Life’s sweets and spices

Surprisingly, there are worse things your child will touch than the toilet seat.  Here are some of them, and you’ll want to thoroughly clean your kid’s hands after he comes in contact with them.

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT – Kids always have the most fecal bacteria on their hands when they return from the playground.  In one study, 20% of playground equipment was infested with this contaminant.

SHOPPING CARTS – About 70% have fecal bacteria on them, largely because of kids sitting in those little seats that carts have.

HIGH CHAIRS – Out of 30 restaurant high chairs, 17% were contaminated with E. coli and 10% with methicillin-resistant staph.

RESTAURANT TABLES -”Cleaning” a table can actually make it dirtier.  In an analysis of 10 restaurants, tabletops have 45 times more bacteria, including E. coli on them after they had been wiped: towels used to sponge off tables are not always thoroughly washed.

ELEVATOR BUTTONS – The 1st floor button is always the germiest because everybody has to touch it to get out.

PHONES -  In homes with sick kids, 80% of phones were contaminated with the flu virus.

We always tell our kids not to talk to strangers, but do they actually know who a stranger is?  Surely, they’ll answer it is someone he doesn’t know, but sometimes it won’t be a stranger who will lure your child.  It could be someone he’s already familiar with.  So instead of reminding kids “Don’t talk to strangers,” it’s more apt to teach them to watch out for dangerous adult behaviors.  Here are some of them.

*  When an adult or older kid offers him anything without asking your permission – candies, pets, treats, photographs, rides on bikes or motorcycles, etc.

*  When an adult or older kid asks for his help without asking your permission such as approaching a car to give directions, picking something up from an injured person, doing yard work, mailing a letter, looking for a lost pet, etc.

*  When an adult or older kids asks him to keep a secret.

*  When an adult or older kid touches his private parts or vice versa or somebody else’s.

Carefully explain these pointers to your child.  The above-mentioned acts are signs for kids to step back, yell and run away.  Attracting attention will help in bringing someone to his rescue.

source: GH

Oh, your kids are dog crazy, but with their allergies, you think they are barking up the wrong tree.  Don’t let allergies stop you from finding a four-legged pet for your kids.  Studies have shown that they are actually good for your kids.  I recently posted an article about it.  Let me quote a paragraph from that article.

Did you know that your dog’s slobber and shedding fur may be a blessing in disguise?  Studies show that kids living in households with dogs have a reduced risk of developing allergies.  The germs dogs carry boost our children’s developing immune system, making them less sensitive to allergens.

So you see, big or small, dogs are exceptionally good with children.  But choosing the right puppy for you and your family is a very important decision that should be well thought out and researched.  You may also get help from the dog breed selector.  They can give you a guide on selecting the right breed, the right temperament type, and the right activity level for your family.  The characteristics of each type of dog are carefully explained on the website so you’ll know if it’s family-friendly and the possible pet peeves.  Owning the right breed of dog can bring a wonderful experience to your child’s life.

You know how important getting enough sleep for your child is.  It helps him function well the next day.  Sleep is just as important as food because it is essential for proper mind and body development.  But here’s another reason why you should tuck him in on time.  A good night;s sleep may help your kid stay trim as an adult.  According to studies, children ages five to eleven who sleeps less than 11 hours nightly are more likely to be obese adults than children who get more zzzs.  So make sure your kids get enough sleep to keep obesity at bay. 

Kids of all ages appreciate creative pursuits.  And the younger you start them off in the creative process, the more you build on their “innate” ability to express themselves.  Try to keep their artwork and you’ll be happy with the result.  My daughter is now in college and my son, in high school, still, they find it amusing to unearth their drawings and doodlings from when they were toddlers.  You can also try framing their masterpieces if you have the budget for it.  This will definitely add boost to their ego. 

In place of walking around the mall, you and little ones can create a great bonding time at home.  Do arts and crafts!  With coloring materials and paper, you can teach them how to make personalized cards that can be given on birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and other special occasions.  This bonding time with your kids is not only more affordable but it develops their artistic sides too.  Have a great time! 

Never underestimate the power of building blocks.  It turns out that these basic toys may offer unforeseen educational rewards.  Recent studies show that toddlers who played with blocks scored higher on language-assessment tests than toddlers who didn’t.  And the rewards don’t stop there, while those blocks are a sure hit to kids, here are some additional benefits they offer.

Improved physical development.  Grasping and manipulating blocks build dexterity and strength in hands and fingers.

Versatility.  Blocks grow with your child.  Infants can bat around soft blocks; toddlers can manipulate big plastic building blocks and begin to stack traditional wood blocks.  Preschoolers and up can  craft increasingly elaborate structures.

Endless creativity.  Your kids can make just about anything he dreams up.  And instead of asking your child, “What did you make?”, say “Tell me what you made,”  you’ll be surprised with their answers.

1)  Save old gift bags, ribbons, and wrapping paper scraps in a big box.  Bring it out when your kids a re bored.  They’d be happy to go through your box and make creations out of scraps that would normally be thrown away.

2)  Play with your pet.  Or if you don’t have one, visit a neighbor or relative who has a pet.  Your kids will not only have a great time playing with a dog but they will learn how to behave around animals as well.

3)  Put on a CD and have a good old-fashioned dance party with your kids.  It’s free and dance-offs make a good bonding time.

4)  Take your kids to the basement and let them play with all their ride-on toys from summer.  It’s a good and fun way to release energy and relive summer activities.

5)  Bring out the summer beach toys.  Those, buckets, shovels, sand molds and rakes make perfect snow toys.