Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

How To Make A Memorable Scrapbook For Your Child…without ...

When my son was only a few months old, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a scrapbooking party. I had no idea how much fun putting together a few pictures could be! Immediately, I was hooked. I had been taking pictures constantly since the day my baby was born, and now I finally had something to do with them all!Even though I take most of my photos with a digital camera, I really enjoy put. . .

4 Parenting Styles

Every grandmother and grandfather will tell you hilarious stories of their children when they were first born. And for every funny and touching story they have, they will be able to tell you another for every hardship they encountered. Parenting is something that is done in many different ways by each parent. The following are four general styles employed by parents.Authority: Authoritarian par. . .

21st Century Children

I didn’t have a child back in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and so on. Technically, I have nothing to compare raising a child in the 21st century too, except for my own childhood experiences, but I would have to say that raising a child now is more difficult than 30 years ago.I have to first start off by saying that no matter when you have your child it is not an easy job to raise the child properly. Ra. . .

Build Character: Help Your Kids Discuss Outside the Box

Parents and Teachers, are your kids afraid of taking risks? Are you afraid your kids won't develop their talents? Do they hide inside the Invisible Box?Let's learn a fun way to help your kids risk wisely, develop their talents, and stay out of the Invisible Box. In the last newsletter I described the Invisible Box. Let me refresh your memory.My toastmaster friend, Mike, presented a contest talk. . .

Teach Your Kids To Show Themselves They Care

The day my daughter came home from school talking about a Valentine fundraiser my heart sank. The school was selling heart shaped brownies for the children to send to their “special friends.” They could even send them anonymously. Everyone, she explained, was trying to buddy up to make sure to get a brownie. I know this is not nice to presume, but what if your child doesn't get a brownie, what . . .

Playing An Active Role In Your Children's Homeschooling

Homeschooling is an option that many parents choose when they feel that, for whatever reason, their child will not be getting the best education in a public or private school system. Homeschooling allows for a variety of curriculum and teaching techniques to be applied that suit your child's particular needs - often that is unlikely to happen in a large classroom setting. One of the benefits - . . .

The Valentine Gift Every Child Wants

Valentines Day Is fast approaching. Love in the air. It’s time to find that perfect gift that will express the way you feel about your loved ones.What about your children? What Valentines gift will you present to them this year? Will you demonstrate your love with the traditional box of their favorite candy or a colorful red rose? Or will you purchase a new video game? Perhaps a card with a ha. . .

Tired Of The Mess? Tips To Keep Your Child's Room Neat

Wanting your child to be organized and stay safe is an innate desire for parents. But sometimes, your kids don’t see it that way. All your kids want to do is play, play and play some more! If you’re having a hard time keeping your child’s room clean and organized, read on for some tips to help you achieve your goal. Make the room efficient. Make use of small drawers and cabinets where you can p. . .

Baby Sleep Tips - Feeding During The Day

Every parent of a newborn will inevitably deal with many sleepless nights. Babies, of course, have many needs, and when they awake in the night they will cry for their mothers. One of your most important tasks as a parent is to establish good sleeping habits in your child. Every baby must go through a transition where he adjusts from sleeping with his mother to sleeping on his own. This is a na. . .

Baby Monitors Explained

Baby monitors are an essential part of baby gear. When you have the baby asleep in the crib, you don't have to keep constantly checking to make sure that he/she is all right when you have a baby monitor. You have one part of the monitor in the nursery and the other in the same room of the house where you are. Every move and sound that the baby makes come through the speaker so it is almost like. . .

Winning the Candy Wars

Our children are being bombarded with candy from every direction. Chocolate bars, gum, suckers, and assorted gummy candies line the checkout lanes in grocery stores. School fundraisers sell candy bars, cookies, and brownies in the hallways during lunch hours. Every mall, skating rink, soccer complex, movie theater, and even the video store has a place to buy candy. And then there is the holiday. . .

How to Cope with Colic

When my oldest daughter was born, I walked the floor night and day, rocking and swaddling, singing and even crying...anything to make my new little miracle stop her endless crying. Well, everyone told me she just had colic and that it would pass. And, alas, pass it did, however I wish that I would have known then what I know now.There are many theories about the causes of colic. Many believe th. . .

Child Safety- Does Your Dog Have More Identification Than...

Take a moment and think about it. When you consider the fact that, as adults, we would never consider leaving the house without our id. We spend thousands on home and car alarms, we are even protecting our family pets with microchips; however, our most cherished possessions, our children, leave home without any identification.Here are some questions:- Have you taken the time to record your chil. . .

