Juno Baby - Make Music Their First Language

Pregnancy: What to do about swollen feet

Being pregnant changes your body in many ways.  Some of these ways are permanent, and others are more temporary.  One change your body goes through is the build up of excess fluids.  And, since your body and everything else on this planet must obey the law of gravity, it is inevitable that a certain percentage of your body's excess fluids will sink to your feet, hence swelling. 

So what can you do about it?

Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to entirely prevent fluid from settling in your feet.  But, there are a few things one can do to help relieve some of the pressure.  Below are 6 of Juno Baby's best tips on the subject.

1. Request the assistance of a masseuse.  Have your partner, your friend, or an actual massage therapist gently rub the tension away. 

2. Nix the tight shoes.  And, while you're at it, you can put away the flip flops, high heels, medium to low heels, and anything else you may like to prance around in, and slip on something with some arch support.  Any self-respecting podiatrist will tell you that these are the kids of shoes you should wear all the time, pregnant or not.  But, those of us who aren't trained physicians understand the temptation to put fashion over function every now and then.  Just do yourself a favor and try to stick to the orthopedics while you are pregnant.

3. Amazingly enough, the more liquid you take in, the less liquid you retain.  Sounds crazy, I know.  But, the fact is that all that water (b/c it should be water you are drinking, not coffee, tea, and soda.) will actually help your body circulate better and, eventually, you will dispose of any excess via urination.

4. Keep moving!  Obviously, the more you pump your heart, the more your heart will pump your blood.  Circulating your blood is the best way to get that settled fluid up and moving around.  One of the absolute best ways to exercise your pregnant body is through water aerobics.  This is because the hydrostatic pressure is the perfect remedy for built up fluid.  Just remember not to overdo it, and consult your doctor before starting any serious exercise routine. 

5. Don't sit around.  Even if you aren't exercising, you shouldn't sit for long periods of time unless on bed rest.  Sitting in one position is just asking for trouble.  Make sure you get up occasionally to stretch, change positions, or go for a light walk around the block.

6.  Support hose isn't just for your grandmother.  Pregnant women are asked to wear many unflattering things, and full-length support hose, sadly, is one of them.  However, if you keep in mind that wearing these stockings can help prevent spider veins in your legs after childbirth, and go a long way to ease the discomfort of swollen feet, you may reconsider.  After all, you won't be pregnant forever.  If nothing else, please avoid socks with constricting bands around the calf or ankle.  These will only help trap fluid in your feet and worsen the problem altogether. 

** Please remember to always consult your doctor when feeling any kind of discomfort during pregnancy.  Swollen feet are very common among pregnant women, but in some cases they are the early signs of a serious condition known as Preeclempsia.  Be safe and talk with your doctor often about swelling, stiffness, headaches, strained vision, and any other problems you may experience while pregnant, and even after childbirth.  ** 

This blog post was provided by Stephanie Parker – our blog writer extraordinaire!

New Year's Resolution to Eat Better and Spend Less? Here are some tips on how!

Being a mom or dad in today's economy can be a challenge.  Parents who already have to micromanage their schedules in order to have enough quality time to spend with their families, now have to be especially mindful of their bank accounts as well.  So it's no surprise that cutbacks, in every area, are being made.  Fortunately, eating healthy, well-planned meals doesn't have to be among them!  Read on for a few helpful tips on how to keep your family eating right without breaking your budget or your schedule.

Here are a few basic changes you can make for no money at all.  In fact, making these changes might even save you money!

- Limit salt and sugar in your diet.

It's safe to say that these are two of everyone's favorite ingredients when it comes to making great tasting dishes.  But, you don't have to use alot to get the flavor you want.  Instead of salting your veggies, why not use a little low sodium vegetable stock to add that salty taste?  Or, rather than dumping large amounts of granulated white sugar into your cookie batter, you could use half the amount of brown sugar for the same rich, sweet results. 

- Take advantage of substitutes.

Often times we will pass up a perfectly good stand in because we are too afraid to try something new!  Take for example, Carob.  Carob powder, bars, chips, and more can be used to substitute chocolate as an ingredient in most desserts.  It looks like chocolate.  It tastes like chocolate.  And, what's even better, it isn't unnatural or man-made.  This and other substitutes are at least worth a try if you really want to help your family eat better, and feel better.

