By: Amanda Fornecker

With summer quickly approaching and the last bell about to ring, you’ll want to keep your kids occupied outdoors or on those rainy summer days where hanging by the pool just isn’t an option. We’ve come up with a list of eight fun projects for your crafty kids. Check ‘em out below!

The young fashionista

Let your young fashionista jazz up her wardrobe this summer with IToys Girl Zone Jewelry. From bangles to rings to graphic tees, she’ll love this craft full of glitz, glam, and glitter. Her unique creations may even get her started on thinking about a future career. This cool product won’t be available until August, so if you can’t wait that long check out Alex Bead Bash Jewelry Making Kit from Target stores.

Playing with dough

For those children with active imaginations who like to mold new (and old) things into their own special creations, check out Make Your Own Playdough, Paint, and Other Craft Materials: Easy Recipes to Use with Young Children (Redleaf Press, 2007). The book tells the eager parent the materials and steps to use to help their kids make their very own special playdough and more.

A jammin’ treat

Looking for a special summertime treat? Why not help your child create some delicious jam? Ball’s No Cook Freezer Pectin Jam is a yummy treat that you can create with your child in a matter of minutes. Spice up this craft by placing the same mixture in popsicle molds and freezing them with yogurt for an after-dinner treat.

Lasting summer memories

September always brings the “What I did on my summer vacation” essays. Help your child keep track with Crayola’s Digital Camera Scrapbooking Kit. You’ll take pictures, make a book, and create stories that will last a lifetime. The kit comes with a digital camera and case, markers, a CD with games, and more.

Outdoor activities

More than just taking the kids out to the playground to interact with others, why not have them interact with you? Nature’s Playground: Activities, Crafts, and Games to Encourage Children to Get Outdoors (Chicago Review Press, 2007) is a book that has a variety of activities you can complete along with your child. So get out there and have a good time enjoying kid activities!

From the experts

Craft stores are the perfect places to find the most creative projects and materials. At JoAnn’s Craft Store, the crafting experts have come up with special craft kits especially for those with an artsy disposition. Some of these cool crafts include creating flip-flops, bookmarks, and necklaces.

A sunny day

Why not make a craft fun and functional? With Protect A Bub’s Sun Hat kits, your child can paint his or her hat and then wear it outside to protect their sensitive heads and faces from the summer sun’s strong rays. It’s fashionable, practical, and affordable. Your child will love being creative with their paint and showing off their fabulous new creation!

Christmas in July

Have your children make their very own ornaments that they can hang on the tree in December, but enjoy in the summer. With DAS modeling clay and Prang paints, both sold at Office Depot, your children will get crafty and artsy, while giving you a special keepsake for a special holiday.

Read more:

Fun toddler craft ideas

Making a family time capsule

By Michelle Bruns

You have always wanted the best for your bundle of joy, and his education is no exception. With so many choices, from homeschool to public and private schools galore, how are you supposed to know which one is the best for your little Einstein?

According to the most recent National Center for Education Statistics, the number of homeschool students is up 29 percent from 1999, totaling approximately 1.1 million in 2003. While a fraction compared to the 48,540,000 children who attended public school and 6,099,000 students who attended private schools the same year, the trend toward homeschooling seems to be growing.

There are both positives and negatives no matter which option you choose. Here are a few of the common concerns for many parents:

Socialization
Both public and private have peer pressure, which is drastically cut down on in a homeschool situation. But, with homeschooling, the student may miss out on learned social behavior, such as interacting with others their own age. Public and private schools have dances, sports teams, and clubs, but homeschool students do have opportunities to attend community dances, private sports teams, and community clubs.

Types of Students
In public schools, the types of students that attend the school are based on the neighborhood in which the school resides. Not keen on the neighborhood kids? Private schools are much more selective in their enrollment, and homeschooling allows control over to whom their child is exposed. In relation, public and private school students are more likely to be exposed to violence in schools, while homeschool students are sheltered from this growing problem.

