Family Relationships Under Fire

Lessons from the Front Line

I sat glued to the news conference as three wounded soldiers - Marine Lance Corporal Joshua Menard, Army Staff Sergeant James Villafane, and Army Sergeant Charles Horgan - recounted their experiences of coming under fire from Iraqi troops in civilian dress at the city of Nassiriya. Villafane and Horgan told about being struck by an incoming missile.
As I watched, I, too, was struck...by the similarities between their experiences on the battlefield and those of stressed-out families, "under fire." Listen and learn from their experiences.

Lesson 1: DON'T BE CAUGHT OFF-GUARD; PREPARE. 
Menard said, "We were very surprised. We were told that when we were going through Nassiriya that we would see little to no resistance. They weren't rolling over like we thought they would."
Realistically anticipate and prepare for the inevitable challenges your family will face. "Prepare for the worst," while guarding the positive attitudes that "create the best."

Lesson 2: YOUR GOOD INTENTIONS CAN BE MISUNDERSTOOD. 
Villafane commented, "The amount of resistance, some of it I don't understand. I mean, we're there to help them to get them out of the regime. It was a shock that they would actually do that, given the treatment we try to give them. We try to treat them fairly."
Know this! You can be misunderstood by family members, even when you have the best of intentions and are trying your best. Parents, it takes courage to make wise, yet unpopular decisions.
On the other hand, "meaning well" can't substitute for "doing well." Check your actions, being willing to openly consider what it's like to be on the other side of you.

Lesson 3: DON'T MAKE MISTAKES ABOUT WHO YOUR ENEMY IS. 
A group of Iraqi soldiers dressed in the civilian robes of nomad Bedoins opened fire on Menard as he and six other Marines approached them on a bridge in Nassiriya. Military enemies, pretending to be harmless.
Even more appalling was the account of the American soldier who allegedly threw the grenade that killed and injured people in his own troop. Yet, we've lost our sensitivity to the shock of similar assaults in our own families...daily "grenades" of hurtful words and destructive actions.
"Out there", there are so many enemies to the wellbeing of family members. How can we hope to combat those if we spend our time fighting within our own ranks? What can you do today to mend family rifts?

Lesson 4: DON'T PANIC WHEN TROUBLES COME.
Sergeant Horgan told about how he worked to stay calm, though he had just been wounded by the enemy missile. He said that he was grateful that "training kicks in" and that he was able not to panic. "My foot may be gone, but I gotta move."
When you are faced with an unexpected and distressing challenge in your family, don't panic, reacting impulsively. Seek help if necessary. Don't say or do things that make the situation worse in the long run.
Stop...think...plan...then act.

Lesson 5: PROTECT YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS, NOT JUST YOURSELF.
The way these well-trained, courageous soldiers behaved under fire is, to me, the greatest of our lessons in family teamwork. Listen in, and examine your own habits and actions.

Horgan, whose right leg and foot were ripped open when he was blown from his gunning position, described his thoughts when he saw the incoming missile: "Oh, my God, I'm gonna die. I gotta warn my buddies."

Villafane quipped, "It's not being shot at that so bad. It's being shot that really sucks!" (Can you relate to that?) Despite the horror of what they had experienced, the three wounded men all said they felt a sense of guilt about leaving friends behind in Iraq. Horgan told reporters, "I'm relieved that I'm out... Nobody can be shot and say, 'Wow, I really want to go back out there. That was great.' But I'm kind of sad that I'm not with the guys who protected me. My friends protected me when I needed them. I joined to serve my country. But when I was there, I was fighting to protect my friends.

Dr. Bev Smallwood is a psychologist who has worked with organizations across the globe for over 20 years. Her high-energy, high-content, high-involvement Magnetic Workplaces (r) programs provide dozens of practical strategies and skills that can be put to work immediately to:

1. build strong leaders who influence and develop others through serving;
2. energize, motivate, and retain team members;
3. successfully accomplish important organizational transitions; and
4. impress customers and build their loyalty

Talking With Elderly Parents

Delivering unpleasant news is never pleasant, and especially if you're talking with someone whom you love and care for...like your parents. Plus, it's awkward because the roles are reversed and you find yourself "being the parent".

1. Spend some time preparing for your talk with parents about changes that have become necessary...the fact that it is no longer safe for them to drive, the necessity of help in managing their finances, an impending move to either an assisted living facility or a nursing home. Think through the question, "What will this mean to them? What will they perceive that they are losing?" For instance, when you are preparing to assist in a move to an assisted living facility or a nursing home, anticipate the resistance that will come from their belief that they are losing such things as independence, contact with familiar surroundings, contact with family members.
2. Plan to retain or replace as many of the material things or emotional losses as possible. For instance, explore ways to give as much independence as possible. In cases of physical moves, surround them with family pictures, treasured items, their own furniture when possible.
3. In your initial conversations, help them understand the purpose of the changes you are proposing. Give factual examples of incidents that indicate changes are needed. For example, "When you were driving to the grocery store Monday, I watched as you pulled out into the street in front of a car. The car swerved and, thankfully, you did not wreck. I've observed this kind of thing several times."
4. Preserve dignity and self esteem as much as possible. Point out the things they can do. Normalize the fact that response times for everyone get slower as the years creep by. Recount the many times when you were growing up that your parents gave you extra help when you needed it, and affirm that they have well earned a little extra assistance from you.
5. Meet objections calmly, verbally "reflecting" the feelings they are expressing. You might say something like, "I realize that it will be hard to have me balancing your checkbook and paying your bills. You've always done that, and have taken pride in doing it well. I can understand how you might feel angry about my saying that you need some assistance with that."
6. Don't expect their immediate buy-in to the change. This takes time, and much of the adjustment to the change comes after it is made. Sometimes, when you've determined the change is necessary and you've tried over time to compassionately introduce the change to them, you have to "just do it".
7. Give yourself compassion, too. Expect a myriad of emotions...such as guilt, grief, or anger. These are normal. When you've tried to do the right thing, when you've worked at being caring as you share unwelcome news with your parents... be kind to yourself. Realize that sometimes, in order to be loving and do what is best for those you love, you must do tough things. Encourage yourself as you would a friend... "You're doing the best you can do, under the circumstances."

