New Video: How Sunscreen Works at Kids.gov

New video: How Sunscreen Works Everyone needs some sun exposure; it’s our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. It doesn’t take long for most people to get the vitamin D they need. Too much exposure to the sun’s rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, and immune system suppression. During the summer, kids can rack up a lot of time outdoors in the sun, so it is especially important to teach kids good sun safety habits. Sunscreen is a good way to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. The US Food and Drug Administration recommends using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and with “broad spectrum protection” on the label. Here is a video that explains how sunscreen works.  Sunscreens won’t protect your kids completely. Teach your kids these SunWise Kids Tips for extra protection. Here is a fun game (flash required) kids can play to teach them about sun safety.  For more

Fast Ways to Stop Temper Tantrums

Toddlers are famous for tantrums, so when fits erupt, it's wise to have some tried-and-true tricks to tame toddler tantrums.  Read more

5 Tips for Safe & Healthy Exercise

Play Hard, Play Safe!

Exercising is a wonderful way for kids (and adults) to enhance their health and to improve their physical abilities. But exercise always comes with the risk of injury or harmful stress on the body. Here are a few tips to help your child exercise safely.

For  more information

Car Seat Safety Check: 8 Common Mistakes You Must Avoid

Mistake #1

The scary truth is that four out of five safety seats are used incorrectly, with an average of three mistakes per seat, reports the Washington, D.C.-based National Safe Kids Campaign. And mistakes can be deadly. Consider these chilling statistics: In 2001, nearly 500 children under age 5 were killed in car crashes, and more than 200 of those kids were in car seats designed to save their lives. And as many as 31,700 kids were injured--in car seats. Luckily, there's something you can do to make your child safer: Find out whether you're making any of the mistakes detailed in this article--and fix them today. And make sure to tear out our free car-seat installation guide to keep in your glove compartment for easy reference.

Seat too loose in the car  for more info:

11 SEPTEMBER 2001, MILITARY in DC

I was coming from a physical therapy appt at NNMC Bethesda, on the morning of the 11th of September.  (It was a Tuesday)  Everyone was listening to our car radios and heard about the World Trade Center Towers being hit by planes.  It was obvious that we were under siege, just how much, no one knew.

I was driving my blue Astro Van down the George Washington Parkway, getting ready to merge onto the  Teddy Roosevelt Bridge, when all of a sudden everyone stopped.  There was a plane directly over us, headed in the direction of the Pentagon / National Airport.  We were all trying to get to the top of our cars so we could watch...what was about to become history - my generations Pearl Harbor...From my standpoint, I didn't see the plane actually hit the Pentagon, but I knew it had, the black smoke bellowing up to the heavens, was a telltale sign...wasn't sure at first if it was the Pentagon or National Airport.  But I pretty much knew it was the Pentagon.

We all knew the magnitude of what we had just witnessed....numbness took over my body.  I got in my van and drove like a mad woman to get to BUMED, (took a whole 30 seconds) to give them the details of what I just saw...I drove straight to the CDO's (command duty officer) office to see if I could be of any assistance...knowing the Red Cross would be calling me to deploy me to the scene or to the DC Emergency Operations Center.

OE's Appt and the 4th

Just spoke to your daddy and he said OE weighed in at 16 lbs and 13 oz.  He got a couple of shots and only cried when the needle when in.  He immediately stopped when the shot was over.
He also said that you, your mommy and OE went to the FR for the 4th and enjoyed a carnival.  Then you watched the fireworks and you were really scared of the noise.  OE slept thru the whole thing!

DIAPERS and POTTY TRAINING

My Little Baby Girl, your daddy just told me that you are totally potty trained!  I am so very proud of you.  I can't wait to get up there to see you and hug you till you can't stand it!  And he said that OE is 16 lbs and 10 ounces and is now wearing a size 3 diaper!  Last time I saw him, he was still wearing newborn size.  Time goes way too quickly, when it comes to my little grandbabies.  I love you with all my heart!

