies are not:

1. Dad has fallen asleep.
2. Someone on TV is bleeding.
3. There's a red pickup truck in front of our house.

One other thing: Being forced to use the last roll of toilet paper for a
towel does not make me happy. It makes me sticky with little white polka
dots. In the future, when the tub overflows, use a mop to clean up the water
instead of every towel in the house. For my sanity's sake, let's pretend it
was the tub, O.K.? No, I don't want to hear the real story. Ever. Especially
not while I'm standing in the pool
of water you missed. (P.S. All Play-Doh experiments are canceled...
indefinitely!)
Be good. Entertain yourselves. Yes, you can do both at the same time. Try
coloring, playing a game, or paying that stack of bills on the coffee table.
I'll be out soon. Maybe.

Love,

Mom

RESIGNATION

I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult. I have decided I
would like to accept the responsibilities of an 8 year-old again.

I want to go to McDonald's and think that it's a four star restaurant.

I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and make a sidewalk with
rocks.

I want to think M&Ms are better than money because you can eat them.

I want to lie under a big oak tree and run a lemonade stand with my friends
on a hot summer's day.

I want to return to a time when life was simple; When all you knew were
colors, multiplication tables, and nursery rhymes, but that didn't bother
you, because you didn't know what you didn't know and you didn't care.

All you knew was to be happy because you were blissfully unaware of all the
things that should make you worried or upset.

I want to think the world is fair.  That everyone is honest and good.

I want to believe that anything is possible. I want to be oblivious to the
complexities of life and be overly excited by the little things again.

I want to live simple again. I don't want my day to consist of computer
crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news, how to survive more days in
the month than there is money in the bank, doctor bills, gossip, illness, and
loss of loved ones.

I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice,
peace, dreams, the imagination, mankind, and making angels in the snow.

So . . . here's my checkbook and my car-keys, my credit card bills and my
401K statements. I am officially resigning from adulthood.

And if you want to discuss this further, you'll have to catch me first,
cause........
......"Tag! You're it."

If I had my life to live over
By: Erma Bombeck

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten  popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about the grass stains.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a  holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later, Now go get washed dup for dinner."

There would have been more "I love yous"...more "I'm sorrys"...but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute....look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.

In memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.

WHEN GOD MADE MOMS
By the time the Lord made mothers, he was
into his sixth day of working overtime. An   angel
appeared & said, "Why are you spending so
much time on this one?"                                                                                                                                                                                                               

The Lord answered & said, 'Have you seen
the spec sheet on her? She has to be  completely
washable, but not plastic; have 200 moveable
parts, all replaceable; run on black coffee   &
leftovers; have a lap that can hold three
children at one time & that disappears when
she stands up;  have a kiss that can cure anything
from a scraped knee  to a broken heart; & six
pairs of hands.
The angel was astounded at the requirements
for this one.
"Six pairs of hands! No way!" said  the angel.

The Lord replied, "Oh, it's not the hands
that are the problem,  it's the three pairs of
eyes that mothers  must have."

"And that's just on the standard model?"
the angel asked.

The Lord nodded in agreement, "Yep, one
pair of eyes are to  see through the closed door
as she asks her children   what they are doing,
even though she already  knows. Another pair
in the back of her  head are to see what she
needs to know even  though no one thinks she
can and the third  pair are here in the front of
her head. They  are for looking at an errant
child & saying  that she understands & loves
him or her without  even saying a single word."

The angel tried to stop the Lord,  This is too much work for
one day. Wait until  tomorrow to finish."

"But I can't," the Lord protested. "I am so  close to finishing
this creation that is so close  to my own heart.
She already heals herself when  she is sick AND can feed a family of six on a  pound of hamburger
AND can get a nine year  old to stand in the  shower.."

The angel moved closer & touched the woman. "But you have made  her so soft, Lord."

"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have
also made her  tough. You have no idea what
she can endure or  accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?" asked the   angel..
The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able
to think, she  will be able to reason & negotiate."

The angel then noticed something & reached
out & touched  the woman's cheek. "Oops, it
looks like you have  a leak with this model.
I told you that you  were trying to put too much
into this one."

"That's not a leak," the Lord objected.
"That's a tear!"

"What's a tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of  expressing her joy, her sorrow, her disappointment,  her pain, her loneliness,
her grief & her pride."

The angel was impressed. "You are a genius,  Lord..
You thought of everything. WOMEN  are truly amazing."

Check out the 'Good Wife's Guide', it is from Housekeeping Monthly May 1955. It will give you a good laugh! Click on the picture for it to pull up.

