Childproofing your home
by Anna Tham
Our young ones are always curious and love exploring. Besides poking their little fingers into their eyes, nose and mouth, they also make a beeline for buttons, knobs, holes, cracks, and tug at strings, wires, and handles. Colourful objects and things that move or make a noise also attract their curiosity.
Once you have a crawling toddler around the house, you need to keep him safe by childproofing your home. To be sure you leave no stone unturned, take a ‘baby’s-eye view’ around your home. Get down on all fours, crawl around and see what your baby sees as he makes his way around the house.
Here is a simple, but non-exhaustive, checklist to help you childproof your home:
>>> Do not place breakable items such as vases, decorative pieces or glass picture frames within his reach. It is best to keep them in storage for the time being.
>>> Secure doorknobs of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen cabinets and wardrobes with doorknob covers or safety latches. This will keep dangerous items such as poisonous household cleaning products, medicines or drugs, and sharp objects like knives and other tools from their reach.
>>> Install safety gates at the top and bottom of the staircase. It is best to use those that can be anchored to the wall or banister, instead of those that use pressure which may topple or dislodge if the child puts his weight against it.
>>> Secure all hard edges and sharp corners with protectors to prevent injury in the event your child bumps into them.
>>> Keep dangling cords for curtains, blinds and electrical appliances out of his reach. Also, hang mobiles or dangling toys out of his reach and remove them once he can sit or stand up.
>>> Babies pull up on furniture after they start crawling. And when they learn to climb, you need to watch out. Anchor shelving units, cabinets, television sets and bookcases with braces or brackets to the wall or floor to prevent them from tipping over. Place furniture away from windows and ensure that glass doors and windows are made of strong, tempered glass. Put heavier items on bottom shelves and drawers to make furniture less top-heavy.
>>> Place pots and pans on the inner burners of the stove, and turn the handles away from his reach. Install smoke detectors around the house and ensure they are in working condition. Keep a fire extinguisher in the house and have emergency telephone numbers handy.
>>> Keep unused pails empty or overturned. If you are soaking anything, make sure the pails are out of your child’s reach. Children are top heavy and can drown in just an inch of water. Secure toilet lids and bathroom doorknobs to prevent him from entering the bathroom. Install a fence around your swimming pool. Drain out your wading pool and store it upright if not in use.
>>> Keep your floors clean. Wipe up spills immediately. Check under the carpets or furniture for food crumbs or small items that your child could pick up and put into his mouth. They are not only dirty but could be choking hazards too.
Most importantly, watch your child all the time. Even if you have childproofed your home, it takes only an instant for him to fall, crawl or run over to a dangerous place or put something into his mouth.
Source: theSun, Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Parenting Tips
Parenting Tips...
Here are some useful pointers for first-time mothers as well as mothers with a new addition to the family.
Walk the talk
Most parents want their children to be polite and use words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, but if children don’t hear adults using the words regularly, they are unlikely to use them either. Make an effort to be polite in front of your children and they are more likely to behave that way, too.
Empathise with the child
Promote empathy in children by talking to them about stories you have read or films they have watched. For instance, if you’ve been reading Cinderella, talk to them about how upset she was because her stepsisters were mean to her.
Avoid yes or no questions
Once your child nears the age of two, their favourite word will become ‘no’. It’s not that they really mean it – it’s just that they’re learning that they have some control over their world. If you find it hard to deal with it, try cutting out ‘yes’ and ‘no’ questions and ask things like: "would you like yoghurt or strawberries?" instead of "would you like some dessert?"
Simplify tasks
Frustration is a growing pain for children when they try to do something and invariably find that they can’t quite do it yet. Help the young by giving them toys or tasks they can manage and help them along when they encounter difficulty. Simple tasks like cleaning up can give children confidence in doing things.
Dealing with depression
Even children can get depressed. If your toddler doesn’t seem to be happy or is acting strangely, try and find out what’s upsetting him/her. If nothing seems to work, take the child to a doctor immediately.
Play together
Keeping a positive attitude and playing with your toddler can help lift your spirits, even when you’re feeling down. Make an effort to find the time to indulge in fun-filled activities with your child.