Curriculum
The teaching curriculum at public schools is determined and tested by the State. For private schools, the curriculum is set by the school, which commonly includes religion. Parents who homeschool their children set their child’s curriculum based on each individual child, what moral values they hold, and at the level and style that suits their child best.

Learning Environment
Although public class sizes are growing, students in these settings learn to work together with other students and problem-solve, which gives them a chance to experience and learn from these interactions. Parents who prefer smaller class sizes opt to send their little intellectuals to private schools, although the lowest student-to-teacher ratio is the one-on-one learning homeschooled students can receive.

Teacher Credentials
Teachers in public school must gain their degrees or credentials based on government standards, such as a bachelors degree. Private school teachers, on the other hand, are hired based on knowledge or degree in the subject in which they are teaching. Requirements vary from state to state for parents who homeschool their children, but a recent ruling in California requires parents to possess teaching credentials in order to homeschool their children. This recent ruling will no doubt affect the numbers of students who are homeschooled.

Cost
In a self-sponsored study by the Unites States Department of Education for fiscal year 2004, the average cost was $6,500 per public school student each year and $3,500 per private school student annually, in which both cases include the cost of teacher salaries. The study also showed that the cost per homeschooled student was about $550 per student each year, which does not include the time parents spend homeschooling their children. These numbers do not include the parents’ cost of lunches, transportation, and for some, after school care.

Family Time
For some families, the decision to choose the public school, private school, or homeschool route boils down to family time. For some families, time in the evenings and on weekends is enough, in which cases public and private schooling is the best option. While others feel that being together all day is the best scenario for them, in which homeschooling is the option.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on the individual child. Only you, as the parent, know your youngster best, and the style, environment, and place of learning should be based on the child’s individual needs. The goal is to get your tiny scholar to his cap and gown; how he gets there is a decision only you can make.

Read More:

• Should you homeschool?
• Research questions belief that private schools are better than publics
• How to wear plaid

By Tracy McGinnis

Children’s music continues to grow in popularity as parents seek out songs that do everything from inspire their kids to learn about new cultures, encourage speech development, learn foreign languages, dance to the beat of a new genre, and yes, eventually find that sweet lullaby that will send them off to sleep. Here’s a sampling of CD’s that inspire kids to get in the right groove.

From Madonna to Mozart – What these babies listen to on the go

Leslie Williams first discovered the Babies Go collection when she was pregnant with her first son, Charlie, in Argentina in 2005. Williams was turned on to them because the CD’s covered so many bands that she loved. “It’s different from other music out there because the CD’s are musical renditions in lullaby from some of the world’s most popular music.” The CD’s are all instrumental versions of popular songs from artists like: U2, Sting, Bob Marley, Rolling Stones, Coldplay and more. “The instrumentals are soothing to babies while familiar and nostalgic to adults.”

Take an African dreamland adventure with Putumayo Kids

Putumayo Kids has added another CD to their Dreamland collection with the May 2008 release of African Dreamland. Artists on the album include Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Toumani Diabate and Samite and include music from countries including: Congo, Zimbabwe and others. Putumayo Kids has established itself as one of the leading children’s record labels since it was established in 1993. The Dreamland series from Putumayo includes Dreamland, Asian Dreamland and Celtic Dreamland and can be found at Putumayo.com.

From delivery to diaper changes –Stork Tunes help soothe mom and baby

Stork Tunes has created a new benefit CD that includes soothing music from artists including: Dixie Chicks, Celine Dion, Norah Jones, Billy Joel and Raffi, among others. Originally created to help women relax as they prepare to deliver their babies, the CD can be enjoyed after baby arrives as well. New proceeds from the sale of “Stork Tunes: Songs for a Happy Birth Day” benefit the March of Dimes.

Sprinkling of Stardust helps sing kids to sleep

This 2-disc CD features over 2 ½ hours and 42 tracks of soothing music including both traditional and original lullabies from sibling singers/songwriters Cher and Gene Klosner. The duo’s music has been performed by symphonies and the Cincinnati Pops, among others and is receiving rave reviews. The music on Stardust was composed with as many real instruments as possible including the oboe, cello, grand piano, acoustic guitar, flute and violin.

