Children Archives - Page 25 of 39

Balancing fatherhood with having a healthy lifestyle

September 11, 2017 by admin

You don’t need to be told that becoming a father is a life-changing experience. The fact is telegraphed from a thousand different directions. Your time will never be your own again, your sleep patterns will be messed up beyond recognition, you’ll have scant time to see your buddies, you’ll know more about children’s TV shows than what’s happening in the NBA or the NFL. But you already knew all that, right?

Of course, you did. But you probably didn’t know the 100 other ways in which parenthood changes your life. The good news is that most of these are incredibly positive, which is why most new dads reel off lists like the one above with a smile on their face – who cares who’s making the playoffs this year, you’ve got more important things on your mind now, and you wouldn’t change it for the world.

However, there are some things that can creep up on you that are not so life-affirming – for example, the dreaded phenomenon that the Brits have dubbed the dad bod. Let’s find out how you can keep in trim, particularly when there is a rapidly growing ankle biter to keep up with.

Eat properly

The problem stems from a combination of the fuel that you are putting in and the exercise that you are doing to keep in shape, but the single largest issue with new dads putting on some extra inches concerns diet. Many are quite certain that they eat less as they find themselves rushing off to work without having had breakfast due to lack of time, and then bolting something quickly in the evening.

Therein lies the problem. Skipped meals do not help – they just mess with your metabolism and increase the temptation to grab something fast and unhealthy to keep hunger at bay. The body likes routine, and by eating regular meals at regular times, you will metabolize food faster and more effectively.

The truth is that babies and kids thrive on routine, so there should really be more reason to eat properly and regularly than there was before.

Get out there

You have more in common with your kids than you might realize. Not only do you both need regular healthy meals, but you also need fresh air and exercise. The archetypal image of the dad out there kicking a soccer ball or throwing some catches with his youngster are great to put into practice, but the important thing to remember is that it is never too early to start.

Your three-month-old baby is not going to be throwing a ball like Joe Montana, but get out there every day with the stroller, take a walk, and get into the routine of venturing out together. The time will disappear faster than you know, and the transition from those first tentative steps to you struggling to keep up will happen in the blink of an eye.

Get checked out

A healthy diet and regular exercise will put you on the right course, but if you are still feeling less than 100 percent, it is always worth getting checked out medically. As we enter our 30s and beyond, there are a number of potential ailments that can crop up, and almost all can be alleviated quickly, just as long as you get them diagnosed.

Even the healthiest dads can find their cholesterol level creeping up as middle age approaches, while a testosterone blood test can be booked online and can identify issues such as calcium deficiency.

Don’t forget your social life

Despite all the tongue-in-cheek comments earlier, it is important for dads to have a little time out and remember that they are still one of the guys, just as much as moms need their girl time.

Schedule something, even if it is just a couple of times a month, and take the opportunity to do more than sink a few beers. This is an ideal moment to relive those youthful days and throw a ball around in the park for half an hour. Chances are, your friends are in a similar position to you, and they will love the idea – and you can always have a beer or two afterwards!

A schedule that works

Most things in life are about achieving a balance, and keeping fit in fatherhood is no difference. The most important thing to try to achieve is routine so that the good habits are convenient and become second nature. If they are a chore, they will end up being dropped, and that’s a guarantee. Good luck!

Helping Your Child Get Used To Being At A Child Care Centre

September 8, 2017 by admin

If your child has just started at child care, remember that things can go wrong on the first day, and your child will likely protest when it’s time to say goodbye. Many kids experience nervousness and anxiety when starting child care for the first time, but there is quite a bit you can do to make the transition as easy as possible for both you and your little one.

Helping Your Child Adjust to Child Care

You can begin preparing your child by talking to him or her in advance, telling then where they will be going and what they will be doing during the day. You could also take your child to visit the day care centre a few times before you have to leave them for the first day. Show your child where he or she will be going and answer any questions that have as openly and honestly as you can to reassure them that everything will be okay.