Horrible Weather

You guys had a really bad storm pass thru on Friday night and into Saturday morning.  It knocked out your power and you guys ended up going to your other grandma's house to stay, because she had power.  Power didn't come back on until Tuesday night.  Your daddy said a big tree fell down on the dog house and he wasn't sure if it caused damage or not.  But the temp is well over 100 degrees and bad for elderly and babies.
Your daddy cleaned up the yard on Sunday morning, cleared all the tree limbs and debris from the front of the house.  I wanted to come help, but I am 700 miles away.  I was suppose to come up to watch you and OE, but due to bad weather and no power, I didn't.  I wanted to help, but your daddy said no.  So I am coming up the end of July to babysit and celebrate your birthday!  I love you, my little sparkle-berry!  I miss you so much.  I haven't seen you for 2 months, it's killing me...longest time ever...

SWIM LESSONS

I just spoke to your Daddy and he said that yesterday, you had your very first swimming lesson!  And that you did really well and you love the water!  I was on a swim and dive team, your daddy and aunt kt loved swimming (ask your aunt kt about her front tooth episode!) , so it doesn't surprise me that you love the water too!  I guess that OE was watching you and thought it was really cool!  He actually seemed interested in it, considering he is only 4 months old!  I love you Baby Girl!

America's Grand Hotels

Beautiful Hotels...someday, I will take you and OE to them all!

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This

Welcome to the club, new parents. Here's a short list containing just a few of the amazing and ridiculous things you'll get to do over the next five years.

1. Butter a piece of toast while peeing.
2. Brush someone's teeth against their will.
3. Blow on food while it's in someone else's mouth.
4. Help someone else blow on food while it's in someone else's mouth.
5. Eat food that's fallen out of someone else's mouth.
6. Eat food you found on the floor.
7. Eat food you found on the mantle.
8. Eat candy you found in a shoe.
9. Visit a psychiatrist.
10. Wipe somebody's nose with your bare hand.
11. Let somebody barf in your bare hand.
12. Eat baby food.
13. Blame a fart on a child.
14. Blame a child's fart on your spouse.
15. Get someone dressed while you're in the shower.
16. Pass out from blowing up a kiddie pool.
17. Cut up a grape.
18. Almost agree to cut up a raisin.
19. Pretend to enjoy the flavor of a prune.
20. Ask someone why their hair smells like Gogurt.
21. Ask someone why their hair smells like your antiperspirant.
22. Put someone else's toenail clippings in your pocket.
23. Let someone watch you crap while they stare blankly eating a popsicle.
24. Have someone think you're amazing at frisbee.

Benzocaine and Babies: Not a Good Mix

When a baby is teething, many a mom or dad reaches for a pain remedy containing benzocaine to help soothe sore gums.  Benzocaine is a local anesthetic and can be found in such over-the-counter (OTC) products as Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel, and Orabase.

But the use of benzocaine gels and liquids for mouth and gum pain can lead to a rare but serious—and sometimes fatal—condition called methemoglobinemia, a disorder in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced.  In the most severe cases, says FDA pharmacist Mary Ghods, R.Ph., methemoglobinemia can result in death.

And children under 2 years old appear to be at particular risk.

For more...

Baby's First Finger Foods

When it's time for your baby to start eating solid foods, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests slowly introducing fruits, veggies, and meat one at a time to gauge baby's reaction to each new food. Here's our list of safe finger foods to gradually introduce into your child's diet.  (the subjects below are expounded on, in the actual article)

By Brooklyn Presta  (parents.com)

photo courtesy:  Scott Little

Start with: Baby O'sStart with: BananasStart with: Sweet PotatoStart with: AvocadoStart With: Chicken or MeatMove to: Peaches or PearsMove to: TofuThen finally: Whole-Grain BreadThen finally: PastaThen finally: Hard-Boiled EggThen finally: Graham CrackersThen finally: Vegetable Casserole

Must-Know Tips for Starting Solids

It may seem like everyone has an opinion when it comes to starting solids. Read on to find out which tips to follow -- and which you can ignore.

