15 Ways to Make Boring Foods Fun

Convincing kids to eat healthy foods when they’re constantly bombarded with marketing tactics promoting preservative-laden novelty items isn’t easy, but it can be done. There are a variety of ways to make healthier fare more fun, encouraging kids to eat better while still allowing them to enjoy their food. Childhood is the time when eating habits are established, so helping kids make healthier choices on their own is one of the best things you can do for them. These 15 tactics can add some visual spice to run of the mill foods, saving the long-term health of your kids and your pocketbook in the process.

1. Cookie Cutters Aren’t Just for Cookies – Turning an ordinary, wholesome sandwich into something exciting can be as easy as making fun shapes with a cookie cutter.
2. Buy Baby Varieties – There’s something inherently fun about miniature food. As an added bonus, the strong flavors that can cause kids to turn up their noses with foods such as veggies may not be as pronounced in baby varieties because they’re often harvested before the taste profile fully matures.
3. Learn Food Origami – Turning radishes into roses and boiled egg slices into daisies are just two examples of ways that creative knife work turns ordinary food into a treat.
4. Dress Up Lunch Bags – Who says that lunch bags have to be brown? Decorate them together with stamps or drawings to make the contents within seem more special.
5. Make Faces – Making a face out of a food item is a whimsical way to encourage kids to eat things they might ordinarily refuse.
6. Create Animal Shapes – When in doubt, make food look like an animal. With a bit of imagination and some creative prep, you can turn an ordinary snack into something exceptional.
7. Play With Your Food – Your mother may have forbidden the idea of playing with your food, but that doesn’t mean you have to. An inverted apple slice with toothpicks through the bottom and a single grape on each end of the toothpick turns ordinary fruits into a car kids can enjoy playing with before they chow down.
8. Sweet Sushi – Fruit leathers are healthier than rolled up gummy fruit treats and can make adorable wrappings for “sushi” made of crushed rice cereal.
9. Freeze! – Frozen foods are just more fun than those at room temperature! Before serving foods that are frozen solid, make sure that all of your pint-sized diners are able to chew them without difficulty to prevent choking.
10. Get Experimental – You can draw inspiration from a variety of sources, but there’s nothing like coming up with your own innovative food design. If cooking is a hobby of yours, you may even find that the process is fun and soothing.
11. Splashes of Color – The primary draw of many processed foods marketed to kids is the bright coloring. Unfortunately, those attractive hues are almost always the result of chemical dyes and additives. Take a cue from the food manufacturers and make your kids meals colorful. Steamed vegetables tend to hold their color when they’ve been blanched, so work with the natural colors of the veggies and come up with a fun arrangement.
12. Take a Dip – Even the most pedestrian foods become fun when dipping is part of the eating process. You don’t have to opt for fat and preservative filled processed dips, either. Organic offerings and hummus are great choices.
13. Creative Containers – Kids love things that are just their size, so buying small containers or ones with a unique twist can make mealtime more fun. Small ramekins, re-purposed containers and other innovative methods of plating can make an everyday snack seem new and exciting.
14. Toppings are Tops! – If it can be squirted, shaken, sprinkled or dusted over food, kids will almost always love it. Sometimes the addition of a few fun toppings alone can be enough to convince kids that a run-of-the-mill meal is something special.
15. Group Prep – When kids have a hand in preparing their food, they’re automatically more invested in it and less likely to think that it’s boring. Letting little ones assist with assembly may create more work when it’s time for clean-up, but it keeps them engaged and involved with the preparation of their food. It’s also a great way to spend quality time together, passing on basic food prep skills and tricks.

If you’re running low on inspiration, there’s no shortage of kid-centric recipes and plating ideas on the Internet. Entire blogs are dedicated to the idea of fun kid-cuisine and are filled with techniques for every skill level.

This post was proposed to me for  publication by Sophie Leake. If you want to know more about it please go to the underlined sight:

http://www.aupaircare.net/blog/15-ways-to-make-boring-foods-fun/ 

5 Things Parents Shouldn’t Let Their Kids Do

Wondering if your parenting is on the right track? While not all parenting strategies will work for all parents, there are definitely some things that all parents should think twice about before letting their children do.



Think twice before letting your child:



1.Break the rules. Do you let your 12-year-old order off the kid’s menu even if it says it for children under 10? What about Facebook? Does your preteen have an account with Facebook even though their terms of use say he shouldn’t? When you let your children break these types of rules, you’re sending the message that the rules that apply to everyone else do not apply to them. Children who grow up thinking they are above the rules may grow up with an indifference to authority and perhaps even a blatant disrespect for it.

2.Get away with bad behavior. Find it hard to hold back the giggles when your toddler drops the F-bomb? Too tired to consistently enforce behavioral rules? Will you let your child do almost anything as long as you get five minutes of peace and quiet? When you let your child get away with bad behavior you’re reinforcing that the behavior is acceptable, especially if he knows you notice it. Behavior’s that are cute now won’t necessarily be cute when your little one grows up.

3.Be rude to others. While you may not think it’s a big deal if your child constantly interrupts you while you’re on the phone or refuses to look someone in the eye when they’re speaking, it is. This lack of manners, otherwise called social skills, will impact how your growing child will get along with others as an adolescent and adult. They are absolutely necessary skill to have to do well in school, work and life in general.

4.Think you’re their friend. When it comes to the parent and child relationship, you shouldn’t be your child’s friend, or let her think that you are. Friends are confidants and those who have similar ideas and outlooks on life. Parents shouldn’t confide in their children as children aren’t emotionally able to handle playing the role of confidant. Plus, children and parents often see things differently, like when it’s time to go home from the playground. Setting limits and guiding behavior is an important and functional part of parenting.

5.Develop a sense of entitlement. Children who have a sense of entitlement feel that everyone owes them everything. They tend to be selfish and think whenever something doesn’t go their way it’s not fair. As they grow up, these children expect people to do what they say and get what they want when they say it and when they want it. If this distorted sense isn’t corrected, it can be problematic in the children’s relationships and interactions with others. To deflate this sense of entitlement, parents can teach their children the value of hard work and giving back to others and by setting limits on what they give their kids.