Food For Thought
First plant five rows of Peas:
Prayer, Perseverance, Politeness, Promptness and Purity.
Next, plant three rows of Squash:
Squash Gossip, Squash doubt, and Squash indifference.
Then plant five rows of Lettuce:
Let us be faithful to duty, Let us be gentle, Let us be unselfish, Let us follow wisdom, and Let us love life.
Finally, no garden is complete without Turnips:
Turn up with a smile, Turn up with new ideas, and Turn up with determination to make everything you do count for something good and worthwhile!

Give us your tips on the forum!

Trying to cut down on salt in your diet?

10 Spices and Herbs to flavor foods rather than salt:

Allspice: For lean gd meats, stews, tomatoes, peaches, applesauce, cranberry sauces, gravies

Basil: For fish, lamb, lean gd meats, stews, salads, soups, sauces, fish cocktails.

Bay Leaves: For lean meats, stews, poultry, soups, tomatoes.

Chives: For salads, sauces, soups, lean meat dishes, vegetables.

Cider vinegar: For salads, vegetables, sauces.

Dill: For fish sauces, soups, tomatoes, cabbages, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, cucumbers, potatoes, salads, macaroni, lean beef, lamb, chicken, fish.

Garlic (not garlic salt): For lean meats, fish, soups, salads, vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes.

Here is MSNBC's calorie calculator; you will be surprised at how many calories you can actually burn in a day!      

TEN HIGH ENERGY SNACK IDEAS
(Click for the rest of the article)
       
Big Bowl of Fruit
Baby carrots (10) and hummus (1/4 cup)
Baked corn chips (1oz) with low-fat bean dip (1/4 cup) and salsa
Non-fat vanilla yogurt (8 oz) and strawberries (1/4 cup)
Sliced turkey (2oz) w/ tomato and lettuce in 1/2 whole wheat pita
Almonds (1/4 cup) and dried fruit (1/4 cup)
Apple (1 medium) with peanut butter (1 Tbs.)
Brown rice cake with peanut butter (1 Tbs) and a touch of jam
Hard boiled egg and an orange
Baked sweet potato (1/2 medium — cold is ok) with 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
Whole grain cereal, like cheerios (3/4 cup) with skim milk
Lentil or bean soup (1 1/2 cup) (Nile Spice and Fantastic Foods “just add water” bean soup cups are good to have around)
 

RETRAIN YOUR APPETITE
Fitness Magazine  May 2001

Eat Smart Strategies

1)      Want to eat, eat, eat all day long:
a)      Cause – Eating a diet to low in fat and protein. Fat and protein help you to feel full, which limit overeating, according to studies.  Reconsider eating fat free muffins for breakfast and ordering meals prepared with out butter or cholesterol.    If that is not the problem, lack of sleep could be the problem. Little sleep can boost your appetite and as a result add pounds.
b)      Fix – Get 20 to 30 percent of your total calories from unsaturated fat sources (nuts, olives, seeds and fish).   Make sure every meal is high in protein and packed with fiber. For breakfast try stuffing an egg-white omelet with chopped vegetables; for lunch, slice a grilled chicken breast and serve over a big green salad.   Make it a priority to get more sleep. Set a time for bed that allows you to get at least 7 hours of sleep.

2)      Never have an appetite for breakfast:
a)      Cause – You have a get up and go routine, so your body does not have a chance to get hungry in the morning. By skipping breakfast it keeps your metabolism at a snail’s pace, which means our burn fewer calories all day long!
b)     Fix – Get into a breakfast schedule, train yourself to drink a glass of milk or 100% juice before you step out the door. Then the next week add another food group like whole-grain cereal or hard-boiled egg. The next week add a protein or carbohydrate (the opposite of what you picked the week before).  Have your breakfast laid out in your refrigerator so that it is ready for you to eat. It will take about 4 weeks to get into a habit, but it will benefit you and your metabolism in the long run.

3)      4 pm Snack Attack:
a)      Cause – You naturally feel hungry a few hours after lunch is digested.
b)     Fix – Eat something healthy. For a healthy snack try these 2 acronyms, CAT (an ounce of cheese, a small apple and a Thirst quencher (water or flavored seltzer) or EAT (hard-boiled egg, small apple and a thirst quencher).

