From Tots 2 Teens

Infant Eczema Treatment

2011-04-03T06:02:00.000-07:00

Infant eczema is a common affliction affecting infants from about 2-3 months old. The most common type is atropic dermatitis characterised by dry, red and often very itchy skin particularly upon the face, arms, neck and in the folds of the skin.

There could be a number of reasons why a child develops eczema but it is not unusual for it to be hereditary, with other relativess suffering from related complaints like hay fever or psoriasis. With a very young infant it is challenging for you to know just what could possibly be the cause, however there are a number of things that can be done to eliminate the threat.

Infant czema is an allergic ailment and it is a good idea to remove any possible source of irritation as part of the treatment. Hoover and dust regularly around the house to ensure mites, as well as dust, are removed. Wooden, laminate or vinyl flooring is better than carpets which often can harbor dust. Air the house on a regular basis and if you possess animals make sure their coat doesn't get anywhere close to the baby, or anything the little one may be exposed to.

Always launder clothing, along with bedding, in the gentlest detergent possible. If a toddler is a severe sufferer, it is possible to
purchase silk clothing made for eczema patients. It is quite pricey so the best substitute to try is cotton. Fitting cotton mitts might help keep little one from scratching his/her face.

Washing your baby can dry out sensitive skin. Ensure that the water is merely lukewarm and pat your baby dry with care. One can find specific medicated goods designed to help moisturise the skin while in the bath tub, as well as to apply throughout the day.
You should talk to your health practitioner prior to using something, even herbal treatments, specially when an extremely young infant is concerned.

With some children diet could be a reason behind infant eczema. Some mothers opt to breastfeed to prevent the possibility of a reaction to
baby goods. If however you are breastfeeding your baby, don't forget that your own eating habits might affect your baby. Always consult your
doctor or health nurse concerning the ideal diet for both you and your child. Once you start introducing semi solids to a baby troubled with eczema, introduce one-by-one to monitor whether it has any effect on the eczema.

Some infants that suffer from eczema also develop infantile seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap as it is more commonly known. Unlike eczema it doesn't itch or cause distress, but nevertheless must be treated as it can form a very thick scab on the top of the head. Talk to your health care worker on how to get rid of it and always treat it carefully as it's easy to injury the sensitive skin surface and trigger an infection.

Luckily infant eczema has a tendency to improve as children grow older and as they fully understand their ailment they are less likely to scratch. Unfortunately some might develop connected ailments for example asthma or hay fever, so try to keep the atmosphere free from dust or airborne irritants.
To read more about infant eczema treatment visit Treating Eczema.

This article is for information only and should not be viewed as medical advice. You should always consult your physician before
treating any medical condition and the author accepts no liability for any action taken.

Quick Tips To Clean A Mattress

2011-01-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

Children often wet the bed so here are a few quick tips to clean the mattress.

Soak up excess moisture with a large towel. Sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda and allow to dry overnight. Vaccuum up the powder.

Spray with white vinegar. Mop until just damp. Treat with bicarbonate of soda as above.

Use an enzmatic cleaner. A dog or cat urine remover from a pet store works on human as well as animal urine. Other enzmatic cleaners are available, check online. Finish with bicarbonate of soda and vacuum.

If a stain is dry you can dap a little hydrogen peroxide on the stain to fade it. Be careful not to use too much or you may fade the color of the mattress. Vacuum.

Borax can be used instead of hydrogen peroxide. Dampen the stain and gently rub with a little Borax. Allow to dry and vacuum.

Although none of these treatments are very harsh, a child's skin is sensitive. If you have any doubts, do not use. We do not accept liability for any actions taken.
More detailed information can be found at How To Clean A Mattress.

clean a mattress urine removal urine stain removal

Recent Developments Suggest More Omega 3 Food Sources Will Be Genetically Modified

2010-09-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

Two recent developments have raised issues for those concerned with ensuring an adequate intake of omega 3. Monsanto, the giant, biotechnology company has reached its pre-launch phrase of modifying Omega 3 rich soya beans and Aqua Bounty is waiting for US regulators to approved their GM salmon. For the consumer the choice will be between taking fish oil from organic sources and risking the depletion of fish stocks, or purchasing genetically modified products. Arguments against GM food are now raging on several fronts.

The Facebook campaign “Millions Against Monsanto”, started by the Organic Consumers Association, is receiving huge support with over 120,000 members on Facebook alone and many other websites promoting it. Environmentalists, although worried about overfishing, are also concerned about genetically modified fish. If the GM salmon, which grows twice as fast as non-modified fish, is approved as safe, other fish are likely to be similarly treated. Both Monsanto and Aqua Bounty claim their products are safe to eat and point out the benefits obtained from eating products with high levels of Omega 3.

Two major concerns regarding the development of GM crops are firstly, the possibility of cross pollination with plants in neighboring fields and secondly, the harmful effect on insects feeding on the pollen. This could be controlled by developing male only (sterile) strains of the crop. The salmon produced by Aqua Bounty are sterile and Aqua Bounty claims there is no danger of cross breeding with wild fish. However the reassurances given by the companies, do not allay fears that GM food is harmful in some way. Fear is so widespread that the public worldwide demands further reassurance, yet many are unaware of the extent of genetic engineering. The Telegraph newspaper has reported that major supermarket stores in the UK cannot guarantee all their meat and dairy products have not been produced using GM feed, only food labelled organic would be non-GM.

