Parenting Information
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Jesus' Birthday: Sacred Children Series - 2 of 3

I had visions of my daughter for about five years before she finally showed up. She turned out exactly like the little girl in my dreams who had haunted me all that time. I was so very glad to see that she was alive and real. I always thought she must somehow be more magical and special then othe. . .

Dressing A Toddler, Whomever She Is Today

Some things we take for granted. Like getting dressed. Unless we are paraplegic, an absolute klutz or have just smoked far too much cabbage, getting dressed is a cinch.Sure, if you happen to be the winner of the 2004 Imelda Marcos Shoe Collection Trophy, you might have trouble choosing just the. . .

Buying Video Games for Kids 101 - A Parents Guide

With video game sales burgeoning beyond a multi-billion dollar industry, video gaming is fast becoming the favourite pastime of adults and kids. Quickly replacing the likes of internet, TV, and good old fashion outside playtime, the target market for video games is stretching to younger audiences. . .

Sugar And Spice - Dressing Up Little Girls

I admit it - I'm a total sucker for sugar and spice baby girl clothing. Give me lace and roses, hand-crocheted pinafores, add hand-smocked bodices and I'm in heaven. I've raised two little girls and had a hand in half a dozen nieces, and I'm here to warn you, ladies. If you love dressing up your . . .

Baby Clothes For All Seasons

Few things seem more important at a baby shower than duckies, monkeys and theme colors. Once you get the baby home though, the most important thing about baby clothes is how well they protect your baby.Depending on the time of year that your baby is born, and the type of climate you live in, ther. . .

Friends Are A Gift You Give Yourself

My oldest boy is fifteen and was a real jerk about a month ago. He had gotten pretty full of himself and acted like he was too cool for the rest of the family. Pretty typical teenager behavior, but I didn't like it. I had gotten to the end of my patience with him and laid into him about how lo. . .

Alternative Baby Clothing

Whoever coined the phrase that there is nothing new under the sun was clearly not expecting to see the latest trend in clothing for infants and toddlers. The members of the punk rock generation of the ‘80s are the parents of today and it seems that a good number of them chose to go the way of Pet. . .

Free Baby Shower Games

Described below are many baby shower games that will spruce up any baby shower.ABC'sHave each person write down each letter of the alphabet. Everyone has to name something that has to do with a baby for each letter. This game should be timed for about two minutes. Whoever has the most items wins . . .

Are You Truly Thankful For Everything?

Thanksgiving is the time of year when we stop and are thankful for all our blessings. Of course, we should be thankful every day of the year. I want you to take a different look at Thanksgiving this year. You certainly can list all of your many blessings and be thankful. But, are you truly thankf. . .

Spending time with Chuck

I have been waking up thinking about something that happening to me and my son Chuck. I have decided to write it down while it’s on my mind.Chuck was seventeen, we had him when I was seventeen, a child dad . This was not a good combination I thought I knew it all ,he knew he did. Needless to . . .

Celebrity Baby Names

It seems that the days of naming your son or daughter with your own name and adding a second, third or a fourth sign in roman numerals at the end are fading away. This seems to be especially the case with celebrities. The more unique, the better! As to whether celebrities are simply a little loop. . .

Here’s Help for the “I Can’t Say ‘No’ Blues”

I hear it all the time. Cries from Christian women who want desperately to serve the Lord, but who feel overwhelmed. “I almost dread going to PTO meetings or church services anymore because I just know somebody else is going to ask me to help with something,” they say. “Don’t get me wrong. I w. . .

Six Steps to Raising Financially Responsible Teens

In today’s money-driven society, teens are constantly bombarded by magazines, television ads, and peer pressure which make them feel less than ideal if they do not wear the latest clothing style and drive a “cool” car. Briefly visit your local mall and you will observe multitudes of young people . . .

I’m Sorry! Blame-Game or Accountability?

A powerful tool for health as we approach the new year can be to focus on giving and/or receiving only real apologies when we want to heal a rift with a family member, friend, or co-worker. We hear apologies all the time, but I don’t think many of them are sincere. An apology has to be real to he. . .

The Offspring of Aeolus - On the Incest Taboo

Incest is not such a clear-cut matter as it has been made out to be over millennia of taboos. Many participants claim to have enjoyed the act and its physical and emotional consequences. It is often the result of seduction. In some cases, two consenting and fully informed adults are involved. Man. . .

Mom Can I Have The Car Keys?

