Eight Sleeping Solutions to Help Tired Tots and Their Parents Get Some Rest

Kimberley Clayton Blaine, MA, MFT

www.TheGoToMom.TV

If you have a young child at home, chances are good that you aren’t getting quite as much sleep as you used to. But what if your little one is missing out on much needed Z’s? Lack of sleep can lead to bad behavior and what you can do to help create better nights for the both of you!

As most parents of small children know, it’s the Holy Grail. Having a child who sleep well means having a child who is more likely to be even-tempered, easier to please, and more compliant. And a mom and dad who are rested, refreshed, and ready to face the day with their energetic bundle of joy. But let her skip naptime one time and your typically happy-go-lucky toddler can quickly turn into a tantrum-throwing, argumentative, meltdown prone monster. There’s a good reason and there are solutions out there to help lull your little one into better naps and nighttimes.

In my new book, The Go-To Mom’s Parents’ Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children I discuss how we can better equip ourselves for the most challenging parenting moments; i.e. getting a child to sleep! Children who nap and sleep well at night have fewer behavior problems. Overly tired children can’t appropriately balance their physical and emotional world, causing them to act out and behave badly.

Children and parents both need good rest to make sure they are presenting their best self during the course of a day. Lack of sleep lead to shorter tempers on both parts, so making sure you catch enough Z’s at night can mean having kids who behave better and parents who, well, parent with more patience. So what do you if your child shuns sleep? There are eight easy things that every parent can do to get back to good nights (and days) in no time:

Figure out how much sleep your child should be getting. The amount of sleep your child needs each day varies depending on their age. Blaine says that the following guide will help you to determine whether or not your tot is getting enough shut-eye:

One year old: 13 hours

Two years old: 12–15 hours (includes nap)

Three years old: 11–14 hours (includes nap)

Four years old: 10–13 hours (includes nap)

Five years old: 10–12.5 hours (no nap)

If your child acts out, throws tantrums, or had a tendency to meltdown in the early evening hours, then there’s a good chance she isn’t getting enough sleep. If she is under the age of four years old, make sure that she takes a daytime nap on a regular schedule.

Stick to the schedule. Set a regular time for naps and bedtime and stick to it. By keeping it consistent, your little one will know what to expect and their little bodies will begin to adjust to the circadian rhythm of the sleep schedule you set. It will make naptimes and bedtimes much easier for the both of you.

Keeping a strict sleep schedule is vital to getting more rest for both you and your child. Plan your errands and day trips around naptime, and make sure that you stick to your night time schedule even on vacation. If your child knows that he can expect to sleep at the same time every day- no matter where you are or what you are doing, it will create the sleep habits you want most.

Insist on “rest time” every afternoon. Some children are great nappers. They go down with ease at the same time every day and take a regular nap up until the age of five. And then there are the rest of us. Some children can give up their afternoon naps as early as age three- but that doesn’t mean that they don’t still need to take a time-out to rest. Spend thirty minutes laying quietly with your child to encourage her to sleep. If she simply doesn’t sleep after you’ve tried to rest with her for thirty minutes, get out one of her books and continue the “rest time”.

Its important to ensure that your child has at least a quiet time each day says. Do whatever you have to do to keep her quiet and calm. Dim the lights, get into bed, and read soothing stories. It will be a time to rest and recharge for the both of you.

Keep after dinner playtime to a minimum. Too much activity close to bedtime can keep children from being able to fall asleep. It’s okay to let them play before bedtime, but Blaine says to make sure any activities they participate in are of the calm and quiet variety. Puzzles, books, or blocks are all great options for letting them relax and ready themselves for sleep.

If a child is running around outside then his energy level will remain elevated and it will take longer for him to calm himself down when its time to go to bed- making bedtime a struggle for you both. Try sitting down and read a story, or pulling up to the kitchen table with a coloring book and talk about your day together.

Make a night ritual of the bedtime routine. Having a bedtime routine is a great way for both you and your child to unwind each day. It is also a great cue for them to know that bedtime is coming so they know what to expect. Keeping the same routine also helps to maintain consistency when you are not at home. This way, whether you are on vacation, spending the night at Grandma’s, or leaving your little one with a sitter for the night, their bedtime routine doesn’t change.

It’s never too early to start a bedtime routine. From the time a baby comes home from the hospital, set a relaxing routine that sets the tone for sleep. For example, every night could consist of bath time, pajamas, and story time before turning out the lights. You can repeat a portion of this routine during the daytime for naps. Your child will know that it is time to go to sleep- and it will be quiet time that you can enjoy together.

Keep the temperature just right. Small children have a harder time regulating their own body temperature and, babies especially, can have difficulty falling and staying asleep if they are too hot or too cold. Make sure that the temperature in their bedroom is comfortable- not too warm or too cold- and that they are dressed appropriately for the temperature inside the house.

Parents don’t often realize that the temperature of the room is keeping their kids from getting good sleep — And if they are in a bedroom that is a little cooler or warmer than the rest of the house, adjust their sleepwear accordingly. If your AC is on high in the middle of the summer, it’s okay to put your little one in warm pajamas to keep him cozy through the night!