Dancin’ Dinos – What babies love about children’s hip hop CD

The Baby Loves Music Brand has released its newest CD introducing a new genre of music to parents and kids alike. Baby Loves Hip Hop Presents The Dino 5, was produced by accomplished hip-hop producer Prince Paul, who teamed up with top hip hop artists to create 20 tracks that sing songs and tell life learning lessons about hip hop dinosaurs. Created in 2005 to help parents introduce various genres of music to kids, Baby Loves Music has won awards for their previous CD, Baby Loves Jazz.

Read More:

• Prenatal bonding through rhythm and song
• A harmonious birth
• How to calm your crying baby

By Brie Gatchalian

Before you turn off your kids’ games out of fear they’re rotting their precious brains, think again. Games have come a long way since the days of Super Mario Brothers and Tetris. In fact, a lot of parents are starting to view video games as a positive and often educational way to interact with their children, according to a recent study conducted by the Entertainment Software Association.

Check out our pick of video games that can help shape the career path of your child:

1. GAME: Carrie the Caregiver

    Career: Nurse

The Rules: This adventure arcade game features Carrie, a recent nursing school graduate. Players have to pretend to be Carrie and help her strategize as she keeps the babies in the maternity ward happy and healthy. The PC game is ideal for young girls who love caring for babies. Players will be responsible for feeding, changing, and keeping the babies content until it’s time for their parents to take them home. After moving through all the levels, the player will receive a special surprise in the end.

2. GAME: Imagine - Fashion Designer

    Career: Fashion Stylist

The Rules: Players of this video game, which is available on Nintendo DS and Windows, have to create a clothing line that combines the latest cuts, colors, and patterns. Roll out the designed collection in a photo shoot and runway show. There’s also another mode whereby the player runs a boutique and has to meet demanding clients’ needs. This game will teach your budding fashionista all aspects of the fashion business—from creating a clothing line to directing photo shoots, to merchandising.

3. GAME: Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye

    Career: Biologist

The Rules: This handheld device magnifies 200 times something’s normal size on any TV screen. Of course, that “something” has to fit under it’s lens. The educational game provides hours of exploration for the player, as well as the entire family who can watch every step of the way. The microscope gives children first glimpse of organisms, bacteria, even inanimate materials like salt and minerals.

4. GAME: Dance Dance Revolution

    Career: Choreographer

The Rules: A parent favorite, this active video game actually won the National Parenting Center’s “Seal of Approval.” Available on various gaming systems, as well as a DVD version, enhances children’s coordination, as well as fitness. Players choose levels and songs, then have dance-offs. As players step and move correctly, the avatar on the screen perform the right moves. Your children will be following and teaching choreography in no time before they even step into a performing arts program in college.

5. GAME: MathMovesU

    Career: Mathematician

The Rules: Learning’s no fun when you have to do it. In this online-based game, your children choose a character and select the appropriate grade they’re in, then the learning begins. As players go through what appears to be a fun strategy game, you’ll learn facts, take quizzes, see polls, and read flash cards along the way. The result: Development of math and science skills in a fun way outside of the classroom. Visit mathmovesu.com to play for free.

 6. GAME: Netter’s Anatomy Flash Cards

     Career: Physician

The Rules: This is not really a game, but for pre-med students, it’s probably the closest thing they’ll get to one. This innovative program, which works on iPods, will test the player’s knowledge of muscles, bones, vessels, and more; provides them with concise text reviews (perfect before a major exam); and displays over 300 full-cover anatomy images like the head and neck, back and spinal cord, thorax, and more.