Demand for omega 3 products continues to grow as the public becomes more aware of its nutritional value.
“The benefits of Omega 3 are particularly important for children,”says Margaret Tye who runs the child related website Omega 3.
Research has shown that it can improve brain power and increase the ability to concentrate. Reading levels of children given Omega 3 supplements showed considerable improvement and it is often recommended for children suffering from ADHD. Many elderly people also rely on Omega 3 to keep their joints supple and its ability to help lower cholesterol makes it a popular supplement for maintaining a healthy heart. Unfortunately fish are the best source of Omega 3, as non-GM plants produce so little.

With demand so high, producers are looking for ways to increase the supply and consumers are faced with the choice of whether to use organic sources and risk depleting fish stocks, or use modified products. For many people this is a bewildering choice between the strong arguments put forward by large companies like Monsanto and those who believe that genetic engineering is dangerous.

omega 3 GM food genetically modified food

Severe Diaper Rash

2010-09-07T03:22:00.000-07:00

Severe diaper rash is a worrying problem for many Moms. Check out this site if you are looking for the right cream or ointment that might help.
Severe Diaper Rash.

Colic Baby

2010-08-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

I have just reorganised my Colic Baby Blog and amalgamated all the short posts into one article. I rarely update it, so I thought one article would be more useful than having to trawl through disjointed posts.

Battle Abbey Revisited

2010-08-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

Battle Abbey is one of the most significant sites in English history. Although I only live about 10 miles away, I haven't visited for a number of years, but yesterday I took the children for the first time.
For those of you not in the UK and perhaps not too hot on our history, Battle Abbey was built on the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. Although destroyed by Henry VIII, enough of the abbey remains to tower above the battle field.
Surrounded by the beautiful rolling Sussex countryside, it is hard to imagine that hundreds of soldiers were once slaughtered here. Whenever I have visited it has never been crowded and yesterday we were able to picnic on the battlefield in total isolation.
In the evening, after returning home, there was a BBC programme tracing the route of the invading army from landing at Norman's Bay, marching to our home town of Hastings and then on to the battlefield. Who says history is dry!!

Morning after pills to be available online.

2010-08-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

Morning after pills are to be available online from Boots the chemist. The pill may help prevent unwanted pregnacies, but will it encourage casual sex and the risk of infection? Many parents will also be concerned that they will be unaware of what their underage children are doing.

Puberty At 7.

2010-08-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

An interesting article in Health Today on a rise in the number of 7 year old girls starting puberty. To a Mom, their little girl is still a baby and emotionally they still are. It's interesting to read the many comments published with this article.

Should Grandparents Be Paid Childcare?

2010-08-11T01:01:00.000-07:00

Should grandparents be paid child care? Many not only look after their grandchildren without pay while parents work, but also spend their own money on them. Should the UK government be more supportive? What do you think?

Useful Mum Site

2010-08-09T23:53:00.000-07:00

If you are a UK based mum, check out Netmums.com.
I found a great local farm to visit in the activities.

Children's Activities

2010-07-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

Last day of term today so I've got to think of how to entertain the children for the next six weeks. One of the best websites I know is www.activityvillage.co.uk. Lots of good ideas and printable sheets.

British Children Getting Fatter

2010-06-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

It has been reported that British children are getting fatter faster than their American counterpsrts.
A few years ago I visited the US from England and was amazed by the size of many people. Now if you look at the passers by on any English High Street and you will see a high percentage of overweight and obese people. Despite all the health warnings about obesity we are getting fatter.
It is time we listened to the health experts unless we want the next generation to be a nation of diabetics and heart victims.
From Tots 2 Teens - Obesity.

Head Lice Don't Fly - They Crawl!

2010-03-19T04:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you may think head lice fly, the number of times your children seem to catch them, but of course they don't even jump! They still seem to get around very well though, so I thought it was time I mentioned them again. Our children have been clear for over a year. My head lice treatment is to use the lice comb twice a week when the hair is wet and then spray with a head lice repellent. I use Vosene 3 in 1 leave-in spray. It smells horrible until the hair dries and then the smell disappears. You can use it every day if necessary. I don't know which countries it is available, I am in the UK.
Hope this will help you.
For more information please visit Head Lice Treatment.

Children & Safety Issues

2010-01-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

If you are a parent you obviously want to keep your children safe. Most of the visitors to this site are US based so I am giving a link to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, http://www.cpsc.gov. It is worth checking this site periodically to see if you have bought something that has been found to be dangerous. Even if you are not in the US, many products are sold worldwide, so it is worth the site is worth a visit.

Growing Our Five-A-Day

2009-12-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

With my stomach still reeling from 2 days of Christmas eating I am going to spend the evening looking through the seed catalogues and planning what I am going to grow.
We are very lucky to get meat, milk and eggs from local farms, but I do like to grow as much fruit and vgetables as possible in my small garden. With a bit of careful planning something is available most of the year. Growng organically means I don't worry too much about chemicals in the children's food. Just wish the veg would grow as fast as the weeds!

Children giving to charity.

2009-12-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

This year I set aside a regular amount of money each month and allowed the children to choose which charity they wanted to donate to. Of course many animals charities were chosen, but I was quite surprised by some they decided to support, for example, money for minor eye operations in third world countries.
When they realised children may be involved, many charities responded with further information, small gifts or an activity for the children to undertake.
As a result, I think the children have gained far more in understanding the needs of others as they have given in monetary terms.

