Children and Babies
Dynamic Theme Units- a Home School Helper
According to the author, here are just a few of the benefits of using the Dynamic Theme Unit methods to home school your children.:
- There will be less stress in the home school environment
- Children will be More willing to learn
- They will have better retention
- Children will develop greater self reliance
- You’ll have a more satisfying family life
- There’ll be happier kids and parents
While I am not yet personally familiar with these techniques, and have created an affiliate relationship, I believe this is a product worth looking into.
Ways to Save Money Back to School Shopping – Anytime
Back to school shopping…
Ways to save money and help our environment when you shop for ‘back to school.’
Although school has been in session for over 2 months now, get out there and shop for next year. Don’t wait for the back to school shopping madness when prices are raised due to consumerism or go crazy shopping during after school sales. Shop now when it’s quiet and take your time as you check out secondhand shops and garage sales. You might even have friends whose children are a couple of years older than yours and they can supply you with an assortment of gently used school items and apparel.
I have a very good friend that has pretty much supplied my son’s clothes for back to school since he started Kindergarten. I am so appreciative to her. She’d much rather hand them down to me than give it away to a store or church. You won’t believe how much money it’s saved. My Son always looks great and in style! Remember, shop a year before on back to school items, swim suits and summer gear. Other than food, shop out of season for the rest. If you’re planning a vacation, travel off- season.
Check out thrift shops and consignment shops, especially those in upper class neighborhoods. You’ll be surprised what cool stuff you can find and usually in excellent condition. Last year, my daughter found a really cool high-end designer pair of jeans for about 2.00. She really loved them and ended up being one of her favorite jeans last year. They were still in style and none of her friends had the same jeans.
We also went to a discount store where everything was new and the already discounted merchandise was half off. She realized how silly it was to spend a lot of money and just get a few items years before. She now is able to get clothing she loves, and lots of it. I remember one year I purchased a pair of 100.00 shoes for her and just last year we got everything for back to school including tons of clothes for less than what those pair of shoes cost.
Purchase mechanical pencils and refillable pens. Mechanical pencils last forever and the refills are inexpensive. You don’t have to keep sharpening them and you’re saving trees along the way as well. Mechanical pens last a very long time and the refill cartridges are not that expensive, plus the cartridges themselves can be recycled. Check schools for items that can be recycled. Our schools take paper, ink cartridges and cell phones.
Before you buy new school supplies, check to see what you already have. You might even find that you still have packages of pencils, pens and even paper that have not been used up. I know we run into that every year. I make sure to double check, as one year, I bought a bunch of paper and pencils and later on, during our twice a year clean-out, found tons of school supplies that were unopened. If your backpack or binders are still in good shape, re-use them.
Use shoes and clothes that are still in good condition. Accessories for girls last year after year, and there are many more items that can be used again, recycled. Get creative and take an item and decorate it so it doesn’t look like the exact same thing. I know teenagers worry what other kids think about them, but if you instill in your children that school is for learning, they’ll better be able to handle the pressures of designer stuff!
If you really want to help our environment, and really think ahead regarding your back to school shopping, find a reliable wholesaler and purchase recycled paper or Hemp paper products, for example, and buy several years’ supply. I’ve even found gently used school supplies at second hand stores and garage sales. If you don’t have money at all for back to school shopping, remember to investigate and get in touch with your local help agency that may offer different programs to get you some free supplies, clothing and shoes. Also, check with your child’s public school. They definitely know where to send you for help with your children’s back to school stuff – free or at very low cost. It helps if your child is under the free lunch program. You’ll be guaranteed lots of help then!
Shop for eco-friendly apparel and shoes now, or wait for a sale. Zappos.com has some really great selection of eco-friendly shoes like Simple and Vans, and sometimes has great sales. The teenagers won’t even know they’re eco-friendly, cause the styles are really cool. You can also find eco-friendly gear at some secondhand stores or major discount retailers.
If you drink water throughout your school day, make sure you use a refillable water container. Shop for one that is eco-friendly. This will ensure that the bottle itself is free of materials that can cause chemical sensitivities or health problems down the road. Avoid aluminum bottles and make sure you know what’s involved in plastic ones. There are lots of web sites that specialize in eco-friendly reusable water bottles and thermoses. They also have some really cool hiking containers and thermoses as well.
