Parenting

To the casual observer, a child who is drawing or coloring in, is merely scribbling. The marks seem to be haphazard, almost meaningless. But there is much more happening in your young child’s mind while s/he engages in the physical act of drawing and coloring.

In fact, examining a child’s drawing may give us important insights into how drawing fits into their overall physical, emotional and cognitive development of the young child. From toddlerhood through primary school, children choose to draw and color, but the process starts much earlier – during toddlerhood.

At around the age of 18 months, toddlers become interested in scribbling. It seems to provide sensory enjoyment, but the child is also interested in the marks that are made. The act of scribbling can serve several useful purposes for the young child. Small muscle coordination and control improve with practice, cognitive abilities are exercised, opportunities for social interaction arise, and the physical movements provide emotional release.

Because a toddler’s small muscle control is not fully developed, he or she may approach the coloring sheet by grasping the marker with his or her fist and may have difficulty placing the marks exactly where he or she wants them. Movements are typically large, involving the entire arm with very little finger or wrist control. This is because the pattern of physical development proceeds from the center of the trunk outward.

With practice, the toddler will naturally improve his or her control, full control, however, will not be achieved until much later. A few toddlers rest the forearm on the drawing surface to give them additional control. A rhythmic, repetitive, scrubbing motion is common among two-year-olds, providing sensory enjoyment and making drawing a very physical act.

By providing children with the materials and opportunities to scribble we can promote physical skills. Just as babbling is a natural way to learn to speak, scribbling is a natural gateway to muscle control and coordination.

Intellectually toddlers are concerned with both the process and results of their art. They do not intend to represent objects at first. Instead, they are concerned with color and line. However, they may look at the marks and scribbles they have made and, in surprise, recognize a shape and name it. While they may not have intended to draw a dog or tree, the scribbles suggest the shapes. Children interpret, rather than intend. This is called fortuitous realism and becomes common as a child approaches three years of age.

As a parent you can encourage your child to draw and color by offering him or her opportunities to do so. Provide them with blank sheets of paper to let their creativity run wild or supply a coloring book or coloring sheets – many of which are available free of charge online. Little girls may enjoy coloring images of  princesses and at sites like Princess Coloring Pages you’ll find many princess colouring

Little boys to tend to prefer images of trucks, cars or machinery – but images of Disney characters are also a hit with little boys.

Remember that toddlers need constant supervision while coloring due to the choking hazard that crayons pose.

Kids don’t tend to want to go outside so much these days, they’re too busy smashing buttons on their xbox or messaging each other over the latest instant messenger. It’s high time to force your kids to take the plunge and take a punt at playing outside, it’s quite nice this time of year, they really ought to give it a go.

Like bears waking from their winter sleep your children might look at the outside world with squinted eyes and confusion, if this is the case you might need to try and coax them out with a gift. Ride on toys are a good compromise between outside and inside, they allow your child to FEEL as though they’re inside by being in the comforting presence of a plastic toy, all the while they’re forced to explore the outdoor world with their new fangled toy.

Drag their rolling death trap to the top of a tall hill and give them a firm push downwards, the genuine fear that they might injure themselves will excite and inspire them 100 times more than any virtual simulation could do. Team them up with next doors kid and pit them against each other in a never ending battle for control of the galaxy, arrange races, inspire them, scare them and chase them, just keep them outside!

It could go either way, you might find that your child takes a likening to the box the ride on toy came in, so maybe a box would be a cheaper alternative? How many times has a child ignored their toy and instead choose to play in the box?

There are plenty of activity toys you could entice your children outside with if the ride on toy doesn’t go to plan. Failing that, you’ve probably spawned an agoraphobe. Oops. Maybe they’ll like a KidKraft Kitchen?

It’s no secret that lots of kids don’t like bedtime. Sometimes it seems they’ll do anything not to hit the sheets. They want another glass of water … another story … reassurance that there are no monsters in the closet. It's obvious that your child is nervous. How can you help children manage their anxiety, especially when you might not fully understand their bedtime-related worries?

It’s important to know that a lot of night-time fears are directly related to the dark. As children become more informed about danger, their fear of the dark increases. If you think your child’s unease at bedtime is due to her fear of the dark, you’re probably wondering what you can do. According to Dr. Jane Nelsen, Ed. D., co-author of Positive Discipline A-Z, it’s a good idea to get your child to open up about their fears. Talking can help them think everything through. “The more capable a child feels, the less likely she is to be afraid,” Dr. Nelsen said in a recent parents.com article. But remember: kids have active imaginations, so you won't be able to rationalize their fears. As parents, all we can do is be patient and really listen to kids' concerns, whatever they may be.

We've come up with additional ideas to help to chase those monsters out of the closet:

– Shine some light on the problem: Create a comfortable environment for your child by getting them a nightlight. When they can see what is beyond their bed, the dark will no longer be such a frightening mystery.

