8 Natural Cough Remedies That Are Safe And Effective

Stop Coughing! Naturally, Of Course. Humans have been coughing since the beginning of time. With so many centuries of coughing experience, we’ve had ample time to test out a number of different natural cough remedies. Here are 8 home remedies for a cough that are time-tested. Why Do We Cough? Your sinuses and the surface of your throat are protected with thin layers of skin called mucous membranes. These membranes secrete a thick fluid (mucus) that collects and traps dust, dirt, bacteria, and viruses, and then removes these invaders from your body. But when these defenses are breached, and germs pass through to the membranes, then your nose and throat can become inflamed and irritated. Sneezing and coughing are reflex actions to expel these irritants. To make matters worse, when these membranes are infected, normal mucus production is compromised and your body produces either too little (reducing defenses) or too much (causing congestion). To stop the coughing, your body needs to resolve the underlying infection and then get back to healthy mucus production.   Honey – The One-Two Punch Raw honey is a near perfect cough fighter. First, thick and sticky honey covers the surface of your throat and acts as a substitute mucus. This soothes and calms your raw and irritated throat. Second, raw honey has anti-bacterial properties that target and destroy the infection-causing bacteria. So cough syrup made with raw honey may be the best natural remedy for cough that is available today.   Get Salty Saltwater gargles are simple, safe and effective. Just remember not to swallow the saltwater! This remedy works through osmosis. When the saltwater surrounds a bacteria cell, it creates an imbalance in salinity. This causes the water inside the bacteria to diffuse outward in order to reach an equilibrium in salt levels. As a result, the bacteria cell is dehydrated, the cell walls collapse, and the bacteria is killed. With the bacteria gone, your sore and irritated throat can now begin to heal.   Try Some Tumeric Tumeric has been a popular medicinal herb in India for generations. Tumeric with milk is a common treatment for many Indians for coughs and throat infections. Curcumin (an active ingredient in turmeric) helps to reduce throat inflammation and infection.   Breathe in Steamy Relief Steam inhalation has been around for thousands of years. While steam therapy is unlikely to cure a cough or cold, it will provide relief from several symptoms including headache, congestion, throat irritation and cough. This remedy works by loosening excess mucus in the nose, throat and lungs. This, in turn, provides relief to inflamed and swollen blood vessels in the sinus and throat areas.   Marshmallow (the Herb, Not the Candy) The marshmallow plant (althaea officianalis) is a perennial herb. The root of this plant has been used for thousands of years to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. When the root is crushed and soaked in cool water, you get mucilage (a thick and viscous substance) that has proven to be an effective cough suppressant in clinical studies.   Ginger Zinger Ginger root is most often associated with digestive relief. But it has also proven effective as a cough suppressant. A 2015 scientific paper reviewed many of the medicinal properties of ginger root. The authors concluded that eating ginger helped with treating sore throat, laryngitis, congestion and inflammation of mucous membranes.  Ginger can be taken by chewing on small pieces of peeled root, or by infusing thin slices of peeled root in a small jar of honey. Allow the infusion to seep for at least 2 days before using and then consume within 2-3 weeks.   Garlic Power It may be strong in flavor and odor, but garlic also contains an active compound called “allicin.” Allicin contains sulfur, which gives garlic its powerful taste and smell. But allicin also stimulates the growth of white blood cells, which are a critical part of your immune system. White blood cells attack and destroy foreign materials and infectious agents inside the body. Once your infections are resolved, then the inflammation and coughing will subside. Taking garlic capsules (rather than eating raw garlic) will help moderate the garlic odors.   Time for Thyme The popular herb thyme contains an active compound named thymol. Thymol is a natural expectorant and is often used in a store-bought cough and cold medicines. When the sinuses and lungs are infected, they can produce too much mucus and this leads to congestion. An expectorant thins and looses the mucus, thus clearing up your airways. The best way to take thyme is to make an infusion. Seep 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme sprigs in a cup of hot water and then strain. Add some honey for flavor and repeat up to 3 times a day until you see improvement in your symptoms. The post 8 Natural Cough Remedies That Are Safe And Effective appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 5 March 2021 | 12:42 pm

Helping Your Child To Express Themselves Through Clothing

Research published in Reuters Health found that children who learn to express themselves are more likely to have good social and emotional skills. Expressing yourself doesn’t have to be verbal though – clothes can be an excellent way for your child to express themselves and start to show their personality. Through fashion and dress up, you can encourage them to discover more about themselves and let their personality shine out into the world. Some children will happily wear the same three shirts over and again, without ever exploring what else may be in the drawer. Some children, on the other hand, enjoy different outfits, and will become extremely excited about a new pair of shoes. What is certain, however, is that every child is different – they all have their own sense of style and taste, and this needs to be encouraged.   Abandon gender stereotypes   The first rule of fashion is this: boys don’t have to wear blue and girls don’t have to wear pink. Glitter doesn’t have to be exclusively reserved for a party. These old-fashioned gender stereotypes should be abandoned completely. Gender-fluid clothing can be worn by anyone, and it does not restrict the wearer. The top fashion designers are now creating streetwear that is durable, stylish, and suited to all genders, so why do we have to restrict children to ‘boy’s clothes’ and ‘girls clothes’? Instead, it is far more fashion-forward to just consider them to be ‘children’s clothes’.   Let them design their own clothes   There is no better way to express yourself than through art. Designing your own clothes is where art and fashion meet. Children will love to be able to create their own t-shirts, using slogans, colors and illustrations to reflect their personality. You can use t-shirt pens, paints, and even simple linocut prints to create patterns and prints that your children will be proud of. Tie-dye is another great way of letting your kids customize their existing clothing, using a range of bright colors to personalize their wardrobe. You can do this in a bucket, or in your washing machine. Using an app such as The Matboard or Vogue Runway is another great way of helping your child design their own clothes. They can learn about fabrics and styles, and have great fun at the same time.   Do some dress up   Fashion doesn’t have to be serious, and neither should a child’s wardrobe be. Rather than dressing up in superhero or princess costumes though, you can spark your child’s imagination, and encourage them to dress as people from different places, or people with different professions. Bring a little steampunk into their lives, and pair a long dress outfit with goggles and a Victorian top hat. Spend the day dressed as a country vet that is ready to look after their animal patients. Put together an outfit for a biologist from the planet Mars. You certainly don’t have to conform to brand names and cartoon characters. Take your child to the thrift store, and let them raid the shelves for the perfect outfit to travel to Antarctica with Shackleton in. Make dress up mean something more than replicating what’s on TV.   Clothes for children are a wonderful way for them to express themselves. Encourage your children to have fun with fashion, and steer them away from gender stereotypes so they can truly be themselves. The post Helping Your Child To Express Themselves Through Clothing appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 24 February 2021 | 10:06 am

Simple Ways To Encourage Your Young Child’s Love Of Music

Music can play an important role in your child’s development, and studies have shown that listening to music can enhance a child’s learning ability while giving them an outlet for self-expression. Moreover, engaging in activities that require music, or participating in music lessons, can also help to hone your little one’s creativity in an enjoyable way. Encouraging your child’s interest in singing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument at an early age will benefit them as they grow, and it may even be a way to bring you closer together. Here’s a guide to nurture your child’s love of music. Enroll them in music courses New research has shown that children who take music lessons have better time management and problem solving skills, show increased self awareness, and are more responsible after one year of classes. Moreover, 85 percent of parents say that their child has a greater ability to finish tasks after taking music lessons. If your child shows an interest in music, whether that’s singing or playing the violin, guitar or piano, you can sign them up for online sessions with private feedback from instructors, or teach them yourself if you know how to play a musical instrument. If your child wants to learn how to sing, ask them if they want to learn how to sing pop, R&B, or musical theater so you can find the right vocal coach to teach them proper singing techniques for their chosen genre. Have a family music night Once a month, plan on having a family music night, when everybody can enjoy listening to or playing music. You can watch an online concert or a live concert at the park, or listen to buskers after having dinner in your favorite restaurant. You can also arrange to have a karaoke night at home, or spend the evening jamming while playing musical instruments. Allow them to expand their musical tastes Young children will listen to any kind of music, and as long as they love the song, it won’t matter which genre they’re listening to. So allow your kids to expand their musical tastes by exposing them to different types of music: play kid-friendly pop, classical, blues, jazz, rock, K-pop, or country. Not only will it help them develop a better understanding of music, but they’ll also gain a deep appreciation for music from different cultures. Encouraging your child’s interest in music can help them as they grow. Try these tips to nurture your kid’s love of music, and discover how they can become healthier and happier when you add more music into their lives. The post Simple Ways To Encourage Your Young Child’s Love Of Music appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 9 December 2020 | 11:17 am

