Preventative Care for Your Children

Posted on November 13, 2012 7 Comments

Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Anyone looking after young children knows how important high quality medical care and discount medical supplies are. The costs associated with health care continue to rise each year, so it can be challenging for families to find affordable clinics and equipment. The best thing that parents can do is keep their home safe and keep their kids as healthy as possible.

Regular visits to a pediatrician or primary care physician will help to keep the whole family feeling well. Parents should ask any questions or bring up any concerns that they may have with the doctor. Preventing an illness, or diagnosing a potential problem right away, can make a huge difference.

Children should receive vaccines on a very specific schedule. This should be discussed with the family doctor after the child is born so that they can get their injections in a timely manner. Immunizations are responsible for the eradication of diseases that were once deadly among youth. Modern medicine has advanced to the point that families no longer need to worry about many of these illnesses, so long as they choose to vaccinate and keep their kids healthy.

Doctors will track each child’s growth to make sure that they are growing properly. Delayed or inhibited growth can be an indication of a health issue. It is best to have a child’s height, weight, and head circumference measured and recorded in the first few years of life.

A complete examination should be done annually, and more often for very young children. This would include a check of the heart rate, lungs, abdomen, neck, and head. After the age of 3, blood pressure may even be checked.

Vision and hearing should be checked regularly, as well. In many cases, a vision problem may not become apparent for several years. If vision impairment is not corrected, a child can have difficulty reading. Hearing impairment can cause speech delays, so it is necessary to do a sensory screening.

During the toddler and preschool years, pediatricians will ask parents about their children’s behavior and habits. It is around this time that potty training should begin. A sleeping schedule should be in place, since plenty of sleep is crucial to good health.

There are many different ways that a parent can ensure the safety and health of their children. Checking in with a trusted family doctor is one of the most important elements. Everything from discount medical supplies, to affordable medications can help families to live a healthy life.

How about you, how do you make sure your kids are always in their best shape?

Filed Under: Everything About Kids, Health Tagged: , , , ,

Oh, The Thinks She Can Think!

Posted on November 11, 2012 17 Comments

As I was driving my six-year old daughter to school one morning, I told her how anxious I was about another weekend without her.  I’m a weekend orphan, as she spends weekends with her dad.  With wisdom pulled out from I don’t know where, she calmly tells me that I shouldn’t be sad even if she’s away.  “Mama, why don’t you go out with your friends?  You’re happy when you see me playing with my friends, right?  It’s the same… I’m happy when you see your friends.”

I couldn’t help but smile after she consoled me with those words.  It was jaw-dropping to think how mature she seems for her age.  There was nobody else there to witness that spectacle of wisdom, but I was beaming with pride at my little girl’s views on life.  At the rate she’s going with her smarts, I’m pretty sure that learning the ropes of government contracting basics will be a breeze for her- if she decides to pursue a career in that direction.

She has just taught me a valuable lesson in parenting.  When you give their kids everything, it gives them the impression that you don’t have a life of your own.  It sends a message to them that you don’t value yourself, because you have put your needs at the bottom of your priorities list.

I have built my entire world around my daughter and have let go of my identity.  I have given up so many things for her, but instead of her appreciating this, it makes her feel sad, knowing that this is slowly gnawing at my personal happiness and contentment.  This self-sacrifice is doing me- and her- more harm than good, I realized.

So on this solo Saturday night, I’ll grab this opportunity to just enjoy and bury myself in some reality TV.    Life isn’t only about Phineas and Ferb it seems…

Filed Under: Everything About Kids, Mommyhood, Self Tagged: ,

How to Celebrate Halloween on a Budget

Posted on October 26, 2012 14 Comments

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Your worst nightmare would probably be the Grim Reaper wreaking havoc on your budget.  Trying to make ends meet is hard enough, but if you have kids who look forward to Halloween with wide-eyed excitement, you may find yourself struggling to stretch your already floss-thin budget to just accommodate their holiday whim.  Giving in to your kids’ trick or treating fantasies doesn’t necessarily have to burn a hole in your wallet.  Here are a few un-ghastly and cheap ways to celebrate Halloween.

Watch a Halloween flick.  There are tons of good Halloween movies for kids.   “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and The Nightmare Before Christmas.are just a few movies which kids young and old are sure to enjoy.

