Today's Parent | Parenting Resources… Articles, Advice, Help & Tips

Babies are cute, but they sure can be messy. From poop explosions to spitting up, babies keep their moms on their toes with surprising – and messy – situations. Plus, getting baby clean can be a bit of an ordeal, too.

A survey conducted by Baby Magic* found that 30 percent of moms feel they need a raincoat when giving baby a bath, and 57 percent deal with water all over the bathroom floor. Sound familiar?

While babies will always make messes, and bathing baby means you both get wet, there are some ways to turn bath time from a chore into fun for everyone.

Bathing younger babies

Always test the temperature of the water with your elbow. You’re going for that Goldilocks temperature – just warm enough to help babies relax, but not too cold that they are uncomfortable. A warm washcloth on baby’s tummy will also help keep them warm.

Sometimes baths can be stressful for babies, so look for products that will soothe them, such as the Calming Baby Bath Lavender and Chamomile Wash by Baby Magic. With pure lavender and chamomile extracts, this wash is hypoallergenic, pH balanced, and enriched with vitamins and aloe. In addition, it’s tear-free and free of dyes and parabens.

While babies don’t need a full bath every day, parents should clean their faces, necks, hands and feet daily – and, obviously, their bottoms during each changing or “surprise” explosion. For in-between-bath cleaning, try the No-Rinse Wash from Baby Magic. This self-foaming wash will clean baby’s hair and skin without using water, while protecting sensitive skin.

Turn bath time into an adventure

For older babies and toddlers, bath time means fun time. Here are a few ways to turn your tub into a mini water park:

• Time for toys. Water toys are a blast for toddlers. Grab some rubber duckies, boats, foam sea creatures, plastic cups and tubs, then encourage them to explore the “open sea.” Before adding these toys to your tub, remember to check product packaging to ensure that they’re age appropriate for your baby.

• Bath time Picassos. With tub markers and crayons, kids can create a bath time masterpiece. Give them foam shapes to create picture stories. Or mix shaving cream with food coloring and let your little one finger paint on the bath walls. Plus you’ll enjoy it too as it is mess-free – the shaving cream will wash away once you drain the bath.

•  Go bubble crazy. Who doesn’t love bubbles? Even very little babies will enjoy watching bubbles float and pop. Show toddlers how to make a “bubble Mohawk” using soap to spike their hair – you’re sure to get a more than a few giggles.

For more fun bath time ideas, visit www.babymagic.com.
*An online survey of 506 mothers with children ages three and under was conducted by Kelton on behalf of Baby Magic between April 16th and 23rd, 2012. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 4.4 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

A parent’s responsibility while raising children is a never-ending task. From their health to their education from their social skills to providing a nurturing and safe environment, there is so much to do!

One issue that is so often overlooked is how our children hear. Our hearing connects us to the world around us and it is only through the ears of a child that they learn how to speak and how to listen, develop social skills, and build relationships. At school, what they hear and what they listen to can propel them to a brilliant career or a life of manual labor.

The earlier hearing loss is diagnosed and treated the more chance the child has of successfully adapting to amplification and developing good speech and language skills as well as having healthy social relationships.

Some warning signs of hearing loss that parents can look out for are:

Birth – 2 years old

• Chronic ear infections

• Constant pulling or tugging at the ears

• Not responding to loud noises around them

2 – 5 years old

• Delayed speech development

• Speech that is mushy and unclear

• No response to being called by name

• Excessively loud speech

5 – 12 years old

• Slurring of speech

• Excessive volume on TV or radio

• Difficulty hearing in the car

• Declining grades at school

Teens

• Excessive volume levels in TV or speaking

• Declining grades in school

• Increased social isolation

• Aggression

Any of the above red flags or a failed hearing test at school indicates the need for an in depth hearing exam. The hearing exam should include pure tone testing (hear the beep, hit the button), as well as speech testing. These tests can be performed by an audiologist or hearing aid specialist. Children under the age of 5 require specialized equipment and should be seen by a pediatric specialist.

Once a child has been diagnosed with hearing loss there are many questions that need to be answered. First, it is important to understand what type of hearing loss your child has. The two types are conductive and sensorineural.