3 Tips To Help You Unlock Your Potential To Be A Better Parent

Parenthood may be the most rewarding thing you do in your lifetime, but it does come with its own set of challenges and learning curves. As a parent, it’s not unusual to find yourself worrying about how well you are doing at the job. In fact, parents spend 37 hours worrying about their kids every week, and only 44-46 percent of parents think they are doing a good job , according to a study by Pew Research Center. These fears are not just limited to parents either. If you’re thinking of starting a family or expanding your brood, chances are that these questions will cross your mind. If you happen to be a part of this group, sticking to some basic ground rules can help you navigate the world of parenthood and be sure that you’re raising them well. Don’t Be Afraid To Seek Help Becoming a parent can be a shock, even if you plan it meticulously. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family, friends, or parenting resources to get advice on how to adjust. Even before they are born, there is a minefield of information to digest. From choosing a safety-approved crib to learning about chemicals in plastics like Bisphenol A and its medical impact on your child’s health, there is a long list of things parents need to know. For parental concerns, rely on your support system, baby groups, and expert resources like The Nursing Center, The American Academy of Pediatrics, and your primary physician. For instance, multiple published reports, including one by the American Academy of Pediatrics, have linked the presence of BPA in plastics like baby bottles to behavioral disorders such as attention deficiency disorder. Stay On Top Of Your Finances One of the top worries for parents or those looking to start a family is finances. Parents are spending more on raising their kids than ever before – more time, more money, and more effort. While it is not new to want to see your children live a better standard of life than you did, it takes some financially savvy steps before you embark on parenthood and throughout your journey. For instance, consider improving your budgeting skills. Being able to manage your money increases your ability to stay on top of the financial obligations that come with being a parent. The average cost of raising a child is now $233,610. You may also want to think of securing life or long term care insurance. Having the security of these means you can rest easier, knowing that if the unimaginable occurs, your child will be protected financially. Encourage Play And Imagination Promoting play does more than present bonding opportunities for you and your child. According to multiple studies, encouraging play fosters healthy brain development. Play encourages your child to use their imagination and develop social, physical and emotional skills. It also helps to develop their communication skills, and allows them to attempt problem-solving on their own – a key aspect of encouraging their independence when they get older. To encourage more free play, set screen time limits, and don’t be afraid to get involved in roleplay or small world games with your child. Not only will you be aiding their growth, but your child will have wonderful memories of bonding with you as they get older. Get Comfortable With Doing It On Your Terms Finally, make room for errors. There is no rule book on parenting. While some tips may work for other parents, they may not work for you and your child. Remember to trust your instinct as a parent, and do what suits your relationship with your child. If you do make a mistake, learn to forgive yourself. Too often, parents place immense pressure on themselves to get parenting right, and focus too much on the ways they feel they may be failing. While you may not be able to save full tuition for your child’s college education, don’t forget to focus on the love and support you can provide to encourage them to pursue further education. While these tips will get you off to a good start as a parent, there is no guarantee. Each person’s parenting journey is uniquely personal. Embrace this, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. The post 3 Tips To Help You Unlock Your Potential To Be A Better Parent appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 25 November 2020 | 11:44 am

Essential Emergency First Aid Tips for New Moms

The transition to parenthood has many psychological effects, and it is common to develop depression or anxiety. Having a baby is a daunting experience, and many first-time mothers need some advice from those with more experience. Learning first aid may help to ease your anxieties and provide you with the knowledge you need to help your baby should they injure themselves or become unwell. Have a look at some key techniques you may want to learn as a new mother.   Dealing With Burn Injuries Around 75% of burn injuries in children are preventable, so it is best to look for burn hazards around the home and reduce the risks. If your child should accidentally burn themselves, don’t panic. Children do tend to run around and enter places they shouldn’t; this is very common, and not your fault. A burn is treatable at home if minor. Immediately run the burn injury under cold water for around five minutes. Burn bandages are included in first aid kits; therefore you should cover the burn after cooling. If you do not have a burn bandage, use something that will not stick to the burn. Protect the burn and prevent infection by washing with soap and water. Take your little one to the emergency room immediately if the burn is serious.   The Value Of Basic First Aid Training Choking is a leading cause of injury among children under four years of age. It can result in loss of consciousness, and can even stop the heart. Should you find your baby unconscious and not breathing, you should immediately check the airways for any blockages and administer CPR. This will help to resuscitate your baby and help their circulation. Only do this if you are trained; new moms can benefit from receiving training on basic first aid. Schools in certain states are required by law to have an AED (automated external defibrillator) on hand; therefore, it may also be worthwhile to keep one at home to restart the heart in the unlikely event that your child suffers cardiac arrest. Again, you should be trained to use it, and must ensure the AED is designed for use on children.   Tackling Fall Injuries Around 8,000 children are treated by doctors for fall-related emergencies every day. Therefore, it may be useful to learn some first aid techniques to lessen the impact. You should always keep a first aid kit at home to clean and dress any wounds. Apply pressure to the injury if it is bleeding, or apply a cold compress to reduce bruising. Look out for any head injuries and, should your baby or child feel dizzy, vomit or complain of increasing pain, take them to the emergency room. Child-appropriate painkillers can be administered if the injury is not serious. The first lesson of first aid in any situation is not to panic. Although it may be difficult when it is your own child, this will help you keep a level head and enable you to perform the correct first aid technique, preventing further harm. Learning first aid will lessen your worry and concerns as a first-time mother, but rest assured that it is there for emergencies, and you may not ever need it. The post Essential Emergency First Aid Tips for New Moms appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 3 November 2020 | 9:06 am

Few Reasons Why American Parents Are More Inclined Towards European Formula For Their Babies

As a parent you there won’t be a single thing left to ensure the health and wellness of your baby. When it comes to feeding, you would want to give your baby the best nutrition. To give them the best baby formula that has the right amount of wholesome ingredients that would help in your baby’s development. Typically, there are two types of formulas available for babies, that is European formula and American formula. European formula is widely used across the globe for an infant. Why are American baby formulas not a choice for many moms? As American formulas have the same ingredient as there are very less manufacturers for it. It contains preservatives and added color and flavor so it can cause harm to the health of your baby. Why has European baby formula gained popularity? The popularity of European formula for babies has been increasing for many years among American parents. You might be confused as to what to choose for your infant as you might be new to the milk formulas. European formulas might be the healthiest option for infants as these formulas contain 99% natural ingredients which do not cause any harm to your baby. All the ingredients in this baby formula are organically grown and GMO-free. GMO is the main cause, why your baby might have allergic reactions. It does not contain any artificial sweeteners or carrageenan. As carrageenan is banned completely in European baby formula. Even it is good for digestion. European baby formula had achieved more popularity among American parents, here are few reasons why American parent loves the European formula for their babies 1. Tastes like breast milk European baby formulas have the same ingredient that is present in breast milk. Lactose is the carbohydrate that is present in breast milk. Hence, the European formula is like breast milk. 2. They contain organic ingredients Breast milk is sweet in taste because of the presence of the main ingredient which is carbohydrate lactose. Even European formulas contain lactose; many other formulas have a presence of sucrose which is difficult to digest and may lead to obesity. The European Union in 2009 banned the use of sucrose in the baby formula due to concern of overfeeding and obesity in babies. European formulas are made with organic ingredients which are safer for your babies. The best formulas such as HOLLE are made with milk from biodynamic farms, which mean they are organic and pesticide-free. 3. Strict manufacturing guidelines European formulas possess high standards for organic ingredients. They do not contain any kinds of pesticides and chemicals as they abide by specific and strict requirements of their formulas. As European baby formulas possess high standards than American baby formula manufacturers, American parents are more inclined towards the European baby formula. Europe possesses strict guidelines for the production of baby formula and they do not allow fructose, sucrose, glucose, rice syrup, corn syrup, or carrageenan as an ingredient in the baby formula, hence it comes in the pure form. 5. They come in different stages The European baby formula comes into two different stages, stage 1 is “Infant formula” given to the babies after birth till the introduction to the solid foods that are between 4 to 6 months of age. And stage 2 is “follow on the formula” for the infants of 6 months until a year of age, that is when they start consuming solid foods. 6. They can be purchased online with fast shipping. As this formula has gained wide popularity, it is now easily available as their production has increased. Sometimes supermarkets may not possess a wide range of products of baby formula. You can buy it online as every online store has the availability of the milk formula and provides fast shipping across the globe. Few alternatives in ingredients for European formula for Babies Some parents are vegetarians, so they would opt for an option of milk formula that does not contain fish oil. There are many brands which produce a formula that does not contain fish oil and instead there will be goat’s milk in it. Goat’s milk is nutritious not for an infant, but also for young and adults. Goat’s milk is similar to breast milk while cow’s milk contains whey and casein type of proteins which are difficult to digest for the sensitive digestive system of your baby. Hence, European baby formula is an excellent choice for your baby fulfilling the nutritional requirements of your baby The post Few Reasons Why American Parents Are More Inclined Towards European Formula For Their Babies appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 13 October 2020 | 12:34 pm

