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How to Make Homemade Baby Wipes

10/31/2013

61 Comments

 
Baby wipes are expensive. And babies require a lot of diaper changes (some of which, take a half a dozen wet wipes to clean up after!) Most of the time, they're small so it takes several to get a job done. Sometimes they're too harsh for the face or even the bottom. A few ingredients and some good paper towel can help you make wipes that are customised for scent / skin sensitivity issues and can save you a lot of money as well. The wet wipes you can make from the directions in this hub are soft, smell great, save you money, and stay wet for a long time if left sealed.


Read on for a basic baby wipes recipe that you can customize and that you'll probably use until your baby is in kindergarten for wiping hands, faces, and bottoms.

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We Supply 100 % Bamboo Baby Wipes ... Click Here!

Baby Wipes Recipe
The ingredients you'll need for homemade wipes are:
  • Bounty Paper Towel
  • A container with a lid
  • A sharp knife
  • Hot water
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baby oil
  • Baby wash
  • Baby lotion
Prep the baby wipes
Use one measured cup of boiling (or very hot) water and add:
  • about an eighth of baby oil and the same amount of: 
  • your favourite baby lotion, 
  • and liquid baby soap/ baby wash
Mix well.
  1. Cut Bounty paper towel roll in 1/2 and remove cardboard roll from the centre.
  2. Insert paper towel roll into your container and pour the mixed liquid.
  3. Seal with a lid and leave about 24 hours (otherwise it's too oily and wipes will be too hot)
These baby wipes are great for frugal parenting. They're large and can be used on the face and hands and work great for cleaning your own hands after a diaper change.


 

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61 Comments

The Many Uses for Baby Oil

10/31/2013

8 Comments

 
Well not quite 101 but there are many uses for baby oil, inexpensive and versatile product:

It’s cheap and contains very few additives and some brands come enhanced with extra vitamins or aloe.

  • If you put a few drops in your ears, you can remove wax-build up without prodding your ear canal.
  • Warm it up if you’ve got really waxy, plugged up ears.
  • Put a little on a cotton ball to help remove eye make-up.
  • Put some in your bath to soften yours or your babies skin . Mixing it with a touch of your favorite bubble bath will create a lovely bathwash.
  • Use after shaving your legs to soften your skin and prevent razor burn
  • Use on your babies scalp to treat and prevent cradle cap
  • Use on cracked or dry heals and put socks on to hold in the moisture
  • Smooth on a pregnant tummy to reduce the chances of stretch marks
  • Use in homemade baby wipes (2 tbsps of baby oil, 2tbsps of baby lotion, 1 tbsp of bathwash and 3/4 cup of hot water poured over Bounty paper towels and put in a sealed container) Get the homemade baby wipes recipe here.
  • Use a small amount to bring out the sheen in your wooden furniture
  • Massage a little on your cuticles before your manicure or pedicure
  • Using before going in the sun can increase your likelihood of sunburn or suntan (beware of uva/uvb rays. This is not endorsed behaviour!)
  • Some say baby oil makes a good personal lubricant but others disagree (it can damage prophylactics)
  • Great and inexpensive massage oil
  • Great lubricant for noisy door hinges!
  • Gets rid of temporary tattoos in a snap.

Tags: baby oil, baby oil uses, ear wax removal, homemade baby wipes, massage oil,temporary tattoo removal

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8 Comments

FAQ

8/11/2013

10 Comments

 
Informing and educating our  Baby Shop customers is very important!  With the expansion of the green market and new products being advertised every day, we are bombarded with choices. We think you should know all the facts in order to make informed consumer decisions. If your question is not aswered below, please call us  email info@kindynews.com. 


You can also ask a question on our FACEBOOK wall and we will answer as soon as possible! 
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Questions:

Q: Is it really worth worrying about what ingredients are in your baby wipes and other baby products?

Q: What does “renewable and sustainable” mean?

Q: Is your packaging biodegradable and/or recyclable?

Q: Are your baby wipes flushable?