Conductive hearing loss is a problem with the mechanics of the ear and may be temporary. For example, too much ear wax in the ear canal can block the sound from getting to the eardrum causing some hearing loss. Most conductive losses can be treated through an office procedure, medication or an operation.

Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and happens in the inner ear in the cochlea. Each cochlea has thousands of hair cells that send the hearing signal to the brain. If these hair cells are damaged or never form, there is no way for the sound waves to be transmitted (in part or in whole) to the brain. A Sensorineural loss will most often be treated with hearing aids. Hearing aids should be worn all waking hours and it will only take a couple of weeks for your child to adapt to this improved hearing. They will need you to cheer them on in their new sense of hearing as it will be different and difficult in the beginning. Once they have adapted to hearing they will appreciate the ease of hearing they receive from their devices. Read More

A new kitten can make the “purr”fect addition to your family and provide companionship for years to come. Regardless of whether you’ve just adopted a kitten for the first time or are a seasoned pet parent, there are plenty of tasks to consider when it comes to cat care. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, follow these tips to ensure your cat is happy and healthy.

Satisfy the pickiest eaters

Cats are known to be picky eaters, but that doesn’t mean you can’t choose a healthy food option. Look for products with quality ingredients that will provide the nutrients your cat needs for its specific age. Kittens will need plenty of vitamins and minerals to support growth, while older cats may need something that aids in weight control, energy and bone support. Your veterinarian can help you choose healthy food that will satisfy even the pickiest cats.

Choose natural litters

A natural cat litter can help limit the amount of chemicals your cat is exposed to and help bring the freshness of the outdoors, indoors. One option is Feline Pine(r) Clumping Cat Litter, which has no perfumes, additives or harsh chemicals. It is made from highly absorbent pine, which acts as a natural sponge to quickly and efficiently absorb moisture and eliminate odor naturally.

Stay on schedule

Too many cat naps can add extra pounds to your kitty’s waistline. To ensure your cat maintains a healthy weight, stay on schedule when it comes to feedings. For households with several pet parents, make sure everyone is aware of when and who will feed the cat, especially during busy weeks. Also, be sure to incorporate play time into your cat’s day. It’s not only fun, but also a great work out!

Kitty-proof your home

Cats are naturally curious and have a knack for getting into trouble; therefore, creating a safe home environment is important, especially if you have a kitten. Cats love to explore and can jump to great heights so be sure to protect all nine lives by keeping harmful items – poisonous plants, medications, or toxic substances – in a closed space that can’t be accessed by your cat. Remove any breakable items that could fall on them, and mount any artwork that could potentially get knocked over.

Get home safely

Sometimes, curiosity will get the best of well-behaved cats and cause them to wander from home. To ensure a happy homecoming, take extra precautions by putting an ID tag on your cat’s collar with your phone number. Also, make sure you have several images of your cat in case it goes missing and you need to spread the word to ensure their save return.

For more cat parenting tips and to learn more about the natural Feline Pine(r) Clumping Cat Litter, visit www.FelinePine.com.

As children blossom into young men and women, most insist on planning and running their own lives. Parents worry about all the basic essentials for their kids’ independent living, like housing, eating properly, staying warm, being careful at night and more. But most parents forget to teach their youngsters one of the most important lessons of all – financial responsibility. The resulting turmoil can spell disaster for a child’s future.

Consider this: The average young adult amasses $45,000 in debt by the time they turn 29, according to a recent PNC Bank report.

This generation of 20-somethings was raised during an economically-thriving period. Undisciplined spending habits, student and car loans, and a tough job market have stymied their financial growth. Perhaps the worst culprit is financial ignorance, but we can count this as a lesson for future 20-somethings.

For young people, organizing finances can be intimidating to the point of prohibitive.

We need to have a curriculum in schools, from kindergarten through 12th grade, that ensures our kids graduate with financially literacy. From balancing a checkbook to understanding what it means to pay – and earn – interest, kids need basic money management skills to survive in the world, and most aren’t getting them.