Dr. Bev Smallwood is a psychologist who has worked with organizations across the globe for over 20 years. Her high-energy, high-content, high-involvement Magnetic Workplaces (r) programs provide dozens of practical strategies and skills that can be put to work immediately to:

1. build strong leaders who influence and develop others through serving;
2. energize, motivate, and retain team members;
3. successfully accomplish important organizational transitions; and
4. impress customers and build their loyalty.

What A Dad-To-Be Can Do In Planning A Baby Shower For The Baby Boy

During the last few weeks of the mother's pregnancy, the excited parents can now be sure of the child's gender. Therefore, the gender of the baby is now one of the main considerations in planning the baby shower. In baby shower planning, once the baby's gender is determined, it is indeed a good idea to have a baby boy or baby girl-based theme. This is to have an ease of selection of the needed things for the party such as venue decorations, party favors, games and activities and foods.

Considering a baby boy-based theme, one of the best things that the father-to-be can do is to take the overall charge of planning the details. This is a good way for him to show support to his wife especially during the times when she is about to give birth for the first time. If he does not have the skill and knowledge in this area, he can ask the help of friends and relatives to make contributions in the planning or check the internet for the essentials.

As the planner, the dad-to-be must be able to finalize the preferred date and time of the party as well as the estimated number attendees. Then, choosing the venue and the most suitable baby boy theme must also be done ahead of time. Ideal themes for boys are superhero theme, jungle theme, pirates theme, outer space theme, and soldiers theme. After finalizing these decisions, the next step is to make and distribute the invitation for the event. The invitation for the shower party must be matched with the chosen theme. Usually, the color of the paper for the invitation is blue, red, or dark green. All the necessary details about the party such as the event schedule, venue and theme should be indicated in the invitation. Then, the invitations should be sent at least six weeks before the chosen date of the event so that there will be enough time for the first-time dad to iron all the details in the baby shower.

The father-to-be must also give attention to the foods and drinks that will be served in the baby shower. Then, the decorations for the venue must be prepared. They must be in accordance with the selected theme. With regards to the baby shower party favors, the best choices include prince's crown, plastic swords and armor, blue towel cakes and baby block candles. Choosing the party favor is one of the important parts of baby shower planning that requires sufficient time and patience to have the most remarkable party favor for guests.

Moreover, another important part of the baby shower that urgently needs the involvement of the dad-to-be is the games and other activities that will bring quality entertainment to the guests and to the first-time mom. Apart from all of these, the dad-to-be also has to focus on other minor details of the baby shower planning to deliver a memorable event for the mom-to-be and the guests.

How to Have a Long Distance Baby Shower

A long distance baby shower is a great idea when the mom-to-be lives far away and is unable to attend. Very often, close friends and dearest ones have to relocate, making party organization and spending time together difficult.

The long distance baby shower is a bit more unusual than the traditional one. Still, technologies can be used to establish connections and guests will be having fun.

Being the hostess of a long distance baby shower signifies considering certain aspects of the party in advance. You will have to get organized and you will have to do some coordination across a long distance but you are certain to enjoy the process.

Should You Hold a Long Distance Baby Shower?

A long distance baby shower needs to be held, whenever the mom-to-be is separated from her dearest friends or is unable to currently travel.

Even if she lives far away, the mom-to-be will need specific products and items. Friends can get those and attend a party dedicated to the new mom and her child. A baby shower is the symbol of respect, love and friendship.

Organizing a long distance baby shower could be more demanding. You need to have some patience and you will certainly organize a great party that will make the mom-to-be happy.

Invitation Specifics

Invitations for a long distance baby shower are no different than the traditional ones. The aim of the invite is to provide guests with essential information and to mention what the party theme is going to be.

Your invitations should mention the fact that the mom-to-be will be unable to attend. If you forget making a note about it, you will be misleading guests and you will get many people disappointed.

The invitation should also contain some guidelines and directions about the most appropriate types of gifts. Think carefully about this aspect, since shipping large items could be expensive and complex.

Use Technologies

Internet has given you new and wonderful ways to communicate with people from other countries and continents. Harness its potential and give the mom-to-be a chance to 'attend' her baby-shower.

Messaging programs have a video chat option that will be the best tool you can use. Get the mom-to-be sitting in front of her computer and provide guests of the party with a chance to talk to her and to wish her all the best.

Activities and Questions

Internet can be used to give guests a chance to have fun together with the mom-to-be. Games and quizzes are to diversify the agenda and help everyone break the ice.

One of the best activities for a long distance baby shower is a trivia quiz. Ask some questions about the mom-to-be and get her to confirm the right answers. She could even be the person asking the questions.