How Baby Car Seats Help Keep Your Baby Safe On A Road Trip

By Daniel Clark Whether you just had a baby or have only begun to think about traveling with your child after their birth, baby car seats have become an essential for any and every parent with a baby below the age of 3. Even though keeping your baby close to you is an option, a baby’s seat is not only safer but also saves you from the sore shoulders that no one else is going to help you deal with. As a parent of one baby who has never travelled in the car with their baby before, it can be equal parts nerve-wracking and exhausting to even think about planning a road trip with your baby. However, you can only avoid road trips or hire a nanny for so long. You’re eventually going to want to take your baby with you no matter where you go, so why not start sooner than later? Baby car seats are of several types and depending on the age of your child, you can opt for the one that fits your list of requirements and go for the family picnic you’ve wanted to go for, for a while now. If the luxury of comfort isn’t enough to convince you of the fact that you need a baby car seat adjusted into your backseat, there’s are three different types of baby seats that help assure that no matter how old your baby is, safety and comfort will not be an issue: 1. Baby (or infant) seats: With a weight limit of 22-35 pounds, baby seats help seat your infant until they grow to be slightly bigger. These are meant to seat your baby in a rear-facing direction in order to help protect your child as much as possible in case of an accident. The back of the safety seat can help cradle the baby’s neck, head and torso in a crash. It’s recommended to follow through with a change in car seats depending on the baby’s weight, not age. As the baby grows to be stronger, they will gain weight, and be able to handle the weight of their own body. However, until your baby grows to be 35 pounds, they must be seated safely in an infant seat during travels. 2. Convertible seats: Recommended for infants and toddlers with a weight of 40 pounds being held with rear-facing seats and up to 70 pounds for forward-facing seats, convertible seats are multifunctional seats that help not only seat babies and toddlers but also young children. Even though you can seat your child to be sitting in a front-facing seat after a point, it’s always safer to seat them in a rear-facing seat since that will always help keep your child safer than the other. The biggest advantage of convertible seats is the fact that they are highly economical. You need not invest in a separate seat for your infant since the seat can accommodate both an infant or a toddler. baby-direct.com.au offers Maxi Cosi car seats for your baby, which are capable of keeping your child comfortable for as long as you want. Both, you and your child, can enjoy a car ride without any hindrance. 3. Belt-positioning booster seats: The last of all seats that you will use as your child grows is the belt-positioning booster seat. As your child grows older, they will be more interested in looking at everything that goes on around them. In order to fulfill their wish whilst also granting their safety, these seats can help seat your child until they can finally sit in the back seat normally. Through the various ages of your child, the right car seat will play a massive role in the happy road trips that you go for with your family. The post How Baby Car Seats Help Keep Your Baby Safe On A Road Trip appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 23 January 2020 | 8:58 am

Are All Baby Formula The Same? Find The Perfect Formula For Your Little One

By Daniel Clark Trying to find the perfect baby formula for your little one can be really confusing. Especially with so many options available, it becomes really difficult to choose the right baby formula for your little one. Although most mothers prefer feeding their baby with breast milk, some babies are unable to tolerate it. This is why a lot of parents opt for best organic formula USA. Breastfeeding is a totally personal choice. Any mother should not feel like it is a compulsion or neither should they feel guilty for feeding their child with baby formula. There might be various reasons a parent opts for baby formulas instead of breastfeeding. Some mothers might feel pain or discomfort during the process. This is why these baby formulas are the perfect supplement for breast milk. With high nutrition value and many more added benefits even doctors recommend baby formulas. However, with so many types of formulas available, it can be difficult to pick the appropriate one for your baby. In this article, we have put together some of the best baby formulas that are highly preferred by mothers whose babies don’t take breast milk. As you go through each and every type of baby formula you will come to know the special qualities in each one of it. 1. Cow milk protein-based formulas Most infant formulas are made with cow’s milk. Cow’s milk is altered in a way that it resembles breast milk. This formula gives the right type of balance of nutrients to make it easy for the baby to digest. Most babies take cow’s milk really well while some babies might be allergic to it. In such cases, there are other options that can be fed to your baby. 2. Soy-based formulas Some doctors suggest excluding animal protein for your babysitting. This could possibly be because your baby might be allergic to it. If this is the case with your baby as well, then the soy-based formula can be highly useful. If your baby is lactose intolerant then the soy-based formula will provide the right amount of nutrients that are required for the growth of the baby. 3. Protein hydrolysate formulas These types of formulas comprise of protein that has been broken down into smaller size. When compared to cow’s milk and soy-based formulas, this type of formula has smaller parts of protein which makes it much easier for babies to digest. For babies who suffer from protein allergy, extensively hydrolyzed formulas are the best. 4. Goat milk formula Goat milk formula is yet another formula that is very easy to consume. The consumption of cow’s milk can give rashes and result in discomfort to the baby. Goat milk formulas are also ideal for babies who have lactose intolerance. You will find various formulas with the goodness of goat milk in it. Premium baby formulas come in various stages. This means that you can choose a different formula depending on the requirements of your baby. As your baby’s body will demand different nutrients as he/she grows, it is necessary to buy a formula that suffices all the needs of their growing body. A lot of baby formulas such as Holle have incorporated various stages in the baby formula. This will help you to decide what type of formula will be best for your baby depending upon their age. When it comes to buying the perfect hypoallergenic baby formula make sure that you visit Littlemooorganics.com. They carry a myriad of baby formula options so that it is easy for you to choose whatever suits you the best. The post Are All Baby Formula The Same? Find The Perfect Formula For Your Little One appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 19 December 2019 | 9:54 am

Choosing Baby Formula To Supplement Breast Milk

By Daniel Clark Being the parent of a newborn, every parent considers getting an organic baby formula for them. Many don’t understand the concept of natural, but there is an abundance which makes the formula, a worth investing. There are many formulas available in the hipp formula UK which includes organic fortified with iron, calcium, amongst other minerals that will help your baby to grow healthier and stronger. Most people assume that it is more expensive, but that is not the case. As per the popular belief, the type of organic baby formula is not more expensive than the other options, so you don’t have to make your decision on the price alone. The three main types are Parent’s Choice, Vermont Organics, and Earth’s Best. As per reviews, babies prefer formula because of the flavors and taste. The last type that you should know about is Nature’s One. Though it is more difficult to track down, it tends to be the most popular. A massive 13-ounce can is less than $10, and there are always coupons and promotions that will let you cut that price in half or even get another container during your purchase. So if you are perplexed about food, it’s time to take into consideration about the choice. The answer is as easy as it gets, that is Organic Formula. With vitamins, flavor, and also with its affordability, there is nothing not to like. You will notice that your baby will be much more likely to eat what you give them when they want what they are getting. Other Factors For Feeding Baby Many companies on the market sell baby formula, including Wyeth, Nestle, Similac, and more. Similac formula is one of the oldest, having been in existence since the 1920s, and other established companies have also been around for some time. It is not always so easy to choose a brand of formula. Some of even the most famous companies are shrouded in controversy due to their excessive and often dishonest ways of marketing infants’ formula in developing countries. And in Israel, which is a developed country, a tragedy occurred several years ago when a famous company sold method that lacked Vitamin B1 due to an unknown production malfunction. As a result, several babies died from beriberi, while others were left permanently disabled. Another factor to take into consideration is baby formula prices, which can be quite high, especially in the beginning, when it is your baby’s sole source of food. The standard baby formula might make things easier on your family’s budget, but the question is whether it is still good for your baby. On the other hand, if you find two formulas made by different companies with the same nutritional composition, but one is cheaper than the other, you would probably choose the less expensive one. At the same time, your decision cannot only be based on financial considerations. Choosing the best formula for a baby is therefore not always such an easy decision. While you are still in the hospital, you may receive a whole load of baby formula samples, which can confuse you even further. (This depends on where you live, though, as marketing infant formula has become illegal in some countries.) You may choose to rely on your friends’ recommendations. However, the best way to handle the situation is to ask your healthcare professional for independent advice that is purely based on health issues and is untainted by any form of marketing bias. Once you have chosen a baby formula, you need to learn how to make sure that the bottles are sterilised, watch the expiry date, and follow the instructions on the packet very precisely. If you are looking for baby formula in bulk, try choosing from any website for the organic wholesale baby food and baby products. The post Choosing Baby Formula To Supplement Breast Milk appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 19 December 2019 | 9:49 am

