01.27.07
Posted in Babies at 6:52 am by scortright
Baby Teething Remedies
Teething normally occurs in babies between the ages of six and nine months. Some common symptoms of teething include cranky moods, swollen gums, drooling, fever, and excessive biting on objects.
You should expect your baby to be fussy, as her gums are in an extremely tender state during the teething process. She might even refuse to eat or take her bottle if she is uncomfortable or in pain.
Here are some common baby teething remedies that will help ease your baby’s discomfort:
* Rub his gums with your finger. Remember to wash your hands before doing so.
* Soak one end of a clean bath cloth in water. Place the wet cloth in a refrigerator. Once chilled, let your baby bite or suck on the cold cloth.
* Chill a teething ring or teething toy in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Let your baby chew on the cold toy.
* Offer your baby a frozen banana (with adult supervision). Be sure to freeze the banana thoroughly before giving it to your baby. Cut the banana in half to make it easier for your baby to hold.
* Use an OTC (over the counter) teething gel. These gels are specially formulated to be safe for your baby. Read and follow the instructions on the package carefully before applying the gel to your baby’s gums.
* Administer Tylenol or Motrin, for pain and fever as recommended by your pediatrician. If your baby has trouble sleeping at night, consider giving them a dose of pain medication just before bedtime. If you’re unsure of what pain medications to give your baby, make sure to check with your pediatrician first.
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Posted in Parenting Tips at 5:17 am by scortright
“Remember to smile, honey.” “You are going to win!” “Don’t disappoint mommy.”
You may have heard these words spoken to children during sports competitions or, more specifically, beauty pageants. While some may call it friendly competition; others are asking, “Are you pushing your child too far?”
Here are examples of how putting too much pressure on your children can do more harm than good: “Whenever I take Melissa to her dance class, she screams and cries all the way there. I have to struggle just to get her inside the room. She goes off into a tantrum and refuses to participate.” “What happened, Billy, why did you drop the ball? It was an easy grounder; what’s wrong with you? From now on, you are going to practice every day after school!” Why are parents putting so much pressure on children?
In Melissa’s case, her mom probably wanted to be a dancer and missed her chance. In Billy’s case, his dad sees his son’s inability to perform as an embarrassment or an affront against him. Parents who push their children too far do so for their own selfish reasons. Instead of encouraging a child to excel in a sport or recreation they are particularly good at; some parents choose for them, and because the child wants to please – will succumb to the parent’s wishes.
Certainly it may start out as friendly competition; but when a parent refuses to acknowledge the child may not have the skills or acumen to continue to participate, the line is crossed and the pushing and cajoling begins. Who decided that children must accomplish the impossible before they reach the age of maturity? Moreover, why is the obvious damage to the child’s psychological state being overlooked?
Competition, in most cases, can be healthy. It improves a child’s self-esteem and builds confidence. However, when parents push a child to perform that which they are neither capable nor interested; a recipe for disaster ensues. Children must be allowed to play and act as children. It is vital to their emotional and psychological growth. To relegate them to a higher standard of excellence before they are sufficiently prepared is a recipe for disaster.
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Posted in Parenting Tips at 5:13 am by scortright
Quick Kids Rooms Organizing Tips
Organizing a child’s room can be a bit chaotic. Kids accumulate so many toys, games, dolls and stuff animals that you hardly know where to put everything. Fortunately, here are quick kid’s rooms organizing tips for you to use as a guide.
Depending upon the type of furniture in their rooms, you may want to add a few more pieces that will turn the chaos into calm. Today, there are more unique and colorful bins and containers for kids than ever before. In addition, your kids will probably be even more excited to help you organize their rooms, especially if it’s new and shiny!
If your son or daughter has been collecting stuffed animals or toy soldiers, planes, or dolls; you can buy wall boxes. Affordably priced, they can be hung vertically or horizontally and make for a great showpiece in your child’s room. Moreover, all the toys will be relegated to one area of the room.
Another wonderful item is a large container featuring swivel casters and handles. This would be a great and inexpensive method for your children to pick up their toys by wheeling the container around the room. It will also be useful when transporting their toys to the family room.
How about some round containers in various colors? These are sure to be a hit with the kids. You’ll be able to choose colors that compliment each room. Affordable and handy, you may want to check these out as well.
Go online and research the various bins and containers you can buy for your children’s rooms. Then schedule a special shopping day with the kids. While at the store, you may just happen to find a few items to organize their closets as well.
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