Disneyland With Wee Folks

By LiaMarin Waldron
http://www.clubmom.com 

My family - me, husband Dave, and our two-year-old daughter, Amy  -  took our first trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, this   past spring. We were a little unsure about Amy. Was it worth it with a child that young? Would she even remember the experience? Our concerns were erased by the time the trip was over. She had a ball - and because of her age, she never doubted that the magic was real. As for Dave and me, we'll never forget the expressions of wonder on  Amy's face.

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Getting Ready for Back-to-School Register with ClubMom now to customize this list. Preschool--one month to one week before school:

	Spend time talking with your child about school.
	Practice separating for hours at a time.
	Read stories about the first day of school to your child.
	Plan a back-to-school shopping expedition.
	Buy or gather supplies your preschooler will likely need to bring to school.
	Buy supplies your preschooler will likely need to use at home:
	Put your child's name on her supplies, lunchbox, mat, blanket, pillow, and inside clothing.
	Teach your child important safety information and make sure she commits it to memory.
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Preschool--one week before school:
	Whether your child will walk, ride the bus, or be driven to school, take a "dry run" of the route with your child.
	If your child will be taking the bus to school, do a practice walk to the bus stop.
	Attend an open house or get-acquainted day at school, if there is one, with your child.
	If there's no open house, schedule an appointment to take a tour of the school building with your child.
	Put your child to bed earlier each night until she's turning in at an appropriate school-night bedtime.
	Get your child used to waking up in the morning at a school-day appropriate time.
	Spend the last day or two before school starts at home with your child.
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Preschool--the night before school starts:
	Pick out school clothes for the morning.
	Tuck in your child at an appropriate school-night hour.
	Before your child goes to sleep, listen carefully to her fears and respond.
	Read a bedtime, back-to-school storybook to your child.
	Pack stay-at-school cubby supplies in a bag that can also stay at school.
	Pack your child's lunch for the next day and refrigerate it.
	Gather in one place everything that's going to school with your child in the morning.
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Preschool--the morning school starts:
	Take care of any last-minute tasks.
	Even if you can't do so every day, try to bring your child to school personally on the first day and say goodbyes there.
	Let your child get used to the environment before you leave.
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Primary school--several months before school:
	For a child, entering elementary school means entering the academic world for the first time. This brings with it a whole new set of anxieties and preparations.
	Speak to the principal in the spring or summer before school starts about what your child is expected to know by the time she enters kindergarten or first grade.
	Help her get up to speed so she can keep up academically with the rest of her class.
	If your child has any special needs, notify the school and confirm that acceptable accommodations can be made.
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Primary school--one month to one week before school:
	Try on last-year's school clothes to see what still fits.
	Go shopping for those items that have to be replaced.
	If you'll be buying a school uniform, find out from your school whether any local retailers are offering special deals. If so, you may be able to get a new uniform for your child at a discount.
	Stock up on supplies your child will need to bring to school.
	Let your child select her own lunchbox, backpack, and outfit for the first day of school.
	Stock up on supplies your child will need to have on hand at home.
	If you have a home computer, make sure it is ready to be used for schoolwork.
	Schedule an appointment with your child's pediatrician for a physical exam, if needed.
	Bring the school's medical form with you to your child's doctor appointment so it can be filled out.
	Make arrangements for after-school activities or childcare.
	If you plan to participate in any carpools, start organizing them now.
	Spend time listening to your child's concerns about going back to school.
	Sew name tags or write your child's name in indelible ink on clothing she's likely to take off during the day and small items like headbands, hats, and mittens.
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Primary school--one week before school:
	Read through and review school regulations with your child.
	Make sure all school forms have been completed and returned to school.
	Take your child to check out her classroom and say hello to the teacher.
	Attend an open house or "get acquainted" school event with your child, if there is one.
	Help your child become familiar with the route to and from school.
	Start moving bedtime back until your child is turning in at an appropriate school-night hour.
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Primary school--the night before school starts:
	Designate a place in the house for school paperwork.
	Check your child's backpack to be sure she has everything she needs.
	Go over after-school plans with your child.
	Help your child pick out clothes for the next day.
	Start the bedtime routine a bit early so your child is sure to get plenty of sleep.
	Spend some tuck-in time talking with your child about school.
	Pack lunch for your child and refrigerate it until morning.
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Primary school--the morning school starts:
	Encourage your child to start getting her morning act together on her own.
	Take care of any last minute tasks.
	Remind your child of her after-school plans.
	Even if you can't do it every day, if possible, take your child to the bus stop or to school on the first day.
	Say a cheerful goodbye and leave promptly when the bus comes or bell rings.
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Primary school--after the first day of school:
	Prepare a snack for your child, and one for yourself.
	Get your child to talk about her first-day impressions.
	Call the school immediately if you have any questions or concerns.
	Ask for--and read--any notices that were sent home.
	Purchase whatever additional school supplies and materials are required.
	Make a special dinner.
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Middle and high school--one month before school:
	Be ready to grant your adolescent some new privileges.
	Allowing your child to do her own back-to-school shopping is a good way to show her you trust her judgment.
	Take the initiative to start back-to-school preparations.
	Encourage your child to try on last-year's school clothes and see what still fits.
	Go shopping, together if needed, for those wardrobe items that have to be replaced or updated.
	If your child will need a school uniform, find out from your school whether any local retailers are offering special deals. If so, you may be able to enjoy a discount.
	Encourage your child to shop for school supplies on her own.
	If you have a home computer, make sure it is ready to be used for schoolwork.
