Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Tips To Plan Your Kid Party Menu

Plan your kid party menu early to allow time to shop for ingredient and avoid last minutes work. When planning for your menu, the following are to take into consideration1. Age of your guest. Younger children love simple bite-sized food while order children are usually more adventurous. Don’t serve nuts, hard candies, or hot dogs to small children because of the hazard of choking.2. Don’t forge. . .

How To Potty Train In Two Days

Ah, potty training!Go to a local bookseller and you will find dozens of books on the subject. Search the Net and there are thousands of websites with information on how to do it stress free. There are even people who are capitalizing on a parent's frustration with potty training by offering to do it for you, for a hefty sum! I honestly can't imagine anything more unseemly than paying someone to. . .

Raising Baby On The Cheap

Have you ever read those reports on the cost of raising a child?The last time I checked, I was told that it would cost the astronomical figure of $430,470 to raise my baby... and that didn't include college tuition!The people who come up with these figures must not be very creative. Some of the best things you can do for your child are free or very inexpensive. Here are some tips for raising ki. . .

Parenting Activity: Use These 3 Time Out Twists

Are you tired of arguing with your kids? Do you wish your kids would take responsibility for their actions? Here’s an easy way. Let’s find out about Time Out (T.O.) using my 3 special twists. You can easily use them with kids from ages 3 to 11 years old. When my boys were growing up, I used T.O. often. If they sassed, snuck out to play without doing their chores, or fought with each other, they. . .

Crib or Bassinet? What is Right For Your Child?

So here's the question... Should you buy a crib or a bassinet?The decision to use a crib or a bassinet is one that many parents often wrestle with. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. A bassinet is great for a newborn baby because it is a small area, which helps the infant to feel more secure. The frilly bedding also helps to make the infant look that much more precious. There are ma. . .

Trying To Get You Child To Stop Stealing

Children steal for a variety reasons. Some steal for comfort, others to impress a group of friends, get back at their parents, or to get the things they want. Sometimes they steal just because it is exciting. Probably as many as one in four children have deliberately stolen something at some time. Most, of course, never do it again. But those who do, do so for one reason: it works. Whatever the. . .

Tips For Discreet Breastfeeding In Public

If you're a new Mom who is nursing your baby you may be nervous about doing so in public.Or perhaps you are disturbed by media reports of women who are harassed for breastfeeding in public and are considering pumping your milk to give your baby when you leave home.Here are some tips for discreet breastfeeding that have worked for many Moms. Hopefully they will help you feel more comfortable nur. . .

Are Chat Rooms A Menace To Your Children?

My answer would be: yes, with qualifications. I've been running internet chat rooms since 1998, at http://www.tigertom.com/chat_rooms.htm. Nothing fancy. The software was freely available. I just had to make some important modifications: adding bad word filters and automated 'kicking' (ejection from the rooms). You think free speech is a good thing, until you read what anonymous, malevolent you. . .

Asperger Syndrome Children and Tantrums

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome the world over share a common trait – meltdown – otherwise known as a tantrum, a “birko”, a “go-off” or “spack-attack”.The visible symptoms of meltdown are as varied as the Asperger children themselves, but every parent is able to describe their child’s meltdown behaviour in intricate detail.Meltdowns can be short lived, or last as long as two hours. They can b. . .

The Absentee Parent - Parenting From A Distance

You want to be able to continue having a great relationship with your kids after separation or divorce. This means focusing on the kids rather than your ex-partner. You need to be parents rather than partners.Breaking up is difficult enough without losing touch with your kids…you are feeling the loss of that everyday contact and you believe your children miss you too. You may not always be sure. . .

Signs Of A Gifted Child

Being the parent of and raising a gifted child can be very exciting and rewarding yet just as daunting as well. But first, how do you as a parent recognize a sign of a gifted child? Definitions and perceptions of what exactly constitutes a gifted child vary among those experts in this field of child development and education. Gifted children will generally not only require some modifications t. . .

