Parenting Information
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Those Old TV Shows

With a very few notable exceptions, TV programming in the last decade... or three... has been relatively lame. Huh? You disagree? Let's not forget "Supertrain," or "Meet the Parents," "Am I Hot," "When Animals Attack," or any of the brilliant sludge created and perpetrated by Fox.But - ask any ch. . .

Why Kids Toys Are For Kids

I have made a discovery in my adult life, kids toys were made for kids. Now I know you may be puzzled about this because we all have sat down and played with our children, but if you peer deeper into this issue you will see as I do.Lego Mines…Tell me why it is a child can run blind folded through. . .

Painful Lessons from the Maternity Ward

Whoever dubbed New York, New York "the city that never sleeps" should visit The Maternity Ward. My recent visit included a drop-in on several screenings of "A Star Is Born" at the late-show theatre, right near Mama's Breast (all night milk bar) and Papa's Gas Station ("We burp you on your way."). . .

Mom's Car Stereo

Do you remember the car stereo days of youth - windows down, hair wildly blowing and the radio blaring the latest and greatest musical hit? Depending on which friend was with me at the time, my in-dash could be playing dance, hip hop or even heavy metal. But no matter which music was selected, . . .

Children, Entitlement and God

“Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman…..God should know that!” Those were my adolescent thoughts every weekend when my parents forced me to church. “I can get more out of my headphones and the Beatles.” It was this way as far back as I can remember. Early Sunday school, then later Bib. . .

The Village Idiot

That would be me! From what I can see, I’m just beginning the second year of a minimum four year sentence as a Village Idiot. I say minimum because the sentence may be extended at any time and without advance notice – written or verbal.Actually, I’m not treading on unfamiliar turf. I received . . .

How I Met My Angel

Today I was in rather a whimsical mood, and so instead of my usual “how to” article, I thought I'd create a fairy tale for the child within you to enjoy. When I was just a young soul, on my first incarnation to be a human being, I wasn't sure that I wanted to go to Earth School. I felt so happy h. . .

Family as as Entity

As a mother, I feel that it's my duty to look out for the needs of each individual in the family. I believe that no one person, child nor adult, is more important than any other. Every single member of the family is unique and special and their needs are unique and special. Even if all kids li. . .

101 Gift Ideas For All Occasions

People have forgotton about the meaning behind gifting, in a consumer driven society we are often pushed towards competing e.g. upstaing gifts and my gifts better than yours. Lets go back to basics, giving is far more rewarding then receiving its much better for your Karma. If someone gives you a. . .

Special Baby Clothes For Those Special Days

Baby clothes are a necessity more than anything else, but there are a couple of special occasions that make the baby the center of attention. It is moments like this that the mother's keen sense of fashion gets to shine. Here, the fact that the baby will undoubtedly grow out of the outfit quickly. . .

Wearing Your Baby

If you're looking for the perfect gift for the parents-to-be, nothing comes close to the gift of a wearable baby. Years ago, the only way to take your baby along was in a stroller or pram, or to carry her in your arms. All that changed with the introduction of the soft baby carrier, a way to carr. . .

Mommy & Baby: Keeping Tabs On Baby’s Growth

Lactation difficulties are not completely prevented by using PDF; you are rested and eating properly, your baby is getting enough food and growing, and your life is relatively predictable. So you might think that you’re immune from production issues, right? There are many more factors which play . . .

Back to School Strategies

I've spent the last two weeks getting ready for school. Not for me to go to school, but for my two girls. Of course, there was the requisite new school clothes shopping. Not only do I have girls who like clothes, but my older daughter grew six feet this summer, or so it seems! Nothing fits!Then, . . .

A Night Out For Mom & Dad

Is your babysitter watching the kids and your k9 family member?It is Saturday night and you have planned for a babysitter to entertain and care for your children while you have a date with your spouse. Aaaahhhh adult time! Your sitter arrives and greets the kids and your eager dog. As you go . . .

So You Want to Know the Truth about Child Birth and Labor?

Labor and childbirth was an amazing, positive experience for me, both times. I am very fortunate, I know. But I do believe that if you prepare yourself through education (reading books, reading articles like this one, taking prenatal classes, etc) and taking good care of yourself while you are pr. . .

Caring For Baby’s Clothes

New parents are full of concerns about what regular household activities may pose a threat or present problems for their newest family member. At some point the question about the best ways to wash baby clothing will arise. Parents typically ask whether there is a certain type off detergent that . . .