Set the sleeping mood. When children are trying to sleep, even the tiniest distraction can keep them from getting the shut-eye they need. Any extra noise, light, or small discomfort can deter them from drifting off to dreamland. Invest in room darkening shades, a white noise machine, soft blankets- anything to make their sleep time more inviting.

Make sure that your child’s sleep environment is snug, cozy, and dark. If necessary, use a white-noise machine and a nightlight and always keep the noise level low. For daytime naps and summer days where the light hangs around long past bedtime, make sure that you have a way to block light from entering your child’s room.

The most important thing is that parents manage their expectations. When it comes down to it, you can’t force kids to sleep. All you can do is set them up for success, make sure they get some sort of rest during the day, and the rest will come. And remember that you are not alone. There are plenty of parents out there- including myself- who struggle to get their kids to sleep. Have patience, stick with it and you’ll both be having good nights and great days before you know it.

About the Author:

Kimberley Clayton Blaine, MA, MFT, is the executive producer of the online parenting show www.TheGoToMom.TV and author of The Go-To Mom’s Parents’ Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children and The Internet Mommy.

Kimberley is a national child development expert and a licensed family and child therapist specializing in working with children newborn to six years old.

About the Book:

The Go-To Mom’s Parents’ Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children (Jossey-Bass/A Wiley Imprint, 2010, ISBN: 978-0-470-58497-2, $16.95, www.TheGoToMom.com) is available at bookstores nationwide and from major online booksellers.

Now Available at the More4kids Parenting Store:

Breast Cancer Becomes an Important Topic for Moms Today

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and breast cancer has become an important topic for moms out there today. While it used to be known as a disease that hit older women, often those past menopause, women are being diagnosed with this tragic disease at younger and younger ages today. In fact, more than 60,000 women still of childbearing age within the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 alone. From the statistics in 2001, this number was up more than 40%, showing a scary trend for younger moms today. Recently there have been several well known stars, still of childbearing age who have battled this disease, including Maura Tierney from the television show ER, singer Melissa Etheridge, singer Anastacia, and actress Christina Applegate.

This is no longer a topic that moms can ignore! It's time that moms start paying attention to this epidemic among younger women today. National Breast Cancer Month is a time to increase awareness about breast cancer and to raise money for curing and preventing this disease, and what better time to get informed about this topic. Moms owe it to their young children to learn as much as possible about breast cancer, prevention, detection, and ways to help fight this disease and finally find a cure.

What You Can Do to Prevent Breast Cancer

Of course, the best defense for moms today is to work on preventing breast cancer in the first place. Here are some general tips for prevention that you need to start incorporating into your life today. Make sure you check with your health care professional.

Tip #1 – Keep Your Body Weight at a Healthy Level

One of the best things you can do to prevent breast cancer as a mom is to keep your body weight at a healthy level. Studies show that gaining weight and having a BMI that is too high can increase your risk of developing this disease. Stay on top of your weight to minimize your risk as much as possible.

Tip #2 – Exercise on a Regular Basis

Start exercising on a regular basis. There are many studies that show that exercise on a regular basis can lower your risk. Simply 30 minutes 4-5 days a week can be enough to reduce the risk.

Tip #3 – Rarely Drink Alcohol

Only drink alcohol on a rare basis or avoid it altogether if you want to work to prevent breast cancer. There are some studies that show that you can raise your risk of this type of cancer by more than 20% if you drink more than one alcoholic drink each day.

Tip #4 – Avoid Prescription Estrogens if Possible

If possible, avoid prescription estrogens. Estrogen can play a big role in breast cancer development. Avoid the prescription versions and avoid compounds that may be "estrogen like," such as industrial chemicals and pesticides.

Tip #5 – Eat More Fruits and Veggies

Plenty of fruits and veggies can help you prevent breast cancer too. No doubt you're trying to get your kids to eat them, so add plenty to your plate too. Some of the best fruits and veggies to eat to prevent this cancer include tomatoes, berries, citrus, broccoli, leafy greens, carrots, and cabbage.

Tip #6 – Consider a Low Dose Aspirin

Some new studies recently have found that taking a low dose of aspirin on a daily basis can help in the prevention of breast cancer. You can purchase low dose aspirin that is enough to help you prevent the disease without taking too much aspirin.

Breast Cancer Detection – What You Need to Know

Of course, you can take all measures to prevent this disease and sometimes it will occur anyway, especially since genetics have such a big part to play. This is why breast cancer detection becomes so important. You need to maintain breast health and make sure that changes are monitored so any cancer can be found as quickly as possible.

One of the detection tools most often used today is a mammogram. In fact, women over 40 should begin having mammograms every few years. However, if you are at high risk for breast cancer, you may need to start having mammograms at an earlier age. Often this test can help to find lumps before you even would find them, and the earlier you catch the cancer, the more likely it can be successfully treated.

Clinical breast exams are important as well. When you have your yearly gynecological exam, your gynecologist should be performing a clinical breast exam. If you have any concerns or questions, this is a good time to ask them.

Many doctors suggest that women do monthly breast exams as well, although today there is a bit of controversy over this. While many still insist that monthly exams are important for discovering any changes early, other physicians feel that simply being aware of any changes is the better course. Talk to your doctor to find out which option may work the best for you.