Q: Are your baby wipes and bathroom tissue a bio-based material?

Q: Are KindyNews Bamboo Wipes compostable?

Q: Are KindyNews Bamboo Liners and Wipes septic-safe?

Q: Do you test on animals?

Q: How do I find out where KindyNews' Bamboo products' trees are being planted?

Q: Will bamboo production put Panda bears at more risk?

Q: Why did you choose bamboo for your products?

Q: Why do you import your bathroom tissue from China?

Q: Do you have other ideas for bamboo products?

Q. What does KindyNews Eco Baby Shop do to be a “green business”?

Q: Does KindyNews want me to review the products?

Answers:


Q: Is it really worth worrying about what ingredients are in your baby wipes and other baby products?

A: Yes!. We support the reduction of harsh chemicals and preservatives in skin care. It is not only better for you and your family, but it is healthier for the earth. Whatever you put on skin is likely to be absorbed into the blood stream with the potential to cause damage over time. Whatever is thrown into the landfill or flushed down your toilet has the potential to accumulate and contaminate water supplies and oceans which can then become concentrated in the food chain.

Manufacturers have taken the easy way out for years by using cheap ingredients to turn a bigger profit and harsh preservatives to ensure a product’s shelf life throughout an increasingly growing supply chain. There is good news though: Consumers like you have been educating themselves and voting for safer and higher quality products with their dollars. The more consumers show their concern by buying safer and more natural products, the more common it will become to see ingredients lists with safer ingredients.

In our case, KindyNews Eco Baby Shop began after communicating with Moms who found a need in the market for safer baby products. When we set out to create them, we insisted that they be made with certain gentler ingredients.  We are fortunate to have found and work with suppliers that listened to our concerns and helped us create our vision.

Navigating the enormous terrain of chemical names is not easy for the average person.  Furthermore, just because you have trouble pronouncing an ingredient, does not mean it is dangerous. A Washington-based organization called Skin Deephas made it easy to calculate your risk of exposure to potentially harmful substances through the personal care products you use for yourself or your baby. Their rating system offers a means of quantifying the risks posed. KindyNews has voluntarily signed their Compact for Safe Cosmetics, and in doing so we have pledged to not only make our products safe, but to provide transparency to consumers. We also submitted laboratory testing results that show that our baby wipes do not contain dioxane 1, 4, formaldehyde, chlorine, or BPAs (bisphenol a). Check them out at: www.safecosmetics.org

Click here to read about some common ingredients you may see in skin care products that may be cause for concern. We recommend avoiding them and we choose never use them in our products, as we believe that there are many safe and natural alternatives. We also recommend that when we consider laboratory studies to always ask how a study was performed (did they use high quantities? Was it performed on an animal? In a petrie dish? Who was funding the study? How many studies have there been and what did they conclude?.

Q: What does “renewable and sustainable” mean?

A. Renewability refers to a plant that has a short regeneration period to full maturation, usually in stark contrast to the material they are replacing. Sustainability refers to resources being replenished at a fast enough rate at which they can be used for consumption. Bamboo is a quintessential renewable and sustainable plant due to the fact that it grows back so quickly and naturally. Furthermore, it is a regenerating plant, which means it does not have to be replanted. This saves on petrol-guzzling tractors.

Q: Is your packaging biodegradable and/or recyclable?

A: Unfortunately the packaging for the baby wipes is not currently biodegradable. In an effort to be as environmentally responsible as possible.

Q: Are your baby wipes flushable?

A: Most people are not aware, but there are currently no federal regulations regarding this marketing claim.  In the US, the INDA, the Association for Non Woven Fabrics Industry offers guidelines to determine flushability, but it seems that even the experts are conflicted as to whether any company should be advertising wet wipes as flushable. We have a strong opinion about flushability – We do not encourage anyone to flush anything that doesn’t start to break down like toilet paper in the bowl. Read our detailed opinion and research by clicking the link below.

More Flushability Info: Click Here

Q: Are your baby wipes and bathroom tissue a bio-based material?