The Laid Back Parents Guide To Teaching Your Child To Read

At first I thought of titling this article "The Lazy Parent's Guide" but then I realized that most parents aren't lazy, but they may have a slightly different philosophy about children and learning.If you're a big reader yourself or if you're homeschooling, you're probably concerned about how to teach your child to read. Reading is one of the most important skills a person can learn, and a grea. . .

Caring For Baby's Clothes

New parents are full of concerns about what regular household activities may pose a threat or present problems for their newest family member. At some point the question about the best ways to wash baby clothing will arise. Parents typically ask whether there is a certain type off detergent that they should use, whether it is safe to wash baby clothes with the rest of the family's clothing and . . .

Breast Pumps: The Best For The Babies

Women are always concerned about children, especially with their own children. And this can lead women to do many things in order to protect their babies.Breast pumps are just one of these things women do and use for provide their babies with the best care they can. Used for different reasons, breast pumps are the answer for women who don’t have enough milk to provide for their children or at l. . .

What Parents Should Know About Teens And Teasing At School

For most teens, going back to school means sharing classrooms and a building with many other students. Unfortunately some learners have to deal with inappropriate behavior such as teasing. Teasing is the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously, especially by ridicule. It is hurtful and potentially dangerous. Judy S. Freedman’s book "Easing the Teasing" is very helpful for dealing with. . .

Baby Toys: The Best Choices for Baby’s Development

Toys do more than just keep babies entertained – they’re extremely important for their mental, physical, intellectual and social development. They are the tools that teach baby about their world and their place in it. They add excitement to learning about life, how things work and how to get along with others. Good toys will give your little one the motivation to play and develop basic skills. . . .

Is My Child Autistic? How Can I Tell?

Autism is a term that refers to a collection ofneurologically based developmental disorders in whichindividuals have impairments in social interaction andcommunication skills, along with a tendency to haverepetitive behaviors or interests.The severity of autism varies greatly, from individuals withlittle speech and poor daily living skills, to others whofunction well in most settings. Approxima. . .

Breast Or Bottle – Which Is Right For You

There are lots of decisions to make when there’s a baby on the way. One of the most controversial is the ever raging “breast or bottle” debate. There are many people who have strong feelings on both sides of this issue, and many of them will try like a televangelist to get you on their side. I’m not going to do that. I’m going to give you the facts, and share some personal insight on the subjec. . .

8 Great Baby Products that Make Mom’s Life Easier

You’re exhausted. You ache all over. You haven’t slept in what feels like days. Sounds like you’ve just completed the Tour de France or climbed Mount Everest. No, you’re “just” a Mom. With all that is demanded of moms they need as many products as possible that save them time and energy. The latest and greatest baby products are created with the overextended mom in mind they make your life eas. . .

Bird Flu Blues – Helping Kids Cope With Bad News

Our kids hear so much bad and frightening news, such as Avian (bird) Flu. It is important that we as parents are talking and praying with our kids about what they see and hear in the news before their fears blow up. My son Josh was scared. You could see it in his little face. Angst was written all over him. His knuckles were as white as his t-shirt. He starred down. “What’s up?” I asked with a . . .

Every Baby is Different: Guidance in getting your baby to...

While you are pregnant and even after your baby is born, you will get advice from all angles. Some of the advice will make you laugh, other advice will make you mad and other advice will make you discouraged that it didn’t work. The most important thing to remember as a new parent is that every baby is different and you have to find what works for you and your baby. With the advice you are a. . .

The Challenge of Parenthood

"A new baby is like the beginning of all things--wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities." (Eda J. Le Shan)The Transition to ParenthoodBecoming a parent is a major lifestyle change that can be very rewarding yet very stressful. Consider the following advice on how to make this step more easily in your new job as a parent.Parenthood is a step into a new lifestyleIt is important to be aware that y. . .