Fighting the Disease and Finding a Cure

Whether you end up fighting cancer as a mom, you have a family member or friend who is fighting it, or you just want to help join in the fight, there are a variety of ways that you can help. There are many foundations that provide ways that you can fight breast cancer and work to find a cure. The American Cancer Society website often offers resources on foundations that raise money for breast cancer and they also are behind the Relay for Life event. Many stores sell pink products, the color for breast cancer, where part of the proceeds go to fund breast cancer research. One famous fundraiser is the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, a two day walk to raise money. Probably the most well known fundraiser out there is the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure walk, which is a 60 mile walk for all people who want to fight this disease and make a difference. Each year they raise millions for support programs and research on breast cancer. To find out more about how you can make a difference, check out www.avonwalk.org , www.relayforlife.org, or www.the3day.org for more information.

Remember, this is no longer a disease of older women. Breast cancer is an important topic for young mothers today.  Educate yourself, help educate others, and do what you can to help fight for a cure.

courtesy: www.hospital.com

Every American knows that one of the most pressing issues in our country is related to the greasy hamburgers and fries that our citizens wolf down on a daily basis: obesity.  Recent statistics have shown that obesity is present and continually growing in our country, with over 25% of Americans being considered obese.  While more present in adults, American children are not immune to obesity.  In fact, in the past 30 years, childhood obesity rates have more than tripled, from just of 5% to nearly 20% of children aged from 6-19 being characterized by obese.

The problem should be of utmost interest to parents of young children.  In a society where obesity is seemingly the natural progression of growth, parents are becoming more and more aware that the responsibility lies on their shoulders to encourage their children to live a healthy, active lifestyle.  While many children have no interest in sports or exercise, there are many other ways to keep your children active and healthy.  For example, children playing with their peers on a playground get enough exercise for their growing bodies.  Exercise, like the aerobic workout of playing tag, can help children develop stronger muscles and bones, decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure, and prevent obesity.

The question, then, is not whether children benefit from exercise. Instead, we should ask how we, as parents, can keep our children active and living a healthy lifestyle.  This concern should extend far beyond the "playground years" of our children, as children in their teens face a different set of problems.  Increased school work and less opportunity to "play" can lead to a child who struggles to stay active.

To keep your children active and fighting the dangers of obesity and the other health concerns that come with inactivity, remember these tips:

1. Be Encouraging

As a parent, being encouraging to your child is the most important thing.  Whether your child is participating in sports activities or just playing on a playground, your presence and encouragement will let your child know that you love and care for them.  Remember to reinforce that exercise is beneficial to their health; active children also tend to have a better outlook on life.

2. Find an activity that matches your child's age

If you are asking your skinny 6-year old daughter to play football, you may be mismatching your child with activities that do not interest him or her.  Toddlers can play at home or at a daycare center.  Younger children should be encouraged to play outside, and older children may enjoy team sports, once they can comprehend rules and have the motor skills to do so.

3. Find an activity that matches your child's personality

If your child does not like sports, think of other ways to keep him or her active.  Consider buying a bike or taking family hikes.  If your child is into sports and the social aspect of team sports, encourage and enable your child to play sports with their school or a related community sports program.

4. Make it fun!

Choose activities that your child will enjoy.  Children happily do activities that they consider fun and entertaining, so finding an activity that allows children to have fun while staying active and exercising is the best choice.

5. Involve yourself

If you child does not possess skills for sports, practice with your child until he or she develops the necessary skills.  Bring your child to a playground to stay active, or bring yourself to sports events that your children are participating in.  Having a parent around can make the difference!

Childhood obesity can cause your children to develop risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure.  Obesity also causes children to be at greater risk for sleep apnea, low self-esteem, and problems with bones and joints in the body.  If the child stays obese as an adult, problems such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and others become a risk.  Keeping your children active is a responsibility that all parents should take very seriously.  By following the tips given in this article, you can take the next step in advancing the health of the children who bring joy to your life everyday!

When it comes to stress relief, many of us think about the things that bother us as adults: bills, transportation, work issues, family life and more.  But stress is not just for adults, and many children, even younger ones, suffer from problems with stress, too.  By teaching your children healthy ways to cope with stress at a young age, you can help them develop healthy habits that will help them become happier adults.

Stress in Kids?

Many children become stressed due to a troubled home life.  Problems like divorce, a long-distance move, serious illness, abuse and more all cause significant amounts of stress in a child's life.  But there are less traumatic events, like peer pressure and teasing, that can also cause a child to feel stressed out.

Unlike the past, families are not as connected as they once were, and children may lack the support systems needed to help them cope.  It is up to parents to teach their children about stress and a healthy way to handle it.  There are several activities that you can try with kids as young as three.

Another common reason for stress in kids is taking on too many activities. My childhood seems a lot simplier than my sons. Todays kids have a lot going on in comparison. School, karate, soccer, swimming amongst other things. Its good to keep kids busy and involved, but at the same time they need their downtime too to recharge, or else they may feel overwhelmed and the result can be behaviorial issues.

Here are a few tips to help your kids de-stress.