While there are many things you can and should do as parents, these are some of the things you shouldn’t. If you keep your kids from doing these five things, you’re definitely heading down the right parenting path.

P-S. This post is published under the appointment and the authorisation of Barbara Williams. If you want to know about the subject please click on the link below:

http://www.findababysitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/rules.jpg

How to Choose a Godparent That Isn’t a Family Member

While the tradition of choosing godparents for a new baby is typically affiliated with the Roman Catholic faith, there are some parents who are of different religions or no religion at all that are eager to confer the honor upon someone close to them. Choosing godparents for your child can be a difficult task, especially if you are worried about offending members of your family by passing them over. There are a few ways that you can manage the situation with as much grace as possible, however, hopefully staving off any hurt feelings or family feuds.

Look Outside of the Family

Sometimes choosing godparents outside of your family is the best option. Make it known to your relatives that you’re doing so because there are too many of them that you’d like to honor and no way of deciding fairly without offending someone. Under Catholic tradition, a sibling of the mother and a sibling of the father are generally chosen as godparents. This is an especially good tactic if you and your partner have several siblings. Because part of the godparenting tradition for some families also includes caring for your children in the event of your untimely demise, many new parents feel more comfortable opting for a couple to act as godparents, over tangentially-related adults. Explaining to your respective siblings or other relatives that you feel more comfortable leaving the future of your children in the hands of an established couple may also take some of the sting out of a perceived rejection.

Honorary Title Versus Legal Guardianship

For some parents, choosing godparents is a strictly ceremonial gesture with other plans made for the legal guardianship of their child in the event of a tragedy. For others, the primary reason for choosing godparents is to designate a legal guardian to prevent confusion. If you’re determined to choose a godparent outside of your family, you should consider what capacity you’ll be expecting them to act. For the purely ceremonial purposes of being a special person in your child’s life, you can feel a bit more secure asking a friend who is very close to you. If you will be moving for legal guardianship as part of your godparents’ duties, the decision justifiably becomes a bit more difficult.

The Question of Faith

If you’re choosing godparents as a tradition connected with your spirituality and have strong convictions about your children being raised in that faith, should you be taken from them, it’s wise to consider the implications of choosing godparents from outside of your faith. If you expect your child’s godparents to be responsible for his upbringing in the event of a tragedy, you should also expect that they would naturally be likely to instill more of their own religious beliefs than your own. If your family members don’t share your religious affiliation, this can be another talking point you bring up in order to gently explain your choice to opt for godparents outside of the family.

Stand Firm

While it’s obviously important to be considerate of your relatives’ feelings, it’s also important that you not allow yourself to be manipulated or dissuaded from a decision that has significant meaning to you. If you’re closer to your childhood best friend than the sister you rarely see, there is no shame in naming your best friend the godmother. Keeping a grasp on your composure in the face of blatant disappointment or disapproval is never easy, but refusing to argue or be drawn into a debate can prevent dramatic scenes that are difficult to overcome. Stating that you have made your decision and that you hope your family members can respect it as one of your first major choices as a new parent can help to diffuse some anger, especially if you remain calm and respectful throughout the conversation.

This post was proposed to me for publication by Kaitlyn Johnson. If you wanto know more about this, please just click on the belowed link:

http://www.newborncare.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-godparent-that-isnt-a-family-member/

How to Hire a Nanny without Using an Agency

While nanny agencies are a popular way of securing private, in-home childcare, there are parents who would prefer to find a nanny on their own, without the services of such placement agencies. Fortunately for those families, there are a wide variety of ways to find a nanny without the assistance of an agency. From the best ways to find a nanny without agency assistance to the ins and outs of running the hiring show yourself, here are a few tips to help you along the way.

• Take Advantage of Nanny Websites – Nanny agencies typically charge families a fee in exchange for placement services because the agency does the job of sifting through their pool of available childcare providers and sending over the contact information of those they feel would be the best match for the household. Nanny job sites, however, operate on a different model, generally offering prospective nanny employers access to a master list for a nominal fee. While a job site designed specifically for nannies and their employers won’t cull candidates that aren’t likely to make the grade, they do charge far less. Some of these services are even free, existing solely on advertising revenue.
• Peruse Online Classified Ad Sites – While online local classified ad sites like Craigslist have been on the receiving end of a bit of bad press from time to time, they’re still one of the more popular ways to find a nanny without using a placement service. These sites allow users to post and respond to classified ads for free, and are broken down into cities or regions to ensure that most respondents live locally.
• Don’t Forget About Print – Taking out an ad in a local newspaper or free press publication might not be completely free, but it does tend to be fairly cheap and can still net results, despite the prevailing idea that print is a dying medium. The trick is to choose a publication with a fairly wide readership in order to reach the highest audience.
• Don’t Underestimate the Power of Word of Mouth – Ask around and you may be surprised at what you find. Friends-of-friends that are experienced and capable career nannies or the college student studying child development who lives on the next block could turn out to be a perfect fit for your family, and one that you never would have found through an agency. Social media is a great way to spread the word you’re looking for a nanny.
• Never Skip the Background Check – One thing that most nanny agencies do handle is the criminal background screening and driving record check that helps to ensure that you don’t inadvertently hire a nanny with a documented questionable past, a criminal record or a suspended license due to unsafe driving or poor decisions. Because nanny job websites and online or print classified ads offer absolutely no screening of the candidates that reply, it’s of the utmost importance that you never choose to forgo a background check.
• Be a Stickler for References – There’s nothing stopping a respondent to any advertisement from creating an entirely fictitious job history, so it’s imperative that you make every effort to comb through references submitted to you by promising candidates. Ensuring that an applicant is who she says she is, and that she actually possesses the level of education and childcare experience that she claims she does is solely your responsibility when you choose not to use a full-service nanny agency.
• Insist On Certifications – CPR and first aid certifications are required by all applicants in the hiring pool of reputable nanny agencies, but are not required by law for private childcare providers. There’s no standard licensing or certification process for nannies, so it’s up to you to ensure that a nanny applicant has up-to-date CPR certification and first aid training. This ensures that she is capable of handling any emergency situations that may arise.