– Get crafty: According to clinical psychologist Madeleine Nathan, Ph.D., giving your child “magic” tools to banish “magical” creatures might help. Just like in Judy Blume’s “Fudge” book series, you could make some “Monster Spray." Get an inexpensive spray bottle and fill it with water. Label it as “Monster Spray” and explain to your child that this spray repels monsters instantly.

– Poetic license: You could come up with a funny rhyme to banish the bogeyman. Tell your child that the rhyme is an enchantment used by wizards against night-time creatures. Once the rhyme is recited, check the closet or under the bed and show your child how his words scared any monsters away.

When coming up with ways to combat the "monster under the bed" problem, you can also draw on books you have read with your child. For example, kids probably already know that the Paper Bag Princess defeated the dragon (The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch), and that Max was made king of the “Wild Things” (Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak) – in short, that monsters are what we make them … and they can be put in their place.

If you’re looking for a fresh take on the child vs. monster conflict, we’ve found the perfect book to put your child’s night-time fears to bed. Penelope and the Monsters, by Sheri Radford, is a particularly clever – and, we might add, FUN – story. This comical twist on bedtime fears is recommended for children from Kindergarten age up to grade 1 or 2, but we're pretty sure the entire family (parents included!) will love Penelope's antics.

Hailed by parents and teachers alike, Penelope and the Monsters was Canadian Children’s Book Centre Our Choice Selection, and was a finalist for both the Ontario Library Association’s Blue Spruce Award and the B.C. Chocolate Lily Book Award. This second installment in the "Penelope" series features the young heroine in her toughest problem yet: convincing her parents that she will "never, ever, not in a million trillion gazillion years, go to sleep." She is certain that monsters make her drawers dance, her closet creeeak, and her bed bounce. But to prove her point, she has to confront the strange beings that seem to have made her room their own. According to Resource Links, the strength of Penelope and the Monsters is the portrayal of a “role model of a child demonstrating strength to take control of her own fears." Trust us, by the end of this book, Penelope will have readers hitting the sheets and proudly proclaiming, "I will never, ever, not in a million trillion gazillion years be afraid of monsters again!”

Find all three “Penelope” books, including Penelope and the Monsters, at www.mommypicks.com. **

Many people have heard that there is a possible connection between gum disease and diabetes. The body’s ability to work with sugar, as one study suggested, improved when periodontal disease was treated.

One theory is that when there is a chronic inflammatory response, such as what exists with gum disease, that the insulin receptors on the cell membranes tend to diminish. This is thought to happen because of the elevated amount of inflammatory chemicals that show up in the blood when there is an infection.

So, is is possible that clearing up any gingivitis may be helpful in your fight to control blood glucose levels? Many dental professionals believe this is true. In fact, there has been speculation that gum disease seems to be linked somehow to many diseases that, on the surface, appear to be unrelated.

When you use common sense, it doesn’t seem so far fetched. Don’t horse buyers check the health of a horse’s mouth before they buy him? The wisdom is there in our culture, but in our modern world, we are so busy that we often forget to put two and two together.

One device that many have found helpful is the HydroFloss oral irrigator.There are many patients and dentists who like this device.  Another item of favor is perio mouthwash. 

When you shop for oral care products look for therabreath savings because this product line is infused with oxygen. This oxygen is something that the anaerobic bacteria in the mouth want to avoid.They can be killed or forced to behave under the presence of oxygen. 

Let us hope that awareness of the devastating effects of periodontal disease can become more common place. It does seem like a shame to think that something could be prevented through more awareness of what dental disease can actually do. The problems it seems to potentially cause or at least seem to be related to are numerous. Take steps to end the problem of gum disease in your life.

Armed with a little knowledge, you can teach your children how to avoid some nasty inconveniences in life such as gum disease and receding gums! Read on to gain valuable insight.

Gum recession defined- Before we can get to why gums recede it is important to establish what recession actually is. Gum recession refers to retraction or separation of gum tissue from alveolar bone and teeth. In layman’s terms this is called: ‘getting long in the tooth’.

What causes gums to recede?- Pressure on teeth and gums is a major cause of gum recession. Aggressive brushing by hard bristle brushes, unbalanced jaws as well as spicy and hot foods may all potentially lead to retraction. Bacteria produced by plaque on teeth and underneath the gum line has been identified as the number one culprit destroying gum tissue and in turn leading to gum recession.

Other possible causes – Nutritional deficiencies including a lack of Vitamin C is also a potential cause of the problem, thus daily, nutritional supplements may be helpful.