- Eat less junk and drink less alcohol. 

These are two things that the human body could simply do without.  And not only are they generally unhealthy for you and your family, they can be expensive! So, try just limiting your intake and watch your wallet grow and your waistline shrink.     

- Put more water in your diet.

You will be amazed at what a little more water, and a little less soda can do for your body, your budget, and (if you buy one jug or pack of water bottles to be washed and reused) your environment!  Still need another reason to stay hydrated with H2O?  Always having water on hand can eliminate the eating out of boredom bad habits.  Less snacking means fewer pounds and better skin to boot.

- Plan ahead.

Take 5 minutes before you turn out the lights and go to bed to jot down a short shopping list.  Keep it simple.  Write down only what you need without thinking about brands, prices, health, quality, etc.  Then, after the list is finished, go back through and think of replacements, substitutes, and coupons.  Ask yourself what kind of meals you can make with these ingredients, and see if you can find another use for them.  Ingredients that can make multiple, healthy meals are ideal shopping list items.  These are the items you need to buy in bulk, whenever possible.  Other, one time use items need to be reevaluated.  Ask yourself, must you have it?  Is there anything else you can use?  If not, then where can you find it cheaply?  This is when you need to use your coupons.  After a bit of practice, you may even be ready to start planning specific meals that use specific ingredients.  However, don't feel you have to plan every meal in advance.  This takes a bit more time that simply shopping for the basics and putting together tasty, healthy meals. 

- Don't be afraid of canned, frozen, or dried items.  Fresh veggies can be pricey when you need alot of them for a stir fry or soup.  Instead, read the back of the frozen bags and decide which one has the highest quality for the lowest price.  There is no rule that says all fruits and veggies must be fresh from the corner market.  Provided you pay attention to the sodium and fat levels on the packaging, prepackaged fruits and veggies are an excellent way to eat better and save money!

- Use lower quality meats for stews and casseroles.  With so many other ingredients competing for the flavor, there is no need to buy the most expensive cut of steak or pork.  Instead, purchase the lower priced items and trim the fat yourself.

- Make a little more than you need and freeze it!  This tip may or may not save you money, but it will most definitely save you time.  On nights when you are too tired to cook, don't grab fast food!!!  Stay home and heat up your very own frozen t.v. dinner. 

And remember, it isn't the time you spend, or the presentation that matters most.  Quality ingredients (fruits and veggies) are the key to healthy eating, and healthy living! 

This blog post was provided by Stephanie Parker – our blog writer extraordinaire!

Considering Adoption - what you need to know

There are many reasons why a couple would choose to adopt.  Some couples have trouble conceiving naturally, and simply don't have the money for expensive processes like in-vitro.  This is especially true for most because, despite the number of fertilized eggs that are inseminated, there really is no guarantee of pregnancy.  And, on top of that, if pregnancy does result, it is quite likely that there will be multiple children rather than one.  In other cases, couples don't want to risk passing down a family disease or disorder by creating a child together, but still wish to have a family.  But whatever the reason, medical or emotional (or both), adoption can be a wonderful experience for both the parents and the child.  Of course, the first step in having a wonderful experience is to know how the process works and how to properly get started.

Know what you want
The first thing anyone should know before considering adoption is that there are different ways to go about it.  You could choose to adopt an international child, an American child, a child you already know or are related to by blood or marriage, a child with disabilities, a child of another race, and more.  It's important to know exactly what you want before you begin to keep things from becoming too complicated down the road.

To help keep your options clear, here are a few questions you should ask yourself before ever contacting an agency. 