Teach Kids to Think, Discuss, and Build Character with 3 ...

Do you ache to know if you’re parenting well? Have your kids gone underground with their thoughts and feelings? Do you feel cut-off?The most important job you’ll ever have is parenting. To parent well, you need to know what your kids are thinking. If their thinking is crooked, their characters will be too. Let’s see how to straighten crooked thinking by viewing its power to create character.Thi. . .

Your Guide To Baby Shower Planning

With baby showers, as with all important events, often the details can get in the way of the hosts enjoyment of the party! Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time and enjoy yourself. A baby is on the way and the baby shower is your welcome home gift. Answer these questions before you begin and your baby shower is sure to be a success.Who Does What?Assign tasks. Delegating. . .

Work At Home Moms And Stress

How stressed are you really? Take this quiz to find out. Mark as many of the items below that you identify with._ Calgon! Take me away! What would you give for a vacation right now? If you named a body part, then you’re feeling too stressed._ I’ve fallen and I can’t get up. Is this how you feel in the morning when the alarm goes off?_ Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz…oh what a relief it is. Are you exper. . .

Baby Shower Prizes And Favors

The focus of every baby shower is helping provide the mother to be with the tools she will need to fully care for her new little one. Your baby shower will be no different! But offering your guests baby shower prizes and favors that they can take home with them to thank them for their gifts and commemorate the special day is a gesture that is well worth the time spent in preparation. What Baby . . .

Problem Solving And Conflict Resolution For Children

Problem solving and conflict resolution for children should begin being taught early on. If you’re a parent of multiple children in your family this becomes apparent as it won’t take siblings long at all to become engaged in some type of ‘sharing’ violation with one another. Children of a family with other children almost immediately are engaged in a social type of activity albeit only with the. . .

Birthday Party Recipes - 5 Tips For The Perfect Princess ...

You're ready... your princess has invited the belles of the ball to the finest Princess Birthday Party of the year. You've purchased decorations, planned a few games and have some lovely take home gifts for your guests. Now it's time to plan the finest menu for your royal princess and her court. Let's make it so fabulous that the girls will remember this day when they're planning their future d. . .

Time For Baby Shower Fun And Games!

When you create the guest list for your baby shower, you will probably see that you have gathered together an eclectic group of family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, church friends – most of whom won’t know each other! The best way to break the ice is to play a few baby shower games and get everyone laughing and comfortable.Baby Shower Game - How Much Does It Cost?From the local groce. . .

Are New Moms Hardwired for Self-Sacrifice?

I love babies. There is nothing more fulfilling and heart-expanding than having and raising a child. However, there is another side to being a new mom we don’t talk about much. And that’s…shhhh, don’t tell anyone….all the hard work and self-sacrifice that is required of her! It’s true, isn’t it? From the moment a woman brings her new baby home from the hospital, and for that first year, at. . .

The Not so Perfect Parent

All of us have that guilty feeling from time to time and yet it is the most wasted emotion of all. We can't take back words or actions, no matter how hard we wish. If you are a parent, this guilt seems to be present even more. This useless feeling is a universal phenomenon. Why does this "guilt trip" seem to be an expanding epidemic? I believe the answer to that is (1) More women work awa. . .

What Is A Preemie?

"Preemie" is the common term used when referring to a premature baby. The dictionary definition of a preemie is “a prematurely born infant”. A preemie is born before 37 weeks gestation while a full term baby is born at 37 weeks or after. Preemies require a very different start in life, and this can vary dramatically depending on the level of prematurity. Micropreemie and preemie are the two ter. . .

Keeping Your Children Busy When You Work From Home

Juggling children and work can be a challenge, whether you work outside the home or you are a work from home mom, but, in some ways, work from home moms face more challenges than moms who work outside the home. After all, when you’re in a traditional office, you don’t need to worry that a coworker will burst into the room and scream “Mommy, he took my doll,” just as you are beginning an importa. . .

Breastfeeding Problems - Mastits

MastitisWomen deciding to breastfeed anticipate that it will be a wonderful bonding experience for her and her baby. Nursing mothers all know that breast is best but what does she do about a case of mastitis?Recognizing the problemThere are many warning signs and indicate that you may be coming down with mastitis. 1) An area on the breast becomes sore and red. The site of the clogged duct de. . .

Your Preemie Is In The NICU - What Can You Do?

