Kids are Kids

Yesterday, some part of Middle East countries are experienced an earthquake, including United Arab Emirates. According to news,  Southeast Iran experienced the most powerful strike of the said tremor over 40 years. It was recorded 7.8 magnitude earthquake, but scaled back their assessment as it became clear that its depth, initially reported to be only about 10 miles beneath the surface, was more than 56 miles beneath. (The New York Times--Middle East)

We are just be thankful to our Almighty God for saving us yesterday. It was really a tragic to all of us here. I was in the bedroom and making some household chores, while my kids are in their playroom area when this tremor happened. When I felt that our computer table was shaking, I called my children and said to come over and sit down. We are sitting on our bed, when the tremor gets faster in moving. While I'm whispering my silent prayer, my kids are kept asking me, "What is that mommy? Why the chairs are shaking? I just answered them, it's an earthquake. But still, I'm thinking what to do. Then we heard our neighbor, they are going downstairs. So, I got our "emergency bag", this bag is the one we prepared before where our important documents are here, so that during emergencies we are ready. My son opened the door but I remember that my cellphone is charging, so I came back to get it, it's hard to lose contact, my husband is in the office that time. And finally we reached the ground floor, we stay less than an hour on the ground before going back to our rooms. And thanks to our God, He protected us!

And today I realized what are the things my kids brought during that time. They brought this yesterday, their Hero Factory collections.

Are they thinking they are the real heroes? What are the kids thinking during that time? We really don't know, right? So we parents who knows what to do, we really need to keep the alertness in our mind. Always be ready, and don't panic. I'm not saying that I'm always ready, I'm just keep reminding together myself that "we should be ready", prayers really helps. Our kids are still depending on us. That's why I called it "kids are kids" and I must say "God is our Hero".

How to Overcome Infertility

Infertility arises from the fact that reproduction is so fundamental to the gender identity of women.  The idea that we're born to reproduce,and that something has gone wrong, can leave women with a real feeling of being defective. Overcoming it can become obsessive. Some women will think "What did I do to deserve this?" Yes, that's true, it's very emotional subject. I have read some issues regarding this matter, and here are some information that  I think will help you.

First, LOSE WEIGHT---Women need to look after themselves to maintain reproductive potential. In some country obesity is such an epidemic that being overweight is one of the main factors we face.
Second, GET ON WITH IT--- Many women are getting married later and trying for children later.  Age is the biggest barrier to conception according to some specialist, whereas obesity is not a total barrier but age can be, especially after 40 years old.
Third, GIVE UP SMOKING--- Women who smoke reach the menopause earlier. This is because nicotine is toxic on eggs.
Fourth, GO TO THE EXPERTS--- If you are under 35 and haven't fallen pregnant within a year, see a fertility specialist. Don't waste time seeing people who are not adequately qualified to help you. Always try for second opinion from a different specialist.

From my previous posts about having a baby, or are you ready to have another baby, I mentioned there, the factors to consider if you're planning to have one too.

What's the Best Parenting Style

Are you a drill sergeant or a soft touch? "Few people will fit into any one box. Every child is different, so one size doesn't fit all.  We, as parents need to understand what works for us and our child." There are different style in parenting, like authoritative parenting,it involves high demands and expectations, but parents want their children to use their own reasoning and work independently.  This is one of the best parenting styles, according to some psychologist. Children and parents are engaged, democratic and the relationship is supportive and assertive. Kids are happier because there's a healthy balance. They are confident and have a healthy respect for their parents.  When they break the rules, they are disciplined in a fair and consistent manner. Another style is the authoritarian

Choosing Safe Toys

Millions of toys are out there, and hundreds of new ones hit the stores each year. Toys are supposed to be fun and are an important part of any child's development. But each year, scores of kids are treated in hospital emergency departments for toy-related injuries. Choking is a particular risk for kids ages 3 or younger, because they tend to put objects in their mouths.

Manufacturers follow certain guidelines and label most new toys for specific age groups. But perhaps the most important thing in a parent can do is to supervise play.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) closely monitors and regulates toys. Any toys made in---or imported into--the United States after 1995 must comply with CPSC standards.

Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when toy-shopping:

• Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Stuffed toys should be washable.
• Painted toys should be covered with lead-free paint.
• Art materials should say nontoxic.
• Crayons and paints should say ASTM D-4236 on the package, which means that they've been evaluated by the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Steer clear of older toys, even hand-me-downs from friends and family. Those toys might have sentimental value and are certainly cost-effective, but they may not meet current safety standards and may be so worn from play that they can break and become hazardous.

And make sure a toy isn't too loud for your child. The noise of some rattles, squeak toys, and musical or electronic toys can be as loud as a car horn-- even louder if a child holds it directly to the ears-- and can contribute to hearing damage.