How To Earn From Blogs

2009-12-12T00:23:00.000-08:00

Running a blog is great fun but it is also nice to make some money online. This is possible even on your blog. One great company is shareasale.com. Even if you don't sell a product, you can still earn money so why not give it a try?
You could start a new blog concentrating on a particular topic and earn commission from related companies. Or just do as I do and have a shareasale.com banner on your blog. How long will it take you to set that up? No time at all!

Breastfeeding Tops

2009-12-10T06:02:00.000-08:00

Finding fashionable breastfeeding tops and breastfeeding dresses can be difficult unless you lve in a big town or city with plenty of shops, but it is possible to find a wide variety online. One of the best companies is

.

If you want to read more about breastfeeding, please visit Breastfeeding Your Baby.

Educational Toys for Christmas

2009-12-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

Children are like sponges absorbing everything in their environment. It is therefore essential that parents and carers provide a constant source of stimulation for them. The easiest way to do this is by giving them toys that are fun and educational. With Christmas coming, now is an ideal time for the perfect educational toy. These can range from the simplest of toys such as wooden blocks, which help with co-ordination and color recognition, to the more advanced computer games...read more at Educational Toys

Personalized Children's Gifts

2009-12-04T02:13:00.000-08:00

Personalized children's gifts make great Christmas presents. Children seem to love seeing their name printed on a present. It can be something as simple as a mug, or a name plate to put on their bedroom door, or a more expensive engraved bracelet.
Last year I managed to find personalized pencil cases.
There are personalized baby gifts to help toddlers learn their name, such as the wooden name trains. For older children, books with their name in the story are very popular. If you want more ideas visit Personalized Childrens Gifts

Online Homeschooling

2009-12-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

Homeschooling can be a wonderful experience for parents and children alike. But parents sometimes feel uncomfortable coming up with an entire curriculum, designing lesson plans, and in some cases, even grading papers. This is especially true when the subject matter is something they’re uncomfortable with, or are not well versed in. This is sometimes especially true in the case of higher grades such as high school. These parents might be relieved to know that there are many online homeschool programs that will do as much, or as little, of the curriculum as they need! To read more visit Online Homeschooling.

Christian Homeschooling

2009-12-02T03:37:00.000-08:00

Christian homeschooling is the perfect alternative to secular schooling for parents that want to give their children an education that focuses on Biblical teachings. Not only does Christian homeschooling allow time for scripture readings, Bible stories, and lessons learned from the Bible, it also gives parents a chance to incorporate God and His work into every lesson that they teach. Christian homeschooling also allows parents to replace some secular teachings that they may not agree with, for Biblical teachings. Please visit Christian Homeschooling

Homeschooling Materials

2009-11-30T21:57:00.000-08:00

There are many homeschooling materials and curriculums that can be delivered right to the home or found online. These can be a great help to parents who are homeschooling. However, even these curriculums can be sometimes difficult to sort through and organize in a fashion that will make teaching them easier. For tips on how to handle homeschooling resources so your lesson plan is clear for you and your child visit homeschooling materials.

Homeschooling Programs

2009-11-26T08:19:00.000-08:00

After making the decision to homeschool, many parents wonder what curriculum they will be using to teach their children. One of the best things about homeschooling children is that parents are given the choice as to what they want to teach their children and the methods they want to use to do that. There are many different programs for homeschooling children of all ages. Here are a few of the most popular
homeschooling programs.

Homeschooling Information

2009-11-21T06:36:00.000-08:00

As the regular school curriculum seems to be on a continuous decline, more and more parents are starting to discover the benefits of homeschooling. Homeschooling allows children to receive one-on-one teaching, unlike traditional classrooms. But it also allows gives them a chance to find information about everything, just about anywhere they go. And although there are arguments against homeschooling based on socialization factors, children who are homeschooled are given the chance to make friends with other children that they feel close to, without any of the negative effects of socialization, such as being teased at school. Therefore, homeschooled children often have many more positive friendships than ones that could be ever be built within a classroom setting....read more on the benefits of homeschooling

How To Kill Head Lice

2009-10-02T15:09:00.001-07:00

Eczema Cream

2009-09-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

This is a follow up to a report I made some months ago about Magicream, a treatment for eczema. I used the eczema cream on a 7 year old girl who was suffering badly. After one week the eczema had almost disappeared. There has not been a major flareup since then. If you want to read more on where to buy it, please visit Eczema Treatment.

Bed Wetting Older Children/Teens

2009-08-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Some children continue bed wetting even into their teens. This can caused a great deal of embarrassment. Check out Bed wetting in older children for advice on coping.

Life Coaching - Building Self Esteem

2009-07-19T00:47:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of emails from teenagers lacking self esteem. Some simply because they are going through the typical teenage angst, others are suffering from acne draining their confidence. Occasionally I hear from a teen who is still bed wetting.
I often recommend that they try a life coaching course,which will help build their confidence and possibly guide them into a fulfilling career.
Life Coaching - Building Self Esteem is a UK based course, but there are plenty of excellent courses available.

Bed wetting Poll

2009-06-21T00:39:00.000-07:00

Bed wetting is a very common problem affecting both children and adults. Take the poll to see who suffers the most.