(this list of questions and more detailed information can be found @ http://www.adoption.org)

  

1. What age child do you want to adopt?
- teen
- grade school
- pre-k
- infant

2. Do you want a child who is from the United States or another country?    

3. Do you want to adopt a specific child you saw in an agencies ad or website?    

4. Do you have a home study?  (a home study is the approval process that occurs after several meetings between you, your partner, and a social work while in your own home.)
For this you will need:
- a marriage license
- birth certificate
- personal references
- a child abuse clearance report
- and several other official documents

Do you want to adopt a child you already know?    
- stepchild
- unmarried partner's child
-  foster child
- relatives or friend's child

5. What else is important to you about the child you plan to adopt?    
- Will you adopt siblings?
- Will you adopt a child with physical disabilities?
- Will you adopt a child with emotional or learning problems?
- Will you adopt a child of a minority race?
- Will you adopt a child whose race is different from your own?
- would you like contact with the child's birth family?

After completing the above process, you will need to contact an agency.  At this point, it is important that you practice extra precaution.  The danger here is that many criminals have and will pose as adoption agencies in order to both manipulate you and take your time and money.  Always check, re-check, and check again an agencies licenses and credentials.  Once you are confident they are a legitimate and reputable agency, you can begin.  The law states that you must work with an agency in the state where you reside. 

Selecting your agency
Before making your decision, it is important that you get the proper information.
- Are there any fees, hidden or up front?
- What types of children have they placed?
- How do they assess families?
- How long does the average adoption take?

And finally, it is also a good idea to speak to someone who has used the agency before.

Know you are ready to get started!  For more detailed information on adoption, what to expect and how to move forward, please visit theadoptionguide.com or the National Adoption Center's web site, adopt.org!

This blog post was provided by Stephanie Parker – our blog writer extraordinaire!

Miscarriage - Why does it happen? When are you safe?

A miscarriage is a serious and traumatic event that no family should have to suffer through.  Unfortunately, miscarriages are quite common, affecting one in every eight pregnancies.  So it is our responsibility as expecting mother's and father's to educate ourselves. 

A miscarriage is the spontaneous abortion or death of the fetus within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.  According to various studies, 15 to 20% of expectant women (not including artificially inseminated women) experience a miscarriage within their first trimester.  80% of those women will experience the loss within the first 12 weeks.  Babies lost any time after the initial 20 week period are referred to as stillborn. 

Why does it happen?

Sadly, nearly 70% of all first trimester miscarriages are simply the result of chromosome abnormalities.  This means that either the sperm, the egg, or both did not have the right amount of chromosomes, and was unable to continue development.  Or, in some cases, structural flaws in the embryo can prevent further development, or the egg can fail to attach itself to the uterine wall.  There are many causes that simply cannot be avoided.  Both parents could be in perfect health, and it would not prevent these random occurrences from happening.  It is for this reason that physicians don't normally examine a woman after she miscarries once.  Only after repeated incidents (usually 2 or 3)  will a doctor see fit to examine and investigate for other possible causes.  And even after a full round of testing, there is still only a 50% chance of finding an exact cause and coming up with a preventative measure. 

When is it safe?

Once your baby's heart is beating, your odds of miscarrying your child drop dramatically.  Read below to find out what outside factors can put you at an even greater risk for having a miscarriage.

- Women over 40 are at a greater risk for miscarriage than their younger peers.  Also, men over 40 can raise the risk of creating a fertilized egg that will not gestate properly.

- Women who have miscarried before have a mildly increased risk.

- Uncontrolled diseases/disorders raise your risk for miscarriage.  Specifically, diabetes, problems blood clotting, autoimmune disorders, and hormone problems all increase one's risks.

- Having a weak uterine wall or a short cervix ( AKA cervical insufficiency) can increase your risk for miscarriage.

- Having a history of genetic problems/defects.

- Having ever suffered from cytomgalovirus, parvovirus, gonorrhea, HIV, and other such infections.

- Substance abuse of any kind WILL increase your risk of miscarriage and many other problems.  (this includes drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol.)

- Ask your doctor about taking certain medications while you are pregnant, over the counter or prescription, as these may increase your risk for miscarriage.

- Exposure to strong chemicals and radiation increase your risk.

- And finally, your risk for miscarriage rises each time you become pregnant within 3 months of giving birth to another child.

- Your risk of miscarriage also rises with each child you bear and if you get pregnant within three months after giving birth.

There is hope.