The Right Toys at the Right Ages



Always read labels to make sure a toy is appropriate for a child's age. Guidelines published by the CPSC and other groups can help you make those buying decisions. Still, use you own best judgment-- and consider your child's temperament, habits, and behavior whenever you buy a new toy.

You may think that a child who's advanced in comparison to peer can handle toys meant for older kids. But the age levels for toys are determined by safety factors, not intelligence or maturity.



Like this one, we bought a toy for our 11th months baby boy, he really enjoy playing this Busy Ball Popper by Playskool. It encourages hands-on exploration and discovery. It's poppin', droppin' air powered fun! Drop the five colorful balls onto the track and they'll pop out the chute, roll down the track, then pop out all over again! Sometimes the balls spill over for even more put-and-take play! Silly sound effects and upbeat music accompany the animated action. The busy ball popper is an "air-mazing" experience!

My baby learns about cause and effect by making things happen. This toy makes cause and effect play engaging, surprising and exciting. The disappearing and reappearing ball teach developing minds that things still exist, even when they can't be seen. You can visit www.playskool.com for more information.

HOMEWORK

Helping Your Child To Do Their Homework

Kids are more successful in school when parents take an active interest in homework--- it shows kids that what they do is important. Helping them can have many benefits. And who knows? Parents might even learning too. I always tell my son to give time for everything—it means time for eating, time for playing, time for watching television, time for doing homeworks and time to pray.

How To Help:

1. Get to know the teachers. Attend school events, such as parent-teacher conferences, ask about their homework policies and how you should be involved.

2. Set up a homework-friendly area. Make sure that your kids have a well-fit place to complete assignments. Keep supplies such as paper,pencils,glue,scissors,art papers and other supplies needed.

3. Schedule a regular study time. Followed with snack and play, some kids like to play first and have snack. It depends on your child.

4. Keep distractions to a minimum. Like watching TV while studying.

5. Make sure that your kids do their own work. They won’t learn if they don’t think for themselves and make their own mistakes. We parents can make suggestions and help them with directions.

6. Get involved in your child’s academic career. Ask about their assignments and quizzes. And make yourself available for questions and concerns.

7. B e a good example. Encourage them in reading books and writing short paragraphs.

8. Praise their work and efforts. Let them know that you are proud for them.

WHAT KIDS NEED TO LEARN

Some of the most important skills that children need to learn come from real-life activities, like interacting with their peers. Try to maximize the time he has playing with and learning from his dealings with other children. if he is an only child, maybe you can explore the possibility of playing with neighbor or other relatives. The socio-emotional skills of negotiation, compromise, and sharing are too valuable just to be missed out because of television.
Here are some tips that parents should guide their children:

1. Set the time and limit for television viewing. Try using timer to signal that time is up. Avoid watching television during meals and instead, encourage interaction among members of the family.
2. Plan your viewing instead of flipping through channels. Help your children choose shows to watch.
3. Take note of the content ratings and parental advisories of television programs.
4. Place the TV set in a place where you can monitor its use. Keep the television out of the children's bedroom and study area.
5. Watch television with your children and discuss the things shown on screen. Teach your children to question what they see and hear, especially about stereotyping people and matters that may contain violence and sex, consumerism, and truthfulness of advertisements.
6. Set a good example. Limit your viewing time and choose the programs you watch.
7. Be clear, consistent, and firm in implementing these rules.
   

HAND WASHING: MAKE IT A HABIT

During weekend we always go to supermarket to buy foods for the whole week. We usually take home a whole pizza pie from Pizza Hut. After playing, my son will eat that pizza because it’s his ultimate favorite “merienda” together with my husband. We used to eat this without fork and knife, especially my son he just hold and bite until done.

Kids don't always listen when you tell them to wash their hands before eating, but it's a message worth repeating. Hand washing is by far the best way to prevent germs from spreading and to keep your kids from getting sick.

DEFENSE AGAINST GERMS

Germs can be transmitted many ways, including:

1. Touching dirty hands

2. Changing dirty diapers

3. Through contaminated water and food

4. Through droplets released during cough or a sneeze

5. Contaminated surfaces

When kids come into contact with germs, they don’t know that they will become infected simply by touching their nose, skin, eyes, or putting their hands in their mouth. And once they’re infected, it’s usually just a matter of time before the whole family comes down with illness.

Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses, from common cold to more serious illnesses such influenza, hepatitis A, common types of diarrhea and meningitis.

If your child is reluctant about hand washing, here are some tips :

· Use colorful soaps made especially for kids, some soaps have different shapes or have fun scents to make hand washing fun for them.

· You can also use the liquid hand soap, some kids love pumping it while pouring in their palm.

· Sing along with your child while hand washing, by the time that tune is done the germs are already washed away.