Do you know who your Teens friends are?

Monitoring Your Teens for Drug Use without Appearing to be Spying

Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still need to keep an eye on them. It is much better to realize that things could change, and anticipate that your teen COULD become a user. Essentially, it is not wise to make assumptions about topics such as drug use. Also, having been a high school teacher afforded me the opportunity to witness peer pressure, and how even good kids could be convinced to try drugs - just to fit in. It is important that you play a proactive role in ensuring that your teenagers and the rest of your family remains drug free.

About drug use
Initially, I learned that the signs of drug use included three basic symptoms:
• A loss of interest in hobbies
• A change in friends
• A drop in grades

What I later discovered was that not seeing these symptoms only provides a false sense of security regarding teenagers and potential drug use. The above behaviors apply more to signs of “drug addiction,” as opposed to “experimental” drug use.

Teens who experiment with drugs don’t start out addicted so logically, they do not show any symptoms. They generally look healthy and nothing seems to be wrong. In fact, teens can casually use drugs for over a year before their parents would even suspect any drug or alcohol use.

Many teenagers who decide to experiment with drugs start out casually, using them with friends and then progressing towards regular use. It is important that you look for clues pertaining to casual drug use so that if your teen is prone, you can proactively deal with it.

What you can do
You need to monitor your teen’s behavior and watch for signs of drug use, without appearing to be spying. Your goal should be to prevent him or her from feeling free to experiment with drugs or alcohol. The best way to accomplish this is to keep abreast of your teen’s activities and friends. You will be able to spot a problem early if you keep your eyes and ears open, and believe that YOUR teenager is capable of using drugs. Many parents get blind-sided by thinking that their teen would never try drugs. Only then will you be ready to intervene if the situation presents itself.

The following are ten ways to monitor your teenager’s behavior and watch for signs of drug use, without appearing to be spying:

1. Hug your teen as soon as s/he arrives home. Check for odors of possible marijuana smoke or alcohol. Remember that cologne or chewing gum may be used to hide the odor.

2. Teenagers under the influence will usually go straight to their room when they arrive home. While making eye contact, hold a brief conversation. Check for bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and their sense of balance.

3. Keep the lights on and stay up until your teenager comes home.

4. Ask your teen for the time and watch the way s/he looks at his or her watch.

5. If your teenager unexpectedly wants to spend the night at a friend’s house, and you have concerns, say no.

6. Maintain a flexible schedule. Be unpredictable so your teen cannot find it easy to plan around your activities.

7. Keep abreast of what your teen is really doing when away from home. Meet their friends and their parents and participate in mutual activities. This is a very effective form of networking.

8. Ask your neighbors to discretely keep an eye on any activities that may take place while you are not home.

9. Check to see how your teens are doing in school. Ask their teachers if there is any cause for concern or if your teen has been behaving differently.

10. After you meet your teenager’s friends, always ask them to identify themselves when they call. Get to know them. Always encourage your teens to invite their friends over while you are home.

Remember, your goal should be to prevent your teenager from feeling free to experiment with drugs or alcohol. The best way to accomplish this is to keep abreast of their activities and friends using the above methods.

Lastly, but most important, talk to your teenager on a regular basis about the drug use she witnesses, and how she feels about it. Also, if she has been approached, have her describe how she handled the situation. Strive for honesty and ask how you can help her to remain drug free.

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Educating our children

Do we send our Children to Public or Private Schools?

Compulsory-attendance laws force parents to send their children to public schools. These laws presume that the politicians we vote into office, our agents, have the right to take away parents’ liberty and inalienable rights.

Compulsory education means that in America, contrary to the common view, we no longer live in the land of the free. Local and state governments that claim the right to control our children’s education also claim, in effect, that they own our children’s minds and lives for twelve years. That is an appallingly arrogant claim, especially in America.

One reason public schools get away with educational murder, year after year, is because local governments violate parents’ liberty and parental rights with impunity. Local governments don’t own or run food stores, auto showrooms, office-supply stores, or pre-schools and private colleges in America. Yet they own the public schools and control 1st through 12th grade education in America.

Do government officials have any right to dictate how we should educate our children? To answer this question, we have to examine what our Founding Fathers understood to be the real function of government. In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson clearly stated the moral nature and purpose of government:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. . . ."