Black Tie Baby Occasions

There is almost nothing that new parents enjoy more than taking advantage of the opportunity to get their babies all dressed up in the cutest and most endearing outfits that they can find and bring them out in public for the entire world to gaze upon and coo at. So, when a formal family event com. . .

Baby Room Themes: Fun Ideas Your Baby Will Love

Decorating a nursery for your new baby can be a fun and exciting experience. It will be the first place for your baby to dream, to experience, and to grow. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Location. Calm surroundings are critical to a newborn's development. Avoid room's that are close to a . . .

Is It A Boy? Is It A Girl? I Don’t Know… Find Something Green!

There are some things we take for granted in today’s world. Day in and day out we know the sun is going to rise in the morning and set at night, the freeway is going to be jam packed with traffic every Friday afternoon from about three pm until six or seven, and people who are having a baby showe. . .

The Only New Year’s Resolution You Need

I am going to make a bold statement. I think I have the only New Year’s Resolution you need. You have got to be kidding, right??!!! You don’t know me, Kimberly. You don’t know that I need to lose 20lbs., exercise, be a better mother, be a better worker, a better wife, etc. How in the world can yo. . .

Vasectomy Reversal - A Personal Story

This article is a very personal one, but one I wanted to share with you, as there are always tens of thousands of men considering whether to have a vasectomy reversal.The desire for a vasectomy reversal can come from two main causes: divorce or relationship break up, and a change in financial cir. . .

Mommy & Baby: More Parenting Tidbits

Diapers: as a rule, most PDF babies will need a diaper change that corresponds with their feeding times. This will total 6-8 diapers per day, or more if you manage to change your baby prior to her pooping. Most new parents learn to “time” the diaper change to correspond with the after-meal expuls. . .

The Shoemaker and the Brat

At seventeen years old, I was a brat. A mixture of innocence, immaturity and righteousness. And I carried that attitude with me everywhere, including my trip to the shoemaker.Now, to understand why something as simple as a trip to the shoemaker would stay with me all these years later, I have to . . .

Dressing Baby For The Winter

Jackets and coats make a huge difference!When most people think of baby clothes they conjure images of cute sailor suits and frilly pink dresses or perhaps little white “Onesies,” soiled with spit-up Isomil formula. Rarely do they think of heavy winter coats and wind resistant jackets. In a cold . . .

Kids Activities: How To Make Your Own Puppet Theaters And Finger Puppets

Your kids can make a puppet theater and an assortment of puppets all by themselves.Materials Needed a table for the theater a cloth that can cover the front and sides of the table, leaving the back exposed some stiff white cardboard or colored paper depending on the type of puppet they want to ma. . .

Alternative Clothing For Babies

While the concept of "baby tees" has taken on a whole new meaning in the new millennium, some companies have made a real dedication to the original intent of the phrase. Of course there is always the basic "I Love My Mommy" and "Someone in Tallahassee Loves Me" t-shirts, but in keeping with the t. . .

Is Candy Corn Actually Good For Kids? Do The Math And See

Does all the sugar in candy corn have you wondering whether or not it is good for your kids? In some ways, it just might be. Candy corn could possibly boost thinking skills and improve grades! After letting them eat their fill, have your kids use the candy corn for some math lessons.On a very bas. . .

Baby Clothes On The Cheap

In the world of art, there is a movement called Postmodernism. If you're not an art student, or an artist, or a professor of art, there's really only one thing you need to know about Postmodernism. It means that you can do whatever you want. Essentially, it is a melding of things that have come b. . .

Mommy & Baby: Facts On Feeding

How you choose to feed your baby, bottle or breast, is a decision you alone get to make. Do not listen to pressure from outside sources that tell you that you “must” choose one way or another in order to be a “good mom,” or that you are “doing harm to your baby” if you opt against what they tell . . .

Mommy & Baby: Feeding

If you are a mom who intends to breastfeed her baby, start as soon as practical after the baby is born. Some of this will depend on the hospital’s procedures with newborns; there are hospitals which test a newborn, often returning him to you after several hours time has elapsed; others who delive. . .

Am I Really A Stroller-Monger?

I was reading "A Modern Infant Armada", a humor column in Maclean's Magazine written by a fellow humor columnist. Writing about it now is a bit like a painter painting another painter or a singer singing about another singer (but it not like a cook cooking another cook.).David Russell (yes, anot. . .

Baby Cold Symptoms and How to Give Care

Remember how miserable you felt when you last had a cold? Can you imagine what your baby must feel when he experiences a cold for the first time?Viruses are responsible for causing colds. Infected people spread the viruses when they sneeze or cough nearby healthy people. The virus gets into th. . .