While a nanny placement agency does take a lot of the hassle and guesswork out of hiring a nanny, it can also diminish the scope of your hiring power and be quite expensive. Rather than being restricted to a relatively small list sent over from an agency, you can cast your net wide and have a hands-on hiring experience. Provided that you take the proper common-sense precautions, are willing to invest the time and energy into screening nannies, and are vigilant about checking a candidate’s background and references, hiring a qualified nanny without the services of an agency is possible.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by   Carol Watson. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information: 

http://www.nationalnannies.com/blog/how-to-hire-a-nanny-without-using-an-agency/ 

30 Blog Posts from Breast Cancer Survivors

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can very easily be one of the most terrifying and stressful situations of your lifetime. It’s easy to feel isolated and alone in your struggle, especially if no one you know has endured a similar battle. Thankfully, the global village created by the blogosphere has an entire community that acts as a breast cancer support system through the blog entries of actual breast cancer survivors. From the earliest days of your diagnosis to the victory of remission, and everything that happens in between, these 30 blogs offer support, information and real-life advice to help you every step of the way.

Dealing with the Diagnosis

Immediately after receiving the news of your breast cancer diagnosis, you will probably run the gamut of emotions, experiencing everything from fear to outrage. There’s no “right” or “wrong” reaction, as these five bloggers explain in their own diagnosis stories and advice offerings.

• Dealing with Diagnosis
• Breast Cancer: Diagnosis
• It Started With a Delayed Diagnosis
• What to Expect After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
• Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Where Can You Turn?

Chemotherapy

You’ll naturally want to learn as much as possible about one of the most common forms of cancer treatment, but scientific journals can be difficult for a layperson to decode. These five bloggers explain chemotherapy and share their own stories or the fruits of their research in plain language that’s relatively easy to understand.

• Does Chemotherapy Deserve Its Bad Rap?
• Tummy Troubles Linked to Chemotherapy
• Chemotherapy and Exercise
• For Those About to A/C…
• Experimental Biology Blogging: Cancer Chemotherapy and Cognitive Deficits

Managing Hair Loss

One of the most dreaded aspects of cancer treatment is the possibility of hair loss as a result of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, many women are hesitant to discuss the matter when they’re facing that anxiety, usually for fear of appearing vain. These five blog posts take on the subject of hair loss resulting from cancer treatment honestly, giving you practical and useful advice for handling this difficult situation.

• Raw October — Day 21 (Hair By Chemotherapy)
• Breast Cancer, Hair Loss, and Dismissive Doctors
• Coping With Hair Loss as a Result of Cancer Treatment
• A Shaved Head is Worth a Thousand Words
• Coping With Hair Loss From Cancer Treatment

Preparing for a Mastectomy

Even if you’re not yet sure whether or not a mastectomy is in your future, it’s wise to begin gathering information and familiarizing yourself with the procedure while learning to manage the resultant emotional fallout as early as possible. These five blogs approach mastectomy candidly and frankly, pulling no punches.

• Preparing for a Mastectomy
• Prepare for Mastectomy
• Top 10 Tips – Pre-Mastectomy
• “Preparing for Mastectomy”, After Mastectomy and Lymph Node Dissection
• Preparing for Your Mastectomy Surgery

Alternative Treatments

While most women that turn to alternative treatments are in the later stages of cancer, there are those that want to pursue holistic or alternative treatment from the moment of their diagnosis. In the interest of making sure that you have the best possible chance of emerging on the other side of this battle as a breast cancer survivor, these five blogs approach the subject of alternative treatment. Keep in mind, however, that most bloggers are not medical professionals, and that their advice is no substitute for that of your oncologist or physician.

• Less Invasive Breast Cancer Treatment
• Alternative Medicine Use and Breast Cancer
• Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Alternatives
• Looking Towards Alternative Breast Cancer Treatment
• An Alternative Therapy for Some Breast Cancer Patients

Remission

The ultimate goal after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is to reach the Holy Grail of remission. These five blog entries discuss several aspects of remission, both from a personal and scientific perspective.

• Thank You, Remission
• Breast Cancer Survivor ROC – 25 Years in Remission
• Remission
• When Cancer Disappears: The Curious Phenomenon of “Unexpected Remission”
• Living for Years With Late-Stage Cancer

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by   Hannah Anderson. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information: 
http://www.fulltimenanny.com/blog/30-blog-posts-from-breast-cancer-survivors/ 

Should You Let Your Nanny Bring Her Child To Work With Her?

Many nannies who are also moms look for families that will allow them to bring their own child to work with them. This is a valuable benefit to the nanny and, under the right circumstances, can also be a benefit to the employer. Here are the things you should think about when deciding if this situation is right for your family.

Consider some of the possible advantages.

Parents may save money by allowing their nanny to bring her child to work. When hiring a nanny who has a child she wants to bring along with her, parents can often negotiate a lower hourly rate in exchange for the benefit. The nanny should still be paid fairly, however the benefit is often worth taking a lower pay rate or forfeiting another benefit like additional paid time off.

If your current nanny wants to bring her child, either because her current childcare arrangement has changed or she’s pregnant and planning for her return after maternity leave, there are a generally two ways to approach the money issue. In most cases the nanny forgoes an upcoming raise or bonus. If the new arrangement makes it impossible for your nanny to continue with her current responsibilities (e.g. she can no longer take the adult /child water class because that would leave her child unsupervised or she can no longer do school drop off and pick up because her car doesn’t have space for the extra car seat), a pay cut may be appropriate.

A nanny who brings her child to work with her can usually give parents more scheduling flexibility. Like all parents, the limits of your nanny’s childcare arrangement impact her work schedule. If your nanny has to be at her child’s daycare no later than 6:30 PM, she won’t have the option of staying late because you have a client meeting or need to finish a big project. If she’s able to bring her child to work with her, she has a lot more flexibility with her work schedule.