The Breathing Room

Whenever a child is angry, we can create a safe space for children to go and relax.  Though traditionally this is a separate room, people may not have the space and can just create a cozy corner and cordon it off with a screen or other partition.

The breathing room is a safe place.  All that's needed are a few cushions on the floor, and a large bell.  Someone rings the bell, and whoever is in the room silently sits and begins breathing.  This can go on five minutes to an hour, though younger children may have a hard time sitting still for that long.  Encourage your children whenever they are emotional to go into the breathing room and spend a couple of minutes getting quiet.  This may seem impossible, but with time and practice with the entire family, you will be amazed at the results.

Stiff Legs

By teaching children how to stiffen their muscles, they can learn how to relax them as well.  Have your children pretend they are little wooden toys and walk around the room.  Them have them sit down comfortably and relieve the pressure.  By learning to relax their muscles, they will learn to relax the body.  Have them go through limb by limb, tightening and then relaxing each muscle.

No matter what the problem, make a routine with your children.  When they are upset, have them go to the breathing room and get quiet before explaining what is going on.  Teach your kids how to communicate without getting so anxious they can't even speak.  No matter what you do, you are well on your way to making things better for your kids.  Stress relief techniques started young will become especially beneficial as your kids grow into healthy, balanced adults.  These techniques can be especially helpful when a child is transitioning into adulthood, as the changes going on inside and out can be too overwhelming to handle without some form of positive stress relief.

by Jennifer Shakeel

Whether you just found out that your child has ADD or this is something that you have been dealing with for a while, it’s important that you know you don’t have to go through this on your own. As a matter of fact, you shouldn’t go through this alone. If you what you want is to see your child succeed you and your “village” need to be involved in the proper care and guidance of your ADD child.

Your “village” includes the child’s entire family. This is first and foremost. Talk with the immediate family and the extended family. These are the people that see your child the most. Don’t label your child, and don’t let other’s in the family label him or her. They aren’t “special” and they aren’t “problem children”. Those are two labels that drive me up the wall. When people ask, “Did he/she take their meds today,” don’t answer that question. Respond with “Everyone has days that are more difficult then others.” The family needs to focus more on the resolutions then the problem and they need to work together as a unit. Here are a few guidelines for the family:

1. Improve the organization within the home. Order is will help decrease distractions.
2. Set a regular schedule. This will help your child know when to expect certain things such as “quiet time,” breakfast, lunch and dinner, bedtime, wake up time, practice.
3. When you or your family talks with your child, make sure that you are making eye contact with the child.
4. If your child has a list of chores to do, give them one chore at a time and let them complete it before giving them the next. After all, it is a problem with attention we are talking about. Sending them to their room to clean it won’t work. They will go in and start to pick up something and then they start playing with it.

The next group in the “village” are teachers and care givers. If your child has to go day care it is important that you talk with the care giver. Let them know what is going on and how they can help. The same holds true with the teachers. We stay in constant contact with our son’s teachers. We exchange phone numbers, emails and we meet on a regular basis throughout the school year.

The reason for this is that it has to be a mutual goal to help your child succeed. Make sure that the teachers are making an effort to not set your child next to disruptive children. Request that they are placed in the front of the class room, with their back to the windows. The goal here is to decrease distractions. Even on medication, if the medication is properly dosed distraction is still possible. You don’t want to over medicate your child and rob them of life enjoyment. The goal of any medication is to help them focus, to decrease distraction in their mind enough that they are able to focus.

Finally, your child’s medical team. This includes the family doctor or pediatrician and psychologists if they are working with one. I am going to give you the best advice you could ever hear about your child’s doctor and/or psychologist. If they do not take the time to talk to you and your child, if all they want to do is had you a script and leave the room without sufficiently answering your questions and addressing your child’s concern FIND another doctor! The first time you hear, “Oh it’s just the medication he/she is on,” get up and leave the room and never go back.

It doesn’t matter if you have seen this doctor for years… of if they have seen your other children their entire life. For your child with ADD this is not the right medical provider for them. The doctor that is prescribing medication to help your child cope with ADD needs to listen to your concerns and your child. They should be interested in how they are doing in school, if they are in sports, what their behavior is like at home, how are they on the medication, how are they when the medication wears off.

It takes a village to help a child with ADD succeed. They need the support of everyone around them and it is up to you to make sure they have that support. Make sure that everyone from sibling, grandparents, teachers, care givers and medical providers are all on the same page.

Biography 
Jennifer Shakeel is a writer and former nurse. As a mother of two incredible children, I am here to share with you what I have learned about parenting. One of my children has ADHD, our journey of learning to come to terms with the diagnosis and figuring out what works best for us has been a challenge and a joy. Our son was diagnosed about two and half years ago, and we have had our ups and downs, joys and sorrows. If I can just offer you one day of hope or one idea that may work to help you and your family then I know that my purpose has been fulfilled. 

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © 2008 All Rights Reserved

by Jennifer Shakeel

As a parent, we want to do all we can to help our children. We want to see them succeed, feel as though they belong, have high self esteem and desire to achieve their dreams. When your child suffers with ADD/ADHD encouraging them to dream, and to strive for greatness can be difficult. They may be feeling alone, unconnected and frustrated. While you try to encourage them, sometimes it just isn’t enough. So here is a list of famous people who have Attention Deficit Disorder and are among the best in their field or industry.