Strattera Linked to Suicidal Thoughts in Children

Adding to the "Black Box" warning that Strattera can cause liver problems comes a new warning that Strattera can cause suicidal thoughts in children taking the ADHD drug. The FDA is now making the company put a warning label on its product about the Strattera/child suicide connection. This newest warning, released Sept. 29 2005, is the result of re-analzed trial data. At the request of the FDA,. . .

To Circumcise Or Not To Circumcise

If you’re about to have a baby, no doubt the subject of circumcision for a boy baby has entered your mind. Circumcision is a personal choice – but, of course, it’s one that you’re making for another person- so you tend to feel a fair amount of pressure to make a good decision. Here are some things to think about that might make your choice easier. In the US, the majority of boys are circumcised. . .

Alison's Journey Home: An Adoption Story - Part 1

Five years ago today, I was in Kazakhstan, in the middle of the most important event of my life. I was becoming a mother! I met my daughter just a couple of weeks earlier, though I had dreamed of her my entire life.As 5 years is a milestone, I took this opportunity to read the online journal that I kept during the experience. Perhaps it will help others in their journeys to parenthood….Part . . .

Adult ADHD Drug Use Skyrockets

The Strattera television depicted a distracted man forgetting his car keys, arriving late to appointments and failing to complete work assignments on time. In the forefront of many adults’ minds was, “Yeah, I can relate.”Today more and more adults are looking at their newly diagnosed ADHD children and seeing a bit of themselves in the symptoms. More and more adults are looking at the ADHD adver. . .

Family Meetings Help Kids Discuss and Build Character Too

When my boys were growing up, soccer, football, and basketball kept us on the run. Both my husband (Jim’s a psychologist) and I were therapists. We helped others manage their lives yet our own lives were spinning out of control. We knew we needed to make face-to-face time with our boys. We wanted them to share our values, to learn how to solve people problems, and to have family fun together.Wo. . .

How To Teach Your Children To Beat Stress

We are sending our children into a future filled with stress and conflict. Parents and teachers have the responsibility to model behaviors and teach skills that will enable our children to be productive, accepting, healthy, and above all, resilient. 1. Self-understanding and acceptance Self-esteem is a realistic estimate of your own capabilities and worth. People with high self-esteem are produ. . .

Tips On How To Conduct Background Checks for Nanny Services

Hiring a nanny is a sophisticated process that involves searching, interviewing, checking references and extending an offer to the right candidate. When the nanny has accepted your offer, the final step is conducting a criminal background check. Your offer should be contingent on the outcome of those results.What to check? It’s hard to imagine that in this era of the Internet and computerizatio. . .

How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready To Be Potty Trained?

Well, as they say, if I knew the answer to this question and I could apply it to every child, I’d be rich! The simple answer is there no simple answer that can be applied universally. However, based on our extensive research and experience we can offer the following advice and tips.The majority of clinical research studies suggest that you can expect that a normal, healthy toddler should be rea. . .

Educational Toys - Let Children Learn While They Are Havi...

In today’s fast pace modern world, few parents manage to spend enough quality time with their children resulting in deprivation of some vital stimulation. This caused a lot of children to strive with learning problems at school. Most of these learning problems can be traced back to inadequate learning experiences during their infant, toddler and preschool years. Everyone loves to play and child. . .

You CAN afford to be a Stay-at-Home Parent!

From the moment I learned I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. That feeling only strengthened when my beautiful son was born. I took one look at him and wondered how I could ever give up the opportunity to spend each and every day with him, watching him grow and learn, and exploring the world for the first time through his eyes. But there was a problem. We were a two-income. . .

When Your Teenager Is Out Of Control: Troubled Teen Prog...

Introduction to Troubled Teen ProgramsMore than ever, teens today are facing an uncertain future. With political instability across the globe and unrest in local communities, it’s no wonder that our teens are confused and scared about their place in the world. Just as they are trying to find their own adult identity, the teenage body is hit with an influx of hormones and unsettling emotions tha. . .