Your feelings are tied up in that tiny little preemie bundle, and you have a hard time comprehending this small, wrinkled resemblance of a baby that is attached to every conceivable contraption...could belong to you. But when your heart is broken in more places then you could ever dream possible, and waiting seems endless, you are harshly welcomed into the world of parenthood. It is truly stagg. . .

Peg Perego Strollers - Fun, Sturdy And Safe

Peg Perego baby strollers are very popular with new parents. There are many models available for either one or two children. Some of the models available in this line are Aria – double or twin, Venezia, Pliko, Tender XL, or even an all-terrain stroller such as the Atlantico Classico. This selection means there is a peg perego stroller for any family.Peg Perego baby strollers are manufactured in. . .

The Hidden Effects of Childhood Maltreatment and How Life...

Violence against women is one of the primary health problems facing adults today. Many people are not aware that childhood maltreatment is a powerful risk factor for health problems in adulthood. Its victims can suffer lifelong health effects.Maltreatment is best viewed as a risk factor for a wide range of subsequent health problems. Were you neglected, sexually abused or physically abused as a. . .

Baby Sleep Tips - Some Tricks For The Transition

As a new parent, one of your priorities will be to establish good sleeping habits with your newborn. Your baby needs to learn to sleep on his own; the transition from sleeping with his mother to sleeping by himself takes some time. Of course, as add added bonus, if you get your baby to learn to sleep on his own you will also get some much needed rest yourself. To instill good sleeping habits in. . .

Choosing a Baby Name They Can Be Proud of

Getting ready for a new baby can be exciting, exhausting, and exhilarating all at once. One of the most challenging obstacles for new parents can be choosing a baby name. A name will identify your child throughout their life, people will form opinions about your child based solely on their name, and the name you choose will also play a role in molding your child's personality and behavior. Lear. . .

25 Top Irish Names for a Baby Boy

Would you like to give your baby boy a name reflective of your Irish roots? In this article, I’ve listed some of the most popular names for a boy in Ireland, according to the Central Statistics Office of Ireland. For each name appearing below, I have given the Gaelic spelling, the name’s meaning, and, when applicable, the Anglo-Saxon version of the name.Adhamh – Gaelic for Adam; “red earth, rud. . .

Birthing Pains Of Child Adoption

So you’ve met the person who you want to spend the rest of your life with. You get married, ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after. Right? Well perhaps “happily every after” is subjective and means something different to different people. But whatever happens after you ride off into the sunset and disappear into the horizon, your married life will eventually have to make room for . . .

Coping with Tantrums

Tantrums are never easy to deal with and push parents to their limits of patients. It often seems to be that parents of children with social difficulties have a harder job because tantrums are either more frequent, unpredictable or harder to bring under control.The DifficultiesChildren with social difficulties can be very difficult to calm down when they have a tantrum because they have less o. . .

Guide To Massaging New Born Babies

Newborns simply love to be touched and cuddled. The skin to skin touch helps you and your baby bond, comforts your baby when she is upset or uneasy with gas or colic problems. Hence, touch is a critical part of growth and development.The massage strokes used on adults are completely different from the strokes to be used on newborns. You can adapt the adult strokes to massage your child. Just ma. . .

Are New Moms Hardwired for Self-Sacrifice?: Part 2

When I shared with my friends and family the good news that I was pregnant with twins, they all said two words to me, “Get help.” That was the best advice I received. Now, you might be saying, “But I can’t afford help,” or “I could never leave my baby with anyone else!” I said that too. Learning to trust a stranger with the most precious thing in your life is scary. Also, hiring a full-time,. . .

What's in a Name?

There are lists of things to "be aware of" as parents go to naming their little one. Things like "Name him this" or "Don't use John because it’s too common" or "Don't pick that name because she will get made fun of". Some might also say, "You should name him after your great uncle Harvey." "Don't name her Susan because it means...," it’s all a bunch of hype. Parents shouldn’t get caught up in . . .

Standardized Testing Teaching Tips

Standardized tests can be very stressful for children. Here, therefore, are some tips for parents and children that may help.Before the Test...for Parents and Children1. Have children study every night during the year so they will understand the material as their teacher is presenting it. Clear up any confusion as they go. This will make them confident in their knowledge and lead to a review fo. . .

Baby Proofing Your Home

A baby is a both a joy and a responsibility. Taking precautions help to ensure that your new addition is safe can ease some parenting burdens.Before bringing your baby home, slowly investigate each room. Get down on the floor. Lay down if possible. See your home from a baby’s point of view. Look for hazards and correct them. Some potential dangers to watch for include:Anything dangling. Electri. . .