Read More:

• A half dozen super-saving educational activities
•  Parenting in the digital age
• Young children who watch less TV more likely to finish college
  

Michele Thompson, MS

You have heard of No Child Left Behind, an important initiative in promoting the education of your children. But did you know that the No Child Left Inside movement is just as essential in the health and success of your child? The incidence of childhood obesity, depression, ADHD and other behavioral and learning disorders has increased with the number of hours children spend plugged in to the TV, video games and the computer. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, has termed this problem “Nature Deficit Disorder.” Bridging the gap between your child and nature can help protect them from both physical and mental disease.

What is Nature Deficit Disorder?

Nature Deficit Disorder is not a medically diagnosed disease – not yet – but is a term that describes the waning connection to – and ebbing appreciation of – nature and the health benefits of making nature a part of your and your family’s lives. Research indicates that 80 percent of the average American child’s playtime is spent “plugged in.” No surprise that studies also report at least 20 percent of American children are clinically obese – this does not take into account the percentage of children that are “just a little pudgy.”

Don’t keep nature from your kids!

Even though the great majority of Americans live in urban areas, there is no reason that today’s youth should be relegated – or allowed – to spend the majority of their day indoors tethered to some form of technology.

Reflect back on your own childhood and recall what your afternoons and weekends were like. “Growing up in a small town, we were allowed to go off and play as long as we were home before dark, says Melanie L, mother of two. “So we’d go in the woods behind our house and catch frogs in the pond, build forts and played anything we could think of – always outside – even when it was snowy and cold. It was practically a punishment to stay inside and play,” she adds.

You may not live in a small town or feel safe letting your kids venture out by themselves, but you can keep them involved in healthy outdoor activity. Tammy G., proud mother of an active 5-year old, takes every opportunity to make nature a part of her and her family’s lifestyle. She feels that there is no reason to keep kids from connecting to the great outdoors.

She says, “[There are] no barriers – we jumped out of the car on the way into school just this morning and [my son] challenged me to find a snail, saying ‘Whoever finds the first snail wins!’” Nature is all around, even in the most urban of areas. Tammy adds, “We spend a lot of time at the park. We put down a blanket and [my son] runs around in the grass or chases bugs.”

The health of the environment is also at stake

Thomas Baumeister, education bureau chief of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks in Helena, Montana, says that the obvious health problems that come with living an indoor, sedentary life are not the only issues at hand.

According to Baumeister, the health of the environment is also at stake. “A big concern with today’s children living “plugged in” to technology and not connected to nature, is that they will not grow up with the appreciation of nature – our Earth – which means they will not have the same passion of previous generations to preserve natural habitats, recreation areas or other open spaces.”

Fostering an appreciation of nature in your children is an easy feat. Jean G., mother of four and grandmother of one, knows the outdoor time her kids spent in their youth is beneficial. She says, “For vacations we always did ‘outdoorsy’ things, like camping and skiing. This really helped to instill an appreciation for nature that is with them to this day. They are all grown now, but still like going camping, hiking and skiing.”

There are far-reaching benefits of nature

Being outside is good for children. In addition to staying physically active, children can develop a great sense of self-confidence because exploring nature is self-directed. Free, unstructured play enhances creativity and decision-making skills. Children learn about themselves and they learn about the natural world.

Simply being outdoors with green plants, fresh air and the sounds of nature – whether you are a kid or an adult – is a proven stress buster. In addition, keeping your kids actively engaged in play or physical activity can help improve their ability to be deep thinkers, concentrate and do better at school.

Read more:

• 10 ways to bridge your child and nature

Michele Thompson, MS

In his book Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv lists 100 actions that you can incorporate into your life to help bridge your children (and self) to nature, to transform communities to be more nature-centric, ways professionals and educators can promote nature in their work, goals for government support, and steps to build local and global movements connecting children to nature. You can start today. Here are 10 ways to become involved in putting a stop to nature deficit disorder.