The Declaration of Independence affirms that we have natural rights as human beings to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” It establishes the principle that we, the people, acting individually and by free consent, created our government only to protect and secure our natural rights as human beings. That is government’s sole legitimate function.

Look again at the phrase from the Declaration that says, “governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” The “governed” means all the people, not just some, not a minority, and not a majority. It means that all citizens, including parents, have the same inalienable rights.

That phrase also means that government is our agent, not our master. It means that we, as free human beings, voluntarily grant limited powers to government for a specific purpose, to protect our natural rights. It means that government should only have those powers we specifically grant to it for that purpose.

Yet, nowhere in the Constitution is the word “education” mentioned. The Constitution did not give the federal government any right or power to control how parents educate their children. By implication, state governments do not have any such right or power either, because such a power would violate our fundamental liberties.

Nature and justice confirm that parents have the right to decide who educates their children. Like parents of all species, most human parents protect and nurture their children and teach them the skills and knowledge they need to survive. Parents in all cultures make teaching their children a first priority. Since reading, writing, and arithmetic are skills needed to prosper in a modern society, it stands to reason that most parents will find a way to teach these skills to their children if the means are available.

Nancy Macdonald
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look whats new and happening

Just cant wait any longer to tell you whats been happening over at preciousbabysite

well come and look for yourself...new guests on the weekly podcasts.

an new store, which will just keep expanding.

baby development those early months

ALL ABOUT INFANT GAS, COLIC AND GRIPEWATER

Crying is a baby’s only means of communicating. Holding or carrying your baby will help you become familiar with their needs. Often a baby is not truly colicky or gassy but still cries for certain periods of the day. It is normal for a baby to have a daily fussy period. Babies like to have close body contact, so carrying your baby is usually comforting.

WHAT IS COLIC?

Colic is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week. Colic usually begins around 3 weeks of age and lasts until 3 months of age. For some babies this condition may take longer to subside, but it will go away.

The possible causes can be”

An immature gastrointestinal and/or neurological system
Temporary lactose intolerance
Intolerance to high protein foods through the mother’s breast milk
Digestive intolerance due to smoking during or after pregnancy

INFANT GAS EXPLAINED

A majority of babies have discomfort from infant gas usually following feedings. They may cry intensely until they are able to release the gas.

The possible causes can be:
Cow’s milk and certain formulas
Eating too fast
Swallowing air while crying
Introducing new foods into the baby’s diet

HOW CAN I HELP MY BABY WHO HAS GAS OR COLIC?

Do not be afraid to hold, comfort, or rock them often.
Decide to breast feed until the baby is at least a year old
Allow your baby to comfort itself on the breast, even if it is just for a few moments.
Try not to over stimulate your baby.
Introduce white noise to calm them. Try the vacuum cleaner or washing machine.
Take the baby for car rides, or stroller walks.
Place the baby over the arm, known as the “gas hold”.
If you are bottle feeding, check that the nipple hole is not too large, as the baby may swallow too much air.
Burp your baby occasionally during bottle or breast feeding.
If your baby has acid reflux, be sure to place them in an upright position following meals, and give them smaller frequent feedings.

Always check with lactation specialist or doctor before discontinuing breast feeding or going to or changing formulas.

A dose of Baby’s Bliss GripeWater may ease your baby’s discomfort due to gas colic, hiccups, teething or acid reflux. Most babies stop crying in 5-20 minutes.

You need to Make a choice.

Public school or teaching your Children at Home School

Nancy Macdonald

Why do we need compulsory-attendance laws? Why compel parents to send their children to public schools? Wouldn’t parents naturally educate their children without compulsion? Human nature and history prove this to be the case. All over the world, parents push to educate their children, with or without public schools.

In Japan, school is compulsory only up to the equivalent of junior high school (ninth-grade level). High schools in Japan, like colleges in America, are privately owned and charge tuition. Middle-school students compete fiercely for a place in high schools even though their parents must pay to get them in. Yet most Japanese parents push their kids to apply for high school and scrape up the money for tuition, without the Japanese government’s pressuring them to do so.