All teens should know and practice so they can control their financial destinies:

• Saving for dreams – the three-envelope method: Use the first envelope for your day-to-day expenses: gas or lunch money. Pause before blowing this money at the movie theater or a fast-food restaurant! Envelope No. 2 is for short-term goals, which might be clothing or a new laptop. The third envelope is for long-term goals such as a car, college or a “future millionaire club” fund.

• How to create a budget: A budget lets us know what’s possible, and not possible, with money. There are six steps to creating a budget. 1. List all of your expenses. 2. List all income. 3. List monthly expenses. 4. Add up these lists separately. 5. Tweak your budget so you can meet your expenses with money left over for savings. 6. Review your budget every week.

• How to set and follow through on goals: First, figure out what your current finances are, then determine what they will be in the future — one year out, then two years out, then four years later, etc. How will you get to your one- or two-year goal? You need a plan, and most of the time that means either earning more money, spending less, or a combination of the two. Finally, you have to stick to your plan in order for it to work.

• Understanding interest rates, such as credit cards: Interest is a fee paid for using someone else’s money. Simple interest is straightforward: 5 percent accrued in your bank account with $100 yields $5 in interest at the end of the year. Compound interest, however, means ever-increasing amounts. This is crucial to understanding debt you may take on from lenders. Know what you are borrowing, and the terms thereof. Just as your money can work for you in a bank account, money borrowed can work against you if it is not paid back in a timely manner.

• How to write checks and balance a checkbook: These days, it’s easier than ever to review accounts online, which automatically tracks exchanges. HOWEVER, banks do make mistakes, which is why it’s wise to track your accounts independently. Ask. Don’t be embarrassed. Banks are putting a premium on service and want to establish a positive relationship with young customers.  If you have a question, speak to someone at the bank. As you take control of your money, you’ll also take control of your life.

Mark Hansen, author of “Success 101 for Teens” (www.success101forteens.com). A successful businessman, a former Palm Beach County, Fla., elected school board member and motivational speaker, Hansen has dedicated his life to helping young people overcome obstacles and deal with the challenges of daily living. Struck by a car and nearly killed as a child, Hansen fought back through positive actions and reactions to all that he had to overcome. As a result, he relates to teens in a very special way.  Through books such as, “Success 101 for Teens: Dollars and Sense for a Winning Financial Life,” and seminars, Mark Hansen is driven to make an impact on teens and young adults and to empower them to rise above and triumph over life’s obstacles.

A busy family schedule means there’s less time to gather around the dinner table each night, let alone ensure everyone in the family is getting the nutrients they need to live healthy. And what convenience foods offer in terms of portability, they often lack in vitamins and nutrients.

But with a little preparation, you can ensure that convenient, wholesome, on-the-go snacks are at the ready when it’s time to head to play practice or ballet lessons. Here are a few snack ideas to keep your family happy and healthy:

1. Smoothies – While smoothies may not be the first thing that pops in your mind in terms of portability and convenience, with the right to-go cup, straw and lid, smoothies can be a great way to get some key nutrients en route. Pre-packaged smoothies, however, often contain a great deal of sugar. Ensure your family reaps the benefits of a fruit smoothie by whipping up a batch using all-natural ingredients and freezing them for later. Be sure to store blended smoothies in freezer-safe or airtight containers in the freezer, and allow for one to two hours of defrost time before grabbing them and heading for the door.

2. Whole Food Bars – Just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t work wholesome foods in convenient, pocket or purse-sized portions into your diet. But make sure to check the labels when you grab a quick snack. While many snack bars contain few nutrients and may be high in sugar, the Good ‘N Natural(r) Sun Valley’s Fruit, Nut & Seed Bar contains only 9 to 12g of sugar and comes in four delicious flavors – Cranberry Almond, Lemon, Chocolate and Peanut Butter. Made using wholesome ingredients such as rolled oats, organic soynuts and almond butter, these tasty bars are dairy and gluten-free, as well as vegan. Plus, with 5g of fiber and 10g of protein, these bars are great go-to options you can feel good about giving your family. Learn more about these wholesome snacks at www.goodnnaturalbar.com.