Parents find peace of mind with high-tech vehicle tracking system(NC)—It's a question that makes most parents cringe. A teenager's request to use the family vehicle can leave many parents feeling worried and anxious. Familiar doubts inevitably start filling their minds.Will my child obey the rule. . .

Coaching Your Teenagers on the Quest for Good Grades

It is important that as a parent, you create a flexible environment that supports your teen, and provides her with the opportunity to grow into a self-reliant young adult. As a teenager, she will think at times that she has all the answers, and not need you. However, she will be happy to have you. . .

College Savings Reward Plans - Making Them Work for You

You are probably well aware that college costs are soaring and that the need for parents to build college savings has never been greater. You may also be aware of various loyalty reward programs (such as Upromise and BabyMint) that pledge to help build your college savings by paying back a small . . .

The Great Diaper Debate

Way back when in the days of Home Ec, one favorite class was 'how to diaper baby'. Turning a flat piece of absorbent cotton into a comfortable, well-fitting nappy was a trick that seemed to require the dexterity and legerdemain of a trained magician. Worse, diapering the baby clumsily came with t. . .

Baby Needs A New Pair Of Shoes

Baby's first Nike's may be absolutely adorable, but are they necessary? According to most experts - and not just modern ones but for at least the last thirty years - babies don't need shoes till they're up and walking around. Even at that point, it's good for the little tikes to get in lots of ba. . .

Three Kinds Of Baby Clothes

When buying baby clothes parents are suddenly inundated with multiple choices that can become quite confusing. How many cute and adorable outfits does little Bill or Hillary need? How many “Onesie” body suits are enough? For little people that grow so quickly there are certainly a wide variety of. . .

Baby Clothes - Daywear, Nightwear And Special

When choosing and buying baby clothes, parents can be faced with many choices that, in the baby's younger days, can seem quite confusing. Striking a balance between practical and cute, fashionable and comfortable, need and impulse, and night and day can all play their part in affecting decisions . . .

Buying Baby Clothes Online

Today’s parents have more options available to them when it comes to finding and purchasing clothes and other items for their babies than ever before. With the advent of the internet, shopping for baby clothes has never been easier as there are numerous online retailers that can provide almost an. . .

Dating... A Parents Worst Fear? It Doesn’t Have To Be!

Parents with Teenagers…be Prepared!!I am writing this brief article to parents who have or will have teenage girls. I want to share this because if necessary precautions are taken you will save a lot of pain, heartache, and tears! At the age of 16 my daughter became ill, headache, throwing up, na. . .

Diapering 101 - How To Fold And Use Cloth Diapers

Let's skip right past the great diaper debate and assume that you've read what there is to read, done your soul-searching, and made your decision - and for your baby, it's nothing but natural against that tender skin. Whether your decision is ecological, economical, or based on something else ent. . .

Out, Darn Spot! Removing Stains From Babies’ Clothing

Do you remember the television commercials for the laundry detergent that claimed to remove the embarrassing “ring around the collar?” The husband and wife would be at some social gathering, perhaps dining on Lobster Thermador at the Rotary Club or some such thing, when one of the Gladys Kravitz-. . .

Mommy & Baby: Weight Gain & Failure To Thrive

A guide to appropriate weight-gain and what to look for if you suspect failure-to-thrive:Weight Gain:Birth – 2 weeks of ageRegain birth weight plus some2 weeks – 3 months of ageTwo pounds per month or one ounce per day4 – 6 months of ageOne pound per month or one-half ounce per day (should double. . .

Traditional, Classic, And Old World Baby Clothing Dressing Your Baby The Old-School Way

In today’s world there are nearly as many styles in baby clothing as there are babies crawling about. Parents who want modern clothing can find it at the nearest Wal-Mart, those who desire alternative forms of clothing for their babies can usually find it online, some people make their baby cloth. . .

Pink, Blue Or Undecided?

The pink or blue question is a moot one these days, isn't it? After all, it's so easy to tell the gender of a baby before the happy day, so there's no need to guess. Well, that's not strictly true. Even with the advances in technology, ultrasound pictures aren't always one hundred percent certain. . .

Watch Out For Allergies With Baby Laundry!

So you're having a baby. You think you've thought of everything, but at the same time you're terrified that you've missed something. Here's one thing you may or may not have thought of: laundry. Yes, you know that you will have more, but have you considered the basic differences between your baby. . .

Budget Baby Layettes

Getting what you need for your newborn without going brokeIt’s been said time and again that babies cost a pretty penny. Although little Brad or Jennifer won’t hop out of the birth canal and start demanding servants and expensive electronic gadgets, they do represent some additional expenses that. . .