In America, millions of parents voluntarily pay thousands of dollars a year in tuition to send their young children to private kindergartens, and their older children to a private college. Obviously, most parents think that educating their children is very important. So why do we need compulsory attendance laws for first through twelfth-grade education?

Compulsory-attendance laws imply that government has to force parents to educate their children. Common sense and history prove this notion false. Up to the 1850s, before we had public schools in America, the literacy rate was over 90 percent. Yet most parents taught their children to read at home. They did not need town officials to force them to educate their children. All over the world, most parents’ want to give their children a good education so they can have a secure future.

Compulsory-attendance laws also imply that some parents are too ignorant or indifferent to their children’s welfare to educate their kids. If this was not the case, then why compel parents at all? Local governments therefore believe they have to force these “bad” parents to deposit their kids in public schools, for the alleged good of the children.

In effect, local governments and public-school authorities don’t trust average parents to have the decency and common sense to educate their kids, unless public-school authorities force them to. That notion is as absurd as claiming that parents would not feed their children unless government authorities forced them to.

There is a saying that if you want to know the real purpose of a law or social system, follow the money. Who benefits the most from our public schools? Certainly not our kids. I submit that the real purpose of compulsory-attendance laws is to enforce a public-school system that benefits public-school employees.

how to make a no sew blanket

A smile is warm and the first thing a person notices about another. Share your smile with someone today, take just a moment to let them know you care. I invite you to stop by www.preciousbabysite.com

Snuggly fleece blankets try one today! Buy one of my blankets today, WONDERFULL GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS or BIRTHDAY Just $19.95 plus shipping . Make your paypal payments to :
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Supplies Needed:

A pair of good scissors (If your scissors are dull, it will take a lot longer to complete!) OR rotary cutter and mat

Ruler or tape measure

Two coordinating pieces of any fleece . . .
• for a baby or toddler, purchase 1 to 1 1/2 yards (in each of
• two fabrics)
• for a child, purchase 1-3/4 yards (in each of two fabrics)
• for a teen or adult, purchase 2 yards (in each of two fabrics)
• Note: If you have a taller or bigger person that will be the
• recipient, buy more fleece! Large blankets are always
• appreciated!

Remember:
• Fabric is usually 54 inches wide or greater.
• You need two separate pieces of fabric for the blanket; one will
• be the front, one will be the back. You can choose two
• coordinating fabrics or the same fabric. The choice is yours!
• Double-check the widths of the two fleeces to make sure they
• are the same.
• Fleece panels look very nice, but be sure there is enough
• material at the edge to cut the fringe without cutting into the
• pattern.
• Watch for sales at your fabric store, as you can save a lot of
• money that way, often more than 50%.
Directions:

Cut off rough selvage edge on both sides. (This is the side that is machine finished, not cut.) Trim only as much as necessary, usually not more than 2 inches on each side. At this point, make sure that your cut sides are relatively straight. (They don't have to be perfect!) Do this on each piece of fabric.

Lay your fleece wrong sides together, with edges matching up. (Often times with fleece, it's hard to tell which side is the wrong side and it often doesn't matter which side you use as the front or back.)
**Some people choose at this point to pin the layers together; this is a personal preference. I've found it quicker not to pin, and I've never had a problem with slippage or keeping the sides aligned.


Cut a 4x4" square (or 5x5" square for a longer fringe) out of each corner (through both layers of fleece) and discard. If you want your fringe longer (not recommended for a baby or toddler), make your square bigger. It really does help to cut out your square from each corner before proceeding.

Cut all 4" (or 5") into fleece at 1" intervals around all four sides. Tie overhand knot close to blanket edge by using one strip from the front and one strip from the back to create finished fringe edge. Repeat around all four sides.
Several notes here:

To help make your strips approximately wide (again, it doesn't have to be perfect), you can use a tape measure across the top of your four inch section so that you not only make your cuts about 1" apart but also only four inches deep.

To make the tying look more even, I tie every other one, all the way around the blanket, then flip the blanket over to the back and tie the rest. That way neither side is really the front or the back!

Experiment with the way you tie the knots for different looks. You can make the knot show in either fabric as well as the fringe in either fabric.