Never home alone
Do not leave your baby or young child at home alone, sleeping or awake, even for a few minutes. There could be some dangers lurking around that you may not be aware of. Take your child with you, or get someone to take care of him/her, whenever you leave the house.
Source: theSun, Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Here are some useful pointers for first-time mothers as well as mothers with a new addition to the family.
Walk the talk
Most parents want their children to be polite and use words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, but if children don’t hear adults using the words regularly, they are unlikely to use them either. Make an effort to be polite in front of your children and they are more likely to behave that way, too.
Empathise with the child
Promote empathy in children by talking to them about stories you have read or films they have watched. For instance, if you’ve been reading Cinderella, talk to them about how upset she was because her stepsisters were mean to her.
Avoid yes or no questions
Once your child nears the age of two, their favourite word will become ‘no’. It’s not that they really mean it – it’s just that they’re learning that they have some control over their world. If you find it hard to deal with it, try cutting out ‘yes’ and ‘no’ questions and ask things like: "would you like yoghurt or strawberries?" instead of "would you like some dessert?"
Simplify tasks
Frustration is a growing pain for children when they try to do something and invariably find that they can’t quite do it yet. Help the young by giving them toys or tasks they can manage and help them along when they encounter difficulty. Simple tasks like cleaning up can give children confidence in doing things.
Dealing with depression
Even children can get depressed. If your toddler doesn’t seem to be happy or is acting strangely, try and find out what’s upsetting him/her. If nothing seems to work, take the child to a doctor immediately.
Play together
Keeping a positive attitude and playing with your toddler can help lift your spirits, even when you’re feeling down. Make an effort to find the time to indulge in fun-filled activities with your child.
Never home alone
Do not leave your baby or young child at home alone, sleeping or awake, even for a few minutes. There could be some dangers lurking around that you may not be aware of. Take your child with you, or get someone to take care of him/her, whenever you leave the house.
Source: theSun, Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Guide To Buying Shoes for Children
Guide To Buying Shoes for Children
For Small Feet
>> Always get children's feet measured when buying new shoes (only a third of children are average fir). Return after a few months to have the fit re-checked. During growth spurts, a child can grow two sizes in a term.
>> Don't buy shoes with more than the recommended "growing room" - they are a false economy, as they can cause numerous problems while the child grows into them.
>> Ensure that toenails are cut at least once a month, straight across to prevent thickened or ingrowing toenails. Check sock size regularly, too, as socks can shrink and affect nail and toe growth.
>> Act quickly and, if necessary, consult a podiatrist if you suspect a problem. This can worsen rapidly as a child's foot grows and may cause permanent deformities if it is ignored.
>> Don't allow older children to have heels higher than 3cm except for very occasional use.
Fit Big Feet
>> Ensure that soles are thick enough to provide adequate shock absorption, to limit wear and tear on the joints: We were designed to walk on earth, not concrete.
>> Check your fit: It is not only children's feet that change over time. There should always be room to wiggle your toes.
>> If you suffer pain regularly, have your feet checked. Pain is not normal, even if you have been on your feet all day.
>> Choose shoes with a lace, buckle or Velcro fastening: Support over the instep is necessary to stop the foot sliding and squeezing at the front.
>> Have two pairs of shoes for regular use, so that they can dry out: A foot has more than 200,000 sweat glands and can produce an eggcup of sweat in a day. Sweat can exacerbate skin and nail problem - and old sweat can rot shoes.
Source: New Straits Times, September 29, 2009
For Small Feet
>> Always get children's feet measured when buying new shoes (only a third of children are average fir). Return after a few months to have the fit re-checked. During growth spurts, a child can grow two sizes in a term.
>> Don't buy shoes with more than the recommended "growing room" - they are a false economy, as they can cause numerous problems while the child grows into them.
>> Ensure that toenails are cut at least once a month, straight across to prevent thickened or ingrowing toenails. Check sock size regularly, too, as socks can shrink and affect nail and toe growth.
>> Act quickly and, if necessary, consult a podiatrist if you suspect a problem. This can worsen rapidly as a child's foot grows and may cause permanent deformities if it is ignored.