Famous Inventers and Great Minds:

• Alexander Graham Bell – He invented the telephone
• Leonardo Di Vinci – A famous artist and inventor
• Thomas Edison – His teachers told him he was too stupid to learn anything!
• Albert Einstein – Physicist – Did you know that Einstein was four years old before he
  could speak, and seven before he could read

Athletes:

•  Michael Jordan – The Greatest Basketball Player EVER!
• Magic Johnson – A great basketball player
• Terry Bradshaw – Sports Announcer and former Football quarterback
• Bruce Jenner 

Actors:

• Will Smith – A man that can do it all, rap, sing and act – He IS Legend!
• Bill Cosby
• Tom Cruise
• Kirk Douglas
• Jim Carrey
• Tracey Gold
• Whoopi Goldberg
• Robin Williams

Musicians/Composers/Artists:

• Beethoven
• Mozart
• Van Gogh

They Changed our World:

• Abraham Lincoln
• Henry Ford
• Andrew Carnegie
• Walt Disney – he was fired by a newspaper because his boss told him he “had no ideas”
• John F. Kennedy
• Winston Churchill – he has to repeat the sixth grade
• Anna Eleanor Roosevelt
• Orville and Wilbur Wright

Now, try to imagine your world without these people, the contributions they made, how they have made life better, easier or more enjoyable. There are many authors, entrepreneurs, architects and so forth that have ADHD. That did not stop anyone of these people from achieving their dreams, and while they are in a class of their own, it is not because of the ADHD that they stand alone, it is because of all they have achieved.

The simple fact that these people achieved what they have in their own fields has to make you wonder, is Attention Deficit Disorder really a disorder or a gift. There are researchers that have posed that very quandary. It is not uncommon for people that have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD to also be incredibly creative, and that helps them excel and succeed in what they want to do in life.

Please do not underestimate the capabilities of your child and don’t let them do that either. Sometimes what it takes is to let them see someone that is or was in the same situation as they are and succeed in spite of it. The best gift they could’ve gotten may very well be the fact that they have ADHD. You my child are not alone, you are in fact surrounded by and bound for greatness.

Biography 
Jennifer Shakeel is a writer and former nurse. As a mother of two incredible children, I am here to share with you what I have learned about parenting. One of my children has ADD, our journey of learning to come to terms with the diagnosis and figuring out what works best for us has been a challenge and a joy. Our son was diagnosed about two and half years ago, and we have had our ups and downs, joys and sorrows. If I can just offer you one day of hope or one idea that may work to help you and your family then I know that my purpose has been fulfilled. 

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © 2008 All Rights Reserved

Without a doubt global warming is one of the biggest problems that the world is facing today, and will continue to be a large problem in our kids lives. However, many of its effects will fall upon future generations – unless it is stopped or slowed down dramatically. There is a lot that we can do right now, but it is also important to get the children of today involved in the fight against global warming. 

Teaching kids the dangers of Global Warming

Educating and involving our children is one way to get our kids interested. We need to involve them through conversations and activities and show them what they can do to help the cause. Education through involvement is key. We must find creative ways to show children what problems global warming has already caused, and what problems it could, and most probably will cause in the future. This will help bring forth curiosity about what contributions out kids can make to help change things.

Experiments are a fun and interesting way to get kids' attention when it comes to global warming. Greenhouse gases are a particularly thought-provoking topic, and finding a way to incorporate them into experiments and analysis will often pique kids' interest. Even simple mathematical projects, such as determining how much the sea level might rise in a particular scenario, are great.

Global warming can have a devastating effect on many animal species. Showing kids videos on these subjects can foster an interest in stopping global warming. A trip to the zoo to see these animals or their close relatives is another way to make the issue hit home.

Show Kids That They Can Do Something About It

For children, it may be hard for them to understand that one person can make a difference in an issue as big as global warming. Even for adults this can be hard to accept. Showing children that there are things they can do that will make an impact may be all it takes to get them to take action.

For example, it's hard to comprehend that something as simple as using different light bulbs, or making sure that there is adequate air pressure in the tires before a family trip, can make a measurable difference. Or, something as simple as not throwing away plastic and paper, but recycling them instead. But the truth is that it can. If you're not up on the numbers, there are websites where you can find information on approximately how much small actions like this can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. This type of knowledge can really make an impression on young minds. Small steps can really help reduce global warming.

Check out this article on things you can do NOW, and how much impact it will have. Little things do add up.

Another thing your kids might enjoy doing is helping educate others on the things they can do to help fight global warming. If they can make a measurable difference by making small changes in the way they do things, convincing others to do the same can multiply their impact many times over. The people they persuade to make changes might talk other people into doing the same, and so on and so forth.