Make sure that you have enough information, especially if you are incapable of establishing a web connection. Know how the mom-to-be feels and all the details about her pregnancy. People will be asking you questions. Make sure you know the answers.

Shipping Gifts

Once the party is over, you will be shipping the gifts. This is the final part of a long distance baby shower.

Pack everything and make sure that all of the items are secured and labeled. Each present needs to have a card, mentioning who the gift-giver is.

Baby Shower Gifts - The Best and the Worst

Awesome baby shower gifts can easily become awful baby shower gifts if you do not exercise some common sense while buying these gifts. You may not have a baby of your own but that's no excuse to give Junior something terrible.

Top 5 baby shower gifts:

Baby bedding: Besides being immensely useful, baby bedding is pretty and fun. These are available in a variety of attractive colors and are available in the best materials. Pastel sheets filled with the most attractive designs not only keep parents and child happy, but look like a dream too. Soft baby blankets keep the baby warm and look so good that you may want to buy more than one!

Baby bath kit: Fun and functional - that is the way to give baby shower gifts that are loved by parents as well as babies. The baby bath kit could include all the essentials like a bath tub, shampoo, soaps, washcloth, fluffy towels and moisturizer. You could even include a nice little toy like a bright yellow duck that floats in water!

Baby toys: Looking after a baby is a full time job. It takes a lot of effort because the baby craves constant attention. However, babies are bright young things and their attention is easily riveted to attractive toys.Infant bouncy seats are a great way to keep the child engaged when mom is busy in the kitchen. Similarly, an activity gym consists of a number of toys suspended from bars. These dangle within the baby's grasp and encourage the infant to develop his motor skills and eyesight.

Baby sling/carrier: Children like to be in the middle of the action, except when they are sleeping. One of the easiest ways in which new moms can keep baby happy while getting their work done is a child sling. The sling keeps the children warmly tucked to the mom, leaving the mother's hands free to do whatever chore she wants. Baby carriers are also a thoughtful gift for these allow parents to go out with the child comfortably tucked into a carrier.

Baby gift baskets: Theme-oriented and practical, baby gift baskets are a great way of gifting something exuberant. You need not limit yourself to any one item. Also, gift baskets are available in a wide range of prices. Baby shower gift baskets are practical and unique. They are easy to find and many encompass a wide variety of themes.

Worst baby shower gifts:

Inner wear for the newborn: When the baby is just a few days old, he or she is not going to wear inner wear and these tiny pieces of clothing become too small by the time the baby is finally ready to wear them.

High heels: Some people like to take infant fashion to the limits. Baby high heel shoes may be soft but they give all the wrong messages, and when the child is finally ready to stand up, heels are a potential danger too.

Wipe warmer: Yes, small toddlers do not like the cold. But it is possible to warm baby wipes by simply holding them in your palms. An electric device for this purpose is nothing short of a monstrosity.

Baby Shower Games For Entertainment And Bonding

There are a wide variety of baby shower games that one can choose from that can effectively heat up and excite the aura in the event. However, it is very important to choose games that are safe not only for the guests, but most especially, to the new mom-to-be.

An example of safe but exciting baby shower games is 'Finding the Baby's Treasure Game.' With this game, the venue should be decorated with various baby items such as diapers, large and decorated safety pins, pacifiers, baby dress and baby stroller. Several of these items are scattered within the area but only one complete set has a special mark indicating that it belongs to the baby's treasures. The instructions will not be announced until sometime near the end of the program. As the emcee declared, those who submitted the right items first will win the prize.

Another fun and exciting game for baby showers is the 'Guess the Baby Food Game' where contestants will take time to taste each baby foods that are placed in an unlabeled jar. Each contestant will then name the baby food tasted and for every correct answer, one point will be gained. When all the baby foods have been tasted and guessed right, the top three players having the highest scores win the special prize. Organizers can also think of some twists in this game to make it more exciting.

There are also some unique baby shower games that can bring quality entertainment to the guests as well as for the first-time parents-to-be. One of these is the 'Pin the Sperm on the Egg Game.' This game is similar to the 'Pin the Horse's Tail Game.' But to make it more "adult-friendly," it uses a model of an egg cell instead of a horse and sperm cell models in place of the tails. Similar to the children's game, each contestant falls in line, holds a sperm cell model and waits for their turn to pin it to the egg cell model in the board. Then, those that successfully pinned the sperm cell in inside the egg cell are the as winners.

Guessing games and riddles are also fun games to play during the event. It can be done in a quiz show format and can be joined by guests. To make it more fun, the questions may range from those that have connection on the parents-to-be. In fact, many baby shower games are based on guessing trivia and other things related to babies as well as to the story of the first-time parents celebrating one of the biggest turning point in their lives. Also, singing and dancing competitions can be included in the program so that the event will have more fun and quality entertainment.

Looking for Really Cute Baby Shower Gift Ideas?

A baby shower can be a relaxing time for families and friends to get together and celebrate the impending birth of a new baby. While at times the planning of a shower can be stressful, with careful planning and plenty of assistance, everything should turn out smoothly.

One fun aspect of a baby showers is the opening of the gifts. There are a number of gifts that can be given that are centered towards the mother more than the baby. This is perfectly natural and accepted because the mother will definitely need some pampering and some help when it comes to the big day. Your baby shower gifts can be reflective of the moment at hand or simply a practical item that will be in great need, such as diapers or bottles.