3. Apple Chips – If you’re a fan of apples, consider making apple chips. Simply cut apples into about 1/8-inch thick slices, add a pinch of cinnamon, and place them in the oven at 200∞F for roughly two hours. You’ll end up with tasty, wholesome apple chips you can store in sealed sandwich bags for up to three days. Toss them in a backpack, your purse, or leave them in the car for snacking on-the-go.

4. Edamame - While soybeans might not be something you regularly prepare, they’re actually simple to cook, can be modified using different seasonings and easily eaten on-the-go. The night before a busy day, simply add 1 teaspoon of salt to a large pot of water, bring to a boil and add the edamame. Cook between 4 to 5 minutes for frozen edamame, 5 to 6 minutes for fresh. Drain, then add your favorite seasoning and store in a zip-top bag or storage container in the refrigerator until you head out the door.

5. Homemade Trail Mix – For a shelf-stable snack that’s perfect for storing in the car, at the office, or in your purse, consider mixing up your favorite dry food snack items such as popcorn, almonds, peanuts, dried cranberries, raisins, banana chips and more.

Keep snacks readily available in your kitchen, such as in a basket on the counter or portioned out in a shelf within the refrigerator to ensure your family will choose wholesome foods over convenient, less-healthy snacks. With a little planning and preparation, you can save time on busy days, while ensuring everyone gets the nutrients they need.

If your vacation involves being active and the outdoors, and your kids are adventurous, cuts and scrapes are inevitable. And even the smallest boo-boo can put a damper on a family vacation. Putting together a travel first-aid kit can help you take care of those boo-boos and get everyone back on track for having fun.

Some first-aid travel essentials include:

Bandages: Contrary to the old myth that you should let your wounds air out, you should always cover them up with Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages to keep out dirt and germs, which results in better and faster healing.

Your phone: For those traumatic moments of hurt, Band-Aid Brand has introduced a new mobile app called Band-Aid Magic Vision, featuring Disney’s The Muppets. The app uses augmented reality technology to provide parents with the ability to help their kids forget about boo-boos, and transform moments of hurt into moments of healing and virtual fun like never before. The app is easy to download on your iPhone or iPad, so you have it on hand whether you’re in the car or at the beach. Learn more at http://www.band-aid.com/magicvision

Antibiotic ointment: Have an antibiotic ointment on hand, such as Neosporin, to kill bacteria and minimize any scarring from wounds.

Small cold pack: Keep a fun gel pack in the cooler to help relieve the pain of bumps and the sting of scrapes.

Sunscreen and aloe gel: Keep plenty of sunscreen on hand for everyone. And in case the kids do get too much sun, aloe gel can soothe the sting.

Itch cream: Mosquitoes, chiggers and other biting insects are everywhere, so plan ahead for itch relief.

Cleaning aids: Pack cotton balls, swabs and antibacterial wipes to clean dirt, sweat and sunscreen out of wounds.

The news is filled with terrible things happening around the world and terrible people doing horrific things to themselves and others. Schools, neighborhoods, and online communications seem filled with bullies. Even cartoons and commercials often depict bad things.

Many parents, teachers and other adults forget how impressionable young children are. Happily there is a way to begin to change what children absorb from those around them: focus on the good in the world.

That is one of the reasons Lynea Gillen, MS, who has as a school teacher and counselor for over 30 years, felt a book was needed to give children a different way of looking at the people around them – and a new way of thinking about others in the world. She accomplishes this with carefully thought out words that have been combined with delicate, warm images created by illustrator Kristina Swarner in Good People Everywhere (© 8/12, ThreePebblePress.com).

The book begins, “Today in neighborhoods all over the world, millions and millions of people are doing very good things.” Then each page delightfully unfolds with endearing examples and alluring illustrations showing carpenters building houses and repairing homes damaged by storms, and cooks making meals for people who don’t have homes. There are moms and dads cooking dinner for their families and a teenage boy helping a young child who is sad and lonely. There are dancers and musicians and teachers and farmers…by the middle of the book, the reader and the child begin to realize how many good people are out there doing good–even great–things everyday.