By Sally Kuzemchak, RD

photo courtesy:  alwaysfoodie.com

The complete article discusses the following topics:

Smart Advice: When to Start

Smart Advice: No Cereal in the Bottle

Smart Advice: Intro One Food at a TimeSmart Advice: Try, Try AgainDon't: Always Start with Rice CerealDon't: Offer Veggies Before FruitDon't: Shy Away from MeatDon't: Serve Bland Food

BLOG OF THE WEEK: Pencils, Glue and Tying Shoes

[I was doing research on tying shoes and came across this great little blog! Teach your kids like great professionals!]

Learning to Tie Shoes

Learning to Tie Shoes  (by parents.com)

The challenge: You finally bought your child his first pair of shoes with laces, but he can't tie them.

image courtesy of:  http://krishirschmann.com/the_wordshop_009.htm  

How you can help: Give him one of your sneakers to practice on since it's bigger and easier to manipulate, says Felice Sklamberg, a pediatric occupational therapist at New York University Medical Center, in New York City. And consider stringing two different-colored laces together so your child can easily distinguish between them as you're explaining what to do.

image courtesy of:  http://www.certificatepillar.com/i-tied-my-shoes-printable-certificate/

"Break the process up into small steps," adds Sklamberg. To explain crisscrossing the laces and pulling one through, tell your child that he's building a tepee and you want him to come inside and close it tight so he can hide. To get the hang of making the bows (which is a little harder), tell him to make one ear for listening (the first bow), then wrap the string around the ear and pull it through to see what he can hear.

8 Secrets of Happy Families - Parenting.com

Try these ways to enjoy one another's company more; to have more fun; and to be, well, happier.  - By Charlotte Latvala

Leo Tolstoy had it right when he wrote in Anna Karenina, "Happy families are all alike." Okay, he wasn't thinking about a three-kids-and-a-minivan lifestyle, but his point was timeless: Some families just seem to enjoy one another's company more; to have more fun; to be, well, happier. What do they know that the rest of us don't? We asked parents and other experts to spill their secrets. For a more joyful clan, why not try what works for them? Here are some of their techniques.

Create Traditions

Whether it's making pancakes for dinner on Sunday nights or ending every car trip by saying "Home again, home again, jiggity-jog," unique family rituals strengthen ties like nothing else.

"Traditions give children a sense of identity and belonging," says Richard Eyre, coauthor of The Happy Family: Restoring the 11 Essential Elements That Make Families Work. "They may seem insignificant to adults, but kids hang on to them."

The Eyres have celebrated family birthdays in special ways since their children were small. "Because mine is in autumn, we always rake a big pile of leaves and jump in them," says Eyre. The year three of his nine children, now ages 16 to 30, left home, he opened the mail on his birthday to find three separate envelopes, each with a leaf inside. "It was each child's way of saying 'I'm still part of the family,'" he says.

The Friday-night tradition in the Pritz household, in Glenside, PA, includes two pizzas, a movie in the living room, and everyone -- Mom, Dad, and their four kids, ages 2 to 7½ -- on the floor in pajamas. "It's a simple ritual, but we look forward to it all week. I grew up going to Friday-night drive-in movies with my family," says mom Denise. "I hope my kids remember our movie nights as happily as I remember the drive-in."  for more

Fibromyalgia Info

Confused. Forgetful. Can't concentrate. Mixing up your words. Experiencing short-term memory loss. Many of the 10 million people in the United States with fibromyalgia complain of these cognitive difficulties, commonly referred to as "fibro fog" or "brain fog."

"I don't have a percentage to give you," says Elizabeth Lyster, MD, of the Holtorf Medical Group in Foster City, Calif., "but fibro fog is a very common complaint among patients with fibromyalgia."