	Schedule an appointment with your child's doctor for a physical exam, if needed.
	Bring the school's medical form with to your child's doctor appointment so it can be filled out.
	Talk with your child about after-school activities she'd like to participate in and make the necessary arrangements.
	If you plan to participate in any carpools, start organizing them now.
	Try to take your child to school ahead of time.
	If your child has any special needs, notify the school and confirm that acceptable accommodations can be made.
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Middle through high school--one week before school:
	Address any concerns your child may have about going back to school.
	Familiarize your child with her new school-year schedule.
	Read through and review school regulations with your child.
	Make sure that all school forms have been completed and returned to school.
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Middle and high school--the night before school starts:
	Remind your child to pack her book bag.
	Designate a place in the house for school paperwork.
	Spend some time talking with your child about school.
	Try to get your child to bed at a reasonable hour.
	If your child lets you, pack her lunch or snack.
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Middle and high school--the morning school starts:
	Make sure your child wakes up in time for school.
	Prepare a special breakfast.
	Go over after-school plans.
	Let your child know where you'll be all day and how to reach you.
	Say a cheerful, confident goodbye.
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Middle through high school--after the first day of school:
	Try to be there when your child arrives home from school the first day.
	Prepare a snack for your child, and one for yourself.
	Get your child to talk about her first-day impressions.
	Call the school immediately if you have any questions or concerns.
	Ask for--and read--any notices that were sent home.
	Purchase whatever additional school supplies and materials are required.
	Make a special dinner.
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Back-to-school resources for parents:
	"A+ Parents: Help Your Child Learn and Succeed in School" by Adrienne Mack (McBooks Press)
	"Off to a Good Start: Launching the School Year" from The Responsive Classroom Series, #1 (Northeast Foundation for Children)
	"Smart Parenting: An Easy Approach to Raising Happy, Well-Adjusted Kids" by Dr. Peter Favaro (NTC/Contemporary Publishing)
	"Smart Start: The Parents' Complete Guide to Preschool Education" by Marian Edelman Borden (Facts on File)
	"Adolescents' Worlds: Negotiating Family, Peers, and School" by Patricia Phelan, Ann Locke Davidson, Hanh Cao Yu (Teachers College Press)
	"Helping Your Child Start School: A Practical Guide for Parents" by Bernard Ryan, Jr. (Replica Books)
	"Kids Who Start Ahead, Stay Ahead: What Actually Happens When Your Home Taught Early Learner Goes to School" by Dr. Harvey Neil with introduction by Glenn Doman (Avery)
	"Helping Your Child Get Ready for School" on the U.S. Dept. of Education's Web site
	"Your Child?s First Day at School" from MetLife Online
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Back-to-school books for preschoolers and primary schoolers:
	"Clara Goes to School" (Let's Start! Series), (Silver Dolphin)
	"When You Go to Kindergarten" by James Howe (William Morrow)
	"My First Day of School" by P. K. Hallinan (Hambleton-Hill)
	"Bumble Bear" (School Zone Start to Read Book) by James Hoffman, et al (School Zone Publishing )
	"First Day of School" (A Giant First Start Reader) by Kim Jackson (Troll)
	"Kitty from the Start" by Judy Delton (Houghton Mifflin)
	"Let's Go to School" (First-Start Easy Reader) by Michelle Petty (Troll)
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Back-to-school books for middle and high schoolers:
	"101 Surefire Ways to Start the School Year" by Joan Novelli, Susan Shafer (Scholastic)
	"Summer Start: How to Organize Your Best School Year Ever" by Pat Fellers, Kathy Gritzmacher (Tops Learning System)
	"Jump Start: How to Succeed in School and in Life" by Rafael Beer (Jump Start)
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How To Prepare Your Child For The First Day Of School  SavePress Magazines If your first child is about to start school this year you may be wondering who has more anxiety about it - you or your child. The first day of school is significant in so many ways; your child is growing up, you are not personally planning their days and you know, even if your child does not, that it is only the beginning of a long stretch of firsts. If you or your child are feeling anxious about the coming school year, what steps can you take to ease the transition and develop a healthy sense of expectation and challenge instead of fear or loss? GIVE YOUR CHILD PRACTICE If you have been the sole caregiver for your child it is quite possible that your child will have more anxiety about spending the day with people he or she doesn't know than a child who has been in a public day care environment before. During the summer, before the big day, you may wish to enroll your child in preschool even if it is only one or two days per week and only two hours at a time. This gives both you and your child the chance to experience the separation without the overwhelming challenge of full time school. If your child is not ready for a typical preschool environment, try group play activities such as a music class or book reading that involves following the teacher's instructions and spending time with a group of children while parents stay close by. SPEAK POSITIVELY ABOUT SCHOOL As hard as it may be, try to remain positive about the school experience. Even the boldest child may be put off going to school if they sense their parents' apprehensions about it. Talk to mothers of school aged children. You may find your concerns to be commonplace, but you'll quickly adapt to the routine and may even find time to enjoy it. Find out if you can visit the school before the new school year starts. Some schools have days when children planning to attend the following year can come to a library reading one day a week as a means of getting accustomed to the school environment. Taking your child 'school shopping' can also create enthusiasm. New school clothes, shoes and even a 'big kid' book bag are all ways you can foster excitement about going to school. GET INVOLVED It may be possible for the school to put you in touch with other parents who have children starting school at the same time as yours. Meeting other children before the school year can ease nerves and create a supportive bond. If your school doesn't permit that information to be shared you may request that an invitation be given to parents who would like to meet, or post a notice on the bulletin board. Once school has started stay involved with your child's progression. Discuss the activities of the day, read books brought home from school and volunteer to help in the classroom or on trips if you have the ability. All of these steps show your child that you are participating even though you are not there with them. Soon enough you'll find your little one getting the hang of it, maybe even before you do! About the author: Get tips on over 60 popular subjects at SavePress Magazine Articles. Free articles, easy to navigate and fun to read! Take a tour: http://www.savepress.com