Educating and getting our kids involved in the fight against global warming is very important. Doing so requires explaining to them about the dangers and helping them understant what course of action they can take to make things better for the world. Once they realize that global warming is an important issue to us all, there's no telling how big a difference they might make. We all want out kids, our grandchildren, and future generations to grow up in a healthy and beautiful enviroment. The time to start is NOW!

by Jennifer Shakeel

Family is important for all children, and even more so for the child with ADD/ADHD. What happens at home and how they are treated and interacted with will carry over into other aspects of their life at school, later on with work and it will help them build relationships. I know first hand that parenting a child with ADD/ADHD can be overwhelming and at times take its toll on the family. Frustration and chaos do not have to be a way of life for you, your child or your family. Here are things that you can do to make sure that the entire family is involved and the needs of everyone are being met.

There is no other place on this planet that a child should feel more accepted, loved and understood then at home. It really does take the family to raise a child with ADD/ADHD.

The education of the family in how to deal with ADD/ADHD is important and that educational responsibility falls to you the parent. Making sure that you understand what your child is going through and then helping your immediate family understand so that home life is good for everyone is important.

Remember that you child with ADD/ADHD is not ignoring you, embarrassing you or annoying you willfully. Your child does want to be able to sit quietly, they want to be able to keep their rooms clean and organized, they want to be able to pay attention in school and make friends and they really do want to do what you tell them to do. Honestly, they really do… they just don’t know how to make it so that those things happen.

Encourage the family to not focus on the “problems” your child has, focus on all of their good, positive, valuable and unique qualities. Encourage siblings and other family members to see those things in your child as well. I know it isn’t always easy, but getting the family to focus on the positive traits can help make home life a little easier and help your child with ADD/ADHD recognize the positive reaction he or she gets from that behavior. Let them know that they are loved for who they are, and that love will never change or go away.

As a family you need to keep things in perspective. Remember that they behavior of your child with ADD/ADHD is related to the disorder and is not done on purpose and is not controllable. While they may do something embarrassing today keep in mind that in a few days that can be a really funny story to share with family and friends.

Compromise in the family is essential and that compromise needs to be universal not favored just for the child with ADD/ADHD that can then lead to resentment amongst siblings. I am not saying to not have high expectations of your children and want them to succeed, but expect them to do the best that each of them is capable of. I know that we struggle with that one in our home. One child is a straight A student and if their grades slip it means trouble, and our child with ADD is an A/B student sometimes Cs and if there is a grade below a C then that means trouble.

Speaking of siblings, it is important that the siblings are not forgotten. Not only in understanding the other sibling with ADD/ADHD but in being recognized and praised for who and what they are as well. Being just as involved in their life will help promote harmony between the siblings and decrease the chance of resentment. Let them be children do not expect or ask them to step up and act as a parent when it comes to their sibling with ADD/ADHD, it is not their fault or responsibility to keep their sibling in line.

Family is important to any child, but especially so to a child with ADD/ADHD. They need to have one place where they are not judged and they are understood. We all need a place where we feel we can be ourselves and people will still love us. Make that your home and your family for your child.

Biography 
Jennifer Shakeel is a writer and former nurse. As a mother of two incredible children, I am here to share with you what I have learned about parenting. One of my children has ADD, our journey of learning to come to terms with the diagnosis and figuring out what works best for us has been a challenge and a joy. Our son was diagnosed about two and half years ago, and we have had our ups and downs, joys and sorrows. If I can just offer you one day of hope or one idea that may work to help you and your family then I know that my purpose has been fulfilled. 

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © 2007 All Rights Reserved

by Jennifer Shakeel

I have yet to find another job in the world that is more challenging then that or parenting. You are constantly faced with the questions of whether or not you are doing a good job as a parent, teaching your child the difference between right and wrong in hopes that they grow up to be productive, respectful people. This is compounded when you are raising a child that has ADHD.

I am not going to try to lecture from a medical standpoint on what to do as a parent for your child with ADHD. I am not a therapist of any sort and the medical experience that I do have is removed from what I am about to talk to you about. I am a parent and my child has ADD/ADHD. Believe me when I tell you I understand the struggle you are having right now and the guilt that you carry with you. I would bet that much like me, you were told by teachers or saw the warning signs and refused to admit that there was anything “wrong” with your child. Let me tell, there isn’t anything wrong with your child, your child with ADHD requires different things then a child that does not have ADHD.

I remember the day that I had to come to grips with the fact that my child did need help. After many slips home from school for detentions due to disruptive behavior in class and his ultimate disgust for reading because he struggled with it so much my child came home and threw him self on his bedroom floor and cried because he said he couldn’t do it. He tried to behave in school, he tried really hard he just couldn’t do it. In tears I accepted the fact that my child needed help and I didn’t know what to do. There, that night we began our journey on finding a way to cope with and deal with living with ADHD.

The suggestions that I am giving you is by no means and end all be all list, this is what has worked for us. I think a lot of what works will vary depending on whether or not your child is on medication to help and how well that medication works. Fortunately the medication that we are using is working well. But here are a few suggestions to help you and your child that is living with ADHD.

Provide structure for your child. Making sure that there is a predictable routine going on at home helps the child with ADHD stay focused. For example for us, we come home form school, do homework, go to practice, come home and have a family dinner, showers and hour of family time and then it is bedtime. This is our routine Monday through Friday. If there is going to be a change to that routine, we talk about it in the morning while getting ready for school. I believe that there is a lot of anxiety associated with ADHD and the structure helps reduce some of that anxiety. My child knows what is expected of him and the time frame we have.