1. Invite native flora and fauna into your life. Christiana B., mother of three, says, “Our family as a whole has a great appreciation for nature. Just today [my middle child] was helping his daddy fix the sprinklers in the backyard so that he and I could plant seeds to watch flowers grow. He loves to water flowers and talk about his surroundings and we encourage it by allowing him to get dirty and play in leaves and dirt.” She adds, “The joy of watching my son get excited about planting seeds and watching flowers grow reminds you of the simple things that are so important!” In addition to planting a garden, you can also maintain a birdbath or birdhouse or even an insect board (drop a piece of wood on a wet patch of grass and leave it for a couple of days – insects will collect underneath). For more ideas, visit the National Audubon Society’s Invitation to a Healthy Yard or the National Wildlife Federation’s tips to make your yard a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

2. Encourage your kids to camp out in the backyard. Pitch tents and leave it up all summer. Give them journals or recorders and tell them to keep track of the nighttime sounds, the changes in the sky and the drop in temperature. Share with them your experiences camping when you were young (and if you didn’t have a chance to camp in your youth, join your kids in the tent and experience it with them). For more adventures in nature or if you don’t have a backyard, visit www.recreation.gov to find campgrounds in your locale.

3. Create a daily green hour. Allow your children to spend an hour of unstructured play and interaction in nature. Sarah C., mother of two, says, “We turn off the television and my son and I chase each other, dance around, or when its warm enough, we go for walks.” Kids don’t need constant structured play. Encourage independent exploration to help your children develop new skills and self-confidence.

4. Go for a family walk when the moon is full. Take along a flashlight and a map of the constellations. Point out the astral wonders and teach your kids the names of the various constellations. Go for a walk again the next full moon and see how many they remember. You can also star and moon gaze from the comforts of your backyard or patio.

5. Invent a nature game. Go for a hike or visit a nearby park or lake and play the “name game.” Ask your children to tell you the names of various flora and fauna. You can also play the “find game.” Have your children find 10 mammals or 10 fish or 10 insects. Point out animal tracks, nests or other indications of wildlife and ask them to tell you the animals associated with them.

6. Go digital with nature photography. Digital or even disposable cameras are invaluable tools to learn about nature – and they are fun for all ages. Chris T., father of two, regularly hands a disposable camera to his oldest son and tells him to go outside and take pictures. He says, “When my son comes home from taking photos, we download them and talk about the trees, grass, animals or other outdoor things he’s photographed.” Take it a step further and make a nature scrapbook, letting your children include stories about their pictures. Allow your children to explore and experiment with their photography. Resist telling them how to aim and shoot. Let them do their own thing.

7. Teach your children to hone their senses. Explain to your children they have five senses – hearing, sight, smell, touch and taste – and to use their senses to learn about their natural environment. Have them sit outside – in your backyard or some other outdoor location in nature – and use all of their senses to describe their experience. Have them tell you what they heard, saw, smelled, felt and tasted (obviously, taste is subject to safety).

8. Embrace the winter. Connecting to nature is not exclusive to summer or perfect weather. Bundle up and go romp in the snow. Have your kids build snow sculptures or go snowshoeing. When it rains, put on the slickers, grab the umbrella and let your kids observe the effects rain has on the earth and animals as well as the many sounds it makes as it pitter patters on the rooftops, ground, grass or through the trees.

9. Visit farmer’s markets or farm stands. If you can’t grow a garden at home, help your kids learn about and appreciate where their food comes from. Give them a list of different fruits and vegetables and make a scavenger hunt out of your visit.

10. Get involved with scouting or programs like Camp Fire USA or 4-H. Check with your local listings for youth naturalist programs or other outdoor activities organized by local recreation and park organizations.

Read more:

• No child left behind: Putting an end to Nature Deficit Disorder

Tracy B. McGinnis

1. Prepare yourself and avoid the “booby traps.”
Experts agree that asking questions, gathering information and finding a lactation consultant prior to breastfeeding are key in making the transition a smooth one. Dr. Pamela Berens, M.D., Associate Professor Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Reproductive Sciences at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and certified lactation consultant, says often women don’t have a mother, close friend or family member from whom they can get enough information about nursing, and doctors aren’t always in the know, either. “Many health care professionals aren’t taught about breastfeeding and may not have adequate information to answer your questions, but many hospitals have a lactation consultant on staff.”