Personalized gifts for girls are societally geared in the color pink. This is not a requirement so much anymore as gender roles are being blurred. It is best to get the plans from the mother as to what colors she wants to have for the baby. These personalized gifts for girls can range from lighter colored stuffed animals and female cartoon character based designs. Other personalized gifts for girls can even come in the form of a hand made quilt with the baby's name on it.

Personalized gifts for boys are similar in that they are no longer limited to being just blue. It is not entirely gearing towards "masculine" occupations or sports either. This is also generally a choice of the mother (or father) so you should take into account the design of the nursery. Hand crafted items are going to be more appreciated compared to store bought items. Personalized gifts for boys are going to be quite similar in that you could make up a quilt with the boy's name stitched on it.

Gender neutral gifts are the exception since so many parents are choosing to know the gender of their baby before it is born. Color is not as big of an issue with a gender neutral gift. Greens, whites and browns tend to be good choices as they convey a sense of security to anyone who sees the baby's room to dote on your new baby after he or she is born.

Whatever you decide to gift to the family, whether its geared toward the mother or baby, as long as it's given with love, she'll appreciate your effort.

Giraffe Baby Shower Planning

Baby showers are an excellent chance to show off your creative decorating skills, and what better way to do so than by throwing a giraffe themed shower? Giraffes are gender neutral, so it's not necessary to know the sex of the baby. Follow these tips to create the perfect giraffe baby shower.

Invitations:

Whether you decide to go with a cuter cartoon giraffe or more elegant giraffe pattern, send invitations that inform guests as to the theme of your party. This is an excellent place to introduce your colors and let them know if there is anything you'd like them to bring, such as recipes, games, or particular gifts.

Decorations:

Giraffe patterns are extremely popular, so it's easy to find candles, linens, and even balloons to fit your theme. These can be in the shape of giraffes or just contain the pattern itself. However, be careful not to overdo it with the patterns. If you intend to use giraffe patterned napkins, choose a solid color tablecloth to go underneath. Also, you may want to purchase a large giraffe baby bag for the mom to be, and encourage guests to fill it with one giraffe toy, blanket, or stuffed animal each. Then you'll have created a whole theme for the new baby's nursery.

Food:

The giraffe theme is easy to continue with desserts, such as a giraffe cake or individual cupcakes and cookies. You can even wrap each one in giraffe print holders. For other dishes, consider combining brown and yellow foods, such as trail mixes, nuts, breads, lentil soup, brown rice, burgers, bananas, chips, corn and cheese, with more colorful foods in giraffe patterned bowls, such as salads. Stick to the same color theme throughout the party so as not to overwhelm your guests.

Favors:

With the availability of giraffe printed ribbon, you can wrap just about any favor in a bag. Get a giraffe paper punch for creating mini shaped confetti to place within the bags. You can also use this confetti to decorate small boxes as housing for your actual favors. Favors themselves can have a giraffe theme simply by adding a cute label that you create. Giraffe clip art for your stickers is abundant online with images from live giraffes to abstract designs. Place the stickers on candy tins, candy jars, seed packets, candles, notepads, hand sanitizers or anything else with a fairly even or flat surface.

The Budget and Event Date Makes The Difference In Baby Shower Planning

Organizing a baby shower requires dedication and patience from the planner. Since it is a rare event that may happen at least once to a couple's lifetime, it is just fitting to spend the utmost attention during baby shower planning to make it a memorable event.

A baby shower is a fun event when people close to the parents-to-be show their support in their entrance to a new chapter in their lives, especially to the mom. This is the time when they show them that they are waiting for the success of her giving birth. During baby showers, guests would give their blessings in the form of presents for the baby which would also signify their welcoming for him in this world. This is why every baby shower is considered a celebration for the blessing that the soon parents-to-be have received. This is also the reason why a careful baby shower planning is necessary.

Since a baby shower is an important event, some people think that planning it is difficult because it requires a lot of care and pressure to make it a remarkable event. Well, it does require care but describing it as difficult is unnecessary because fun is more suiting. So as long as the planner knows the basic things to focus on when planning, he will surely be able to come up with a great baby shower regardless if he is a first time organizer or not.

Perhaps the most basic aspects of the event to decide on during baby shower planning are the time and the date of the event. These are the foremost considerations in planning because this will either make or break the event. This is where the planning or cramming will depend on. Consequently, the date and time will also determine the number of attendees; if you make it on a weekday, then there is a big probability that there will be less attendees because of work commitments while doing it on a weekday is better since many have their off from work on these days.

Simply put, the more advanced the start of the planning is, the more time will the organizer have for the actual preparations. The best time to have the event is a month before the expected delivery because this is the time when the mom can handle the gravity of the event. However, the planning must begin at least two months before the target date to give room for any schedule adjustments. This will also make sure that guests can have the date marked on their calendar.

The budget is another important thing. To some people, budget is not an issue; but regardless of whether they can spend any amount or not, it still better to have a working budget to avoid unnecessary spending.

The schedule and budget are two elements to make the event planning successful. Having a theme will also make things easier. With a theme, the event invitation, decoration and tokens will then be based on the theme and once it has been set, everything will just be in their proper place. Then, the guest list, games and activities as well as performers, if any, are other things that must be given attention to during the baby shower planning.

Food Pyramid Art Activities For Toddlers

The new food pyramid focuses on fruits and vegetables. The recommendation is to make sure half of your daily intake is from fruits and vegetables. I know from experience that getting a toddler to eat that many fruits and vegetables is very difficult but if toddlers see them many times and in lots of different kinds of activities, they might be more likely to eat them. Here are several ideas for food pyramid art activities.