Before you panic, know that there is always hope.  It may be a common occurrence, but the more you know, the more prepared you will be!  Talk to your doctor and follow his/her advice to the letter.  Take it easy.  Be mindful of your medications.  And RELAX.  One of the worst things for a pregnancy is excessive stress. 

Just remember, know the risks to lower the risks.

This blog post was provided by Stephanie Parker – our blog writer extraordinaire!

Mommy Groups - Finding one or starting your own!

One of the best ways a woman can deal with stress in her life is to group together with other women who are going through the same thing.  Pregnancy is no exception.

Don't isolate yourself during this emotional and exciting time.  Instead, share it with others.  Cheer someone else on.  Open yourself up and you might be surprised by what you can receive and what you can give to another. 

Read on to find out how you can find a group like this, or even start one yourself!  

Location, location, location.
Depending on where you live, finding a mother's group may be as simple as picking up a flyer, or as difficult as starting one from scratch.  In larger, more populated areas, you might simply search the paper or call the local hospital.  In smaller, less populated areas you may need to ask around.  News and helpful information often spreads through word of mouth in rural communities.  Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to new people.  Who knows, the next person you speak to might end up becoming a close friend.

A few key places to call: hospitals, day care centers, churches, universities, schools, and libraries.

DIY
In some cases, there may not be a mother's group.  But don't give up!  Instead, start one yourself.  Ever heard the old expression, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained"?  Well, in this case it's true.  If you don't step up and get the ball rolling maybe nobody will.  And wouldn't that be a shame? 

It's really not as hard as it sounds.  Just gather your courage and start a conversation with another mother.  Whether she's a friend or a complete stranger, you will both have one thing in common... you're moms!  If she has a two year old and you are only expecting, ask her for advice.  If you're both pregnant, talk about those carvings, your aches and pains, or whatever ails you.  Share and you will eventually be shared with.

Once you have made a connection with at least one woman, the two of you can reach out to another, and another.  Eventually, you'll be laughing and crying together and handing out flyers on the weekends.

Just remember, a group starts one person at a time.

Think outside the box and inside the monitor.
The web can be an excellent source for support groups.  After all, online you have the whole world at your fingertips, rather than just a handful of people from your community.  Of course, it can also be a bit more difficult to make a real connection, but with a little effort and an open mind it could turn out to be an excellent experience. 

* tip: it might make things a bit more personal to use web-cams when meeting with your Internet mommy friends.  - however, use caution when dealing with information about your location, number, and personal other personal info.

Keep it cozy.
Sometimes support groups can be large and impersonal.  If this is the case, don't be afraid to bond with just a few of the ladies and get together separately for more intimate discussions.  You might even consider meeting just for fun.  Perhaps a movie or game night?  It's all up to you and how personal you want this to be for yourself.

This blog post was provided by Stephanie Parker – our blog writer extraordinaire!

Pregnant and Stressed Out! Here are some ways to deal with the stress of pregnancy

Whether you're young or old, experienced or inexperienced, pregnancy can wreak havoc on your mind and body.  Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help ease some of the stress. 

Are you getting enough vitamin "Z"?
Joking aside, not getting the proper amount of deep, regenerative sleep can seriously impact one's health, specifically that of a pregnant woman.  Be sure you aren't pushing yourself too hard.  Go to bed early.  Sleep a little later.  And don't be afraid to take a few cat naps during the day.  Being pregnant means that your body is not just working to support one life, but two (or more in some cases).  So give it the rest it needs.  Trying to rest, but finding it difficult due to body heat and abdominal discomfort?  Try taking a cold shower right before slipping into the sheets.  Or, keep a few extra fans by your bedside.   

Time management.
Unfortunately, the world can't slow down long enough for us to get everything done and still have time to relax.  Sometimes you just have to make time.  Prioritize your to-do list and scratch of anything that does not absolutely have to be done today.  And then, if at all possible, rearrange it so that everything you need to do can be done all at once, at the beginning of each day.  This way, once you're finished, you can grab a seat, a box of cookies and not move for the rest of the night!

(** when weeding less important tasks out of your schedule, be firm with yourself.  the rest of the world may not remember to slow things down for you, so you have to slow things down for yourself.  it's ok to say no once in a while.)