The nature of fleece makes two of the sides stretchy. Don't fear! Just be gentle when tying those sides (the selvage sides) so that your fringe isn't stretched out of shape! The knots do not have to be tight to remain tied and keep the blanket together.

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Types of depression

Types of depression
There are several different types of depression, and the diagnosis is mostly determined by the nature and intensity of the mental and physical symptoms, the duration of the symptoms, and the specific cause of the symptoms, if that is known.

Clinical depression (or major depressive disorder, MDD) is the most serious type of depression, in terms of the number and severity of symptoms, but there are significant individual differences in the symptoms and severity. Diagnosis is made by determining the presence of specific symptoms present for at least 2 weeks. 5 out of 9 possible symptoms must be present for a diagnosis to be made. People affected with major depression may or may not have suicidal tendencies, and they may never have received medical treatment. The person's interest and pleasure in many activities, energy levels, and eating and sleeping patterns are usually altered.

Dysthymia (or minor depression) refers to a low-to-moderate level of depression that persists for at least 2 years, and often longer. While the occurrence of symptoms is not as frequent as in major depression, dysthymia can result in as much disability as major depression. It is often not recognized that dysthymia is a medical condition that responds equally effectively to the same treatments as major depression. Some people with dysthymia develop a major depression at some time during the course of their depression.

Bipolar depression (or manic depression) includes both high and low mood swings, and a variety of other significant symptoms not present in other types of depression.

Other types of depression include seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and postpartum depression. SAD is a subtype of depression that regularly occurs at the same time of year (most often in the fall or winter months in North America). Postpartum depression begins a few weeks after giving birth and is a subtype of depression. Postpartum depression is different from the temporary state known as the "baby blues" that often happens 24 to 72 hours after a woman gives birth. This temporary state is caused by the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and after giving birth and typically resolves in less than a week.

In some cases, depression is associated with other chronic medical conditions, which negatively impact the person's quality of life and well-being.

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Child abuse what does one do about it

Does a parent ever stop loving their children
Current mood: calm

The question at hand is does a parent ever stop loving their children?

If so what brings on these feelings is due to the parent having drama and trauma going on in their life that prevents loving a child?

Is it that in a woman hormones cause the woman who is ordinary a stable loving caring parent, reach out an hurt a child?

Hurting the child by unkind words and emotional abuse and also unwanted kicks to the little child?

Then calling up the Grandparent and saying I am sorry umm this is what I have done.

This behaviour could have been stopped with one phone call, by the so called grown up. Then to send the child who is six years old out to walk two blocks alone on a very busy street . A walk the child has never done alone?

I am finding these actions so deplorable they make me physically sick to think of this poor child, subjected to the rage of her mother.

I would like feed back on this on what should be done?

For the safety of the little girl and for help for her mother.

Thanks for taking the time to read this message.please click and respond email me

Families That Hit Pine Cones Together Stay Together

By Nancy Macdonald

It is said that families that pray together stay together. I think it’s almost equally true that families that play together stay together. If play time is the glue of family life, our family is a sticky crew!

One scorching August day we were trying to escape the heat by retreating to a summer cabin rental at Diamond Lake, high in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. Our little league star, Garin, suggested that we play baseball.

“But we don’t have a ball up here,” I objected.

“We don’t need a ball. We can use pine cones,” answered Garin.

“Where would we play? There’s no clearing big enough,” I countered.

“We can play in the driveway if you move the car.” Garin always was a problem solver.

“Alright,” I groaned. “Come on. Everybody out to the driveway.” I pouted while moving the car. I always was a bad loser.

The driveway to our cabin, you understand, was not the nicely paved driveway you find in subdivisions. Instead, it was more like a wild bear trail, weaving its way between 200-foot pines and spruce and white fur, bordered on the west by Diamond Lake and on the right by the country road. I had visions of the Cincinnati Reds playing the World Series on a motorcycle track. “The boat trailer will be first base,” declared Garin with the authority that only comes with entrepreneurs. “The back of the car will be second, and the outhouse will be third. Let’s use this squirrel hole for home plate. ”

So we did.

Mom said to start the game without her. She would be there in a minute. Garin was first up, naturally. He tripled off the Blue Spruce. Conveniently at third, used the opportunity to hurry Mom out of the game by pounding the rhythm of “Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho” on the outhouse wall.

