Family Concerns

Today we hear a lot about going green and though some opt for the lifestyle just to follow the trends, others are viewing it as a way to truly turn back the clock on the damage we have done to ourselves and our environment.

Of course, when it comes to babies, we all want what’s best, which is probably why the trend to go green has exploded most among new parents and parents-to-be. eco-conscious parenting is seen as a means to strengthen genetic lineages by turning back the clock on the damage done to us by pesticide consumption.

Though we cannot expect the damage to be entirely reversed in one generation, the repair has to BEGIN with one generation, so what better time to begin than right now?

If you are interested in jumping on the eco-conscious parenting bandwagon, here are a few tips on how to begin.

1) Truly going green should begin in the home. One should be conscious of the paint they put on their walls, the rugs they put on the floors, and even what sort of furniture they buy.

For a baby’s room, opt for organic paints to paint the walls, solid wood flooring with allergen-free organic throw rugs and solid wood furniture- anything with particle board or plywood pieces has been heavily treated with chemicals that linger in the wood for years and should be avoided.

2) Pay attention to the foods you feed your child. Try to feed them only organically grown fruits, veggies and meats.

3) Opt to use only all natural hygiene products on your child. This includes soaps, shampoos and powders. There are a lot of organic baby products out there to choose from.

4) Opt for organic clothing and bedding. Believe it or not, even traditional cotton clothing and bedding has pesticides trapped in it which are harmful to your child’s health! Thankfully there are other options made of organic cotton, hemp and other all natural materials to choose from.

Always the Wallflower?

Women and young girls arepainfully conscious during parties when they are not asked to dance. Long ago, they would have been called wallflowers but with a different implication. Wallflowers alluded to girls or women too shy to dance. It was unthinkable then to dance with another girl so there was no choice but to sit there like a decorative wall clock pretending to be delighted at the dance floor scene when actually she was dying with shame.

Although girl-to-girl dancing in parties and clubs is no longer a social faux pas, it is still petrifying for girls to be left at the table while everyone else is rocking or fox-trotting on the dance floor. They will not admit that they have prayed to all imaginable deities begging for someone to hustle them to a rhumba. Nine out of 10, they will try to lookbored stiff, which will drive the men farther away.

It is always a matter of feminine pride to be selected from a throng of beauties and asked for a dance. If you are baffled why men bypass you for the girl behind you when you are equally sexy or alluring, check this list out. You might get a clue to the missing link.

* You look like a sourpuss.
* You are with a group of women.
* If you are with a friend, men will hesitate to ask one of you to dance.
* You are not wearing something soft to the touch, men like something silky.
* You look too eager.
* You are wearing too much jewelry.
* You are wearing double tops, men find it difficult to lead woman wearing double tops because their hands slip or slide thus hampering intricate moves.
* You are wobbling on 4-inch heels shoes.

Techniques to Get Men to Dance with You

In this modern times, women can ask men to dance with them. But there is a style to bag a dancing partner. Of course, you don’t ask the traditional “May I have this dance?” and you do not bulldozer him with a “dance with me.”

It would be effective if you look him in the eye and nicely tell him you would like to dance with him. Chances are he will be flattered and acquiesce or assure you’ll he will seek you out later. The question does not compel a man to say yes or no directly, saving you mortification.

A woman who got the most dances would always say hi to the men when arrives at the party. His was a subtle but effective strategy to let men know she was friendly. She also does not checks the men seated near the dance floor like a row of handsome Howard Miller clocks or mantel clocks.

If you want more men to dance with you, follow those tips. You will be the envy of all women at the party.

Don’t Let These Burst Your Bubble

It is a blatant lie that men like this and that in a woman and will not look at you twice if you lack a criterion in their checklist. That is rotten. In the first place, not all men are walking Adonises. They also have their physical and character flaws, and sad to say, not all are perfect lovers.

Oftentimes, it is too late to discover this. It is only after you have shopped for engravable flasks and engravable cufflinks and had your undying love for him “etched in stone” like in those nice personalized groomsmen gifts, that his eyes start to roam, and you begin wondering if the stories are true.