If your hospital doesn’t have one on staff, ask your doctor for a referral or seek out experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM).

Andi Silverman, author of “Mama Knows Breast: A Beginner’s Guide to Breastfeeding” suggests programming your lactation consultant into your cell phone. “If you need help, you’ll know where to find it.” Silverman adds to get help as soon as possible. “The longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.”

In addition to seeking out a lactation consultant, Silverman suggests reading a breastfeeding book, watching another mom breastfeed or taking a breastfeeding class. “Those little babes come out hard-wired, knowing instinctively how to eat. We, unfortunately, need to learn how to feed them.”

Danielle Rigg, co-founder/CEO of the non-profit BestForBabes.com, says to treat preparing for breastfeeding like working out, planning a wedding or interviewing for a job. “The worst time to learn about breastfeeding is after the baby is born when you’re exhausted, vulnerable and your self-confidence is low.”

Rigg says women need to educate themselves about what she calls “booby traps” associated with breastfeeding, referring to the myths, misinformation and other pitfalls. “Turn down and toss out the formula freebies: It’s like having a box of donuts in your house when you go on a diet!”

2. Feed baby soon after delivery
“Feed the baby as soon as possible after the delivery,” says Silverman. “Also, keep her in your recovery room, rather than the nursery, so that you’ll be able to feed her as soon as she starts crying. Put a note on the bassinet telling the nurses that you are breastfeeding, and you don’t want your baby to have a bottle or pacifier.”

Stacey H. Rubin, M.N., APRN, IBCLC, and author of The ABCs of Breastfeeding: Everything a Mom Needs to Know for a Happy Nursing Experience, agrees with Silverman and says avoiding separation after birth is important is establishing the breastfeeding relationship and bonding. “Hold the baby immediately after birth and establish what is comfortable for both you and your child.”

Berens adds, “The baby is usually in a more alert state at this time than he or she may be in the next 24 hours. A newborn may take 10 to 15 minutes each breast at each feeding, so she will be spending a lot of time early on breastfeeding. When the baby is more experienced and her milk supply is established, the baby will nurse more quickly and less often.”

3. “Early and often”
Dr. Berens says many women are surprised at how often they need to nurse, especially early on when babies are learning and moms are establishing their milk supply.

“I see many new mothers who have a ‘perceived’ insufficient supply of milk. Many of these mothers really do have enough milk, but some don’t make enough milk. For those who don’t make enough milk, many times it is because the mother didn’t feed the baby frequently enough and therefore her body didn’t get enough demand to make more milk. This is really a situation where adequate supply typically results from adequate demand.”

Berens suggests starting off with frequent nursing (10-12 times a day on each breast) and decrease frequency as the baby gets more efficient and confident.

4. Wait for bottles and pacifiers
Silverman says that waiting until your baby is three to four weeks old before trying to give her a bottle will give your milk supply time to establish. Berens agrees and says using formula instead of breastfeeding will result in less demand on your body to make milk.

“The baby has to learn how to get the milk from your breast and the way the baby feeds from a bottle requires different mechanics for the baby’s mouth. It can make it more difficult for the baby to learn to breastfeed if you use a bottle early.”

One reason new moms may be temped to use a bottle is a fear that their baby is not getting enough food or gaining weight. Berens says, “Don’t give the baby a bottle ‘just in case’ unless there is a real medical reason (like your baby has lost too much weight since birth). Many women give the baby formula because they don’t trust that their baby is getting enough food.”

5. Have a positive mindset
First-time moms can have anxiety when approaching breastfeeding, and although normal, experts suggest finding ways to work through you fears early on. “Develop a positive mindset and know how to handle your problems as they arise,” suggests Rubin. “If you have a negative view from the onset, your guaranteed problems and likely to give up at the first sign of trouble.”

Rigg’s tip – get inspired! “One of the most important things you can do it watch another mother breastfeed and find out what motivates you.”