Understand the Cause of your Acne

2009-06-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

I have written before about the causes of acne and it remains one of the most visited pages on my website. I have posted an updated article at Bukisa.

Treating Acne Scars

2009-06-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

Many teenagers develop severe acne scarring and feel a need to seek radical treatment. To find out what is available and whether it is possible to improve the appearance of acne

How To Treat Acne Scars.

What Causes Spots

2009-01-22T03:31:00.000-08:00

Like the rest of us, many teens have over-indulged during Christmas and the New Year and are paying the price with a large crop of spots. Although acne is caused by a variety of factors, bad food and lack of sleep can contribute. Visit What Causes Spots to learn more.

Benefits Of Omega 3 Fish Oil

2009-01-15T06:14:00.000-08:00

It's quite a while since I mentioned the benefits of Omega 3 fish oil and it seems that more research is confirming the advantages of taking it, either naturally by eating more oily fish or taking supplements. My Benefits of Omega 3 Fish Oil webpage deals with the advantages for children, particularly those struggling at school or suffering with ADHD/ADD.

How To Stop Bed Wetting

2009-01-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

A whole month since my last post! Preparing for Christmas takes so much time there isn't much left for anything else.
However I got a lot of emails about the page on my website discussing bed wetting and decided to put up a website covering the topic and the problems it can cause, not only for children but for adults too. You can find it at How To Stop Bed Wetting.

[stop bed wetting]
[adult bed wetting]

Personalised Chocolate

2008-12-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is a posting for those of you based in the UK.
A friend of mine, our kids go to the same school, has just gone online with a great site selling personalised chocolate.
There is a wide range of designs and the company will help you to personalise them. You can even purchase a sample bar and will have the cost refunded if you place a larger order. Starting at £1.50 and becoming cheaper the more you buy, these bars can be used for a variety of occasions. Do check the site out, I'm sure you will be tempted.

How To Stop Wetting The Bed

2008-12-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

Children who wet the bed can be really frustrating, it seems as though you are constantly washing and drying sheets. I have added a page on Bedwetting Kids to my website with advice on coping during this time when your toddler is learning to be dry at night.
[bedwetting]

Personalized Rocking Horse

2008-11-10T01:48:00.000-08:00

With Christmas coming why not buy your tot a personalized rocking horse or a classic wooden rocking horse that could become a family heirloom? There is a great choice available online with prices to suit every pocket.
Check them out at Rocking Horses and discover a little about their history.
[personalized rocking horse]
[wooden rocking horse]

Omega 3 Supplement Trial

2008-09-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

A study by the Durham county Council UK which showed that 3000 16 year olds who took Omega 3 capules in the year before sitting their GCSE exams scored 17.7 points higher than those who were not taking the supplement, has been dismissed by scientists because they were not being compared with a group taking a placebo.
This doesn't mean that it did not work, merely that the study did not prove the effectiveness of the supplement.
[Omega 3 supplement]

New Guidelines On Treating ADHD

2008-09-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

Parents should be given lessons in how to cope with a child suffering from ADHD, rather than given drugs such as Ritalin according to new guidelines from the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.
Drugs should only be given in severe cases as part of a comprehensive program and not to under-fives.

Approximately 365,000 children in the UK suffer from ADHS but only 37,000 are prescribed drugs.

[ADHD treatment]
[ritalin]

New Eczema Treatment Research

2008-09-12T01:06:00.000-07:00

The Daily Mail has reported new research into eczema treatment. The research has shown that the harmless bacteria 'vitreoscilla filiformis', found in sulphurous thermal spring water, significantly improved eczema when applied directly to the skin using a cream.
Spa waters and the sea have long been used in the treatment of eczema and it's great to think that a new natural treatment cream may be on the way.
Treating Eczema

[eczema treatment]
[vitreoscilla filiformis]

Rocking Horses For Children

2008-09-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I set up a one page site on rocking horses for children. I have been reviewing it recently and I think you will find it interesting. I've included a favorite of my mine here because I think it is very cute for a little girl, but visit the other rocking horses for ideas for boys or other ages.

Pink Rocking Horse

[Rocking horses for children]
[Pink Rocking Horse]

Bodiam Castle

2008-08-28T04:04:00.000-07:00

I've really been neglecting this blog for the last month. School holidays are very busy! I thought you might like to see where we went yesterday. For those of you not familiar with England, Bodiam Castle, in East Sussex, is a moated medieval castle built in the 1300's. It is one of the most romantic castles in a beautiful setting. From the outside it appears complete but much of the interior has been destroyed, although it is still possible to climb the turrets as my legs today will testify!
The kids just love it!

[Bodiam Castle]

Best Baby Strollers

2008-07-27T23:58:00.000-07:00

When you have a new baby it is very difficult deciding which baby stroller is best. Whether you should choose a model designed with all the features for a newborn and then buy a cheaper lightweight stroller as the child gets older, or whether you should try to find a model to last throughout the toddler stage.
I have added a page to my website about some of the best strollers and plan to cover the different types available. I have started with baby double strollers.
[best strollers]
[double strollers]
[baby strollers]

Learn to play the piano.