Here are the common ego busters to bust:

* All men are attracted to reed-thin women with healthy front acts. This is the most ego-deflating of all myths, especially if you are heavy on the bottom with little to be proud of upfront. Do not sweat, majority of men like sexy bottoms, so there is hope.
* Men do not like smart women. This is one more fallacy to bust. Men adore smart women too. So drop that dumb Dora act when he is around.
* The way to man’s heart is through his stomach. Woe to you if you cannot cook a simple omelet. But what are fast-food chains for? If he does not how to boil an egg, he should not be demanding of your culinary talent.
* Men can only love young women. It has been proven several times that young men fall for older women too. Examples? Demi Moore (42) and Ashton Kutcher (27), and Jane Felix Browne (52) and Omar Osama bin Laden (22). Is this not wonderful?
* Men like blue-eyed-blonde-haired women best. Well, they cannot always have their cake and eat it too. Blue-eyed blondes are attractive but there are brunettes, red-heads, and black-haired beauties who can turn heads.
* Men like women to be submissive slaves and clinging vines. Men are easily bored with yes-women. They want women to have spunk and daring. They are easily irritated with women who cannot think for themselves.
* Women who can pick a lock are no-nos. Why should men have sole license to pick locks, repair doors, and fix the sink? Secretly men are glad that women can fend for themselves. So show off your skills if you can.

Debunking these myths can save your sanity and future romance. Be a woman of your own worth. Be confident with your weight, your height, and your flaws. This self confidence will ooze through your pores. Always remember the following things: men like the soft skin of women, their scent, the way they walk, and the way they laugh.

Regardless of what they say, true love cannot be orchestrated. It just happens and when it does, it defies all myths. No, do not trust the lot
you hear. That hunk could fall for you. You could sing the movie theme song of Carrie - “I never dreamed someone like you could love someone like me” like there is no tomorrow.

When you think about toilet training your daughter or son you naturally assume one particular item is an absolute must. That item is, of course, a potty. But, many families think that using a potty is unnecessary. They consider it an unnecessary middle stage. They prefer to go straight from diapers to the toilet.

So. could this method of toilet training be right for you and your your daughter or son? Let’s take a look in more detail.

Let’s begin by looking at the advantages of going stright from diapers to the toilet

The most obvious plus is that there is no dirty potty to clean.

Your toddler will like have seen you, or some other member of your family, go to the toilet – having followed you to the bathroom on many occasions. So the toilet is an item they recognise.

Your daughter or son is likely to feel happy that he is ‘just like mom and dad”.

Of course, if you are going to go straight to using a toilet you will need to buy an adapter ring to fit over the toilet seat. These are usually durable enough to last until they are big enough to use the toilet seat alone. You will also need a sturdy step stool so your toddler can reach up to the toilet. Some toddlers are happier if they can rest their feet on the stool whist they sit on the toilet. Both items are relatively inexpensive.

Some kids find the size and height of the toilet frigtening. Some are terrified they will fall in and be flushed away. Also ‘peeing’ in the toilet is noisier (more splashing sound).

You are likely to have more accidents if you use the straight onto the toilet method. When you potty train it is likely that you will have a few potties scattered around the house so that a potty is always close at hand when your child wants to ‘wee’.

Toddlers will have to use their hands to balance when they are sitting on the toilet. You must therefore make sure that the toilet seat is kept clean and is regularly disinfected. And, of course, it is the perfect time to teach them good habits by showing them how to wash their hands properly after going to the toilet.

Even if you want to use the ‘straight into the toilet’ method let your daughter or son have the final say. Don’t push them if they are nervous or frightened.

Discover more about the best methods of potty training your toddler, whether they are a litle boy or little girl
potty training boys
potty training tips
tips for potty training boys

Disneyland was designed for kids of all ages – and toddlers are no exception! There are many things that you can enjoy with your toddler – so many things in fact, that unless you will be staying for a few days, you won’t have time to do them all.

Start with Toon Town. Here is where you will find your toddler’s favorite Disney Characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse. All of the Characters have homes in Toon Town, full of things that will amaze your toddler, and make them laugh.

Your toddler will certainly like the Disneyland Railroad. This is a great way to get around the park, because there are stations in New Orleans Square, Toon Town, Tomorrowland, and on Main Street. This will amuse your toddler, and give you a chance to see some sights and rest a bit.

Its A Small World is very appropriate for toddlers. Music and colors will keep your daughter or son mesmerized while you enjoy a relaxing ride across the water. The Storybook Land Canal Boats is another good choice, as it will take you through the miniature villages that your daughter or sonwill be quite familiar with from their story books.