4)      Hungry during that time of the month:
a)      Cause – It is not your imagination; you have a real increase in calorie needs. You body is driven to eat more because it is preparing for pregnancy. So, you need 100 more calories a day.
b)     Fix – Stick with your normal diet but add a 100-calorie snack. A few good options, 2 ¾ cup of strawberries, 12 baby carrots dipped in two tablespoons of fat-free dressing, two cups of air-popped popcorn, have a cantaloupe or two kiwi’s.   If you have the urge for chocolate stay within the 100 calorie mark.

5)      Don’t eat all day, but can not stop eating at night:
a) Cause – Stress. In response to stress you body secretes cortisol, a hormone that initially encourages your body to burn stored fat. Problem is that    when the stress leaves the cortisol’s mandate changes. It now stores fat that is took away earlier. This causes you to want to raid the refrigerator.
b)     Fix – If you anticipate a stressful day, plan your meals ahead of time. Make yourself and appointment to eat and bring the food with you. Have healthy snacks like whole-grain (low-sugar) granola bars or crackers and nuts, they contain the vitamin B₆  will boost your production of serotonin, a calming brain neurotransmitter.

How safe is the food you eat?????

Deli Meats or Ready-to-eat Meats:
Ready-to-eat meats such as, bologna, ham, salami, turkey, hot dogs, etc.
These are at risk of being contaminated by listeria.
 - Pregnant women should avoid these unless they cook them first
 - Make sure when you purchase them they are cold
 - Keep for only 2 - 3 days
 - ALWAYS cook your hot dogs, do not eat them right out of the package!

Dangers in Deli Products and Eggs:
 Salmonella - found in eggs and milk products
 Listeria - found in unpasturized milk and soft cheeses
 Staphylococcus - found in eggs
Milk:
 - Best to buy it in the carton. The translucent containers allow light in and will cause the milk to spoil more easily and quickly.
 - Take milk from the back of the case 
 - Store milk in the back of the refrigerator (never on the door)
 - Keep milk for only 1 week after opening it, no matter what the 'sell by' date is.
Yogurt:
 - Do not keep more than  7 - 10 days after buying it.
Cheese:
Block Cheese - blocks of hard cheese can last  3 - 4 weeks after opening. If it has mold on it, you can cut off 1 square inch around the mold then eat it.
Softer Cheeses - such as feta, bleu, brie, etc. are more dangerous, especially for pregnant women, children and elderly. The softer the cheese, the more chance there is that it is

Produce:
Produce products are at risk from:
 - Contamination from the soil it was grown in
 - Contamination from water it was rinsed in during processing
 - Pesticides used in production
It is safer to purchase produce in season.
 - When shopping for produce, make sure it has been kept cool and is replenished often. If you buy from a farmers market, get there early.
 - Buy loose produce rather than packaged.
 - Avoid any signs of mold, do not buy more than you are going to use - it does not last that long.
 -Raw fruits and vegetables - can last 1 week. Throw cooked produce away after  3 - 4 days.
Cleaning:
 - Rinse all produce even those with rinds or peels.
 - Rinse under cold water for at least 20 seconds, and use a nail brush on things like carrots, zucchini or squash. With something like lettuce, remove the entire outer layer.

Juice:
 - Make sure your juice is always pasteurized.

2 Issues to be aware of:
Alfalfa Sprouts - Raw alfalfa sprouts have been linked to E. coli. If you purchase them, make sure the buds are attached, rinse them under cold water and whenever possible cook them first.
Baked Potatoes - Cooking a bake potato in foil causes moisture to build up which can then harbor harmful bacteria. It is still okay to cook a potato this way, but you should either eat it or refrigerate it right away - do not let it sit around.

FOOD SAFETY LINKS:
* Food safety tips from   Home Food Safety
* Food safety from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Chill out. A child may act like he’s going on 16
but still have the judgment of a 10-year-old,
and so he needs structure and guidance. That
means following rules, such as going to bed
at nine o’clock or wearing a bike helmet.
When appropriate, make exceptions — allow him to
stay up an extra hour on weekends, for instance.
By enjoying small privileges, he may be less
resentful when you have to stick to your guns.

Parenting Magazine, October 1998

Books, Websites and Hotlines that will help you with your teen!