Invest in solar electronics or ones with a rechargeable battery. You initially pay a little more, but… the investment is quite worth it. They recharge quickly and won’t pollute our environment and landfills with the nasty stuff found in batteries. You’ll never have to buy batteries again and stop filling our dumps with the nasty chemicals found in batteries.
Good Luck,g
Posted in Children and Babies, Frugality, Save Money | 
Tags: back to school, Save Money, school clothes, school supplies
Education and Money
Education and money…
I just got back from picking up my son from school. I had to write this as soon as I got in. I was speaking with one of the other mothers whose child is in the same first grade level. She was telling me how stressed she was as a reslut of she’s been running all over the place while driving her child to extra curricular activities.
Well, children really don’t need all that after school activity. We should let them go at their own pace and have lots of down time to re-coop from the day’s events. This helps bring a sense of balance and calmness to a child. I find that most of these activities are brought on by the parents themselves, and most times, the kids aren’t really that happy to participate…not to mention all the money one has to shell out.
Anyway, back to my main point. She spends around 50.00 a week to have her child tutored. That’s the problem these days. We put our children in expensive private schools and somehow think they’ll end up learning more. Some people even go as far as military schools for young ones and even boarding schools. These parents seem to want to get rid of their children, or are not willing to take a little time and help their children themselves. Before there were schools, parents taught at home and soon special study programs were being offered through the mail. Home schooling came long before public schools.
One of the ways this woman could cut cost and have a little extra time is to simply get rid of some of the after school activities, thereby, allowing her a bit more time to spend tutoring her child herself…not to mention she’d save herself over 200.00 dollars a month!
We really need to bring education to a simple and frugal level. It’s gotten very commercialized from baby Einstein to special pre schools that offer special accelerated educational programs. I’ve even read about some pre schools in the Los Angeles area that interview your baby before they’re ACCEPTED…and then they end up costing you an arm and a leg anyway. It’s become a status symbol and parents somehow feel on top expressing to other parents that their child attends a certain school. Whatever happened to basic reading and writing? We as parents are certainly able to help with at least the primary grades. There’s a ton of help out there from the internet, to your local library, on guidelines for helping your child. Believe me, I know, I do it myself, each and everyday.
I know there are exceptions and there are times your child will need specialized care you are unable to provide, but if you are able to do it, you’ll not only save money but be rewarded time and time again. There is no one better than you to teach or tutor your child, and it will be something he or she will remember for the rest of their lives. You’re also setting up an important and valuable pattern of self- sufficiency and smart, simple, frugal alternatives for future generations to come.
Here are some ways to help your child succeed no matter what school they attend. Remember, education does begin at home and the tools and guidelines can be both simple and money saving. If you are interested in home schooling your child, your local county should offer FREE home school courses based on public schools county curriculum.
1) Involve yourself with your child’s school and teachers. Keep up with special events and volunteer whenever possible. I volunteer quite a bit, as it requires no money out of pocket. Most times, the volunteer parents are much more appreciated than the ones who flash the cash and don’t really care. Your child will also develop a more positive attitude towards learning in school. They come to realize how hard you’ve worked with them and learn to appreciate and value learning. I love when my Son looks into my eyes, and with very loving eyes of his own, smiles and says ”thank you mommy, for helping me…you’re the best teacher and I love you so much.” That’s all the reward I need right there.
2) Keep a printed out copy of the grade’s expectations throughout the whole year. I got an expectation sheet from Scholastic and printed it out. I keep it nearby when we work together at the table. From time to time I review certain sections that might be forgotten. Don’t teach subjects ahead of time as this might cause the child to become bored and feel out of place. Unless your child has been tested for Gifted, for example (as my daughter was and ended up being Gifted), just go with the flow.
3) Print out next year’s expectations and do some summer fun work.
4) Sit daily with your little one and help him or her with homework. Use the homework itself as a learning tool. Make sure they truly comprehend the lesson and review it on other days if necessary.
5) Try being creative at home and come up with some educational fun things to do such as, cooking, and baking. These are excellent tools for encouraging science and mathematics.
