We have four children, three of which are potty trained. The youngest has only a year old, so we're cutting him some slack. Potty training the other three kids was an individual experience with each child.Our firstborn was not cooperative for any of the usual potty training drills. He didn't want to practice and didn't want to use a training potty. He was the same way when it came to weening him from breast milk; he wouldn't eat baby food and...more
What are the most common causes for roof repairs? Get the information here. Most roofs have a general lifespan of how long you can expect them to last under normal conditions. When a person lives in a harsh climate, however, that lifespan can be greatly reduced. Whether you are dealing with a harsh winter or a hot summer, extremes in climate and temperature can accelerate the aging process in nearly any roof. Of course, there is not much we can...more
When I was a child, I had a cousin named Andy with severe eczema, apparently brought on by an allergy to dairy products. I remember the part about dairy because whenever we were over at my grandmother's house, we had two types of ice cream; regular ice cream and "Andy's ice cream." Andy's ice cream was really a nondairy whipped cream that our grandmother would freeze for him so he wouldn't feel left out. I still remember the poor kid, scratching his legs so much they would bleed because they were so itchy.I'm sure my aunt and uncle had some sort of lotion to put on his legs, but in that day there was very little that was organic. Even if the lotion or cream they were using was prescribed by a doctor, I can't help but wonder if the harsh chemicals in the lotion they were using for him didn't somehow exacerbate his condition. He eventually grew out of it, but I think he still avoids dairy products due to some pretty bad childhood memories. Stuff like that will stay with you for your whole life.I also have had rough skin my whole life. I tend to think mine comes from living in cold, dry climates, because when I lived in Hawaii and Japan, where the humidity is considerably...more
Remodeling your children's play area can be a fun, yet overwhelming prospect. What things can change the space yet leave it looking fresh and new? Paint is one of the easiest things to change the look of a room. It should be easily cleanable. Prepare the wall to be painted by cleaning it. Wash it with a mixture of dish soap, warm water and a small...more
This past holiday season, as I walked through a local boutique, I saw all kinds of books, cards, plaques, and other collectible items that extolled the virtues of grandparents and grandchildren. While some of the quotations and phrases could seem a bit cliche, they all made it clear that there is nothing quite like the relationship that exists...more
In our current day and age, our society places so much emphasis on women becoming educated, driven contributors to every category in the workforce. While this is such a positive thing, particularly compared to the misogynistic oppression from which we have come, it also leaves us with a complex balancing act, particularly for women that are both family and career-oriented.Any woman in this sort of position craves fulfillment in both areas, but sometimes she has to leave her children in the care of others, only hoping that they will be capable substitutes. But what if you could be that capable substitute? There are some women out there that have a very particular gift of mothering children, whether those little ones are related to them or not. While our society tends to look down upon the nurturing instinct, it is absolutely vital in order to keep our younger generations flourishing. So if you want to be that woman with a wonderful career while also providing the care and love that your children need whenever they need it, why not start a preschool? Creating an in-home preschool or daycare center can be a wonderful way to help your children have all kinds of wonderful interactions...more
You may think that your child can't get headaches, but the truth is that your child may get headaches more than you would think - and your children may have painful ones too. You may be wondering what exactly you can do to help your children get...more
Using kids' rugs to educate a child is a great way for them to learn some of the basics. With these rugs, they can excel in academics and also learn how to successfully interact with others. Using these rugs will help them to learn the alphabet,...more
It's noon, and 12-year-old Anne is still in bed. The house is quiet and the parents are grateful for the peace, so they let Anne "make her own hours". Staying up late is nothing new to Anne. She gets her way most of the time.What's wrong with this...more
The holiday season is coming up, and it's a busy time for everyone. One of the most critical things we have to do to get ready is to shop for gifts, which isn't always easy. If you have no idea what to get your kid recipients this year, take a look...more
Typically when people think of baby showers, they picture a bunch of women ooo...ing and ahh..ing over tiny clothes and baby items. Maybe they will play some silly games and eat some cake. Fortunately times are changing and baby showers are becoming...more
When a friend or family member is having a baby, one of the best ways to convey your congratulations is by sending the mother a gift basket. Choosing the best gift basket for the occasion relies on a few aspects. You should know the mother of the...more