Sunday, 26 of May of 2013

Archives from month » July, 2009

What is in your diaper bag?

In case of an emergency, do you have what you need? I don’t know about you, but I have been out several times with my children, and found myself in need of a band-aid.

In case of an emergency, do you have what you need?  I don’t know about you, but I have been out several times with my children, and found myself in need of a band-aid.  Guess what, I usually can not find one and some stores do not have first aid kits.  The most memorable incident occurred at a department store.  While we were shopping, my son walked into a glass table top, which happened to come up to his mouth.  When he hit the table, it cut his mouth.  I asked the associate near by if there was a first aid kit, and she sent me to customer service.  I walked to customer service only to find out that there was no first aid kit.

Since that day, I have a list of things that are in my diaper bag at all times.  Some of these items include band-aids, antibiotic cream, alcohol wipes, baby wipes, gauze pads, and burn relief cream.  My little first aid kit has come in very handy.  Now when I need something, there is no more digging around in the bottom of the bag, hoping to find something that will work.  I have everything I need, together in one little bag.

Depending on the age of your children, you may want to include different items.  If you have an infant you probably want to include some type of diaper rash cream.  If your children are really accident prone, you may even want to include a “one time use” cold pack.

I find it best to be prepared.  You never know when the next emergency will arise, and it is much easier to have all of your supplies ready and organized.  There are first aid kits available for purchase, if you are not sure what to include in your kit.


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Going Back to School Safe

It is sad, but true, in this day and time we must be sure to be super safe with our kids when they head back to school. Schools of today just aren't as safe as they used to be, therefore we must take extra precautions to protect our children and to keep them safe.

haley-school200

Some things that you can do to protect your children and keep them safe include:

Keeping a routine. Routines work, not only do they help you keep your sanity, but they also help you keep up with your children.  If you’ve ever experienced the horror of leaving a child at school too late, or at a practice or anywhere for that matter then you understand why it is important to have a routine that works and keeps you on schedule and on time so your kids are never waiting behind for you, alone and unprotected.

Give your child proper identification. Identification can help protect your child in case of an emergency.  Whether they have medical problems or not it is important that they carry id and are easily able to be identified.  There are several options for this that you can explore, including bracelets and shoe stickers.

Proper Instructions. You want your child to have clear instructions daily about your plans.  This is where routines can help you out a great deal, because unless plans change or you have special circumstances likely your child will know daily what they need to do and what is expected of them, without your having to remind them daily, but it never hurts to go over your instructions and routines daily to make sure everyone is on the same page.  This after all only makes them safer.


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Nap Time Strategies

You want to have a nap time strategy. Yes, a strategy. It may sound a bit harsh or even difficult, but truly it isn't. It is like with many other areas of life if you don't take charge and plan for it, it will pass you by.

nap-mat-airbed-madisonIf you’re the parent of a little one then you have had your fair share of dealing with naps, or the lack thereof.  Nap time is an important part of any young child’s day, therefore it is important to get a handle on this napping thing as a parent.

You want to have a nap time strategy.  Yes, a strategy.  It may sound a bit harsh or even difficult, but truly it isn’t.  It is like with many other areas of life if you don’t take charge and plan for it, it will pass you by.  Don’t let the quiet time of nap time pass you by because you weren’t able to gain control of your children or their nap time.

There are a few of things that are important for a child in order to ensure that they have a good nap time.  These include:

Location – There is something to be said about having a nap time location.  If you noticed if your child is “out of their element” or “out of their routine” then they won’t be as likely to nap.  Having a specific location where your child naps daily is important.  You may choose to have your child nap in their bed or crib so that they associate that place with sleep.  Either way determine a location and stick to it.

Time – Another important thing to set for you child’s nap time is an actual time.  This helps your child to get into a routine and to learn that each day around that time they will go down for a nap.  They will get used to it and it will make it easier for the both of you.

Lovey or attachment item – My children have enjoyed having a consistent lovie for their naps. This can be a Taggie, special animal, blanket or nap mat blanket/pillow. They feel secure when their special items are there with them for nap. My daughter calls her animal a sleep buddy.

Travel and Nap – When traveling with your children, it is important to keep the nap routine as much as possible. This will help them feel more secure. If your child goes to day care or preschool for naps discuss with their teacher what the routine there is for nap. I recommend a nap mat with blanket and pillow for these situations.

Though there are probably other factors that will come into play with your child’s nap time, these four are the essentials and should be mastered first in ordered to ensure a proper nap time and some peace and quiet for everyone.


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I lost a friend this week

My friend Melanie and her husband Bud Billings were murdered in Florida last week. My heart is broken for these senseless deaths.

Florida Couple SlainMy friend Melanie and her husband Bud Billings were murdered in Florida last week. My heart is broken for these senseless deaths.

I met Melanie online 10 years ago as part of a Christian  adoption email list. She and I have gotten to know each other through lives up and down, joys and sorrows over the last 10 years. I got to meet Bud & Melanie when they came to Oregon to adopt one of their special kids.

This couple is one of the most wonderful Christian couples I have ever met. They have spent their lives loving, caring for and adopting children that other people did not want. They have adopted 12 children all with special needs. Six of the 12 children have down syndrome. They have given so much to help so many. They love God and love their family.

Please pray for this family. Pray that the people who did this are brought to justice. Please pray for the hearts of these children to be protected and  find peace. Please pray for the family members caring for the beautiful special children.


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Safety Tips for Sending Your Child to Summer Camp

The following are some safety tips to help your child's summer camp experience to be a happy and a safe one.

Summer camp is one of most kids favorite things about summer.  They look forward to it with extreme anticipation and excitement, but for parents, though they may enjoy the break from their kids they also may dread it a bit as well.  Whether they just hate having them be away from them or they worry about them becoming homesick.  Either way all parents want their child’s experience with summer camp to be a positive one and they want them to stay safe.  The following are some safety tips to help your child’s summer camp experience to be a happy and a safe one.

Some great extra safety ideas include:

Packing a flashlight.  You never know when your child will be caught “in the dark”, many camping areas are not well lit and will be in need of light to get your child safely to their cabin at night.

Packing a small first aid kit.  At least give them the necessities, band aids, some neosporin, possibly a bottle of Tylenol.  Be sure to follow the camp’s safety instructions here, they may prefer you leave medication with the camp nurse.

Emergency numbers.  You will want to make certain that your child has a list of emergency numbers so that you can be contacted if needed.

Proper identification.  It is a good idea to have your child wear their ID at all times.  If they are lost or injured the staff may not know them immediately and will need to be able to identify them and take care of them properly especially if your child has any known medical conditions or allergies.

Medical information.  Medical information that is up to date and thoroughly written on your child is a must, especially if your child has any known medical conditions or allergies.  You will want the staff at the camp to know how serious your child’s condition is and what precautions or steps need to be taken if need be.


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