5 Common Baby & Toddler Care Myths Debunked

By Tim Shanley If you’re a new parent, there are plenty of resources to turn to, but how can you be sure you’re following the right advice? Today, there are thousands of websites, blogs, online publications and magazines dedicated to baby and toddler care. And then there are the “old-fashioned” sources such as books and grandparents. In fact, there is so much info out there that it’s not always easy to separate the truth from the myth. Getting some guidance is great, but bad advice can often be worse than no advice. So to help you separate the wheat from the chaff, we’ll examine and debunk some common myths about babies you’ve probably heard of. 1. You Should Give Water to Newborns When It’s Hot It easy to see how this myth got started. When the weather outside is scorching, you reach for water to cool off. And in general, people may feel better if they drink more water. Why should it be any different for babies? Well, there are several reasons why water won’t help your little one. It can actually end up hurting the baby. As a matter of fact, the World Health Organization even recommends that you shouldn’t give any water to children under six months. For one, the water may have impurities. Your immune system can handle them, but that may not be the case with the baby. So, this can lead to infections, diarrhea, and so on. Secondly, there is the danger of malnutrition. A baby who’s full on water may not drink as much breast milk or may not drink it all. Also, mothers who give their babies water instead of breast milk may have less milk going forward. Now, this isn’t to say babies don’t need to stay hydrated because they do. But breast milk is all they need during the first months of their life as it can contain as much as 80% water. 2. Babies Will Sleep Better If You Feed Them Cereal Every parent is all too familiar with the sleepless nights that come from a baby who keeps waking up. So it’s normal you’ll be open to any suggestions regarding this issue. And one you may hear often is to give your little one cereal before bedtime. Unfortunately, nothing connects cereal with better sleep patterns. Again, it’s understandable how this myth came to be. When they are four to six months old, many babies will begin to sleep through the entire night. Their development will simply reach that stage. That is the same period you may have begun to introduce solids into their diet. These two occurrences happen at the same time, but there are no direct connections between them. And there’s nothing which would single out cereal as a sleep-boosting food. 3. You Can Hold a Baby too Much Your baby starts crying, and your first instinct is to run over there and pick the child up. But, then you hear someone advocating tough love and tell you that will spoil the baby. Completely untrue, particularly when the child is very young. Babies cry a lot. Not because they want to trick you into giving them attention, but because that’s how they communicate. They also need contact and depend on it. It soothes them and helps them feel safe. That’s not to say you can’t put the baby down. And as your kid gets older, it’s important for them to learn to be self-sufficient. But during those first months, you certainly won’t be spoiling your child by holding them. 4. Babies Sleep Better on Their Bellies A baby waking up for the tenth time in a night can put you under a lot of strain. But then when you ask for advice, you hear that babies are more comfortable on their belly. It’s not uncommon to hear this recommendation from older generations. However, you should avoid this at all cost as it can endanger the baby. In order to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children below the age of one should always sleep on their back. 5. Teething Always Comes with a Fever Many believe that teething goes hand-in-hand with a fever. So, they may dismiss the elevated temperature as nothing serious. However, the two aren’t always connected. In fact, they often aren’t. The cause of the fever may be something completely unrelated to your baby’s teeth. It may even be something which requires immediate medical attention. It’s safest then not to assume this connection. Conclusion Parents will get a lot of advice, even if they sometimes don’t want it. Some of it is good, like using fennel tea for colic remedy. But there are also many myths out there. In the end, make sure to double-check everything. Particularly the info that’s “common knowledge”. Instead, rely on your pediatrician’s knowledge and don’t be afraid to ask them a lot of questions. The post 5 Common Baby & Toddler Care Myths Debunked appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 23 April 2019 | 1:48 pm

Sugar Overload: Do You Know How Much Sugar Your Kids Are REALLY Consuming?

Sugar and spice and everything nice. Isn’t that how the saying goes? We associate sugar with all that is good. We call people and actions sweet. We reward our children with sugary snacks when they do well. Who else remembers focusing on the lollipop prize for sitting still at the barber or being good at the doctor’s office? Sugar has been reinforced into our subconscious to mean good, well-deserved, and rewarding. We may even catch ourselves judging an anti-sweets person, trying to figure out what is wrong with them. For Americans, the use of sugar has become an extremely common and unhealthy habit. For instance, a standard lunch box may contain a PB&J sandwich on whole wheat, a cheese stick, a juice box (100 percent juice, of course), and applesauce. Sounds pretty good, right? Well, not really. Even though these treats are not blaring indicators for sugar and do have some health benefits like protein and fiber – this lunch right here adds up to about 60 grams of sugar! That is 15 teaspoons! To give you context to the alarming amount, the American Heart Association recommends children should NOT consume more than six teaspoons of sugar in a day, and three times as much is being consumed in one innocent lunch. Shocking, to say the least. We do the best we can, thinking we know exactly how much sugar we are giving our kids. Of course, sugary snacks, soda, candy – those are the ones we look out for, but what about items like ketchup, spaghetti sauce, and yogurt? Even your favorite organic fruit snacks have been loaded up with sugar. These sly sugar bombs are just as much to blame as the usual suspects. More and more research is finding that consuming large amounts of sugar can cause serious health complications over time. Yes, we know that too much can make you gain weight, but do you realize what that does? When anyone – adult or child – becomes overweight, they are put at greater risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol – the three major players of heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five American children are considered obese. As a result of the childhood obesity epidemic, what was once considered adult conditions are more becoming more prevalent in the children population. Researchers say that the earlier these health problems arise, the earlier diseases arise. We’re seeing increased cases of children and teens developing type II diabetes more than ever. What can you do to combat this sugar crisis? Maybe right now you feel like all hope is lost, and there is nothing safe from the dreaded sugar. However, there are things you can do to ensure you stay on top of the amount of sugar your family is eating. By taking the time to do your research and read the nutrition labels on your food, you will be more informed about how to make better choices in planning meals and snacks. Here are some helpful tips for making better food choices: Learn to read the labels. If we’re being honest, most of us don’t know how much sugar our kids are consuming on a daily basis. What we assume are healthy choices, can at times be even worse than candy. Learning to read the nutrition labels and researching sugar content in fruits is going to make a huge difference in the way you prepare your precious little ones’ meals. Grams and Teaspoons. When you check the nutrition label, you will notice that most of the nutrition facts use gram measurements. I don’t know about you, but grams mean nothing to me. If you are like me, it can be super helpful to remember that four grams roughly equals one teaspoon. And the recommended allotment per day for your child is no more than six teaspoons. All sugar is equal. Don’t be deceived by the labels on the front of the box claiming all-natural and organic; they may use purer products but those benefits are negated if they are loaded with sugar. It’s important to remember that regardless of whether the food is sweetened with refined sugar, raw honey, or agave – they all add up to sugar in your system. The body does not discriminate. Portion control. In a dream world, we would be able to avoid every ounce of sugar and never worry about it, or in my alternate dream world, sugar would be as beneficial as water, and the more you ingest, the healthier you are. Either way, it’s not reality and even though we will do all we can to filter our diets. It okay to have a little sugar occasionally. Besides, depriving your children will only make them want it more. Compromise by making the portion sizes smaller. Use other methods to reward. So often we use sweets as a rewards system. “Yay! You got an A on your math test. Let’s get ice cream.” It’s time to retrain your child’s brain. Provide rewards in the form of stickers, activities, free time – anything that promotes a healthier lifestyle and gets them away from correlating sugar with rewards. Avoid processed foods. Always do your best to buy as close to its original form as possible. Whole grains, fresh fruits, and veggies – yes, they have sugar, but it’s natural and not as overwhelming. Yogurts are one of those sneaky sugar sources where you think you are choosing a healthy option, but when you check the label, you will be shocked. To reduce the sugar intake, buy plain yogurt and add mix-ins yourself. It is always better to add sugar yourself, instead of buying something already sweetened. The more control you have over what your child eats, the better. Get serious about your child’s sugar intake. Just because you avoid candy and soda doesn’t mean you have successfully eliminated sugar in your child’s diet. Granted, it is a good start, but you The post Sugar Overload: Do You Know How Much Sugar Your Kids Are REALLY Consuming? appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 25 April 2018 | 2:54 pm