The nanny’s child can be a built-in playmate. If your child is an only child, having your nanny bring her child to work may be the beginning of a great relationship. Many parents say their nanny’s child becomes part of the family and is thought of like a cousin or close family friend. This can be a great advantage to both the nanny and her employers.

You can keep a beloved nanny who might otherwise quit. This is a very personal and important issue to your nanny. It can be very hard to care for someone else’s child when your own child is in daycare. Many nannies will leave a position they’re otherwise happy in to find a family that will allow them to bring their child to work. By allowing your nanny this option, you can keep a nanny that you and your child love, value and trust.

For all the advantages that allowing your nanny to bring her child to work offers, there are also some possible disadvantages that should be explored as well:

The nanny’s time and attention will be divided. Even if your nanny is completely devoted to your child, adding another child to the mix means there will be times when her attention will be divided. That doesn’t mean she can’t still provide high quality care. It simply means there will be times when she has to attend to her child before yours. It would be the same case if your child welcomed a new sibling into the house.

There will be an additional child to consider when deciding on activities. Adding an additional child to the mix, especially one that is not the same age as your child, may limit the activities the nanny can plan or participate in. A new baby can’t be outside all day at the lake like a 5-year-old can. A toddler can’t keep up with an 8-year-old on an afternoon bike ride. How much this affects your child’s daily environment depends on the nanny, her child and the things your child normally does.

The nanny may not be able to take on additional tasks. It takes more time and energy to care for two children than it does for one. If you were planning on asking your nanny to take on more tasks like grocery shopping or family meal prep as your child got older, that might not be feasible if she brings her child to work with her.

Allowing your nanny to bring her child to work can be a positive or negative experience. It’s an important decision for both you and your nanny, and it should be discussed honestly and in-depth before any decisions are made. There’s not a right or wrong path. In this case, the right decision depends on your needs and personal preferences.

P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by  Isabella Harris. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information: 

http://www.nannyjobs.net/blog/should-you-let-your-nanny-bring-her-child-to-work-with-her/ 

10 Fire Dangers Commonly Involving Kids

Few words strike fear in a parent’s heart like “fire.” There are many different ways for children to inadvertently start or be injured in a fire, and the potential for destruction is so great that the mere mention of fire can set off a panic among parents. Here are 10 of the most common dangers of fire in relation to children.

1. Matches and Lighters – Most children have a natural curiosity about fire that is paired with a limited understanding of the dangers that are typically associated with it. Access to matches or lighters can present a very real fire hazard as that curiosity takes hold.
2. Attempts at Cooking – Many appliances and gadgets in the kitchen produce heat; from the stove to the toaster, there are several opportunities for a child to accidentally set a kitchen fire in their attempts to cook.
3. Burning Candles and Horseplay – Kids, especially when there are more than one in the room, have a tendency to spontaneously burst into spirited play. However, rough-housing in a room with a lit candle can lead to serious problems. Should the candle be knocked to the floor or a flammable object fall into its wick, a small fire can quickly become a large blaze.
4. Campfires – Camping is a part of childhood for many, and sitting around campfires is a cherished part of the experience. When proper caution is exercised, the potential for a devastating fire injury is reduced; be sure that kids have a good knowledge of campfire safety before sending them off into the great outdoors.
5. Unattended Fireplaces – There are few things as homey as a crackling fireplace on a cold day, but leaving the fire unattended in a house with children can easily lead to injury and property damage. Curious kids might be tempted to throw things into the fire or engage in other unsafe behavior in the absence of an adult.
6. Hairstyling Appliances – Older kids that are beginning to use heated hairstyling appliances like curling irons and straighteners can create a fire hazard by placing the appliance on a flammable surface or forgetting to unplug it when they’re finished.
7. Lamps – When messy kids throw clothing over a lamp, or those with a penchant for decorating deliberately place scarves over lampshades, they are inadvertently creating a fire hazard in their own bedrooms.
8. Overloading Electrical Outlets – As more and more of the modern child’s entertainment comes from electronic gaming and computer devices, there may not be enough outlets in the room to accommodate everything. This can cause kids to overload outlets with surge protectors and the like, which can pose a serious fire risk.
9. Flammable Substances – The moment that a kid understands what flammable liquid is and the noticeable effect it has on an already-burning fire, curiosity can take hold and lead to very serious trouble. Educating kids about the dangers and repercussions of playing with fire is the best way to prevent this risky behavior.
10. Smoking – Despite the many programs aimed at keeping kids away from smoking, there will always be a few that insist on sneaking cigarettes. The need for secrecy paired with a limited understanding of fire safety make cigarette-related fires among the most common.

Kids are never too young to start learning about fire safety and prevention; this ongoing lesson could be one that saves their life. Additionally, if you have concerns that your child has an unhealthy fixation or obsession with fire, there are programs through your local fire department that can point you in the right direction to get help.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by  Tina Marconi. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

http://www.babysitters.net/blog/10-fire-dangers-commonly-involving-kids/ 

10 Tips for Parents of Kids Who Resist Having Their Teeth Brushed

Chasing a defiant toddler around with a toothbrush is more likely to end in smears of toothpaste on the furniture and a tiny mouth that refuses to open than an effective lesson in oral hygiene. For parents that have attempted to plead, bargain, and even threaten their way into their child’s mouth with a toothbrush, here are ten hints and tips that might make the experience a more productive one. 