Essential Baby Clothes And Accessories

Leave the cute outfits to the shower guests – these are the things you need.Having a baby is a time of combined joy and stress for most people. Nothing compares to the joy that a mother feels when she’s holding her new baby for those first few days after bringing the little tyke home or that of t. . .

Cell Phones for Kids - How Young is Too Young?

Take a random tween, age 8-12, place them in front of a rotary phone and observe at the blank stare of bewilderment. Yes, gone are the days of the landline, pushed aside by the next wave of technological advancement. Mobile phones are fast displacing landlines in many homes; accompanying this mov. . .

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. . .

Cloth Diapers – A Thing Of The Past?

New parents have heard the argument time and again from their own parents or grandparents. “You young people don’t know how good you have it with those disposable diapers for your babies! When you were a baby I had to use cloth diapers on you and they smelled terribly, I had tons of laundry to do. . .

How To Avoid Post Partum Depression

New mothers sometimes experience “postpartum blues.” This is understandable. Pregnancy and birth are very dramatic events for your body – both physically and emotionally. So, it’s common to feel a little weepy, irritable or moody in the first few days after birth. If you eat well, supplement your. . .

Five Reasons For Preparing Your Own Baby Food

Are you unsure whether you should make your own baby food at home or just buy it from the store? If so, then take a look at these five good reasons for doing it yourself - they may help you make up your mind...1. Home-made Baby Food is Healthier and More NutritiousCommercial baby foods contain ad. . .

Study Skills - How Can YOU Help Your Kids?

Some years ago when touring the Scottish Highlands, a man I met said something that's stuck with me ever since. He was elderly, yet was still working away on his small farm. He had no intention of retiring, and when asked if he felt the pace of the years he said no, he really enjoyed his work but. . .

Is There Sex After Motherhood?

If you’re like many new moms, your sex life may have undergone some changes since the birth of your baby, especially if this is your first child. Sleepless nights, the added responsibilities, as well as hormonal adjustments can all contribute to a lack of sexual desire on the part of a new mom.Ma. . .

6 Ways to Communicate Clearly With Your Teen

How would you like to have a closer relationship with your teen again? Your ability to communicate effectively with your teen is one of the most precious skills you can develop to achieve this goal.When we think of communication, we tend to think only of the way we can express ourselves. This is . . .

Ten ways to Become Best Friends with Your Teenagers

Best friends! It may seem impossible to believe, but today’s teens do want to consider their parents as friends, even though they think we could never understand the realities of their world. They are also interested in what it was like being a teenager during the Stone Age. Life without cell pho. . .

Pregnancy Planner - A Quick Guide

Weeks 1 to 3 are the first weeks of pregnancy. Week 1 begins on the first day of your last menstrual period. You will have no pregnancy symptoms yet, it’s too early right now. By week 4 nearly all of the organs and structure of the fetus have formed, you will start to feel the first pregnancy sym. . .

Garage Sales Aren't For Wimps

This month I learned a very valuable lesson about myself. I do not like to host garage sales, but I love the money that comes from getting rid of my “junk.” Yep! You heard me say it, “JUNK!”By definition junk means to me: used stuff, in good condition, that one person no longer wants but anothe. . .

Birth of a Parent

So you’re pregnant. Congratulations! Your life is about to change in ways you might find unthinkable (and we’re not even talking about the surrender of your once slim waistline to proportions most comparable to that of a Dr. Suess character). Pregnancy is the beginning of a new life for a baby, b. . .

Preparing A Layette For Your New Baby

First of all, in case you do not know, what is a layette? Well, the definition of layette is quite simple: a kit consisting of a complete outfit (clothing and accessories) for a new baby.Whether your new baby is going to be your first or fifth, taking that baby back home from hospital requires a . . .

New Mom...New Baby...New Debt??

Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along with your expanding waistline comes the ever growing list of products for you and your new bundle of joy. Preparing for a new baby can be a costly experience, especially in the areas of clothing and nursery furniture. The good news is tha. . .

What Kids Learn That’s POSITIVE from Playing Video Games

“Our family engages in "mindless" video games from time to time ... but it's treated like "junk food"…. It really has no "nutritional" value for our minds.” – Ben Armstrong 1Like the observer above, many parents and critics express the opinion that computer and video games are “mindless,” i.e. th. . .

Five Ways To Turbo-Boost Your Parenting Skills

The 'phone conversation had nothing at all to do with parenting - but it made me think . . . 'Hello, Eastbank Football Club. Can I help you?' 'Good morning, may I speak with the Assistant Coach, please?' 'Oh, I'm sorry. He's still on vacation.' 'I see. Is anyone on the coaching staff there?' 'No. . .