Books:

Ask Me If I Care -- by Nancy Rubin
Parent-Teen Breakthrough -- by Mira Kirshenbaum and Charles Foster
Parenting Teens with Love and Logic -- by Foster Cline, M.D. and Jim Fay
Positive Discipline for Teenagers -- by Jane Nelson and Lynn Loft
Those Turbulent Teen Years: Hope for Parents -- by Jeenie Gordon

Websites:

Parentingteens.com
Teenagerstoday.com
Parent-Teen.com
Parentingadolescents.com
Parentsandteens.com

Hotlines:

Teen Help -- 800-637-0701
Youth Crisis Hotline -- 800-448-4663
National Runaway Hotline -- 800-621-4000
National Drug Abuse Hotline -- 800-662-4357
CDC AIDS Information -- 800-342-2437
Al Anon -- 888-4AL-ANON
Tough Love International - 800-333-1069
Grief Recovery Helpline -- 888-773-2683
Planned Parenthood -- 800-230-PLAN
(taken from Working Mother magazine Aug 2001)

6 steps to Discipline that work!
1) Be Consistent - Inconsistency turns kids into opportunists. They are not sure of what they can get away with, so they try to get away with whatever they can. However, when they know what you expect of them and what will happen when they disobey they learn how to predict the outcome of their choices. They hardest part of consistency is to NEVER give in, you must stick with the rules you have set. Make sure your child knows the rules and the consequences that will follow for misbehaving.
2) Never Belittle a Child - Calling your child names and labeling them only undo self-esteem. Limit your criticism to the behavior. Focus on good behavior, this will cause them to act the way you want. Children love to please.
3) Discipline with Praise - Discipline means to teach. Give your child praise whenever they perform as task, such as picking up their toys. This gives positive feedback and lets them know how you want them to behave. However do not give conditional praise, such as 'you did a great job picking up your toys, why don't you do that every night?'  You child will only recall the criticism.
4) Control Yourself - Controlling your anger will help with discipline. If you are really angry and want to yell, take yourself out of the situation and calm down. Once you have calmed down you can make an objective decision about what has happened. However, if you do happen to scream at your child, apologize.
5) Teach Consequences - Teach your child that consequences are both positive and negative. For example, telling your child, if they behave in the store they will get to go to the library afterwards. This way if they misbehave, you will not have time for the library because it took to long at the store and it allows them to see the results of their actions. However, when you need to punish for a behavior, make sure and connect it to the misbehavior.
6) Convey your Values - The reason you are correcting misbehavior is to have your children grow up to be good people. In order to have your values stick out, try to cut back on the nagging. Have disciple methods coincide with the values you want to instill, for example, if you want your child to help out around the house because it is the right thing to do, then think twice before paying them. 
(Taken from Parents magazine Feb 2001)

Snappy Comebacks:
Your child says: But she started!
You say: Well, that is between you and your sister. I know you two can work this out together. Meanwhile, I am going finish supper.
Strategy: Stay out of it. They are practicing their social skills.

You child says: It's not fair!
You say: I know you feel that way, but this is how its is going to be.
Strategy: Telling them life is not fair, is not what they want to hear.

Your child says: You love her more than you love me.
You say: No, I don't. You both drive me crazy.
Strategy: Avoid a debate that you just can not win,

Your child says: But Mary's mom lets her watch this show.
You say: I know you are feeling frustrated, but different houses have different rules.
Strategy: Identify and label the emotion while sticking to your guns.

Your child says: It's my homework, and I'll do in when I want to.
You say: You're absolutely right. But, of course the TV won't go on until you are done.
Strategy: Grit your teeth and let him take the consequences. If it becomes a pattern, go see the teacher.

Here are some yummy snacks to keep handy in the car for your children:

Popcorn Balls: Mix sugar, water and corn syrup together in a pot.  Heat and stir mixture until it reaches a semi-thick consistency.  Pour in popped popcorn and form into apricot-sized balls.

Carbo-Boost: In little baggies put a mixture of Teddy Grahams, animal crackers, and goldfish.  A whole zoo full of animal fun!

Veggie Pack: Purchase those little carrot sticks and small containers of ranch dressing - a kids favorite - for dipping.

Sweet Potato Chips: Very taste and not as greasy and fatty as potato chips. Click here for the recipe.

With Spring right around the corner it is time to start gardening!

Have some fun with your child through gardening. Children love to watch things grow, especially if they had a part in planting and caring for the plant.
Here are some tips I found to get you and your child ready to make their own garden:
The ABC's of Gardening
A is for Attention span:  Choose vegetables and flowers that bloom/harvest quickly. Radishes are especially quick, with good results in usually a few weeks. Other favorites of children are huge flowers (ex. sunflowers) and small vegetables (ex. cherry tomatoes). Try plants that come in surprising colors like purple carrots, striped beets, rainbow chard and 'Easter Egg' radishes. (By growing some of these vegetables you may get your child to eat more vegetables since they grew them!)
B is for bugs: Ladybugs are great kid-friendly garden helpers. They eat aphids, mealy bugs, leafhoppers, and other pests in the egg and larval stages, reducing the need for pest controls. 
C is for chemical free: Garden insecticides and other chemicals can be very harmful to children. Organic fertilizers, such as compost, and natural pest controls are the only choice for safety.
D is for definition: Define your garden with a boundary. A fence, planting bed or rock wall will help the young gardener feel a since of propriety, while keeping pets and other critters from damaging your child's hard work.
E is for easy start: Setting out transplants provides instant gratification, while sowing seeds for the future teaches important lessons for life. 