1. Model Good Oral Hygiene Habits – It’s no secret that children love to mimic the adults that they love and trust, so letting your child watch you brush your own teeth can be an effective way of encouraging them to form good oral hygiene habits as well.
2. Encourage Independence – While a toddler might not do the best job of brushing their teeth, they are generally quite talented when it comes to asserting their independence. Letting your child attempt to brush her own teeth will help her form the habit. Depending on your child’s individual temperament, it may also be easier to finish the job properly if you’ve allowed her to begin the task herself.
3. Make the Process Fun – Singing a silly song, making a point of brushing teeth to attack fictional “sugar bugs”, and maintaining a playful, upbeat attitude can make a world of difference when it comes to convincing your child to let you brush her teeth. Rather than fighting for dominance with a child that’s just learning to assert her independence, make it a point to keep the entire hygienic process as fun and exciting as possible.
4. Establish a Routine – When your child knows that brushing her teeth is part of her routine at certain points of each and every day, it will become progressively less difficult to handle. Keep in mind that introducing a change to the schedule you’ve previously established is almost always difficult in the beginning, and try to be patient until your little one adjusts.
5. Enlist Your Dentist’s Help – Whether she’s offering a plaque-disclosing rinse that turns your child’s teeth a different color until they’re brushed properly or simply advising you on the best methods of establishing an oral hygiene routine, your dentist is a great resource for all things related to your child’s oral health. Don’t be afraid to approach the subject of dealing with resistance to brushing teeth at your next visit, if you feel that the situation is not improving.
6. Let Kids Choose Their Own Toothbrush – While many parents shy away from commercially licensed products, a toothbrush with your child’s favorite princess, hero, heroine, or cartoon character may be just what she needs to get excited about brushing her teeth. Allowing her to choose her own toothbrush also gives your child a measure of control over the process, which can also make brushing her teeth less of a battle.
7. Consider a Xylitol Toothpaste – The naturally-occurring sugar alcohol xylitol is not only appealing to kids due to its sweetness, but is also recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for cavity prevention in children due to its efficacy in preventing tooth decay. Using flavored toothpaste that features this helpful and appealing compound may make your little one more receptive to having her teeth brushed, especially if you let her choose a flavored brand.
8. Offer an Explanation – For some stubborn children, simply explaining why brushing their teeth is essential may be enough to convince them to relent. Harried parents often have a tendency to focus solely on accomplishing an unpleasant task, rather than providing the explanation for why it’s necessary to baffled kids. Talking about cavities and tooth decay in a way that your child will understand may help to end the struggle.
9. Use a Musical Timer – Making a game of brushing your child’s teeth by using a musical timer provides the fun aspect that kids are looking for, while also ensuring that little teeth get the attention they require for the prescribed amount of time.
10. Stay in Control of Your Temper – It’s easy to lose your temper when you’re forced to fight the same battle on a daily basis, but shouting at your child because she won’t comply is likely to make her dread having her teeth brushed even more. Try to be patient with your little one, and work through the initial rough patch.

Many parents opt to forgo the struggle of brushing kids’ baby teeth, reasoning that they’ll be falling out soon anyway. While this is essentially true, having dental work on baby teeth can be a traumatic experience and often requires the use of general anesthesia. Furthermore, the habits that you help them establish during toddlerhood and the preschool years will also determine how well they care for their permanent teeth when they get older and oral hygiene becomes more of their own responsibility.

P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Renee Gardner . I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

http://www.nannyneeded.org/blog/10-tips-for-parents-of-kids-who-resist-having-their-teeth-brushed/ 

9 Positive Nanny News Stories of 2012

For every bad nanny story that is written, there are many great ones waiting to be told. While nannies come from diverse backgrounds and have various experiences, good nannies tend to have one thing in common: they are caretakers by nature. Whether it’s jetting around the world to accompany mom on a work trip, dedicating 40 years of their life to the same family, or saving their charge’s – or a stranger’s -  life, most nannies are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty in any situation.

While the media tends to focus most often on covering negative nanny stories, positive nanny stories do abound. Here are 9 positive nanny stories that have made the news so far in 2012:

Nanny Credited with Saving a Life – Chicago based nanny Emily Rogers put the CPR training, which she learned years before for a nanny job, to use as she is credited with helping to save Jorge Pedroso’s life.

Nanny Saves Charge from Carjacking – Nanny Kaitlyn McGrath safely escaped her work vehicle that was being carjacked with her one-year-old charge, Cash, in her arms. Cash is the son of ABC Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition trainer Chris Powell and his wife Heidi.  Both credited her with saving their child’s life.

A Nanny’s Role is Reversed  - Susane Lavinia Bowden served as a live-in nanny and housekeeper to the Hoare family for 40 years. Nanny Susane celebrates her 100^th birthday living with her former employer as a member of their family. In her aging years her employer, turned friend, now cares for her.

The Norland Manny – Michael Kenny is the first male admitted to the world famous nanny training college, Norland College, to obtain an education degree. When he graduates he will be only the second male in history to graduate as a Norland Nanny from the 120-year-old college.

U.S. Soccer Fully Finances Nanny Services for Players and Coaches  – Members of the U.S. Woman’s Soccer Team bring their children on the road, thanks to U.S. Soccer and its commitment to establishing family-friendly policies. U.S. Soccer pays the salaries of the nannies so that players and coaches can focus on their families and their sport.

Childhood Nanny Given Ultimate Honor – Wonder where actress Tori Spelling got her daughter Hattie Margaret’s middle name from? She named her daughter after her own childhood nanny, perhaps one of the greatest honors a nanny could receive.

Nanny of the Year- Maryland based nanny Nikki Gribble was honored at the 2012 International Nanny Association Annual Conference as the association’s Nanny of the Year. This honor is awarded to nannies who exemplify who and what a nanny truly is.

Nanny Saves Boy from Jeep – Quick-acting nanny Cindy Gatson saved her four-year-old charge from being struck by an out of control Jeep that was barreling towards him. The boy’s mom credits his nanny with saving his life. The Jeep came within inches of where the boy was.

Book Dedicated to Nanny – While Chicago nanny Vivian Maier may not have made the news during her lifetime, she’s certainly making it in her death. A new book, Vivian Maier: Out of the Shadows chronicles her life through the pictures she took of herself and others.

While not every positive nanny story will make the news, the ones that do are likely an indication of the everyday heroes who provide loving and nurturing childcare to the children in their care.