Signs and symptoms- In the initial phase of the recession, signs and symptoms may not be clearly visible. However there are a couple of very clear indications that a serious underlying problem may be brewing including bad breath, loose teeth, pain or discomfort, tenderness and bleeding gums

What are the available treatment options?- Unfortunately, there is no ultimate cure for receding gums except surgery which may be very intrusive not to mention painful and not recommended for all patients due to the fact that the problem may not justify surgery.

There are two options that in addition to getting your teeth cleaned professionally every two to three months can help. One is the HydroFloss oral irrigator. This device is something that many people, both professionals and non-professionals alike think is worth having.

You should also consider getting some therabreath oral rinses. These rinses have the power of oxygen in them and this can help fight bacteria that produce gum disease and bad breath. 

One thing is for sure, the battle against gum disease is a fight that must be fought every day. There is no ‘taking a day off’ This is especially true if you have already developed a problem that must be fix. Now, that you have a little bit of knowledge, go out and defeat this disease or prevent it from happening in the first place. This is a danger to every person and every family.

Trust me when I say I have been there: Every time they probe your mouth to check for pocket depth it feels like someone is driving a pin straight down to your heart. Do you know that feeling too?

You see, you might think that is normal, but it really is not. If your gums are healthy, you really won’t feel that kind of irritation and pain. When your gums are well, it really doesn’t bother you when they poke and prod your gums. You really don’t feel it. So, if you are feeling it, it most likely means you have some form of gum disease. Your dentist will be able to confirm for you.

Really, you are not alone. There are a ton of people with this problem. One of the worst characteristics of periodontal disease is that few people realize they have it until it is pointed out to them or until the damage has been done. That means that gum recession, or worse, loose teeth have become evident.

One thing you can do is get yourself a HydroFloss oral irrigator. These devices have helped a lot of people. Some dentists recommend them to their patients.  

Most of the time, your dental professional will be more than willing to step in with some type of expensive treatment that may also be painful after the medicine wears off. Sometimes, it is too late to avoid this. However,it is important to end gum disease.

Many people misunderstand two things about gingival disease. One, they misunderstand how widespread it is. Two: People think that stopping is as easy as brushing and flossing more. That is not always the case. Follow the links below to learn what you can do to stop or prevent gum disease and keep it from coming back. Take steps to do so today. Protect yourself and your family.

Long Term Care Health Insurance refers to the need that many sick or injured Americans are experiencing due to old age, debilitating illness, or due to an accident that has left them unable to care for themselves for a long period of time. This type of insurance will take care of some of the costs incurred in nursing homes. An assisted living facility or even care given to you in your own home.

As the American population ages, those over the age of 85 are now found to be the fastest growing group and they almost all need long term cheap health insurance plan. Unfortunately the odds of having to enter a nursing home grow alarmingly high. Also very unfortunate is the fact that the cost of long-term care is already extremely high!

Yes, Medicare pays some of the costs associated with long term care, however, the rules are stringent, and regrettably they do not pay for long term care, only short term care. Generally families end up paying for long term care, until their money dwindles and the patient then can qualify for Medicaid. What the future will hold for long-term care, nobody knows! But this is why Long Term Care Health Insurance may be one of the most important insurance policies you will hold.

Coverage for long term life insurance policies vary tremendously, but some even have waiver of premium should you need the care. The initial cost of the premiums also can differ tremendously the amount of time of receiving the long-term care that allowed to be spent.

Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disabilities are covered in long-term care health insurance; as such disabilities often require 24-hour watches. Regarding a preexisting clause, usually the preexisting clause in no longer enforceable if after six months have passed you are not needing long-term care.

Having the baby in your home? Who would even think of such a thing?  Didn’t that only happen back in the early days of our country when doctor’s had to go out to the prairie and deliver babies?

Not quite.  There is a growing group of women who realize the benefits of a homebirth and having your baby at home.

This practice of having your baby at home is called midwifery.  Although they are usually not doctors or nurses, people who are in this profession are professionally regulated.  I myself have seen the steady rise of homebirths through my practice as a San Diego certified midwife.

The people, generally women, who perform this line of work are called homebirth midwives.  Midwives is a more common term that people are familiar with and means a person who attends childbirth and provides support during labor and delivery.

Now why the midwife generally isn’t a doctor or nurse is because having your baby at home, or midwifery, is usually the belief that pregnancy and delivery are natural events.  This is in stark contrast with the medical model which relies on medicine to assist and improve the pregnancy and delivery.

With that taken care of, lets examine why women are choosing to have babies at home.  What benefits are making women choose homebirths?

First, when you have a midwife present, this can cause the time of labor to be reduced.  Most women aren’t told that pain medications actually slows down the labor, even though it helps with the pain.  This actually creates more pain and makes the labor last longer.

Second, midwifery techniques in reality reduce the need for forceps or other intrusive devices during delivery.  The process of naturally allowing the birh and delivery to occur is what causes the reduction of the need for those devices.