Kidsgardening.com has a lot of great ideas on starting a garden at home or at school.
If your child likes butterflies you may want to consider a Butterfly Garden. Plant monarda, butterfly weed and salvia to attract them. Then plant parsley, dill and thistles for them to eat.
Another  fun thing would be planting 'Night Bloomers',  flowers that only bloom in the evening and at night. For example, the evening primrose open up at 4:00.
Children love to cut flowers, some good cutting flowers are cosmos, snapdragons, salvia, zinnia, coleus and celosia.
Go to the bottom of this link for plants that bloom all summer long.
Visit the garden daily with your children and help them in feeding the plants, watering and weeding.
Here are some neat ideas for a theme garden.

Happy Gardening!!!

How to get the most out of board games
* Teach basic strategy - when playing with your child explain why you picked a certain card or moved to the blue square.
* Stick (mostly) to the rules - it is fine if he makes up new ones at the beginning of the game, but generally enforce them once they are set.
* Do not always let her win -  a preschooler should learn the taste of victory so that he does not get discouraged, but always allowing him to win will do him a disservice.
* When you child is playing with a friend - consider joining in the first game or two to make sure everyone agrees on the rules.
* If you see you child putting one over on a  playmate - wait until the friend leaves, if the friend does not notice and set your child straight.

Is your child overweight? Here are some ways to help him/her out:

(taken from Parents Mag Jan 2002)

Some other things to consider:

1. Do not purchase a lot of junk food. When you buy chips, purchase one bag and limit your child to a handful.  If you have candy only let them have a few pieces a day.

2. Serve healthy, yet tasty, meals. Try to stay away from fried foods and fast foods.

3. Keep healthy snacks around.  Have your child try our different fruits and vegetables and keep them on hand.  Even make a dip for them to use. (For vegetables, mix fat free sour cream with a ranch packet.  For fruit, mix fat free cream cheese with fat free whip cream).

4. Encourage your child to go outside and ride his/her bike and you can walk/run along side them.

These tips will even help you to shed a few unwanted pounds.

Allergy Triggers and Prevention

Top Food Triggers:

Home and Food Allergens:

Sneeze Proof Your Children:

Safety at home to prevent burns:
Kitchen :
1. When cooking outside, establish a 5 foot "no" zone around the grill.
2. Cook on your stoves back burners and turn the handles toward the back, out of reach.
3. Purchase appliances with short electrical cords and don't let them dangle over the counter.
4. Keep hot food out of children's reach.
5. Do not keep a table cloth on the table if you have a small child that is crawling.
6. Install safety latches on lower cabinet doors to keep toxic and caustic household products out of reach.  These cause chemical burns.
7. Store matches out of reach and never leave a candle unattended.

Bathroom :
1. Keep hot curling irons, rollers and hair dryers unplugged and out of reach.
2. Install a scald guard on faucets and showerheads.  Set the thermostat to 120 F or lower.

Every Room :
1. Cover electrical outlets with safety plugs.
2. Keep children away from fireplaces, radiators and space heaters.
3. Install smoke detectors in every sleeping area and keep fire extinguishers on every floor.  Check batteries twice a year.
(Taken from Parenting Oct 2001)

Do's and Don'ts for when you child gets burned:
Do hold burned area under cool running water for at least 2 to 5 minutes, aim for 15.
Don't  apply ice, ice packs or very cold water.

Do  apply aloe vera cream or gel or a topical anesthetic if the burn is minor.
Don't  use butter, petroleum jelly, skin cream, or oil; they may slow healing and raise infection.

Do treat a chemical burn by removing contaminated clothes and rinsing affected area for 20 minutes; if eyes are splashed, flush with water for 5 minutes and seek medical attention. If you are unsure of what to do call your poison control center or visit the emergency room.
Don't try to neutralize with another chemical. This could burn the skin further.

Do cover a burn with lint-free gauze.
Don't use cotton balls or adhesive dressings. These can stick and raise the risk of infection.

