http://www.yourparentinginfo.com Raising Great Kids Fri, 17 May 2013 14:00:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/solution-ex-friend-is-back/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/solution-ex-friend-is-back/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 14:00:32 +0000 Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=6708
An ex-friend of my son is going to start going to his school next year (they’ll both be in tenth grade). They went to a private school together a few years ago, but my son began to feel that this boy was undermining his self-confidence.  He now feels that if he has to deal with ]]>
An ex-friend of my son is going to start going to his school next year (they’ll both be in tenth grade). They went to a private school together a few years ago, but my son began to feel that this boy was undermining his self-confidence.  He now feels that if he has to deal with this boy at school again he’ll have some kind of meltdown. Should he ask not to be put in any of the same classes as him? It’s a big enough school that it could be done. Of course he’ll have to explain why and that’ll be embarrassing. Invite the boy and his parents over for ribs and chicken wings and a pool party (if you have access to one) Let the kids talk while the parents talk; don't mention any bad stuff, just tell his parents they have a lively son. Make sure your son acts gracious and not fearful. Keep the emphasis on the fab food and swimming. In other words,use reverse psychology! Then if that does not work, after he settles in you'll have a rapport with his parents to help you and your son. The content on this site is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace professional consultation.]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/solution-ex-friend-is-back/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/tips-to-prevent-forgetting-your-infant-in-the-car/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/tips-to-prevent-forgetting-your-infant-in-the-car/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 14:00:57 +0000 T Akery http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=6694
With summer rolling around, the news items about infant deaths in cars increase. Sadly, this really is a preventable tragedy. But parents get busy and distracted. They are rushing around getting things done. While parents would say that they would never leave their infant in the car, the inevitable does happen. By implementing a few ]]>
With summer rolling around, the news items about infant deaths in cars increase. Sadly, this really is a preventable tragedy. But parents get busy and distracted. They are rushing around getting things done. While parents would say that they would never leave their infant in the car, the inevitable does happen. By implementing a few of these tricks, you can help yourself remember when your infant is in the car seat. Employing these tactics is no guarantee and you should develop the habit of checking two or three times every single time you are in the car. Car Seat Buddy Grab your infant's biggest stuffed animal and use it as a car seat buddy. When your infant is in the car, the stuffed animal rides next to you in the front seat. When your infant is not traveling with you, the stuffed animal gets stashed in the backseat. Forget the shotgun protests by other siblings. Save the front seat for the stuffed animal. This is a very visual reminder of where your infant is located. Signs Posting a sign is also a good tactic to employ in the car. Make it and attach it to the radio dial or on the top of the dash. After you strap your infant in, post the sign. After they have been dropped off at daycare, make sure to remove it. This extra step will give you the incentive to think twice about your infant. Again, this is a visual reminder of something very important. Phone alarms A phone alarm is handy if you are already on a set schedule. Set the alarm to the approximate time you are dropping your infant off at daycare or the babysitter's house. Type a reminder such as "look in the backseat". While it doesn't work quite as well for trips to the grocery store, you can still set it for the approximate travel time for errands. This is both a visual and sound cue to always check the backseat. Sensors There are a few sensors to help with the problem. Some sensors detect when your child is buckled in and send a signal to a device on car keys. Others detect the heat of your child or your child's movement or a heart beat. There are some of these sensors available on the market. Most of them clip directly on the car seat itself. Take the time to investigate these as an extra safety precaution to that visual check. Leaving your infant in a hot car is a tragedy that can be avoided. You can never assume that your significant other or the babysitter has the infant even if you are super busy. Practice always looking in the backseat even if your infant isn't with you. These methods are only aids to help you remember what is in the car.]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/tips-to-prevent-forgetting-your-infant-in-the-car/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/weightlifting-and-supplements-part-3/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/weightlifting-and-supplements-part-3/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:13 +0000 Jacob Parzych http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=6700
Today, we venture into the world of weightlifting supplements.  In essence, they are products that make your muscles grow faster (and ultimately bigger).  Now, that’s immediately associated with steroids, but there is much more out there.  In fact, there are multiple different categories of supplements.  Today, we ‘ll look at protein! Protein ingested after a ]]>
Today, we venture into the world of weightlifting supplements.  In essence, they are products that make your muscles grow faster (and ultimately bigger).  Now, that's immediately associated with steroids, but there is much more out there.  In fact, there are multiple different categories of supplements.  Today, we 'll look at protein! Protein ingested after a workout helps your muscles rebuild, by providing extra amino acids and protein to repair muscles.  The biggest difference between the types of protein is what they are made from and how they are intended to be used.