Diabetes On the Rise: How to Minimize Your Kids Risk

When we discuss type 2 diabetes we often picture older adults struggling with declining health and “later-life issues”. This narrative never really transferred over to kids in the past in the manner it does now. The common understanding was that children develop type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes was reserved for adults. However, today’s standard American diet is resulting in a change to that preconception. The latest study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that the numbers for kids aged 10-19 diagnosed with type II diabetes have increased by five percent over the past decade. How is that possible? Obesity is Responsible for the Higher Rates of Type II Diabetes. It is widely accepted in the medical community that aside from genetics, obesity is the biggest factor in developing type II diabetes. According to a new report from CBS, approximately one in five school-aged-children are considered obese. This alarming statistic is what is primarily responsible for the climb in the numbers of childhood type 2 diabetes diagnoses. There are now over 20,000 children now diagnosed with type II diabetes in America alone. Obesity among children is now considered an epidemic, and the reason for this is the sedentary lifestyle that the average American youth leads. Gone are the days of old where kids came home from school and ran around outside and played until the street lights came on. Kids are now dropping their backpacks, grabbing some highly processed, sugar-laden snacks and camping out in front of their electronics. They’ve kind of forgotten how to be physically active. It’s not all their fault. Children don’t go out and buy their own groceries, buy their own electronics or set up their gaming accounts. Parents are to blame for the condition of our youth’s health as well. As parents who work and are extremely busy, it has become easier for us to buy the fast food and keep them happy with electronics while we finish housework or business. This behavior isn’t so innocent. It has caused a whole slew of health issues – not just for adults, but for the children who are just starting out in life. Most parents are well intentioned and want to do the best for their families. We aren’t deliberately trying to make them unhealthy. We don’t want that for our children. After all, if you are here, you are certainly a conscientious individual who is striving to make better choices for your young ones. Educating yourself about the dangers of these lifestyle choices is the first step in providing a healthy environment for everyone in the household. Next, you need to start figuring out what actions are necessary to reduce unhealthy habits and risks for diabetes. Here Are Some Other Helpful Tips to Revamping Your Family’s Lifestyle: Little monkey sees what big monkey does. Parents, with all our faults, are the superheroes in our children’s lives. They watch us and try to emulate what we do. We’ve all had that moment where you catch your child pretending to do what you are doing like talking on the phone, cleaning and telling off that crazy driver who cut you off (tell me I’m not the only one). So when making an overhaul to your household health, it needs to start with you, the role model. We may think that our personal habits of grab and go and chugging sugar filled caffeinated drinks are only affecting us and our health, but our little ones are watching and they’re learning that it is acceptable. Beginning a healthier lifestyle for your children needs to start with you. Make the changes so that they can see how important it is for a happier, healthier life. Get interactive. Start getting your children involved in the healthy lifestyle decisions your family chooses to adopt. Use teachable moments to discuss how what they are doing is making them healthy. Try to stay positive. Children respond well to positive encouragement. Educate them on why it’s important to follow a balanced diet and why you need to move your body often. Bring them along to the grocery store and have them pick out produce. Involve them in the process of meal planning and preparation. Do it together and make it fun. Revamp your grocery list. This is a huge factor in reducing your family’s risk for obesity and the development of type II diabetes down the road. I know the processed foods are so much easier and less time consuming to prepare and have a shelf life longer than our existence – but at what cost to everyone’s health? It’s not worth it. Fill your cart with unprocessed, fresh, whole foods. In doing so, you are upping the intake of naturally sourced vitamins and minerals that are crucial for any healthy growing body and reducing the intake of additives and sugars. The FDA suggests you break your plate into four sections: Protein, whole grains, fruit and veggies. Side note: Don’t be fooled when buying fruit snacks and on-the-go organic granola. These may seem harmless, but they’re filled with sugar (organic sugar is still sugar). Regardless of where sugar came from, it is still sugar and ingesting excess amounts of sugar over time will lead to obesity. A good rule of thumb is to buy food items that are as close to their original state as possible. The more modified usually means the more preservatives and sugars have been added. Keep fresh fruits and veggies available to grab and eat on the go. Kids can’t eat what they don’t have, so leave the junk food at the store. Group play. Get the whole family active together. Schedule outings and go outside and play together. Kids are always more interested when the “big kids” are involved. Hit the park, go on an outdoor scavenger hunt, jump rope, hopscotch. Let your inner child come out and have some fun with your littles. It’ll be good for you as well. Set limits. Electronics have become The post Diabetes On the Rise: How to Minimize Your Kids Risk appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 15 February 2018 | 8:41 pm

Are Organic Snacks REALLY Healthy?

As parents, we want the best for our children – and that includes stocking the fridge and the pantry with the right meals and snacks. However, as functioning adults in the 21st century, we also know that there is barely enough time between work and life demands to create every meal from scratch. So, what are some things we tend to look for when searching for the best life-supporting nutrients for our offspring that would make our crunchy granola moms and dads proud? We scan for words on packaging like ‘whole,’ ‘natural,’ and ‘organic.’ Organic, it’s like the new ‘reduced-fat.’ The word ‘organic’ is one of those buzz-words that makes you pay a little extra for the right to say, “it’s organic.” I mean think about it – how many times have you heard, “Would you like a (insert food)? They’re organic.” With a word like organic, you feel obligated to share with everyone just how much thought and consideration you put into your family’s health. For a moment, put down your righteous megaphone and stop being blinded by that “wholly” word – newsflash – just because you buy organic, doesn’t mean it is healthy. Despite your favorite organic fruit snacks or cereal bars having that magical word, they are still processed and still loaded with sugar. It’s important not to get distracted by the flashy words on the front on the box when purchasing healthful foods for your family. What Does Organic Mean Anyway? Good ol’ Wikipedia will tell you that organic food is food produced by methods that comply with the standards of organic farming. Organizations regulating organic products, such as the USDA, may restrict the use of certain pesticides and fertilizers in farming. In general, organic foods are also usually not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or synthetic food additives. For the most part, choosing organic produce and meats is often a better choice, but when you get into the processed foods like organic fruit snacks, chips, and candy, the benefits of having that buzzword on your box might not be worth the extra money. The source of sugar does not matter as much as the amount. Whether it’s raw honey, coconut palm sugar, or agave nectar from the heavens, they all add up to sugar. Sugar is broken down into fructose and glucose, and they all do the same – shoot your insulin and blood sugar levels sky high. Children and teens are particularly at risk. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting total intake of discretionary calories, including both added sugars and fats, to 5% –15% per day. Yet children and adolescents in America obtain about 16% of their total caloric intake from added sugars alone. A large study called SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth found that newly diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes in children and teens increased by about 4.8 percent in each year of the study’s period between 2002 and 2012. The reason for the increase is the drastic lifestyle changes in the past few decades. Kids are becoming more sedentary, gluing themselves to their electronics, and reaching for the readily available, no assembly required, processed, sugar-laden foods. Organic or Not, Unprocessed Foods Are Always Best The pros of organic food are that most are free from pesticides, antibiotics, and additives. They have less of an environmental impact, and nutritional value is usually higher. That being said, when it comes to fighting the overload of sugar that we see on a daily basis, organic snacks are just as jam-packed with sugar as traditional treats. The best defense against this bombardment of sugar intake is to look at the nutrition label on the box. The nutritional breakdown is something every parent should know how to read and interpret. I know, it’s plain and boring – but it’s just it’s the facts, and is there for your family’s benefit. The healthiest snacks will always be unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. A good reminder is to think about how far processed is your food from its original state. Minimally processed, plant-based, whole foods are always best – whether conventional or organic. And remember, just because it says organic, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy. Dr. Jason Shumard is the owner of Integrative Wellness Center of San Diego, which he opened in 2005 with the desire to promote safe alternative treatment options to the community of San Diego. The post Are Organic Snacks REALLY Healthy? appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 18 December 2017 | 11:54 am

How to Help Your Kids Develop Healthy Habits

By Lisa Pecos In a world where screen time has almost completely taken away play time, helping your child develop healthy habits is more important than ever. Healthy eating and regular physical activity can improve your child’s physical and emotional health, giving them the best chance for a happy and successful future. Getting your kids to step away from the gaming console or put down their tablet may seem impossible, but these tips can help you get them on their way to healthier habits. Eating Right As a parent, you have the opportunity to help your child eat better by making healthier choices for the whole family. Fortunately, this is a lot easier and less expensive than you may think. Use these tips to get started: Plan meals in advance. This will not only make it easier for you to grocery shop, but it also saves time and money when you go to the grocery store with a list of exactly what you need. Save leftovers for another meal. By setting half the meal you’ve prepared aside, you control portion sizes to avoid overeating and save yourself the time of having to cook your next meal. Prep meals in advance and freeze. Cooking food in large batches and freezing for later can help save you time and lets you control portion size. Making healthy meals and freezing them helps you eat right when you’re short on time. Have healthy snacks ready to go. Slice up fruits and veggies and air pop some popcorn to keep on hand for when your kids are looking for a snack. Make smoothies. Smoothies are delicious and easy to make! They make a great breakfast, snack, or dessert. Get your kids involved. Let them help you choose fruits and veggies at the market and let them help you prepare food, too. Lead by example to help your kids develop better eating habits for life. If you’re looking for more ideas or information on healthy eating, check out resources like MyPlate that offer tips and even online tools to help you and your family build a healthy eating style that works for you. Get them Moving The current global recommendation for physical activity for children ages 5 to 17 is moderate-intensity physical activity at least 60 minutes per day. Even with hectic schedules, this is easy to achieve and more so if you do it as a family. Together with your kids, come up with fun physical activities that you can all do together. Here are a few fun, family-friendly activities to help you get started: Nature walks. Hit a local trail and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Go for an hour or make it a day-long hike by stopping for a picnic of healthy snacks along the way. Participate in a walk or run for charity. Not only is this for a good cause, but you can use the event as a goal to train for and work towards. Most events offer different distances and many even have a kid’s events at the start. Walk instead of driving. This can be to school, to the park or anywhere else you enjoy going together. Skipping the car whenever possible is a good habit for family members of all ages to get into! Get competitive. Plan a family volleyball or soccer match in the backyard or at a park. Invite friends and other family members along to add to the fun. Go to the beach or local pool. Splashing and swimming are fun ways to get moving that you’ll all enjoy! Play with your kids. A good old fashioned game of tag or hide-and-seek with your kids is sure to be a hit. Encourage them to play these types of games when they have friends over too, instead of videogames. No matter what activities you choose, be sure to focus on making it fun. Giving your children an understanding of the benefits of activity can also help encourage them to move more now and as they get older. The post How to Help Your Kids Develop Healthy Habits appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 30 August 2017 | 1:56 pm