On the first day, try to arrive around 15 minutes beforehand to help your child settle into some sort of activity before you have to get to work. This way, they’re less likely to protest your leaving if they’re already having fun.

If your child is bound to be anxious, send a familiar object like a favourite blanket or stuffed animal to help him or her adjust to the situation. Child care centres in Sydney or in your local area are always happy to accommodate these kinds of things.

Here are a few more tips to make your child feel at ease:

Try to make enough time so that you won’t be rushing to sing in and get your child settled with an activity.
Be sure to take note of your own body language when you say goodbye to your child. If you feel uncertain, you could be showing your own anxiety to him or her.
Try to resist the temptation to just sneak out the door when your little one is not looking – it could well create problems for you both. If your child fears that you are going to disappear each time you drop them at school, they may be unwilling to let you out of their sight.
If you think your child is going to react very strongly on day one, see if your partner or a friend could drop them off.
Ask the teacher if they can provide insight about any problems. For example, your little one may not like other children or is just having a hard time settling down for a nap.
Do your best to stick to a routine and avoid making any changes while your child gets used to the new arrangement.
Accept that it’s time for your little one to adjust to his or her new school routine and that some children may take longer than others.
Try to be alert to any underlying problems. If your little one has yet to settle into the new arrangement, it may be time to talk to the teacher. It could be something as simple as a personality clash and your child may do better in another classroom.

Remember those tips and your child will be able to adjust in the child care centre easily.

Grandparents Day: Fun Facts

September 1, 2017 by admin

How much do you know about Grandparents Day? A little bit? You may know what month and/or week it falls in, but do you know any fun facts about it? No? Well, you are in luck because this article will share with you fun facts that will have you scratching your head and belly-laughing at the same time! So, have you ever had wild thoughts like how many grandparents have multi-colored hair and how many like to boogie down at the local night clubs? What about how many grandparents have tattoos and how many of those are new? Better yet, who has the most grandchildren in the US or even the world? Well, we don’t have answers for all of those questions, but you’ll be shocked at how many surprising facts about grandparents, you will learn from this article. So, jump a board and learn some fun facts that you can share with your own grandparents on their very special day!

How big is your family?

Another surprising fact about grandparents signed, sealed, and delivered to you for Grandparents Day is that there have been some pretty gigantic families (size-wise) throughout history. In fact, according to the Daily Mail, Indian-based Ziona Chana currently holds the record for the biggest family. To date, Ziona Chana has 39 wives, 14-daughters-in-law, 94 children, and 33 grandchildren. In addition, before he died, Samuel S. Mast had 11 kids, 97 grandkids, 634 great-grandkids and a whopping 82 great-great-grandkids, according to Kristen Sturt from the American Grandparents Association. The total of family members – 824! How amazing is that?!

Abraham is that you?

Another fun fact about grandparents is lurking around the corner. Did you know that President Abraham Lincoln was named after his grandfather, Abraham Lincoln, who was also killed! No, John Wilkes Booth did not shoot and kill grandfather, Abraham Lincoln, but American Indians did shoot him (and kill him), while he was farming in Kentucky. Wow, now that’s one heck of a coincidence!

How wild are you?

According to a recent survey published in Redbook, approximately 35% of grandparents still have sex at least twice a week. Not only that, but approximately 10% of seniors have been inked (tattoos), and about 7% admit having tried illegal drugs at least once in their lives. Mind-blowing, I know!

How well can you drive?

Ready for some more surprising facts about grandparents for Grandparents Day? Well, one study found that children are safer in vehicles driven by their grandparents than their own parents! No way! Grandma’s and Grandpa’s slow driving could be saving more lives than you think!

Who raised you?

Here’s a fun fact for Grandparents Day that will blow you away. Guess who raised these influential, world-renown leaders: Maya Angelou, Carol Burnett, Bill Clinton, Willie Nelson, Jack Nicholson, Barack Obama, and Oprah Winfrey? Yep, you got it – their grandparents. Look how well these grandchildren did in life! So, who are the most influential people in the world? Grandparents.

It has an official flower?