Cutting corners can be a good thing.
Don't let the cost of a new baby stress you out.  You could save a ton of money simply by borrowing and not buying.  Maternity clothes, toys, books, and other basic necessities could be just the things a friend or neighbor is looking to get off their hands for a while.  Remember, not everything has to be new.  It may seem important now, but all of those material possessions you've acquired will pale in comparison when the baby finally arrives.

You've got to move it move it!
While you should never strain yourself or endanger your baby by working out at a pace you aren't used to, a few light movements and exercises each morning can easily bring a little extra sunshine into your day.  

Know when to say when.
These days it isn't uncommon to see women working through the early stages of their pregnancy.  However, to do this, you have to know your limits.  Pushing yourself to do too much too fast will only add stress to your life and the babies environment.

Make yourself comfortable.
Get a manicure, a pedicure, a massage!  Nobody really knows how tired you are or how much you ache but you, so step up and take care of yourself!

Have a support system.
Whether it be your folks, your friends, or just your hubby, have someone their for you when you need it.  Let's face it, hormones can be a bear to deal with during pregnancy.  Don't be afraid to express what you are really feeling.  A good support system will understand and help you get a handle on things.

This blog post was provided by Stephanie Parker – our blog writer extraordinaire!

Halloween Safety Tips for Your Child

The air is cool, the leaves are turning, and your local supermarket is simply overflowing with tasty treats!  Halloween is just rounding the corner, and promising fun and games for everyone!  Everyone... but you, mom and dad. 

Unfortunately, it's true.   Parent's often find it difficult to truly enjoy the party when danger lurks around every corner, and we're not talking about witches and ghosties here.  It's dark, the streets are over-crowded, nearly everyone has a mask or disguise, and, oh yeah, what was that rule about taking candy from strangers?  It's no wonder that mom and dad are tense!  However, there is still hope for a good time.  Read on to find out how to keep your family safe and still have fun.

Lights out!

While a traditional part of the holiday, being out and about after dark can create many potential hazards for you and your little one.  Tripping on the sidewalk, falling on sharp props, and accidentally walking into traffic are just a few of the dangers you and yours may face.  Be smart, and try a few of these preventative measures to ensure you have NO reason to be afraid of the dark.

• Always wear clothing with reflective markings or tape.  If you can't incorporate it into the costume, then add a small vest or belt that will do the job for you.
• Never cut across yards or driveways.  You might not see a car that doesn't have it's lights on.
• Keep track of the time even in the dark with a watch that lights up.
• Be sure your costume won't drag on the ground.
• Don't go anywhere without a flashlight
• And, of course, walk, don't run.
• Keep to the sidewalks.  Or, if there isn't one, stay on the side of the road that faces traffic.
• When driving around, always mind the traffic signals
• Don't wear a mask if it obstructs your eyesight.  Instead, carry it with you to the door and slip it on before ringing.

Mom and Dad beware!

There are some safety tips you can't expect junior to understand or even remember.  It is important that you, mom or dad, take responsibility for making sure your child's costume is flame retardant, and that they NEVER eat candy before it's inspected.  A good way to keep their little hands out of the candy jar is to feed them dinner before going trick or treating.  Also, always accompany them if you can, and know where they're going when you can't.  And when it comes to strangers, never approach a dark home, avoid visiting neighborhoods you aren't familiar with, and be on the look out for loose pets. 

Do your part.

When giving out candy to the little ones, be sure that your home isn't a hazard in itself. 

• Clear your lawn of obstacles, such as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip people in the dark.
• Put your pets away.  All the fuss, masks, cars, and screaming toddlers could provoke even the most even tempered pat to bite or scratch.
• Try to avoid leaving open flames in your jack-o-lanterns.  Battery powered lights work just as well.
• Help parents keep their children healthy and happy with tasty snacks instead of chocolate and sugar.  They probably have enough of that as it is.  A few good choices are: low-fat crackers with cheese or peanut butter filling, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins and single-serve packets of low-fat popcorn that can be microwaved later.
• For the older kids that aren't in any danger of choking, you might try toys instead of treats.  For example, you could give out cool plastic rings, pencils, stickers, erasers, and real or pretend coins.