P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Olivia Lewis .  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 

 http://www.nannynewsnetwork.com/blog/9-positive-nanny-news-stories-of-2012/

Separation Anxiety in the Early Elementary School Child

Separation anxiety is a common occurrence in young children just beginning school, especially those that have never attended daycare or been regularly left in the care of a childcare provider outside of the family. Though it can be painful for both parents and children to leave each other at first, separation anxiety is usually overcome as a child becomes more accustomed to her new routine. When separation anxiety persists well beyond preschool or kindergarten and into the early elementary school years, however, it may indicate a more serious problem than run of the mill separation anxiety. There are several common causes for difficulty separating in elementary aged children that parents of struggling children may want to take into consideration.

• School Phobia – Children that become visibly anxious or exhibit a fear of going to school may be suffering from a more severe anxiety disorder known as school phobia, which can manifest as persistent separation anxiety. If your child has frequent stomachaches, nausea, diarrhea, or headaches that aren’t connected to an actual illness when school is mentioned, he may be suffering from school phobia. This condition is also called school avoidance or school refusal, terms that seem to imply a simple distaste for school. For some children, this anxiety can dissipate on its own as a routine is established and fears prove to be unfounded. The issue can also be an early indication of anxiety disorders and may negatively impact your child’s academic performance. Should his ability to keep up with his class result from frequent school avoidance, it may become even more stressful to attend class as fears that his delays will be discovered by his classmates begin to exacerbate his anxiety. Consulting your child’s pediatrician to determine if his separation anxiety is rooted in school phobia and discussing the matter with your child can help you determine the best course of action.
• Personal Trauma – Divorce, the death of a loved one, or other traumatic changes in your child’s life can make the idea of being separated from remaining caregivers a repellent one, even for short periods of time. If your child’s separation anxiety began to present itself after a traumatic event, that event could be the underlying cause of his reluctance to be separated from you. Working with your child’s doctor or a specializing therapist to manage these feelings and help him overcome the trauma is usually the best way to resolve any lingering separation anxiety.
• Abuse or Bullying – A child that shows marked anxiety about attending school but refuses to explain why he’s reluctant to be separated from a loved and trusted caregiver may be the victim of bullying, either from classmates or older students in his school. Look for signs of bullying, and approach the subject with your child carefully to determine if this is the cause of his anxiety. Similarly, a child who shows little compunction about attending school but is visibly upset at the prospect of being left in after-school care may be suffering from abuse at the hands of a caregiver. Before leveling accusations of abuse at your child’s caregiver, however, you should remember that such allegations can be personally and professionally devastating, even if proven false in the end. You should be absolutely certain that your child is being abused before filing charges or accusing his childcare provider of harming him, but it is a possibility you should consider if his behavior is erratic and his separation anxiety seems to manifest only at certain times.
• Academic Struggles – When a child is struggling to keep up with his class or feels overwhelmed by the academic demands placed on him at school, even at an early age, fear of discovery and humiliation can present itself as severe separation anxiety. If your child hysterically protests being separated from a loving parent and an environment that feels safe and you’re aware of any difficulty with schoolwork, it’s wise to consider the possibility that his anxiety is a result of his struggle to keep up. Many learning disorders can be managed, but the ability to manage them depends upon a diagnosis. To determine whether or not your child’s separation anxiety is a symptom of a learning disorder that affects his academic performance, you should consult with his teacher, a counselor and your pediatrician.
• Separation Anxiety Disorder – While traditional separation anxiety is considered a normal developmental milestone for babies and toddlers, separation anxiety disorder is an actual illness that presents itself in older children. Distress upon separation, persistent worry that future events will lead to a permanent separation from a loved one, and irrational concerns that a parent or loved one will die or meet a terrible fate while they’re out of a child’s sight are all indicators that the child is suffering from separation anxiety disorder. If your child exhibits signs of anxiety upon being separated under any circumstances, such as sleeping in their own bedroom or visiting a friend’s house, it’s important that you discuss the matter with his doctor to ensure that he gets the right treatment to manage his symptoms.

Determining whether your child is suffering from run-of-the-mill separation anxiety at a relatively late age or whether his stress is the result of an underlying problem can be challenging without the help of a medical professional. Addressing these problems early can help you and your family better manage the symptoms, dramatically improving the quality of life for everyone involved.

  P. S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Barbara Williams.   I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

http://www.findababysitter.org/blog/separation-anxiety-in-the-early-elementary-school-child/ 

30 of the Best Blogs About Saving for College

Without a college education, a young person’s prospects for a reasonably secure job that pays well can be dramatically reduced. The cost of a degree, however, can be almost prohibitive for some families. Thankfully, there are several methods of saving for college and finding outside financial aid that can make the dream of an advanced education a reality. The following 30 blog entries discuss various methods of financing a college education without completely destroying the family budget.
529 College Savings Plans
Named after section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code that created such plans in 1996, a 529 Plan is designed to help families set money aside for use towards future education costs. Almost every state currently has at least one 529 plan available, but the particulars can differ from state to state. Before beginning to invest, it’s a good idea to research the features of 529 plans in your individual state.

• Coverdell ESA vs. 529 Plan Comparison Chart
• Is Your 529 Plan Robbing You Blind?
• Key Benefits of College 529 Plans
• How to Save for College: 529 Plans and More!
• Education Funding: Unraveling the Mystery of 529 Plans

Certificate of Deposit
A certificate of deposit, commonly referred to as a CD, is a risk-free savings plan insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Administration for banks and credit unions, respectively. CDs are designed to be held until the end of a fixed term, at which time they’ve “matured” and money can be withdrawn, along with all of the interest accrued over that term. These five blog entries discuss the ins and outs of CD as a savings method.

• How do Certificates of Deposit Work?
• How to Use Certificate of Deposits as Part of Your College Savings Strategy
• Saving for College with a Safety Net
• Certificate of Deposit?
• What is a Certificate of Deposit (CD)?

Money Market Accounts
Banks and credit unions offer money market accounts, which are similar to standard savings accounts in many ways. The major difference between the two is that a money market account typically pays a higher interest rate with a higher minimum balance requirement. Most money market accounts also allow only three to six withdrawals each month, which is typically a non-issue for families using the plan solely as a method of saving for college. These plans are also insured by the FDIC, making them a safer alternative to higher-risk, higher-yield methods.