Ways to Prevent Homesickness When Your Child Goes Away to Camp

By Lisa Pecos Summer camp is where some of our best childhood memories are made. Days are jam-packed full of fun and adventures, yet for some children, this isn’t enough to stop them from feeling homesick. Most children will feel homesick at some point when away at camp, but for some it can turn what’s supposed to be a great time into a source of stress for the child and parent. Thankfully, there are things that you can do to help prevent your child from developing a case of the summer camp blues. Let your child be involved in choosing the camp. By involving them in the selection, you can choose a place that they’ll be excited about and look forward to. A countdown calendar. Get them excited for camp with a countdown calendar. Let your child make the calendar and decorate it with stickers and even pictures of the camp taken from a brochure or website. Come up with a homesickness plan with your child. Together, come up with a list of things your child can do if they feel homesick. Ask your child to come up with ideas, such as reading a book, playing a game, or talking to a counsellor. Avoid talking about how much you’ll miss them. The last thing you want to do is make them feel bad about being away. Sadness is contagious so avoid telling your child how sad you are to see them go or how much you will miss them. Address your child’s worries. The American Camp Association (ACA) recommends addressing your child’s concerns as they come up and helping them apply the principles of knowing the facts and coming up with a plan. They suggest visiting the camp’s website and sharing everything you know about the camp. Practice camp. Arrange a weekend away at a friend’s place and don’t call to talk to your child while they’re away. Instead, send along a couple of letters to be given to your child over the course of the weekend and be sure to keep them upbeat and positive. Remember to praise him/her for being independent during their time away. Stay in touch through letters. Hearing your voice can trigger or worsen homesickness, so instead of calling, write your child letters regularly instead. This is a great way to offer support and stay in touch while still allowing them to be independent. If you do get a tearful call, do your best to remain calm and reassuring. Arrange a buddy. If possible, try to send them the same camp as a friend or relative so they have a buddy to enjoy the experience with. Pre-address and stamp envelopes. Have a stack of self-addressed, stamped envelopes ready to pack with your child’s things so that he/she can write home whenever they like. Pack together. Let your child be involved in the packing and let them pack a favorite toy or book to help make their bunk feel more like home. Making it Easier on You Summer camp can be hard on you as a parent, too. Calls from your homesick child and being apart can tug at your heart strings and make the time apart stressful. To help make it easier, be sure to plan some fun activities for you during this time. Things like going out to dinner, a spa day, or tackling a project at home that you’ve been putting off can help you enjoy this time rather than spend it worrying—at least a little. The post Ways to Prevent Homesickness When Your Child Goes Away to Camp appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 13 July 2017 | 4:45 pm

6 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe and Healthy This Winter

By Jamell Andrews I know it’s early in the summer season but when winter brings with it the allure of freshly fallen snow and all kinds of fun cold-weather activities that children love. Unfortunately, it can also be a time of viruses and bacteria that lead to colds and flu. Use these tips to help keep your kids safe and healthy this winter, not to mention warm! Keep Germs Away Teaching your child to wash their hands and cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing can go a long way in warding off a cold or flu and other bugs that are easily passed during play in school and at home. Bundle Up and Limit Exposure to Cold Temperatures Children are notorious for letting their excitement get the better of them, which can lead to rushing out of the house without bundling up properly or losing track of time when playing out in the cold. Unfortunately, this can have some serious consequences for a child, including frost bite. Always make sure your child is dressed warmly and in layers when heading out into the cold, with their hands, feet and ears properly protected. Keeping them warm and dry is key to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Get Them Out of the House Cold temperatures and crummy winter weather can keep kids indoors more than their used to the rest of the year. Not getting enough sunlight can impact mood and lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that stems from less sunlight during the winter months. Even just getting your child outside for 15 minutes during daylight hours can help beat the winter blahs and SAD. Keep Them Hydrated Proper hydration is just as important in the colder months and getting enough fluids can actually lower their risk of cold and flu. Teach Them the Importance of Safety You can help your child avoid winter activity-related injuries by teaching them the importance of safety. Wearing a helmet and steering clear of cars and other dangers when skating, snowboarding or tobogganing are musts when it comes to playing safe this winter. Feed Them a Healthy Diet Curling up on the couch on cold winter nights and days spent playing in the crisp winter air can make it easy for your child to forget to eat or reach for all the wrong things. Eating a well-balanced can help keep their immune system strong. Orange slices and carrot sticks are high in vitamins and antioxidant and make great snacks and a warm bowl of oatmeal is great source of fiber. Having fruits and vegetables cut up and on hand will make it easier for them to eat well. Have a safe and happy summer, winter is on the way! The post 6 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe and Healthy This Winter appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 9 June 2017 | 3:00 pm

Sticker Shock for Those Considering Starting or Expanding Their Family

By Lisa Pecos If you’re considering starting a family, chances are that you’ve given some thought to the extra expense that having a child will add to your responsibilities, but exactly how much it costs may surprise you. A report just released last week is giving wannabe parents a bad case of sticker shock, reporting that raising a child can cost you close to a quarter of a million dollars. Breaking down the Numbers The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report, the 2015 Expenditures on Children By Families Report, estimates that middle-income married couples will spend somewhere between $12,350 and $13,900 a year from the child’s birth to the age of 17, for a grand total of $233,610. For low-income families that total is around $174,690 and $372,210 for high income families. Wondering where all of this money goes? Here is a closer look at what this money is being spent on: 29 percent is spent on housing and food 18 percent is spent on childcare and education 16 percent on transportation 9 percent on health care 6 percent on clothing 7 percent on miscellaneous expenses, such as haircuts and toiletries, recreation and entertainment, etc. The report also reminds us that the expense per child is less when there are siblings—24% less, to be more precise—in married-couple households with three or more kids, as things like sharing a bedroom and handing down toys and clothing result in notable savings. Having more mouths to feed also means that foods can be purchased in larger packages, which can also be more economical. That’s Not All Those planning to have a child also need to keep in mind the expenses not included in this report. As the report only includes the cost of child-rearing up to the age of 17, expenses beyond the age of 17 are not included, with the most significant one being a college education. The average cost of enrollment and tuition at a 4-year college for 2016-2017 is $9,650 at public colleges and $33,480 at private colleges. On top of that are room and board expenses, which will run you $10,440 and $11,890, respectively. Other costs parents need to consider when planning a family that were not included in the report are: Prenatal care Fertility care Child birth expenses Adoption expenses Life insurance on parents The report concludes that while factors such as income level and location cause the expenses to vary considerably, the costs of raising kids are significant and make up a major portion of the household budget. The post Sticker Shock for Those Considering Starting or Expanding Their Family appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 24 February 2017 | 3:24 pm

Early Signs of Autism to Look Out For

By Lisa Pecos Most children with autism don’t get a final diagnosis until the age of four. There is no specific medical test or blood test to diagnose autism the way you would a medical condition such as cancer or diabetes. Medical professionals base their diagnosis on a child’s behaviour and development. Since children without the condition can exhibit many of the same issues, getting a diagnosis is often delayed. Even so, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that a diagnosis by an experienced professional by the age of two can be very reliable. As a parent, you’ll be able see signs that something is different about your child long before that, often as early as by their first birthday. Knowing what signs to look for can help you get a diagnosis earlier and therefore treatment can begin sooner, which has been shown to improve the outcome in those with autism. The following are early signs of autism that should be discussed with the child’s doctor. 12 Months and Under Before the age of 12 months, keep an eye out for signs that your child isn’t meeting common developmental milestones that they should be. Talk to your doctor if your child: Doesn’t make eye contact or appears to look through you Doesn’t smile Doesn’t show interest in faces Doesn’t always respond to their name or react to sounds even though the hearing seems fine at other times Doesn’t try to “talk” Doesn’t enjoy being touched Doesn’t use common gestures, like reaching for things they want Doesn’t show interest in typical baby activities and games 12 to 24 Months By this age your child should be using certain gestures and beginning to communicate better. Signs of autism at this stage can include: Not using gestures such as nodding yes or shaking their head no or pointing to what they want Not expressing interest in objects that babies generally like, such as toys Appears to be in his/her own world and able to tune out everyone around them Loses verbal skills and no longer babbles or speaks at all Loses interest in people and appears to lose social skills Walks on their toes Doesn’t walk at all 2 Years of Age and Up By this age the differences in your child will become even more apparent. You may notice that your child: Has trouble expressing themselves, participating in a conversation, or even speaking at all Doesn’t appear to understand what’s being said to them, such as not responding to their own name Expresses emotions inappropriately, such as by screaming or laughing at inappropriate times Has unusual speaking patterns, such as speaking in a very flat tone or repeating certain words Doesn’t engage in pretend or imaginative play Plays with their toys in an unusual way, such as lining them up or counting them rather than playing with them Prefers to play alone and have very little interest in other children Appears to have behaviour issues, such as being uncooperative or aggressive Doesn’t like to stray from routines and has a strong reaction to change Engages in repetitive behaviour, such as flapping his/her hands Is extremely sensitive to sounds or light Your child’s doctor can provide you with more information on autism spectrum disorder. The post Early Signs of Autism to Look Out For appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 4 January 2017 | 2:08 pm