Potty Training Your Child

Potty training your child could be a big challenge, especially if it is your firstborn. You may be a little nervous wondering if you are doing everything correctly to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Potty training is a natural part of a child's development and can be made easier just by understanding factors that indicate your child is ready to begin learning the task.One impor. . .

Miracle Mantra

“Wow Mom, I think I’m very lucky to have parents like mine!” For a teenager to praise parents, sounds unthinkable. This profound statement was the culmination of her school friends discussing parents in general. Don’t you think those are the most gratifying words a child could say to a parent? Well, when I heard them from our fifteen-year-old daughter, my sense of achievement must have surp. . .

25 Top Irish Names for a Baby Girl

Would you like to give your baby girl a name reflective of your Irish roots? In this article, I’ve listed some of the most popular names for a girl in Ireland, according to the Central Statistics Office of Ireland. For each name appearing below, I have given the Gaelic spelling, the name’s meaning, and, when applicable, the Anglo-Saxon version of the name.Abaigeal - Gaelic for Abigail; "father'. . .

Five Ways To De-Stress The Stay-At-Home-Mom!

As a stay-at-home mom, I often wonder why I get so stressed out. Before having children, I worked full-time and managed to be involved in multiple extra-curricular activities – none of which seemed to put me over the top. So why does being a mother and homemaker frazzle my nerves so much?I think I may finally have the answer to this question. I’ve come to realize, for myself at least, that a we. . .

How we Talk to Children with Autism

I'd like to discuss how we talk to children with autism. One of the things that strikes me is the wide range of what is considered acceptable. I'm not talking about teaching methods. Specifically, I'm talking about the tone and volume in which we speak to these children. I know that they're often difficult to reach and may require multiple attempts to get them to attend or to understand what is. . .

Steroids: Could Your Child Be Next?

"Players that are guilty of taking steroids are not only cheaters, you are cowards. ...Show our kids that you're man enough to face authority, tell the truth and face the consequences.” — Donald Hooton of Plano, Texas, who testified before Congress that his son, Taylor, a high school baseball player, committed suicide in 2003 after steroid use.Does your child use steroids?Of course not.That's w. . .

Baby Sleep Tips - Develop A Reasonable Attitude

It's impossible to list all the different skills you need, and decisions that you have to make, as a new parent. Although you should try to educate yourself and talk to other parents, in most cases the best solution for any questions you may have is to follow your instincts. Parenting is, after all, one of the most natural things in the world. One of the most common and difficult things you'll . . .

Baby Sleep Tips - The Ferber Method

One of the most important things in getting you baby to sleep properly is for your baby to learn to sleep on his or her own. The reason it is so difficult for many parents - why parents of a newborn suffer from so many sleepless nights - is because your baby, at first, isn't used to sleeping on his own, and when he wakes up in the night he cries for his mother: being in the presence of his moth. . .

Stop Leaving Your Child with Strangers

Have you been there? The frightening crunch where you need to make money but don’t want to leave your child with strangers.It is a horrible feeling!When my oldest daughter was 3 years old (and I was a bit greener) I had to come back to my child’s daycare center unannounced to get something I left for work only to discover that my daughter was still in her car seat in the same spot I left her an. . .

Navigating The Dark Seas Of Maternity: Eight Wonders of a...

Mother Nature shanghais us into procreation with visions of swan-drawn gondolas skimming across a lotus-rimmed lake. Okay, we expect there’ll be some rowing, seasickness and the occasional snapping turtle. But what happens when we find ourselves chained to the oars of a tempest-tossed, scurvy-ridden dinghy riding a fifty-foot swell straight into Monster Island? That perilous voyage into motherh. . .

Evenflo Strollers - Love On Wheels

The Evenflo stroller have beautifully designed fabric and seat harnesses to keep the baby safe and secure. You can have a complete travel system which has a car seat included, but many of the models accept an Evenflo car seat, such as the Evenflo Portabout or the Discovery Infant.Some people say that some models of evenflo strollers are not well suited for a larger toddler (they are however des. . .

12 Commandments for Parents

An important factor in a child's education is the parents'expertise for this "job". No one is born holding all theknowledge, but we can learn and understand some things frombooks or advice from qualified persons.Among the commandments a parent should strictly follow arethe following:1. Do not underestimate your child - he can understand morethan you think he does and if you make him believe you. . .