1. Food pyramid collage: Cut out big pictures from magazines and cut them out. Your toddler can assist you with the cutting if able. Have your toddler decorate a big pyramid on poster paper.

2. Family picture collage: Take pictures of your child and other family members eating healthy foods - fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains. Then print them, cut them out and have your child glue them on colored paper. At the top write the words, "Me and my family eating healthy foods. "

3. Family picture book: Another idea with the same pictures above is to have your child make a book. The pages are, for example: Daddy eats apples, Mommy eats tomatoes, Justin eats plums, Grandma eats avocados, Grandpa eats papaya, and so forth. Kids love books with real pictures of their families in them. 4. Paint BIG pictures of healthy foods - Draw big pictures of healthy foods such as apples, oranges, carrots, lettuce. Then have your toddler paint them with washable poster paint or real paint. If you want to you can cut out the picture and glue it on another sheet of paper.

5. Several ideas using Google Images: Go online to Google Images and print out big (approximately 3 inches by 3 inches) pictures. There are a lot of different projects but here are some ideas:

a. Print out 5 red apples, 5 green apples and 5 yellow apples. Put them in a pile. Have your toddler sort them by color and glue them on big paper.

b. Print out 3 each of several different healthy foods. Have your child make ab patterns with them and glue them on paper. For example: carrot, milk, carrot, milk, carrot, milk, carrot, milk

c. Print out several different foods from each food group. On paper plates have your child make up meals from each group that he would like to eat. Then fix those meals from him. Better yet, have him help you shop for and cook those meals.

d. Print out several different healthy toppings for salads. On a piece of paper, draw a big salad. Have your toddler color it with green crayons or markers. Have your toddler add the healthy toppings to the salad and glue them in place.

e. Print out pictures from the internet and have your child make a picture book. Fold paper into a book. Glue the pictures and write the word for the picture underneath.

6. Fruit/vegetable Prints: Make prints from different types of fruits and vegetables - apples, oranges, potatoes, carrots, peppers, etc.

Child Safety Gates - You Got to Know When to Hold 'Em and When to Fold 'Em

I don't know about you, but before I became a parent I was never a big fan of stair gates. I remember having been forced to step way over them when visiting my sister's house, since she had them all over the place for her kids. Half the time I nearly tripped and took a fall myself, which is kind of ironic since a safety gate is supposed to protect toddlers from doing a nose dive down the stairs.

Funny how a couple years and a couple kids changes everything - now I've got two toddlers myself who are in to everything. The time came when I needed safety gates too - not only to keep them safe but to protect my vintage LP collection from becoming scratched up Frisbees (can anyone relate here?) And so the search began for a safety gate which was tall enough to stop my little Visigoths from pillaging, yet not so tall that I'd end up with a head injury. It was a little more difficult than I thought, but I discovered a few tips which might be of benefit to you when you're out shopping, too.

The first tip I can recommend for you is to look for a gate which is self-closing. Now what do I mean by that? Many of the child safety gates I looked at were a single piece, maybe with a slider to expand it out, which required you to stretch the gate across the opening and then set it in place. This means that once you've set it up it can be a real pain to move it (for example if you want to get by) and then reset. And forget about doing that it you set the gate up at the top of the stairs! Instead, look for a gate which has a button on top to allow you to swing the gate open (think like a barn yard door.) Most of these safety gates (at least the good ones I've seen from DreamBaby) make it really tough for a toddler to push, but it's child's play for you the adult to open it to pass and then close it again.

In addition to a swinging gate, I'd also recommend you find one which is not quite as tall. An extra couple of inches won't make much difference from a protection point of view, and it will probably save you a few bucks. Plus in the event you do need to step over, it will be easier. The only exception to this rule is if you know you've got a climber on your hands who you suspect will make a sport out of trying to make it over the Berlin Wall. Taller gates up to four feet high will be a safer bet.

Baby Sleeping Bags - Three Important Reminders

Baby sleeping bags are an ideal solution to keep your little one safe while sleeping. In contrast, blankets can be kicked off, while a comfy sleeping bag keeps your baby snug and warm. If you are shopping for one, here are some tips to help you make the best choice.

The size

First, consider the size of the bag. It shouldn't be too tight, but not too loose either. Babies should be able to kick their legs freely and have a comfortable opening for the head. Infant sleeping bags come in various sizes, such as, 0-6 months, 6-18 months and 18-36 months.

The material and TOG rating

Next, make sure that the material is suitable for the season. You can find infant and toddler bags in a wide range of materials, including cotton and fleece. Usually, quilted materials are no good, because they keep the baby too hot.

Baby sleeping bags come with a TOG rating, which determines the thickness of the material. A higher TOG rating means the bag is warmer. A 2.5 TOG rating indicates that the bag is appropriate, except in cases of very high temperatures. The 1.0 TOG is usually for summer time and these bags are best for temperatures between 21-23 degrees Celsius. The 0.5 TOG is for room temperatures of 24-27 degrees Celsius.

The great thing about this rating system is that it gives you plenty of clothing options. For instance, you could put your baby to sleep in just a vest or sleeping suit and the 2.5 TOG baby sleeping bags will keep a constant temperature. A good way to monitor the temperature of your baby during sleep is to feel their chest, because their hands are usually cold no matter how warm or cold their body temperature is.