Mom made her appearance just as Garth lined a foul ball into the right field forest. Kendy claimed she retrieved the ball, but the rest of us had our doubts, as the new ball seemed larger and was certainly stickier than the old ball.

“Yuk” exclaimed the pitcher, Kurt. “This ball has pitch all over it.’

Since I was doubling as catcher and umpire, I examined the ball and decided that the new ball was definitely in order. I threw out the old ball, threw in the new, and play resumed. Things went nicely for 3 or 4 innings Kurt hit the ball over the cabin and into the lake; the squirrel stuck his head up once but quickly re-submerged when he saw Garth about to slide into home plate; and a passing doe watched the game briefly from the left field stands, but apparently got bored with our game and moved on to more exciting adventures.

After the game we totaled the score, which was kept engraved in the red dirt behind home plate. Kids 76; Mom and Dad 37. Garth complained because he wanted to go swimming.

Bev and I, decisively defeated, headed for the cabin to drown our sorrows in a tall ice tea while the kids scrambled to get their swimming suits, inner tubes, frog feet, and snorkels.

While the victors celebrated loudly in the lake, the losers retreated to the shade of a massive fir tree by the shore where they licked their wounds and re-grouped for the next encounter.


You can make your world no matter where you are a place for the family to connect together and those will be times that will be most remembered.

It is not having money but spending time with what you have and make the love matter, a child can let their imagination soar with a large card board box, it can be a castle or a cave or secret meeting house.

A set of chairs can be a train or a plane ride just let the imagination take hold, so much is lost with the games and technology that children do not know how to play. The child is in front of the television or x box or in front of the computer, for so many hours of the week.

It is important in two things bonding with children and keeping the lines of communication open and what is very important , exercise not only for the mind but for the body. That half hour of needed stretching and ensuring that the growing body gets exactly what it needs to keep healthy for the months to come. To lay down the foundation of learning for their own growth and development , as what they learn and observe as a child lays the foundation of parenting their own children.

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how to stay cool this summer

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Body Coolers an relaxation

I have something unique and intersting or you today , and you will be excited as I am to recieve your very own body cooler. I searched all summer for this..and of course since its now fall..i have found it ..and could not wait to share it with you.. are you ready..take a deep breath I did..then like now i want it … for us ladies being cool ..from the summer heat or gee..did I mention the fact that I am going through the fun part of menopause…the heat energy surges. then cold…gee I dont know when to undress..or stay clothed…each has its own problems. So be one of the first …to get one..here problems solved..did I wave a magic wand…yup I did here body cooler does one of the following: …use cool for first aide or body heat with climate surges …for us ladies when we have those moments..we dont like to talk about …when there is an emergency for first aide …for our pets to cool in the heat or travelling or at a trade show …for our baby or toddler just not comfy …so many uses …can be heated for a supply of warmpth …slipped into a glove for the winter …or how about comforting warmpth when outside calls..shovelling or out with …the family …for the baby or toddler in the car seat ..too warm or to cool whatever the …need …for the senior that just needs a little comfort …for those that need comfort relaxes muscle pain, headache fever…hot …or cold …this can benefit any lifestyle …or need …for the mother with a toddler …for the athletic inclined …for those travelling this winter …for the migrane …or the muscle ache …the fibromylyalgia or muscle ache..you know what i need …for the those days…ladies we all have them …this is unique..not anywhere on ebay..buy now …I know you will come back often once you have tried the benefits of body …coolers…you will be sold ..on the product and the benfits …be the first..what do you have to loose..nothing but comfort …I offer to you something new..be the first “TO BE NEW’, i know hugs. …so for who you put first in your life, you baby, your man, you, or your pet …you need are product..it helps…whenever..you know what i mean.. …avail in 29 colours..so you know we are in the know..fashion aware. The benefits are: COOLS YOUR BODY ABLE TO USE THOUSANDS OF TIMES OVER AND OVER USE AS EITHER A HOT OR COLD PACK RELAXES AND RELIEVES MUSCLE PAIN , HEADACHE AND FEVER BEST YET ITS PORTABLE TO TAKE ANYWHERE..ON VACATION, IN THE CAR IN THE DIAPER BAG, OR FIRST AIDE KIT YOU WILL WANT MORE THAN ONE…BUY NOW.. The body cooler is so easy to use. TO ACTIVATE YOUR SPORTS COOLER BAND:SOAK FORTWNTY MINUTES IN ROOM TEMPERATURE WATER..FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. FOR ALL DAY COOLING …JUST TIE THE SPORDS BAND AROUND YOUR NECK , HEAD OR WRIST , WHAT EVER AREA YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE COOLED. FOR 30 MINUTE HEAT PACK…SOAK IN HOT WATER FOR 15 MINUTES, OR HEAT INT HE MICROWAVE FOR 30 SECS OR LESS ..DEPENDING ON YOUR MICROWAVE. WATCH CAREFULLY. CARE INSTRUCTIONS…HAND WASH ONLY ..WASH QUICKLY IN COOL SUDSY WATER…RINSE QUICKLY ..AND HANG TO DRY. TO STORE….HANG TO DRY IN A WARM PLACE. ..DONT NOT STORE…IN CLOSED CONTAINER..OR BAG. YOUR SPORTS BAND NEEDS TO BREATH. THE BAND HAS SO MANY OTHER USES …for the lady in labour or postpartum …for your pet on the hot temp days …at your work out at the gym ..in the first aide pack …perfect for the college student …for the day care …in the backpack the body cooler can be even put in the fridge. think of uses , i have not even considered.