2008-07-27T00:15:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I received a press release from a UK company promoting DVD's on how to teach the piano to young children. I have two young grandchildren who are showing an interest in music and as I have an electronic organ I thought the DVD's would be a cheaper option than a piano teacher, just to see if they are really interested.
While I was playing the first DVD to see what it was like, the children arrived at my house. They sat right through it without even worrying about actually playing the organ, so I'm guessing the 3 DVD's are worth the money and I am including the press release in this posting. I don't know if they will post overseas, but there is an email address.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention

Talented Tots: ‘Learn to Play Piano with Mimi the Musical Clown’

Learning a musical instrument has never been so much fun!

XX July 2008...Teaching your child the basics of piano playing is easier than ever before thanks to a brilliant new series of interactive DVDs from Talented Tots. Learn to Play the Piano with Mimi the Musical Clown is a set of three DVDs that introduce the viewer to basic musical concepts and gradually develop his/her piano playing skills to Grade 1 standard.

The DVDs are presented on-screen by a fun, friendly character called Mimi the Musical Clown, who lives in Piano Land. In conjunction with a voice-over, Mimi takes the viewer on a magical musical journey that is fun, stimulating and pressure-free.

The three DVDs are available separately, or as a complete set. Stage 1 includes a set of multi-coloured stickers; as the viewer follows Mimi’s step-by-step guidance, he/she is provided with simple methods to identify the various keys on a piano and, by using these colour-coded stickers, start to play notes in sequence. Stage 2 continues the musical journey and by the end of Stage 3, the viewer will be ready to play the piano at Grade 1 standard!

In addition to the main video, each DVD includes a fun, interactive game to test what the viewer has learnt, together with sheet music in PDF form.

Owning a piano or keyboard to accompany these DVDs is preferable, but not essential. They’re great as fun, educational tools to have in the home to help support private or school-based piano lessons, or simply as an inspiring introduction to the joys of making music.

The result is a unique, interactive musical teaching aid that children and parents can enjoy together.

Learn to Play the Piano with Mimi the Musical Clown – Parts 1, 2 and 3 – are available now, priced at £12.99 each. As a special limited offer, the complete set of three DVDs can be purchased direct from www.talented-tots.co.uk for just £24.99.

Key Features

• Set of three DVDs, perfect for budding pianists aged three to eight

• Simple, stimulating and practical teaching methods create a fun, no-pressure learning environment

• Everything your child needs to know about playing the piano to Grade 1 standard

• Colourful visual aids help to create association with sound and positioning

• Learn about notes, scales, finger positioning, timing, rhythms, beats in a bar and more!

• Owning a piano is not essential – a small, two-octave keyboard of the kind available in most toys shops is sufficient to learn and practise the basics

• Each DVD contains an interactive quiz to test your child’s learning, together with sheet music in PDF form

• All three Learn to Play the Piano with Mimi the Musical Clown DVDs are available online from Asda, HMV, WHSmith, Tesco or direct from www.talented-tots.co.uk

Further information, high-resolution images and product samples are available upon request.

Above: The magical world of Piano Land

Above: Clever colour coding makes it easy to learn finger positions

RELEASE ENDS/NO EMBARGO

Contact: Rachael Box / Danella Mercati
Phone: 07958 033 352 / 0207 609 1333
Email: info@talented-tots.co.uk
Website: www.talented-tots.co.uk

About Talented Tots

Founded by Rachael Box and Danella Mercati, Talented Tots is a company that eschews fancy gimmicks in favour of good, honest teaching. The inspiration for the company came when Rachael, a non-musical mother of identical twins, tried to find a fun and effective way to teach her children the basics of piano playing. She hunted high and low, but couldn’t find anything suitable. So, she contacted her friend Danella, a teacher of piano and music, and they decided to create their own DVD. Thus, Learn to Play Piano with Mimi the Musical Clown – Talented Tots’ first product – was born.

Head Lice and Grandma's Lye Soap

2008-06-03T02:46:00.000-07:00

I came across this suggestion for getting rid of headlice. I haven't tried it myself but it seems a safe way to get rid of them.

Dissolve slivers of Grandma's Lye Soap in a fourth cup of hot water for 30 mins. Apply the paste to the head and leave for 15 mins. Rinse with water and vinegar solution. Repeat every other day for at least a week and then keep checking to ensure there are no more nits to hatch.
(Many thanks to www.itspuresoap.com)

More information on getting rid of head lice

Preventing Head Lice

2008-05-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

There are lot of advice online on how to get rid of head lice but very little on how to prevent head lice.If you have spent days or weeks getting rid of them out of your child's hair, you certainly don't want them back.

Head lice don't jump, they crawl and that means heads must be in contact for the lice to spread. Young girls are particularly prone to catching them because their hair in often long and loose.

If your girl insists on growing her hair, then she must kept it tied back, with no little straggly pieces hanging around her face. Head lice like clean hair, they cannot move so easily on grease. Plaiting the hair often works and we have used a little hairspray, although I'm not sure whether it is good to use on very young children. We always use a lice comb at least twice a week, when the hair has been shampooed and conditioned, hopefully catching any louse that may have been picked up, before any eggs are laid. Head lice treatment

So Tired you Can't Sleep?

2008-05-19T22:53:00.000-07:00

A new baby or toddlers can be so exhausting that even when you go to bed you cannot sleep. It's an awful feeling when your limbs are aching with tiredness but you lye there your mind racing, unable to drop off. There are a number of things you can try.