Do allow skin to heal on its own after you have cleaned and dressed the burned area.
Don't break blisters. Skin may become infected.
(from Parenting Oct 2001)

Halloween Safety Tips:

1. Watch for dangerous drivers. Trick or Treat in an area that is quiet and your child has a sidewalk to walk on.
2. Make your child visible. Use reflective stickers and glow-in-the-dark tape on costumes and treat bags. Bring a flashlight.
3. Provide Identification. Pin a label on the inside of your child's costume with his/her name, phone number and address.
4. Inspect all treats. Check all your child's loot including fruit for tampering.
(Tips found in parenting Oct 2001)

How to talk to your kids about Tuesday's terrorist attacks

As much as we try to protect our children from frightening news reports, there is likely no child in America who escaped the horror of seeing or hearing about Tuesday morning's terrorist attacks around the country. As you struggle to handle your own feelings about this unthinkable tragedy, consider these tips for talking with your children. How you respond to their fears, feelings, and questions is the key to helping them feel safe again.

Turn off the TV. Don't let your own desire to keep up with the news get in the way of your children's well-being. Even if your children are very young, the continual commentary, frightening speculation, and repeated replaying of the disasters on TV will only fuel their fears and insecurities, not to mention your own.

Try to control your response — it matters more than anything. If you're overcome by fear and sadness, your kids, even if they're very young, will pick up on that and it will make them feel even more scared. It's okay to share some of your feelings. You can let them know that you, too, feel sad for the children and families that have been affected. But also share any tips you have for dealing with your feelings: "I just keep reminding myself that my friends and family are safe and that there are lots of police, firemen, and others who are busy trying to protect us."

This will be easier to do if you have someone, such as a friend, clergy, or therapist, who can listen to your fears so you don't pass them along in the discussion with your child.

Reassure, reassure, reassure. If you're faced with a question you just can't answer, remember that the most important thing you can do for your children is reassure them that you'll do everything you can to keep them and the rest of your family (including yourself) safe. Tell them it's the job of the grown-ups around them to protect him. Assure them that you, their teachers or caregivers, and the other adults around them care about them and will do everything possible to keep them safe. Tell your kids that a lot of people are thinking about safety and working hard to prevent more violence.

Be available; let your children ask questions. It may be tempting to say, "Everything is fine. We're far away from the explosions and nothing will happen to us." But that can sound dismissive to your child if you aren't also addressing his specific concerns. The best thing you can do is listen to his questions and continually reassure him. If you're at work during the day, give your child the number and let him call you whenever he's worried about something.

Ask your children what their biggest fears are, and encourage them to talk about them. If they're having trouble articulating them, consider these common fears after a disaster or tragedy, and try to address them even if your children don't mention them specifically:

- The event will happen again.
- Someone they care about will be injured or killed.
- They will be separated from the family.
- They will be left alone.

Keep in mind, too, that it's also common for children to express concern for people they don't know. Be supportive of these concerns.

Play with children who can't talk yet. If you have a child who is too young to ask detailed questions or express his feelings, that doesn't mean he isn't fearful or worried by the atmosphere around him. To help a young child express his feelings get on the floor and start playing — puppet shows, drawing pictures, and reading books can help small children get those emotions out. If your child draws pictures and then wants to tear them up, that's okay. It's a perfectly natural, physical way to deal with frustration and anxiety.

You might also consider setting up a play situation where your child can scare you. "If you then act really scared but in a lighthearted way, he'll be able to laugh about seeing someone bigger in a vulnerable position," family therapist Alison Ehara-Brown says. "This will help him regain a sense of power and allow him to work out his fears."

Get back to your family routine as soon as possible. Children of all ages thrive on routine. It doesn't make sense to pretend that life is normal if your family has been deeply affected by large events, but the groove of their daily lives — dinner, bath, reading time — can be tremendously reassuring to children. If your children are home from school for one or more days, try to keep them on a weekend schedule of meals, playtime, etc.

Consider how you can help. Children are better able to regain their sense of power and security if they feel they can help in some way. Right now, the best thing you can do is follow instructions. If there's no school today, explain to your kids that they can help emergency workers and police protect them better if they stay home and out of the way.

In the coming days we'll learn more about what's needed. It may be food or clothing donations, blood, or even financial support. Asking your children to gather some old clothes, toys, or food and packaging it up together will give them a sense of helping others that will go a long way toward making them feel better.

Taken from ParentCenter.com

Predict the height of your children:
Click here!
You will need to know your height and the father's height. 

What can you do with all your children 's art work'?