One of many surprising facts about Grandparents Day is that it has an official flower associated with it! The official US flower for Grandparents Day is the “forget-me-not.” This majestic plant bears small sky-blue flowers that bring to mind the old phrase “tiny but mighty.” You may not know this but “forget-me-nots” have been used for centuries, as a symbol of respect and remembrance. In fact, during the 15th century, German women wore these delicate flowers in their hair, as a sign of everlasting love.

Wait…there’s a song too?

Yes, here’s another fun fact that you can share on Grandparents Day. This special day has its own official song! “A Song for Grandpa and Grandma,” is the official Grandparents Day tune. It was written and performed by Johnny Prill, an award-winning and Grammy-nominated songwriter. “A Song for Grandpa and Grandma” became the official song on April 20, 1999. The thing that makes this heartfelt song standout is that it’s told from a grandchild’s perspective. Throughout the song, this sweet young child sings about how much he adores his grandparents. It’s now common for children to sing this song to nursing home residents, who can’t be with their families on Grandparents Day.

7 Tips for Taking a Road Trip With a Teen Driver

August 15, 2017 by admin

Source

Did your teen just get their driver’s license? Are they more eager than ever to take part in this year’s family road trip?

Getting through the teen driving phase is one of the toughest periods for any parent. It’s inevitable that one day they’ll get behind the wheel, but it always seems to happen too soon. Despite all the stress, studies have shown teens that get their license earlier usually end up being safer drivers.

If your teen wants to be one of the drivers during your family road trip here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Update Your Car Insurance Policy

The car insurance pros at acceptanceinsurance.com suggest that parents check their policies before taking a road trip with teen drivers. The law requires that all drivers must be covered by liability insurance in the vast majority of states, even if they don’t drive a car of their own.

If your teen has a driver’s license and plans to drive the family car, you should add them to your auto insurance policy. Your teen should be listed as an operator of the vehicle, not just a household member.

Plot Your Course Together in Advance

Choosing the destination for a family vacation is one of the first to-dos that have to get done. But often we wait until the car is loaded to pull up a maps app and find the best route.

Knowing where you’re going in advance always helps every driver regardless of age. At least a week or two out, sit down with your teen driver and consider your route options. Consider things beyond distance such as the terrain, highway conditions and traffic. For example, a trip where you’ll be hiking in Vancouver has dramatically different driving conditions compared to visiting the city of Los Angeles.

Discuss all the various factors with your teen driver. It’s also a good time to decide how much driving your teen will do and which legs of the trip will be safest.

Check the Teen Driving Regulations in Each State

Every state lays out their own regulations for teen drivers. After going through the learner’s permit process, you’re probably familiar with your state’s regulations, but what about the states you’ll be driving through?

The states you plan to visit could be more strict or more lenient. Make sure to check with the state DMV for more information to avoid accidentally violating the rules of the road.

Don’t Sleep While They Drive

Teen drivers need supervision, especially if they’re driving through unfamiliar territory. It may be tempting to catch a power nap while your teen is driving, but fight the urge. Stay awake and alert so you can act as their co-pilot and make sure they aren’t doing anything risky like texting while driving.

Keep Your Emotions Under Control

We have a way of feeding off the emotions of others. If you’re stressed and on-edge while your teen is driving it will do nothing but increase their anxiety. Raising your voice or getting into an argument should definitely be avoided since it can make your teen driver emotional.

If you find that your teen’s driving is just too stressful during the family road trip ask them to pull over at the next stop so you can use the restroom. Once you’re done, take back the driver’s seat.

Avoid High-Traffic Areas and Times

Some believe in throwing a person in the deep end to teach them how to swim. That’s not an advisable tactic for teen drivers on a family road trip. It’s best to stick to portions of the route that are less likely to have traffic and times when there are fewer cars on the road.

Avoid Teen Driving in a Rental

Are you planning on renting a vehicle for your family road trip? Then your teen may have to put up with sitting in the back seat. No car rental company will rent a vehicle to a person who’s under 18, and many refuse to turn over the keys to drivers that are 20 years old or younger.