9 Quick Breastfeeding Tips

New mothers may find breastfeeding confusing at first. You may not know exactly what to do or how to do it. Hopefully these breastfeeding tips will help to get you started.* Start Early - It is good to begin breastfeeding within an hour after birth if possible, when the baby is alert and the instinct to suck is strong. Although you will not yet be producing milk, your breasts contain colostrum,. . .

Baby Bedding Buying Made Simple

There is a near endless array of baby bedding on the market that includes sets that are gender specific and others that can be used for either a boy or a girl. You can buy each piece separately but if you really think about it, it is the most expensive way to go. Just as there are ‘bed-in-a-bag’ sets for adults they have them for your nursery as well.A bed in a bag set includes sheet, pillow c. . .

Have a Familiy New Year's Blast!

Believe it or not, you CAN enjoy a New Year’s Eve bash once you have kids – even if you CAN’T get a sitter!PRESCHOOLERS AND KIDS IN THE EARLY ELEMENTARY GRADES LOVE GETTING INTO THE NEW YEAR'S SPIRIT.To build excitement, announce a day or two ahead of time that you’re going to have a night-time New Year’s party with pajamas on.Then, when you go grocery shopping, you can let your child pick out . . .

Reinventing Time-Out

Parents are often advised to put their child in time-out as a form of discipline. While this sure beats the old-fashioned method of spanking as a behavior management tool, it still presents a few problems. Not the least of which is … who’s gonna make him go? If he refuses, and you pick him up or drag him over there, haven’t you just resorted to controlling your child using physical force? An. . .

Indigo/Crystal Phenomena: ADD/ADHD Children

Who are these Indigo and Crystal Children? Am I one? How can I help my own child who seems to be one?There are many things that we can do to help these new breed of children, but the most important thing to know is that the Indigo/Crystal phenomenon is the next big step in our human evolution. We all are, in some way or another, becoming more like the Indigo and Crystal people. The more one cho. . .

Double Strollers: What Do You Really Need?

Is baby number two on the way or are you expecting twins? Then you definitely need a double stroller. Before you begin your search among the countless models that are available, you need to determine what your stroller needs are for your particular lifestyle. For example, it doesn't make sense to purchase the same double stroller your best friend raves about if you're an avid jogger and her fav. . .

Quiet Moments

Quiet time alone is a "must have" for happy couples. With all of life's modern conveniences, you would think that we would have more time to ourselves. Yet study after study continues to report just the opposite. Overall, we have less time to enjoy the good things in life -- things like quality time with each other. If we are not careful, our relationships can end up on the backburner and head. . .

Pacifier or Not?

Before I had children, I swore my child would never use a pacifier. To me, they were simply signs that a child was just not very well taken care of. You know, Mom doesn’t want to pick the baby up and comfort her, so she just puts a pacifier in her mouth to quiet her. But, I’m older now, and I have three children, so I’m wiser too. There definitely are times when a pacifier is a huge help – . . .

Stop 'Shoulding' on Yourself: Parenting Without Resentment

Parenting extroverted children sure can be exhausting for an introvert. Constant noise, questions, chatter. No room in my head to hear myself think. Actually, now that my kids are finally in bed, and I CAN hear myself think, I realize that I’ve been having problems setting boundaries lately.When I have a project to complete or an email to write or a phone call to make, I haven’t been remembe. . .

Are You Meeting ALL Your Child's Basic Needs?

This may come as a surprise, but many parents are unaware ofthe full extent of their child's basic needs.Do you remember the old song by Lennon and McCartney aboutthe girl leaving home after 'living alone for so manyyears'? The parents were desolate. They'd given hereverything money could buy - so how could she possibly havebeen lonely and unhappy? Clearly, there were some needs that just weren. . .

Bathing Your Newborn

Bathing a newborn baby can be a traumatic event for a first time Mom. Newborns can seem so fragile, and wet, slippery ones downright frightening. But, don’t fear; once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel like a pro. Newborns only need to be bathed two or three times a week – bathing more often can result in dry skin. First of all, it’s important not to put your newborn in any sort of bathtub un. . .