Rides that you and your toddler must not miss include all of the rides in Fantasyland, King Arthur’s Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Circus Train, and the Mad Tea Party. Rides that are appropriate for youngsters, but that may cause a little fear are the rides that are dark. These include Peter Pan’s Flight, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Alice in Wonderland, and Snow White’s Scary Adventure. Buzz Lightyear is a popular ride for all toddlers.

There are other areas of the park that have attractions and rides that are appropriate for toddlers. Remember that Disneyland is a place for kids of all ages. Pay close attention to the height and age requirements for each attraction, and avoid taking your toddler to rides that they will not be able to enjoy. This will only cause your daughter or son disappointment.

Stick to the areas where the toddler appropriate attractions are located as much as possible. As an adult, you realize that some rides are simply not safe for small people – but your small person will not comprehend this! Your Disneyland vacation should
be enjoyable for everyone, and Disneyland has made sure that there is something for everyone at the park. It is up to you to keep your daughter or son happy, and to keep them interested in the rides and attractions that they are meant to enjoy.

And wouldn’t it be great if your toddler was potty trained before that vacation. Find out about the best methods
tips for potty training
potty training tips
toilet training boys

No other element of baby gear has had such an extreme makeover as luxury diaper bags. The celebrity baby boom has created an entire industry that watches how pop stars, singers and actors raise their children. A top question on everyone’s mind is what baby products do they buy?

Think I’m kidding? Well, there’s a new batch of soon-to-be celebrity parents on the way, whose choices will doubtlessly influence a whole new generation of parenting fashion and lifestyle choices, including designer diaper bags. Some of the newest expecting couples include:

* Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter
* Dean McDermott and Tori Spelling
* Dennis Quaid and Kimberly Buffington
* Laird Hamilton and Gabrielle Reece
* Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (yes, again!)
* Jack Black and Tanya Haden

Once the fodder for jokes about style-less moms, now diaper bags are in the spotlight at top fashion design studios around the world.Basically, luxury diaper bags are a fusion of high style and customizable functionality. The bags have captured top designers’ eyes due to celebrity interest, and now the public can have the same trendy bags for themselves.

Popular luxury diaper bags are high-quality bags, often with superb imported materials as well as loaded with bells and whistles such as extra pockets, insulated sections, and removable diaper changing pads.

That’s exactly how luxury diaper bags have become so popular.

Celebrity diaper bags are sometimes called into question by my blogging comrades as having too much style and not enough toughness.But these diaper bags are popular for more reasons than Brad Pitt. Actually, Storksak diaper bags are designed for working parents, so their bags are not simply pretty little purses, but functional multi-purpose organizers.

For instance, many Storksak bags come with a separate compartment that fits most laptop computers. This feature is perfect for working moms-on-the-go who not only are parenting their baby but heading into a busy day of work and errands as well. As many Fortune 500 companies now offer daycare, these multipurpose bags are the answer for corporate life parenting. Also, dads who want to help with carrying parenting gear now have options for diaper bags that are masculine and stylish.

Indeed, Brad Pitt was seen in Paris last year with his favorite Storksak bag: the Jamie Diaper Bag. This sleek messenger bag is black leather, and comes with insulated pouches that keep liquids hot or cold for up to 5 hours. Men can wear masculine diaper bags with pride, and still take solstice in all the great accessories that modern diaper bags are known for, such as bottle insulators, pull out baby changing pads, and tons of useful pockets and compartments.

Knowing exactly what your parenting lifestyle is like on a day-to-day level is really the key to choosing the right designer diaper bag. Storksak diaper bags make this choice a little easier for working moms, and dads too.

Your son or daughter’s showing all the signs of being ready to potty train. That’s great! But now, where do you start?
Explain to your toddler that going potty is a normal process of life and everyone does it, even animals. Talk with them about the toilet, a special place where they can potty just like the big kids. Tell him how the potty works and let him try flushing himself. Explain that they will be wearing underwear and not diapers. Find some educational and entertaining videos of their favorite characters learning to go potty. Be sure to involve other family members in the process and emphasize the importance of consistency during this process. This all happens before you even start to use the potty.

Make a special trip to the store and purchase new underwear with your toddler. You must make this shopping trip an adventure – put some excitement into it. Let them have a voice in what you get. The underwear will have much more significance if your toddler helped choose them.

You could even potty train an anatomically correct doll to show your toddler how it’s done. Of course the doll gets praised when it uses the potty. Perhaps even a party!