Read bedtime stories.  You can start building the anticipation of Halloween by reading Halloween stories at bedtime.  To add to the horrific effect, you can read them by candlelight or with a flashlight in hand.  Ask your local library for Halloween reading suggestions.  For the older kids, you can read Goosebumps or Bunnicula to them.

DIY and Recycle.  A little creativity does go a long way.  Rummage through your closet to find ordinary wardrobe items which you can transform into nightmarish outfits. You can get a plain, old white shirt, for example, make holes in it, dye it a little bit, and you’ve got a top perfect for a zombie.  Pair a striped t-shirt with a pair of cut-off jeans, fashion a makeshift eye patch with some cloth swatches, and you’re good to go as a pirate.

Join forces with friends.  When it comes to buying treats to hand out to candy-starved kids, you can go to the store with your neighbors and split the cost of buying candies in bulk.  Shopping for wholesale items will definitely cost you a lot less.

Hard times call for penny-pinching measures.  With these budget-friendly Halloween celebration alternatives, you can still afford to enjoy the season without worrying about blowing your entire savings.  Don’t be surprised if your kids give you a mom or dad of the year award, because thanks to you, they’ll sure have a Halloween they won’t soon forget.

 

 

Filed Under: Everything About Kids, Family Bonding Tagged: , , ,

Tips On Moving With Kids

Posted on October 24, 2012 23 Comments

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Whoever said that “the only constant thing in life is change” sure wasn’t kidding!  Sometimes, I wish he were.  Change is always stressful, but as it turns out, it’s an inevitable part of our lives.  Things never stay the way they are.  It’s only a matter of time before they become different.

It’s hard enough for us adults to deal with change.  What makes it even harder is when we have kids in tow.  If you’re still dreading the concept of calling a moving company and finally moving to a new house with your kids, here are a few tips on what you can do to help ease the stress:

Sell the house to your kids.  Weeks before the actual move, you can start taming your kid’s anxiety by telling him fun things about the new place.  For instance, you can tell him that the new house is just a stone’s throw away from his favorite restaurant, or that there’s a really cool playground nearby.  This will help get him excited.

Validate his fears.  Don’t trivialize his anxiety.  Acknowledge how he’s feeling and tell him that you feel nervous about the change too.  You can tell him that you’ll be a team and stick together through it all.  Tell him that it’s going to be an adventure to get to know new people and make new friends.

Make a memory scrapbook.  You can go around your present neighborhood and take pictures of the things he’d like to keep in his scrapbook. That way, he’ll feel that he can keep memories of the things he’ll leave behind.  He can keep looking at it as much as he wants.

You and the kids will understandably be under a lot of stress during the transition.  Try not to lose it in front of them.  Try as much as you can to be patient with them, and give them the attention they need.  You will be his bastion of strength, so keep it cool.

Now, I wonder who said, “The more things change, the more they stay the same…”

Filed Under: Everything About Kids Tagged: , ,

Should You Talk To Your Children About Plastic Surgery?

Posted on October 12, 2012 23 Comments

The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that 53% of women and 49% of men approve of cosmetic surgery and would make no effort to conceal it if they chose to undergo a procedure. It also indicates that majority of men and women who invest in this surgery fall between the ages of 31 and 45. As these are typically child raising years, most of these people will have children. Often, for women, the surgery in question is sought to undo the inevitable, ravages of childbearing and breastfeeding. The question of whether to tell your child about the surgery, and what to say if you choose to, is a difficult one.

No one knows your children better than you do, and you are the one who has the right to make the decision, without judgment. Before you decide, however, consider some points. First, there may be some bruising and swelling. Second, your movements may temporarily be limited; you may not be able to pick up your child, or you may need some help with everyday activities. Third, consider the fact that children are often more astute than parents give them credit for. You may consider changes to be subtle, but a child may easily pick up on the before and after differences. How will you explain these things to a child who does not know what is happening? [Read more...]

Filed Under: Everything About Kids, Health Tagged: ,

Choosing a Good Pediatric Dentist for Your Child

Posted on October 11, 2012 19 Comments

I guess it’s true what Belinda Carlisle says… Heaven really is a place on earth.  I can attest to that because just recently, I met a real live angel right smack in the heart of the city.  She’s my daughter’s pediatric dentist- whose name escapes my memory right now.   Her voice alone is good enough as anesthesia.  Her demeanor is simply so relaxing, that I myself wouldn’t mind having 5 teeth pulled by her all at the same time.

Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Why do we need to put the fate of our kids’ teeth in the hands of a pediatric dentist?  These professionals, unlike a general dentist, have additional years of training which highlight hands-on child psychology, growth and development.  What exactly do you look for in a pediatric dentist?

He or she should of course have a license to practice.  He should be knowledgeable and updated on the latest types of procedures available in treating your child’s condition.

Your pediatric dentist should know how to communicate with your child, especially during the initial visit.  He should know how to alleviate your child’s- and your- fears using the tone of his voice and facial expressions.  Some would show your kid how the dental chair moves up and down before he actually sits on it.  This is what’s called “therapeutic interaction” between the dentist and child.  Pediatric dentists are never forceful.

Location is also an important thing to consider when choosing a pediatric dentist.  You and your kid will have less anxiety if you took him to a dentist whose clinic is right in the neighborhood.  You can even take him on a quick tour prior to the actual visit.  If you live somewhere in Montreal, for instance, you can Google “pediatric dentist montreal” and come up with a list of dentists which you can check out.

Our children’s dental health is something we parents should really put a premium on.  The way we take care of our kids’ teeth now will determine how their smiles look in the future.

Filed Under: Everything About Kids, Health Tagged: , ,

How to Get Your Kids Interested in Studying

Posted on October 9, 2012 26 Comments

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You know how certain songs grow on you?  I hate to admit it, but Cali Swag District’s hip hop ditty, “Teach Me How to Dougie” has become somewhat of a household anthem.  I put my measly musical skills to use, played with the lyrics a bit and called it, “Teach me how to study…”  Whenever I want to get my daughter into study mode, I start singing and dancing to that song, and she quickly picks up on it.

We parents know how important it is for our kids to study at home and do their homework.  But more often than not, they have little or no interest in it.  The lure of playing outside or giving in to the “click here” message on their computer is simply too strong to resist.  So, what can we do to get them in the habit of studying?

Use the sound of music.  Never underestimate the power of music.  Use songs to signal the start of study sessions (see my example in the first paragraph).  That’ll be your kid’s cue to drop whatever it is he’s doing and start hitting the books.  It’ll soon be ingrained in his subconscious that whenever he hears that particular song, study time begins.

Play games.  You can use flash cards, and have your kid take one step forward moving towards you when he gets the correct answer.  Have a scavenger hunt.  Scatter lesson-related clues and answers all around the house.

Rewrite those notes.  Have your kid rewrite his notes in his own words.  Then you’ll be able to gauge how well he’s understood his lessons.  Have him use fancy pens to keep him interested.

Take it in chunks.  Study for no more than one hour at a time.  Kids get burned out too, of course.  While taking a break, fix him his favorite sandwich, for instance.

It’s all about teaching our kids to study better, not harder.  With a little creativity and imagination, your kids will soon see the fun in study time.  Now, let me “teach you how to study… teach you, teach you how to study…”

Filed Under: Everything About Kids Tagged: , , ,

For Your Little Modernista

Posted on September 27, 2012 12 Comments

If your little girl or boy happens to love everything modern when it comes to design, you may have a modernista on your hands. A little modernista embraces the current interior design trends, has a good eye for colors, and knows what he or she wants. Your kids may love to do their homework on a reclining chaise lounge because it’s super stylish and bright with its red color. Or, they may be in love with an egg chair due to its shape, amazing durability, and comfort level. Homework is now completed more often thanks to these stylish pieces and more, which is about to be covered.

Modern furniture classics are hard to turn down, especially if it means adding to a chic space or a child’s bedroom. Think of the fun and creative theme you could create in a room that has a mushroom chair, for example. Matter of fact, an Alice and Wonderland theme comes to mind and it will be fun to decorate a room that will help their imagination thrive. You can even bring in a decorator to create an Alice and Wonderland-type room filled with nature-esque pieces and artificial trees that are attached to the bed. They’ll love this modern take on Alice and you won’t be able to separate them from their fun room or sitting on their mushroom stool.

