January, 2010

Parenting — Comments Off
29
Jan 10

Are Parents Best Teachers?

Parents start educational process since the birth of their children, and never stop teaching. Firstly, this corresponds to the parental role in nature. These are the instincts from the deepest depths of our subconsciousness that prompt every parent to sacrifice part of themselves in order to help next generation confidently face objective reality and deal with difficulties of their well being.

Nowadays we face changing of gender roles and increasing participation of women in growing involvement. This all has been accompanied by a notable shift in attitudes concerning appropriate roles for women and men. Changes in modern family life have raised new issues: care for the children while one or both parents work, wild work schedules for parents who manage both home and a job. Thus, both men and women do have to take an active part in growing their children and preparing them for adulthood.

On the other hand, parents are not professional teachers. They present only one side of the world. Other ones open for a child when he/she plunges to broad masses, where one faces outer relationships like friendship and cooperating with other people, rather then just their parents.

Parents aren’t perfect teachers, but most committed and devoted. Their attitudes are encoded in our mind and reflected in our behaviors. Their lessons are the most tremendous treasures we carry throughout our lives with the strongest feelings of gratitude. In addition, each of us is definitely carrying out a great example of being a worthy parent in future.

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Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
29
Jan 10

How to Properly Install a Car Seat

Installing a car seat can be a daunting task, but it is vital in ensuring the safety of your child while riding in a motor vehicle. When a car seat is not properly installed, several problems can arise. First, the seat may be loose and uncomfortable for the baby; second, there is unnecessary wear and tear on both the seat of the car and the car seat; and third, the baby can be seriously injured or even killed in the instance of a car accident. There have been many cases in which children have been seriously injured due to improperly installed car seats and, then again, there have been many children saved as a result of a car seat that has been installed properly.

Nevertheless, It doesn’t matter if you’re running down the street for a loaf of bread or going to buy today’s newspaper, it is important that the car seat be installed properly and the baby be placed inside of it correctly.

Here are some steps to take when installing a rear-facing baby car seat:

?If installing in a car, make sure the car seat is installed in the back seat. If installing in a truck, then the seat needs to be installed in the middle of the seat. However, if there is a back seat, baby should always be there because of air bags and other factors that could cause harm in case of an incident.

?The car seat should always be positioned to where the baby is facing the back. The car seat should not be straight up, but it should be positioned in such a way that the baby is lying down.

?If at all possible, place baby’s car seat in the middle of the back seat, which can reduce impact in case of an accident.

?Make sure the seat belt is tight around the car seat and that it is buckled tightly.

When installing a forward-facing car seat, there are also some very important things to keep in mind when properly installing the car seat:

?First, the car seat should always be located in the back seat of the car and never in the front seat due to airbags and the possibility of injury from the windshield in case of an accident.

?Move the front seat that the car seat will be located behind forward to get it out of the way and allow for enough room to work.

?Second, go ahead and route the seatbelt through the designated belt path and be sure to pull the seatbelts as tight as possible and then buckle the seatbelt.

?Some seatbelts have a lock-off clip, which can be quite useful. If you don’t know how to use it, read the owner manual. If the seatbelt pulls all the way out and then clicks when it retracts, then the seatbelt locks itself. The locking clip should be used if the seatbelts do not lock themselves.

?The shoulder part of the seatbelt must be locked because it is actually the lap section of the seatbelt that is keeping the car seat in place.

?After installation, try moving the seat. If it moves more than an inch, then it needs to be tightened or reinstalled.

By following these steps for installing rear-facing and forward-facing car seats, your child should be receiving the maximum safety that a car seat has to offer. That way, if an accident does occur, the chances of your child becoming seriously injured is considerably less than if riding in a car seat that is not properly installed.

Infant safety is not something to be taken lightly. If you’re unsure of how to properly install a car seat, contact your local auto club for advice.

Parenting — Comments Off
28
Jan 10

Understanding The Needs Of Kids

The daily life of children should reflect balance, relaxation and freedom. When children act wild, help them restore calm by taking deep breaths and resting. What children from birth to 7 years old need from adults:

1 Close nurture of the child: Feed children through loving intimacy. Spend enough time with them and slow down your pace to be in sync with them if necessary.

2 Close communicate through touch: For children, reality is physical, not verbal. Rely more on actions than words. Demonstrate right action.

3 Close serve adaptation to basic skills: Encourage their sense of independence. Help them master new skills, such as putting on their own shoes. Once they learn something, set an expectation that they will do it from now on.

4 Close offering of praise and encouragement: Encourage children to take the positive action you desire. Express appreciation frequently.

5 Closely maintain order and consistency in the child’s life: Routines, repetition, order, and a clean environment allows a child to relax and feel secure. This confidence helps them become more independent.