6) Work with them on the fundamentals such as making their bed or helping with the yard work. You can’t really learn life lessons and responsibilities at school.
7) Create a social base for your child. Manners and good choices really do begin at home. Have a family board game night and reduce television time or even non- educational computer and or video games and go for a walk to talk about the events of the day. Have a special dinner night that introduces foods from different countries and discuss its people and cultures. Help the child see how very connected he or she is with the planet. This is a great social studies lesson time and most of these fun activities will not be taken has having to learn something.
Keep important papers such as upcoming tests, sight words and reading or writing logs so your child’s reading abilities expand, their comprehension as well as writing skills. You have to remember that at every turn you are re enforcing what academically they are learning in school. Children who were on the way to being held back from a certain grade have turned it around with these few easy steps. Find creative ways to enforce school learning…be an extension of the teacher so to speak.
9) Read every day with your child. Use weekends to review lessons learned and keep them fresh in their minds.
10) Try giving mini tests on subjects covered at school and always make sure they’re prepared for upcoming tests such as spelling words or even a math quiz.
11) Take advantage of your local library and its many programs offered for free. Sign up for free summer workshops for your child as well as yourself. Take advantage of local community centers. They will at times offer a yoga class, for example, at a much cheaper rate than a private owner would.
12) Go to the park and learn about the animals and plants in nature.
13) Go grocery shopping together and figure out a budget. Buy your kids a piggy bank or get an old shoe- box and encourage them to save and count their money monthly. That’s a great math lesson in itself.
14) Go to as many free workshops at their local school and take them along. For example, Literacy nite or Math nite. You’ll both learn tips on learning methods. It doesn’t hurt either to let the school notice your attendance and involvement.
15) And to round it all off, try taking your child with you when you volunteer with the poor or encourage them to make up a care basket for needy children. This will encourage empathy and acceptance of diversity – which is what we need more of in this world. Their teachers will notice the difference and they will be so proud of themselves and build up their self-esteem, which in turn, will push them to believe they can accomplish anything with a little hard work, a willingness and positive attitude towards themselves and others as well. And all of this is TOTALLY FREE!…so, don’t feel you need the latest most expensive learning tools or gadgets, if you really want to help your child, you can do it in a frugal and simple way.
Later-g
Frugal Halloween Ideas
Halloween ideas…
Well here we are. The year has gone by so fast I can’t believe that Christmas is right around the corner. This is the time I start thinking of money saving ideas for up coming holidays. I also think about being just a little bit more environmentally sound. I love saving money and helping the environment as well.
Halloween produces lots of trash for our already spilling over landfills. I try to avoid as much trash as possible when handing out both goodies and candy. I also try to think of alternative environmentally safe ways when participating in Halloween. You can apply this method of thought to every holiday throughout the year.
One way is not to shop for your costume. If you happen to have purchased one second hand or maybe found one for free, I guess you’re on your way to a money saving Halloween. Look around your home and closets and try putting a costume together from what you already have or use bits and pieces of last year’s costume. Another idea might be to get together with the neighborhood kids and have a ‘costume trading’ get together. Make it fun by watching scary movies and getting together some simple snacks. You’ll be surprised at what others are willing to get rid of for trade.
Get your school involved setting up a Halloween costume donation box and look through it for needed items or entire costumes. These same rules also apply for adults as well.
Of course, the best way to get the precise costume you really want is to have someone in your family sew it according to your own specifications and size. You’ll still end up spending less, especially if you already own some freaky fabrics.
Instead of purchasing costumes for your kids, let them do some housework or mow a neighbor’s yard and let them pay for their own costumes.
Re use last year’s decorations. I’ve had the same decorations for years and find new ones at the Church Clothes Closet every year for free. The only thing I might purchase is a big pumpkin and I always make sure to use every last bit of it in different ways. Try making homemade decorations from what you already have sitting around the house or in your closet or have a ‘decoration making’ get together and have everyone bring boxes of scraps that can be turned into interesting things. Try going out in nature for some supplies. We make ‘scary stick people’ out of tree branches and sticks as well as ‘scary faced people’ out of pieces of palm trees.