The Baby Stroller- How To Choose

You will need to begin gathering the things your baby will need, now that you got the news that you are expecting a bundle of joy. You may feel overwhelmed if this is your first baby with all the decisions that need to be made.Deciding on the type of stroller you will use for your baby is one of . . .

Parents - Who’s Looking Out For You?

I couldn’t stop thinking about Marcy after my phone session with her. I was really worried about her. “Marcy, “ I had said in our session, “Your voice sounds drained of energy and your life force feels really low. What’s going on?”“I just have no time for myself at all. It seems like between work. . .

Quality Time?

From the book Spider’s Big CatchGary Andersonwww.abciowa.comThere's a phrase that’s become popular over the past few years that fills me with wonder. That phrase is "quality time." We've all heard it, and we all seem to accept it as a real concept. But to the average country person, that phrase i. . .

Responsible Fatherhood - A Unique And Irreplaceable Role

Something happened the other day that made me feel uneasy. Yet I shouldn't have felt that way! My wife had left for work and I was hanging the washing out to dry. A neighbour from down the way was in his backyard doing the same. 'Good day for drying', he called. 'Let's hope the rain stays away.'. . .

The Curse Reversed

Oh, that awful parental curse!At one time or another in a moment of desperation nearly every parent has spewed these venomous words upon their offspring: "I HOPE YOU HAVE ONE JUST LIKE YOU WHEN YOU GROW UP!"I'd always sworn I'd never say it but I can't lie. I did it too. I hang my head in shame w. . .

Tools to Find Family-Friendly Content

The Internet, is magnificent in its resources for families. Educational resources abound. Kids can easily find help for their homework blues without venturing to the library. Kids can chat with friends from far away for free; friends who, probably just a few years ago, they would never hear from . . .

“Renee’s Mommy is Here”

I still remember the scene vividly. I was getting out of my car at the baby-sitter’s house and a little boy comes running out the door. The little boys begins to yell - “Renee’s Mommy is here!” I remember stopping in my tracks and thinking - “Oh, that is who I am now - Renee’s Mommy.” My whole id. . .

Fighting the Pregnancy Blahs

Every pregnant woman has experienced the pregnancy blahs. I can remember feeling so big and unattractive throughout my two pregnancies, and secretly wishing for the pregnancy to be over so that I could have my body back and fit into my normal clothes. It’s sad to say, really, because pregnancy is. . .

Best Baby Shower Invitation Ideas

The best baby shower invitation ideas help everyone to have fun without adding stress on the expectant mother. Planning for a newborn can be overwhelming to each family member, so providing the best baby shower invitation ideas with fun and little effort on Mom helps to give the baby shower lasti. . .

Parents Dealing with Worry and Fear

This column offers solutions to people who write in questions about how they can solve their life challenges through the formula described in the books, Way of the Positive Flow and Positive Flow Parenting, by Lawrence Vijay GirardPlease send your questions to Submissions@FruitgardenPublishing.Co. . .

Tips for Buying Baby Gear

Buying baby gear can be a frustrating experience for new parents who want to have the best for the baby without breaking their budget. You need to buy baby furniture, such as a crib or bassinet, a change table, high-chair, and a playpen. Parents also like to purchase a baby swing and a stroller f. . .

Buying Gently Used Baby Clothing

Remember that adorable outfit you bought for your newborn - the one that cost you nearly $40, and got worn three times before it no longer fit? For such tiny things, baby clothing is expensive - and as fast as babies grow, they seldom see much wear. For parents on a budget, those are potent argum. . .

Surviving Colic

Colic is basically uncontrollable crying in a healthy baby. It can come as early as two weeks and last as long as three months. Typically they will cry for hours at a time and may do this a few times a week. If your baby is crying like this and appears ill of course seek medical attention. If you. . .

Get Rid Of Baby Walkers And Bath Seats, Urges Safe Kids Canada

(NC)—Do you use a baby walker to keep your baby entertained? Do you use a baby bath seat because it keeps your hands free for baby's bath?These two products are popular with some parents because they are believed to be convenient. But Safe Kids Canada strongly advises parents not to use them."Chi. . .

Conception: Myths and Facts

There are a lot of old wife's tales about conception, some have an element of truth in them, most do not.Does Having Sex In The Missionary Position Determine Whether You Have A Boy Or Girl?No. There is no evidence to suggest that, nor are you likely to have a boy if you have sex standing up or wh. . .

If I Hurt You, Then I'm Sorry

This statement has stopped many a war in my house. My oldest two children are two years apart in age and would fight about everything and nothing when they were little. One would anger the other and then deny that it ever happened. One would accidentally harm the other during play and not want. . .

