How Can You Discipline Your Child Gently?

Well-behaved children are a joy to have around you. On the other hand, misbehaved children are a constant source of worry, trouble and unhappiness. Therefore, parents need to encourage good and balanced behavior in their children not only for their own benefit but also for the benefit of the children themselves and the society in which they are being brought up.

As children grow and explore newer activities, it becomes necessary to exercise at least some level of authority over them. Parents need to teach their toddlers to accept authority when it is communicated to them. The trick to disciplining your toddler is to be firm, yet gentle. Remember, you are doing it for your toddler’s good.

Here are some tips to help you discipline your toddler in a positive way without being harsh or cruel:

• Give clear directives: Leave no room for miscommunication while giving instructions to your child.

• Be practical: Be aware regarding what constitutes normal behavior at your child's age. Set realistic expectations based on this knowledge.

• Be committed: Stick by your words no matter what. If you are not consistent and or give in too easily, chances are your toddler will not take you seriously.

• Practice what you preach: If you routinely do something that you have defined as incorrect, your toddler will not understand why there are different rules for you. Make it a point to use "please" and "thank you" yourself, for instance, in order to get your child to use them. You may even give your toddler the chance to correct you if you do not follow the rules you make.

• Understand the mental level of your toddler: You need to explain the consequences of undisciplined behavior in a manner that is comprehensible to your child.

Find Ways to Pay for Medical Expenses During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be quite stressful. The extra expenses of prenatal care and preparing for the new baby are overwhelming for many women.

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, your spouse and your baby deserve to be healthy and have consistent care. Financial aid and other programs are available for women in need and their babies. The following organizations can help your partner and your baby get medical care:

• State and local health departments - They can tell you what programs are available in your area. Ask about health insurance, medical care, and how you r family can qualify for this help.

• Local hospital or social service agencies - Ask to speak with a social worker on staff. She will be able to tell you where to go for help.

• Community clinics - Some areas have free clinics or clinics that provide free care to women in need.

• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program - This government program is available in every state. It provides help with food, nutritional counseling, and access to health services for women, infants and children.

• Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) - This program provides health insurance for children under age 18 in every state.

• Telephone book and Internet - These resources may have information on programs in your area.

Women in every state can get help to pay for medical care during their pregnancies. This prenatal care can help your family have a healthy baby. Every state in the United States has a program to help. Programs give medical care, information, advice and other services important for a healthy pregnancy.

To find out about the program in your state:

• Call 1-800-311-BABY (1-800-311-2229) This toll-free telephone number will connect you to the Health Department in your area code

• Call or contact your local Health Department.

Problems in Digestion During Pregnancy

Constipation

Many pregnant women complain of constipation. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, high levels of hormones in your spouse's pregnant body slow down digestion and relax muscles in the bowels leaving many women constipated. Plus, the pressure of the expanding uterus on the bowels boosts the chances for constipation.

Try these tips to help her stay more regular:

• Add fiber-rich foods like fresh or dried fruit, raw vegetables, and whole-grain cereals and breads daily to her diet
• Get her to drink eight to ten glasses of water everyday
• Tell her to avoid caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, colas, and some other sodas), since caffeine makes her body lose fluid needed for regular bowel movements
• Get her moving. Mild exercise like walking may also ease constipation.

Heartburn and Indigestion

Almost every pregnant woman experiences indigestion and heartburn. Hormones and the pressure of the growing uterus cause this discomfort. Pregnancy hormones slow down the muscles of the digestive tract. So food tends to move more slowly and digestion is sluggish. This causes many pregnant women to feel bloated.

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, hormones also relax the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. This allows food and acids to come back up from the stomach to the esophagus. The food and acid causes the burning feeling of heartburn. As the baby gets bigger, the uterus pushes on the stomach, making heartburn more common in later pregnancy.