Expectations for children from Birth to 7 years old:

1 Close breathing: Teach children to take deep feeling breaths, both when they are calm and when they are upset. This connects them to the emotional dimension of life.

2 Close eye contact: Intimacy deepens through eye contact that communicates love and security. A good time to do this is when a child wakes up from sleep.

3 Close the blessing disposition: Help a child move beyond self-concern by encouraging then to give love and attention to others. Give them responsibilities, such as serving food to others at meal time.

4 Close “first time” responsiveness:By the age of three, children should be taught to do things the first time they are asked. The key to responsiveness is consistency. Be careful not to get overly demanding.

He has an affiliate marketing experience of two years. Read more: http://www.articlecorner.info

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
28
Jan 10

Greening the Nursery Part One – Mattress Alert

Since 1973 U.S. laws have forced mattress manufacturers to treat their mattresses with fire-retardant chemicals. The most common of these chemicals, polybrominated difphenyl ethers (PBDE’s) are linked to significant health risks including immunodeficiency disorders, cancer, and endocrine disruption. As with many chemicals and environmental toxins, these chemicals are especially detrimental to the health of developing fetuses and infants. PBDE’s are in the same family as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) which were banned in the 70s due to their health risks.

The reason flame retardants were deemed so necessary, is because most mattresses are composed mostly of polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is derived from petroleum and the National Association of State Fire Marshals calls it “solid gasoline.” In other words, it’s highly flammable. Additionally the chemicals used to make the foam have been associated with thyroid, liver damages and changes in motor behavior and brain functions.

PBDE’s are just one of the many chemicals used in the process of making conventional mattresses. Other chemicals such as toluene, and formaldehyde can cause health problems when they off-gas from the mattress. While some people do not notice adverse side effects from sleeping on these mattresses, many have experienced breathing problems, skin irritations and even depression. While immediate side effects are not always realized, long-term exposure to toxic substances can contribute to health problems that are hard to pinpoint later. PBDE’s have been found in measurable amounts in breast milk and the widespread use is increasing. PBDE’s are also toxic to animals and have been found in the body fat of whales in the Atlantic Ocean.

If you want to decrease exposure to these harmful chemicals, consider purchasing a natural organic mattress. There are multiple varieties available and they are naturally flame retardant and dust-mite resistant so they can be used for multiple children. If you have already purchased a conventional mattress, consider purchasing an encasing to prevent off-gassing and keep out the dust mites. Also, take the opportunity on sunny days a couple times a year, to air out your mattress outside. If you are purchasing a new mattress be sure to air it out for a few days before sleeping on it. Vacuum mattresses weekly to eliminate dust-mites and help remove chemical residues.

Are you planning on co-sleeping? Natural organic mattresses are also available for adult beds and for co-sleeper attachments.

Tara Smith is a mom, perennial researcher, reader and author of growbabygreen.com, a website that helps parents “go green” for their baby and family.To learn more green, organic and natural living ideas and tips visit http://www.growbabygreen.com

Gardening — Comments Off
28
Jan 10

Radiant Roses For Roof Gardens

Garden lovers all over the world are besotted by the charm and radiance of roses. Roses are one of the most beautiful flowering shrubs and perennials. Gardeners can plant roses by grafting, bare-rooting, or own-rooting, a variety of grades.

There used to be a concept that only big country houses or large apartments in the urban sections can maintain a roof top garden. This is not true. Roof top gardens can be in any roof.

Roof gardens have remarkable advantages in the ecosystem. They filter dusts and airborne pollutants, and cool the atmosphere. Homeowners love the smell emitted by the flowers. These gardens offer various social and recreational opportunities, as well. Rooftop gardens encourage biodiversity and act as feeding havens particularly for birds, butterflies, and other insects.

Owning a rose garden in your rooftop can be quite easy if you begin by choosing disease-resilient and sturdy roses. Roses are available in scores of forms and colors. They also come in gamut of shapes, sizes, and growth patterns. Thankfully nowadays, new versions of rose bushes are being bred that are sturdier to diseases.

Similar with majority of other flowers typically adopted in the garden, rose bushes flourish well if you provide these flowers with their basic needs. Rich, good soil makes roses blossom quickly and grow abundantly.

Roses require no less than 6 hours of fine, bright sunshine everyday. This makes these bushes ideal for roof top gardens. Water them regularly. A rose bush calls for exactly 2 gallons of water once a week.

Put fertilizers if possible and trim them regularly to maintain a correct stance. Pruning is essential when growth starts.