At times, I’ll even hang the children’s school made Halloween art around the house and on the door. If you hang some on your widows or any place others can see, make sure you child’s name is not visible.
If you live in a small neighborhood or in the country where you may tend to have very few visitors, hand out non-treat items such as used books, natural lip balms(www.beenaturallipbalm.com) , natural art supplies- buy in bulk(www.hazelnutkids.com) , homemade yarn bracelets or even small amounts of money. Make sure you don’t hand out beads or beaded bracelets to children 3 or under. Also, do not hand out treats containing honey to children 1 year or under. One year, our neighbor handed out travel toothpaste and toothbrushes. I thought that was really great. Just make sure weather it’s candy or not, kids are really going to use it or eat it. You don’t want their household to accumulate trash in drawers.
Pencils and pens are also a good idea.
Treats:
Dried fruit
Breakfast bars
Raisin boxes
Purchase candy in bulk and put candies in fabric tied with ribbon, rubber bands or pretty hair ties.
Bake homemade cookies and treats
Make your own candy at home
My basic money saving rules for Halloween are – re use or make your own costume, don’t purchase new decorations unless they’re free, make your own non candy items and finally buy cheap candy in bulk. If you throw a Halloween party, make sure every single guest brings a covered dish, decoration or treats.
And finally, don’t drive. Always walk or use your bicycle if houses are far apart from one another. Carry a flashlight or light body rings and make sure an adult is with you at all times. If you’re a teenager, go in groups. Don’t keep or eat anything that may look suspicious once you get home and check through your bag.
Use pillow- cases, cloth grocery bags or book bags. Use last year’s bag if it’s still in good condition and is appropriately themed. My son always uses a plastic green pumpkin carrier year after year. My daughter uses a pillow -case or plastic grocery bag. Make sure to double or triple up your plastic grocery bags. I think she even used a trash bag one year.
And finally, if your pumpkin meat is still fresh, use it in a pie or homemade cookies. Bake the seeds in the oven and use the shell as a candle porch light cover. If you grow your own food, put the pumpkin in the compost pile.
Be safe and get lots of treats!
Later-g
Posted in Children and Babies, Frugality, Save Money | Tags: costume, frugal, Halloween, home meade, pumpkin, Save Money, tick or treat
Make A Baby Bib From A Tee Shirt
Tired of continuously buying new bibs? Babies go through bibs almost as fast as they go through diapers. You can wash ‘em, you can buy new ones, or you can make a few bibs from clean old tee shirts. Gigi shows us how.
Home Life
MAMA’S MAMA
Mama’s Mama, on a winter’s day,
Milked the cows and fed them hay,
Slopped the hogs, saddled the mule,
And got the children off to school,
Did the washing, mopped the floors,
Washed the windows and did some chores,
Cooked a dish of home-dried fruit,
Pressed her husband’s Sunday suit,
Swept the parlor, made the bed,
Baked a dozen loaves of bread,
Split some wood and lugged it in,
Enough to fill the kitchen bin,
Cleaned the lamps and put in oil,
Stewed some apples she thought might spoil,
Churned the butter, baked a cake,
Then exclaimed: “For Mercy’s sake,
The calves have got out of the pen!”
Went out and chased them in again,
Gathered the eggs and locked the stable,
Returned to the house and set the table,
Cooked a supper that was delicious,
And afterwards washed all the dishes,
Fed the cat, sprinkled the clothes,
Mended a basket full of hose,
Then opened the organ and began to play,
“When You Come To The End Of A Perfect Day.”
This poem was written by a lady named Anna Rees Henton in 1953 – she was 85 years old.
The home-front is the foundation of life and all you do. I’d like to offer some information on creating a more peaceful, simpler and healthier home environment. What happens at home affects not only our state of being but the environment as well.
I’d like to begin by giving you a simple list of helpful hints…this is especially helpful for stay at home moms and dads or if you’re simply a home-keeper.
After my second child was born I went through many dark periods of depression…not so much after my first born. It was a big let down for me that both of my babies had to be born by c-section. I somehow felt, as most women do, that to really given birth, a vaginal delivery was the only way to go…I soon got over that and realized no matter how children come into this world (even if adopted), you have given birth.