The cause of fibro fog isn't fully understood. Many believe that it may have to do with fibromyalgia patients' inability to sleep well. "Therefore they're chronically fatigued," says Corey Walker, MD, a rheumatologist at the Intermountain Health Care System in Logan, Utah. "Their minds aren't rested." Also, he says, fibromyalgia pain can be debilitating — it's hard to concentrate when you're in a lot of pain.

Another theory is that when people have fibromyalgia pain, parts of their brain do not receive enough oxygen, causing confusion or disorientation.

What You Can Do for Fibromyalgia Fog

There are some steps you can take to help alleviate your fibromyalgia symptoms, including feeling as though you're in a fog:

• Avoid caffeine. "Most people think they'll feel more alert or more awake with caffeine," Dr. Lyster says. "However, caffeine can make things worse for people with fibromyalgia." Even a small amount of caffeine can contribute to sleep disturbances. Also, caffeine is a stimulant, but you can crash when it wears off.
• Use a planner. Keep track of appointments and events in a calendar, either on paper or on your computer. Some computer programs allow you to set alarms to remind you when you need to make a phone call or attend a meeting. Set a kitchen timer to remind you to take the meatloaf out of the oven or pick your daughter up from hockey practice.
• Get in a rut. Establishing routines for simple tasks can help you deal with brain fog. For example, if every time you return home, you put your car keys on a hook by the door before you do anything else, you're less likely to lose them and you won't be frustrated trying to remember where they are the next time you have to go somewhere.
• Organize your space. It's hard to concentrate when you're surrounded by too much junk — that makes it too easy to get distracted. Throw out things that you no longer need, and store those you do use in their proper place. Removing clutter is a good way to control brain fog.
• Don't multi-task. It's very tempting to talk on the phone while making dinner or answer e-mails in between paying bills online. But it is harder to concentrate when you're trying to do too much at once. Be upfront with your friends and family who may be asking for help when you're busy doing something else: Tell them you need to do only one thing at a time and will help them as soon as you're done.
• De-stress. Stress may cause fibro fog to worsen in some people, Lyster says. Susan Ingebretson of Los Angeles finds stress relievers such as yoga or meditation help her overcome fibro fog. "I'm constantly applying stress-relieving modalities to my life, which helps me balance the fibro fog as well as many other fibromyalgia symptoms," she says.
• Breathe deeply. Ingebretson, 51, finds that if she takes deep breaths and relaxes it helps her considerably. "'Fibrofolk' are known to be shallow breathers," she says. "We also hold our breath when under stress." She has found that breathing deeply and consistently "does wonders for the brain."
• Get better sleep. "One of the most important fibromyalgia treatments is getting quality sleep," Lyster says. To improve sleep, go to bed and wake up the same time every day, even on weekends. Use your bed for sleeping, not reading, watching TV, or working on your laptop. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool so you're comfortable when you sleep. Some herbal supplements also have shown to be effective in inducing quality sleep, Lyster says.
• Get regular exercise. "Low-impact exercise is helpful," Dr. Walker says. Exercise not only improves blood flow, but also helps improve sleep, which can help alleviate some of the cognitive difficulties associated with fibromyalgia pain.
• Eat healthy. "I found that nutritional support (meaning actually eating real food) made a huge difference for me," Ingebretson says. "So did drinking more water." A healthy diet is one that is rich in fruits and vegetables and whole grains and includes lean meats and low-fat dairy. "Stay away from processed foods and sugars and fast foods," Walker adds.
• Check on your meds. Your treatment for fibromyalgia pain may include medications. Talk to your doctor if you believe your meds are making you confused — a possible side effect. Also, you may want to discuss medications that can help with attention and concentration.

Cognitive difficulties are a common fibromyalgia symptom. But if you take care of yourself — eat healthy, exercise, relax, and try not to overdo — you can better cope with the mental issues associated with this chronic condition.

Last Updated: 03/09/2012

Fever Fears: A Guide for Treating Fever in Children

You can't take chances when your child has a fever, but you shouldn't panic either. We'll explain what to look for so you can stay calm -- and help her feel better fast.