A. Yes, these products are made from bio-based bamboo material. So far, we have certified our bamboo baby wipes in the USDA Bioprefered program. We will eventually complete the certification process for our bathroom tissue, as well. The USDA defines bio-based products as those whose main ingredients are from renewable plant, animal, marine, or forestry materials.  Get more info at  www.biopreferred.gov

Q: Are KindyNews Bamboo Wipes compostable?

A: Composting turns degradable materials into useable compost-humus-like material that enriches the soil and returns nutrients to the earth. KindyNews Bamboo Wipes have early on been deemed as compostable in industrial or municipal facilities as opposed to home composting units that do not generate high enough temperature to safely break down human waste. These claims were based on our independent results and by our customers who use well managed facilities with high temperatures.  However, the FTC recently set requirements for compostability certification testing that is a financial burden for many small business like ours. We will keep you updated on our progress with our certification tests. In the meantime, we cannot make claims that they are compostable at industrial or municipal facilities.


Q: Do you test on animals?

A: We have never, nor will we ever test on animals. Furthermore, all of our suppliers must provide documentation stating to the same.  We are certified by Leaping Bunny which is a program providing the best assurance that no new animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers.

Q: How do I find out where KindyNews Bamboo products trees are being planted?

A: Currently KindyNews plants trees for each individual package of baby wipes, each individual diaper rash ointment, and for every 4 rolls of bathroom tissue sold. Our trees are being planted annually in a variety of locations where deforestation has had a major impact. We feel that regions that have suffered tremendous losses due to deforestation are the best place to start. To date we have planted over 47,000 trees in Brazil, Ghana, Burundi and Haiti. We have chosen to plant in these countries for two reasons: rainforest depletion is as high as 90% due to things like widespread logging in the past and overgrazing. And in Burundi, where 57% of children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition, we are planting Moringa, “the miracle tree” which boasts twice the calcium as milk and four times as much Vitamin A as in carrots.

If you would like to plant trees in other regions around the globe, please visit Trees for the Future to learn about their many programs.

Q: Will bamboo production put Panda bears at more risk?

A: NO. The species’ of plant used for processing fiber is a different variety than the ones Pandas consume. Its Latin name is Phyllostachys heterocycla pubescens, but is commonly known as Moso bamboo. Deforestation, agricultural encroachment and road-building remain the biggest threats to Panda habitat.

Q: Why did you choose bamboo for your products?

A: Because it’s the best, environmentally-preferable solution for disposable products! We invite you to read our Bamboo page for detailed information about bamboo. Below are the highlights of why we chose it for our products:

  • Regenerated cellulose fiber made from bamboo is a bio-based material;
  • Bamboo is the fastest growing grass on the planet and can shoot up a yard or more a day making it an endurable natural resource. Bamboo is ready for harvesting in 2-4 years (as opposed to 30+ years for trees);
  • Bamboo does not require replanting after harvesting because of its vast root network;
  • Bamboo crops do not require significant amounts of water, in fact, rain water is usually sufficient for growth;
  • Bamboo generates 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees;
  • Replacing disposables with bamboo material can have a major effect on the rate of deforestation of hardwood forests;
  • Regenerated-cellulose fiber from bamboo is very soft.



Q: Why do you import your bathroom tissue from China?


A: When we launched the KindyNews EcoBaby Shop, with our first product (bamboo baby liners) there were no Australian suppliers actually willing to supply us with the low quantity we were able to purchase, so we started in China. It is our goal to eventually have our liners manufactured in the Australia. Until then, our products are supplied by a highly reputable manufacturer that complies with environmental standards and fair labour practices in China. 

Q: Do you have other ideas for bamboo products?

A: Yes, we do!  We are constantly researching the possibilities of additional products. Since our goal is to only make the very best, most natural products, we will  continue to develop our product line conscientiously. To learn about upcoming products, sign up for our email newsletter.

Q: Are the baby wipes and liners quality-controlled?