I have also found that encouragement for staying on task has done wonders as well as setting up a reward system for different things. For us reading was a major battle, so we set up a reward chart for so many books read our child gets to pick a present. We set it up in advance, that for every five books he got to name what the prize was so he has something to shoot for.
Be specific and give instructions in bits and pieces other wise it is to much information to give a child with ADHD/ADD at one time to focus on. So when you are trying to get your child to clean their room, instead of saying “Go clean your room,” you will need to say, “Ok, go put away all of your cars… or dolls,” and go from there until the room is clean.

We try to not punish for negative behavior as much as we reward for positive behavior. We have even gone to the teachers and asked them to do the same. With our child the negative reaction causes him to completely shut down. However pointing out the positive of what he can do and do well boosts his self esteem and makes him want to continue that behavior and “please” people.

Parenting is not an easy task, and parenting a child with ADHD/ADD requires us as parents to rethink the way we parent because our child has different needs. It can be a struggle and there are very difficult times but there are also many amazing times to celebrate and look forward to. You just need to find the patience within yourself and you will make it through.

Biography 
Jennifer Shakeel is a writer and former nurse. As a mother of two incredible children, I am here to share with you what I have learned about parenting. One of my children has ADD, our journey of learning to come to terms with the diagnosis and figuring out what works best for us has been a challenge and a joy. Our son was diagnosed about two and half years ago, and we have had our ups and downs, joys and sorrows. If I can just offer you one day of hope or one idea that may work to help you and your family then I know that my purpose has been fulfilled. 

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © 2007 All Rights Reserved

Easter candy is almost a tradition in most households. Every year moms try to decide what to give their kids for Easter. No doubt the kids would prefer candy and chocolate. However, it is a good idea to include some healhier alternatives. There are many healthy replacements for Easter candy baskets you can try. Here are a few tips and ideas.

Instead of chocolate or marshmallow candy, try filling or including with:

* Fruits and cookies. You can bake natural cookies at home that taste yummy.
* Mini boxes of raisins and low fat candies.
* Stuffed bunny rabbits and jelly beans, which are low in calories.
* A basket of brightly colored plastic eggs; with coins inside each egg.
* Coloring books and crayons.
* Small toys for either girls or boys.
* Peanut butter cookies and mini bran muffins.

These are just a few ideas on how healthy replacements for Easter candy can be utilized.
It may also be interesting to note that there are a variety of online website devoted to Easter gifts for both children and adults that do not necessarily involve candy or sweets.
Moreover, giving an actual gift for Easter is becoming a likely trend. For example, here are some ideas for kids:

• A basket of puzzles. 
• Drawing pencils and 3×5 mini canvasses.
• Packages of baseball cards
• Bead-making kit. 
• Clay kit with mold and paints. 
• Scrapbooking kit and throw-away camera. 
• PC or video games. 
• Books on Easter. 
• Easter bunny cut-out books. 
• Jewelry making kits.

Whatever you choose, healthy replacements for Easter candy can come in any form which will not only entertain your kids, but can become the start of a new Easter tradition in your home. Don’t forget to have the egg hunt on Easter morning. This is especially fun for kids of all ages! Finally, before engaging in any activity, remind the kids what Easter is all about and rejoice.

Hillary Clinton and Rep. John Dingell today introduced the Childrens First Health Act. If passed. it will make health care for children more affordable and help plug the whole of some 9 million children in the US that do not have health insurance. Politically I have not made any decisions yet for president and I know health care is reform is widely debated. I look at this issue not only from a parent but also from a child who had chronic health issues, was hospitalized, and visited the emergency room many many times. To me its a crime so many parents in the U.S. have to skimp on their childrens health care because of rising costs or just not being able to pay for it. Our children are our future. I don't feel its a matter of whether we can afford it or not, its more of a matter that we can no longer afford not to.

Here is Hillary's video where she explains her proposal and justification for the Children's First Health Act. 

Childhood asthma is near and dear to me. As a child I was hospitalized and visited the emergency room so many times I cannot even count. An asthma attack is very scary for both the parent and child. If a parent thinks their child is having an asthma attack it is important for the parent to remain calm and call 911 or a competent medical professional immediately. I cannot empasis enough for the parent to remain calm since raising the anxiety of a child will only make things worse. Now, on with the article on some things as a parent that will be helpful to know and watch out for:

What You Should Know about Child Asthma

Your child might have asthma which is a condition in which the main airways to your child’s lungs (bronchial tubes) become swollen and you won’t even know it. The signs to child asthma are subtle so as a parent you need to be aware and on alert for mild clues.

Many child asthma patients are first misdiagnosed because the symptoms may be dismissed as something else because some parents think of child asthma they think of wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing as the only sign of asthma however your child may only have symptoms of a cough or they may only suffer from chest congestion these are easily mistaken for a cold when in fact they are symptoms of child asthma.

Child Asthma in Infants

Detecting child asthma is even more difficult in infants because they cannot communicate with you and you might have difficulty noticing wheezing or other respiratory difficulties until they are older.