>> Don't allow older children to have heels higher than 3cm except for very occasional use.
Fit Big Feet
>> Ensure that soles are thick enough to provide adequate shock absorption, to limit wear and tear on the joints: We were designed to walk on earth, not concrete.
>> Check your fit: It is not only children's feet that change over time. There should always be room to wiggle your toes.
>> If you suffer pain regularly, have your feet checked. Pain is not normal, even if you have been on your feet all day.
>> Choose shoes with a lace, buckle or Velcro fastening: Support over the instep is necessary to stop the foot sliding and squeezing at the front.
>> Have two pairs of shoes for regular use, so that they can dry out: A foot has more than 200,000 sweat glands and can produce an eggcup of sweat in a day. Sweat can exacerbate skin and nail problem - and old sweat can rot shoes.
Source: New Straits Times, September 29, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Kids online safety
Kids Online Safety
Prevent your kids from spending too much time online.
The Internet creates interest and excitement and therefore it can occupy most of your children’s productive time. While in their growing years, it is important for them to manage their time and expose themselves to various activities during the day or the week in order to make their growing years more fruitful and meaningful, apart from just internet.
The following are some tips for parent to monitor their children’s time online and to ensure that they are safe as well.
>> Ask yourself if your child’s Internet use is affecting his or her school performance, health, and relationships with family and friends.
>> Determine how much time your children are spending online.
>> Get help, if your child is demonstrating strong signs of Internet addiction, consider seeking professional counseling. Compulsive Internet use may be symptomatic of other problems such as depression, anger, and low self-esteem.
>> Examine your own online habits. Do you have trouble controlling your Internet use? Remember, you are your child’s most important role model.
>> Don’t ban the Internet. It’s an important part of most kids’ social lives. Instead, establish family Internet rules about where your kids can go online and what they can do there – and stick to them. These rules might include: a limited amount of time online each day; no surfing or instant messaging until kids complete their homework; no chat rooms or online adult content.
>> Keep the computer out in the open. Set up your computer in a public area of your house, not in a child’s bedroom.
>> Establish a balance. Encourage and support your child’s participation in other activities – particularly physical pastimes with other children.
>> Help your child socialize offline. If your child is shy or socially awkward with peers, consider a social skill class. Encourage activities that will bring your child together with others who have similar interests, such as computer classes or hobby groups.
>> Teach your kids that not everything they read or see online is true. Encourage them to ask you if they’re not sure.
>> Monitor your kids. Investigate software that monitors and restricts Internet use, such as the parental controls. Although filtering and monitoring tools are helpful, keep in mind that they can be disabled by a savvy computer user. Your ultimate goal should be helping your kids to develop self-control, discipline, and accountability with the Internet.
>> Suggest alternatives. If your children seem interested only in playing online video games, try an offline tie-in to one of their favorite games. For example, if your child enjoys fantasy role-playing games, encourage her or him to read fantasy books.
Protecting your kids from online predators
The Internet has become an important part of our life, we use it for work, play and study but we must be aware of the dark side similar to real life problems that can affect your children. Talk to your kids about sexual predators and potential online dangers.
>> Young children should not use chat rooms – the dangers are too great. As children get older, direct them towards well-monitored kids’ chat rooms. Encourage even your teens to use monitored chat rooms.
>> If your children take part in chat rooms, make sure you know which ones they visit and with whom they talk. Monitor the chat areas yourself to see what kind of conversations take place.
>> Instruct your children to never leave the chat room’s public area. Many chat rooms offer private areas where users can have one-on-one chats with other users – chat monitors can’t read these conversations. These are often referred to as “whisper” areas.
>> Keep the Internet-connected computer in a common area of the house, never in a child’s bedroom. It is much more difficult for a predator to establish a relationship with your child if the computer screen is easily visible. Even when the computer is in a public area of your home, sit with your child when they are online.
>> When your children are young, they should share the family e-mail address rather than have their own e-mail accounts. As they get older, you can ask your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to set up a separate e-mail address, but your children’s mail can still reside in your account.
>> If all precautions fail and your kids do meet an online predator, don’t blame them. The offender always bears full responsibility. Take decisive action to stop your child from any further contact with this person.