Some people recommend getting up and doing a mundane task, but for a new Mom I think you are just too tired. A warm drink of milk and a bath will often help. When I am very busy I often write down tomorrow's tasks before turning off the light. Ordering the tasks gives a feeling of achievement and I can settle. Playing a relaxation tape may put you to sleep before it finishes. There are a number of free tapes available online, try dragonrising.com. I have found that doing the deep breathing exercise shown on the tapes is enough to send me to sleep.

If a new baby or toddler is exhausting you so much, don't be afraid to ask others for help. All new Moms have to go through the sleepless nights, but if you also have other children it can be very hard. Friends or family will often be willing to take over for a few hours to give you a break during the day. There are volunteers willing to give a hand. Read this article on Parental Stress

Clicking Noise When Breastfeeding

2008-05-18T23:10:00.000-07:00

Lots of Moms worry when their baby makes a clicking noise while they are breastfeeding. This is normally an indication that the baby is not latched on properly. Try a new position and reattach your baby to see if that helps. Sometimes an abundance of milk may be the problem. I would always recommend talking to your physician, or in this case a lactation consultant who ideally will watch you breastfeeding, rather than following online advice. Both you and your baby need to be comfortable when breastfeeding and your own specialist health worker can give you the correct diagnosis.
Breastfeeding

Barbie & vtech Computers

2008-05-14T03:03:00.000-07:00

I bought our two girls a computer each last Christmas suitable for their age groups. The games are very good and they have played with them a lot. The only problem is the girls are not old enough, particularly the 4 year old, to select the game they want to play. They cannot read the titles and get confused trying to listen to all the titles and select the one they want. Every time they want something different they come to me. Maybe there are just too many games. Perhaps the manufacturers could show a single level of five games instead of twenty or more, with a button to change to another level.

Cuisenaire Rods For Teaching Number

2008-05-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I realised my granddaughter was having difficulty with subtraction and I remembered how good Cuisenaire rods had been when I was teaching, so I bought some on Ebay. If you are having a similar problem with a child, read more about Cuisenaire rods on my website.

Teens Weight Loss Camps

2008-05-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

When weight loss camps, or fat farms as they were often called, first started, they tended to have a strict regime aimed at fast weight loss. Nowadays there are a number of weight loss camps for teens and younger children that concentrate on providing fun, activity holidays encouraging a healthier life style. Read more at Weight Loss Camps.

Childhood Obesity And Heart Disease

2008-05-10T00:22:00.000-07:00

Recent research has shown that many cardiovascular diseases that are manifested in adulthood may actually begin with childhood obesity. Reported in this blog, this is another warning that we must reduce the weight of many children to protect their future health.

Overcoming Childhood Obesity

2008-05-08T06:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was doing the school run (on foot as it is only 10 mins walk). I passed two children who were so obese they were waddling, these were with different sets of parents. I live in the UK, not the US, and to see two children like this so quickly is unusual, but it is becoming an increasing problem.
Normally elementary schools in the UK draw their children from a very local area, but we use a faith school and many of the pupils have to be driven. Sadly a lot of those living close by are brought by car when the exercise would be beneficial.
In the last 18 months there as been a lot of publicity about healthy school meals. In our school the youngest are given fruit or a raw carrot as a mid-morning snack and milk is available with lunch. However many families, with several children, find it cheaper to send sandwiches and have an evening meal. For working parents this often means fast food.

Overcoming childhood obesity is not difficult, it just means more exercise and an improved diet with home cooking. Both take time, but the benefit is the chance of a longer and healthier life.

Baby Acne Or Baby Eczema

2008-05-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

When a rash appears on your baby's face are you unsure whether it is eczema or acne? They can look very similar as on young babies eczema often appears in the cheeks and you should check with your physician. Check out eczema and acne at From Tots 2 Teens.

Teenage Acne- What Causes Spots?

2008-05-06T22:50:00.000-07:00

Teenage acne is caused when the skin producing excessive amounts of oil that combine with dead skin cells and block the hair follicles resulting in an infection. Many people think that poor hygiene causes acne, this is a misconception, in fact acne is often aggrevated by overcleansing. Overcleansing the skin may damage it and spread the acne infection further. Read more on what causes spots.

Baby Acne

2008-05-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

Baby acne is a common occurrence affecting newborn babies around four weeks old. Doctors believe that it may be the result of hormones transferred from the mother shortly before and during birth. Tiny pimples show on the face and occasionally on other parts of the body. Read this article on baby acne.

Coping with Eczema

2008-04-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

The most visited page on my website discussing the problem of eczema and I have covered the topic of baby and infant eczema on my hot topic blog.

Video - Animal Rescue Force Friends

2008-04-07T04:37:00.000-07:00

Check out this great video for kids, I'm sure they will enjoy it.

Pictures Of Acne

2008-04-01T03:42:00.000-07:00

I have added some pictures of acne to my website.

Buying Newborn Oufits

2008-03-29T02:32:00.000-07:00

Jennifer McAllister has submitted a great article to my website on buying newborn outfits. While you're there, why not also check out the urban baby clothes page to see if you can find any bargains.