A: Our baby wipes and liners are made at FDA certified facilities where quality control is strictly maintained.  We have also had our baby wipes and bathroom tissue tested at an independent laboratory to demonstrate the absence of formaldehyde, dioxane 1, 4, chlorine, and Bisphenol A’s.

Q: What does KindyNews do to be a “green business”?

A: We try to make as many aspects of our company as environmentally-friendly as possible. Below are some of the ways that we have incorporated these ideals into our business model:

  • We plant trees with Trees for the Future for every individual item sold to help stop and reverse deforestation;
  • We offset 35 tons of carbon emissions annually by purchasing carbon credits through CarbonFund.org;
  • Two out of three of our manufacturing facilities are operating on 100% renewable energy;
  • We ship in recycled and/or reclaimed boxes whenever possible;
  • We reclaim paper and other office supplies to keep them out of the landfill;
  • We use environmentally-conscious office practices and supplies;
  • We maintain paper-free records as much as possible;
  • We carpool whenever possible;
  • We operate as much of the business as possible from home offices to reduce travel;
  • We make efforts to reclaim our packaging for alternative reuse;
  • We aim to educate consumers about environmentally-responsible options and choices;
  • Because of our efforts to protect the environment, we are very proud to have been certified as a B Corp. Please learn about B Corps  http://bcorporation.net/
          This is just a sample of some of our efforts. We are always open to new ideas on how we can improve.

Q: Does KindyNews EcoBaby Shop want me to review the products?

A: If you are interested in reviewing Bum Boosa® products on your blog or website or other venue, please complete the information form on the Contact Us tab. Unfortunately we are unable to honour all requests for product reviews. To improve the chances of approval, please show that you have a minimum of 1,000 active followers, are very active (and have a solid following) on social media sites, and are willing to link back to our site. Thank you for your interest in our products!


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Helpful Tips on Nappies

6/18/2013

6 Comments

 
So, changing nappies can't be too complicated, right? But if you're new to the whole nappy-changing-department it can seem a bit terrifying! Never fear though as we've composed a list of the necessary items that you'll need to change your baby's nappy and some common do's and don'ts. 
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Necessary Items for Changing Nappies: 

Here is a list of items you will need for changing your child's nappy, so make sure they are within reach before you start! 

· A clean, damp washcloth/baby wipes (to clean your 
   baby)

· A dry towel or washcloth (to dry your baby)

· A clean cloth to place under your baby

· Any ointments you may use (these aren't necessary, 
   but can be helpful in treating any diaper rashes. 

· And last but not least, a clean nappy!
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The DO'S of Changing Nappies: 

· DO make sure you change your child regularly – no one likes to sit around with a wet bum all day.

· DO pick a safe spot to change your baby. Check to see that your baby won’t roll off of get hurt.

· DO notice if there are any marks around your baby’s waist or legs as this can mean their nappy is too tight and needs to be adjusted.

 


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The DON'TS of Changing Nappies: 

· DON’T ever leave your baby alone when changing – make sure you have everything you require before you start.

· DON’T wipe from back to front, as this can spread bacteria.

· DON’T forget to pack your nappy changing pack, even if going on a short trip. The last thing you need is a nappy explosion! For a day out, you’ll probably need several nappies, clean cloths/towels 
and don't forget to take a spare plastic bag to put the dirty diapers in! 




If you're feeling lost, here's a video to help guide you through the nappy changing process, after all, who said it wasn't complicated? 


                                                                                                                                                                                                                   J.B

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Which Nappy Inserts are Better: Bamboo or Microfibre? 