Here are a few ideas that I found in Southern Living:
- Purchase a plan wooden frame (or make one if you are really crafty) and glue a ribbon onto the frame then place your child's art work in it.
- In your child's room or in the laundry room hang up a clothes line and clip the art with colorful plastic clothespins.
- Copy the art onto an 11X17 sheet of paper; laminate it for placemats.
- Laminate smaller art and attach on adhesive magnetic strip for a refrigerator magnet.
- Cover one wall of your child's room or playroom with cork and use it as a gallery.
- Take watercolor pictures and laminate them then link 3 or 4 together with metal rings and hang them with a ribbon.
- Purchase precut mat boards and put the picture behind it and fasten the two together with colorful spring clips. Rest them on  easels or lean against each other on a mantel.

After you have accumulated a lot of art work, lay some out and take a picture then allow your child to only keep a few favorites.

Tangles-- how to prevent and undo them
Prevention:
1) Keep your child's hair clean - Wash and condition it at least every other day. Shampoo-conditioner shampoos are not as effective because they do not condition well.
2) Brush often - Run a brush through your child's hair in the morning and before bedtime. For thick hair, use a brush with long bristles.
3) Tie it up - If your child has long hair, you should consider braiding at bedtime or before she goes outside to play.
Undo a knot:
1) Have your child sit where she is comfortable, this way she is less likely to squirm.
2) Apply a detangling spray, such as Johnson's Kids No More Tangles. It will make it easier to work with.
3) Choose a wide tooth comb.
4) With one hand, hold the hair above the problem spot so your child will not feel you tugging. With your other hand, slip a comb into the very bottom of the knot. Slowly comb your way upward until you have untangled the knot.
5) If your child starts to get restless, take a break and try again later.
6) If it is a really bad one, it is okay to cut it out. Your child's hair will grow back before you know it.

Is your child a Nail Bitter?
Here are a few ways to help them stop the habit:
1) Do not draw to much attention to the problem, instead praise your child everyday he/she leaves their nails alone.
2) Avoid astringents and lotions that make the nails taste bad, there's little evidence that it works.
3) Smooth rough edges and hangnails with a soft emery board
4) At the first sight of infection apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment and see your pediatrician.

Tricks to getting your Toddler Dressed
The Naked Ape - Skip garments with a bunch of snaps and complicated straps. Instead use slip on pants and leggings.
The Streaker - Try not to make to much of a fuss, it will only encourage the behavior, after all you toddler is learning and enjoys being able to undo buttons and snaps. Instead find clothing hard to take off, such as one-piece rompers that fasten to the back, it may cause your streaker to lose interest.
The Mismatchmaker - Unless you are headed to a formal occasion just let your child go the way he/she chooses. Your child is expressing his/her own mood and personality. However, if it really bothers you, purchase only plaid tops and solid colored bottoms or buy all primary colors.

Questions to ask a Sitter
1. How long have you been babysitting? You want to hire someone with at least some experience.
2. What are the ages of the kids you've cared for? If she has not keep a child close to your child's age you may want to consider someone else, especially if you have an infant or toddler.
3. Do you have any special training? Teens who have attended babysitting classes, like at the YMCA with have skills in basic childcare and first aid, as well as handling squabbles and safe play strategies.
4. What would you do in an emergency? Even a teen who is not trained in emergency care should know whom to call and how to respond if something happens.
5. Do you have a reference? Ask for names and numbers of other families she's worked for and call them.

Tips from a Teenage Babysitter
1) Discuss details before you dash - let your sitter know how long she will be needed, how much she will be paid, and transportation.
2) Don't expect your sitter to have ESP - Example: Does your child like food prepared a certain way, does your child have a certain stuffed animal that they need to sleep with.
3) Stock the fridge - Make sure you have enough food for the children and the sitter. If you have already fed your child dinner, have a snack available.
4)Don't give your sitter more than she can handle - Example: If you have an infant and a toddler and you have difficulty with both, offer you sitter to bring a friend along to help her out.
5) Let your sitter know the rules - Let your sitter know what's off limits, for example, if you would rather they do not use the phone because you do not have call waiting, if there is something in the fridge that you  do not want eaten or drank.

Care Booklet for your children:
 Worried about leaving your child with a babysitter or grandparent? Make a 'care' booklet that includes safety concerns, important phone numbers, daily schedule and other facts about each child. For example, favorite food, toys, books and ways to put your child to sleep.

Ready to Start your own Home-Based Business?? 
Here are some tips:
1. Check out your local zoning laws.