Zippers

Baby sleeping bags with zippers are very useful, especially when it comes to changing. You can find a variety of models, including those with a front zipper that opens vertically. Or, choose the two-way zippers that can be opened in both directions to make it easier to change the baby. You can also find U-shaped zippers at the front of the sleeper, which might be the most helpful of all.

With all of these choices, it can be a bit confusing to choose the right one for you. But with a little bit of patience, you will find the right baby sleeping bags. Just remember that it all comes down to giving your baby the right amount of warmth and comfort. This way, you'll never go wrong.

Baby Will Not Sleep? Check Out These 5 Successful Tactics of How to Get Babies To Sleep

So your little one won't sleep... you wake up at all hours of the night to deal with the crying not to mention yelling, whilst your mind-numbing tiredness is pushing you to distraction.

What can you do?

Mercifully there are plenty of tested as well as practical techniques to help babies settle into a solid getting-to-sleep habit.

1. The Way To Determine Whenever Your Child Is Sleepy

During the first 6-8 weeks your new child most likely won't be able to remain awake for more than just a few hours. Newborns can easily become overtired if they are not set down quickly enough - after which putting baby to sleep will be a challenge.

Be on the lookout for the classic warning signs of infant sleepiness - is she rubbing her eyes, fussing or perhaps pulling on her ears? Before too long, you will recognize a lot of these symptoms of fatigue and learn to lay your baby down for a nap at the best time.

It's ideal to put in place a bedtime regimen by choosing a time somewhere between 7pm and 8pm to have them settled. If at all possible, also try to stay with identical times for their day time naps, although don't leave it too late as it is likely that your baby will not sleep or have the ability to settle in the evening.

2. Help Your Infant To Realize the Distinction Between Day and Night

From about 2 weeks old, it is possible to guide your child to comprehend that day time is for being active and also that nighttime hours are designed for sleeping.

You should try to be active with her during the daytime, chatting or vocalizing throughout breastfeeding times and attempting to keep the environment 'normal' - for instance don't worry with regards to the washer sound or the front door banging.

Strive also to keep the day time light and airy. Then when the night arrives, remember to keep noises to a minimum amount and feeds relatively low-key.

Stick to this routine and your child will begin to figure out that the evening is designed for sleeping - a vital factor of the best way to get babies to sleep.

3. Allow Your baby To Feel Safe Dropping Off To Sleep On Their Own

By about three months your little child will ideally have the ability to know how to drift off to sleep on her own by simply hugging a quilt, hugging a much-loved toy or simply sucking their thumb. On the other hand, if they've already got into the pattern of getting snuggled and rocked to sleep, then your child will make the connection that they require you to do this on EVERY occasion to enable them to fall asleep...

If at all possible it's better to develop a quality sleeping habit from the word go by giving your child the opportunity to sooth themselves to fall asleep. However, if your baby will not sleep without you, look at using the 'elastic band approach'. At bedtime, remain with him or her as normal so that you can reassure her - however try to avoid eye-to-eye contact.

As soon as your baby begins to grow drowsy, relocate a little distance away from their cot toward the door. Your baby may recognize you have moved and start to make a fuss, so return and reassure them. When you repeat this regularly, you'll sooner or later be allowed to move further and further away - thus ultimately, your infant shall be ready to go to sleep without having you to be nearby.

4. My Baby Wont Sleep Except When He's Given A Feed

In the case where your young child gets into the behavior of linking sucking on a teat or breast with falling asleep, it is most likely that he wont have the ability to go to sleep by himself in the middle of the evening without a feed. You may prefer to change this connection by trying the following...

When your infant requires a feed, continue to feed them in the standard fashion, but watch for indications that they're getting full - for example, when their sucking rate drops. As soon as you observe these clues, take away the breast or baby bottle. If your child starts to fuss, then continue feeding but repeat this method, removing their food till they drift off to sleep without sucking.

Persevere with this technique for a couple of days and you can expect to discover that putting baby to sleep becomes simpler and quicker without them needing to suck a teat or nipple.

In practice, this will allow your infant to sleep through the night. If your child awakes, he is more inclined to ease themself to sleep without needing to be fed by you.

5. Our Infant Awakens At The Same Times Each and Every Night.

How can you get babies to sleep without giving them any help?

Babies learn at a fantastic rate - and additionally form habits at every single chance! If your small child has developed the practice of waking up at certain times in the night, it is possible to help them back to get to sleep without your assistance.

The majority of parents discover that a 'controlled crying' approach is effective, though this may be tough on the mom and dad in the beginning.

If your infant awakens during the night time, try to avoid attending to them immediately - hang on for a minute or two. If perhaps they are simply making cooing or singing noises, then let them be and they may possibly settle down into sleep on his or her own.

However, in cases where they are far more distressed, then naturally go and reassure them - and then go out of the room. Your child may possibly get upset again, but you should try to wait a minute or two at this point prior to returning to them. Once more, the moment they're settling down, depart the room and repeat this process, allowing additional time before each contact.

Special Things That Baby Girls Need and That Boys Don't

Your baby girl has just arrived. She is cute and beautiful and you love every moment that the two of you spend together.

A new parent could have difficulties with all the aspects of childcare. We all know that baby girls and baby boys are different. Do these differences demand specific childcare procedures and the purchase of more specialized products?

Diaper Changing Procedures

Diaper changing is different for girls and boys. Cleaning procedures need to be much more delicate for little girls, in order to prevent an infection from occurring.