If your kids are a fan of bright colors, think of bold colors and décor pieces that will fill up their space. Miniature chairs with a modern and chic design will look fabulous in their room. If you have more than one chair with different colors for the interior, it will be fun for your little girl to set up a modern tea party with a sleek-looking table and colorful chairs. Continue to revamp the space and add to the colorful room with lighting that’s bright and a fun bedspread that has pops of color from pretty flowers or another favorite pattern.

If your child likes minimal décor pieces in his or her bedroom but still wants to make their room stand out, opt for simple colors like black and white. You may need to invest in a few solid pieces to get the look right, which may be expensive. However, the good news is that they will most likely not outgrow this look since it is so modern, which means over the years that you’ll only need to swap out minimal décor pieces. A simple, sleek black chair and a classy painting that looks like something Picasso would paint will develop the look your little modernista loves.

So follow your modernista’s cues and reinvent your interior. The interior will look chic and modern, which is different for a child’s interior, but perfect for your little modernista.

 

Sierra is a freelance writer who loves modern décor pieces, especially if it means creating a stylish and minimal space.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Everything About Kids, Home Improvement Tagged: , ,

3 Tips on How to Stay Focused in School

Posted on September 11, 2012 33 Comments

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When school starts again it is really challenging to help your kids stay focused. Not only do they have to let go of the total freedom that summertime brought them, but they now have to learn how to readjust and get used to being focused and busy once more. If they are having a hard time getting used to a different schedule and focusing on their studies, offer suggestions on how they can get used to school again and stay productive.

Stay Focused When on the Internet –

With Facebook, Pinterest, and other social media sites within a tempting click away, it’s easy for your child to get distracted when they’re doing research for paper writing and other assignments. Tell them that it’s important to stay focused and suggest to them that if they limit their time on the internet and only stay on the sites that they need to be on, they will be far more productive.

Asking for Help When Needed –

No one goes through school doing everything perfectly, and that’s why it is alright for your child to ask for help. They can go to you as their parent, a professor, and even find affordable proofreading services . School is about learning, so if your child doesn’t understand a subject as much as they would like to when they’re in a difficult class, encourage them to keep going. Sometimes it takes time to achieve and learn and every day in school will definitely make a difference.

Set Realistic Goals –

If your child sets realistic goals when they are in school they will feel proud of themselves when they accomplish the tasks they set out to complete. Setting simple goals like accomplishing one assignment in one hour’s time is a realistic goal, as opposed to them thinking they can get three assignments done in one hour. Over time they may become more productive with their homework, but until then realistic goal making will take them far.

There are many other tips that you can mention to your child when they are back to school for a new semester. Even if it may be early on in a new school year, as time goes on they will get used to the hard work ahead. Keep encouraging them to try their best and they will succeed in all that they do.

 

Sierra is a freelance writer and owner of Paige One . She loves to read, write, and stuck with school and earned a Bachelors degree in Communications.

 

 

Filed Under: Everything About Kids Tagged: ,

Kids’ Vitamins That Rock

Posted on September 8, 2012 35 Comments

I’m not in any way related to Nostradamus, but I think I can boldly make a fearless forecast that my 6-year old daughter is going to grow up to be one of TIME magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People in the World.  Even at her present age, she is starting to show signs of how she manages to affect her classmates and friends.  Her sphere of influence extends from dolls, to books, and now, even to vitamins.

Vitamins?  Since when did kids love taking their vitamins?  Just recently, I introduced her to Vitapops- the first pop rocks vitamins for kids- and she instantly fell in love with it.  She brought some to school the other day, and it turned out to be a big hit with her friends as well.

Vitapops are orange-flavored vitamins which come in pop rocks form- the ones which pop, fizzle and crack inside your mouth.  It’s the first of its kind here in the Philippines.

Although it tastes like candy, it has only 1/5 of the sugar content of your usual vitamins.  And because it’s vitamin C in Sodium Ascorbate form, it doesn’t make your kid and may be taken on an empty stomach.  So it’s safe for him to take his vitamins even before he’s had his breakfast.

As my daughter steps it up a notch on the popularity scale, I’m assured that she’s getting the vitamin C her body needs.  So, I guess it’s true: being healthy CAN be fun!

 

 

Filed Under: Everything About Kids, Health Tagged: , , , ,