This blog post was provided by Stephanie Parker – our blog writer extraordinaire!

Divorce - Talking to Your Children

Divorce is a stressful thing for two adults to deal with.  People walk away scarred, angry, and, if they are at all honest with themselves, a little bit lonely.  Between the he said she said, the expensive lawyers, and the bitter friends and families choosing sides, it's easy to see how all of this would then be even more stressful and overwhelming to a toddler.  Such fragile, innocent minds should never have to experience a family, their family, being torn apart.  Unfortunately, divorce affects more than one million children each year.  So what can we do to help? 

First things first
Let hem know it isn't their fault.  It never was their fault, and it never will be.  Simply due to the questioning nature of a child, you may have to go over this with them time and time again.  If that is the case, do it.  Then do it again just to be sure.  In fact, both parents should do it to comfort the child and let him/her know that mom and dad are in agreement on this one.  It isn't their fault, no bones about it.

How to deliver the news   
There is no good way to tell your children about the divorce.  The best thing you can do is keep it simple, short, and reassuring.  For example, you might start by telling them that mom and dad have been having trouble getting along lately, and think it is a good idea to live apart for a while.  Eventually, "a while" will be accepted as permanent.  (unless of course "a while" means you are only separating and in need of counseling)  Let them know that they are still equally loved by each of you, and that you will both be there to take care of them.  After this, just listen.  Hug them, hold them, talk with them, etc.  Just remember to listen more than you speak, and leave your issues with your spouse out of it.  Right now, this is about them.

Dealing with what comes next
One can never know how a little child will react to such a traumatic event in their lives.  Just be ready to be there for them no matter what emotion comes next.  Sometimes a child will act out in anger, by becoming more defiant at home and in preschool.  Sometimes he/she may pull away from both of you.  Be understanding, talk with them frequently, and seek out help if you need to.  Child counselors are trained to deal with situations like these, and may know better how to help your child come to terms and develop a healthy attitude about things.

Regression
Another common response to any trauma, specifically that of divorce or the death of a parent is regression.  Your little one may begin to act much younger than he/she actually is.  This could also be out of anger, an attempt to frustrate you and demand more time and care.  Or, it could be an attempt to make things as they once were.  They may try and change the situation by pretending to be younger.  In their minds, mommy and daddy loved each other when they were just a baby.  Bed wetting, loss of appetite, and sleeplessness may also occur along with this regression.  Stay strong and supportive.  Offer lots of opportunities to talk about it, but know when to back off. 

Keep filling the gaps
Don't allow your child to dwell on the absence of his/her father or mother.  When one parent is away, allow them to spend time with another family member of the same sex.  It isn't a replacement, but the temporary substitution does ease the pain a bit.

Most importantly, keep filling your child with love and support.  Make sure they don't feel responsible or trapped in the middle.  No child should ever feel as if they have to choose one parent or the other.  And although your divorce may be bitter and uncomfortable, when you come together for your child, try to put away your arguments and differences.  This is their time for healing.

This blog post was provided by Stephanie Parker – our blog writer extraordinaire!

Be a Recycling Parent - Teaching Your Children the Importance of the Environment

From the moment our children learn to speak, we teach them manners.  When they enter school, we teach them good study habits.  So why wouldn't we teach our kids to recycle?  The bottom line is that whether you believe the environment is in trouble or not, it can't hurt to conserve and creatively reuse our man-made products.  Why waste when you don't have to?  And even better, it's easy!  There isn't any need to worry your children with environmental statistics, and breaking headlines concerning oil and the safety of animals.  Just let them watch you and learn by example.  Ok.  Ready to give this a shot?  Let's go over a few easy ways to recycle in your everyday life.

4 lbs a day!

The average American creates about 4lbs of garbage each day.  One way to reduce that is to reuse what you can.  If you had your lunch in a ziplock baggie, wash it!  Use it a few more times!  It can't hurt anything, and it saves you a few extra pennies here and there.  And, as we tell our child, those pennies add up pretty fast.

