It is important to realize that adjusting to a new school is not an easy task, especially for young children. It involves making friends all over again and getting adjusted to the norms of the school. Kids often have a tough time adjusting to the new environment and as a result, can become resentful of their family.

In order to make the kids transition into the new school easier, parents should try and follow a few of the tips mentioned below.

Involve Your Kids and Get Involved Yourself

One of the most overlooked things in any household is involving the children. Most parents think that their children are not capable of making informed and wise decisions, however, that is not the point. Yes, the kids may be too young to make their own decision but it does not hurt to ask them what they would like and what’s bothering them.

Involve yourselves with their school activities. Help them with their homework. Taking an interest with your kids goes a long way in helping their transition smoother.

Seek Out Fun School Activities

In order to make your cheer your child up, inform them about the positive things at their new school. Ask the school to provide a handbook or guide so that the schools various activities, achievements and involvements are mentioned.

Showing your child how much the school as achieved and what it has to offer for the kids makes the transition smoother. For example, showing kids that love sports the sports facilities offered by their new school will help them miss their old school less.

Help Them Make Friends

Parents should always try and help their children make friends when they are at a new school. Sign your kids up for a local summer camp or youth center. This way, they will get to know people in town and eventually make new friends.

However, getting involved does not mean that you force your kids to become friends with someone that they do not like, you will only end up embarrassing them and making the transition more difficult than it already is.

Be Patient

It is of the utmost importance to be patient with your kids when they are transiting to a new school. Sometimes, kids will be quite, angry and even depressed when they are uprooted to a new environment. Getting angry at them will not make things better, if anything, it will make things worse. Be patient and understanding of your child’s situation. Let them know that you are always there for them if they need to talk. Knowing that their parents are always there for them will help them bear the transition period until they make new friends and start liking the school.

Going to a school is never any easy task; however, you can help your kids adjust to their new educational environment by following a few simple tips.

This article was written by Andrew Stanford. Andrew has helped many family with their international removals. When he is not working as a removalist, he loves sharing tips online.

Photo: flickr.com/photos/92wardsenatorfe/4364084538/

Cost

Most parenting resources agree that washing re-usable cloth diapers at home saves more money that using disposable diapers. Estimates show that disposable diapers will cost up to $80 per month, compared with laundering diapers at home for an average monthly cost of $25 to $50. Using a diaper service takes much of the cost-savings out of re-usable diapers, costing as much as disposable diapers over the course of a month.

Hygiene

The Mayo Clinic website page on diaper rash prevention says there is no compelling evidence that one type of diaper is better than the other for your baby but that disposable diapers may keep your baby’s bottom slightly drier than cloth diapers. Damp, dirty diapers do increase the risk for diaper rash, so it is important to change a soiled re-usable or disposable diaper as soon as possible. Always gently rinse and pat a baby’s skin dry. Allow the baby to go without a diaper for a short time to expose the skin to air before applying a new diaper of any kind to further reduce the risk for diaper rash.

Health

There are health risks associated with both re-usable cloth and disposable diapers. Cloth diapers that have been poorly or improperly cleaned may expose the child to bacteria or harmful cleaning chemicals. Rinse cloth diapers in hot water, launder with mild detergent and skip fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as these may contain fragrances and other chemicals that can irritate a baby’s skin.

Disposable diapers also pose their share of health risks to a child. The Illinois Department of Public Health acknowledges that disposable diapers contained small amounts of the dangerous chemical, dioxin. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies dioxin as a probable human carcinogen but goes on to say that there is not sufficient evidence that exposure to low levels of dioxin causes cancer. In 2010, some parents raised concerns that one major brand name disposable diapers caused rashes, burns, boils and other skin problems for babies.

Environment

The environmental impact of diapers is a controversial subject. Proponents of disposable diapers argue that the environmental impact associated with the water in one load of laundry, the energy expended to heat that water and run the washing machine and dryer, plus the chemicals in the detergent make disposable diapers the greener environmental choice. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, notes it takes 450 years for a disposable diaper to biodegrade, compared to just one year for a biodegradable diaper.