Third, cesarean delivery possbilities are reduced.  Most cesareans are performed because during labor, somehow a consensus was made that a natural vaginal birth was not possible.  Either it was the baby’s safety that was in mind or the mother’s safety.  Well in all actuality that complication was caused because the natural process was not allowed to happen.

These are just 3 of the benefits of having a natural birth at home.  There are a lot more benefits, but I am positive most women who are pregnant would say these are 3 huge benefits. 

  So even though some might call it strange to have a child at home, recent studies indicate that allowing a natural birth to happen is much safer for the mom and the baby.  With over 300 births attended as a homebirth midwife in San Diego, this has proven to be the case time and time again.

A feeling of alienation always happens during and sequential the Do it Yourself Divorces. It is important that as the father, try to prevent alienation from happening. You recognize the signs, and lighten cure the problem when it’s already rooted.
 
 Do it Yourself Divorce
 
 How often to we hear kids tell their parents that they were nevermore ask, or expressly they were never given a choice. Grounds for divorce begins when parents exclude kids because they think their children won’t understand. It is true however that some things are better kept between yourselves as a couple or ex couple, but you have to learn to segregate. Identify which ones should be out in the open, although always lead intimate details between your self and your ex.
 
 Giving your kids the opportunity to decide the visitation schedule lends them a sense of empowerment. They feel needed. It is quite unfortunate that the parent who does not bust primary custody gets bad press especially hang on* the kids. When the kids call the shots, they feel commensurate they still have value in your life.
 
 Acknowledge that your children may not be as immature as your think. Despite being kids they have a sense of ownership. Let them decide about anything regarding their belongings.
 
 Mom VS. Dad
 
 Alienation commonly arises when both the exes blame each and the other for everything that goes wrong with their lives; from the financial to the personal and even as immaterial as say the death of a pet.
 
 When this would happen, the children become a tool to try and hurt each exceeding. As the father you have to spot this sign and modify yourself immediately. Timeless be level headed and reasonable. If your ex does not want to be flexible or finds an excuse to keep your kid away from you then try and talk things calmly with your ex wife.
 
 
 Asking your kids to choose between the two of you is the cardinal sin of divorce. Doing so causes an insurmountable amount of distress on the child’s part. This kind of trauma will be brought up till the end of her or his lifetime.
 
 Instilling Discipline
 
 Children are also very wise. They could use the divorce as an opportunity to get what they want. Don’t fall into this kind of trap. Do not try to and buy their love and loyalty with goodies, gifts and permission to do things. Instead earn their respect by instilling proper disciplinary methods.
 
 Your way of setting things straight may be used against you, so watch out. If your kids calmly tell you that they don’t really remember one time when you were there as a father, then suspect that things have been said against you. Prove it wrong and then soon your children will see the truth.
 
 Be Wary, Watch Out For Signs
 
 As a divorced dad it is your right and responsibility to safeguard your relationship with your children. Spot the symptoms of alienation. Here are a few: A breeze* adoption or change of trademark name, special signs and secret signals, kids anger towards demeaned parent for no apparent reason, interrupted visitation rights, making unreasonable demands, over protective ex for no apparent reason. Watch out! You yourself might farther be causing the gap, at no time should you make promises you cannot keep..

In the United States, Father’s Day comes once a year on the 3rd Sunday in June. This year, it comes on June 21st. Of course, other countries celebrate the holiday too. People in India, the United Kingdom, Chile, Canada, France and Japan celebrate it on the same day as Americans. New Zealanders and Australians, however, celebrate it on the first Sunday in September. Scandinavians, Finlanders, Norwegians and the Swedish celebrate it on the second Sunday in November. A small number of countries also celebrate it, but on rand dates throughout the year.

People seem to crawl out of the woodwork looking for free images they can use for Fathers Day cards. Now that so many images are available online, it’s simpler than ever to wish Dad a happy Father’s Day in style. Vintage cards seem to be getting more and more popular for Father’s Day, because so many fathers and grandfathers are of a “vintage” that they would appreciate them. People also search for vintage Fathers Day clip art images to make their own cards or for other uses, such as to create Father’s Day brunch invitations. Smart people bookmark those resources when they find them, so they don’t have to look for them again the following year. Finding good free vintage art isn’t that easy, so taking the time to think ahead will save energy later.

There are some who want to give their fathers more than a card but finances are an issue, so they’re likely to look for free gift certificate templates. A certificate is great either with a card or instead of one and doesn’t cost a thing. You could also buy a frame to present the certificate. You can keep the cost down by buying an inexpensive one at a local dollar store. If you get a nice-looking frame, your dad will never know you didn’t spend a lot! And isn’t Father’s Day all about the thought anyway? Your dad will know it’s your love that’s important, not the cost of the gift.