As mothers, we somehow feel our maternal instincts immediately kick in; or at least that’s what we’re told. I felt guilty that mine took a while but once it did kick in, I was totally in love with my babies.
Many women I’ve spoken to feel a c-section birth takes longer before you truly bond with that baby. It’s o.k. and very normal and because of the guilt, lots of women suffer in silence. Staying home with children is the hardest job, and yet; sometimes it’s work that goes unnoticed.
I call it the invisible mom syndrome. We do little things everyday like picking dirty clothes up off the floor, putting out fresh towels, making sure dishes are cleaned and ready for use, clothes are washed and ready to wear, you drive everyone around and get them to where they need to be and so on and so forth.
The list goes on and on. It’s almost as though we, as parents, stand still and stop our lives so our children can have a solid foundation to grow and move on. I believe more mothers groups should be available so we don’t feel so alone.
I think most care-takers suffer through this and they need to know there are ways to make these active parenting years a bit easier. No parent is perfect no matter what a family looks like on the outside. It’s o.k. to feel inadequate and insecure.
Anyway, I’d like to give you a few tips on how I made it easier to stay home. I hope some of these helpful hints will encourage you because you’re not alone. I love my daughter and son with all of my being.
I know that when the time comes for them to fly away, they will carry with them happiness, love, peace as well as a deep sense for helping those in need. It will be all worth it and they will always remember me and keep me in their hearts forever.
A paycheck can never give you a feeling like that…. and in those quiet and unexpected times when they look into your eyes and say “I Love You Mommy,” …you know you’re doing everything right!
C-SECTION BLUES
My belly was big
It went way out to there.
So they put it under a machine and then they shaved off
all the hair.
Honey , let me tell you about those c-section blues.
didn’t dilate too wide
So they tried to induce.
Blood pressure went sky high and I thought” what the
hell’s the use.”
Honey, I’ve got those high blood pressure c-section blues.
So they gave me a bikini cut
But they cut it too high.
I can’t wear a bikini now I think I’m gonna die.
Honey, I’ve got those changing body image, high blood pressure c-section blues.
Now I’ve got a big scar.
It runs from here to there.
I can’t sit-up without assistance, so I ain’t goin’
nowhere.
Honey, I’ve got those can’t sit up, changing body image,
high blood pressure c-section blues.
Then they sewed up the bikini cut.
And they stapled it shut.
As soon as I can move without pain, I plan to kick some
butt.
Honey, I’ve got those mean enough to kick butt, can’t-sit-up, changing body image, high blood pressure c-section blues.
Yes, you heard me right.
I’ve got those natural childbirth classes amounted to
nothing, mean enough to kick butt, can’t sit up, changing
body image, high blood pressure, caesarian section blues.
Written by: Karen and Clark Iverson
Gigi’s Helpful Home Hints: These are some of the things that I found help me through the day.
1) As soon as I wake up I jump in the shower and get dressed. Don’t stay in your night clothes all day, as this will not give you a sense of purpose and makes you feel sluggish through out the day; this was part of my own depression. You want to be ready for anything.
2) I didn’t realize I had let myself go until my daughter pointed it out one day. She really did not feel comfortable for mom to be seen by friends and she was absolutely right. Take care of your appearance everyday. You’ll feel much better all the way around and everyone else will be happier.
3) I have a calendar book that I update almost every night. I look to see what’s going on for the next day and write down any errands I may need to do. I save my shopping for Sunday mornings when I can go alone and relax. Get as many things done around the weekend so that during the week you only have to be concerned about school and extracurricular activities; I even try to schedule any doctor’s appointments on Sat. mornings. Some doctors and dentists offer that service.
4) Find a good friend you can talk to about your feelings and share helpful ideas with. It certainly takes a village of mothers and fathers to raise all of our children. I find although I can share many things with my husband and he certainly tries to be understanding and appreciates all that I do, I feel at times it’s a bit more beneficial for me to have that close girl friend who’s also a mother. They understand…they’ve been there and done that.