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Choosing a Childcare Provider

By Nancy Macdonald



You’ve called and called and finally found a provider you want to meet. What now? Here are some tips to help you when meeting with a potential provider. Remember, you know what’s best for your child. Make sure you feel comfortable with the person and the environment before you leave your child. A little anxiety is normal - you’re leaving your baby with somebody else. If you question at all whether your baby will be safe there, don’t leave her.


1. Get to know the provider – Ask them why they choose to become a provider. If meeting with a teacher at a center, ask them why they work there. Ask about their education. Some states require providers to be certified, especially if they are working in a center. Ask about their experience. How long have they worked at the center? If they are a home provider, did they work at a center before opening their own center and how long have they cared for children in their home? Watch them interact with the children in their care, and also your own child. Are you comfortable with what you see?
2. Take a look around – Ask to see where your child would spend most of her time. Where will she play, eat, and sleep? Does it look safe and clean? (Remember that children play there. Don’t expect things to be spotless, but they should not be dirty) Does it look like a fun place for her to spend her days? Is the location secure, so that she couldn’t walk out an unattended door or run out of an unfenced yard. Question if you are not allowed to see an area.
3. What’s included? – Ask what your tuition includes. Do parents provide wipes, diapers, baby powder, and diaper cream? What about meals? How many meals and snacks are included? If your baby is still on formula and/or baby food, most providers request that parents provide this. Are there any extra activity or field trip fees? If so, how often and how much?
4. Those darn contracts – Make sure you read it! Even before you decide on a caregiver for your baby, ask to see the contract. Read it thoroughly and ask questions about anything that is unclear to you. This is a legally binding contract and both parties will be expected to uphold what is spelled out in the contract. Some key things to look for are:
a. Days the location is closed – What days are considered holidays, and are there other days the center is closed? Do you still have to pay for these days?
b. Vacations (theirs) – This mostly applies to home based providers. How many days do they allow for their own vacations and what is their policy on payment for these days. Many providers require that parents pay for days the provider is on vacation, even though your child will not be in their care.
c. Vacations (yours) – What is their policy if your family goes on vacation and does not need care for several days? Do you pay full tuition, a portion, or nothing for those days? How many days are allowed and what type of notice does the provider request?
d. Termination – What is the process if either party wants to terminate the relationship. Often, the contract specifies a length of notice that both the provider and the parent need to give. You should also understand the process for ending the relationship if either you are unhappy with the care, or your child is not a good match for the caregiver.
5. Call those references – Ask for a list of names of both current and previous parents. Call them! When talking to the current parents, ask them about their experience with the caregiver, the other children, the policies, the contract, and anything else you can think of. Also ask the age of their child in care. The parent of a toddler may have a very different perspective than the parent of an infant. Also call the parents who no longer use that care. Ask why they left, whether they were happy when they were there, what the termination process was like, and anything else that might help you make a decision.
6. Take some time to think - In some cities, openings go quickly and you may have to decide quickly. Don’t let that pressure you into making a decision before you are ready, or choosing somewhere you are not completely comfortable with. Visit as many times as you need to feel comfortable, and ask as many questions as you want. Leaving your child with another caregiver is a huge decision and one you should take your time making. Once you decide on a provider, know that your child is happy and having fun while there, but still looks forward to being back in your arms at night.