• Differences Between a Savings Account and a Money Market Account
• An Introduction to Money Market Accounts & How to Find The Best Rates
• Top Savings & Money Market Rates with Rate Guarantees
• Savings Vs. Money Market Account
• How to Choose a Money Market Account

I Savings Bonds
Once upon a time, savings bonds were paper securities sold at financial institutions as low-risk, liquid savings products. While the U.S. Treasury no longer offers paper savings bonds as part of their ongoing effort to increase electronic transactions, you can still purchase savings bonds to help finance a child’s education. In these five blog entries, I Bonds are discussed at greater length.

• Savings Bonds
• Saving For College With Savings Bonds?
• How Do I Use Savings Bonds for College Expenses?
• Beat Inflation With I Bonds
• Potential Unique Advantages of Savings I-Bonds

Offsetting Tuition Expenses with Scholarships and Grants
Depending upon your child’s athletic or scholastic aptitude, you may find that qualifying for and receiving partial or even full scholarships is easier than you realized. For some families, government grants are also a possibility. Offsetting some of your child’s tuition costs with scholarships and grants can make your existing savings stretch farther, as discussed in these five blog entries.

• Arne on Cost of College and Pell Grants
• 25 Grants and Scholarships for College Students
• Paying For College: Financial Aid In America, In 2 Graphics
• Paying for College with Scholarships & Grants
• Develop Strategy to Land College Scholarships

Student Loans
Sometimes, despite parents’ best efforts, the college funds they’ve set aside for their children simply aren’t enough to cover all of the expenses. In such cases, especially when grants and scholarships aren’t an option, student loans may be the only choice. These five blogs tackle the issue of student loans, offering valuable insights and information.

• The Average Student Loan: An Overview
• Income Based Repayment: Everything You Need to Know
• Understanding Student Loans in Real Terms
• Student Loans
• Why I Decided to Consolidate My Student Loans

 P. S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Carol Watson.   I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

http://www.nationalnannies.com/blog/30-of-the-best-blogs-about-saving-for-college/ 

10 Ways Kids Can Help Prepare Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is all about family and spending time together.  Generations often share the kitchen while creating some of the best tasting dishes.  Bring the kids into the kitchen this year and help them learn about some of your family’s traditional Thanksgiving recipes.  From toddlers to teens, there’s something everyone can do to help out.

1. Lay out the bread to dry. Many stuffing recipes require stale bread.  Have your child set the bread out on the counter. Once it’s stale, allow him to break up the bread and dump in premeasured spices. 
2. Wash the vegetables for the crudité platter.  Serve a platter of crudité with some dip for guests to snack on.  Kids can wash the veggies and drain some pickles and olives before putting them onto a platter.
3. Peel the potatoes. Around ages 8 to 10, most kids can use a potato peeler with supervision.  Teach her how to use the peeler than observe her in action before leaving her to the task.
4. Add the marshmallows to the top of the sweet potatoes. Kids may enjoy the simple task of adding marshmallows to the top of the sweet potatoes, while sneaking a few as a snack, of course.  When kids help prepare a dish they feel connected to it and may be more likely to try it.
5. Make some whipped honey butter. Allow a stick of butter to sit out until it reaches room temperature.  Have her add the butter, along with some honey, to a mixing bowl.  A couple of tablespoons worth are enough.  Add a few spoonfuls of powdered sugar and turn on the mixer.  Once blended, scoop the finished product into a pretty bowl and it’s ready to serve.
6. Toss the salad. There are several ways kids can help create the dinner salad.  Let him tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, rinse it off and toss it into the salad spinner. Once he spins the lettuce dry he can add in the rest of the ingredients, including the dressing. Have him toss the salad and set it on the table.
7. Set the table. Depending on their age kids can set the entire table Thanksgiving table independently or set out items as you direct. Draw a table setting on a piece of paper. Your child can use the paper as a place setting guide.
8. Plan the meal. Letting young ones help plan the menu for the big day will not only allow them to feel part of the celebration, but it may get them to try more types of food. Ask your children what vegetables they’d like to see on the menu and work together to find something appropriate to include.
9. Snap green beans. Green bean casserole is a traditional dish served at many Thanksgiving feasts. Have the kids snap the ends of the beans that you’ll use in the casserole. Parents and kids can race to see who can finish snapping the ends off of their pile of beans that fastest.
10. Mashing potatoes. Another traditional dish at the Thanksgiving table is mashed potatoes.  After the potatoes are boiled, kids can use a hand masher to help mash the potatoes up. 

Consider what meal preparation tasks are age-appropriate for each child in your family. Assign each child at least one responsibility. The more involved kids feel, the more excited they’ll be about sharing Thanksgiving dinner together.

  P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Kathleen Crislip.  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

http://www.nannycare.org/blog/10-ways-kids-can-help-prepare-thanksgiving-dinner/ 

9 Ways to Prevent the Spread of Germs Among Siblings

In a house with more than one child, keeping a viral or bacterial illness confined solely to the child originally infected can mean the difference between caring for one sick child and several. The process can also be a quite challenging one, due to the fact that even unwell children tend to be very mobile and aren’t always sure how they should manage their symptoms in such a way that limits contagion. In the interest of containing the spread of illnesses and preventing transmission between siblings, here are nine tips and tricks that may help you ensure the good health of the rest of the family.