• Whey Protein.  Isolated from whey (a byproduct of cheese production), this is the most commonly found form of protein supplements.  It's a fast absorbing protein which will enhance the development of muscle.  It's usually the cheapest form of protein, making it very popular and good for starters.  Whey protein is best used immediately after your workout, in order to start rebuilding muscle quickly.  It can also be consumed throughout the day, in order to maximize results.  Be careful not to consume too much, though.  It is not digested well by the large intestine, leading to constipation.  This is my protein of choice.  I use 100% whey protein (meaning it's pure, so slightly better).  I drink it immediately after weightlifting and when I wake up the morning after.  There are also two variations on it.
  • Whey Protein Isolate.  This is simply whey protein which has been processed to remove most of the fat and lactose.  This makes it slightly quicker to absorb and better for gaining lean muscle.  Otherwise, it's the same.  I've used it before, but thought it was nothing special.
  • Hydrolyzed Whey Protein.  This is whey protein that has been partially hydrolyzed (digested), making it quicker to absorb.  This is best used immediately after a workout.
• Casein Protein.  Casein is a slow absorbing source of protein, made from milk.  It naturally gels (or clots) after entering your digestive system, slowing absorption.  This allows it to slowly feed your body with protein, enhancing recovery.  It's best used before you go to bed, so that your body can repair its muscles with extra protein and amino acids while you sleep.
• Soy Protein.  This is not nearly as popular, except with vegans, vegetarians, and the lactose intolerant.  The biggest upsides are that it is both low in cholesterol and calories.  This makes it a healthy option for building lean muscle.
• Egg Protein.  Much like Soy Protein, Egg Protein is a popular option for building lean muscle.  It's also lactose free, making it popular with the lactose intolerant.
• Other proteins, such as plant and beef protein. These are relatively new to the market and not used by many, so I'm not going to discuss them.

For those with knowledge of weightlifting supplements, you may have noticed I didn't mention Mass Gainers.  Due to their unique nature, I will discuss them later on. (Remember, I'm not an expert.  If you or your child has some serious questions, talk to an athletic trainer, weightlifting coach, or doctor.   My advice should not be used in place of that of a trained professional.)]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/weightlifting-and-supplements-part-3/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/acquiring-and-using-voluntary-preschool-vouchers/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/acquiring-and-using-voluntary-preschool-vouchers/#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 14:00:05 +0000 T Akery http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=6674
Some States such as Florida have a state run program for four-year-olds. This program entitles your preschoolers to attend preschool for free. If your State supports this type of program, you need to be aware of what getting a voucher entails. For most of these programs, your child has to turn four before the fall ]]>
Some States such as Florida have a state run program for four-year-olds. This program entitles your preschoolers to attend preschool for free. If your State supports this type of program, you need to be aware of what getting a voucher entails. For most of these programs, your child has to turn four before the fall cutoff date. If your preschooler's birthday is in the beginning of the year, you will have to wait until they are almost five before they can acquire these vouchers. You want to start really early with vouchers. The main reason is that preschools only have a limited number of spots available. If you have already chosen a preschool and it is a popular one, spaces will fill up very quickly. So, scout out your preschools in the fall before your child turns four. This is the time when many schools hold open houses. Other open houses will be hosted in the spring right about the time the vouchers become available. It is fine to shop around these open houses. But don't wait too long to make up your mind. The clock is ticking from the moment the vouchers are issued. Make sure you arrive at the designated voucher area with all of your preschooler's paperwork in hand. You will need a certified copy of their birth certificate. At this time, you do not need to provide shot records. You may need additional things such as your driver's license and proof of residency like a utility bill. Many people forget to bring their own ID. Don't leave home without it. Otherwise, you won't get the voucher. This is checked during the process. Arrive at the official voucher place area. Long lines will form quickly. Getting there early gets you a decent place in line. Plus, you can reserve your preschool spot before other parents have had a chance to get through the line. It is best to leave your preschooler with a babysitter for the duration. Yes, there will be other kids around. But it can get boring for preschoolers if they are forced to wait in line too long. This can lead to your kid throwing fits or acting up. If you do have to bring them, plan ahead with snacks and quiet toys. Make sure you take your preschooler to the potty before you get in line. Some people may save your spot in line. Others aren't as gracious. It is best not to test the patience of other parents especially if they have a cranky preschooler. For questions about when and where, you will need to look at the education website for your particular State. Preschools will use these vouchers to reserve a spot in the program. You don't have to have all your paperwork when you hand these vouchers in. But getting them in early will make it much easier and you will get your preschooler into the preschool you want instead of having to settle for whatever is left.]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/acquiring-and-using-voluntary-preschool-vouchers/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/why-a-tween-may-be-having-school-trouble/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/why-a-tween-may-be-having-school-trouble/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 14:00:36 +0000 Lori Sciame http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=6683