Omega 3 Sources

2008-03-17T04:31:00.000-07:00

I have personally discovered the benefits of Omega 3 taken as cod liver oil, but the source of that oil is of great concern.
I live on the South Coast of England where we have a fleet of inshore fishing boats, all under 30 feet in length. Fishing has been a major industry here for hundreds of years and the size of the boats has meant that they have never overfished. Unfortunately large trawlers have drastically reduced fish stocks so that the small boats are allowed to catch only limited quotas, often having to throw back dead fish because they cannot land them.
I listen to my fishing neighbors saying how unfair the system is on small boats, yet recognise we must preserve stocks. The health industry is actively promoting omega 3 benefits, yet omega 3 sources are endangered.
Flax oil and eggs are alternative omega 3 sources though not as rich in omega 3 as cod.
I don't have an answer - I wish I did.

Urban Baby Clothes

2008-03-07T04:59:00.000-08:00

We all want our babies to look nice, and urban baby clothes are very trendy, but buying them can be expensive. It is worthwhile looking at the online auctions for baby clothes. Many items are new or barely used. You can also get clothes bundles, pick what you want and put the rest back in auction.

Baby Walkers For Sale

2008-02-27T05:45:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for cheap baby walkers for sale? Check them here

Children's Bedding and Fire Safety

2008-01-09T04:38:00.000-08:00

I have added some links on my website about children's bedding and fire safety. I thought that it was such an important issue I would also add the links here.
Bedding
safety is very important when you have a newborn or a toddler. Get
great bedding safety information on baby bedding and toddler bedding
from this
bedroom safety site today.

Educational Toys For Toddlers

2008-01-07T00:51:00.000-08:00

Educational toys play a big part in a toddler's development. Most children start to walk at about 12 months old and enter the toddler stage. One of the first constructive play toys that you can buy, before your toddler actually reaches the stage of walking independently, is a walker containing bricks to help them learn to balance.
This can be either a plastic or wooden toy. The advantage of wood is that the weight will help to prevent the walker from tipping up, although if you choose a wooden one, make sure that the corners are rounded in case your child falls. Most walkers come complete with bricks....read more on toddler educational toys.

Pre-paid Credit Cards For Teens

2007-12-20T14:45:00.000-08:00

In the article "Credit Cards for Teens" mentioned below George Tull discusses the idea of teaching your teenager how to behave responsibly when using a credit card. He suggests either giving your teen a card linked to your own, not necessarily always a good idea, getting a secured credit card thereby limiting the moment they can spend, or giving them a pre-paid credit card. If you live in the UK, there are few secured credit cards available, mainly designed for those with bad credit, however prepaid cards are widely in use. They may be called a pre-paid credit cards, prepaid debit cards, or travel cards.....read more about pre-paid cards.

Credit Cards For Teens

2007-12-13T16:27:00.000-08:00

It's a good idea to encourage your teens to behave responsibly when it comes to using a credit card. I have posted an excellent article on Credit Cards For Teens by George Tull on my website.

Personalized Baby Gifts

2007-12-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a special gift for a newborn baby or even a toddler, I have added another page of ideas on my website
Personalized Baby gifts.

How to Help a Child with IBD: a Mother's Perspective

2007-12-01T21:28:00.001-08:00

Interview with the Mother of a Five Year Old IBD Patient

read more | digg story

Obesity Quiz

2007-11-21T05:37:00.000-08:00

Great fun taking the quiz below, but I only scored 6/10!

Obesity quiz

2007-11-21T05:35:00.001-08:00

Test yourself on food, fat, health and the controversial body mass index (BMI).

read more | digg story

Having Lots of Kids Helps Dads Live to 100

2007-11-20T04:14:00.001-08:00

A young, trim farmer with four or more children: According to a new study, that's the ideal profile for American men hoping to reach 100 years of age.

read more | digg story

Alcohol disease 'hits young hard'

2007-11-13T06:44:00.001-08:00

Alcohol disease 'hits young hard'

read more | digg story

Location Services

2007-11-11T00:49:00.000-08:00

The video in the last post was made by a friend of mine and if you are considering buying a tracking service, I would recommend you view the video and then take a look at Blue Tree Services

Do mobile phone location services work?

2007-11-11T00:47:00.001-08:00

Check out this video testing a service to see what happened.

read more | digg story

Santas Ordered To Lose the Weight

2007-11-06T01:03:00.001-08:00

Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, England has placed their Santas on a grueling weight loss program. Named, Bluewater’s Santa Boot Camp, the month long camp will see Santas getting in shape for Christmas.

read more | digg story

Letters From Santa

2007-11-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

All young children believe in Santa so why not start Christmas a little early for them by arranging a letter fron Santa or a phone call. You can find full details on my website at Letters From Santa.

Cervical Cancer Vaccine For 12 Year Olds

2007-10-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

The UK government has announced that all 12 year old girls are to be vaccinated against cervical cancer. When I was 28 I was diagnosed with it and operated on. I had a 4 year old daughter and I still remember the fear of thinking I might not see her grow up. I was lucky, many others aren't. I now have young granddaughters and I am delighted that they will not suffer the mental anguish that I did. Well done to the UK government, now what about regular testing for prostate cancer? It's common practice is other parts of the world.

Baby Cradle Cap - Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis

2007-10-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

A lot of Moms worry when their beautiful new baby develops cradle cap and they wonder what they are doing wrong. Nothing! Stop worrying! I have just put a new article on cradle cap on my website giving you some tips on how to deal with it.