1. Enforce a Strict Hand Washing Policy – While it may seem painfully obvious, making sure that kids wash their hands regularly and properly is one of the most effective means of reducing the spread of any bacteria or viruses that cause illness. Insisting that your kids wash their hands often and well, especially when a member of the family is ill, can help to keep everyone else healthy.
2. Teach Kids to Sneeze or Cough into Their Elbows – Teaching your child to cover his mouth when he sneezes or coughs might be polite thing to do, but it’s ultimately useless if he does so and then forgets to wash his hands. Every surface he touches after a sneeze could end up coated in germs, so it’s best to teach your children to sneeze into the crook of their elbow, where contact with people and surfaces is less likely.
3. Sanitize Shared Toys – Sanitizing toys that a sick child shares with healthy siblings in a solution of bleach and water can kill any lingering germs that may be lurking on them. It’s wise to get into the habit of regularly sanitizing toys during cold and flu season, even when everyone in the family is healthy, to prevent contagion before it starts.
4. Wipe Down Common Surfaces – When a sick child lounges on the couch and channel surfs all day, he’s almost certainly transferring germs from his hands to the remote. Wiping down common surfaces and items that you know a sick child has been handling with antibacterial wipes can help to kill germs before healthy children pick them up.
5. Pay Extra Attention to Bathroom Surfaces – Illnesses with gastrointestinal symptoms may leave your bathroom laden with viruses and harmful bacteria, while cold and flu symptoms can introduce germs to faucet and toilet handles. Make a point of paying extra attention to the surfaces in a bathroom, especially a shared one, when one child is sick and his siblings aren’t showing any signs of illness.
6. Make Sure Tissues Are Thrown Away – Suffering from a runny nose on top of a host of other symptoms not only generates a pile of tissues, but also might cause even a normally fastidious child to leave those germ-filled tissues lying around. Contact with one of those tissues is a surefire way of transmitting illness, so make sure that your little one has a wastebasket nearby for his discarded tissues.
7. Keep Kids Apart as Much as Possible – While it simply isn’t feasible to completely quarantine a sick child by exiling him to the solitude of his bedroom for the duration of his illness, it is a good idea to limit the amount of contact that your healthy children have with a sick one to minimize the risk of contagion.
8. Sleepovers For Siblings That Share a Room – If your sick child shares his bedroom with a healthy sibling, it might be wise to consider putting your healthy child up in the guest room or your own bedroom until he’s feeling better.
9. Practice Sanitary Habits All The Time – By the time that your child is exhibiting symptoms of most common illnesses, he’s been contagious for a significant amount of time. Because an incubation period can be long enough to create a false sense of security, it’s a good idea to practice sanitary habits as much as possible, stepping your efforts up during the colder months.

While it’s certainly desirable to contain an illness to as few members of the family as possible, doing so may simply be out of your control. Managing to wipe every surface a sick child touches before it comes into contact with a healthy sibling simply isn’t feasible, so it’s wise not to be too hard on yourself if your other children do begin showing symptoms of illness.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Jacqui Barrie ,  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

http://www.aupairjobs.com/articles/9-ways-to-prevent-the-spread-of-germs-among-siblings/ 

10 Appropriate Morning Time Choices for Children

In many families, mornings are easily the most stressful part of the day. Between trying to get yourself up and ready, to packing lunches and getting the kids off to school or daycare, mornings can be full of chaos. While it’s natural to ask open ended questions, like “What do you want to wear today?” giving children appropriate choices can help reduce stress, create a calmer environment, and set your children up to deliver the answers you’re hoping to hear.

When formulating morning questions, it’s essential that you think about what choices you consider appropriate. If you ask your child “What do you want for breakfast?” and he says “chocolate cake” you’re likely not going to oblige, which can trigger a morning meltdown. If you know that cereal or oatmeal are two choices you are willing and able to offer, formulate your question to reflect those choices. However, if bacon and eggs aren’t something you’re really interested in preparing, don’t provide that as a viable choice.

Another morning trap parents fall into is asking questions that start with “Do you want” or “Are you ready”. When you’re only really willing to accept “yes” for an answer, yet you provide an opportunity for your child to say “no”, you’re setting him up for making an unacceptable choice. When you’re heading out the door and you ask your child “Are you ready to go?” you’re expecting him to say “yes”. When he says “no” and you’re not able to respect his choice, you’re sending the message that his thoughts and feelings simply don’t matter.

While the exact choices you offer will depend on the age of your child and what you consider appropriate, it’s important to only offer two or three choices, and that those choices are ones you can live with.

Here are 10 of the most common questions parents ask their children each morning and 10 revised questions that reflect acceptable choices.

Instead of asking: Do you want to take a bath?

Ask: Do you want to take a bath in your tub or in mine?

Instead of asking: What do you want for breakfast?

Ask: Would you like to have eggs with cheese or without for breakfast? 

Instead of asking: What do you want to wear?

Ask: Do you want to wear this red shirt with the blue jeans or this green one?

Instead of asking: Are you ready to get dressed?

Ask: Would you like to put your shirt on first or your pants?

Instead of asking: Are you ready to brush your teeth?

Ask: Do you want to brush your teeth or do you want me to do it for you?

Instead of asking: What do you want me to pack you for lunch?

Ask: Do you want a ham and cheese or turkey and cheese sandwich for lunch?

Instead of asking: Do you want a jacket?

Ask: Would you like to wear your fleece jacket or pullover?

Instead of asking: Do you want your rain boots?

Ask: Do you want to pack your sneakers or shoes to change into?

Instead of asking: Can I brush your hair now?
Ask: Do you want me to use a comb or a brush to do your hair?

Instead of asking: Are you ready to go?

Ask: Do you want to carry your back pack or lunchbox to the car?

In addition to minimizing morning battles, giving children choices has other positive implications as well.

Giving children acceptable choices helps them feel like they’re in control. Every individual likes to feel in control of their life. When parents allow their children to make choices, they are empowering them to feel in control, fostering their desire to be independent, and teaching them responsibility in a safe and controlled environment.

Giving children acceptable choices increase self-esteem. Being able to make good choices makes kids feel good! As children learn new skills and learn do to things independently, their self-esteem grows.

Giving children acceptable choices teaches them how to make wise choices. By allowing children to make meaningful choices from a young age parents equip them to make good choices as they grow older.

While it may be tempting to simply tell a child to do something, rather than ask them, learning to make choices is an important part of early childhood development. In fact, whether children are asked to make choices or not, it’s something they do anyways. Children choose to follow the rules, obey their parents, and decide whether or not they wish to be cooperative. Parents can empower children to learn to make appropriate choices and to accept responsibilities for the choices they make.

P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Hannah Anderson. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:  

 

 http://www.fulltimenanny.com/blog/10-appropriate-morning-time-choices-for-children/