The tween years can be filled with problems that may cause decreased performance at school.  From not getting enough sleep to being unsure about his or her sexuality, a tween may begin to let his or her grades dip. This post explores several of the reasons why a tween may begin to fail at school ]]>
The tween years can be filled with problems that may cause decreased performance at school.  From not getting enough sleep to being unsure about his or her sexuality, a tween may begin to let his or her grades dip. This post explores several of the reasons why a tween may begin to fail at school when he or she has done well in the past. Not Enough Sleep Leads to Falling Asleep in Class! When children are young, parents and guardians enforce bedtimes.  As a child grows, he or she may fight for later bedtimes, as doing this feels more grownup.  A tween, however, needs his or her sleep just as much as a younger child.  Just because a child has entered sixth or seventh grade does not mean that he or she should stay up until all hours of the night.  Research shows that children of this age need as much as ten hours of uninterrupted sleep to function at peak performance; therefore, a parent of a tween needs to be strong and enforce a proper sleeping schedule. No Breakfast Means Decreased Learning! Parents/Guardians listen up!  Tweens need to eat breakfast, and if they are too lazy to get it for themselves, you need to make it for them.  I am all for responsibility, but choose your battles wisely.  I would rather fix a late riser breakfast instead of punishing him or her by withholding food.  You don't have to fix anything elaborate; cereal, toast with peanut butter, or even low fat granola bars with milk and or juice will help to ready the brain for learning. A Self-Conscious Child is a Preoccupied Child As early as 10, a child's body begins to change.  Secondary sex characteristics begin to emerge, and a child who is in the dark about what is happening is more likely to feel upset by puberty.  And just like a hungry child, a child who doesn't understand these changes may begin to do poorly at school due to preoccupation.  This is why it is so important to talk to your child about sexuality from a young age, beginning with the correct names of body parts, moving on to puberty, then to reproduction, and finally to teen sex issues such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.  (Believe me, establishing open lines of communication concerning sex with only enhance a parent's relationship with his or her child). The Bully Disrupts Learning When I entered a new school at the age of 11, I went from being a straight A student to a C student, all because of bullying.  At that time, I was told to endure it, but children today do not have to endure bullies.  If a tween suddenly begins missing school for no reason, and his or her grades drop dramatically, find out if bullying might be the cause.  Bullies can be stopped through the proper school channels. As you can see, there are many reasons why a tween might have trouble at school.  The most important thing: keep talking with your child; that will help establish the reason for the change.]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/why-a-tween-may-be-having-school-trouble/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/elementary-playtime/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/elementary-playtime/#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 14:00:09 +0000 Ronald A. Rowe http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=6678
Elementary school children can bring home all sorts of things from school. Sometimes it is something good – an A, a hand made Mother’s Day card, or a diorama depicting Washington crossing the Delaware. Other things that the kids bring home from school, like viruses or new and unsavory vocabulary, can be less enjoyable. And ]]>
Elementary school children can bring home all sorts of things from school. Sometimes it is something good - an A, a hand made Mother’s Day card, or a diorama depicting Washington crossing the Delaware. Other things that the kids bring home from school, like viruses or new and unsavory vocabulary, can be less enjoyable. And sometimes it isn’t a what but a who. When it is other people’s children that are being introduced into your home -- be it for a birthday party, a ride sharing arrangement, a "play date", or whatever manner -- things start to get a little more complicated. We’ve said here often that parenting is a balancing act. Supervising your child’s interaction with his or her peers is just one more example. I’ve noticed that parents tend to easily fall into one of two extremes. The natural inclination of well meaning parents seems to be to either hover protectively over their child, fighting the battles that should be his, or to push so hard for their own child to be gracious and accepting that they allow the visitor to trample all over her. The former behavior tends to lead toward isolationism and over-parenting. The latter lends itself to self-congratulation in the form of denigrating the parenting of the other child’s parents. Either case can lead down a perilous road. As we’ve seen again and again in our parenting journey, the middle road is the best solution for the long-term well being of our children. We need to supervise play time for our younger elementary