Practicality

Washing cloth diapers is an unpleasant, time-consuming chore. Dirty diapers stink in a hamper, waiting to be washed. A parent needs to keep up on laundry to keep diaper stock up and household odor down. A baby’s tender skin may require diapers washed in extra-gentle, pricey detergents.

On the surface, it may seem disposable diapers are easier to use than are cloth ones but re-usable diapers do provide some practical benefits. Re-usable diapers never run out, saving tired parents a midnight drip to the store to buy disposables. Cloth diapers take up no room in household garbage cans or community landfills, and these soft pieces of material can even double as a cushion on hard surfaces, as a washcloth or to shade a baby from the sun.

Despite all these benefits of re-usable cloth diapers, disposable products are the more practical choice for some parents. Families who do not own a washer and dryer may have to let dirty diapers build up in the hamper until one parent can make a trip to the local Laundromat; this takes time and money. It may be much easier for these parents to simply throw away dirty diapers.

Disposable diapers are easier and safer to apply than are old-fashioned cloth diapers, which may require the use of dangerous pins and a bit of skill to use. Today’s cloth diapers do feature Velcro tabs and are form-fitted for easier use. Older siblings can easily share in diaper changes using a pre-shaped disposable diaper with easy-to-operate adhesive tabs. Plastic packaging makes storing fresh disposable diapers easier than folding cloth diapers for storage in a dresser or changing table.

Modern moms and dads have so many more choices to make than even their parents or grandparents; deciding on diapers makes a complex job even more difficult. The decision between re-usable and disposable diapers is a matter of personal preference and individual circumstance. Some parents combine the two, while others steadfastly defend one choice over the other. Keeping your baby’s bottom health and happy is completely up to you.

This article was written by Samantha Harvey who writes on behalf  DirectBabyChangers.com

Photo: flickr.com/photos/finnern/167984520/

To me that seems a bit ridiculous. There will be plenty of birthday opportunities to rent ponies and hire clowns and magicians. The first birthday party is a celebration between immediate family and a few close friends.

I talked to my own sister about her plans for her soon to be 1-year-old’s first big day. She echoed my sentiments. Below are her ideas for throwing a low-key, stress-free 1st birthday party.

Short and Sweet

Don’t plan on the party lasting longer than an hour or two at the max. Anything longer, and your party will devolve into crying and screaming.

Guest List

Don’t invite too many people. Keep it to immediate family and one or two friends. There doesn’t need to be a huge guest list for these events. Do not invite the entire day care.

Nap Time

Plan the party around your baby’s sleep schedule. Late morning or late afternoon on a weekend will give some of the adults an opportunity to be there and enjoy your baby right after he or she has woken up from nap time.

Activities

Obviously you’ll want to let the guests play with the baby. That will be a good source of entertainment but you might also want to include a craft for the adults. My sister is planning on having us each write a birthday note to her son on construction paper. Then he will be able to open one card every birthday for a few years to come.

Food

Keep the food simple. Most babies are on solids by this point so you can serve banana slices, cheerios and cup cakes for little finger foods.

The 1st birthday shouldn’t be a huge production. It is mostly meant as a time for the family to come together and celebrate the birth of their newest family member. As long as the birthday boy or birthday girl is surrounded by the people who love them it will be a great party.

This article was written by Lisa M. Lisa is a guest blogger who write about how to throw the perfect Mario birthday party and other themed parties.

Nursery items can be very expensive and it would be a shame to let them go to waste. Ask friends, family or anyone they know and I am sure someone will be able to take them off your hands. Craigslist and garage sales are excellent ways to sell your nursery items and make some extra money. Or if you would like to donate your goods, check out Goodwill, Freecycle, local churches and thrift shops. During this economy, expectant parents need to save all they can. I know I did!

There are many ways to recycle used baby items, but what happens if your items are no longer in good condition and cannot be passed on? For plastic bottles, look if there is a number on the bottom next to the recycle symbol with triangular arrows. That will indicate how your plastic should be disposed of at the Recycling Facility. For other nursery items, instead of dumping them in a landfill that will sit there for hundreds of years, get creative and turn your nursery items into something you can use in your household.