Good People Everywhere is a wonderful counterbalance to the usually harsh depiction of the world with a soothing and enduring message of heartfelt virtue. This gentle story will help children (and adults) become more mindful of the multitude of beautiful, caring people in their world.

The combination of engaging illustrations and simple yet endearing reminders of the goodness of everyday life will warm hearts, evoke the imagination and inspire young and old to emulate this world of beauty, compassion and gratitude.

Good People Everywhere is a wonderful way to send any child off to sleep, to ease their fears and to develop a sense of gratitude. Bonus activities, included at the end of the book, will spur discussion and reinforce and extend learning into daily life, giving children opportunities to practice skills that will help them to grow into grateful, caring and giving people.

Good People Everywhere will help children notice the good things going on in the world, celebrate the joy in everyday life and lead them to envision positive futures.

Whether you’re running about town on errands or hitting the road for a family trip, parents should prepare in advance for the drive. After all, parents know better than anyone that long stretches of time in the car can lead to hungry, cranky kids. But, with some strategic planning, parents can keep everyone happy. Use these snack ideas and tips to make the best of a busy day or a road trip.

Prepare snacks in advance

One way to combat crankiness before it starts is to make sure the kids are well-fed. Pack some snacks to take with you, so you’re always prepared when the hunger sets in. Here are a few easy and quick snack ideas for on-the-go:

• Sliced Fruit – Pack up everything you need to slice up apples and bananas. Resealable containers make it easy to store and serve food.

• Applesauce – Pack convenient snacks such as the Snack & Go Applesauce Pouches from Mott’s in your purse for when the kids get hungry. Only 40 calories per pouch and with no added sugar, these handy pouches have a cap, so there’s less mess. Kids will love snacking on delicious applesauce, while getting nutrition they need.

• Apple-Banana Smoothie – Add two frozen, peeled bananas to a blender with 1/2 cup of buttermilk and 1 cup of applesauce. Serve this smoothie in a tumbler with a lid and a straw as an on-the-go snack kids will love.

• Baby Carrots – Pre-wash baby carrots and add them to a water-tight container for quick snacking between activities.

Keep them engaged

The key to keeping kids happy in the car is to stick to their regular schedule as much as possible. This means parents should be prepared with their child’s favorite stuffed animal or blanket at naptime. In addition, parents can help keep kids entertained by telling them a story or playing a game.

To keep kids happy, remember to:

• Take along a few toys and make sure they are within reach.

• Pop their favorite movie into the DVD player.

• Play some fun music and get everyone to sing along. For very young children, learning the tune to the “ABC’s” can be a treat. For older children, look to albums from their favorite children’s TV shows and movies to keep them excited on the drive.

• Stock up your car with picture and story books from the library. Even small children will enjoy turning the pages of a storybook. Ask them to tell you what is happening in the book.

• Play games such as “Eye Spy with My Little Eye.” These games will not only get them paying attention to their surroundings, but also allow you to interact with them, so they won’t feel like they’re just along for the ride.

• Have a blanket and pillow ready when naptime hits. This is especially crucial for long stretches in the car, or following a busy morning of errands that require multiple stops.

For more great, on-the-go snacking ideas and recipes your kids will love, visit www.motts.com.

Whether you’re taking a sip of your hot morning coffee, or having a bite of a delicious ice cream sundae, nothing is more irritating than having to refrain from savoring your guilty pleasure due to a shooting pain in your teeth. This sensation – known as tooth sensitivity – is triggered by hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and drinks, or by breathing in cold air. The pain can be sharp and sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth.

The discomfort you’re feeling is an indication that the dentin in your teeth is exposed. When the dentin loses its protective covering, heat, cold and acidic or sticky foods stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth, causing hypersensitivity and discomfort.

The sensation felt in these circumstances is uncomfortable, however once you understand what causes the sensitivity; there are simple ways to ease the pain.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

• Brushing too hard - Over time, brushing too strenuously or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause the dentin to be exposed.

• Recession of the gums – When the gums move away from a tooth and the root surface becomes exposed, teeth become more sensitive.

• Teeth and tooth enamel – Cavities and fractured teeth can cause sensitivity, as can worn down tooth enamel and cracked teeth.

