Are you a mother who is also a career-oriented woman? If you are, you may have number of different issues tugging at your heart. In today's society, many mothers are fearful of putting their family first, especially in certain circumstances, in fear of losing their jobs. With that in mind, there are many mothers who are fearful that their children will grow up resenting them due to the amount of time they spent focused on work. While being a mother and a career-oriented woman, all at the same time, may seem like an impossible task, it is a task that you can more than perform. What you need to remember, although difficult as it may be, is that you should be a mom first. However, that doesn't mean that you should just toss your workload to the side and not care. There are a number of different ways that you can go about being a good parent, while still brining home an income. One of those ways involves spending quality time with your child or children when you are not working. One of the best ways for you to go about spending quality time with your child or children is by creating a schedule for yourself. This schedule can be used to outline any important events that you and your child or children have planned. Although your schedule does not need to be followed right down to the letter, it is important to have one. Mothers who create schedules for themselves are more likely to follow through with their plans. Speaking of your plans, you may be wondering what you should do to spend quality time with your child or children. Of course, it is important to keep your child's age in mind. A child who is three years old will prefer different activities than one who is nine or ten years old. With that in mind, there are a number of different activities that many children, including those of all ages, love. A few of those activities are outlined below for your convenience. One activity that you may want to think about doing with your child or children is taking them to the zoo. Regardless of where you live, you should have a zoo within a reasonable driving distance to your home. Zoo trips are fun and exciting, as they often last all day. What is nice about zoo trips is that they are fun and educational all at the same time. This means that your quality time can benefit your child or children in more ways than one. Another activity that you may want to think about doing is taking your child or children to the movies. Whether your child is three years old or fifteen years old, there should be a movie playing that would likely interest them. Going to the movies is nice, as many children view it as a treat. For more affordable movie tickets, you may want to think about going to see a movie with your family during the daytime. Additional activities that many children enjoy are those of park visits, museum visits, and sporting events. In all honestly, it really doesn't matter what you do. To your child or children, how matter what their age, they will likely just appreciate the fact that you took some time away from work to have fun with them, no matter what the activity. PPPPP Word Count 568
Readmore »»Bringing Up A Baby Balancing Discipline And Love
I think few would disagree that one of the essentials of baby care comes in the form of love. Apart from the obvious need of sustenance to survive, love comes at the top of a baby's needs, and that continues right through childhood into the teenage years. Most teenagers would not admit it; most young children struggle to express it; and babies cannot express it. But, children of any age need love.
Something else that is needed throughout a child's upbringing is discipline; a sensible level of discipline from which the child will benefit throughout their adult lives. The application of discipline can seem to become more difficult as a child gets older, in direct proportion to the child's ability to express themselves assertively. In reality, though, applying discipline to a baby can be every bit as difficult, because it is a much more subtle and less obvious process.
A teenager ignoring your 10pm curfew is a blatant discipline problem. To some, a one year old baby crying because they are being taken from their toys to have a bath and go to bed, is not even about discipline, and they may not think of it as such. They love the baby, want it to be happy and, despite knowing that the baby should sleep, feel pity and put her back with her toys.
Does a Baby Need Discipline?
Discipline with a child is usually about testing boundaries; the boundaries of what they are allowed to do and what they are not allowed to do. If they do not like the answer, they protest and test again; and again. If the boundary they are trying to break gives way easily, it encourages them to go back and do it again.
If the boundary holds firm, with a consistent parent being calmly unbending, then the baby or infant will give up…..eventually. Patience and consistency are vital to the discipline, otherwise the baby will become confused; they will not lea what is acceptable and what is not, if one day you give into their protests, and on another day you do not.
In the example above, the baby has successfully used tears to get their way against the parent's better judgement. Bath and bed time have been delayed, with a two fold result. Firstly, she will not sleep at the time that is best for her, and she will become crotchety and over tired, and cry even louder with the next attempt to put her to bed. Secondly, her success at preventing the bath will bolster her for next time; she has leat that yelling will get her own way.
About a decade ago, while I still lived in the UK, there was a study into teenagers, to find out what it was they most needed to make their lives happier and better. More than half said they really wanted more discipline; yes, "wanted".
Discipline has been allowed to evaporate across some Weste societies, with a result that teenagers have felt that there is an absence of necessary discipline in their lives. However, there is no need to allow your baby to become just one more in the statistics of undisciplined children.