Cribs are a goldmine to reuse around the household. Apply some paint and the head/footboard can be used as a headboard for a twin-sized bed or as a backboard for a bike rack. I even saw a headboard that was turned into a tiny door and was used as a decorative piece in the front yard! You can take the side panel as an organizer and place it vertically on the wall. Then apply hooks so you can hang items on it. The side panel can also be used as a drying rack to hang laundry on. If you have a green thumb, try using it in the garden as a trellis or decorative fencing.

You can make wonderful use of your crib bedding set by reusing the fabric. Turn your mattress sheet into a pillow, blanket, handkerchief or laundry sac. The dust ruffle can be used as a window valance or made into doll clothes. You can use the bumper pad to line the inside of a basket or as a coaster for hot pans. A diaper holder can be used to hold other items if you sew up most of the opening. I use mine to hold delicates for laundry. There are so many things you can do with your crib set. Just think of your baby bedding as a blank canvas.

Other items like a mobile can be used as a new play toy for your cat. I’ve seen someone online take their favorite stuffed animal and fill it with marbles to be used as a book stopper. Your bassinet can be used as a toy chest. And the changing table can be used as a dresser in the closet, bathroom or laundry room. A rocking chair can be used for guests or placed outside as a welcoming piece, by the front door. Your diaper genie can be used outside for pet waste. And baby wipe containers can be used as storage for pictures, sewing items, coupons, etc.

I can go on and on, but you get the idea of finding creative ways to recycle your nursery items. You never know what you can come up with if you choose to give your nursery items a second life rather than throw them in the dump. You will really get the most out of your dollar and even receive a bit of praise from friends who appreciate your imagination.

This article was written by Chantal Maddocks. Chantal is a stay-at-home mom with a beautiful 1-year old, Naomi, and a wonderful husband Jared!  Pregnancy and motherhood are truly gifts in her eyes and can be quite challenging at times. She constantly tries to find new and efficient ways to take care of her family and save money.

Photo: flickr.com/photos/house-n-baby/2480502528/

Encourage Effort

What you need to bear in mind on this rather delicate matter is that you don’t want your child to feel stifled and compelled to perform. If you’re familiar with the concept of the “stage mom,” then you surely know what a parent obsessed with achievement looks like. You do not want to be that parent. You want to be a parent that rewards pro-active behavior and appreciates the child’s effort to its just value. A child who will work for four hours on his or her math homework is very likely to develop an understandable adversity to this subject. Avoid the situation in which your child harbors negative feelings by making sure they are aware you understand, support and encourage their effort.

Heredity is Nothing

One of the worst things you can do as a parent who wants to raise a self-sufficient, functional adult, is to tell them they were born a certain way. It doesn’t matter if you tell them that those traits are negative (“You are lazy/messy/stubborn like your dad”) or positive (“You were born with a good ear for music.”) A child who is told they were born a certain way will eventually come to take those traits for granted and not do anything about them. They will stop attempting to compensate for any shortcomings in personality and they will no longer work at honing a certain set of skills.

Don’t Buy into the Bogus

If you’re inclined to take a slightly more esoteric approach to life, do not apply the same principles to your child. It doesn’t matter if they’re a Capricorn, Scorpio, Sagittarius or whatever else. Fortune tellers don’t work. If you choose to use such methods, make sure you use them as good, clean fun. You should never tell your child that they were born a certain way (stubborn, messy, lazy) and that there is nothing they can do about it. Horoscopes are lots of fun for adults, but they are not necessarily appropriate tools for self-exploration for children. Sure, they can learn the names of the signs. A balanced approach, with both the positives and negatives of all signs, will also work. What you need to do, though, is to encourage open communication and conversations instead.

The article was provided and written by Paul Estcott. Paul also owns and operates the site http://www.horoscopes.org.uk/

Photo: flickr.com/photos/tiffany1985/2466611459/

Totes:

Totes are great for storing all sorts of toys. Another advantage of totes is that they are extremely cheap. Totes are available in a variety of colors so they don’t look out of place in a child’s room.
They also come in different sizes and usually have lids. Place it anywhere you want; in the kid’s room, the living room, or the basement; a tote will fit anywhere.