www.preciousbabysite.com

Crochet hand crafted moses baby cradle

For a hand made crochet baby moses type basket hand crafted by Beverly West

West820@gmail.com

Hand-Crocheted Baby Booties And Sweater

By Nancy Macdonald

There's very little in this world that's more rewarding than dressing your baby in a special sweater, bunting - or even booties - that you've crocheted yourself. Crochet is one of the easiest of the clothing crafts to learn. Even if you've never looped yarn around a hook before, you can crochet these simple booties for your baby in an evening - and the matching sweater in a weekend.

The basic stitches for the baby booties are: chain stitch (cs), single crochet (sc), dec (pull up loop in next two stitches, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook)

Using worsted weight yarn and crochet hook size H, chain 5. Turn. SC in next three chains, 5 sc in end chain, one SC in bottom loop of each of next three starting chain stitches. 5 sc in end chain to turn corner.

Round 2: Five SC, two sc in next stitch, sc, two sc in next stitch, sc, two sc in next stitch, 5 sc, two sc in next stitch, sc, 2 sc in next stitch, sc, 2 sc in next stitch.

Round 3: 8 sc, 2 sc in next, 5 sc, 2 sc in next, 8 sc, 2 sc in next, 5 sc, 2 sc in next.

Work two rounds of crochet even (no increases). Sole will begin to curve upward. At end of second round, turn.

SC in next 5 SC, dec, 3 SC, dec, 5 SC, turn.

SC in next 3 sc, dec, 1 sc, dec, 3 sc, turn.

SC in next sc, dec, dec, sc in next sc, turn.

SC in each sc, then continue in rounds again, dec one stitch at each side of bootie top for two rounds.

Work even for three rounds, fasten off.

Repeat for second bootie.

If desired, embellish top of baby bootie with embroidered flower or other design.

The single crochet booties are so simple that you can make them in several colors - all in an evening.

The sweater is just as easy, and it's sized to fit a newborn to 6 months baby. Using the same yarn and hook, chain 45. Turn.

SC in next five sc. In next, inc by working 2 sc, ch 2, 2 sc in one stitch. SC in next 8 stitches, work inc, sc in next 16 stitches, inc, sc in next 8 stitches, inc, sc in to end.

Work in the pattern as established, even on all sc, inc in each chain 2 loop, till 10 rows are complete.

Shaping row: Crochet to first ch 2 loop, crochet in ch 2 loop, skip all stitches till next ch 2 loop, crochet in that loop. SC in each stitch to next ch 2 loop, skip all stitches till last ch 2 loop, sc in loop and one SC in each sc to end. Turn.

Work even till sweater measures 6 inches from underarm. Fasten off.

Pick up and crochet in each SC around right underarm. Work in rounds till sleeve is same length from underarm as body. Repeat with left sleeve. Fasten off.

Starting at lower right hand corner, pick up nd crochet one sc in each stitch up front opening, around collar and back down other side of front. Run ribbon through openings in collar for a neck tie.

That's all there is to it - a warm, cozy crochet sweater and booties you created yourself just for baby.

For a hand made crochet baby moses type basket hand crafted by Beverly West

West820@gmail.com

a time for baby and you

Spending Time With Your Baby - Making The Most Of Joy.

By Nancy Macdonald
When you first bring home your Bouncing New Baby, you will surely feel you want to watch over her and be with her much of the time, especially if you are a first time parent.
Newborn babies are fascinating even if they are not yours; when they are your own, that special feeling takes off into the stratosphere.

You may feel tempted to hold them, watch them and chat to them the whole time; even when they are asleep you will enjoy standing silently over them and observe them in their slumbers.
Those first few days are a magical time, but then a transformation may take place.