Source: www.esecurity.org.my
NST1klassifieds, Saturday, September 5, 2009
Why Blog? The Purpose of Blogging
Prevent your kids from spending too much time online.
The Internet creates interest and excitement and therefore it can occupy most of your children’s productive time. While in their growing years, it is important for them to manage their time and expose themselves to various activities during the day or the week in order to make their growing years more fruitful and meaningful, apart from just internet.
The following are some tips for parent to monitor their children’s time online and to ensure that they are safe as well.
>> Ask yourself if your child’s Internet use is affecting his or her school performance, health, and relationships with family and friends.
>> Determine how much time your children are spending online.
>> Get help, if your child is demonstrating strong signs of Internet addiction, consider seeking professional counseling. Compulsive Internet use may be symptomatic of other problems such as depression, anger, and low self-esteem.
>> Examine your own online habits. Do you have trouble controlling your Internet use? Remember, you are your child’s most important role model.
>> Don’t ban the Internet. It’s an important part of most kids’ social lives. Instead, establish family Internet rules about where your kids can go online and what they can do there – and stick to them. These rules might include: a limited amount of time online each day; no surfing or instant messaging until kids complete their homework; no chat rooms or online adult content.
>> Keep the computer out in the open. Set up your computer in a public area of your house, not in a child’s bedroom.
>> Establish a balance. Encourage and support your child’s participation in other activities – particularly physical pastimes with other children.
>> Help your child socialize offline. If your child is shy or socially awkward with peers, consider a social skill class. Encourage activities that will bring your child together with others who have similar interests, such as computer classes or hobby groups.
>> Teach your kids that not everything they read or see online is true. Encourage them to ask you if they’re not sure.
>> Monitor your kids. Investigate software that monitors and restricts Internet use, such as the parental controls. Although filtering and monitoring tools are helpful, keep in mind that they can be disabled by a savvy computer user. Your ultimate goal should be helping your kids to develop self-control, discipline, and accountability with the Internet.
>> Suggest alternatives. If your children seem interested only in playing online video games, try an offline tie-in to one of their favorite games. For example, if your child enjoys fantasy role-playing games, encourage her or him to read fantasy books.
Protecting your kids from online predators
The Internet has become an important part of our life, we use it for work, play and study but we must be aware of the dark side similar to real life problems that can affect your children. Talk to your kids about sexual predators and potential online dangers.
>> Young children should not use chat rooms – the dangers are too great. As children get older, direct them towards well-monitored kids’ chat rooms. Encourage even your teens to use monitored chat rooms.
>> If your children take part in chat rooms, make sure you know which ones they visit and with whom they talk. Monitor the chat areas yourself to see what kind of conversations take place.
>> Instruct your children to never leave the chat room’s public area. Many chat rooms offer private areas where users can have one-on-one chats with other users – chat monitors can’t read these conversations. These are often referred to as “whisper” areas.
>> Keep the Internet-connected computer in a common area of the house, never in a child’s bedroom. It is much more difficult for a predator to establish a relationship with your child if the computer screen is easily visible. Even when the computer is in a public area of your home, sit with your child when they are online.
>> When your children are young, they should share the family e-mail address rather than have their own e-mail accounts. As they get older, you can ask your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to set up a separate e-mail address, but your children’s mail can still reside in your account.
>> If all precautions fail and your kids do meet an online predator, don’t blame them. The offender always bears full responsibility. Take decisive action to stop your child from any further contact with this person.
Source: www.esecurity.org.my
NST1klassifieds, Saturday, September 5, 2009
Why Blog? The Purpose of Blogging
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Problem From Caesarian Birth
Problem From Caesarian Birth
Babies delivered by Caesarian section are more likely than babies born naturally to have respiratory problems as newborns, according to a Danish study.
Serious respiratory problems that require artificial ventilation are five times more common among babies delivered by C-section, according to the study, which was reported by the Sosiety for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine in Werne, Germany.
The data used in the study showed that every tenth delivered by C-section in the 37th week of pregnancy had a problem with breathing.