Does a baby need discipline? In my opinion, and based on my own experience, the answer is a resounding "yes".
Can Love and Discipline Mix?
From the perspective of a "second time around" parent, I would say that not only do love and discipline mix, they are mutually essential. Working from home, I have been able to observe our baby daughter for two years. I have also been here all the time to apply "discipline" and to provide heaps of love, affection and cuddles.
I am of the view that love is not only an essential for a happy baby, it also the parents' most powerful weapon when it comes to discipline. How can that be? By threatening to withdraw your love if the baby is naughty?
No, there is no need to make any threats at all. The baby needs love and they adore their parents. You are, in the main, their life. As they recognize you are not happy when they do something wrong, what will discipline them in the end is their deep desire for you to be happy with them, to praise them, and to show your love for them.
If a baby's naughtiness threatens their ideal world, by observing the negative effect on you, the baby will lea to steer things back onto a course where you are happy with them, praise them again, and show your love. They will not only say they are sorry, they will mean it, because they truly are. To that extent, discipline becomes self discipline by the baby if there is enough love in the home to make them yea for that love more than anything else.
I am not saying disciplining any baby is easy, but with sufficient love it can be a relatively smooth process if you see things from the baby's point of view, and understand that the baby, deep down, wants to please you more than anything else.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
This baby care article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner author of the Bouncing New Baby website. He is also responsible for the Baby Blog
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Internet and Kids: How Young Is Too Young?
Are you a parent? If you are, you may be curious as to when children regularly start using the inteet. In all honesty, you will find that it depends. There are some parents who start their children with using a computer and the inteet right away and others wait until their children need to do so for school. So, how young is too young for your child to use the inteet? What many parents, especially first time parents, do not realize is that some elementary schools teach their children how to use a computer as young as first grade. Of course, they may not lea how to surf the inteet, but they do often lea the basics. These basics may include leaing how to type, how to tu on a computer, how to use a computer mouse, and so froth. In keeping with young age, there are many parents who allow their toddlers and preschoolers to play computer games. Although software for those games can be purchased online or in most media stores, some parents tu to the inteet. The good news about this approach is that many trusted websites, like those for Nick Jr, PBS Kids, and PlayHouse Disney do not have harmful advertisements on their websites that your child could accidentally click on. Young elementary school children are also likely to use the inteet and a computer in general to play computer games. Towards the fifth or sixth grade, children may start to use the inteet to do research for school projects. This is when it is really important to start monitoring your child's use of the inteet. Even if your child doesn't use online social networking websites, use inteet chat rooms, or visit poographic websites, it doesn't mean that they can't accidentally come across them. Some websites are not very careful with what advertisements they show. Junior high school and high school students, honestly, need the most monitoring online. These are students who not only use the inteet to research, but to communicate with their friends and to make new friends. Unfortunately, not all teenagers are educated on the dangers that lurk online, especially where inteet chat rooms and social networking websites are conceed. So, is your child ready to use a computer and the inteet? As stated above, it is your decision to make. With that being said, be sure to use your best judgment and be sure to establish some firm ground rules. Children who are at least seven years of age should never be allowed to use a computer alone. Strict rules should be imposed for older children. Speaking of inteet safety rules, be sure to make your views on social networking websites and inteet chat rooms clear. If you don't want your child to use them, state so. If they are allowed, establish rules. A few rules to get you started involve making a social networking website profiles private, not communicating directly with strangers, not trading personal information online, and not posting personal pictures or videos online. As a reminder, you have the ability to determine when and where you child can access the inteet. Just be sure that if you do allow your child to use the inteet that you establish ground rules. Even toddlers and preschoolers should be able to follow these rules, such as only playing games on the website you get them set on. PPPPP Word Count 565
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How Can I Teach My Toddler to Share
Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula to solids is a milestone for both you and your baby. However, it can be challenging for some parents. Here are some tips and tricks I've compiled for introducing solid foods to your baby. Do remember, however, that you should follow your pediatrician's advice if you're in doubt.
Start with fruits One tip I've heard from various is to start with fruits. Use really ripe bananas, mashed with a fork. Or sweet potatoes (baked, with the insides scooped out).
Use a baby food grinder You can try small bits of real rice, mixed with meats (without seasonings). The meat should be meshed with baby food grinder (you can find these pretty cheap).
Don't feed your baby directly from the jar This is an interesting tip I've heard from experienced mothers. Feeding your baby directly from the jar is not a good idea. Their saliva can mix with the food and make it taste bad. Put the food in a mug rather than a bowl so that you can feed baby more easily.