Try these tips to help your partner prevent and ease indigestion and heartburn:

• Avoid greasy and fried foods in her diet
• Make sure she eats six to eight small meals instead of three large meals
• Take care she doesn't gain more than the recommended amount of weight
• Allow her to only take small sips of milk or eat small pieces of chipped ice to soothe burning
• Make sure she eats slowly
• Ask your doctor if she can take an antacid medicine

Guiding Your 6 Months Old Active Baby

At the age of six months, your baby is more active than in past months. Because she gets around more, it's a good idea to make your home safe for your baby. Put all cleaning supplies, medicines, poisons and sharp objects where your baby can't get to them. Be sure that everyone who cares for your baby knows how to keep her safe.

Sometimes she will reach for things she shouldn't. She may pull at your jewelry. She may try to eat a piece of paper. A baby this young does not need to be punished. She is exploring her world. You need to gently control what she does so she will be safe. She will also know that you are in charge. Be with your baby as she explores her world.

At this age, your baby is not doing things to upset you on purpose. She learns by trying new things. She doesn't know the limits. She needs you to show her what is okay and what is not okay for her to do. She needs you to show her in a loving way.

Always check on your baby when she cries to be sure that she is okay. Never leave her alone. Always watch your baby's activities. Praise her and hug her when she is doing things you like.

Let her know when she is doing something you don't want her to do. If she starts to yank out an electrical cord, or if she spills out the contents of a purse, speak to her in a warm but firm voice. You don't need to raise your voice. Gently take her hand away and give her a toy. Maybe she'll be too close to the hot stove. Maybe she'll try to grab something that could break. Gently pick her up and move her away from the thing she shouldn't touch.

Do you think that your baby is too young for you to enjoy interacting with him? Think again. There is a lot you can do, using baby sign language, that will be fun for both of you. Additionally, it will also have a beneficial effect on your baby's development.

Christmas Toasts for Dads

As the head of the family, you are at the heart of Christmas celebrations. The family sits down for the cozy Christmas dinner, with anticipation and cheer, looking up to you as you raise your glass to a toast. This is the time where you rise to the occasion, and deliver words that are memorable, and will set forth a tradition for generations to follow.

Here are some famous, time-tested toasts which you could consider for the evening:

Joy, Joy (Scottish Christmas Toast)

May God shower joy upon us, my dear family.
Christmas brings us all good things.
God give us grace to see the New Year;
and if we do not increase in numbers
may we at all events not decrease.

On Happiness

Wishing you more happiness
Than all my words can tell,
Not just alone for Christmas
But for all the year as well.

On Peace and Prosperity

Peace and plenty for many a Christmas to come. (Irish Christmas Blessing )

May peace and plenty be the first
To lift the latch to your door,
And happiness be guided to your home
By the candle of Christmas.

For a long life

May you live as long as you Wish,
And have all you Wish or long as you live.
This is my Christmas Wish for You.

Find Your Style of Parenting

There are many ideas about how to rear children. Some parents adopt the ideas their own parents used. Others get advice from friends. Some read books about parenting. Others take classes offered in the community. No one has all the answers. However, psychologists and other social scientists now know what parenting practices are most effective and are more likely to lead to positive outcomes for children.

Ideas about child rearing can be grouped into three styles. These are different ways of deciding who is responsible for what in a family.

Authoritarian

Authoritarian parents always try to be in control and exert their control on the children. These parents set strict rules to try to keep order, and they usually do this without much expression of warmth and affection. They attempt to set strict standards of conduct and are usually very critical of children for not meeting those standards. They tell children what to do, they try to make them obey and they usually do not provide children with choices or options.

Authoritarian parents don't explain why they want their children to do things. If a child questions a rule or command, the parent might answer,"Because I said so." Parents tend to focus on bad behavior, rather than positive behavior, and children are scolded or punished, often harshly, for not following the rules.Children with authoritarian parents usually do not learn to think for themselves and understand why the parent is requiring certain behaviors.

Permissive

Permissive parents give up most control to their children. Parents make few, if any, rules, and the rules that they make are usually not consistently enforced. They don't want to be tied down to routines. They want their children to feel free. They do not set clear boundaries or expectations for their children's behavior and tend to accept in a warm and loving way, however the child behaves.

Permissive parents give children as many choices as possible, even when the child is not capable of making good choices. They tend to accept a child's behavior, good or bad, and make no comment about whether it is beneficial or not. They may feel unable to change misbehavior, or they choose not to get involved.