2/7/2013

1 Comment

 

"I make my own cloth nappies inserts and if I make them with microfibre, hemp and bamboo ( 3 layers 1 layer of each) they last a long time as the microfibre and bamboo draws the moisture away fast and the hemp holds the moisture better. ... if I had to choose either bamboo or hemp, I would go for the bamboo as it seems to be more durable" 

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1 Comment

Useful Websites for Mums and Dads

1/22/2013

0 Comments

 
Here's a useful go-to list for your to help you navigate new parenthood! Please send us links to other interesting - and valuable - information sites which you would like to recommend to other parents. 
Nutrition Information - http://www.healthy-kids.com.au/nutrition

Boutique Baby and Children’s Markets - http://www.thebutterflytree.com.au/index.html

Behaviour Management Information - http://www.parentingideas.org/articles/discipline/101-tips-for-improving-childrens-behaviour/

National Childcare Accreditation Council - http://www.ncac.gov.au/

Safe Sleeping - http://www.sidsandkids.org/safe-sleeping/

Free Dental Services - http://www.health.qld.gov.au/oralhealth/services/school.asp

Gold Coast Immunisation Information - http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/t_standard2.aspx?PID=46

Kids Safe House - http://www.kidsafeqld.com.au/

Free Dental Health Services- http://www.health.qld.gov.au/oralhealth/services/school.asp

Dental Information - http://www.colgate.com/app/Kids-World/US/HomePage.cvsp

Staying Healthy In Childcare -http://www.decs.sa.gov.au/speced2/files/pages/chess/hsp/Pathways/Staying_healthy_in_child_c.pdf

Sun Safe Information -http://www.cancerqld.org.au/page/information_resources/resources_and_brochures/sunsmart_resources/

Sunshine Coast Parent Services -http://www.sunshinecoastcis.qld.gov.au/documents/Sunshine%20Families%202009.pdf

DEEWR For Early Childhood- http://www.deewr.gov.au/Earlychildhood/Pages/default.aspx

Office For Early Childhood Education And Care - http://education.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood/

My Child - http://www.mychild.gov.au/

Triple P - http://www1.triplep.net/

Karitane Parenting Services - http://www.karitane.com.au/

Social and Emotional Development Services - http://www.rainbowplanetconnection.com/

Parent Information - http://www.bubhub.com.au/index.php


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Top Tips for Helping Your Child Get Ready for Kindy!

1/7/2013

0 Comments

 
Here are some simple things you can do to help your child (and the rest of the family!) get ready to start Kindergarten:

  • Read stories with your child about starting school.
  • Go past the school and talk to your child about how they will soon be going there, the exciting things they will do and the friends they will make.
  • Go along to the Kindergarten orientation at your school with your child. If your school does not have one, contact the school to arrange a time to visit.
  • Spend time at school looking at all the activities going on.
  • While you’re visiting, show your child around including where their bag goes and where the toilets are.
  • Go shopping together to buy a special lunch box and drink bottle, and things they will need such as a school bag, uniform items and art smock. You will get a list of items from the school.
  • Label all your child’s belongings with their name.
  • Introduce yourself to other parents and become part of the school community.
  • Organise play dates to help your child socialise with the other children in their class.
  • Have a routine each morning as you and your child get ready to go to school.
  • Iron clothes and prepare lunches and refrigerate the night before. This will make your morning routine easier.
  • Make life easier for you and your child by buying clothing with large buttons or Velcro that will allow them to dress themselves. Being able to get themselves ready will also be a confidence boost for your child.
  • Once school starts, ensure your child gets enough rest. You will probably find that your child is tired. This is normal as they adjust to their busy days at Kindergarten learning and playing.
  • Get your child nutritious meals and snacks to keep them energised through the day.
  • Talk with your child about their day when they get home. Your enthusiasm is important for them to see and feel, and will show them that school is important.
  • Get to know your child’s teacher and don’t hesitate to talk to them about any issues you may have experienced, and give them feedback – both positive and negative.
Helping your child have a positive first experience of school is important because it can help shape the way they think about school in the future.

Once school starts, be actively involved yourself. Children love it when their mum or dad comes along to help with reading and other activities.

Your ongoing support will help them build strong foundations for success at school.

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Helping your child have a positive first experience of school is important because it can help shape the way they think about school in the future.

"Make life easier for you and your child by buying clothing with large buttons or Velcro that will allow them to dress themselves. Being able to get themselves ready will also be a confidence boost for your child"

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Real Time App Connects Kindies and Parents: And Cuts Down Paperwork! 