Keep away the sweet tooth Try not to give baby sweet stuff at this stage. Deliberately give them vegetables before fruits to keep away that sweet tooth.
Wait for the first tooth It is a good idea to wait until your baby gets his / her first tooth before even thinking of starting solids. One baby (I heard) got his first tooth at 5 months and began showing interest in what his father was eating shortly thereafter. At about 6 months, he was reaching for his parents' food.
Starting your baby on solids need not be a difficult task. Hopefully the above tips will help you somewhat when that time arrives for your baby.
About The Author
Gary Hendricks is the editor of www.baby-product-guide.com, a hobby website offering articles on parenting, baby care and baby products.
gary_hendricks@baby-product-guide.com
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Eating to Prevent Heartburn
Heartbu does not just affect those who are high stressed or love their spicy foods. Pregnant women suffer from heartbu too. You will find as your pregnancy progresses that antacids tend to become your best friend. Heartbu has nothing to do with your heart. It is when the acid from your stomach leaks up into the esophagus. Heartbu is very common during pregnancy. In fact one in four women experience heartbu during their pregnancy usually during the third trimester. The reason is that your baby has grown a tremendous amount and your uterus has moved up and is now putting pressure on your stomach. This crowds the digestive tract and allows acids to travel back up the esophagus. There is an old wives tale that if you have bad heartbu, your baby will have a lot of hair. Of course there is no proof in this but it is a fun thing to believe in. There are ways you can help prevent heartbu during pregnancy. You can start by taking your time while you eat. Not only will you enjoy your food better but your stomach will not have to work as hard to digest your food. You also want to try eating early and eat at least two hours before you go to bed that night so your body has plenty of time to digest your food. Keep your meals small. Stick with eating six small meals through out the day. Large meals tend to stuff up your stomach which is already extra squashed thanks to your uterus. A stuffed stomach makes it that more likely that some of the food along with stomach acid will make its way back up the esophagus. Also, make sure you keep your fluids and solids separate. Too much fluid mixed with too much food can distend the stomach which can aggravate heartbu. You also want to eat sitting up. Don't eat while lying down, and if you are having a bed time snack make sure you are propped up by pillows. Your weight plays a part in how much heartbu you may experience. The heavier you are, the more pressure you are placing on your esophageal sphincter. This is another reason why you should not gain to much more than the recommended amount. Find out what foods cause your heartbu. Once you figure out what foods cause heartbu, you can cut them out of your diet. Some foods you might want to steer clear of are highly seasoned spicy foods, soda, tomatoes sauce, chocolate, and some citrus. Greasy foods are also a big contributor to heartbu. Cutting out greasy, fried food is going to help with your heartbu prevention. When all else fails, take something for your heartbu. Tums and Rolaids are perfectly safe to take during pregnancy. If you are not comfortable taking any over the counter medicines try some natural ways such as eating a handful of almonds. Almonds are a stomach settler and might help with your heartbu. Another natural remedy is a tablespoon of honey mixed with milk is a favorite for preventing heartbu. Like with some pregnancy discomforts, heartbu is one that can be avoided as long as you take the steps and eat properly. Even without suffering from a lot of heartbu, your baby still could be bo with a full head of hair.
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Bringing Up a Smart Happy Baby How Babywearing Makes a Difference
Have you ever wondered how you can get your baby to stop crying? How you can get something done around the house when your baby doesn�t want to be put down? Have you wondered how you will get out and about now that you have a baby?
Babywearing will calm your baby down, let you work with both hands free, and give you complete freedom to get out of house � all while your baby is securely on your body.
Even celebrity mamas are realizing just how wonderful babywearing is. Mamas like Angelina Jolie, Michelle Williams, Liv Tyler, and Joely Fisher have all been spotted wearing their babies around.
Babywearing is easy � just pick up one of the many baby carriers on the market and pop your baby inside. Most carriers come with clear photo instructions and some even come with videos to help you lea to wear your baby!
Your baby will love being close to your body. A fussy baby is soothed by the rocking motion as you walk with him in the carrier. It's similar to how he felt in the womb � including the close, cradled position.
As your baby grows you can carry her sitting up and facing out or straddling your hip. She can see the world and you can get out in the world! Your baby will be able to interact with others in a way that is just not possible when she�s strapped into a baby carrier or stroller.