"This probably arises from the absense of a rise in catecholamines," said Prof Dieter Koehler of the society.
This stress hormone is released by the mother during a normal birth due to labour pains. It ensures that less fluid gets into the lungs of the child and, at the same time, generates a material that dilates the pulmonary alveoli.
The findings show that a C-section should be undertaken only when medically necessary, Koehler said - dpa.
Source: Family Tips, theSun, September 8, 2009
Proven Ways to Make Money on the Internet
Babies delivered by Caesarian section are more likely than babies born naturally to have respiratory problems as newborns, according to a Danish study.
Serious respiratory problems that require artificial ventilation are five times more common among babies delivered by C-section, according to the study, which was reported by the Sosiety for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine in Werne, Germany.
The data used in the study showed that every tenth delivered by C-section in the 37th week of pregnancy had a problem with breathing.
"This probably arises from the absense of a rise in catecholamines," said Prof Dieter Koehler of the society.
This stress hormone is released by the mother during a normal birth due to labour pains. It ensures that less fluid gets into the lungs of the child and, at the same time, generates a material that dilates the pulmonary alveoli.
The findings show that a C-section should be undertaken only when medically necessary, Koehler said - dpa.
Source: Family Tips, theSun, September 8, 2009
Proven Ways to Make Money on the Internet
Danger in Blanket Cover
Danger in Blanket Cover
Older infants are at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrom (SIDS), especially if they sleep with a blanket, according to a study by the University Hospital Muenster. Physicians, therefore, recommend that a sleeping bag be used instead.
In the study, conducted by a research team led by Dr Mechthild Vennemann, more than a quarter of the infants who died of SIDS were found under blanket. Their average age was 30.5 weeks, reported the Aertze Zeitung.
Previously, it was thought that SIDS victims found under a blanker had pulled it over their heads as they were dying, and that the blanket itself was not responsible for the death.
But a more plausible explanation, in the view of the researchers, is that the blanket causes the baby's temperature to rise because a large amount of body heat escapes through the head.
This causes the infants's brain to overheat, which together with the reduced supply of oxygen under the blanket could be fatal, they said. - dpa
Source: Family Ties, the Sun, September 8, 2009
Older infants are at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrom (SIDS), especially if they sleep with a blanket, according to a study by the University Hospital Muenster. Physicians, therefore, recommend that a sleeping bag be used instead.
In the study, conducted by a research team led by Dr Mechthild Vennemann, more than a quarter of the infants who died of SIDS were found under blanket. Their average age was 30.5 weeks, reported the Aertze Zeitung.
Previously, it was thought that SIDS victims found under a blanker had pulled it over their heads as they were dying, and that the blanket itself was not responsible for the death.
But a more plausible explanation, in the view of the researchers, is that the blanket causes the baby's temperature to rise because a large amount of body heat escapes through the head.
This causes the infants's brain to overheat, which together with the reduced supply of oxygen under the blanket could be fatal, they said. - dpa
Source: Family Ties, the Sun, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Cancer and Cell Phone Use
Cancer and Cell Phone Use
Cell phones are particularly dangerous for children and using them could increase risk of brain cancer, according to a report released recently by the International EMF Collaborative, a UK-based watchdog group that studies electromagnetic radiation exposure and its effects on health.
The report highlighted a Swedish study published in May in the International Journal of Oncology that showed that digital cell phone and cordless phone use begun in the teenage years led to 420% increased risk of brain cancer.
Children should not sleep with cell phones under their pillows and they should only be used by children under 18 except in cases of emergency, the report said.
Source: Healthbriefs, theSun, September 7, 2009.
Cell phones are particularly dangerous for children and using them could increase risk of brain cancer, according to a report released recently by the International EMF Collaborative, a UK-based watchdog group that studies electromagnetic radiation exposure and its effects on health.
The report highlighted a Swedish study published in May in the International Journal of Oncology that showed that digital cell phone and cordless phone use begun in the teenage years led to 420% increased risk of brain cancer.
Children should not sleep with cell phones under their pillows and they should only be used by children under 18 except in cases of emergency, the report said.
Source: Healthbriefs, theSun, September 7, 2009.
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