New rose bushes develop and nurture faster in damp, cool settings of fall or spring seasons. These pleasant smelling, exquisite plants provide large numbers of flowers if they have adequate sunlight and rich soil. On the contrary, if you have a rose that is just beginning to develop, you can not look forward to loads of flowers in the first summer season.

Ideally, roses for roof top gardens ought to be contained in containers and pots. These can be easy to take out if the weather conditions turn exceptionally unpleasant. Also, they can be transferred from one place to another, where sunlight and rainfall is best.

For more information on Flower Roof Gardens and Herb Roof Gardens please visit our website.

Parenting — Comments Off
27
Jan 10

Hiring a Live-in Or Live-out Nanny – Deciding on the Best Option For Your Family

A lot of families are now opting to have a nanny reside in their homes full time and assist in the caring of their children. That childcare arrangement is described as having a live-in nanny in their homes. The need for this type of care has been on the rise especially with the 24-7 work intense nature of our corporate world today.

The live-in nanny like every other type of nanny is responsible for taking care of the children and sometimes responsible for the housekeeping. Though the live-in nanny resides in the home 24-7, she is not available to work around the clock. The families decided on the time frame, either days or nights that the nanny is supposed to be on duty. For instance the Nanny may take care of the children in the day and then at night is off duty and is free to relax or go out at their own discretion.

The wage of the salary is usually separate from the free room and board that the Nanny enjoys while working as a live-in. The nanny is not paid on an hourly basis, but rather is paid on daily or weekly rate. The wage of a live-in nanny is usually between $250 and $600 depending on the family, location and the job responsibilities.

Families that choose to have a live-in nanny must have appropriate living accommodations for the Nanny. The nanny must have a bed room to herself and in some cases a private bathroom The privacy of the Nanny’s living quarters is encouraged to foster a sound and healthy long term working commitment.

There are lots of advantages in having a live-in nanny, however it is not always an easy arrangement, especially when dealing with people with varied personalities and culture. In order for it to be a successful work arrangement, both the family and the nanny must have a strong desire to work together.

Families are strongly advised to run a thorough background check on any Nanny before hiring and also they should make sure the Nanny’s personality would mesh with the lifestyle of the family. Every family is different and has it own quirks, therefore it is wise to hire a nanny that understands your values and would be the most suitable fit for your family.

I. Grace Odu is a co-owner of a Houston Nanny referral service. The company has been in business since 2002 and has been helping families find the most perfect nanny for their families. The nannies and sitters are thoroughly screened to ensure the comfort and safety of the clients. Their website is [http://www.alphacarestaff.com]

You can also contact her at admin@alphacarestaff.com

Crafts-Hobbies — Comments Off
27
Jan 10

Collecting Vintage Stemware

Vintage stemware is the perfect finishing touch to your formal dinner table. There is a stemware pattern for any taste. It can be lots of fun hunting down items to build a complete set of vintage stemware.

Before beginning to assemble a vintage stemware collection it’s important to read up and learn as much as you can before starting out. Reproductions abound and a few dollars spent on a reference price guide will likely pay for itself many times over. You can find the different reference guides at book stores the public library or online auction sites. Consider joining a club. There are many different clubs many of which are focused on a particular company or line. You’ll find a wealth of information and access to private sales of items as well as the ability to sell or trade your excess items.

If you want a complete set of vintage stemware without the time involved finding all the pieces keep and eye out for a complete set for sale. If your the type that likes the ‘hunt” start by scouring antique shops, flea markets, yard sales and eBay to build your collection of antique glass. Many people are often have the feel they are not having fun any longer once completing a set vintage stemware. It not uncommon for someone to sell off a collection only to start off on a different pattern and a few months later or just start building another set in a different pattern.

Collecting vintage stemware can be a fun and enjoyable hobby. One you get to show off to guests, family and friends during holidays and other special occasions. An elegant dinner table is something to be proud of and the vintage stemware you’ve collected will become a treasured family heirloom.

VintageStemware.com has loads of information about vintage stemware and depression glass patterns and makers.

For more visit VintageStemware.com and http://www.Antique-Glass.org – we have loads of information about vintage stemware and depression glass on our sites.

pregnancy — Comments Off
27
Jan 10

When Will My Morning Sickness Start?

If you’re one of the 50% of women who experiences morning sickness during pregnancy, you may wonder when it will start. Although the answer to this question can vary from woman to woman and even from pregnancy to pregnancy, here are some general guidelines.

Although in some cases it can occur earlier, the majority of women who are going to experience this condition will start to feel the initial symptoms between 4 and 7 weeks of pregnancy. It may just feel like a slight queasiness in your stomach, you may find yourself gagging throughout the day or you may even start vomiting during this time. Some women can eat a small snack such as saltine crackers and have it settle their stomach and other women experience more severe symptoms that require treatment. Typically, this will last until the beginning of the second trimester or around 13 – 14 weeks of your pregnancy.