12/30/2012

18 Comments

 
Daycare Communications has developed a smartphone App to keep you connected with your child, their teacher and your daycare centre managers.

All you need to do is to install DayCareComs on your smartphone and your child’s teacher will be able to push information to you in real time about sleep times, meal times, nappy changes and learning activities, as well as messages and photos. You can also post messages to your child’s teacher. After all, communication is at its most effective when it’s a two-way street.

DayCareComs has been developed to assist you in keeping compliant, competitive and communicating.

"Equipped with an iPad with DayCareComs installed, each teacher at your Kindy or Child Care Centre is able to record details of the daily activities undertaken by the children, pushing that information to your management team and parents in real time"

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It’s an innovative new App that does away with the need for time-consuming report writing. Equipped with an iPad with DayCareComs installed, each teacher in your Centre is able to record details of the daily activities undertaken by the children, pushing that information to your management team and parents in real time.

Parents with the DayCareComs App installed on their smartphone receive information about sleep times, meal times, nappy changes and learning activities as they happen, as well as messages, photos that reflect what is happening during their child’s day. It means no more communication books and will minimise the time your staff spend on end-of-day interactions with parents, leaving them to do what they do best, care for the children.

DayCareComs… it’s what parents want and it’s what you want too.
DayCareComs will be available for parents, kindies and childcare centres!

To register your  interest email   info@daycarecoms.com.au or phone 0407 214 211/0448058924.
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  • Make it quick and easy to log daily reports and meet your mandatory reporting requirements
  • Reduce paperwork – everyone knows that ‘going green’ has many benefits including saving the environment and saving your money
  • Give your teachers more time to interact with the children
  • Keep your parents happy because the lines of communication are open
  • Keep you competitive – be one of the first Centre’s in your area to adopt DayCareComs and watch your waiting list grow.
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Top 8 Positive Parenting Tips from an Ex-Teacher

12/18/2012

14 Comments

 
By Melissa Cleaver
Before I ever became a mom, I was a teacher. While I don't claim to be a perfect teacher or a perfect mommy, I do believe that I relate to children quite well, thanks in part to my time spent "in the trenches." Those six precious years of forging relationships, offering guidance, and teaching science to 150 students each year taught me several things which have also served me well as a parent. Here are the eight most important.

1. Go Your Own Way
When you feel the need to discipline, be sure that this urge is coming from a bona fide need to do what's right and not from a knee jerk reaction to do things that were done to you as a child. This is how unhealthy cycles repeat themselves. Go your own way and always do What's in the best interest of your children.


2. For Every Negative, Find 10 Positives
We probably don't remember it, but it can be very hard to be young. Everything is new and must be learned from scratch. Sure, children will need to be corrected. But for the sake of your child's self-esteem and the harmony of your home, be sure to compliment them many more times on what they do right than correct them on what they've done wrong.

Examples: 

You brushed your hair very well today and it looks fabulous.

I love how you set the table without even being asked.

That's very sweet of you to draw me a picture today at school. I love it!

"For the sake of your child's self-esteem and the harmony of your home, be sure to compliment them many more times on what they do right than correct them on what they've done wrong"

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3. The Connection Makes the Difference
The reason that I was able to get through to even the most difficult student (as well as my fiery toddler when she's upset) is because I take the time every day to forge that relationship with them. Spend at least ten minutes each day tuning everything else out but your child and then shower her with love and attention. Your connection will be strong and her responsiveness to your requests will be greater.

Remember that favorite teacher you never wanted to disappoint? Well, it's time to start sprinkling some of that flavor onto your parent/child relationship. The great thing is it works both ways.

4. Child Acting Out? Put Your Ears On!
Remember, children are new to this great big world and they don't always know how to deal with the situations and emotions contained within. When your child starts to inexplicably act out, remember that she needs you more than ever. Start listening, really listening to her and help her express what she's feeling. After the emotions have subsided a bit, you can then try to come up with and explain an acceptable way to channel that emotion or feeling for when it happens again.