Opioid Overdoses Triple Among Kids & Teens – How to Protect Your Kids

By Lisa Pecos The Journal of the American Medical Associating (JAMA) Pediatrics recently published an alarming report stating that the number of young children and teens hospitalized in the U.S. for opioid overdose has almost tripled in recent years. What Are Opioids? Opioids are a class of prescription pain relievers that work by reducing the intensity of pain signals to the brain. You may recognize some of the drugs that fall into class from news reports or even from your own medicine cabinet as they are being prescribed more and more. These include: Hydrocodone (brand name Vicodin) Oxycodone (brand names Percocet, OxyContin) Morphine These are generally prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Though not as strong, codeine is also considered an opioid and is often prescribed for milder pain. The Shocking Results The study was based on information from a national database of hospitalizations of children and adolescents admitted to hospitals for opioid poisonings every 3 years from 1997 to 2012. Among those children under the age of 10, most poisonings were accidental, with kids eating the pills as they would candy. Accidental overdoses also accounted for most of the poisonings among teens, with some being suicide attempts. The groups focusing on children under 10 and teens both showed a dramatic increase in the number of cases involving OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet. The increase in the number of poisonings from 1997 to 2012 in each age group was as follows: Ages 1 to 4: 205 percent Ages 15 to 19: 176 percent Just as alarming was the increase in the number of poisonings involving heroin and methadone, which were 161 percent and 950 percent, respectively. This increase has been attributed to the rising rate at which types of painkillers are being prescribed in recent years. This increase in prescriptions has resulted in more and more homes in the United States having opioids, which means more kids and teens having access to them more than ever before. How You Can Help Protect Your Kids from Opioid Abuse Limiting access to narcotic pain killers is the first thing that you can do to protect your child or teen from opioid poisoning or abuse. Keeping prescription medications out of reach and in locked cabinets can help keep your children and their friends away from these addictive and potentially fatal medications. Talking to your children about the dangers of these drugs and other illicit drugs is also important. An understanding of why adolescents and teens turn to these drugs is also important and addiction and depression should be discussed openly so that treatment can be started as soon as possible. Signs of Opioid Poisoning Knowing the signs of opioid intoxication can alert you to a problem and may also help save a life. The following are common signs and symptoms of opioid intoxication: Delirium or confusion Trouble breathing Extreme sleepiness Small pupils Nausea and vomiting The severity of symptoms depends on how much of the drug was taken. Prolonged use of opioids can have life-altering consequences, including: Permanent lung damage Tremors Inability to think clearly Seizures Difficulty walking If you suspect that your child or teen is experiencing opioid poisoning, seek emergency medical care. The post Opioid Overdoses Triple Among Kids & Teens – How to Protect Your Kids appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 30 November 2016 | 1:47 pm

6 Fun Fall Activities for Families

By Jamell Andrews Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t have to mean making life all about school and work. The season of falling leaves and all things pumpkin-spice offers a whole slew of fun, family-friendly activities to enjoy. Here are 6 fun things to do as a family this fall. 1. Playing in—and Raking—the Leaves Raking leaves may seem like a chore, but it actually provides you an opportunity to spend some quality time as a family. Get your kids in on the action by letting them help with raking and bagging. Kid-sized rakes are a fun way to keep younger children entertained while you tackle your fall cleanup. Make it an event by having some hot apple cider and of course, jumping in the piles of leaves before you bag them. You can also have the kids collect leaves, pinecones, and acorns to make fall crafts with. 2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch A visit to the pumpkin patch is about so much more than picking out a pumpkin these days! Many farms offer a true fall experience with everything from hayrides to petting zoos. Enjoy walking through the pumpkin patch on a sunny fall afternoon as family and choosing a pumpkin together to carve, decorate with, or even to make pumpkin pie and roasted pumpkin seeds together. 3. Go Apple Picking This quintessential fall activity is fun for the whole family, as well as healthy. Pick apples together and enjoy the cool crisp air and fall sun as you stroll through a local orchard together. The fun continues at home when you let the kids help you in the kitchen as you prep apples and bake fall favorites, like homemade apple pie or apple crumble. You get exercise and healthy, delicious treats all in one fun day as a family! 4. Go on a Family Hike Fall is the most scenic time of the year thanks to crisp, clear skies and vibrant leaves. A family hike along a trail offers up a great way to spend time together while also getting exercise and enjoying all of the beauty that this season has to offer. 5. Visit Spooky Sights With fall also comes Halloween, which brings with it all kinds of family fun with a spooky slant! Amusement parks, community centers, and farms offer child-friendly spooky events, such as “haunted” houses and rides, corn mazes, and other spooky-themed activities. Take the fun to a whole other level by dressing up in costumes. 6. Visit a Fall Fair Fall fairs and festivals are a great way to spend a fall day or evening. Fall fairs offer something for the whole family, from games and rides to tractor pulls and petting zoos. Check your local community guide for fall fairs in your area or find one in another town and make it a family road trip. Live in a bustling city? Then head to a fall festival which offers up just as much family-friendly fun as a fair. There’s nothing like the smell of candy apples in the air and the sights and sounds of a fall fair or festival to help you kick off the season together! There’s no need to be sad that summer’s over with so many fun things to do as a family in the fall. The post 6 Fun Fall Activities for Families appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 25 October 2016 | 11:52 am

Program to Prevent Teen Pregnancy with Virtual Babies Backfires

By Lisa Pecos It may seem like something out of an 80s sitcom, but giving teen girls lifelike baby dolls to care for as a way to dissuade them from getting pregnant is something that has been going on for years. A recent study out of Australia, however, has found that this may actually have the opposite effect on teen girls. Virtual Babies A virtual baby or infant simulator is a lifelike doll that cries and needs to be soothed, fed, burped, and changed. Programs geared at reducing teen pregnancy often use these virtual babies as a way to show teens the stress and responsibility involved with having a baby in the hopes of putting them off of wanting a baby. The Study A paper published in The Lancet, found that teen girls given these virtual babies became pregnant at a higher rate than their peers in a control group. The study involved 3000 Australian girls aged 13 to 15 at enrollment and followed them until they reached the age of 20. Half of the girls received the intervention program in school while the half in the control group received the standard health education curriculum. The results showed that the girls in the intervention group who’d been given the VIP program using infant simulator dolls were more likely to get pregnant and give birth or have an induced abortion before the age of 20 than those in the control group. Teen Pregnancy According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 249,078 babies were born to women aged 15 to 19 in 2014. Though this is lower than the previous year, the U.S. teen pregnancy rate is still considerably higher than in other industrialized western nations. Pregnancy and childbirth contribute to high school dropout rates with only 50 percent of teen mothers receiving a high school diploma by age 22 in comparison to their peers who don’t give birth during adolescent; 90 percent of which graduate. The CDC also reported that in 2010, teen pregnancy and childbirth resulted in 9.4 billion dollars in costs to taxpayers for increased foster care and health care, higher incarceration rates among the children born to teen parents. Children of teenage mothers tend to drop out of school, have more health problems, give birth as teenagers, go to prison during adolescence, and find it difficult to achieve or maintain employment as young adults. The post Program to Prevent Teen Pregnancy with Virtual Babies Backfires appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 30 September 2016 | 12:48 pm

Report Finds Medicine is Over-Prescribed for Young Children with ADHD

By Jamell Andrews Though behavior therapy is the recommended first line of treatment for young children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a report has found that more children are being treated with medication instead. ADHD ADHD is a disorder that causes hyperactivity, attention issues, and impulsiveness. Approximately 6 million children in the United States have ADHD, of which 2 million were diagnosed before the age of 6. It’s been found that those diagnosed at an early age often have the most severe symptoms. They’re also the ones who benefit the most from behavior therapy and other psychological services. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthcare providers refer parents for behaviour therapy training before resorting to prescribing medication to children under the age of 5. The Report Researchers for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looked at annual health care claims starting from 2008 for approximately 5 million children between the ages of 2 and 5 insured by Medicaid, along with another 1 million children covered by employer-sponsored insurance. The Vital Signs report showed that even though behavior therapy is recommended as the first line of treatment, approximately 75 percent of young children treated for ADHD received medication. The report also showed only half of children treated for ADHD received any type of psychological services, which may have included behavior therapy training for parents. According to the CDC, the first recommended treatment for young children with the disorder is underused and they are urging all healthcare professionals who treat ADHD to help parents by explaining the benefits associated with behavior therapy and referring them for training. The Benefits of Behavior Therapy There are several reasons why behavior therapy is recommended first for the treatment of ADHD in young children over medication. Behavior therapy has been found to work as well as medication, which is successful for approximately 70 to 80 percent of young children with ADHD. The medications used to treat ADHD can cause side effects ranging from decreased appetite and stomach pain to irritability and sleep issues. There is also concern over the long-term effects of these medications on young children, which are not yet known. It is recommended that parents and healthcare providers work together to decide on the appropriate treatment for young children with ADHD by discussing and considering: The child’s age Possible side effects of medication Duration of benefits of each treatment Availability of treatment Cost and resources Urgency of need Family preference Behavior therapy training for parents typically requires 8 sessions which cover topics including: Positive communication Positive reinforcement Structure and discipline It has been found to give parents the skills needed to help improve their child’s behavior and improve the way they function at home and school, as well as in relationships. After therapy ends, the benefits continue, which ultimately reduces stress while the child’s behavior continues to improve. The post Report Finds Medicine is Over-Prescribed for Young Children with ADHD appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 30 August 2016 | 12:58 pm