9 Tips To Make Back-to-School Shopping a Snap

 Pat Brill

Copyright 2006 Pat Brill

It barely seems as if the final school bell rang, and already
it's time to get the kids ready to head back! With everything
else you have on your plate, the idea of back-to-school shopping
can be, well, less than thrilling, and just a little
overwhelming.

Relax! These nine tips will help you get organized and make
back-to-school shopping a breeze.

1. Make A List. Consider what each child needs most and place
those items at the top of your shopping list. Prioritizing needs
will help you shop early for the necessities, and you can leave
the unessential items until later, when you have more time--and
money.

2. Create A Budget. Knowing how much you can afford to spend on
clothes and electronic items, for example, can cut a great deal
of time out of your back-to-school shopping. You'll know exactly
which brands and products are within your spending limits -
which means you won't waste time listening to that sales pitch
for a high-priced computer that you know you can't afford. Be
sure your kids know the limits before you head out to prevent
future hassles with them over what you will and won't spend for
certain items.

3. Use Cash. After you've made your budget, use cash to make
your purchases. When you only have a limited amount of money in
your pocket, you're not as likely to give in to the desire to
splurge on things your children may not really need - or that
you can't really afford. This will save you huge headaches down
the road when the credit card bills would be rolling in.
Instead, you'll be patting yourself on the back for being such a
savvy shopper.

4. Plan Your Attack. Knowing when to shop is half the battle.
Choose times when your children will be feeling their best. Time
your shopping to beat the crowds. With gas prices the way they
are, you'll want to map out your strategy ahead of time. Plan
your route and hit all the stores you need to in an orderly
manner - and save money at the gas pump as well.

5. Shop Alone When Possible. Sticking to a budget and dashing in
and out of stores is so much easier when you're by yourself.
Plus, you won't have the extra guilt that comes from kids
begging for impulse items that you have to say no to. Shopping
alone may not always be practical, but do it for as many items
as possible. You'll save a lot of wear and tear not just on your
wallet but on your nerves too!

6. Click It. Online shopping has to be any busy mom's best
friend ever! You can find anything you need online and have it
delivered right to your door. That means no filling up the car
with kids and gas, driving all over town, and ending up back at
home with your nerves frazzled and your credit card smoking. You
can shop online while at the office or at home when the kids are
napping or have gone to bed for the night--or any other time
that's convenient to you, for that matter. Also, shopping online
may save you lots of money, as you can easily shop around for
the best deals and all from the comfort of your favorite PC.

7. Buy Quality. When it comes to buying things such as backpacks
and other school supplies that will be used on a daily basis,
you'll want to buy the highest quality you can afford. Remember
a bargain isn't a bargain if an item falls apart in a few weeks
and has to be replaced. So for items that are going to need to
withstand a lot of wear and tear, buy quality. Believe me, you
won't regret it.

8. Shop During Tax-Free Weekends. If your state has a tax-free
weekend, be sure to take advantage of it. This is especially
true when you need to purchase large-ticket items like
computers. You'll be amazed at the amount of money you can save
by shopping during this time.