5) Find and join groups that address your particular needs and interests. We are more than mothers and fathers. We are individuals that didn’t just die after we had children. Keep your interests alive and do little things to get out of the house and feel like a real person again. You don’t work 8 hours a day(although some corporations do this) without a break; you shouldn’t go all week without having some personal alone time. I go for long walks, do research and write. I also take some time in the early morning to center myself and get some very needed alone time. Pray, chant, meditate, read or do some yoga before staring your day.
6) Try and keep a positive attitude.
7) Replace negative thinking and habits with things that bring you happiness such as happy family and friends and getting yourself involved with interests that bring you joy.
Don’t spread yourself thin especially during the holidays. You can’t please everybody all of the time. Don’t feel bad about being a little selfish and do what makes you comfortable whether it’s spending less for gifts or simply choosing to stay in your own home and celebrate.
9) Make sure your friends and family understand your time with yourself and your children is precious to you. Set boundaries in a kind way. I do most of my writing between 10am and 1pm. Everyone pretty much knows I won’t be answering the phone unless it’s an emergency; after all, no one calls people at their regular jobs to chat.
10) Get your husband and children to help around the house. My kids clean up their rooms and pick up after themselves and my husband is in charge of trash and lawn. You’re not Super Mom or Super Dad; you can’t do it all or you won’t have any quality time left over to spend with your family.
11) Avoid drugs, coffee, sugary drinks and soda pop, tobacco and/or chewing snooze. Drink plenty of fluids, walk and eat healthier…don’t over eat!
12) Don’t talk about what you have to do, just do it.
13) Turn off your television or simply throw a blanket over it; if you’re able, get rid of it altogether.
14) Do one task at a time.
15) Keep active and use less heat during the winter months.
16) Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
17) Home school your little ones.
18) Keep up with the cleaning and picking up. It’s a whole lot easier to maintain than to try to do it all in one day. I wipe down the toilet and kitchen everyday. These areas tend to be the most active and harbor the most germs.
19) Set aside time to do NOTHING AT ALL!
20) And finally…STOP WORRYING; the dirty dishes will still be there tomorrow and so will the dirty laundry. Make the most of each and everyday and be thankful. Worrying will resolve nothing!
***For all of you stay at home dads, I commend you. You also have many of the same worries and needs. I hope the above information can be of some help. Good luck to you and enjoy each and every moment; know you hold the most important job you you’ll ever have and we thank you.***
Till next time – Peace Always, Gigi
Related Books:
Spiritual Midwifery by: Ina May Gaskin (you can also read more on Ina and her way of life at- thefarm.org – this may be the best book ever written on natural child birth)
Heart and Hands by: Elizabeth Davis
The Complete Book of Midwifery by: Barbara Brennan
Diary of a Midwife by: Juliana Van O Phen-Fehr (I could not put this one down – great read as well as valuable information)
Midwifery and Herbs by: Willa Shaffer
A Simple Choice by: Deborah Taylor Hough
Simplicity is Genius by: Criswell Freeman (a must-have on your bookshelf)
Simple Living by: Frank Levering
Resources for Living: A Plain Man’s Philosophy by: Gains G. Atkins (a must have)
Coping With Life by: Merritt W. Borden
Websites:
www.freenclearstuff.com (offers a vast array of really totally free stuff…good selection for babies and children) you can also get a fee subscription to parenting a baby magazines!
www.mennonitemaidens.com (they offer a nice selection of home-made plain and simple children’s toys as well as baby blankets, environmentally safe baby and adult diapers and baby wipes)
www.motherhood.com (great pregnancy apparel at modest prices)
www.wendysmodestdress.com ( home-made comfortable attire and lots of very low priced gentle used clothing)
www.Alibris.com (they carry every book known to man covering parenthood, children, cooking, cleaning and care-taking) I think they’re the best!
www.blair.com (comfortable dress at amazingly low prices!)
www.butterflymama.com (fair-trade store…beautiful, sexy and flowing tops)
www.soul-flower.com (some cool plus size apparel)
Backwoods Home Magazine – write to editor@backwoodshome
Common Sense at Home Newsletter and Books – write to cash@lakeozarknet
These last two websites and newsletters deal with everything from home- to alternative home energy sources…perfect for anyone staying home with kids, working from home or interested in home tips and alternative living.
www.lalecheleague.org (help with breastfeeding)
There are also many websites that offer a wealth of information to dads as well as connecting them to other stay-at-home dads.