Raisins Fight Oral Bacteria

2007-10-23T00:12:00.001-07:00

Compounds found in raisins fight bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and gum disease, according to researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

read more | digg story

Hot Homework Tips for Parents

2007-10-18T22:15:00.001-07:00

"Homework time" in many families can be very stressful and tension-filled for both child and parent. Research clearly says doing homework enhances not only children’s learning but also essential skills they will need to succeed in school and in life such as organization, problem solving, attention span, memory, goal-setting and "stick-to-it-ness" H

read more | digg story

Looking for help with ADD/ADHD?

2007-10-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

Do you or your child suffer from ADD/ADHD? If so, may I recommend another blog Adder World to show you how others are overcoming the difficulties of living with this condition through posotive thinking.

Eczema Pictures

2007-10-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

One of my family suffers with eczema and I have added a couple of
pictures of eczema to my website.
It is a constant battle to control the rash and as you will see from the pictures, it can appear as different shapes. I was convinced the top picture was ringworm until our physician assured us otherwise.
The constant itch and soreness is very distressing for young children. If you think that your child might be a sufferer, talk to your physician, there are creams that can help to alleviate some of the distress.

The Battles of Children Education

2007-10-11T04:27:00.001-07:00

There is no domain – except perhaps politics and religion – richer in polemics than children’s education. Parenting is a battlefield of controversial concepts. Here are some examples...

read more | digg story

Information for Parents of Diabetic Children

2007-10-09T04:49:00.001-07:00

Every year parents are told that their children may have a chronic disease like diabetes and the history of that family changes dramatically. I have, in the past, worked with families with children who have a variety of chronic diseases and was often taken aback by the platitudes

read more | digg story

Increase in Muscle Mass One of Fish Oil Benefits

2007-10-08T00:28:00.001-07:00

university study shows fish oils can help build or maintain muscle mass

read more | digg story

Bringing Up Baby

2007-10-06T02:33:00.000-07:00

If you live in the UK and watched the Channel 4 program "Bringing Up Baby", I would suggest that you do a search on Google about the program and presenter.

Omega 3 Fish Oil Vitamins

2007-10-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

I have added a little about vitamins in fish oil to my page on Omega 3 Fish Oils.

Too much TV for young children

2007-10-01T01:44:00.000-07:00

There is an interesting article in the Times Online on the effect of more than 2 hours TV a day on young children. Personally I think the most shocking statistic is that more than half of UK children have a TV in their bedroom by the age of 3. I live in the UK and I would love to know where their research was done

Little Rock Nine

2007-09-25T01:23:00.000-07:00

50 years ago nine courageous students took a stand for equality. Millions should remember them now with gratitude.

Meningitis - Toddle Waddle

2007-09-24T01:34:00.000-07:00

During October over a thousand "waddles" will take place across the UK to raise money to support families affected by meningitis.
Many children under five are affected and on Friday, September 28th, toddlers from the Sunny Days Nursery in Cornwall will be waddling to raise funds.
The events are being organised by the Meningitis Trust.

Baby Colic Remedy

2007-09-20T23:22:00.000-07:00

If you have recently purchased a herbal colic remedy, please read the article in the
Mercury News.

Kids Clocks

2007-09-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to start buying a few Christmas presents. Yes I know its only September, but if I wait until nearer the time I run out of money!
I found some nice items in a catalog and tried ordering online, only to have my computer crash each time I reached the checkout, so I was rather angry when I finally decided to phone the order in. I wish some companies would get their online sites running efficiently.
Ignoring that company, I did see a present I would have loved to have ordered, but unfortunately can't because they are US and Canada based and I'm not. Most of the readers of this blog are in the States or Canada so I going to tell you about it.
The company sells some of the prettiest personalized Kids Clocks
I have ever seen and at the moment they have a sale on. They are chidlren's wall clocks which means they can be hung safely out of reach.I could have sorted five of my Christmas gifts with those!

personalized gifts

Personalized Children's Books

2007-09-05T03:48:00.000-07:00

A lot of children are starting school at the moment and are likely to be feeling nervous, knowing they are going to be learning to read. A personalized childrens book will help to give them confidence.
Personalized story books for kids encourages imaginative thinking, as well as reading, when a child immerses himself into the role a book has created.

Technorati tags::personalized childrens book

ADHD research

2007-08-25T23:11:00.000-07:00

From "The Sydney Morning Herald"
"VIDEO games could be used to treat children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), researchers believe.

Scientists at the University of Sydney are asking parents of children who have ADHD - and those who don't - to help with a study of how specially engineered games may help to relax youngsters, helping sufferers manage their condition"......read more

Potty Training Boys

2007-08-17T04:42:00.000-07:00

Is it harder to potty train boys than girls. Apparently it is, but I don't know, only ever having trained girls. If you have any comments on this, they would be welcome.
Technorati tags::potty training

Changing a Diaper

2007-08-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

Most Moms change a diaper without even thinking about it, but for many Dads it's a major smelly problem. www.fatherhoodonline.com has a step-by-step article on how to do it. Essential reading for a new Dad!

Removing tonsils may improve ADHD

2007-08-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

Having an ADHD child is extremely hard work and the child often ends up on prescription drugs, but a report shows that, in some cases, sleep deprivation may be the cause and removing the tonsils can cure this.
read more

Surgeon General Warns of Obesity Threat

2007-08-13T13:01:00.001-07:00

Richard Carmona, surgeon general has warned of the increasing threat of obesity...read more
Technorati tags::obesity threat