Democratic or authoritative

Democratic parents help children learn to be responsible for themselves and to think about the consequences of their behavior. Parents do this by providing clear, reasonable expectations for their children and explanations for why they expect their children to behave in a particular manner. They monitor their children's behavior to make sure that they follow through on rules and expectations. They do this in a warm and loving manner. They often, "try to catch their children being good" and reinforcing the good behavior, rather than focusing on the bad.

For example, a child who leaves her toys on a staircase may be told not to do this because, "Someone could trip on them and get hurt and the toy might be damaged." As children mature, parents involve children in making rules and doing chores: "Who will mop the kitchen floor, and who will carry out the trash?"

Parents who have a democratic style give choices based on a child's ability. For a toddler, the choice may be "red shirt or striped shirt?" For an older child, the choice might be "apple, orange or banana?" Parents guide children's behavior by teaching, not punishing. "You threw your truck at Mindy. That hurt her. We're putting your truck away until you can play with it safely."

Which is your style?

Maybe you are somewhere in between. Think about what you want your children to learn. Research on child development shows that the most positive outcomes for children occur when parents use democratic styles. Children with permissive parents tend to be aggressive and act out, while children with authoritarian parents tend to be compliant and submissive and have low self-esteem. No parenting styles will work unless you build a loving bond with your child.

Playdate Rules for Dads

As your child hits four or five, playdates become more common. Many people treat a playdate casually with no set rules and just a loose idea of pickup and drop-off times. But, if you want your playdates to be in demand, consider this list of tips to make this a playdate to be remembered for all the right reasons.

1. If you're the organizer, set up times that work for the other family but don't cramp your other plans. The key here is to communicate clearly. If a specific time won't work, speak up and make your limits known. Plan extra time to arrive promptly for pickups so that other families can get on with the rest of their schedule.

2. Write up a list of contact and emergency numbers that you can easily give to playdate parents. It's easy to make up a stack of these to have on hand. Include any allergies or medications that might be important.

3. If you're the host, be clear on what you'll be providing during the playdate. If you have lunch covered, mention it to other families so you can clear any allergies or food issues. The best dads will have a healthy snack planned and extra points if the meal is something other than pizza or mac ‘n cheese.

4. Don't show movies or allow television during playdates. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule (sleepovers, for example), but in general, most parents don't like to send someone over for a playdate that is just for TV-watching. Avoid movies unless you are very clear on the movie title or type of movie to be shown. You don't want to be the host for the first time little Johnny hears about sex or murder in the PG-rated film you let them watch. Different parents have different tolerances here.

5. Make sure you're clear who will be watching the kids. If you have to go out and it will be your babysitter or other family member watching, make sure to mention that. No parent wants to find out in an emergency that you aren't actually the one watching the kids when they call.

As a dad, you might be held to a higher standard than for other moms. You can make sure your child will have more than his or her share of playdates if you go beyond the call of duty to make sure playdates are a simple, issue-free event.

Holiday Custom Gift Ideas for Christmas

With the holiday season just around the corner, you start racking your brains to think of the right gifts to buy for your family and friends. You want people to appreciate the thought that goes into choosing the gift? Try custom holiday gifts.

You know your dad loves books and you can never go wrong if you choose the topper on the New York Times bestseller list. The Amazon Kindle may be good choice of custom holiday gifts for him this year. The Kindle is an electronic handheld reading device that you use to read a book and store books like a library for future reading. How about buying an Amazon Kindle for your dad this year and ordering his must-read book through Kindle?

Perfumes, bath and spa products, gift baskets with gourmet food and chocolates, you have given them all to your spouse or your mom and now you are looking for something different. Why not make a custom gift basket of your own? Collect her favorite scented bubble bath and perfume, add a bottle of wine and lovely candles, an iPod loaded with her favorite music or the latest book by a favorite author and a gift voucher at a spa to pamper herself.

