Parent Base

Parenting Tips, Questions, Articles and Advice



Archive for April, 2010

Apr
19

Save Time To Live A More Balanced Life

Posted by Percy Jackson on April 19, 2010

With age comes the unfortunate reality that time is beyond one’s control. Time never stops running, but there are certainly sure shot ways of maximizing precious time. In this article, I’ll be discussing ways in which we can hit two birds with one stone. The key here is consolidating activities and doing away with those that you don’t really need.

A big way to save time is by practicing good TV watching habits. If possible, do away with programs that you don’t really need to watch. Instead, you can use that time doing other activities that are more, productive, rewarding, and enjoyable.

However, if there are some TV shows that you simply can’t miss, you may opt to DVR record them instead. This saves you time since you can fast forward through commercials at your own leisure. That easily saves you 15 minutes on a typical hour-long show. It may not seem like much, but over time those minutes add up.

Another smart way to manage time is to prepare an alternate activity for times that you find yourself being stalled. An example of this would be finding yourself caught at the DMV, having to wait 2 hours just to have your license renewed. That 2 hour wait need not be time wasted.

Simply standing in line, doing nothing would be a wasted opportunity to maximize time. If this were the case, you may want to bring a book with you to keep you occupied.

On that note, why not incorporate information gathering into your daily routine? You can catch up on the latest current events, not just by listening to the radio, but by listening to downloaded podcasts and audiobooks as well.Listening to podcasts and audiobooks while driving is no more distracting than having the radio playing. Plus, it is definitely a lot safer than keeping yourself entertained by talking to someone on the phone while driving.

These are just a few ways to help you utilize time more efficiently. Everyone has their own busy schedules, but it always helps to reflect upon our lives and examine where we can do better so as to maximize time and improve our lives overall.

Aside from time management, this author additionally frequently pens articles regarding flat panel TV stands and tv cabinet plasma.

Apr
18

Lower Your Costs By Using Cell Phones And Electricity Wisely

Posted by Eric Miller on April 18, 2010

It’s easy to save money on your bills every month by being smart about two of our biggest expenses: electronic communications (phone and internet) and electricity. You can make these changes and start seeing the difference as soon as the following month. Read on to discover a few of the ways to save money on these services.

Cell phones and internet connections are our primary source of electronic communications. When it comes to cell phones, avoid pre-paid phones since it’s easy to go over your limit for minutes. If you’re very careful with your minutes and only use the phone for emergencies, they can be useful, but be sure to use a plan with minutes that don’t automatically expire.

Teenagers are notorious for their phone use, and you should consider this fact when choosing a cell phone plan. It’s simply not wise to choose the plan with the fewest amount of minutes since you’ll likely be paying overage fees, which can add up quickly.

If you have a cell phone, it’s usually okay to cut off your home phone line. Many cell phone plans offer free nights, weekends, and long distance calling, so you’ll save quite a bit by simply using your cell phone. Watch out for plans that offer low rates, since the taxes add quite a bit to your bill and can catch you off guard.

When it comes to your internet connection, you probably don’t have to pay for the fastest option available. Most people won’t be able to tell the difference, and going with a cheaper plan can easily save $20 a month in bills.

When switching to a broadband internet connection, you won’t need your dialup connection anymore unless you travel abroad frequently or need internet access in rural areas. If you’re paying for AOL service, you can drop it safely since you’ll already have all the features that AOL offers with your broadband connection.

To save money on your heating and electricity bills, make sure your heating equipment, such as boilers and hot water heaters, is maintained. Turn down the thermostat and keep warm by wearing layers of clothes around the house. Kitchen and bathroom vents are tempting to use in the winter, but they’re really just another unnecessary use of your electricity.

You can also save money in heating costs by washing your clothes in cold or warm water instead of hot water. If you have the space, you can also hang our clothes out to dry instead of tossing them in the dryer.

Get more works written by this same author covering items like portable water tanks and water storage tank.

Apr
17

Parents’ Task To Help Promote A Healthy Sibling Relationship

Posted by Hanya Martinez on April 17, 2010

Anybody with more than one child in their family is only too aware of the sibling rivalry. It is a natural part of growing up, and there is always going to be the odd scuffle now and then.

To try to make it a little easier. You could always try what is known as passive parenting.

We all know that kids love to tell over their brothers or sisters, just to try and get them into trouble. It happens in every family in the world. Tne way to try to make things a little easier is to try to get a few ground rules set. It is okay to inform on your siblings if they are intentionally being destructive in the house or with your property, or if they are hurting you for no reason, but if they keep trying to tell over them for something insignificant, then tell them off instead.