Storage Cabinets:

Many types of storage cabinets are available for toy storage. The best type of toy storage cabinet comes with bins. The bins are made of soft material and are easily removable which makes them great for kids. Kids can easily remove the bin of their choice and put it back easily without having to call an adult for help. Another advantage of these cabinets is that they are of low height which is great from a safety point of view.

Toy Nets:

Children typically have a horde of stuffed animals. Kids may not play very often with stuffed toys but they do feel great attachment to them. Toy nets are great to store soft toys such as stuffed animals. Just hang the net in a corner of your child’s room. It serves the dual purpose of looking attractive and being functional.

Toy Racks:

Building toy racks early on in kids’ rooms can save you from a great amount of cleaning. It is an effective and practical way for storing toys. You can also place bins or baskets on the racks to store toys more effectively.

Toy chest:

Previously, toy chests were thought to be the best solution to keep toys. But the problem with toy chests is that kids just dump everything into the chest which is counter productive when you are actually trying to help your kid be tidy and organized. There are also some safety issues such as a child may hurt his fingers while closing the lid or the chest may topple over if the child is small. It’s a good place for storing old toys though. If you are considering buying a toy chest, make sure it has a soft lid and is well balanced.

This article was written by Mike Neil. Mike has been working in the toys industry for the last 5 years. Mike specializes in Lego toys.

Photo: flickr.com/photos/wendycopley/2354794207/

Rather than trying to make your child conform to the “rules of travel”, make your travel conform to the “rules of your child” by taking his changeling nature into account. Take note of when he becomes cranky, hungry, sleepy and playful, and pay special attention to what can trigger specific behaviors. When you understand what catapults him into gleeful bursts of unbridled energy, you have a better chance of circumventing unpleasant incidents. On the flip side, try to figure out the best methods of easing him into a more calm state of mind.

Armed with fresh knowledge about the whims of your child, you’re ready for the preparation and packing stages of traveling with toddlers. Talk with your child about your upcoming trip often and include her in your preparations by allowing her to pack a few favorite items on her own. She will most likely choose toys so be prepared to add your own choices to her travel bag. To help prepare your family for anything and everything, use the following sections as packing and planning guidelines.

Don’t Skimp on Sustenance

Toddlers have tiny tummies and feel hungry more often than adults do. Plan frequent restaurant stops, which will also provide potty breaks for toilet-trained toddlers and give everyone a chance to stretch their legs. Pack a good selection of healthy snacks with low sugar content, but don’t forget to include a few favorite foods for use in an emergency. In hot weather, be sure to keep perishables packed in an ice-filled cooler.

• Favorite fruits
• Cheese sticks or string cheese
• Whole grain crackers
• Yogurt
• Dry cereal
• Juice boxes
• Small cartons of milk
• Gummy Fruit snacks

An Eye on Entertainment

One of the most challenging aspects of traveling with toddlers is keeping them amused. If you have a portable DVD player, your child may be entertained for hours by movies or cartoons, but more energetic children often respond best to hands on activities. Parcel out some of the toys you pack over the duration of the trip to keep your toddler interested. In addition to games and toys, remember that all children love attention from a parent or beloved sibling. Make up interactive games to play with your child if he becomes bored with traditional activities.

• Favorite DVDs
• Creative toys like an Etch-a-Sketch or Fisher Price Magna Doodle
• Vtech or Leap Frog toddler laptops
• Crayons and coloring books
• Age-appropriate puzzles
• Toddler music players
• Picture books
• Avoid items with many small parts if possible

Cultivate a Little Comfort

When children become stressed or anxious, they crave comfort. Since you all have limited mobility due to seat restraints, you can’t always pick her up for cuddling. Offer some loving words and stroke her hair or legs to calm her before an all-out meltdown ensues. Another option is providing your child with some of the comforts she enjoys at home. The sight, smell and feel of home can help your toddler self-soothe and may even have the power to lull her to sleep.