LAF Lines

Did you know there is actually a company that recycles crayons bits?  Well, know you do!  As most parents know, all those little bits of broken wax lying about can make a carpet look rather messy.  But, rather than toss it outside, why not send it off to LAF Lines?  For the price of one envelop and stamp, you can help LAF Lines create brand new crayons from just a little trash on your carpet.  This is a particularly good idea for pre-schools and day care centers because of LAF Lines wonderful 1lb = 1 crazy crayon system.  Yep, for every pound you turn in you receive a new recycled crayon!  Turn in fifty and you could have a whole box set.

Community spirit!

Get together a small group in your community and help each other to recycle and reuse.  Like ex-cerise, recycling often works best with a supporting partner.  If you are new to the neighborhood, this could be a great way to make new friends.  Perhaps there is already a community established that you could join?  You never know until you try.   

Crafts

You would be amazed how creative your kids can be sometimes.  Why not encourage that creativity by challenging them to make something using only bits of trash (clean trash, of course) from your home.  Let the mind wander and help your child come up with something new using only something old! 

Grocery Bagging

Stop to buy one reusable bag, and never worry with plastic or paper again.  You will be amazed at how much less clutter you have after shopping.  Your kids will watch, and soon they will want bags of their own!

This blog post was provided by Stephanie Parker – our blog writer extraordinaire!

 

Hiring a Babysitter - Important Tips on Finding and Using the Right Sitter for Your Child

When you can't remember where (or when) you went on your last date, you know it's time to find a sitter.  Yes, it's scary, but there ARE qualified individuals out there ready and willing to help.  Where are they, and how do you choose?  OK.  Let's go over a few of the basics, shall we?

# 1 Know who you're dealing with.

One of the biggest mistakes when getting a baby sitter is simply not gathering enough information.  While sweet Sally Mae from church might seem like the perfect choice, she may in fact be the most irresponsible teen around.  You simply can't judge a book by it's cover, even if you think the cover looks right for the job.  So instead of walking directly up to someone and proposing that they do a little sitting for you,  you might consider talking to the people around you. 

- Has anyone had Sally sit for them before?  How did she do?

- Is she a good student?  It's a good general rule that a kid that can't stay on top of her studies might not be the best choice to play mommy for the evening. 

- Who does Sally hang around?  Typically, I would say that a person's friends don't necessarily define them, but in this case, it can be a good indicator of maturity and attitude. 

After doing your research, you might ask Sally for a brief babysitting resume or list of references.  Be sure and take advantage of a reference list by calling every number on it.  You never know what stories (good or bad) you might hear. 

# 2 Get organized.

Once you've picked the right sitter, be sure you provide him/her with all the information they will need to take care of your little one, come what may.  This means:
-  a list of important phone numbers
-  allergies
-  medications/doctor's orders
-  house rules
-  a list of foods that might be potential choking hazards to your child
-  and the clear location of things like flashlights and first aid kits

Have an organized, easy to read paper (or packet), already prepared to give to the sitter.  Preparation is key when you won't be there to think on your feet and protect your child from whatever dangers the future holds.

# 3 Be a team player.

Don't leave a huge mess for the sitter to clean.  In general, it is impolite to expect cleaning/cooking service from someone you only hired to watch your children.  If you wanted a maid for the evening, you should have hired one of those as well.  However, in some cases, if discussed before hand, a sitter may be willing to cook and clean for a higher fee.  If not, just be sure the house is in order and something has been pre-prepared for the kids to eat.  If you feel like being especially accommodating, you might offer him/her whatever is in the fridge.  Otherwise, just mention to the sitter that the kid's food is on the table so they won't have to bother searching the fridge or cabinets for something to feed them. 

# 4 Payment   

Never wait until the end of the night to discuss payment.  It isn't likely that your sitter would even come over without discussing this part of the deal first, but there are always exceptions to the rule.  If he/she shyes away from the topic, encourage them to work it out with you before they arrive.  If they are new to this, and unsure of what to charge, feel free to make an offer.  Let them go and think about it (AKA talk to other sitters) and then come back with a "yes", "no", or a "let's talk".

This blog post was provided by Stephanie Parker – our blog writer extraordinaire!