6. Learn to recognize hunger signals
It may be difficult to understand your little one at first, but recognizing your baby’s hunger signals is another way to improve your chances for successful breastfeeding. “Your baby is unique and will give off unique signals to tell you that he/she is ready for feeding. Trust yourself; you know more about your child than you think,” says Rubin.

7. Don’t be shy about breastfeeding
“Unless you plan on spending months on end tethered to your couch, you will be taking that baby out with you,” says Silverman. “She’ll need to eat, and soon enough you’ll get used to feeding her anywhere and everywhere so don’t be shy about breastfeeding outside your home.” Silverman also suggests learning how to use a breast pump so that you can leave a bottle for someone to give the baby, which will allow you to get out of the house.

8. Ask for help
Lactation consultant Irene Zoppi suggests surrounding yourself with people you can offer you encouragement. “Support organizations such as La Leche League International (LLL) and the Nursing Mothers’ Council offer breastfeeding support to women in local communities. By attending League meetings you’ll have the opportunity to meet and compare notes with other breastfeeding mothers.”

Silverman adds, “Enlist your family, friends and spouse to help you once the baby is born. Accept all offers to cook, clean and do laundry! This will allow you to concentrate on the feedings.”

9. Think ahead
The “to-do” list for a new mom is long and always growing, but thinking ahead and buying things like nursing bras before baby arrives, as well as figuring out a private place to pump when you go back to work will make your transition smoother when the time has arrived.

10. Relax and enjoy your baby
It may seem hard at first, but try not to stress out and enjoy this new bonding time you have with your baby. Berens adds, “Stress makes breastfeeding more difficult – it has to do with brain chemicals and hormones. It can make it more difficult for your milk to let down.” Berens says not to focus on just the milk, but spend time with your baby and develop a good relationship.

“Sometimes during the first few days, just lying with the baby ’skin to skin’ with the baby on your chest and warm blankets covering you both will help you to relax and possibly make the baby more ready to nurse well.”

Read more:

• Experts on breastfeeding
• The nursing explosion: New moms and breastfeeding

Jaimie Dalessio

It seems that those driver’s ed accident movies just aren’t cutting it anymore in regard to scaring new student-drivers straight. According to researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), taking stricter action is what’s necessary in order to prevent the No. 1 killer of teens: Motor vehicle crash injury.

Recommendations from the New Jersey Commission include more than just buckling up. Says Flaura Winston, M.D., Ph.D., the co-scientific director of CHOP’s Center for Injury Research and Prevention, who also serves as the principal investigator of the hospital’s Young Driver Research Initiative, “The commission’s recommendations are right in line with the most current research in the field of teen driving,” she said. That means, lots more mom and dad driving time, no nighttime trips, no cars full of friends, and – this is the one that teens actually like – later school start times.

Winston and her colleagues recommend that Pennsylvania and other states tailor driving laws to New Jersey Commission’s recommendations, though no state has adopted all of them. Below is the list, obtained from their press statement:

Nighttime no-no’s: Placing a limit on unsupervised driving at night will remove teen drivers from proven dangerous situations. More than half of all fatal nighttime crashes involving teens occur from 9 p.m. to midnight.

There’s such a thing as too many friends: Limiting the number of passengers under age 18 will remove teen drivers from proven dangerous situations. Fatal crash risk increases exponentially with each additional teen passenger.

Buckle up, no questions asked: Closing loopholes in restraint laws to require seat belt use in every seating position will save lives. Of all age groups, teen drivers are the least likely to use seat belts. In 2005, two-thirds of teen drivers and passengers killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts.

50 hours of fun: The Commission’s recommendations to extend the length of the permit phase and establish a framework for sufficient behind-the-wheel training are well founded. Research demonstrates that lots of practice under varied conditions is protective for novice drivers. 50 hours of supervised driving is considered a minimum by experts.

Driving Ms. Mom: Parents need to understand their role through the driver training phase, all the way through their teens’ first years of independent driving. They need the right tools to keep their teens safe.