2. Make sure your insurance coverage is adequate.   Your homeowners insurance does not always protect you.

3. Determine your true start-up cost.  Take into account the amount of time you spend on marketing your goods or services, self-employment tax and a home office.

4. Educate yourself on the tax implications.

5. Create a business plan.  Determine what kind of business you are in, the market you want to reach and how, resources you will need, how will you finance your business, and set goals.
(Take from Parents March 2002, for more info on starting your own home business check out their magazine, there is a lot of information.)

I'VE LEARNED: 
That you cannot make someone love you. 
All you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to them. 

That no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back. 

That it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it. 

That it's not what you have in your life but WHO you have in your life that counts. 

That you can get by on charm for about 15 minutes. 
After that, you'd better know something. 

That you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do. 

That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life. 

That it's taking me a long time to be the person I want to be. T

hat you should always leave loved ones with loving words. 
It may be the last time you see them

 That you can keep going, long after you can't. 

That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. 

That either you control your attitude, or it controls you. 

That regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place. 

That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, 
regardless of the consequences. 

That money is a lousy way of keeping score. 

That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time. 

That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down 
will be the ones to help you get back up. 

That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, 
but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. 

That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. . 

That just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to 
doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have. 

That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what 
you've learned from them & less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated. 

That you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. 

Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it. 

That your family won't always be there for you. 
It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't biological. 

That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once 
in a while and you must forgive them for that. 

That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. 
Sometimes you are to learn to forgive yourself. 

That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief. 

That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. 

That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. 
And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do. 

That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change. 

That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. 
It could change your life forever. 

That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. 

That no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt & 
you will hurt in the process. 

That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, 
you will find the strength to help. 

That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. 

That the people you care about most in this life are taken from you too soon. 

It's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting  people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.

If your purse or wallet is stolen call these numbers after you have canceled your credit cards and checking account. 
 Equifax:  1-800-525-6285 
 Experian (formerly TRW):  1-888-397-3742  Trans Union:  1-800-680-7289 
Social Security Administration 
(fraud line):  1-800-269-0271

Bridge the gap if your parents and/or in-laws live away:
If you recently had a new baby or have small children, when you take them to the doctor, draw an outline of their body on the paper covering the examination table. Cut it out and write your child's height, weight, recent accomplishments and adhere a picture.

How to get the Perfect Shot -  information is from a site on the internet
1) Have your camera ready to catch people doing something fun or candid rather than posing.
2) For more impact try to fill the frame with your subject.
3) Indoor shots almost always require a flash.
4) Even daytime outdoor pictures often benefit from using a flash to fill the shadows.
5) Avoid glare spots by photographing mirrors, paneled walls or eyeglasses at an angle.
6) Avoid red eyes by turning on all the lights.
7) Keep the camera steady by tucking your elbows into your sides and gently pressing the shutter- release button.
For even more tips check out the Kodak site.

10 Common Household POISONS
Cosmetics (nail polish, lipstick, nail-polish remover); Cleaning products (bleach, toilet and tub cleaner, turpentine); Medicine; Topical treatments (lotion, menthol rubs); Mothballs; Plants (caladium, holly, azalea. larkspur, amaryllis); Soap (dishwasher, liquid detergent); Pesticides; Vitamins; and Baby Powder.

(Parents Magazine - December 2000)

Bathroom Hazards
1) Install a door latch that unlocks from either side of the door.
2) Unplug hair dryers, curling irons and all other electrical appliances immediately after use. 
3) NEVER leave your baby alone in the bath, even in a bath seat.
4) Install no-slip strips on the tub floor. A cushioned cover on the faucet can help prevent burns and bruised heads.
5) Store all medicines, cosmetics and razors in a locked cabinet.
6) Put a latch on the toilet seat, and keep the seat closed when the toilet is not in use.
7) Set your hot water heater at 120 degrees or less.

History of the King Cake:
The Epiphany or Little Christmas is observed on January 6 in may churches. This day has come to be know as "Kings Day." Since the 300's the day has honored the meeting of the Three Wise Men with the infant Jesus. King Cakes became part of the celebration to symbolize the 'finding of baby Jesus."
Traditionally King Cakes are oval-shaped to show unity of all Christians. The Mardi Gras season which begins on this "Twelfth Night," (January 6) is expressed on King Cakes by using the carnival colors of green, yellow and purple.
As a King Cake is cut, each person awaits anxiously for his piece to locate the small baby. The person who finds the "baby" is obligated to bring a King Cake to the next seasonal celebration.
King Cake season ends on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent begins.