You need to use wet wipes each time you change your little girl's diaper. Wipe downwards so that you do not get germs spreading to the genital region. You should also try to be very gentle and delicate when wiping.

If you are uncertain about the best way to change diapers and to get your baby girl cleaned, consult your pediatrician. Your doctor will share the best and safest practices.

Skin Care

The skin of baby girls is very delicate and prone to infections. You should be very careful when selecting skin care products.

Keep in mind that hormones pass from mom to baby and shortly after birth your little girl could experience some problems related to changing hormonal levels - acne or even unusual vaginal discharge.

Try to use solely baby cosmetic products designed for delicate and sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic powder and creams are best for the needs of your daughter. Try to keep her skin hydrated and if you see unusual allergic rashes - talk to your doctor before deciding on the treatment.

Ear Piercing

If you want your little girl to wear earrings, you should consider having her ears pierced at an early age. The process is far from traumatizing and the earlier you do it, the better. Your girl will have no memories of it and you can get her beautiful child earrings.

Many parents pierce the ears of their daughters very early - at the age of six months or even younger.

You need to know that the process is not that painful. Your kid will be bored and uncomfortable for some time but the whole issue will soon be forgotten and she will be bragging her beautiful earrings.

Another option is to leave the choice up to her. Most girls want to have earrings but maybe your daughter is having ideas of her own. Deciding to wait for some time before getting the ears pierced is an option, as well.

Apart from those little differences, baby girls and baby boys are very similar. They laugh at the same things, they eat in the same manner. Potty training is far from gender specific, as well.

You should learn the basics of childcare and you should remain untroubled when it comes to the gender of your little one. It is OK to learn as specific situations occur. Take the time to get to know each other. Your baby girl is a precious gift and you will love each moment and each little step that she takes.

Graco Nautilus 3in1 Car Seat Review

Owning a car is a great convenience for families when they need to travel places. It's good if the kids are big enough but what if you have a baby or a toddler? As a responsible parent, you will have to spend enough time and effort in researching for the best models of car seats. While you're still looking around, why don't you look into the Graco Nautilus 3in1?

Making the right purchase will ensure the safety of your child. The Graco Nautilus 3in1 offers several features. The car seat is suitable for children aged 1-10. It is designed to perfectly suit your naughty child. It can handle 20-100 lbs. and is quite durable with its steel-reinforced frame. To give your child extra comfort, the car seat can be reclined in three different positions. It also comes with cup holders and storage for other things that you need to carry while you're out on the road with your child.

Car seats are expensive. Aside from the baby seat that you will need, you also have to purchase the booster seat later on. This will only mean additional cost on your part. However, if you purchase the Graco Nautilus 3in1, you will be able to make a one-time purchase. This product is a car seat and at the same time, a booster seat. To use the latter, you have to remove the back portion of the Graco Nautilus.

Safety is a very important consideration when purchasing a child's seat. So far, the Graco Nautilus 3in1 is getting a lot of positive feedback from users. Graco is a trusted brand when it comes to car seats and you can be sure that you've made the right choice.

Aside from safety, you also have to look into the price and warranty. The Graco 3in1 are priced around $200 and higher. The price will depend on the model that you purchase. It's a good thing that the Graco Nautilus 3in1 is priced reasonably. Another main advantage is that you no longer have to buy a booster seat in the future. If you are looking for warranty, you will have to purchase the Graco from reputed online stores. In most cases, you can take advantagr of a free return within 365 days.

Instead of investing on separate seats, boosters, and other car accessories, the Graco 3in1 is the best choice. The 5-point harness can be used to as a toddler seat and it can accommodate up to 65 pounds. On the other hand, the booster seat can hold as much as 100 pounds. The Graco Nautilus 3in1 is convertible and versatile. You can be sure that your child is protected. The seat is extra comfortable and comes with wide armrests, cushioned seat, and flexible head support. You can keep the treasures ad snacks near your child because it comes with a side storage and cup holder.

How To Make Money By Selling At Kids Consignment Sales

t sounds easy enough. Hang and tag your items for a consignment sale and watch the big fat checks roll in, right? The stories about big fat checks can be legendary, but there is more to it than just hanging and tagging your "stuff" if you want to make serious money by selling at seasonal consignment sales.

First you have to know what sells. Sounds easy enough. I'm selling at a kids consignment sale, so anything for kids should sell right? Not necessarily. You see, there are some things that don't sell well, so it's not worth your trouble to prepare them for the sale. What doesn't sell well? Bedding and room décor to name a few... and then there are all those clothes? What sizes? What brands? What styles? You need to know what sells and what doesn't so you aren't wasting your time or money investing in items that may not resell.

Then you have to know what a good selling point is. Price it too high, it won't sell and you'll bring it all home. Price it too low and you don't make any money. It's not uncommon for new consignors to price their stuff so low that they may get a $300 check, but they also sold 300 items. If you are selling 300 items, you should be receiving a check in the $700-$900 range.

So how do you navigate the delicate balance of what sells and what is a good selling price? Research, research, research! The best way to research is by volunteering. By working the check-in at a seasonal consignment sale, you have lots of opportunity to see how people price their merchandise, and what they are bringing. By working the check-out, you can see what styles and sizes are selling and at what prices. Once you have figured out what sells and how to price, then you are ready to start re-selling.

Have you heard about people receiving $3000-$4000 consignor checks? These are your re-sellers. People who know what sells, how to price and they stock up on lots and lots of inventory. They spend their weekends scouring yard sales, finding deals and turning those deals into extra income. They've turned selling at seasonal sales into an art form.