5. Be the Rock

No I don't mean the wrestler, I mean create safety and calm for your child. You don't want your child to be afraid of you or label you as someone who flies off the handle. If your child can safely come to you and share their hopes, dreams, fears and everything in between, you will be able to help guide and steer her through rough times. If you appear unavailable or scary, your child will lean on someone else instead.

6. Don't Be a Broken Record
I had a mom who nagged, and frankly, I hated it. I quickly taught myself how to tune her out and during my teen years, we didn't seem to like each other very much. For recurring problems which make us feel like we are saying the same things over and over again, find a more creative solution. If you're repeating yourself time and time again, your children have stopped listening by now anyway.

Examples: 

If she has a messy room, try giving her some organizational tools to help clean it up easily.

If she has a messy closet and has cleaned it up recently, hang a world's cleanest closet sign on their closet door. How can you go back to being messy with that hanging there?

If your children are always forgetting to do their homework, make a standard family "table time" where common chores like homework, paying bills, and making grocery lists, are all done together.

7.  Give Your Child the Power
Children need to learn from a very young age the concept of cause and effect. Instead of them thinking that you are making every decision for them and that you are punishing them, they need to realize that the decisions are actually their own. And with decisions come consequences. Consequences can be good or they can be bad, but they will always occur. Every cause  has an effect and your child is in control of that. This is a lesson that will serve them well and will teach them to reflect on their own behavior and how they could have chosen to do things differently.

8. Above All Else, Be Consistent
This is by far the rule of all rules in my opinion, and it doesn't just apply to teaching or to parenting. You have to talk the talk and walk the walk. Do what you say you're going to do, or don't say it at all. Empty threats undermine your authority and make your child lose respect for you. Never say it if you won't do it and never forget to follow through if a line has been crossed. Children crave consistency. In an unpredictable world, your child wants to be able to depend on what you'll do and say at all times. If you begin to make idle threats, you will begin to lose that special relationship with your child. I've seen it time and time again...a child will push you and push you because she is merely seeking a boundary. Do everyone a favor and give it to her, each and every day.

This applies to both mom and dad. Consistency must occur between parents as well as within each parent. If dad's a pushover and mom always has to be the enforcer, both the spousal relationship and the parental relationship will suffer.

Well, there you have it...words of wisdom from a woman who became a teacher first and a mother second. What parenting tips did I leave out?  Do you agree or disagree with any of the above?  Don't hold back, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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Five Pregnancy Pains That Are Generally Harmless

11/6/2012

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A lot of worrying comes with being pregnant, there’s no way around it. Every new symptom brings on so many questions, and even the slightest twinge of pain in any part of your body can send you into a Googling frenzy.

Anytime you feel severe, persistent pain, you should seek medical advice from your doctor to rule out a problem. But many moms find that slight to moderate pains come and go, and most of these are just par for the course. Here are some painful problems that are typically normal and part of a safe, healthy pregnancy, plus some tips from Circle of Moms members on how to relieve the hurt.

1. Round Ligament Pain


One of the first pains you might experience as your belly starts to grow is round ligament pain. These are felt primarily in the lower abdomen and in your sides, sometimes as a sharp, jabbing sensation. According to WebMD, round ligament pain occurs when the round ligament that connects the front part of your womb to your groin begins to stretch. It is "one of the most common complaints during pregnancy and is considered a normal part of pregnancy."
In discussions about round ligament pain, Maddie B. describes it as "sharp pains in my belly and my back, also sometimes in my bladder." Serena L. found the pains to be worse in her second pregnancy: "I thought it would have been the opposite because logically your muscles have to stretch the first time more, right? Yeah, not so much. My doctor explained it to me that the muscles have to work harder with every pregnancy thereafter because your first baby stretched things out."
Sally P. and Lisa M. both found that the only thing that really helps is to lay down for a while and rest the ligament: "I went and laid down and took a nap for about a hour and then I was better," shares Lisa.