What Should I Buy For Baby—An Experienced Mom’s Advice

Baby's coming home soon - have you got what you need to take care of the little angel properly? You know you need footie pajamas and onesies, baby towels and bibs - but how many is enough? Having done this five times now - please hold the applause and gasps of shock - I consider myself a bit of a. . .

5 Love Languages and Those Who Contribute at Home

The work around a house or apartment has got to be some of the least thanked work ever created. Whether it is the yard work on the weekend, plumbing as it arises, daily dishes & errand running, we tend to overlook the assistance that our spouse and children offer us regularly.Part of why being at. . .

Soul Mate - a Pain in the Neck

"and they lived happily ever after...That is how our favorite childhood fairytales have always ended.That is how the romantic movies from Hollywood always end.And that is what the media agencies advertisements promise will happen if we'll purchase the right toothpaste, car, T-shirt or life insura. . .

The Best Blue Christmas

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just a few days away, isn’t it? Santa will soon be making his yearly run around the globe, delighting both children and adults alike. Christmas is the most magical holiday of them all, and it holds very deep and special meanings for all of us who celebrate i. . .

The Facts About College Financial Aid

The cost of a 4-year college education is soaring! Every year tuition, room & board and other related expenses increase 9% to as much as 15% at some schools, and have already climbed to $160,000 and more! Despite this, American families are sending their children to college in record numbers. So . . .

Get Out of Jail Free: Stop Being Defensive

When Marcus and Sally first met they immediately felt like kindred spirits. Marcus was generally warm and open. But as their relationship continued, Sally noticed that sometimes when he was upset he had trouble talking. When she asked Marcus what was bothering him, he would reply that nothing was. . .

Teenagers Taking Risks

It can be hard being a parent with a teen going through what I term the 'I'm Invincible' phase. This is the phase when teens start doing scary and dangerous things (according to us parents) as a way of testing out their physical limits. This is not surprising given that, at adolescence, teenagers. . .

How Kids Learn To Cooperate In Video Games -- A Guide for Parents and Teachers

A great many parents are concerned that the electronic games their kids play are teaching the kids “negative” messages such as aggression, violence, and isolation from real people. I want to illustrate here how computer and video game playing, can have positive effects on kids. This includes ev. . .

Monitoring Your Teens for Drug Use without Appearing to be Spying

Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still need to keep an eye on them. It is much better to realize that things could change, and anticipate that your teen COULD become a user. Essentially, it is not wise to make assumptions about topics such as drug use. Also, having been a high school. . .

What Should You Consider When Choosing Baby Clothes

Are you expecting a baby? You might be tempted to buy baby’s clothes, although you know most of the time baby will always sleeping and crying during their first months, which obviously don’t need fancy clothes to wear. But still you find dressing your baby with cute outfit will be an unforgotten . . .

Unilateral Disarmament - The First Step to Improving Communications with Your Teenagers

Many times, we are so conditioned in how we speak that we do not realize whether or not we are effectively communicating with our teens. This is especially true when they upset us.To ensure that you are fostering an environment that will encourage your teenager to talk to you, as opposed to feari. . .

How to Listen to Your Teenager without Appearing to Have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

In one of the Family Circus cartoon strips, the little girl looks up at her father, who is reading the newspaper, and says, "Daddy, you have to listen with your eyes as well as your ears." That statement says almost all there is to say about listening. Being a good listener means focusing attenti. . .

A Wish List From Mom To Dad

Here is just a little wish list I put together for you. First, I feel I should tell you that I greatly appreciate all that you do for me and our family. Feel free to grant any or all of my wishes time permitting. They can be fulfilled in any order. I will gladly accept them on any given day. No n. . .

What's Troubling Your Teenager? - Peeling Back the Onion Layers

Onion layers are a good analogy for problem solving. Like onions, problems can have multiple layers, and if you do not dig deeply enough, you may end up not solving the real problem. A good way to indicate whether or not you have "peeled back" enough layers is to see how you "feel" during the pro. . .

Is A Baby Allowed To Play In Its First Month?

What should you do to have a happy pregnancy? Many things you could do, but what most pregnant women rarely do is having a vacation. Get a life and try to relax a little bit. Or take an extended weekend just to refresh and recharge your batteries.Downtime is very important, and in a world where n. . .