Baby Changing Bags - A Few Reason Why I Love Them

A changing bag is just another thing on the list you should consider buying when expecting a baby. Many don't like to use them but the majority love them. They can organise all their baby's needs in one place and take the bag wherever they go, knowing that whatever they need has its own compartment and is easy to find.

Organisation

In the main, baby changing bags are well thought out accessories. They are made to serve a purpose - to help mums and dads care for their baby or toddler when out and about. They make it a lot easier to organise the required items so they are available in a rush if needed. Dealing with a crying baby can be tough but if you have all that you need organised and readily available it makes it so much easier to deal with. Everything you need from nappies (diapers), wipes and creams to clothing, food and bottles can be arranged in some sort of order that assists a parent whenever the need arises

Useful Features

As they are purpose specific, changing bags offer a number of useful features. Take for example an insulated pocket for keeping a bottle warm. If you were to forget your bottle warmer it does not matter as it is already incorporated into the bag. There are elasticated partitions in many baby changing bags that expand to hold more items if needed then contract to hold them in place. Some compartments are water resistant or can be sealed off from the rest of the bag, particularly useful for fluids or creams that may spill. Many designs have a removable changing mat that slides neatly into the bag and does not take up too much room. So, you see, there are all these little useful features that you may not have even known you would need.

Easy To Clean

One big reason why changing bags are preferred is because they are often made from materials that can be cleaned easily. Imagine buying a nice bag with a soft attractive material. It looks nice and feels nice but after a few weeks or even days of use there are spills, bits of food, stray cream on parts of it that just won't shift. It will soon start to look worn and you will end up spending money on a new one. With a changing bag made from more suitable materials you will be able to simply wipe away mess as it occurs. This means your changing bag will last for longer and may even be a welcome hand-me-down to another new mum you know after many months of use.

Searching on the Internet for Newborn Clothes for Baby Girls

Do you already know that you're having a baby girl? There's lots of options out there, both basic and luxurious, when it comes to baby girl clothes and it's easy to go overboard.

Picking out clothing for young babies or expected arrivals can be fun and buying baby girl clothes is even more fun for mothers as there is nothing more exciting about dressing your baby girl like a precious doll! The one thing that most mothers do is dress their young girls up in frilly dresses, pink fancy outfits and anything that help them to look more like girls.

Casual designs for dresses for girls include flutter sleeves with ribbon details, straps on the shoulders, ruffles, bloomers, and sundresses. Babies can wear these clothes on casual occasions or even for daily use. In formal occasions, babies can also wear gowns that also come in beautiful designs. Normally, gowns for babies are always bought for special occasions like baptism, birthday, and weddings.

Young parents looking for pretty baby girl clothes need to find quality, affordable infant outfits at the best prices. Finding affordable cute baby girl clothes is important because, let's face it, your baby will grow up all too fast and that cute newborn baby will eventually transform into a toddler and young child. You want to cherish your memories and your time with your young baby girl and give her the cutest clothes money can buy for all those pictures and videos that will accumulate over the months and years.

A baby girl looks pretty no matter the colour of the clothes she's wearing. You might think that new parents would have purchased all the clothes the need for their expected babies. However, this is the ideal situation to surprise new parents by presenting them with hand made baby outfits. Your gift will be appreciated and in turn be treasured for many years as well. Bows and flowers seem to be popular on newborn baby girl clothes as accessories and although it is always nice to see them in a full crochet baby outfit including a hat, an alternative is a knitted or crochet cardigan and booties.

Crocheting and knitting are traditional skills that have been passed down through family generations, unfortunately not as often as it used to be. This usually means when people shop for baby clothes they have little choice except for mass produced items. People often confuse knitting and crochet. The majority of the time if someone sees another person crocheting they think they are knitting. The term knitting has been around for centuries so any time people see yarn and hook or needle they think Knitting. But the funny thing is more people know how to crochet than knit.

The Importance of Using a Car Seat

Car seats in this day and age are not used nearly as much as they should be and a lot of times are not used correctly. Before you even think about taking that newborn home, you better have a child seat in the car and installed correctly. Infant and toddler deaths are rising because parents are not considering how important this issue really is. Most hospitals now require a nurse to inspect your child seat before you take your newborn home. However, after that initial day, it is the parent's responsibility to make sure the seat remains in the car and installed correctly.

There are many reasons why having this type of seat is important. First and foremost, is to protect your infant or toddler in the event of an accident. There have been many cases where a child is thrown from the car because they were not in their proper seat, resulting in death or serious injury. Death or serious injury can also occur if the child's seat is not properly placed in the car. Many parents do not do their research on how to properly install their child's seat. Sometimes they are often placed in the car facing forward when they should be placed facing backwards. A child has to be at least twenty pounds and at least a year old before facing their car seat forward in the car. All other children must be placed in the car with their seat facing the rear. Ignoring this rule could result in a fatal death or serious injury.

Another reason children should always be placed in a car seat is because it could be distracting to the driver or other drivers. This reason alone could cause a serious accident resulting in a fatal or serious result. Seat belts are not enough to keep your child safe. They must be in a child seat or booster seat that is placed properly in the vehicle.

In all fifty states, it is state law that children are to be in a car seat or booster seat. If a child is not in either, the parent will be in violation and can be charged or kept until someone can come pick up the child with a car seat.