9. Delegate. If you're time-starved, send Dad to do the
back-to-school shopping. After all, who said shopping has to be
just Mom's job? This is a great way to divide and conquer. You
take half of the shopping list and let him take the other half.
Neither of you will feel overwhelmed by the list of items to be
bought, and sharing the shopping responsibility lessens the
burdened too. (Actually, this would be a great time for you two
to make a date to meet for coffee after the shopping's done and
work in a little of that oh-so-important couple time!)

About the author:
Pat Brill is co-founder of http://www.SilkBow.com which supports
Busy Moms with free gift ideas and helpful tips to meet the
challenges of motherhood. SilkBow is the perfect place for the
perfect gift. Pat can be reached directly at: pat@SilkBow.com 

Childproofing Your Home To make sure that your home is a safe haven for your children - and you - learn to spot and eliminate hazards throughout the house. This checklist will show you how. Register with ClubMom to customize this checklist by assigning due dates, adding new tasks, scheduling email reminders, and more. Register with ClubMom now to customize this list. Safety measures for every room:

	Install child-resistant covers on all electrical outlets.
	Keep dangerous chemicals out of children's reach.
	For strings and ribbons, follow the six-inch rule.
	Always use a safety belt on your baby when she is sitting in a bouncy seat or a swing.
	Shorten curtain and blind cords.
	Place furniture well away from windows.
	Use corner bumpers on furniture and fireplace-hearth edges.
	Place houseplants out of children's reach.
	Know the names of all plants in case a child eats one of them.
	Keep cigarettes, matches, and lighters out of children's reach.
	Safeguard heating and gas systems against accidents.
	Be sure that furnaces, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, space heaters, and gas appliances are vented properly.
	Place screened barriers around fireplaces, radiators, and portable space heaters.
	Install carbon-monoxide (CO) alarms outside bedrooms to help prevent CO poisoning.
	Install smoke alarms outside each bedroom and on every level of your home.
	Remove the plastic end caps on doorstops or replace the stops with a one-piece design to prevent choking.
	Consider placing plastic guards along the hinge side of frequently used interior doors to prevent the doors from pinching fingers.
	Safety-proof windows and fire exits.
	Make a fire evacuation plan and practice fire escape routes at least twice a year.
	Keep firearms and ammunition safely locked away.
	Secure unsteady furnishings.
	Avoid household water hazards.
	Test homes built before 1978 for lead paint.
	Learn first aid and CPR.
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Hallways and staircases:
	Avoid dark hallways and rugs that slip.
	Safety-proof stairs.
	If possible, install carpeting on stairways to protect from falls.
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Kids' rooms:
	Position your child's crib away from all drapery, electrical cords, and windows.
	Make sure the crib meets national safety standards.
	Make sure the mattress fits snugly.
	Be sure the crib sheet fits snugly.
	If you use a crib bumper, make sure it's firm (not fluffy) and secured tightly with at least six ties.
	Remove mobiles and other hanging toys from the crib as soon as your child can reach up and touch them.
	Place infants under one year on their backs to sleep.
	Never use an electric blanket in the bed or crib of a small child or infant.
	Place night-lights at least three feet away from the crib, bedding, and draperies to prevent fires.
	Always use a safety belt on your infant when you have her on a changing table, and never leave her unattended.
	Provide padding for falls.
	Check age labels for appropriate toys.
	Be vigilant about choking hazards.
	Use side railings for children just getting used to "big kid" beds.
	If bedrooms are on second or third stories, be sure to have a fire-escape ladder in each room.
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Bathroom:
	Put a lock on the medicine cabinet.
	To prevent poisoning, lock away all vitamins and medicines.
	Install toilet-lid locks to prevent drowning.
	Lower the household water temperature.
	Always test the water first before bathing a child.
	Make sure bathtubs and showers aren't slippery.
	Use electrical appliances carefully.
	Install ground-fault circuit interrupters on outlets near sinks and bathtubs.
	Never leave a young child alone in the bathroom.
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Kitchen:
	Keep knives, cleaning supplies, and plastic bags out of children's reach.
	To avoid fires and burns, never leave cooking food unattended.
	If stove knobs are easily accessible to children, use protective covers to prevent kids from turning them.
	Teach your kids how to respond to fire.
	When they're not in use, unplug electrical appliances.
	Replace any frayed cords and wires.
	Keep chairs and step stools away from counters and the stove.
	Keep activated charcoal (helps absorb some poisons) and syrup of ipecac (used to induce vomiting) on hand.
	Beware of foods that children can choke on.
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Yard:
	Store tools, garden, and lawn-care equipment and supplies in a locked closet or shed.
	Don't use a power mower to cut the lawn when young children are around.
	Don't allow children to play on a treated lawn for at least 48 hours following an application of a fertilizer or a pesticide.
	Know the types of trees on the property in the event children ingest berries, leaves, or other plant life.
	If you have a swimming pool, install a fence (with an automatic childproof gate) that separates the house from the pool.
	When you barbecue outdoors, never leave kids unattended around the grill.
	Store propane grills where children cannot reach the knobs.
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Other resources for childproofing your home:
	To find outlet covers, cord shorteners, cabinet latches, and toilet-lid locks, check with your local hardware store.
	For consumer-product and home-safety information, contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
	For details about child and home safety, contact the National Safe Kids Campaign.
	For information about child lead poisoning, read the "Lead Hazard Information" pamphlet from the department of Housing and Urban Development.
	For information about safe drinking water, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water.
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 ALL ABOUT BABY PROOFING YOUR HOME

