One such product is a formula dispenser. As any parent who feeds their baby formula knows, preparing a bottle is not something you can do with your eyes closed. It’s very important to measure exact amounts of formula powder and water before mixing a bottle. Even if it sounds simple at first, doing it eight times a day—not to mention when you’re low on sleep—can easily make this task into a burden....
The short answer is that the experience of childbirth is an emotional and physical journey like no other. Each person’s labor and delivery experience is unique, however, by and large, parents share a profound love for the baby at the end of that journey. This article provides an overview of the birthing process from the first signs of labor to the moment you’re holding your newborn in your arms. It also discusses the typical emotional and physical experiences associated with giving birth, the stages of labor, at-home births, pregnancy complications, and pain management....
This article provides information about what the chickenpox vaccine is, the recommended, universal age to administer the chickenpox vaccine to children, and the benefits of doing so before the age of 12. What is the Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine? Chickenpox is an infectious disease that spreads by direct contact and through the air by sneezing and coughing. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Signs of chickenpox include an itchy, blister-like rash that starts on the abdomen, chest, or back and spreads to the rest of the body....
The phrase “tiger parenting” was first introduced by author and law professor Amy Chua in her book, “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom.” The novel reflects upon her strict upbringing that was based on tiger parenting strategies. Chua, who says the book was meant to be a memoir rather than a how-to guide, speaks about her experience implementing tiger parenting methods with her own daughters and her eventual transformation as a mother following her daughter’s rebellion....
Your income. Is there sufficient money to enable both of you to enjoy the same lifestyle, or are you both going to have to cut back? The length of the marriage. The longer the marriage, the stronger the claim for support. Your ages. Younger people are thought to be better able to find work. Older people nearing retirement might be unable to pay support for a long period of time. Social Security might be an issue if either of you is close to retirement age....
For example, students who plan to go to college may be required to take more years of a foreign language or other classes required by the schools they are interested in. A student who is interested in pursuing a career in construction may want to take an industrial arts class. School Subjects You Need to Graduate Ideally, teens should start high school with a basic plan of the classes they will need to take in order to graduate....
In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against using over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children under 4 years old due to the risk of dangerous side effects. Thankfully, there are still things you can do to make your baby feel better. Here’s everything you need to know about baby coughs—from why they happen to how you can help. Why Your Baby Might Be Coughing When something irritates our lungs or throat, we cough in response....
It makes sense psychologically to develop a stronger bond with one of your children, particularly with the one that is most similar to you, says Paul Hokemeyer, LMFT, PhD, a marriage and family therapist practicing in California. “This is because parents are human,” says Dr. Hokemeyer, and we are drawn to others that affirm and support us. But just because it’s common, that doesn’t mean showing it is okay. Favoritism can cause lasting damage to kids....
If you are looking at the possibility of getting an abortion, what you need is good information and resources. This guide is not meant to make the decision for you about abortion—that is a deeply personal choice, and should be based on your own needs, in consultation with a medical professional. Rather, this guide will answer your basic questions about abortions in general, along with what the procedures look like, and where to get counseling on making a decision....
It is sometimes just too tiring and frustrating to continue answering the never-ending “why” questions. And sometimes, we just don’t know the answers to all those questions! Fortunately, parents can use certain strategies to have more effective dialogues with gifted children when the kids bombard them with questions. Don’t Brush Aside Questions Although it may be difficult to answer all the questions a gifted child might have, we really don’t want to stifle their curiosity by telling them to stop asking so many questions....
There are signs that you can watch for to determine whether your child is ready to stop daytime napping (or maybe that they need more sleep). There are also nap traps—things that make you say “we can skip that” even though your child’s not really ready to stop catching a midday snooze. Test out a Nap-Free Day If Your Child Seems Ready It’s hard to tell if your toddler is really ready to go without a daytime sleep break until you let her go without a nap for a day or three....
Where Should Newborns Sleep? Deciding on where your new baby is going to sleep is a major decision! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns sleep in the same room as you but not in the same bed. Co-sleeping in the same bed leads to a higher risk of SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The debate over where newborns should sleep has many different opinions. Let’s look at the different sleep strategies for new babies....
Defining Downward Comparisons Downward comparisons are one type of social comparison or an assessment of how we measure up against our peers. When we make downward comparisons, we judge ourselves against people who are less skilled or fortunate than ourselves. For instance, a tween who is struggling in soccer might compare himself to the worst player on the team and think, “Well at least I can block better than he can....
Sometimes, an older child will develop a habit of putting the neckline, cuff, or hem of their shirt into their mouth. They may chew or suck on the material to the point it develops holes or wears thin. You might worry this behavior will draw criticism from peers and teachers or that it’s associated with certain mental health or developmental problems. Let’s take a closer look at why your child is chewing on their clothes and how you can help them break the habit....
Grandparents must understand that these decisions aren’t something that parents are doing to the grandparents. It’s something that they are doing for the newborn and for themselves. They are creating a protected period for forming a family unit. Grandparents may not understand such decisions, but they should at least grant that the parents are acting out of the best of motives. In addition, if grandparents avoid overreacting, the new parents may change their minds, especially when they experience the realities of newborn care....
But this is one fad that’s more than just fun; it can potentially boost some worthwhile skills in kids and impart some child development benefits. Aside from giving kids something pretty to wear and share with friends, making Rainbow Loom bracelets can teach kids important skills like focusing on a task and following directions. (Such skills are especially important for school-age kids, who are the most avid fans of these kits....
You also may experience some emotional reaction to the word money. You may feel overwhelmed or need to feel in control. You may feel comfortable, or even cavalier. Whatever you may be thinking or feeling about money can very well influence how your child views—and ultimately handles—money. A fall 1998 survey on Teens and Money by USA Weekend showed that 77 percent of those between the ages of 12 and 18 learned a lot about money matters from their parents....