If your child comes over complaining all the time about another sibling, do not always take action against the other sibling. Try to shrug and say something like “well don’t you really find that annoying” or something similar. Try not to always fix the situation straight away.

If they keep coming back with the same complaint, then you keep giving them the same answer. This will annoy them at first, but they will soon realise that perhaps they can sort it out for themselves. This may not always work, but should work some of the time.

Get you kids to take some responsibilities themselves and set their own house rules. It is important for them to try to sort out their own problems if they can do so.

Bedrooms can be a starting point. Make sure that the siblings must not enter each others bedroom unless they have asked for permission to do so first.

Sibling rivalry is all part of growing up together. It always has been, and it probably always will be; but if we try to teach our kids how to handle situations with more authority, this will stand them in good stead for later life.

Check out more of this writer’s writing on topics including first up canopy tent and girls canopy beds.

Apr
16

Is Summer Camp Healthy?

Posted by Jeff Lorenz on April 16, 2010

Each Year 10 million American children will start heading off to Summer Kids Camp. Before you put them on that bus or drop them off experts are issuing new advice to both parents and camp directors, to protect the health of campers’.

Parents should be sure to ask camp officials the kinds of health services Provided. The experts say, ask about emergency response times, health protocols, and staffing. All camps should require a health exam and list of any medications that campers may use. Today no longer is summer camp seen as a “time off” medications.

With a little effort by parents before camp much homesickness can be alleviated.

The new guideline, published in the June issue of the journal Pediatrics, was written by a team led by a University of Michigan Health System physician who specializes in camp health. Edward Walton, M.D., FAAP, FACEP, is lead author of the paper, which is an official policy statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics and was produced in conjunction with the American Camp Association.

“Summer camp, whether it’s day camp or sleep-away, can be a great experience for children — but it’s crucial that parents, camp officials and medical professionals work together to make it as safe and problem-free as possible for children,” says Walton, a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine in the U-M Medical School who has studied camp health for 18 years. “We hope this new guideline can help with that process.”

Walton and U-M colleagues recently published a study in the journal Wilderness & Environmental Medicine showing that almost half of camp health officers reported caring for children with significant medical needs, including diabetes, asthma, attention deficit disorder and epilepsy. But 44 percent of the camp health officers had medical training at the paramedic level or less, and 40 percent said it would take an ambulance more than 10 minutes to get to their camp. More than 70 percent said the hospital that would receive an injured or ill camper was small or rural.

Walton feels parents and camp officials need to talk openly, before camp about all health problems their child might face at camp. Be clear on how the camp would respond, and how parents can be reached in an emergency.

The bottom line here is to look into the camps safety record and be sure to ask the camp owners and directors how safe their camp is. Are they prepared for your child? To learn more on how to pick a summer camp go to Summer Camp Advice. A FREE directory about Summer Camp

Swift Nature Camp is a Summer Youth Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional summer camp activities with that of a Science Summer Camp.

Apr
15

Summer Camps Benefits

Posted by Lonnie Lorenz on April 15, 2010

If you went to Overnight Summer Camp as a child you can always tell a favorite story you can still remember in exact detail, down to the smell of that pine forest. Memories of summer camp are lifelong reminders of lessons with a lifetime’s worth of value with friends you haven’t forgotten.

Speaking of value, given our current economy sleep away camp is easily the most affordable summer care choice available. Camp is so much more than childcare. It’s a place and time for kids to gain independence, enhance their skills, make new friends and above all have fun. Few places on earth can provide a child with opportunities for continuous nonstop daily fun the way a well-run summer camp can. All of that pure, safe fun would be reason enough want to be a camper, but summer camp offers much more to a child’s life.

Summer camps are healthy! Exercise is a part of any child’s life of play, and camp is a natural provider of constant, safe, imaginative physical play. This brings opportunities for every camper’s intellect and imagination to get plenty of exercise at the same time.

Summer camp offers a wonderful template for kids to learn the skills of social interaction in a more creative and independent way than school settings allow. Still gently guided by capable adult friends and role models called counselors, campers get an independent chance to apply what they have been taught at home in a larger world.

Campers grow into themselves, setting newer and higher standards for their own behavior. The kids camp daily context is activities that encourage perseverance, listening skills, teamwork, and the ability to recognize similarities and appreciate differences in each individual. Self discovery becomes a lifelong habit.

Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz, directors of Wisconsin’s Swift Nature Camp for over a decade, see summer camp as a fresh opportunity for self perception: “Summer camp is an opportunity for each child to come to a new place and try new things and make new friends. Everyone starts on equal footing with a chance to just be oneself. Summer camp is a new beginning, and that’s a good thing.” hildren that are Homeschooled really benefit from the experiences of a Homechool Summer Camp

Swift Nature Camp is a non-competetive, traditional coed overnight summer camp where children ages 6-15. This Animal Summer Camp provides Traditional camping activities at this Summer Camp in Wisconsin.

Apr
14

Summer Counselor Jobs

Posted by Jeff Lorenz on April 14, 2010

Here you are thinking of what you want to do for your summer. For many it is a time of fun and excitement. For others it is a time to get an internship or a job that goes with your school major. Well maybe this is the year for a Summer Camp Counselor Job.

The first thing to look at is what you want to get from this position. For education majors it is a chance to work with kids and for others its just a chance to be outside playing. Decide what type of summer camp you would like to work at. Many summer camps specialize in a certain area; for example, there are religious camps, extreme-sports camps and camps for kids with special needs. Do some research on the Internet.

This your chance to see a new place? Are you up for a traveling? This time is for an adventure, if you want it. You may be able to work in a different state, or even a different country. So toss the dart at a map or be more scientific but pick a place you want to spend your summer.

Searching for a camp job has never been easier with google. Summer camp jobs are often found in a directory, try to find one specific to summer camps, I like campchannel.com. Although good they do not have all jobs, so you may want to do specific camp searches like Nature Camps or Soccer Camps.

Now it is time to go to the camps websites. Look at pics, videos and camp philosophy, this can tell you so much about the camp. Your goal is to try to figure out if you will be happy for 2 months or so at this camp.

There are thousands of camps out there, so pick a few and simply fill out the online application. The Director will want to interview you. Often do to distance and time phone interviews will result.

Here is a hint for the interview, camp directors want to hear something deeper than you lc to play outside. Tell them how this experience be important for you and what you bring to the party. Have plenty of questions for the Director, cam is a mutual understanding , where all need to be happy.

Oh one last thing, pay, that’s NOT a reason to get this job. However, a benefit is they will feed and house you during your time. Camp is a n experience you will carry with you for the rest of your life, you will remember your kids like they are your own.

Learn more about Swift Nature Camp and their Summer Camp jobs. Fill out an application on line today.

Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional coed Kids Summer Camp. Our Animal Summer Camp combines traditional camping activities with nature and science. Come join us this summer for some fun.

Apr
13

Take Care Of Your Kid’s Problem Of Constant Lying

Posted by Ryan Sarkin on April 13, 2010

Parenting is a tough job and it becomes even tougher when your children start lying. You might have nightmares about how to deal with lying children and require an answer that can solve your problems magically. But, dealing with lying children is not that easy. Every lying child will have to be dealt with differently depending on their age and cause of lying.

For very young children, it’s really hard to be able to differentiate between reality and fantasy, so they make up things on their own. If your child is quite young, then don’t worry, they usually grow out of this stage as they get older.

What kinds of things is your child lying about? If they are an older child, such as a young teen or a tween, and they are lying about where they have been, this could be quite serious because they may be involved in bad company that they know you won’t approve of.

If your child leaves the house for school but does not reach there, then it is a big problem. You need to seek professional advice in this case. Try talking to their school counselor or someone you trust. You can also ask someone you trust to talk to your child and find out what they are doing during school hours.

Be careful if your child is unable to provide the source of certain items that they are bringing home. Try to talk to them and find out where they got the items from.

As a first step, ask your child’s teacher if there are any objects missing from the classroom. You might also need to investigate if your child is shoplifting or if anyone is giving your child these objects. If it’s the latter, then you need to find out who this person is and why he or she is giving these “gifts” to your child. Once you have enough information and reason to believe that this could be a serious or even a dangerous situation, you must seek professional advice.

In any of the above cases, you need to seek professional guidance. These examples are on the extreme side and require timely, quick and effective action that can be taken only with professional help.

Lastly, ensure that your own behavior is exemplary. If your child gets the message that it is ok to lie, then your children will lie. They will never learn to be honest and will grow into dishonest adults.

This author has been writing on being a parent for the previous two years. In addition, the author enjoys writing regarding more subjects, including a bar fridge along with a wine glass rack.

Apr
12

Why You Should Buy Organic Clothing For Your Baby

Posted by Chris Channing on April 12, 2010

Organic fabrics are so important to choose when you buy clothes for your baby. There is such a huge difference between the traditional manufactured cotton and organically grown cotton that you will choose organic every time once you understand the difference. The major issue involves pesticides and petroleum. These two are used in traditional cotton, and unfortunately, they can remain in the cotton even after you wash it. Organic Baby clothes are made from natural cotton fabric that is processed without these chemicals. So you definitely want to create a natural wardrobe for your baby.