We've all been there: You're awakened in the middle of the night by the pained cries of your young child, and you notice that her forehead is hot to the touch. You take her temperature, and the reading -- 102°F -- sends your heart racing. Your first instinct is to speed-dial the doctor. But in most cases here's what experts say you should do instead: Take a deep breath and relax.

Of course, that's easier said than done. Many parents have "fever phobia" -- a tendency to freak out when their child's body temperature spikes. And understandably, you're even more likely to push the panic button this winter because of worries about H1N1 influenza. As many as 30 percent of pediatric acute-care visits are related to fever, according to a study published earlier this year in Pediatrics in Review. "A lot of parents think a fever is really dangerous," says Robert W. Steele, M.D., a pediatrician at St. John's Children's Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri. "But the vast majority of the time it's nothing serious."

In a way, a fever is a good thing: It means your child's immune system is doing its job by fighting an underlying cold or another infection. The brain commands the body's temperature to rise, which in turn directs the white blood cells to attack and destroy invading viruses and bacteria. Amazingly, healthy kids of all ages usually can tolerate a fever of up to 106°F with no complications. Chances are your child's temperature will never approach that scary number, but be prepared: It's almost inevitable that sometime during his first three years his temperature will climb into the triple digits.

PRECIOUS LITTLE BABY GIRL

9 MARCH 2012

9 MARCH 2012

9 MARCH 2012

Little Man: born 1MAR2012; 9 lbs, 6 oz; 22 inches long.
First got to see you and hold you on 9MAR2012.

9 MARCH 2012

I was able to see you for 1 hrs and 45 mins.  Only got to see OZ for 5 mins, because he went poop in his diaper and I wanted it changed immediately.  Don't need those horrible rashes like you use to get.  And when I checked your diaper, you were saturated.  It was a night time diaper, extra thick, and was full of pee.  So I am to assume you had not been changed all morning.  I got to your house at 12:30, that was the appointed time that I could see you and OZ.  Saw him for the first time and he was already 9 days old.  Makes me sick.  Someday your daddy will regret what he has put me thru.  Unfortunately, I won't be around to see it.  He won't appreciate it until I am gone.

I brought you a big rubber blow up balloon and we played with it for a long time.  We took photos of each other.  I gave  you my new nikon camera so you could take photos.  You were so cute.  I could see the wheels spinning in side your head, while you were trying to figure out what was happening, how the camera worked, why was the image you just saw in real life, no longer in real life, but was captured by the camera...which you could see on the 3 inch screen.  You took over 40 pics.  You were so cute.

I knew you were tired.  Of course I would get to see you when you were ready for a nap.  But we played until I knew you really needed to get some sleep.  So I changed your diaper again, we made a warm bottle of milk for you, played with the buttons on the microwave, while warming your bottle, grabbed your sucker "pacifier" and went into the guest room so I could lay you down to sleep and sing to you.

me and you in your little tent in your room

I layed with you for about 20 mins when your daddy came in to get you and then I left.  I love you sweetie, you are my little Sparkleberry!  I love you with all my heart.  The following are photos you took!

6 SURPRISING WAYS TO REMOVE SHOE SCUFFS USING HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Before throwing out a perfectly good pair of shoes plagued by a few minor scuffs, consider these six surprising ways to polish out those abrasions. You can stretch out the lifespan of your favorite kicks, save money from having to replace them, and save time, since these quick fixes take no more than 10 minutes to do. Plus, there's no need for shoe polish -- just a few common household items and a little elbow grease. Keep reading for our shoe-cleaning tips.

Toothpaste. For canvas-covered footwear, apply a little toothpaste on a cloth, and gently polish off the marks. Wipe of paste with a clean damp cloth and air dry.

Baking soda. If toothpaste doesn't work, mix together two tablespoons of baking soda and warm water. Using a cloth, apply a small amount of the paste to the mark and scrub. Add more paste as needed. Finally, wipe the paste off with a clean damp cloth and dry.