Looking for a gift for a child who is too young to take care of pets or has a parent with an allergy? Stuffed toys don't excite you? How about an alive pet from the Discovery store? It responds to touch and falls into sleep if left alone for five minutes. Customize the gift by adding a monogrammed toy bag adding the child's favorite fruit and cookies to the basket. Creative craft supplies and building blocks, music CDs and DVDs of favorite films are easy to customize holiday gifts for children, based on their individual talents, tastes and preferences.

Custom holiday gifts make a lasting impact at Christmas because the receiver understands and appreciates the thought, the time and the effort that you have invested to ensure that your recipient is pleased with the gift.

Avoid Making Mealtime a Battleground

Battles over food often occur when parents are too concerned about what, how much and when their children eat. Avoid making mealtime a battleground. Your baby is testing his independence. This means that he'll try to do things his way-not yours. Relax and accept your baby's unusual food choices. As he matures, your baby will follow your lead more easily.

• Don't insist on eating foods in a certain order. Resist saying dessert is a treat for "plate cleaners" only. This power struggle makes dessert more desirable to your 11-month-old.

• Instead, serve a nutritious and balanced meal. Let your baby eat it in whatever order he chooses.

• Don't restrict food combination. If your baby wants to dip his toast in pudding or mix his spinach with rice, let him. He's trying out new tastes. He's eating nutritious food. Try to respect his harmless investigation.

• Don't force your baby to eat. For example, carrots are an important part of a baby's diet. But even a healthy food like a carrot is not worth a battle. Offer him a choice of healthy foods. Follow his cues about when he has had enough.

Eating too little?

Do you think your baby is not eating enough? Relax. Offer nutritious foods at regular times in a pleasant atmosphere. No baby will starve himself! To reassure yourself, check these points.

• Look at his growth. Check the growth chart at his next visit with the doctor. Is the upward curve on the weight and height chart steady? If so, he's eating enough.

• Look at his energy level. Is he moving around all day? Does he sleep well and wake happy? Is he interested in new things? If he's active, he's eating enough.

• Look at his milk intake. Is he breastfeeding eagerly or drinking 24 to 32 ounces of formula a day? If so, most of his nutritional needs are being met.

Using a cup

Weaning is a gradual process. It moves babies from a bottle or breastfeeding to drinking from a cup. For bottle-fed babies, weaning to a cup usually happens around a baby's first birthday.

Now that your baby is feeding himself, it's a good time to offer a cup with his meals. Using a cup with two handles will improve your baby's coordination skills. Gradually substitute a cup for the bottle at the noon meal. Once your baby adjusts to that, do the same at the morning meal.

The evening bottle will probably be the last to go. Your baby is used to the bedtime bottle as a comfortable, secure ritual. Try substituting water in the bottle for the formula. Then just offer your baby a cup of water before bed. If you continue to hold and cuddle at bedtime, weaning will go more smoothly.

Playground Safety Tips

Try to watch over your child closely as much as you can when your child is in the playground. If you can't, have someone trusted to keep a watch on your child. Ensure that he's never unattended at a playground. For example, your child may enjoy swinging fast, but you need to be around to help him slow down and get off the swing. If there are too many kids in the playground, select a lesser crowded spot. This will help you keep track of your child's activities easily, and you can keep a watch on him without being too interfering.

Look out for sharp points, corners, or edges on equipment. These can cut or puncture the skin. The corners should be rounded, and metal edges should be rolled or have rounded capping. Wood parts should be smooth and splinter-free. Some metal surfaces, like slides, can heat up enough on hot, sunny days, and may burn the skin.

Beware of openings. Children may get their heads or feet stuck in them. Slats and metal bars should be spaced too far apart for a young child to get his head caught in or too close to each other to fit his feet through. Cargo nets pose the hazard of entrapment.

Watch out for cables, wires, or ropes. Children might trip over and fall. They should be brightly colored so that they are easily spotted by children, or should be placed at an area farther from playing children. Remove any large or sharp rock, and tree roots jutting out.

Check to see if the equipment is anchored securely to the ground, including handrails, ladders, and steps.

Test surfaces for hardness. Hard surfaces pose the risk of a head injury or fractures. Safe surfaces are made of shock-absorbing materials, such as mulch, wood chips, sand, fine gravel, and rubber matting materials.