Some other signs to look for in infants are a ratty cough, rapid breathing, frequent chest colds, grunting when nursing, and also a weak cry. These symptoms, any many more, should be monitored with the help of your pediatrician.

Symptoms of Child Asthma in Older Children

Although Small children can talk they may have a hard time telling you exactly what is wrong with them, they may say such things like “my chest feels funny” or ask “why am I always coughing?” These are signs a parent needs to be aware of and be suspecting that you child may be suffering from child asthma

Other clues include violent coughing after strenuous activity, wheezing and shortness of breath, or consistent coughing at night.

Some Other Things to Watch Out For

If you think your child is suffering from child asthma, there are other more mild indicators you can look for. Monitor the way in which your child rises in the morning, for example. If they are waking up tired it may because of restless sleep due to excessive coughing or difficulty breathing. There of course might be other reasons, such as nightmares involving an asthmatic clown or bears, but the likelihood of asthma symptoms occurring at night is quite high in children.

Child asthma is very interesting because no two children suffer it in the same way or exhibit the same symptoms. It is also common that the asthmatic symptoms are the same but the fashion in which they are suffered is completely different to the individual child.

Editorial comment: It is important point that no two children are the same. As a child with asthma I had my asthma downplayed by people who know asthmatic children that were very athletic, or people who thought they knew what causes asthma. Asthma can be triggered by many different events and that differs per child. It is important to work closely with your health care professional in order to get a full understanding of not only what asthma is, but what triggers asthma in YOUR child or loved one. Kevin, More4kids Inc.

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Good nutrition does more than feed your children’s bodies—it also feeds their brains. Eating the right nutrients helps children’s brains develop and grow so that they can think more clearly and handle stress better. For example, a study of 200 students found that eating bananas for breakfast on the day of an exam helped the students stay more alert.

• Carbohydrates
• Protein and amino acids
• Fats and fatty acids
• Vitamins and minerals
• Phytonutrients
• Water 

While it is best for your children to get their nutrients from food, you can also give them a multi-vitamin to fill in any gaps in their diet.

Many teens in high school want to try out for sports.  A lot of them try because they think it will make them popular or get them more dates.  While this may seem like a silly reason, there are lots of other benefits to sports that your child may overlook.  Here are some reasons that you’ll find comforting.

With T.V., movies, computers, and video games becoming more and more popular, it has become so much easier for teens to be by themselves rather than going out with friends.  Kids used to go hang out at the mall or drive around town; now they just sit at home.  Getting your teen into a sport gives them an opportunity to go out and socialize. While they may not find a new best friend, they will learn how to interact and work as a team; something they’ll find useful later in life.

One of the biggest problems in our society today is obesity, and it’s not just a problem with adults.  More and more kids are becoming overweight.  Joining a team sport will help your teen get out and get some exercise without feeling pressured to lose weight or get in shape.  Plus, if your teen sees that their physical condition is causing them to under-perform, they may be motivated to do other activities to get healthy.  By the time your child reaches their teenager year, part of good parenting will be providing them with direction and encouragement and continuing to help them develop a healthy style of living.

These days, it’s becoming harder to show your teenager that you love and support them.  A great way to do this is by showing up to their games, helping them practice, and helping with team fundraisers.  These are also great ways to spend time your kids and talk to them.

You may think “but my teen isn’t good enough to make their school team”.  There are plenty of other places besides school to play team sports.  You can always check out the YMCA or other “for-fun” leagues.  You could look into more obscure sports that you may not have thought of; did you know that bowling is a NCAA team sports?  If you do a little research, you’re sure to find something your teen will enjoy.

Team sports are a great way for your teen to get out of the house, get moving, make friends, and even get a scholarship to college.  So why not talk to them about getting into sports today?

It seems there is an almost irresistable attraction between germ and kids. You’ve taken your youngest child to the park; sit her in the sandbox, only to notice she begins to eat the sand. Perhaps your child is playing in the backyard with the family dog, and starts kissing the dog on the mouth. When it comes to germs and kids, an irresistible attraction is imminent. What can you do to avoid these two opposites from becoming attracted to each other?  Here are some tips that may help.

• Teach your child to cover his or her mouth when coughing.
• Have them wash their hands frequently, especially before and after dinner, after using the bathroom, or touching animals. 
• Explain to them how they can pick up germs from virtually anywhere.
• Tell them not to put any objects in their mouth, such as toys or any foreign objects they may pick up. 
• Stuffed animals collect dust; use caution when children play with them. 
• If your child tells you her friend has lice, be sure to check your child’s hair to determine if she has been infected. 
• Place hand wipes in your child’s lunchbox, so she can wash her hands before and after lunch. 
• Tell your child not to share lunch with classmates. 
• Show your child that touching or putting flowers or plants in their mouths is particularly dangerous. 
• Ensure that sheets and pillowcases are washed regularly. 
• Vacuum and dust your child’s room at least once a week. 
• Make sure your child is properly vaccinated against all diseases.

Children have a wonderful curiosity; especially when presented with something new and shiny. Whenever buying a toy or stuffed animal, read the label to determine if there are caustic or toxic chemicals. While you can’t keep your child in a germ-free bubble, you can take certain precautions to ensure their attraction to germs are limited.