Halloween Opens Creativity

Halloween is a time for both adults and kids alike to delve into their creative sides and dream up inventive Halloween costumes. It is also a time when people want to be something that they cannot be in their everyday lives. Some people choose to use their minds and try something clever, while ot. . .

Preserving Christening Gowns

Even though many christening gowns come with a vinyl bag, don't be fooled. Even the manufacturers who package them that way will admit that's the worst way to preserve your christening outfit. Textiles need to "breathe" in order to last a long time without fading or turning yellow. Plus, the chem. . .

Using Music To Calm Your Baby

Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and soothe your baby, especially during the first year. How many times have your heard parents say that there was nothing that they could do with their crying, fussing baby until they tried music. This is because music does indeed soothe the savage beast. . .

Pull Your Wagon

The Little Lady offers so many lessons. Almost two now (just a couple days), she went for a ride with her 14-month old cousin in a wagon. We adults took turns pulling . . . until Little Lady decided that SHE wanted to pull. And once she got her hands on the handle, pity the adult foolish enoug. . .

Call Me Your Majesty

Please, Just Call Me Your MajestyI was feeling used, abused, and unappreciated. I had just finished shoveling two feet of snow off of our driveway, building two snow forts for the kids, moping the puddles of melted snow off of our floors, feeding the dogs, picking up sopping clothing and doing t. . .

Where do you Cast?

“Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.I don’t know if you have ever been fly-fishing or maybe you have seen it on TV. When you go fly fishing you cast your bait way down the river and let it float. That way the fish does not see you and hopefully attacks the bait. I ha. . .

Homebased Network Marketing Mlm

Homebased Network Marketing Mlm has three qualities: control of time and money, continual salary, and steady growth which multiplies. By trying to control your time, you can reap from your downline's efforts.A downline is a group of people you recruit to sell your product, and you get a percentag. . .

4 Tips for Taking Great Baby Pictures - Even If You're Not a Professional

When my daughter Layla was born I had a hard time putting the camera down. And apparently I wasn't the only one. The cashier at the photo developing shop told me that new parents comprised a fairly sizable chunk of their business. We can't help it! Babies are such beautiful creatures that you wan. . .

10 Reasons Why People Don't Buy From You

1. You don't make people feel safe when they order. Remind people that they are ordering through a secure server. Tell them you won't sell their e-mail address and all their information will be kept confidential. 2. You don't make your ad copy attractive. Your ad lists features instead of benefit. . .

Planning the Perfect Baby Shower

One of the most exciting events an expecting mother looks forward to is celebrating her baby shower.Deciding to Throw a Baby ShowerBaby showers are often thrown by a friend or family member. Formal tradition dictates that someone other than a family member throws the baby shower, but this certain. . .

Math or Magic?

As someone once said: "There's an easy way to do something, and an unlimited number of difficult ways". Take simple division, for example: Suppose you need to divide 43 by 9. The answer is 4 (the first figure of 43) and the remainder is 7 (4 + 3). Similarly 35 divided by 9 is 3 remainder 8. In t. . .

Where Will YOUR Kids Get A Job?

Let's face it. The job market is getting tougher every day. Computerization is making many jobs redundant. The Internet and modern telecommunications have allowed companies to outsource jobs to third-world countries where wage costs are much lower. In fact thousands of jobs have already been shed. . .

The First Week with your Baby

The first week of your baby's life brings big adjustments for both of you. You are adjusting to being a mother and caring for your baby and your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb. It is a time of great joy -- and possibly immense fear! Although you've been preparing for the birth of your. . .

Fuzzy Names, Sweet Names

As with everything, names go through cycles of change with passing generations. I also tend to think that names have improved immensely since the first Elmas, Minervas, Bufords, and Alfreds graced the baby’s room wearing appropriate nametags on their cribs.A country of tradition, we still hold t. . .

An Ode To Dad

(NC)-For over a hundred years, we have dedicated the third Sunday in June to honour dear ol' Dad. This year, treat Dad like a king and honour him in style. Yvonne Diesing, Dockers® Brand Manager, provides the following gift ideas to help make this Father's Day perfect for him:Grill him - Present . . .

Digital Natives and Immigrants

Perhaps the least understood and least appreciated notion among those who design and deliver education today is the fact that our students have changed radically. A really big discontinuity has taken place – the arrival and rapid dissemination of digital technology in the last decades of the 20t. . .

Work at Home Jobs and the Internet

People with work at home jobs should use the Internet to maximize their businesses. The first necessary Internet tool is a website. You can market and sell just about any product or service via a website.How do you get a website? There are sites that provide website hosting services. They may be . . .