If you find yourself extremely sick and cannot keep down fluids, you should contact your doctor or visit the emergency room. Some women wind up with a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum and may vomit excessively to the point of dehydration. Treatment for this condition will include medication to help ease the nausea and rehydration via an IV solution.

And other fortunate women will not experience any sickness during their pregnancy at all. It is a myth that the absence of morning sickness means that there is something wrong with your pregnancy or with your baby – so don’t let it worry you. If you find yourself not feeling any symptoms by your 8th week, you’re more than likely not going to have any sickness during this pregnancy. This is not to say that you may experience it during subsequent pregnancies though.

So although you never know if and when morning sickness will start, you should enjoy the initial stages of your pregnancy. Then if you do find yourself with nausea or vomiting, take care of yourself to make sure that you and your unborn baby stay healthy and hydrated.

Make sure to visit my blog Morning Sickness Remedies to find out how to hide your morning sickness and how to change your diet to ease the queasies.

Gardening — Comments Off
26
Jan 10

How to Make Liquid Fertilizer From Your Compost

There is something better than compost, compost tea. It is a nutrient rich liquid fertilizer made from compost that can be applied either as a foliar spray or soil drench method. There are several benefits that compost tea have over the traditional method of adding compost to the soil. When compost tea is sprayed to the foliage of plants it helps to suppress foliage disease and it increases the available nutrients to the plant. The use of compost tea as a soil drench enhances the existing microbes in the soil. These microbes are very important in improving the soils structure by enhancing the decomposition of organic matter in the soil. This is where plants get the nutrients they need to survive.

A basic way to make compost tea is by placing a cloth bag filled with compost into a pail of water and letting it soak for a couple days.The water solution is then applied to the plants as a foliage spray or used to water there root system. There is another method of making compost tea by the use of aeration and water. This process keeps the oxygen levels in the compost tea from depleting which in return enhances the aerobic microorganisms that are the ones that are the most beneficial.

Compost tea can also be made for a specific use. It can be made to be dominated by either bacteria or fungi. Which way you want to dominate it depends on the plants you are growing or the soil condition you are improving. Compost tea can be a highly sophisticated method depending on how much you want to work at it.The benefits that you can get from the use of compost tea are extremely rewarding.

Any way you choose to apply it you will have a nutrient rich water solution that can be use to feed your plants and help defend insect and disease problems in your garden.

A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.

John Yazo

http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
26
Jan 10

How to Install an Infant Car Seat

Nothing matters to a parent more than their child’s health and safety, especially when riding in a car. An automobile accident can happen in an instant and it is vital that a child is properly protected. It is imperative that an infant’s car seat be correctly and securely installed and this can be confusing to a first time user with all the different clips and belts.

Unfortunately, an infant car seat cannot guarantee a child’s safety. However, a properly installed car seat will significantly decrease the chance of death or injury in the event of a car accident. As a result, car safety seats are required by law in all 50 states.

For babies, a car seat is installed into the back seat of the car, facing the rear and is attached to a base that sits on the backseat. The base is securely fastened to the seat of the car with a seat belt. It’s important to make sure that the seat belt of the car is threaded through the proper slots of the base. Check the installation manual, but often a rear-facing infant seat must be installed at a 45 degree angle. It’s also very important to make sure that the straps that hold the baby in the seat are properly and securely fastened and that the infant seat is in the reclined position while in the vehicle. The straps should be threaded through the slots that are just below your child’s shoulders and when fastened, they should be tight enough that only one finger can fit between the harness and the child’s collarbone.

As a child grows older, they will begin to use a safety seat that now faces the front of the car in a seat that is especially suited to this use. With this type of seat, the seatbelt of the car is threaded through the holes in the back of the seat. Again, it’s important to ensure that the seatbelt is threaded through the proper holes. Once it’s securely fastened, the next step is to attach the straps to the safety clips near the rear window of the car, by the headrests. This is a newer, additional system called the Universal Anchorage System and is now mandatory in many jurisdictions. When these latches are connected, you can then tighten them to ensure that the seat is securely fastened and there is very little play in the seat. The last step of course is to ensure that the child is securely fastened into the seat using the straps provided.

No matter what kind of infant car seat that you decide to buy, it’s always important that you follow the manufacturers instructions when installing the seat. Ensure that the seat belts in the car are working properly and that the seat does not have any visible damage as this can cause the structure of the seat to become weak and possibly fail under stress.

Learn more about infant car seats at Infant Car Seat Reviews. Find the advantages and disadvantages to infant car seats and convertible car seats, research key car seat features, and watch video on how to install an infant car seat.

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