Frank Showalter

 This article is meant for those people who have a young child
in their home. It deals with one of the most crucial safety
subjects for them. It is how to baby proof your household.
Starting from a toddler, a young child can fall into many
troubles within seconds. Any little child is bound to be
inquisitive and could slip into any awful situation easily.
Following are some safety measures that you are strongly advised
to heed to keep your hearth a secure environment for your child.
Electrical sockets are the first major things that you should
check in the house. Those sockets that are devoid of any plugs
must be shut out. Any common hardware store keeps a socket
protector and you can buy one. Made of plastic, they are very
inexpensive. They are a good cover and will stop your baby from
putting his or her fingers into the sockets and electrocute
themselves. Matches pose another threat to the babies. Your
child needs to be taught that matches are not playthings and
never light a match in the presence of your child. The child
would try to follow you, which is not wanted. You can also store
the matches in a locked cabinet, or at least make sure they are
kept at a safe distance away from the child in a cabinet or a
drawer. Children can burn themselves easily so take proper
measures to prevent your child from hurting himself or herself
by burning. Possibly you should attach a mixer faucet on your
sink. This would proof your baby against getting burned from
boiling water. Take care not to have any hot drink or a smoke
when you are carrying your baby. If the drink or the smoke slips
from your hand, then it may fall on the baby's body damaging is
new skin. Lastly, electrical cords or wires must be put away
from the child so that they do not chew or pull them or get a
fall on them. Children can also drown themselves in water. Even
in a bathtub you should be by the side of your child at all
times. The baby would just need to slip but once, and down under
the water will he go. If you need to attend to a cal or to the
doorbell, wrap a towel around the child and bring him along.
There are surely a host of other measures that you need to
follow, but these are some of the fundamental precautions in a
nutshell that you should bear in mind.

About the author:
 For more information from Frank Showalter about baby safety,
please visit http://www.bigbabies.info 

Important Information for Your Babysitter Whether you occasionally hire a sitter to watch your children or you have full-time in-home childcare, this checklist covers everything a caregiver needs to know so she can keep your kids happy and safe when you're not around. Before you go out, fill it in, print it out, post it on the fridge, and rest easy as you head for the door. Register with ClubMom to customize this checklist by assigning due dates, adding new tasks, scheduling email reminders, and more. Register with ClubMom now to customize this list. General Information:

	Our names:
	Our home address:
	Our home telephone number:
	The name, phone number, and location of where we'll be:
	The time we plan to return home:
	House key is kept:
	Car key is kept:
	First-aid supplies are kept:
	Medications are kept:
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When to contact us:
	If a child has been crying for more than 20 or 30 minutes and you can't figure out what's wrong.
	If a child develops a fever, vomits, or is injured (more than a superficial scrape).
	Anytime a situation develops that you feel you can't handle without help.
	Mom's work and/or cell phone numbers:
	Dad's work and/or cell phone numbers:
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In an emergency, if we can't be reached, here's who to contact:
	(Input name, relationship, address, and telephone)
	(Input name, relationship, address, and telephone)
	(Input name, relationship, address, and telephone)
Register now to customize this list.
Emergency help numbers to call:
	Poison control:
	Police department:
	Fire department:
	Hospital or urgent care:
	Pediatrician's name and number:
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What to do in case of a fire:
	In the case of a small, contained fire (on the stove, for example), the fire extinguisher can be used if you already know how to operate one. Our fire extinguisher is located:
	In the event of a larger fire, gather all the children immediately and usher them out of the house via the nearest door or window.
	Test doors before you open them. Kneel down, reach up as high as you can, and touch the door with the back of your hand--at the knob and around the frame. If there's a fire on the other side, it will feel warm on the knob and around the cracks.
	If the door is warm, try another escape route.
	Exits are located:
	Take the kids and go straight to a neighbor's house--preferably one who is on the "in case of emergency" list--and call 911 from there.
	Call us, or one of the above alternate contacts if we are not reachable.
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Health insurance information you may need:
	Insurance company:
	Group/policy number:
	Policy holder's name:
	Policy holder's identification number:
Register now to customize this list.
Details about our children:
	(Input child's full name, age, weight, height, nap and/or bed times, plus special instructions--food allergies, medical condition(s), names of medication(s) and dosages, special instructions)
	(Input child's full name, age, weight, height, nap and/or bed times, plus special instructions--food allergies, medical condition(s), names of medication(s) and dosages, special instructions)
	(Input child's full name, age, weight, height, nap and/or bed times, plus special instructions--food allergies, medical condition(s), names of medication(s) and dosages, special instructions)
	(Input child's full name, age, weight, height, nap and/or bed times, plus special instructions--food allergies, medical condition(s), names of medication(s) and dosages, special instructions)
	(Input child's full name, age, weight, height, nap and/or bed times, plus special instructions--food allergies, medical condition(s), names of medication(s) and dosages, special instructions)
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House rules and routines:
	Television programs and movies that are acceptable or unacceptable:
	Foods that are acceptable or unacceptable:
	Guidelines for outside play:
	Guidelines for company:
	Bedtime routine:
	Special considerations:
	Our discipline philosophy:
	Never leave children unattended with food.
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Special requests: Please write down details about your day/night with our children.
	What and when did they eat?
	What time did they nap/go to bed for the night?
	Were they well-behaved?
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Follow general safety rules:
	Avoid giving: raisins, hot dogs, raw carrots, celery, grapes, nuts, hard candy, gum, popcorn, raw pears and apples to children under age four years. For ages four to six years, be sure to peel and cut apples, pears, and carrots.
	Never drink or eat anything hot while holding a baby or young child.
	Never leave a child unattended with food. Make sure any food given to children under age four years is cut into tiny pieces (about the size of a fingertip).                                                                               Register now to customize this list.
Tips for Parenting a Toddler  Morgan Hamilton Parenting a toddler can truly restore your you because of the playful nature and share wonder of the child. But at the very same time it can be one of the most trying responsibilities that you will ever face. It is not always a pleasant task raising children so with that in mind I have compiled some less-obvious parenting principles geared to help you raise a perceptive, secure and happy child. Specifically, these suggestions are to help you find sensible ways to handle your toddlers unhappy moods. Here is what I believe to be some helpful advice: When your child becomes upset and starts screaming you must first, and you'll be surprised to read this, be sure that you remain calm before you do anything. Put your focus on yourself. At least try it and see what happens. Let me explain. You obviously want to comfort your child and sooth them in any manner possible. But in order to be the most effective at doing this, you must feel better yourself. You cannot help anyone else if you cannot help yourself, and parenting a toddler is certainly no exception. Kids will pick up on your emotions and an instance, especially the negative ones. You do not have to believe in any New Age garbage to be able to "feel the mood in the air." The manner in which to move and speak are easily picked up by even the youngest of children. Kids are anything but dumb, and I'm sure you already know that. During the explanations of airplane safety procedures, they always insist that you put your own oxygen mask on first, and then put the oxygen mask on your child. This is a striking example, and a perfect metaphor for what I am suggesting about parenting a toddler, or any age child for that matter. You cannot help your child if you are incapacitated or functioning at a subpar level. Kids learn by watching and doing. Always keep this in mind. Look within and see if you are feeling uncomfortable. Slow down. Take some breaths. Even in the most chaotic of times you must always focus on being calm and in control of your emotions. Shift your attention inward. Parenting a toddler is not easy, but you must find some centeredness despite the chaos. Be willing to try. Put yourself in the child's shoes and know that they look to you for everything. Your kids will pick up on things that you have no idea that they even notice. These are the very things that make parenting a toddler so incredibly important. You may think that putting your own emotions first is somehow selfish but if you truly understand what I've been trying to say you realize that it is anything but. It means that you put your child to first and truly love them. You must open your heart first, and this will subliminally teach your child to do the same. Parenting a toddler is all about doing what is best for the child and in many cases that means doing what is best for you. About the author: Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning family and parenting. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting PARENTING A TODDLER           http://www.familyforumsite.com