2. Slight Abdominal Cramping


Obviously, ligaments aren't the only thing stretching and growing in there! Your uterus is going through some 'feats of strength' itself, and that kind of expansion can cause some pain. When "Mommy 2 Be" had cramping at 17 weeks, moms advised her to see her doctor or go to the hospital if the pain became severe. But several members, as well as her own mother, advised that slight to moderate cramps usually happen when the uterus is "growing and stretching."
Abdominal cramps that happen very early in pregnancy can be caused by bloating and constipation, a very common yet uncomfortable pregnancy side effect. This kind of cramping can be one of the first signs of pregnancy, but can also continue well into the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Luckily there are some things you can do to help keep your bowels moving. Melanie T. suggests eating "anything with fiber!" and plenty of fluids, especially prune juice and water. Many moms say drinking lots of water works best. Joy B.'s doctor also recommended exercise: "i go for a walk of between 2 and 4 km every day as moving around also helps ease constipation."
If natural remedies don't do the trick, it is safe to try a very gentle over-the-counter stool softener. Amber K. is a nurse and mom of 2, and she suggests Colace brand stool softener: "[Colace] is just a stool softener...not a stimulant and perfectly safe... They are little red gel-like caps and they are sold over the counter (OTC) at any store."
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"Anytime you feel severe, persistent pain, you should seek medical advice from your doctor to rule out a problem"

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3. Back Pain

Many moms experience discomfort in their backs during the later stages of pregnancy. Back pain can also be caused by ligaments stretching. Connie R. talked to her nurse practitioner about this type of back ache: "She says that it's ligament pain (we have them in our backs, too) and she recommends ice pack/compress [since] heat can only make it worse."
Another source of back pain is your baby's movement and pressure on sensitive areas in your body. Lisa B. is frustrated that with her third pregnancy, it's hard to find relief from all the strain: "I am so sore through my back and pelvis it hurts to lay in bed, it hurts to sit for too long, it hurts to lay in bed for too long and it hurts to walk around too much." She found relief with visits to a chiropractor, where she learned some stretching exercises that help: "One thing that I really like to do is to get down on my hands and knees and just let my belly hang and take all that pressure off my back, then just arch and roll your back (think yoga poses!)."

4. Leg Cramps

Leg cramps and muscle spasms can be common during pregnancy. Several members advise that these pains are almost always caused by dehydration, low potassium, or both. Ashley B. experienced leg cramps with all three of her pregnancies: "Drink plenty of water and make sure you are getting enough potassium (found in bananas and raisins)... this really worked for me. Also you could try sleeping with a pillow between your legs."

5. Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Your body has it's own way of practicing and preparing for labour, and it's known as Braxton-Hicks. These are "fake" or "practice" contractions that you may experience during the final weeks before your baby is due. Jessica A. describes it beautifully: "That tightening that you feel from time to time in your uterus may feel like real labor, but it is actually a Braxton Hicks contraction. These contractions happen when your brain sends messages to your body to prepare for labor. In response, your body contracts the muscles in your uterus to help get ready for your baby's eventual arrival."
The good thing about Braxton-Hicks contractions is that they are usually not very painful. Most moms describe them as a "tightening." Donna D. said hers "were very strong but they weren't painful. They took my breath away becausemy stomach went rock hard... You will know the difference when the time comes." Krista H. agrees that you don't have to worry whether you will recognize the difference between Braxton-Hicks and the real thing: "Braxton Hicks FEEL like contractions, but unlike actual contractions, will go away if you get up and move around. Real contractions don't subside with movement."

This article in no way means to trivialise pain during pregnancy. Uncomfortable, slightly painful aspects of being pregnant come with the territory, but it is always a good idea to contact your doctor if you are worried about any pain you are experiencing. Seek medical treatment right away for any severe pain that does not go away. Persistent pain can be a sign that something is wrong, and only a medical professional can truly rule out a problem. [For more information, see 7 Pregnancy Warning Signs at WebMD.]

This information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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