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Archives from month » March, 2009

Encouraging Your Children to Do Their Chores

CHORES! They are dreaded by most of us, especially our children. So, how do you get your kids to do their chores, without pulling teeth, bribing them, or pulling your own hair out? There are a few ways to tackle this task, hopefully one of which you will discover will work with you and your children.

MAKE IT FUN: I know chores don’t seem like they can be a fun activity, but if you turn on some music, and challenge them to see who can pick up the most toys in an alloted amount of time you’re sure to have them participating and enjoying it too.

REWARDS: I know earlier I mentioned not having to bribe them, but a good psychologist will tell you that humans work harder when they are rewarded for their efforts, therefore offering a reward is not bad. Just be sure that your children understand what it is that they must do in order to receive a reward. Make their tasks substantial so that they can see that hard work must be done in order to be rewarded.

CONSEQUENCES: With reward comes consequences as well, that is if no work is completed. It may sound harsh but your child must also understand what will happen if they do not obey and do not accomplish their chores. The form of consequence is up to you, but you must teach your child reward and consequence.

These are just a few ways that you can begin using to get your child to accomplish their chores. Creating a system that works for you is the most important thing. Also be sure to read Kay’s article CHORE CHART SUCCESS at http://www.mypreciouskid.com/articles/chore-chart-success.html

Alyssa Avant
Christian Writer, Speaker, Podcaster & Blogger
http://alyssaavant.com


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Date: March 30, 2009

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Does your baby SLEEP safe?

Does your baby sleep safe? New research has shown us ways to help our babies sleep much safer. As a result of the new suggestions the SIDS rate has dropped in half. That means that 5000 less babies die a year now. SIDS prevention safety tips.

SLEEP SAFE TIPS:

1. BACK ONLY – Put the baby down on his/her back every time. When baby rolls over by themselves it is fine. However still start them on their back. Even with a SIDS monitor it is not safe for them to sleep on their tummy.

2. BINKY – Put baby to sleep with a binky. This has shown to reduce the SIDS rate too. Start with 1 style of binky and use after every feed in the beginning weeks. Some get it quickly, others learn it with time. I prefer sylicone symmetrical “mam” shaped pacifiers.

3. SWADDLE – Use a swaddle blanket that has closures (velcro) so hands pushed up can not put blanket over their face. At age 5-6 months or when they roll over start swaddling 1 arm out. A few weeks later swaddle body but leave both arms out.

4. SLEEP SACK – When finished with swaddle use a sleep sack, not blankets. Layer as needed for warmth with sleep sack the last item.

5. NO BLANKETS – No blankets or quilts in the bed until 12 months old. Then one crib quilt with the bottom tucked under the edge of mattress so it can not be pulled over the face.

6. NO STUFFED ANIMALS – At age 6 months you may add 1 small Taggie or lovie or small stuffed animal.

7. FAN – Use a fan in their room when sleeping (box fan toward wall or ceiling fan). This has found to reduce SIDS too.

8. SWITCH POSITION – Each night switch which end their head is at. It helps develop their neck muscles as they look out the crib rails from both sides.

9. MOTION MONITOR – Motion SIDS Monitors provide great peace of mind. Do not think these make it ok to put the baby on their stomach. Only use with baby on back. It will not prevent SIDS but alerts to issues. It can startle a baby with apnea to breathe at times according to reviews.

10. CRIB ONLY – In a safe approved crib or playpen only with tight fitting mattress. Do not put your child on a regular bed unsupervised. A 9 month old rolled and suffocated against wall on grandma’s bed last year. When traveling take a pack n play with you. Remove BUMPER PADS when baby can roll into them or stand up.

11. TODDLER BED – Do not move your child to a toddler bed or twin bed until at least 18-24 months old. And then be sure to use a gate at their door so you know they stay there. Also use furniture brackets to attach the furniture in their room to the wall so they are safe. And use a bed rail in the early days of sleeping in a big bed.

The use of these tips can help your child sleep safer. I read that the use of back sleeping, fan, binky, and no quilts can reduce SIDS rate by 75%. Let do all we can to help our babies sleep safe.


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Date: March 20, 2009

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Making Child Safety A Priority


How can we make child safety a priority in our family? What steps can we take to ensure our childrens safety at home and away? How can we educate our children on staying safe?

For many parents, the thought just doesn’t cross their mind. Maybe because they grew up in a relatively “safe” community, maybe because they are just naturally “trusting” of others, whatever the case, child safety and planning for it is not put as a priority in their life.

They don’t make the efforts to teach their child about strangers, they don’t do the things that they could to protect their child in the home, or even away from home, and then it happens, their child is hurt in some way. The parent is upset and then sees the obvious need for child safety planning and making it a priority in their lives. So, where do they begin now that they are aware of the issue?

FIRST – Family Rules – decide as a parent what is deemed “safe” for your child. You should have a general list of rules and regulations when it comes to your child that those in charge of their care should follow. Talk about vacation safety rules.

SECOND – Child Proofing Your Home – Take inventory of your home and other areas where you child frequents. Make certain that everything that can be done to protect your child is done. From protecting them from certain items such as poisons and heavy objects that may fall on them to protecting them from going into areas that would be dangerous for them, such as out in the busy street or down a flight of stairs.

THIRD – Stranger Danger Education – Think of outside things that could happen, including encountering a stranger, and other common dangers. Work with your child to help them to understand what needs to take place. They should run away from a stranger, not talk to them, and inform a trusted adult if the stranger won’t leave them alone. Other similar dangers include if someone is hurt and needs medical care. Teach your child to dial 911. Play a safety board game and watch stranger safety DVD’s.

FOURTH – Wearable Child ID – Get your child use to wearing an ID everyday. There are many choices for his: ID bracelets, shoe stickers, dog tags, ID cards, temporary tattoos and more. Find the ones that work well for your family.

These are all dangerous possibilities that surround your child on a daily basis. Proper planning for these things can help reduce the chances of your child being hurt and will help to heighten their awareness and keep them safe. Keep the lines of communication open with your children.


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Date: March 18, 2009

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Protect Your Child From Your Own Home


You need to protect your child from you own home. It may sound silly and even a little crazy, but it is true. There are things in your home that can be extremely dangerous to your children. Many of these things are found in the favorite room of the house for most families, the kitchen. As a result, you must do all that it takes to prevent such dangerous opportunities and to protect your child.

What are some ways that you can protect your child from your home, especially your kitchen? I’m glad you asked. The following are a few ways to do so, including:

Keep out of reach. Keeping certain items, including cleaning supplies, and anything that has toxic ingredients in it away from your child is a must. This may mean installing cabinet latches, putting these items on a higher shelf or even removing them from your kitchen all together. You should be willing to do whatever it takes to ensure your child’s safety.

Take protective measures. Another item or items in your kitchen that you should protect your child from is the appliances. Now, I know you cannot remove these from your kitchen, but you can do things to help prevent the dangers associated with them. Install a stove guard on your stove, an appliance latch on your refrigerator and keep other items that could harm them like smaller appliances,such as a coffee maker or toaster oven out of their reach.

Keep your eyes open and your guard up. Your children may have to be in the kitchen with you when you’re preparing meals, which can cause yet another danger. Hot food, hot eyes on your stove and items such as knives being used can be dangerous for children. This is why you should always keep your eyes open, be extremely alert and on guard to help make sure your child stays safe while they are in the kitchen with you, whether they are helping you cook or just observing.

These are just a few ways that you can protect your child from the dangers inside your own home and a family favorite place, your kitchen.


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Date: March 9, 2009

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