POSITION: Mom, Mommy, Mama, Mother, Momma JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term team players needed for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required. RESPONSIBILITIES: For the rest of your life... Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility. POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT AND PROMOTION: Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None required, unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis. WAGES AND COMPENSATION: You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more. BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right. Forward this on to all the moms you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis, and let them know they are appreciated (and to your children so that they know what it takes to be a parent). Author Unknown "PARENT"-THE ULTIMATE POSITION! "The best thing to spend on your children is your time!"  Louise Hart  Please, protect our kids! Internet safety for your children: Part I  Chris Kaminski Copyright 2006 Computer Guys Live Inc. This time last year, if we had one or two parents come in concerned about something they had found on their child's computer that was a lot. This year, we are seeing two or three a week and that is just the cases we know about. Now we are used to not having our advice listened to, advice on such things as back-up your data or don't use your Outlook for storage, but as parents we are responsible for the safety of our children. Keeping them safe from online predators requires setting up limits. If you are a parent, you need to learn about this. If that means taking a course or buying a book, then do it. It is very hard to protect your kids if you don't know what they are doing. The next articles discuss how a predator works and how easy you can make it for them. Then, after we thoroughly scare you we will show you how to set up protection. But, this week we will start with the 10 essential tips to safeguard your children. 1- Don't forbid Internet use. In all probability they will defy your ban on the sly. 2- Filtering software won't block all the dangers kids face online, but it is a good start. Visit web sites with your child wherever possible. 3- Understand the technologies. Take a class, read books, try the sites yourself. The more you know the better you can talk to your children. 4- Real important, place the computer in a common room. Kids won't expect privacy there. 5- Talk to the parents of your child's friends. Most kids use computers at a friend's home. 6- Teach your kids the "embarrassment rule". Never post anything they wouldn't want everyone to read. 7- Tell them to be careful about what they post regarding other people. Predator friendly info is often left by friends posting comments. 8- Let your child know that it's important to tell you if he or she is ever approached online or receives inappropriate content. 9- Look for red flags that your child is in danger, such as minimizing a browser when you enter the room or type phrases like POS (Parent over shoulder) into chat windows. 10- If you think there may be a problem, report it to the authorities, and also to your Internet service provider. Keeping your child safe online requires constant vigilance. The high number of missing and exploited children attests to the fact that internet predators can be a real threat. In the next article we will discuss how a predator can find out information about your child, including where your child lives. About the author: Chris Kaminski has been working in computer repair and web development for the last 20 years. Kaminski is CEO and head technician for Computer Guys Live Inc., an online computer repair company based in Asheville, NC. He writes informative weekly articles about internet safety and computer technology. Visit http://www.computerguyslive.com for more tech tips, online computer repair and internet safety information.   Making Learning Fun Rachel Evans Autism is a disorder of the brain that is biological in function. It causes anywhere from mild to severe social impairment and an inability to function normally in society. However, there are ways to treat many of the cases of autism. Autistic children can learn and excel and if certain teaching methods are used, their progress can be nothing short of fantastic. One of the most important things to realize in making learning fun for autistic children is the fact that they learn in different ways than children without autism. Autistic children generally have a disability in social skills. Sometimes this difficulty in communication involves language skills. However, there are a number of ways to make learning these important skills more than just a chore. By injecting fun into learning, it has been shown that autistic children learn at a faster pace. Actually, fun and learning work well for all types of children, but autistic children are special and require more tailored methods. Children with autism seem to learn best when the instructional material is presented in visual form. In this case it might be worthwhile to try different educational programs via a computer. Using a computer is a fun way to learn. The majority of educational programs are highly visual. Many of the games available involve storylines, plots, and realistic human behaviors. Some of the skills autistic children can learn from carefully selected video games are language skills, reading and math skills, and social skills. Visual learning devices are highly effective and can be accompanied by various rewards to reinforce what is being learned. For instance, food and extended leisure activities can be used as rewards that will encourage the child to want to learn. In addition, the use of positive reinforcement will help develop a bond between student and teacher, and create a sense of trust that will help strengthen the learning environment. Social stories are another way to make learning fun for children with autism. Since one of the aspects of autism is the inability to interact normally in a social situation, social stories can be utilized in a variety of different ways in order to model appropriate behavior. Autism education pioneer Carol Gray developed this approach in 1991. By using engaging stories, children with autism can learn appropriate and inappropriate responses to situations. The level of fun, of course, is up to the way social stories are used. Usually, the stories are tailored to the child. By modeling situations familiar to an autistic child, they can be better prepared to react in a socially appropriate to those same situations in the future. Social stories usually have three distinct ways of addressing a particular situation. The first describes who, what, where and why in relation to the situation. The second is a perspective sentence that illuminates how others react to the situation being discussed. Finally, the third sentence tries to model an appropriate response. Sometimes the use of social stories can be accompanied by music and pictures. In terms of making the process a bit more fun rewards can be used when a situation is properly addressed. Children with autism require special education needs to address their social difficulties. It is really important to make these activities as much fun as possible so the student will stay motivated. It is not easy for an autistic child to change his or her response to various situations, so it is