Overalls, pants with lots of buttons, snaps or zips, tight or restrictive clothing and oversized shirts will all be an obstacle to your child during this process. Put these kinds of clothes away for the time being.

Decide whether or not you’re going to use pull-ups, training pants or regular underwear and try to stick with this decision so your son or daughter has consistency and isn’t confused. Think about whether or not you want to use rewards or not. Figure out a strategy on how to handle potty issues when you’re away from home.

If your son or daughter is in child care, ask your provider for their advice and make sure there aren’t any hard and fast rules the center or caregiver has in place that may be an issue. Let them know that you’re going to start and enlist their help with the process.

Praise your child for each successful trip to the potty, and comfort them when accidents happen and try to remain patient and calm when they do. Avoid using candy or other treats as reinforcement. Let them know that it will take a while to get the hang of using the potty, and encourage and praise each attempt they make.

With consistency, encouragement and praise, they’ll soon be completely trained if you follow a toilet training strategy. Find out more
potty training toddlers
potty training toddlers
toilet training boys

Designer diaper bags are hotter than ever. In fact, more high profile design companies are getting into creating so many excellent products that it is becoming difficult to assess the market. So here’s a quick guide on designer diaper bags.

StorkSak - This line of sensible diaper bags is favored by Brad Pitt and was recently featured on Ellen. Clean lines and no-nonsense features are what to expect.

Nest Diaper bags - This line of moderately priced bags have an assortment of styles, from faux leather to the real deal, from hand bag to coach bag, to everything-but-the-kitchen-sink kind of bag.

Mia Bossi - This is the Queen of all designer diaper bags. Top dollar materials and classy design make Mai Bossi a popular favorite with the urban parents. Check out their Italian leather collection.

Dad gear - This is a great brand for dads who want to be mobile with their baby. Most of these bags resemble backpacks and are loaded with the organizational features that make diaper bags so great for child care.

Those are some of my favorites, next time I’ll debrief on new additions to the designer diaper bag line up!

Baby Car Reats ratings

Perhaps the most valuable investment you can make for your child’s safety is the proper car seat. Yet, in 2005, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that, according to a multi-year study, misuse occurred in 79.5 percent of the child safety seats inspected. By failing to properly use the safety restraints, the study reports, many parents unknowingly put their child in peril. Many people, in the study, allowed the harness straps and safety belt attachments to be too loose. The same study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calls these types of misuses of safety seats the most ‘critical,’ because the possibility for injury is so great.

Keep in mind three things as you pick out a car safety seat: your child’s age, weight, and the position of the seat. Many parents put their child in rear-facing car seats, but this should only be done if the child is less than one year old and smaller than twenty pounds. These types of seats are designed especially for babies; they are a snug fit and small and portable. As with all child safety restraints, infant car seats should always be placed in the back seat and only in the rear-facing position.

Many parents do not see the purpose of an infant-only seat, choosing instead to go with a more flexible convertible seat. Frequently more bulky, these car seats are heavier to make room to hold your growing baby. Place children in a rear-facing position in the convertible seat if they weigh less than 20 pounds or under one year of age. Convertible seats can then be put in a forward-facing position once the child reaches the age or weight requirement, until they reach a maximum weight of 40 pounds. It doesn’t matter which seat you choose for the child; what does matter is that you use it correctly. Two tools to help in this are the vehicle owner guide and the seat manufacturer guide. There are two sets of buckles to worry about: those that put the baby into place, and those that do the same for the car seat. The harness straps should be firm-fitting around the baby’s chest and it is important that you slip it into the right slot. If strapping the harness into a slot position in a convertible, the appropriate slots are above or at the shoulder; if using an infant car seat, the appropriate place is below. Always check the owner’s manual for proper placement, but the harness clip should be at armpit level and the straps should not be twisted.

Baby Seat Buying Guide and more here on Infant Car Seat Covers.
The path of the safety belt depends upon the position you have it in, so make sure your path is correct, and tilt your seat back at about a 45 degree angle. A rolled towel under the base helps secure the seat into position. After installing the towel, tighten the safety belt. For any car that has LATCH systems, the owner must take note of that and make sure their seat is installed the way their car seat guide and vehicle ownership guide detail. Other important facts to keep in mind are the general seat age and condition. If buying a used seat, keep in mind that it should not be over five years old and must come with the seat buyer’s guide. If you suspect your seat has been in an accident or is missing parts, it is better to be safe than sorry and do not buy it.