Even though it’s legal for a teen to drive while the parent is in the car, the car rental company may forbid it. Read the fine print carefully to avoid potentially expensive problems.

How to Handle the Most Common Kid Sensitivities

August 15, 2017 by admin

Watching your child grow and develop is one of the most wondrous things a person can experience. Children are extremely resilient during the early developmental phases, yet vulnerable at the same time. Parents have to watch out for a number of sensitivities that don’t cause older kids trouble but commonly affect youngsters.

Below is an overview of some of those sensitivities and what you can do to relieve them.

Skin Sensitivities

Compared to our sun-beaten skin, babies and children have very sensitive epidermis. They can experience a number of skin sensitivities, even if they don’t have an allergy.

Some of the most common skin sensitivities include:

Eczema – Eczema is extremely common among children. Estimates show that around 10% of kids worldwide have it. The condition, which can develop in infancy, can cause the skin to be dry, itchy and easily irritated to the point a rash forms.

Contact Dermatitis – A number of irritants can affect a young child’s sensitive skin. Even tight clothing that rubs against the skin can cause problems. When they do come across irritants it can cause contact dermatitis. Some of the most common causes of contact dermatitis include dye chemicals, nickel, mouthwash and toothpaste ingredients, poison ivy and cosmetics.

Heat Rash – Little kids seem to run hot, which can show up in the form of a heat rash.

Dryness and Chapping – A child’s skin may look smooth and soft, but it can easily dry out. And it’s not just from the wind and cold. When kids wash their hand a lot or frequently lick their lips it can dry out the skin.

Hives – Most cases of hives can be chalked up to virus sensitivity. Even a small stomach bug can cause red, bumpy hives in young children.

The clothing you buy can make a difference. If a child suffers from contact dermatitis or dry skin, clothing items like seamless socks for kids, pants without tight waistbands and clothing without tags are often recommended.

Moisturizers that contain soothing ingredients like oatmeal are also recommended for a number of skin sensitivities. Of course, keeping your kid’s skin hydrated will help prevent dryness and chapping.

Sun Sensitivity

In addition to irritants, allergens and the environment, the sun can also affect children more so than adults. They haven’t had time to build up a tough exterior to ward off burns, but that isn’t the only problem created by the sun.

Photosensitivity can also be an issue. The term photosensitivity is a blanket term for a number of sun allergies. Doctors aren’t sure why some people develop photosensitivity, although some types of sun allergies can be inherited. The most common types of sun allergies include:

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE)
Actinic prurigo (hereditary PMLE)
Solar urticarial (occurs most often in young women and girls)
Photoallergic eruption (occurs due to chemical reaction after a topical cream or fragrance is applied to the skin)

The symptoms of sun allergies are similar, usually resulting in a red, itchy rash. If solar urticarial is the problem your child may develop hives.

The easiest way to prevent sun allergies is to limit exposure. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep your kid inside 24/7. Make sure they wear loose, lightweight clothing that covers the skin and avoid times when the sun is strongest. It’s also important to slather on broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or higher.

Food Sensitivities

Getting kids to try new foods can be a challenge, but you may also have to contend with a sensitive digestive tract. A number of foods can cause adverse reactions in kids. The good news is many children outgrow food allergies as they get older.

Some of the most common food allergies among children include:

Nuts
Peanuts
Eggs
Milk
Wheat
Soy
Seafood
Strawberries

Many of the food allergies above can cause skin reactions. If you don’t want to find out about a food allergy the hard way, there are several skin tests that your pediatrician or an allergist can perform to discover sensitivities.

Anytime you buy prepared meals or go out to eat it’s near impossible to know what all is in the food you and your children consume. If you’re concerned about food allergies and sensitivity, the best thing you can do is prepare food at home as much as possible. You can even make homemade baby food as soon as you begin to wean your child.

Persistent problems that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments deserve more attention. If your baby, toddler or child has a strong reaction to irritants, allergens, the sun or food schedule an appointment with your pediatrician as soon as you can.