Coping with Infertility and Understanding Your Options

Making the decision to start a family is one of the most exciting times in your life. Unfortunately, happiness and joy can quickly turn into depression and fear when a baby cannot be conceived naturally due to infertility issues. Understand that you are not alone. Approximately one in six couples struggles with infertility. With proper resources, support, and patience, you can either find a solution to your infertility or find out what options you have available to you for starting a family. Consider Your Options After one year of trying to conceive a child naturally without any success, it’s time to see a fertility doctor. If it’s determined that you are unable to conceive a child naturally, don’t give up hope just yet. There are numerous options available for couples who cannot conceive a child, including surrogacy, adoption, and fostering. There are many women that love the idea of becoming a surrogate to help couples have a baby. The process of surrogacy involves using the father’s sperm and the mother’s eggs (or donor eggs) and artificially inseminating the surrogate so she can carry the baby to term. Understand the Challenges Understand that infertility is not without its challenges. Whether undergoing fertility treatments or starting the adoption or surrogacy process, times will most likely become stressful for you and your partner. Find a support group in your area for infertile couples for encouragement, wisdom, and empowerment. Don’t blame yourself or become angry at your inability to conceive because this will only worsen things; instead, focus on the available solutions for the problem. Visit a Professional Visiting a professional that specializes in infertility is the best way to find out if there’s a biological reason why you’re not becoming pregnant. During your appointment, the doctor will ask you a series of questions about your medical history and your attempts to become pregnant. Both partners will be evaluated to try and find the reason for infertility with physicals, blood tests, ovulation evaluation, pelvic exam, pelvic ultrasounds, and semen analysis. Infertility can often be treated with fertility medication, artificial insemination, or in vitro fertilization. Communicate with Your Partner Lean on your partner for support and don’t place blame on them; they are also struggling. Allow your partner to cope with infertility in a different manner than you. Everyone expresses their emotions differently. Don’t keep the pain and anger to yourself; instead, talk to your partner about it so you can both cope together. Discuss your options with them and determine how long you want to try and conceive before trying other options. Set a budget together of what you’re able to spend on fertility treatments or options such as surrogacy and adoption. Dealing with infertility can cause anger, depression, and a wide range of other emotions. It can be one of the most difficult challenges you ever experience in your life. If your dream is to start a family, try not to become discouraged if you have trouble conceiving a child. Be patient and consult specialists to determine why you’re having trouble. Understand that if you are unable to conceive a child, it’s not impossible for you to still become a parent. Consider all of your options and remain optimistic but realistic at the same time. Seek the support of your partner, friends, family members, and other parents also struggling with infertility. You don’t have to go through this alone. The post Coping with Infertility and Understanding Your Options appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 27 August 2016 | 1:22 pm

How Much Stress is Too Much: Signs Moms Should Look Out for

Stress is one of those things that just happens – especially when you’re responsible for the lives of others. Stress is inevitably your body’s natural way of reacting to thoughts or activities in your life that can often make you feel overwhelmed. Your body goes into a “flight or fight” mode which releases stress hormones throughout the body to help you react calmly. While stress is normal and good in some cases, when it becomes too much to bear it can cause a plethora of physical and psychological issues. Stress Can Lead to Self-Medicating What many don’t understand is that not dealing with chronic levels of stress can quickly lead to the need to self-medicate. While some might start smoking marijuana at the end of a long day to cope, others will drink several glasses of wine. Although in small doses these substances may seem harmless, prolonged use can lead to your body developing a tolerance and then a dependency which can lead to substance abuse and addiction. If you believe you’ve started self-medicating, the best thing you can do for yourself and your children is to reach out to a program that offers substance abuse recovery for women to get the specialized care you need. Signs You’re Dealing with Too Much Stress As stated before, some stress comes with the territory of life and all the many “hats” you wear as a woman. However, if you recognize any of the below signs in yourself, you need to find ways to relieve stress before it results in reckless behaviors such as those we described above. 1. Lack of Energy, Mood Swings, and Crying Every woman has a breaking point, and when she gets there, it can be a host of emotions that are displayed. Emotionally, you might notice the inability to concentrate, frequent crying out of the blue, mood swings, and the impaired ability to make sound decisions. While they can be related to other psychological issues, emotional distress is something you really want to take heed to. 2. Digestive Problems, Body Aches, and Skin Problems While stress is a psychological effect, it can manifest in physical ways that you’re not paying attention to at the time. Common signs of too much stress include frequent headaches, chest, back, and neck pain, rashes, acne, difficulty breathing, constipation, and diarrhea. 3. Anxiety, Guilt, and Worry If your mind seems to be racing with anxious thoughts, stress could be the underlying cause. Whether you’re worried about a child who is sick, a deadline you have to meet at work, or an argument you had with your spouse, stress and anxiety often go hand and hand. If you can’t put your mind at ease, and your anxious thoughts seem to last more than a few weeks, it could be a sign of chronic stress or an anxiety disorder that needs further treatment. 4. Anger and Irritability Do the kids arguing send you on a screaming fest? Or maybe an accidental spill of juice makes you scold them more than usual? While there’s no one like your children to send you from zero to one hundred in an instant, if you’re lashing out for things that you’d normally be able to handle with a calm head, this is a sign you’re overwhelmed and probably stressed out. 5. Sleep Deprivation While having young children can keep you from getting eight hours of sleep at night, if you find that your thoughts are waking you from a normal sleep, you’re in over your head. An anxious mind will keep you up several hours at a time. Lack of sleep or sleep deprivation, will ultimately lead to more issues that only add to your stress. As the women of the house, we wear a lot of hats. We’re taking care of the kids, tending to the needs of our spouse, and caring for the home. On top of that, we’re dealing with stresses at work and possibly have lost our own identities in the process. If you feel more stressed out than usual, it is important to talk with your partner, doctor, or therapist to find ways to reduce the stress before it reaches levels that cause a series of poor choices and bad habits. The post How Much Stress is Too Much: Signs Moms Should Look Out for appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 26 August 2016 | 1:00 pm

How Much Sleep Do Your Kids and Teens Really Need?

By Lisa Pecos Chances are that you’ve long been told that you should be aiming for 8 hours of sleep every night, but does that go for your children too? And if you struggle to get in a full 8 hours on most nights, is it realistic to expect that your child or teen can? Experts report that more than one third of the American population doesn’t get enough sleep and this includes children and teens. The Effects of Not Getting Enough Sleep There is no question that the amount of sleep we get directly impacts our health and wellbeing and this goes for children too. Inadequate sleep in children has been shown to result in: Tiredness Impaired ability to focus and pay attention Irritability and frustration Difficulty controlling emotions and impulses Children and teens that don’t get sufficient sleep also have a much higher risk of: Obesity High blood pressure Diabetes Heart disease Depression Teens in particular are also at risk of having suicidal thoughts, attempting suicide, and engaging self-harming. How Much Sleep Your Child or Teen Needs The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has just released recommendations on the amount of sleep children and teens need in order to avoid health risks. The recommendations are based on a 10-month study of 864 scientific articles on the link between sleep and children’s health. They recommend the following amount of sleep per 24 hours: Infants 4 to 12 months: 12 to 16 hours of sleep, including naps Ages 1 to 2 years: 11 to 14 hours, including naps Ages 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours, including naps Ages 6 to 12 years: nine to 12 hours Ages 13 to 18 years: eight to 10 hours The American Academy of Pediatrics and other health authorities endorse the recommendations. How to Help Your Kids Get Better Sleep Ensuring that your child gets enough sleep isn’t always easy, especially as they get older, but there are things that you can do to help them. For younger children, a bedtime story, a lullaby, or other bedtime ritual can be soothing and help them to relax and settle in for a night of sleep. Keeping a consistent bedtime each night is also important to help them develop a better sleep routine. For children and teens that are beyond the lullaby and bedtime story stage, regular exercise and avoiding stimulants before bed can help. Banning electronic devices and phones in the bedroom is important. And children and teens of all ages will benefit from sleeping in a room that is cool, dark, and quiet. The post How Much Sleep Do Your Kids and Teens Really Need? appeared first on Parenting Journals.

Posted on: 25 August 2016 | 4:23 pm