children without dominating it. The kids need to learn how to get along with others without becoming a doormat. It isn’t easy when their peers are other young elementary students who may be farther behind on the social learning curve and just downright unreasonable. And here you are as a parent, unable to apply proper discipline to any of the kids -- except your own. Proper playtime supervision, the kind that leads to useful lessons in social life skills, starts before the playtime actually begins and extends long after. Take the time to talk to your child and reinforce playtime rules like sharing, courtesy, sharing, respect, and sharing, sharing, sharing. In case you missed it, sharing is key. The majority of playtime tantrums, arguments, pushing, and crying result from an inability to share among the kids. Talking through when to give and when to stand firm before playtime will make the actual event go much more smoothly for everyone involved. After playtime, take time to recap. What worked? What didn’t? What could we learn about our friends, ourselves, and the rules of social order from the encounter? This doesn’t have to be -- in fact, probably shouldn’t be -- very formal. But it should happen and it should lead to better interaction and a more confident, social child in the future.]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/elementary-playtime/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/teens-perspective-on-school-safety-drills/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/teens-perspective-on-school-safety-drills/#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 14:00:08 +0000 Sam P. http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=6677
This week my school had an impromptu fire drill that none of the teachers were prepared for or warned about.   In fact nobody knew it was going to happen.  No, our school did not catch on fire.  There are two rumors going around school as to what happened, one of which seems legit and the other ]]>
This week my school had an impromptu fire drill that none of the teachers were prepared for or warned about.   In fact nobody knew it was going to happen.  No, our school did not catch on fire.  There are two rumors going around school as to what happened, one of which seems legit and the other seems just as possible.  The most legit one is that there was something wrong in the air conditioning vents which triggered the alarm, the other is that someone pulled the alarm. Whichever one it was, nobody expected it.  We were outside for nearly an hour since we had to wait for everybody to get outside and for the fire trucks to arrive.  But, despite how unprepared we were, I think it went very efficiently.  I know many schools that may have taken much longer to get outside and quite possibly could have had a few kids leave. I truly think that schools do not practice them, not only fire drill but lock downs and other safety drills as well, often enough.   It is crucial for schools to be prepared in all situations.  Only 95% of schools practice safety drills.  This means that 5% of schools will be unprepared in any sort of dangerous situation.  People always brush off major school shootings by saying things like,"Oh that won't happen here." or, "Why would a shooter come to a little town like ours?"  But something that may shock you is that in the past 20 years nine out of every 10 school shootings have happened in quaint little sleepy towns.  Much like the towns that use those comforting excuses.  That means only 10% of school shootings in the past 20 years have happened in major cities. In just the past 13 years there have been 32 major school shootings, and that doesn't even include shootings at colleges and universities.  And in a school shooting situation most victims are usually killed before police and S.W.A.T.  team have time to arrive.  This is because schools are not prepared for these situations and need to take a real hard look at the cold truth.  The chances of a school shooting happening at a school like yours, or at yours, are not as small as they are made out to be. Schools need to take the time to really prepare themselves for a situation like the previous ones.  People need to stop saying that stuff like that doesn't happen where they are.  Columbine;  Santee, California;  Williamsport, Pennsylvania;  Jacksboro, Tennessee; Essex, Vermont; Bailey, Colorado; Omaha, Nebraska; Tuscon, Arizona; Walpole, New Hampshire; Chardon, Ohio; Newtown, Connecticut and many others.  It does happen.  Schools and towns need to take responsibility and get ready and practice school safety drills.  From lock downs to fire drills, schools need to be ready for anything.]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/teens-perspective-on-school-safety-drills/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/your-tweens-responsibility-in-the-social-media/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/your-tweens-responsibility-in-the-social-media/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 14:00:38 +0000 T Akery http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=6663
There have been quite a few news stories that have shown the consequences of social media. Your tween is entering the age where social pressures placed on them are enormous and the consequences of one mistake follow your tween for the rest of their lives. Thus, it is important to define some rules about social ]]>