Anorexia Nervosa Alert - Is Your Daughter Dying To Be Thin?

Anorexia nervosa is a serious medical disorder that is statistically most prevalent in the adolescent teenage years of young women. It is estimated that 7% of the population suffers from eating disorders and if left untreated over 20% of them will die from it. Anorexia takes the lives of childr. . .

Choosing a Baby Name

Take Your TimeThe worst thing you could do when choosing a baby name is to rush into it. Settling for second best may affect you and your child for a lifetime! Don't commit yourself to the first name that you fancy. Keep searching until you find a name that you are 110% happy with. And don't forg. . .

What does that new baby really need?

What your baby needs and may not need.There are so many gadget out on the market, so many cute little out fits, so many baby thing that we think we need, so many we don’t need. Simply Moms offers you a list to get you started and steer you clear of the don’t needs.LayetteDon’t spend TONS of money. . .

Baby Name Trends: From Classic to Hip

Goodbye Bertha, Hello Kaitlyn! The top baby names of today break with tradition and follow-up on new trends. Because choosing the perfect name can be a daunting task, many informative web sites have been launched with parents in mind. A name is central to a child's earliest sense of identity. It'. . .

Surviving a C-Section

After 42 weeks of pregnancy, two days of undergoing inducement and physical stress on the baby, my daughter was delivered via an emergency C-section. Oh, it was music to my ears when my gynecologist arrived in my hospital room at 4:30 a.m. and told me they were going to do an emergency C-section.. . .

Should the Dad Attend the Birth of His Baby?

Not so long ago a dad-to-be would pace up and down outside the labor room and would be admitted only after the birth. Modern practice is to assume the dad-to-be should be at the birth to offer support. But an increasing number of dads, moms and midwives would prefer he stayed outside.Some of the . . .

What the Matter Is

When my oldest boy was really young, he tickled my mother with that phrase. I would ask him, "What's the matter?" and he would answer me, "Well, what the matter is..." followed by whatever it was that he needed to discuss with me. He would say it with that very serious face that children get. . .

Really Good News About Your Children’s Video Games

Research published by University of Rochester neuroscientists C. Shawn Green and Daphne Bavelier has grabbed national attention for suggesting that playing “action” video and computer games has positive effects – enhancing student’s visual selective attention. But that finding is just one small. . .

How to Choose a Baby Bathtub

Choosing a baby bathtub is likely one of the easiest decisions you'll have to make when it comes to acquiring supplies for the new arrival. Basically, if it holds water, you're all set.There is little in the way of advantages to baby bathtub designs. Your basic tub shape, made of sturdy plastic. . .

Cut the Costs of Your New Baby... Devour Those Yard Sales!

Get some friends together and check out your local yard sales. Before you go, make sure you check the yard sale listings in the newspaper to make sure you don't make any unnecessary trips. When buying baby furniture, make sure it meets current safety standards. Yard sales often have many used cri. . .

Intersting Baby Facts... Strange But True!

* A baby is born every seven seconds. * Babies are born with very poor vision but can recognize their mothers almost right away. * Babies are always born with blue eyes, within a few moments of delivery their eye color can change. * Babies are born with swimming abilities and can naturally hold t. . .

5 Ways To Help Your Kids Do Math

Uh oh. Your kids arrive home with their school reports and it's poor marks from the math department. Now what do you do? You may not be a math teacher, but thankfully there are ways you can help your kids improve their grades. Studies have shown that children are much more likely to perform well . . .

Maybe This Christmas Will Be Different.....

Have you always dreamed of a Norman Rockwell Christmas - where everyone is singing Christmas carols and there is joy in the house? Alas, your Christmas memories are often filled with Uncle Joe getting drunk and your parents ending up in a fight. By the end of Christmas day family members are mad . . .

Pregnancy Photography - Tips For The Belly!

These tips have been provided by Heather Hart of A La Mode Photo who specializes in natural environment, pregnancy, family and pet photography.1. Find a friend.Since you are the model, you need someone who has a few hours to dedicate to you and your Belly!2. Try using a camera with real film and . . .

First Year With Twins…a Father’s Point of View

People always ask my wife and I: “How did you ever do it with two babies? I just can’t imagine it”. My answer is always the same…we just do. We just do what needs to be done. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s exhausting. Yes, it’s stressful. But we find a way to get the things done that need to be. . .

Top 100 Baby Names And Helpful Tips To Consider When Naming Your Baby

Are you an expectant parent anxiously waiting for that little package of joy? Yet, you and your spouse are still looking for that perfect name? Well...fret no more! The list of the top 100 baby names may be the answer to your prayers.Searching for your baby's name is loads of fun, whether you'r. . .