Dollars for driver’s ed: The Commission should be commended for recognizing that funding and access to driver education and training must be preserved. Work should be done to determine effective best practices for teaching new drivers and how to best incorporate them into training programs.

Hold those school bells: By recommending that schools implement later start times, the commission also addresses the commonly overlooked problem of drowsy driving among teens, a major cause of crashes.

Through a groundbreaking teen driving research partnership, CHOP and State Farm Insurance Companies are working to develop effective interventions to dramatically reduce teen crashes nationally.

Read more:

• Top 10 distractions of teen drivers
• Parenting teens

by Joanne Kimes

Some parents have it lucky. They give birth to miraculous kids that sleep through the night, don’t have tantrums and eat anything you put in front of them. And then there’s my kid.

A child that’s so exhausting to deal with, the closest thing she’ll ever have to a sibling is her pet goldfish. When it comes to her finicky eating habits, it’s a wonder she gets enough nutrients in her to survive through the day.

If you have a picky eater too, you know firsthand how frustrating it is to get them to eat a variety of foods instead of just a steady diet of mac n’ cheese and some kind of nugget. But there is hope. With a few kitchen gadgets, and a few deceptive tactics far greater than any used in the military, your kid will be chowing down on something that may actually be good for him (although you don’t need to tell him that!).

• Hide the good stuff. Long before there were cookbooks (and later lawsuits) by women such as Jerry Seinfeld’s wife, moms were hiding healthy foods in vessels like sauces, baked goods, and casseroles. My personal favorite hiding place: pancake batter. If lack of protein is your issue, use two egg whites to replace one whole egg and substitute half soy milk for cow’s milk. If lack of fiber is the problem, use less flour (or pancake mix) and add flax seed meal, a great source of fiber and omega-3. No matter what you’re hiding, add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter to pump up the flavor so it’s less noticeable.

• Make food fun. You think kids would eat celery with peanut butter and raisons if it weren’t called “Ants On A Log”? Give food a silly name or make it more kid friendly, and your child will be gobbling it up faster than sand at the playground! Add a few drops of food color to turn a boring breakfast into “green eggs and ham.” If your child doesn’t like milk, add a few drops of blue to create “Blue’s Clues Milk.” A once-forbidden slice of whole wheat bread will quickly become a favorite if you toast it, cut it into a circle with a large biscuit cutter, scrape off eyes and a smile and present it as “Tubbie Toast”!

• Make food plain. Finicky kids like things simple and texture free. Strain pulp from orange juice, put canned sauce in a blender to get rid of all those yucky chunks and don’t even think about adding “grass” (finicky-eater kid lingo for any kind of herb).

• Have your kids help out in the kitchen. If you can get your child to help make their meals, you’ll stand a much better chance of getting them to eat it.

• Use chicken stock as a secret weapon. Any food will have a lot more flavor if it’s cooked in stock instead of water. Use it to steam veggies (especially broccoli) and add some to pasta water (they’ll even eat whole wheat pasta!).

• Use peer pressure. This same influence that may one day lead to smoking and wearing those low-ride jeans where their underwear hangs out, can actually work in your favor now. If your child sees his friend eating something healthy, there’s a greater chance your kid will eat it too.

Although your child will probably never outgrow his fondness for all things pizza and ice cream (I never did), hopefully you can use these tips to get some healthy food in him so you won’t worry so much about the other junk he’s putting in his mouth. Except for that playground sand because that’s just gross.

Read more:

• Fixing a finicky eater
• Meal planning ideas from Chef Mom
• Planning a family-friendly dinner

• he is five or more years younger than you are.
• he is five or more years younger than your oldest child.
• he makes you feel 10 years younger.
• you make him feel 10 years younger.
• he lets you make most of the financial decisions…
• most of the finances are yours.
• he makes you laugh.
• you make him laugh.
• he’s the best thing that ever happened to you.

– Celeste Gish

Read more: In praise of “trophy husbands”