There have been quite a few news stories that have shown the consequences of social media. Your tween is entering the age where social pressures placed on them are enormous and the consequences of one mistake follow your tween for the rest of their lives. Thus, it is important to define some rules about social media. But more than that, you need to get your tween to start thinking about the things that they post. In this regard, you should take these news stories and ask one very important question to start the conversation. How would you feel if this happened to you? This question should open up the conversation about what gets posted or tweeted. You may have to address this topic several times or more to reinforce these concepts. "Think before you post" is a good rule to start with. There are a lot of things that get posted without much thought by adults. Establishing this rule early will help your tween get into the habit. There is this temptation to post every thought immediately. By establishing the habit, your tween gets a precious moment to think about the consequences of what they are saying. It might lead them to a better post or a more positive post if they think about how their posting is going to affect the people who read it. Another really good thing to talk about is the lifespan of a posting or tweet. It is critical to stress that things on the Internet stay there forever. It will follow them. Talk about what kind of impression they want to make with their postings. Talk about what kind of legacy that they want following them into their work careers. There is no keeping a secret once it makes it online. It is critical to establish the fact that there are more consequences than just the inconvenience of taking away a phone if they mess up. Keep open the lines of communication and don't be afraid to discuss news stories to get the point across. You don't have to share every sordid detail. But you should keep in mind the message you are trying to get across. This is why the question is so important. It shifts the conversation from this unknown entity and brings it closer to home. This makes it more relevant to your tween. This is the day and age where everything is posted. This is also the age where there are truly no secrets. The consequences of mistakes can follow your tween for a very long time. So, it is important to install some kind of thought process about what they post. That way, they're thinking about what it is they are saying. This will make them more careful about what they post.]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/your-tweens-responsibility-in-the-social-media/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/swimming-during-pregnancy/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/swimming-during-pregnancy/#comments Tue, 07 May 2013 14:00:19 +0000 Jane Wangersky http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=6675
Pregnant women are often advised to get some exercise by swimming. There are plenty of reasons to follow this advice — once you find a swimsuit that’ll fit you — but there are also a few warnings you’ll need to be aware of. Swimming gives you a break from carrying all that weight around. The ]]>
Pregnant women are often advised to get some exercise by swimming. There are plenty of reasons to follow this advice -- once you find a swimsuit that'll fit you -- but there are also a few warnings you'll need to be aware of. Swimming gives you a break from carrying all that weight around. The feeling of floating, and the water itself, can be soothing. There's no better way to cool off on a hot summer day. It's low impact exercise, the best kind during pregnancy, when (according to the Center for Disease Control) connective tissues stretch all too easily, and you need to be careful not to injure your joints. And you don't have to worry so much about losing your balance. However, that's not to say all water activities are safe during pregnancy. You'll need to consider the following. Though swimming is approved for pregnant women, scuba diving is not. The CDC says "Scuba diving can create gas bubbles in your baby's blood that can cause many health problems." If you're experiencing diarrhea -- a result of the pressure on your intestines as the baby grows -- you need to stay out of the pool. There's no way to avoid leaving behind (so to speak) a small amount of matter that could infect others. With this in mind, you should also avoid swallowing any of the pool water, in case others may not have been so considerate. Another concern is that pool chlorine can be harmful to the developing baby, at least when it combines with dead skin cells and some skin and hair care products. To inform yourself on this issue, read this article. Ask your doctor if it's safe for you to use a hot tub, and as with swimming pools, stay out if you've got diarrhea. As with any exercise during pregnancy, take frequent breaks, and stop if you're getting too tired. The CDC says "You should be able to talk while exercising. If not, you may be overdoing it." If you've taken all these things into account and want to hit the pool, go for it -- as soon as you find that swimsuit.]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/swimming-during-pregnancy/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/predicament-ex-friend-is-back/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/predicament-ex-friend-is-back/#comments Mon, 06 May 2013 14:00:21 +0000 Editorial Team http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=6680
An ex-friend of my son is going to start going to his school next year (they’ll both be in tenth grade). They went to a private school together a few years ago, but my son began to feel that this boy was undermining his self-confidence.  He now feels that if he has to deal with ]]>
An ex-friend of my son is going to start going to his school next year (they'll both be in tenth grade). They went to a private school together a few years ago, but my son began to feel that this boy was undermining his self-confidence.  He now feels that if he has to deal with this boy at school again he'll have some kind of meltdown. Should he ask not to be put in any of the same classes as him? It's a big enough school that it could be done. Of course he'll have to explain why and that'll be embarrassing. ]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/predicament-ex-friend-is-back/feed/ 0