Choosing The Perfect Area Rug For Your Child’s Playroom

Are you thinking about putting an area rug in your children’s play area? These rugs can be great fun for kids. Many have fantastic colors and designs on them. Some have games or puzzles that the kids can play. Our favorite are area rugs are the ones with race tracks on them, the kids can race the. . .

In The Crook Of My Arms

His head is tilted back, mouth slightly open. His breath is slow and steady and his eyes almost all-closed but slightly open. His neck nestles over the crook of my arm and I stare at his face as he breathed in and breathed out. A feeling of overwhelming love washed over me. I was totally at peace. . .

Teen Driver Statistics

As a parent, if you search for any information about Teen Driving Statistics you will find statistics similar to those below. I have reviewed various websites to summarize the information from these sources, however, please feel free to search the web for “teen driving statistics” for more websi. . .

Buying Baby Clothes At A Discount

Dressing your little darling doesn’t have to cost a fortuneIt is no secret that having and providing for a new baby is an expensive job. With the expense of those all-important early doctor’s visits, necessary items for the nursery, and the rising prices of formula, diapers, and various infant ac. . .

Give Presence Not Presents

Throughout the year we have many gift-giving opportunities to show love to those around us. From Christmas to Birthdays, Valentines Day and more, our thoughts turn to finding the perfect gift. Before you shop and wrap remember that our loved ones need more of our presence than our presents! This . . .

Lessons in Shooting Hoops

No matter where we look or what life throws our way, there is always a lesson to be learned, if we just take the time to look for it.On February 27, 2004 our family was fortunate enough to take a mini-vacation, courtesy of our 13-year-old son. The week before this big event, our son entered a lo. . .

Is Education Tax Deductible?

Families with children already in college may qualify for tax deductions for educational expenses. The maximum Hope credit is available for the first two years of undergraduate school. It allows for $1500 of credit. The credit is based upon the first $1000 in qualified tuition and related expense. . .

Baby is Coming, Are You Ready?

It has been a long pregnancy. You are probably tired and feeling worn more often then not. But, are you prepared for baby's arrival? Do you have all the baby clothes, baby furniture and bedding that you need? Perhaps you aren't even sure what you need to have? Not to worry, even if you didn't hav. . .

Questions To Ask A Pediatrician (for new to be parents)?

Having a baby is already scary enough. There are so many new things that need to be taken care off and you are swamped with decisions to be made. One decision is to select the best pediatrician for your newborn. Take the time to research a couple of pediatricians to make sure that you are comfort. . .

What You Need to Know about Baby Monitors

Baby monitors are an essential part of baby gear. When you have the baby asleep in the crib, you don't have to keep constantly checking to make sure that he/she is all right when you have a baby monitor. You have one part of the monitor in the nursery and the other in the same room of the house w. . .

Teething Symptoms and How to Treat Them

Teething is what your baby experiences when her first set of teeth begins to appear.Some babies will go through this event without a problem. However, other babies will experience discomfort.To tell when your baby is about to enter this phase of growth, this article describes the teething sympto. . .

Advising Teens? Getting Your Point Across

Giving advice to a teenager is very easy; getting a teenager to take that advice is another matter altogether. It's not only a case of the advice 'falling on deaf ears', sometimes the teenager seems to go deliberately out of their way to do the exact opposite, that's when you know you’ve got a pr. . .

10 Simple Ways to Say, “I Love You”

We’re teaching our kids to be consumers at an early age. Look at the number of superhero and product endorsement Valentines on the store shelves. We, as parents, are sucked in by the media to believe that we need the latest, greatest gadget or fad for our kids. Share your love by giving of you. . .

Moms - Get More Energy Now

Let's be honest! When it comes to parenting, men expect their wives or partners to do the lion's share. There are signs that we're moving toward a more enlightened age in which ALL parents play their part. But in the meantime, let's concentrate on some help for tired moms. Apparently the number o. . .

Reincarnation: Sacred Children Series - 1 of 3

Many years ago, my children were raised on the various teachings and concepts of "magic" as I was studying different religions and spiritual beliefs. I had come across many metaphysical teachings woven throughout most of the different religions. It was very important to me that they stay authenti. . .

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

A few guests can get together and get a big laundry basket. Place in it a long clothes line with outfits, diapers, bibs, etc. pinned to it. It can also be used as a room decoration. It has a bit of everything and something to carry it in!Baby Quilt - here's a great gift from those that love to se. . .