• Favorite blanket
• Comfortable pajamas
• Pillows from home
• Stuffed animals

Always remember that toddlers aren’t accustomed to being stuck in the car for many hours and may act out in protest. A healthy dose of patience can help you deal with potential problems as they arise while also helping your child feel secure. Other ways to avoid unpleasantness when traveling with toddlers include driving at night when your child normally sleeps, having someone share the backseat with him and planning at least one picnic or outdoor excursion for a quick shot of energy-burning exercise.

This article was written by Olivia Nicholas. Olivia is a writer and mommy to twin boys. She is always happy to share her passion for life and experiences through her work, and in her spare time works as a freelance writer for Storkie.

Photo: flickr.com/photos/freeformkatia/5333101665/

So here are a few tips to help you spot optical issues before they become a real problem.

It is important to realize that it could take up to eight months for your baby’s vision to reach the same strength as an adult. This is because a baby is born without a fully formed sense of vision; it continues to develop throughout their infancy. So if your baby seems to lack the ability to focus or see clearly in the first few months, it may not be cause for alarm. However, if you’re worried you should certainly contact your doctor for assurance or to schedule testing.

There are certain signs, though, that should not be ignored. For example, it is not uncommon for babies to be born with cataracts or develop them in the first few months or years of life. And luckily, they are easy to spot. If you notice any clouding in your child’s eye you need to see an ophthalmologist immediately. These growths will not simply go away and there are no pharmaceutical treatments. If they are not surgically removed they can damage your child’s vision permanently (by halting normal visual development). Luckily, the surgery is considered safe even for very young children, although they will likely have to be anesthetized to undergo the procedure.

Another warning sign can come in the way of eyes that do not seem to align properly. When one eye is weaker than another (due to eye muscles that aren’t functioning properly or a pathway to the brain that is underdeveloped, for example) you will begin to see the signs. Amblyopia, or lazy eye, can usually be identified by one eye turning inward or outward, strabismus may cause crossed eyes, and nystagmus will result in one or both eyes appearing to tremble or shake. All of these symptoms tend to indicate weakness or vision loss, but all may be correctable with early treatment so that your child’s vision develops normally.

Of course, your child may simply suffer from common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. While it may be a bit more difficult to identify these problems on your own, a visit to an eye doctor can either confirm or rule out the possibility. And if your child does have these problems, they’re often easy to correct with glasses or contact lenses (even small children may be good candidates for the latter). Whether you notice problems or not, it’s not a bad idea to have your child examined annually, so look for an eye health center in your area and make an appointment, especially if you think there are potential issues with your child’s vision.

This post was written by Evan Fischer. Evan is a freelance writer and part-time student at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. Evan is a contributing writer for EZ Contacts USA where you can find contact lenses and locate an eye health center close to your home.

Share music. Music soothes the soul of everyone, parents and children alike. There are many ways to share music during the holidays. Put on some traditional holiday tunes and play them in the background throughout the day. Listening to “Silent Night” always soothes the soul. And, “Jingle Bells” is a perennial favorite. Or, set aside an hour at the end of each day for a family music get-together. Have everyone sing along with the song playing. Or, if you or any family members play a musical instrument, lead the show. Have lyrics available so everyone can sing along. Start playing a song and encourage everyone to sing along. If you own a piano, have your family gather around the piano as you play. Encourage your young ones to sit next to you on the piano bench. If you do not have a piano, have your children act like they are leading an orchestra as you play your instrument. Singing and music not only bring families together, but can relieve stress levels. Moms, in particular, will relish escaping everyday stress by getting lost in music.

Start a family tradition. Traditions are what the Christmas season is made of. Start a family tradition by introducing your kids to traditional movies such as the original “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “Holiday Inn”, “Scrooge”, “Miracle on 34th Street” or “White Christmas”. Kids love Clarence the Angel in “Wonderful Life” and Santa in “Miracle”. And, the songs and pageantry of “White Christmas” will leave lasting impressions. For even better results, bone up on your history of these movies to share with your family while watching.

Watch a fun video or movie together. Now is the time of year for an abundance of new or recently released holiday movies and videos. Choose five of the most appealing and take a family vote on the two favorite. Order the movies or videos, pop up some popcorn (a quick and tasty treat) and enjoy the event as family time. Laughter breaks the tension during this stressful time of year. Who doesn’t love watching Jim Carey as the Grinch? Or, the Muppets during the holiday season?