Life is a series of tests; but if you pass
your tests, you look back upon them as good
experiences.
Peace Pilgrim
Misc. Baby/Child Tips
Castor oil will help heal your new born’s belly button.
Castor oil will increase milk flow in lactating women when massaged over breasts; helps with sore nipples. The oil will not harm the baby if some should be left on nipples after massage.
Catnip Tea calms a child before sleep…this tea is safer for children than Valerian Root Tea.
If your child is bedwetting, try giving them a few elderberries or red berries before sleep.
To prevent nail-biting in both children as well as adults you can apply “Tinto de Violeta”…an old time remedy found in many mom and pop pharmacies. It can mostly be found in small Latin Pharmacies and or markets.
The substance is not harmful to intake..but believe me; the very first taste of it and you’ll definitely not try it again. Keep in mind that at a certain age children may go through a stage of nail-biting. Oh and one more thing…the liquid dries a colour of deep purple on your nails which can be somewhat unpleasing to the eye.
When my mother was a child, she suffered from extremely high fevers and her mother would apply an apple cider vinegar compress on her forehead to reduce her fever.
In Spain when a child looses his/her first tooth, it is mounted on a gold band and worn as a ring.
It makes an interesting stone mount as well a great way to preserve a memory – not to mention its value as a conversation piece.
You could also mount the tooth on a necklace or use it as a stone on earrings; hey, and how about having it bronzed or dyed then mounted…let me stop here…I’m getting carried away, besides, I haven’t figured how to get it away from the tooth fairy.
**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **
Posted in Children and Babies
DIET DURING BREASTFEEDING:
DIET DURING BREASTFEEDING:
1)There are certain vitamins as well as foods you have to keep up with in larger amounts. There are many books offered through your local library, bookstore or info on the web. Never diet to reduce weight during breastfeeding or take weight reduction pills!! Everything that passes through you goes straight to your baby when you breastfeed.
2) Avoid alcohol, aspirin, caffeine and nicotine.
3) Continue to moisturize your nipples and avoid drying soaps or sun exposure if at all possible.
I was not able to breastfeed my child as long as I would have liked to but…I’ll always cherish those few short months I did.
After giving birth to my beautiful baby daughter, a nurse friend told me that we as women must always treat ourselves, as well as our bodies, as Postnatal beings. Once you have given birth, you will forever be a postnatal woman and should always strive to treat your body and mind with careful love and care.
**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **
Posted in Children and Babies
Breast Feeding
BREASTFEEDING:
We’ve all heard the pros and cons associated with breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding. It is a personal choice. It’s whatever you feel is best for you and your baby, and don’t let
anyone make you feel bad about your choice. What’s important is that you love and nurture your newborn baby; it does neither one any good if mom is stressed out. If you do choose to breastfeed, good luck and here are some hopefully helpful hints…
1) Try to make sure your health provider as well as family and friends know your choice… then, get in touch with La Leche League in your area…a wonderful organization of women who are there to help and inform you regarding your choice to breastfeed.
2) Breastfeeding is easier on your baby’s system. My baby was colic free.
3) It helps the baby’s immune system by offering natural antibiotics.
4) Less adult medical problems such as heart disease, anemia and allergies.
5) Better dental health.
6) A higher level of B vitamins which enables the brain to grow more healthy thus more rapid learning as well as less learning disabilities.
7) Helps in rapid uterus reduction. Reduces your risk of breast cancer.
9) Less bleeding after childbirth.
Two months before I gave birth I started to strengthen my nipples with an olive oil massage daily…when colostrum was present I massaged that in as well . My engorgement process was not as uncomfortable and the transition much easier.
Olive oil prevented me from getting stretch marks, but…stretch marks can be beautiful as well. Please keep in mind that stretch marks are primarily genetic. Your race as well as skin type has alot to do with it; still, it can’t hurt to moisturize daily.
**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **
Posted in Children and Babies
SAFETY ALERT
SAFETY ALERT: Nail polish is now known to be a possible contributor to birth defects.
**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **
Posted in Children and Babies