Few words strike fear in a parent’s heart like “fire.” There are many different ways for children to inadvertently start or be injured in a fire, and the potential for destruction is so great that the mere mention of fire can set off a panic among parents. Here are 10 of the most common dangers of fire in relation to children. Matches and Lighters – Most children have a natural curiosity about fire that is paired with a limited understanding of the dangers that are typically … [Read more...]
7 Year Old Foster Boy Hung Himself leaving Anti-Prozac Note
The excellent short video (below) of news programs coverage about the commonality of proscribing psychotropic medications to very young children (in Florida, over 1000 children 6 or under) clearly articulates the greed & criminality (3 billion dollar fine for Glaxo Smith Kline, Criminal and civil settlements for lying and hiding information) driving the over-medication of children in child protection systems and an overall horrifically negligent approach to children’s mental health in … [Read more...]
When kids learn to treat animals with gentleness and respect …
When kids learn to treat animals with gentleness and respect, they also learn about compassion and caring on a larger scale, which are traits that can later be applied to the relationships that they have with fellow humans. For parents of toddlers and young children, imparting these lessons can be a bit of a challenge. Here are 10 ways to help your little one understand the importance of treating animals well. Set a Good Example – Children learn primarily through mimicry. They watch their … [Read more...]
PARENTS, Boosting Your Child’s Self Esteem
Your child’s self-esteem is an important part of his self-image. It helps him feel he’s worthwhile just as he is and helps him feel good about his choices and decisions. A healthy self esteem doesn’t just happen overnight. It’s something that is nurtured and grown throughout a lifetime, and something that the important people in his life have a chance to help cultivate. Here are some tips for boosting your child’s self-esteem. Give your child choices throughout the day. A big part of … [Read more...]
Child Caregivers: 5 Job Tools Nannies May Want to Get for Themselves
After years of experience, a nanny may develop a favorite brand of bottles or model of car seat that she feels is superior to others she’s tried. But since a nanny works in her employer’s home, she’s typically limited to using the items and gear that the parents have already selected. While many nanny employers are open and appreciate the suggestions of their nannies when it comes to purchasing items, gear and supplies, often times a nanny enters the picture too late, after all the shopping has … [Read more...]
What our Children Should Know About Remembrance Day
In America, this national holiday is more commonly known as Veteran’s Day (although in other countries it is also called Armistice Day and even Poppy Day). It is celebrated on November 11th of every year to honor and memorialize both soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in times of war. When it comes to informing children, young and old, about the value of Remembrance Day, there are a few items that should be imparted, not only concerning the military history of this holiday, but also … [Read more...]
Children Sleeping in Car – 10 Tips How to Keep them Awake!
Keeping your small child on a reliable sleep schedule is challenging enough without any additional complicating factors thrown into the mix. While some parents swear by the power of a long drive to send a child straight to dreamland, others refuse to let their children sleep in the car because they don’t transition well from the car to their bed. A short spin can lull a toddler into sleeping for a few minutes, but also result in him refusing to nap later in the day, or completely not sleep … [Read more...]
HOW TO TELL IF TEENAGER IS MATURE ENOUGH TO BABYSIT
Babysitting is a time-honored tradition among teenagers looking for a way to earn some extra money while selecting their own schedules, rather than being forced to adhere to one made each week by a manager. If your teen has recently approached you with a desire to begin her career as a babysitter, there are some things you’ll need to take into consideration when determining whether she’s mature and responsible enough to be charged with the very important task of caring for dependent children. … [Read more...]
5 Festive Halloween Treats to Give Classmates
Tired of sending the same old cupcakes or cookies to school for the class Halloween party? This year try something different. No trick, these Halloween treats are simple enough to make that the kids can help put them together. You Rule! - Purchase a ruler for each student. On your computer type the message “You Rule! Bats Drool!” and then copy and paste it so it will appear 5 times on a page when printed. The finished strips should be about 2 inches wide and 8 ½ inches long so keep … [Read more...]
“Latch Key Kid”, is your child old enough for this?
How do you know if your kids are old enough or responsible enough to stay home alone? With more and more households becoming two income households, the number of latchkey kids, or kids who are left home alone for a part of each day, is also steadily growing. According to NBC’s Today Show there are over 3 million children who are latch key kids today. But before you decide to let your own child be a latch key kid, it’s important to evaluate if your child is ready for that … [Read more...]
Children and the ‘flu shot’ – how to prepare
The Centers for Disease Control strongly recommends that everyone over the age of six months receive a flu vaccination each year, provided that there are no contraindications or medical conditions that place them in the relatively small group of people that shouldn’t be vaccinated against influenza. The mere mention of a shot, however, can be enough to send even children that are normally docile into hysterics. Preparing your child for his annual flu shot can be a very challenging ordeal, … [Read more...]