Many cotton manufacturers use dyes that can irritate the skin and cause rashes or even strong allergic reactions. Organic cottons are processed with natural dyes that have low metal and sulfur contents. The alternate treatment processes help to keep your baby more comfortable and have less chance of causing allergic problems.

Organic baby outfits can include just about anything you might imagine, from shirts and pants to dresses and coats. You can find lovely clothing for baby boys and girls in natural cotton, or beautiful muted colors. And there is no concern for lack of style either. Some designers focus on organic designer clothing for babies. So, your child can truly be well-dressed and eco-friendly at the same time.

Baby diapers are a huge part of baby wear. And you can find sturdy, yet comfortable organic cotton ones that help to keep your baby free from diaper rashes. The soft organic cotton is very absorbent material. The moisture wicks away from the baby toward to diaper. Washing organic diapers makes them softer each wash.

You may have huge bamboo in your garden, or you may have bamboo flooring in your home. But, you may be surprised to learn that bamboo is one major source for organic baby clothing. A sustainable product, bamboo grows very well on its own. It does not need pesticides. And as the fastest growing grass in the world, it is being used in many and varied ways. Soft, natural baby clothing is one of its surprising uses.

Bamboo baby t-shirts, one-piece rompers, infant snuggle sacks, and pants are just some of the items you can find. Bamboo fabric is generally dyed with soy dyes that create bright and lively colors and patterns. Bamboo baby clothes are some of the most stylish organic clothing available on the market.

Final Thoughts

Once you discover all the wonderful Organic Baby clothes that are being designed, you may never go back to traditional fabrics. If you want something perfect for a special holiday, you can even find hand-knitted organic sweaters, hats, adorable baby bibs, soft socks and shoes, and coats. Organic possibilities are easy to find online. Do look for organic clothing to keep your baby safe and comfortable.

Learn more on organic baby gifts and baby shower gift registry.

Apr
11

What To Consider When Planning A Family Reunion

Posted by Vivienne Harden on April 11, 2010

Family reunions are never easy things to organize, whether it is down to work commitments, or whether it is down to the fact that somehow you have lost contact with certain members of your family.

Unfortunately not everybody can do the same job, working the same hours, sometimes it may take years of planning in advance to be able to come up with something that is suitable for everyone.

The hardest part of a family reunion can be the contacting of all the family members, if you have lost contact with some members of the family why not see if others can contact them for you.

It can be less time consuming and much easier to plan if other people help out a little.

Another consideration with family reunions is where should it be held? Usually a lot depends on the state of your finances, so wherever you choose it has got to be affordable and realistic.

Be realistic about where the reunion should be held; remember that there will be older people as well as young ones there so try to make it accessible for everybody, it is no good hosting an adventure filled party if there are invalid or elderly people attending, they will just feel out of place.

If you plan your family reunion well in advance you should not encounter many problems, always remember to try and keep in contact with everybody as the reunion gets closer.

Always make sure that if anybody’s plans do change that they notify you or another member of the family as soon as possible.

Get various other articles written by this writer dealing with topics such as phone system for small business and business phone service.

Apr
10

Fun Vacations You Can Afford

Posted by Bill Giles on April 10, 2010

The family vacation, what make it perfect? Well that’s a matter of opinion and sometimes great debate! I guess a lot of it depends on your age, the age of your children; if indeed you have any and what your interests are.

Most families want plenty of activities on their vacation, whilst some just want to chill out and relax, everybody’s idea of fun is different, but that is not a problem because here in the United States you can find many varied resorts, which means that there is bound to be something for everybody.

In this growing economic climate that we find ourselves in, one thing is a certainty, the vacation has to be an affordable one, which then brings up the question; well what is there out there to choose from?

A survival holiday in the wild could be what you are looking for; you do not necessarily need to spend a fortune on buying all that camping equipment.

There are lots of almost free campsites available at the many National Parks around the United States; they also allow you the opportunity to fend for yourselves.

You could even turn the vacation into a Nature study, try studying edible plants and attempt to locate them around your campsite; you could also try to make your own place to sleep from the natural products around you, instead of opting for traditional tents.

Put yourself firmly in the shoes of your ancestors, you could have a fun holiday whilst improving your education.

Why not plan a picnic at one of the many great historical sites that America has to offer, instead of an organised tour you could plan your own, imagine eating your packed lunch whilst enjoying the view from the side of the Delaware river.

Aside from tourist sites, the writer also frequently contributes articles about floor registers and floor vent cover.