Dish detergent. Safe on most fabrics except for silky lustrous material like satin, mix a few drops of detergent with warm water, and using a cloth, scrub the scuff stains. Then, using a clean cloth, dab to dry.

Nail polish remover. Apply a little nail polish remover to a cotton ball to polish out the scuff marks. Then, apply baby powder or petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, to protect the shoe's material. This method works well for several types of textiles, from patent leather to tennis shoes.

Erasers. For vinyl shoes, rub a regular pencil eraser over small or lightly scuffed areas. For suede, use a brush to sweep off any dirt that might be trapped on the fabric. (Brush in one direction rather than back and forth.) Then, gently rub off marks with an eraser.

Petroleum Jelly. For patent leather, a little dab of petroleum jelly will make shoes good as new. Simply apply to a cloth and rub the scuffed area. Then, wipe with a clean damp cloth.

Built-in Storage Ideas

Built-in Storage

By: JOSEPH D'AGNESE, This Old House magazine

Read more about the articles below

Built-in Spaces

Homework Alcove

Integral Bar Cabinet

Stand-up Desk

Under-Window Cabinet

Columned Room Divider

Stair-Wall Wine Cellar

Fireplace Niche

Mudroom Bench

Wall-Ordered Wardrobe

Dressing-Room Shelving

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

[Ever wonder where this cutesy little rhyme came from?  Well here it is!  Courtesy of rhymes.org.uk  Enjoy.]

image courtesy amazon.com

Imagery used in Twinkle twinkle little star

The beautiful words of Twinkle twinkle little star have been immortalised in the poem and music has been added thus increasing its popularity. The simile ' like a diamond in the sky' teaches children how words can be used to paint a picture in the imagination. The words create a comparison between the twinkling of the star to a sparkling diamond thus providing a perfect illustration of clever imagery and excellent use of the English language. The joint authors of Twinkle twinkle little star were two sisters called Ann Taylor (1782-1866) and Jane Taylor (1783-1824).
The first publication date was 1806.

Blasts from the Past: Family Trip Ideas Inspired by History

Slow down this summer at these five historic resorts where ice-cream socials, paddleboats, kite-flying, and other simple pleasures of childhood are the rage.

By Cheryl Lock  (parents.com)

Sure, family vacations are fun and memorable. But they're not always relaxing. If you want a place to kick back with the kids, check out these old-timey resorts. Being in business for 80 years or more has helped them figure out what families need: entertaining (but not overstimulating) activities, a leisurely pace to the day, a program to take the kids off your hands so you can get a break, and babysitting if you ask. You won't find waterslides or high-tech kids' camps here. But you know what? You won't miss them either.
Great ideas for vacations this summer:  
Basin Harbor Club (Vergennes, Vermont)Madden's on Gull Lake (Brainerd, Minnesota)Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, Michigan)The Homestead (Hot Springs, Virginia)Skytop Lodge (Skytop, Pennsylvania)
Read more

Getting Ready for a New Baby Sibling

When it comes to shifting from only child to older child, your firstborn is bound to have plenty of questions. Use these activities to provide answers and reassurance about what life with a new baby will mean for the big kid in the house.

You might be (pretty) well-prepared for the arrival of a new baby in the house, but your firstborn has no idea what (and who!) is about to descend upon her tidy little world. She may have fears about life with a new baby sibling…or not. She might be indifferent…or just confused. No matter what she’s feeling, you can help her prep for her baby sibling (and her brand-new life as a big sister) with these activities. These simple games and strategies can simultaneously head off feelings ofsibling jealousy and resentment, send a message that you’ll love her just as much as always, and get her excited about meeting the new baby.  Subjects include:

NEWBORN 101

BURP A BABY

THE CRYING GAME

GOLDEN SLUMBERS

SNUGGLE TIME

PRACTICE RUN

PLAY, BABY, PLAY

NICE NICE BABY

HANDLE GIFTS WITH CARE