• Teeth whitening products – Teeth whitening products can be major contributors to sensitive teeth.

• Plaque – Teeth become more susceptible to sensitivity when plaque is present on the root surfaces.

• Acidic foods and beverages – Regular consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can cause enamel erosion. Sports drinks, energy drinks and colas can also cause a higher risk of cavities and erosion to those who consume them due to their acidity and sugar content.

What are some solutions?

• Maintain oral hygiene – Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing the pain associated with sensitive teeth and receding gums. Follow proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth.

• Use a sensitive toothbrush – ARM & HAMMER TM Spinbrush TM Pro Sensitive is the first battery-powered toothbrush specifically designed for sensitive teeth and gums. Exclusive “Soft Flex Bristles” are longer and more flexible to access hard to reach areas for a thorough clean and the “Gum Guard” is a specially designed motor for a gentler clean. The Pro Sensitive toothbrush provides a great option for sensitive teeth and gums, at a sensible price.

• Use a sensitive toothpaste – ARM & HAMMER TM Sensitive Toothpaste helps reduce painful tooth sensitivity and is 40 percent more gentle to exposed roots versus a leading sensitive whitening toothpaste. It is clinically proven safe and effective to use every day for a clean, white, healthy smile.

Adopting good oral hygiene habits and selecting products that can help prevent the pain associated with tooth sensitivity, will allow you to indulge in that cup of coffee or ice cream sundae without discomfort in your teeth or gums. Learn more about products to help with sensitivity at www.armandhammer.com and www.spinbrush.com.

“We Can Do It!” was a World War II-era battle cry that empowered women. Today, however, the expression for many women is more like, “We can do it – If there’s time.”

By their 40s, more than 80 percent of American women are mothers, according to the U.S. census. Meanwhile, they also make up roughly half of the workforce, a percentage that has doubled since Rosie the Riveter’s proclamation.

At least 50 percent of women say they don’t have enough free time and 60 percent feel guilty for spending what little time they do have on themselves, according to a survey published in the March issue of Real Simple magazine.

Between motherhood and work, it is crucial that busy women also take time out for themselves. Putting things into a new perspective and realizing that a really good mother and home manager – or a mother who works outside the home — can’t be chronically tired and cranky is a first step to achieving a healthy balance between a mom and her to-do list.

Mothering is a marathon, not a sprint. Unhappiness, failure and disappointment are guaranteed when a woman continues to drive competing interests at excessive speeds.

He offers tips for managing a mother’s to-do list:

• Make “me time” a priority every day. Set aside 5 to 10 inviolable minutes for triaging your day’s to-do list — early on, when you’ve got plenty of energy and aren’t already overwhelmed.

• Do it with “Mother Bear” fierceness. Go at it with ferocious intention to protect your “cub”— except in this case, the cub is your own total wellness.

• Serve everyone notice. Let your family, friends, and others who depend on you know that for everyone’s sake, you are going to take better care of yourself and you’re not going to try to be Superwoman any more.

• Ruthless ranking. Rank each item 1, 2 or 3 in order of real importance. Make sure your priority is only the most important, and that you actually can do it.

• Indulge your inner child. Make at least one of your daily No. 1 priorities something to pamper yourself – something you know will really make you feel good but that you think you really don’t have time for and shouldn’t need.

• Talk back to your inner critic. Do this out loud; shout it if you need to! Just say “no,” a lot, to that fault-finding perfectionist in your head. You’re right. It’s wrong!

Sustainability begins at home, and the true hearth of most homes today is the mother’s well-being. Your children need to learn this from how you live, not just what you tell them.

Saniel Bonder, wellness coach, and author of the acclaimed new novel “Ultimaya 1.0: The Trouble with the Wishes of Leopold Stokes” (www.humansunmedia.com) received his bachelor’s in social relations from Harvard University, partaking in a unique curriculum that focused on the fields of psychology, culture and social behavior. An internationally recognized personal advisor and expert in “down-to-earth” spirituality, Bonder advises busy individuals on managing their daily lives while enhancing their personal fulfillment and also reaching their full potential.