Babies in traditional societies were able to lea how their family and culture worked right from the start - because they were right there with their mothers. Your baby can have the same benefit. Your baby will pick up on language quickly because he�ll be listening to you as you talk with other adults.
The shifting and bouncing that your child gets in the baby carrier will help enhance her sense of balance. She'll gain muscle tone and strength as she travels with you and leas how to adjust her body in the sling or carrier. It will also make her happy to be an active part of your day.
Having your baby snuggled in the sling or cheerfully straddling your hip will leave your hands free to get some things done. Some baby carriers even allow you to put your older child on your back. What fun for baby and how nice for you! You�ll easily be able to handle the housework. And you'll be able to take your baby out without having to lug a heavy stroller or baby carrier.
Your sling or baby carrier will also keep your baby close to you. People are less likely to ask to hold your baby while she is safely in the baby carrier. You can nurse your baby discreetly in a sling. And when you are in crowded areas your baby will feel more secure and be happier � meaning you can still hit your favorite malls or enjoy popular natural trails.
Wearing your baby in a baby carrier will result in a happier, more secure baby. And you'll be a happy mama (or maybe daddy!) knowing that you can take care of life and still get out to play � all with your bouncing baby on your hip!
Kristen Hart is the owner of Natural Birth and Baby Care.com, a website devoted to healthy pregnancy, natural birth, and the best baby care. You can lea more about babywearing and research all different types of baby carriers at http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com/natural-baby-care.html
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How to Discuss Internet Safety with Your Teen
Are you the parent of a teenager who uses the inteet? If you are, have you already had the inteet safety talk with your teenager? If you haven't, it is time for that talk to occur. As nice as it is to be able to use the inteet for school research projects or to communicate with friends online, it is important to remember that the inteet can also be a danger to children and teenagers. As nice as it is to hear that you should talk to your teenager about inteet safety, you may be curious as to how you can go about doing so. Brining up the subject can be hard, as your teen may automatically become defensive. The good news is that you do have a number of different options. One of those options is to just go for it. When you outright discuss inteet safety with your teenager, make sure that you pick a good time to have the talk. Don't start ranting right away about your teen's inteet use and the dangers after a disagreement or when tensions are already high. With teenagers, this can lead to other problems. It may cause your teenager to not listen to you just for the point of not listening or they may purposely defy you. Another option that you have, when looking to discuss inteet safety with your child, is to wait until your child gets off the computer. When they walk away, ask them if they know about being safe online and the dangers that the inteet has. This is a great opener, when your child is already using the computer. It may make you sound less like an overprotective, overbearing parent, at least in the eyes of your teenager. When discussing inteet safety with your teenager, it is important to not assume that your child already knows. Even if your child stops you and tells you they already know how to be safe online, don't stop. Be sure to restate your point and establish any inteet rules you would like your child to follow. It is important to remember that many teenagers think they know everything, but many don't. For example, your child may know that there are inteet predators out there, but do they also know that pictures of them smoking or drinking underage could get them suspended from school or even arrested, no matter how "cool," they look on a MySpace page? Speaking of MySpace, it is important to know what you should talk to your child about. Since many teenagers use MySpace and other similar social networking websites, they should be discussed. Make sure your child knows that anyone can hide behind a computer, even a sexual predator. Also, let them know the dangers of posting personal information and pictures on their social networking profiles. In addition to social networking websites, like MySpace, inteet chat rooms should also be discussed. Inteet chat rooms are different, but similar in nature to instant messaging programs, like AOL or MSN. Generally speaking, instant messaging programs are safer for teens to use, as they aren't automatically paired up and thrown into a chat room with other inteet users, who are essentially strangers. As with social networking websites, make sure that your child knows that they could, essentially, be talking to anyone. Tell them to get out of a chat room right away if the tone tus sexual in nature or if they receive a private message from someone who makes them feel uncomfortable. You may also want to discuss personal blogs. Many websites, like Blogger.com and WordPress.com allow inteet users to start free blogs. Many teens find this a nice and easy way to vent or allow their friends to stay up-to-date on their thoughts. Your teenager needs to know that anyone can view these blogs, so their information really isn't private and personal, say as a handwritten joual. As you can see, there are a number of different ways that you can go about discussing inteet safety with your teenager. Remember to do so, however, before it is too late. Any child who uses the inteet should be well aware of the dangers that lurk. PPPPP Word Count 698
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