imperative that the activities be non-threatening and highly interesting. It has been demonstrated that over time the use of visual aids and social stories are two of the most effective ways to help autistic children overcome social situations they feel are threatening. To most of us, these situations are normal, everyday occurrences, but to children with autism they can sometimes be terrifying moments that they do not have the skills to deal with. These teaching methods, while entertaining and fun, can help children adapt and manage their perceptions of social interactions. About the author: Rachel Evans has an interest in Autism topics. For further information on Autism please visit http://www.essential-guide-to-autism.com/autism.html or http://www.essential-guide-to-autism.com/blog/2006/08/11/making-l earning-fun/  Toy Ideas for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Special Needs LJ Stewart One of the more common problems with mainstream toys is that they are meant to be used with two hands- often times children with cerebral palsy will have limited use of one side of the body or the use of only one hand. Toys should be fun and children should have a feeling of accomplishment or success when playing- not frustrated or reminded of what they cannot do. Many of commercial toys on the market can be adapted or used by children with cerebral palsy. There are many toys that you can buy at any toy store or department store that are affordable and fun to use. Look for toys that can be used with one hand. Musical instruments are great for this- a trumpet, harmonica, xylophone or maracas. These also develop a sense of cause and effect with young children and help controlled movement with older children. Magnetic type toys are all the rage and a big hit with kids of all ages- there are tons of magnetic toys available in many forms- magnetic jig saw puzzles, magnetic construction toys and magnetic marbles. A simple ball is a lot of fun and great for developing coordination- get a neat ball that glows in the dark, flashes lights or play music when you roll it. Toys or play that involve the senses will help with sensory integration development. Sand and water are great for this. You can also fill a empty dish pan with uncooked rice- a great makeshift sand box for a rainy day. A tip to avoid sand box mess: put the sandbox on cement blocks- will be at waist level and kids won't get sand in all their clothes. Toys that help with coordination and controlled movement are also a good choice. Bowls filled with beads, beans or jelly beans are good for sorting, counting and grouping. Excellent for controlled movement. Building blocks- simple wooden blocks, large dominoes for stacking also help with controlled movement. Also try empty milk cartons for stacking. Play-doh is always a favorite- make your own play-doh and use Kool-Aid to not only color it but give it a fruity scent. Your child will be developing sensory awareness and visual motor integration skills as he plays. Keep a box around filled with wheeled toys. Toy trucks and cars of all sizes. These deal with non-verbal expression, problem solving and self-control. Keep toys in site so your child can see what available- avoid opaque containers and lids. Baskets are great for this.  You can find many toys in local stores and make your own from even around your house without having to spend a lot of money on adaptive or special needs toys. Mainstream toys help with developmental skills such as cognitive awareness, controlled movement and coordination- and don't forget they are fun! About the author: LJ Stewart is homeschool mom and professiona lwriter. She has special interest in providing support to families http://www.4mychild.com Coping with cerebral palsy and other preventable birth injuries  ARE YOU BEING KIND TO ONE ANOTHER?  Teodoro and Ma. Cristina Segura Kindness is something that the world has forgotten. We live in a world of an attitude of "mind your own business"," keep to your space", "you do your thing, I do mine". This is a world of indifference. Worse, it is turning into a hostile world. In a relationship, isn't it becoming "normal" for couples to get irritated with one another. The longer they stay with each other, the more they get into each other's way. Then they poke at each other, they jab and stab at each other, not physically, but with words. They "hit" each other with the most possible hurting words, criticizing the other person for not being this or not being that. They forget why they married their partner in the first place. This is a love relationship advice problem. The reason why this happens is because we think only about ourselves. We think only about our feelings. We got hurt by what our partner said, or we got hurt by what our partner did. And so our first impulse is to hit back - with hurting words. When we get ourselves to be self-centered, we think only about ourselves, our feelings. Our world is ourselves. We don't care about the others. We don't care if our partner is hurting or hurt by what we said or did. We don't care about what he or she feels. Truly a love relationship advice problem, we only care about ourselves. We forget the words in the Holy Book... "Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ". The ridiculous part about arguments is that it normally starts with a small incident. The incident may even be insignificant. I remember one time that I was driving to a new place to pick up my daughter. She had called my wife for instructions to go to the place where she was waiting. Unfortunately, the instructions relayed to me was incomplete. When we got to the place where I thought my daughter was, I got a bit upset to find out that it was a different building and I didn't know which building she was waiting. One of my pet peeves is to drive to a place that is not clear in my mind. I normally want to know exactly where my destination is and not just "a building somewhere in that area". My being upset lead to upsetting my wife. Although we eventually found the building where my daughter was waiting, the mood in the air was sour and heavy. All because of a small, insignificant thing. This is the point where we forget to "be kind to one another". It will help to overcome this by accepting and making the first move to apologize one's mistake. It does not matter who is right or wrong in this case. It does not matter who started the argument. It does not matter who wins the argument. What matters is to be kind to one another, to forgive and to forget. And only then will unity in the relationship be restored. The four most difficult words to say in a phrase is "I'm sorry, I was wrong." But what is the alternative to building a healthy relationship? To continue a silent war? Or to continue with conversations full of barbs and cuts? Shouldn't the better solution be "to be kind to one another, forgiving each other?" Few couples realize that life is short. And life can be full of regrets if we are not careful to nurture our relationship. Let's not let this be a love advice relationship problem. Lets think of these better solutions. Make a positive step in building a healthy relationship. Live life to the fullest. Be kind to one another. About the author: Ted and Christine Segura have been involved in the topic of relationships and are in an organization that helps couples and families in the areas of family life and enhancing relations. Go to www.idealfamilylife.com

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