Treat yourself to a spa treatment. Every mom deserves some alone time, especially during the holidays. When out shopping for a day, take a couple of hours to schedule a foot or body massage at a local spa. Or, stop at the make-up counter and have a make-up artist do a makeover on you. Dads may want to treat themselves to a barber shave and hair cut, watch an uninterrupted football game or have their own foot massage. Everyone needs a good foot massage now and then. Pampering yourself is important for all parents during the Christmas season.

Shop online. Christmas shopping is part of the season, and the reason for increased stress levels. Instead of fighting holiday shopping crowds, sit in front of your computer and do your shopping. Many stores offer online sales not available to brick-and-mortar outlets. Have your little one sit on your lap while shopping and explain what is going on, so he feels part of the process.

Turn baking cookies into a family event. Christmas is the time of year when baking cookies is a tradition. If it is not a tradition in your family yet, make it one this year. Children love to get in the kitchen and emulate their parents. Turning your kids under five into active participants can lead to a lifelong love of cooking and food. Plus, it can lower your stress levels by easing your workload burden. After putting all the ingredients into a bowl, have one of your kids mix the ingredients together to feel like they are doing something. Children under 5 are curious, so answer all their questions about the cookie dough, cooking process and any other tidbits of information they want to know. Who knows, you may have a future professional baker in the making. After properly mixing the sugar cookie dough, place the dough onto a rolling board. Show your kids how to roll out the dough with either a large glass or rolling pin. Let them roll out the cookies and place them on a cookie sheet. Have your kids put some smiley faces with icing on the cookies. Or, give them a container of colored sugar to sprinkle on the cookies. Remember to thoroughly supervise your children under 5 throughout the entire time in the kitchen. You can never be too safe

Visit Santa as a family. Santa not only wants to hear from children under 5, but from parents as well. After your children have visited Santa, you take part and ask for a day trip somewhere. Ask for whatever you want. After making your wishes, have a family portrait taken with Santa. It will become a treasured family photo.

End each day leading up to Christmas, and even Christmas itself, with a nice cup of hot tea or cocoa. Finishing your day with your warm beverage soothes your nerves, stomach and mind. Enjoy the beverages while sharing stories about the day. Your family deserves it.

This post was writen by Tyla from AuPair.org.

Photo: flickr.com/photos/marquiroga/3093280848/

If that’s not enough, you will inevitably feel guilty about the new baby. Your latest addition will have to be toted all around, regardless of her nap schedule. You can’t devote 24/7 to reading every book on sleep, poop and early admissions to college like you did for your first.

Some things I try to remember to help ease the guilt:

This is an opportunity for your older child. Your first born will get the chance to share her toys, your attention and the family’s space. This is not such a bad thing. These are valuable lessons for her to take into school and beyond.

There are perks for the baby too. Your newborn will grow up in a world where people share and take turns. Many parents say that the second child is naturally more easy going than the first. And you won’t have to read a book on how to make that happen! Your youngest child will have special time with you once your older child starts school. And he may even be more appreciative of the time you can give him because he instinctively knows that mum has lots of jobs.

You can be more flexible to make your life easier. What does it matter if the baby naps in the car as you drive your eldest to football practice? Isn’t it a good thing that you put less pressure on yourself about a perfectly clean house and pat yourself on the back for making it through the day?!

Walk away from the guilt gremlin. If guilty feelings start creeping in, remember that these negative thoughts don’t help you find an extra hour in the day. Mothers are notoriously hard on themselves and all the angst still doesn’t get the laundry done.

Feel it and move on. Every parent feels guilty at some point. Just because you feel guilty doesn’t mean you are guilty. Your children are lucky to have a parent who cares enough to want the best for her children.

This post was writen by April Paine. April is an American living in England and the co-author of The ABCs of Baby #2: Tips, Hints & Real Mum Advice for Celebrating the Arrival of Your Second Child, now available on Kindle, itunes and Sony Reader.

Photo: flickr.com/photos/stephenr/1317897186/