For the first few nights, the night feed may be a novelty, and you may even feel "great, she's awake, I can see her again".

But then sleep interruption may start to irritate you rather than be a signal for pleasure; tiredness begins to take a hold as your sleep is disturbed so often.

Night feeds, cholic, bringing up her milk; all can contribute to an interrupted night.
Insufficient sleep mixed with aggravation can start to eat away at that feeling of wonder you had when your baby first came home.
Your baby has not changed; but you have.
She is the same gorgeous baby you brought home from hospital.

Her simple life is evolving only very slowly to her; it is yours that is changing most rapidly.
Those rapid changes, maybe mixed with a new level of tiredness you have not felt before, represent the first exertion of pressure on that very special relationship - you and your baby.
Then there is day time.
The old day to day pressures are still there;
the need to rush around to the shops,
worrying about money,
wondering how to deal with work,
job and baby;
the car not starting,
the leak in the pipe under the sink
, the washing machine seizing up under the constant use.

The days spent wishing you could get a good night's sleep, wishing you were back at work earning more money, and being with your work colleagues. The time you spend thinking: "where's my life gone?
I have no control anymore.
That baby is my jailer in the day time and tormentor at night.
" Stop! That is a train of thought you must either not board, or at least get off at the first station.
It is a train fuelled by self pity, and heading down the track to unhappiness for you, your partner, and your baby.
You are the only one who controls your life; you choose between the track to contentment and joy, or to discontent and misery.
Remember, that baby loves you more than anyone else ever has, unless you have had a baby before.
Her devotion, her admiration, and her dependence are total. It is for you to decide whether that is something to cause resentment in you, or the overwhelming joy that it should.
That little miracle of a baby is the biggest responsibility you have ever had, but she can also be the source of the greatest pleasure and joy.
Compare your baby's devotion with your work colleagues you miss; in 10 years time you will probably have lost contact with most or all of them.
Your workplace is like a busy junction where people cross over.
Your work? If you are employed, your bosses will ditch you as soon as they need to if they see a "better" alternative.
Your car, your washing machine, your leaking pipe; do you really think they are important compared to that unique and potentially wonderful relationship that is in your arms, the relationship with your baby?
You make the choices; you take the actions.
You have experienced in the first few days with baby at home that there can be sheer joy and excitement; wonderment and appreciation.
The baby loves you to bits; you can love her to bits too, and put the exterior trivia in their rightful place.
Or, the baby loves you to bits and you can wallow in resentment because she's interrupting your life, demanding attention when you have a leaking pipe or a car that won't start.
In black and white, on paper, it's a simple choice;
but how can you make that choice and achieve the right balance in your life? Think about it quietly for a while; somewhere on your own.
Think of the pleasure the baby gives you in those precious moments when you do not feel stressed.
Then, make a conscious decision to perpetuate those moments; to make each moment you have with your baby, infant and child a moment when you and she are there simply for each other.
As your baby grows, there will be countless moments of development that can bring you a lot of pleasure and pride
; learning to walk,
getting out of her crib,
her kisses and cuddles,
her first word and every new word thereafter;
her expressions,
mimicry,
her laughter and her first attempt to dance to the music on the radio;
her attempts to control and manipulate you,
and learning to use her charm to get her own way
. All can be moments of intense pleasure, if you allow them to be.

Such developments you can allow to merge into the noisy background of life's trivia, and miss the joy they can bring you.
In so doing you are increasing the chances of an unhappy baby, and an unhappy you.
Or, you can make each moment you spend with your baby one for you to enjoy to the full, shutting out life's trivia for those times you are sharing with your offspring.
In so doing you would increase the chances of a happy baby and a happy you. You make the choices; you take the actions.
For your own sake and the baby's, spend as much time with your baby as you can, and set out to enjoy it to the full.
Shut out the trivia that are trying to spoil your unique relationship, and your life will be considerably better for it.
It is not always possible, but try to organise the trivia around your time with baby.
The more you give her precedence, and willingly, the more happy you will both be.
Enjoy every single moment of watching her development. It is something that cannot be repeated.
Nancy Macdonald http://www.preciousbabysite,com

how to dress your baby

Baby Clothes For All Seasons

By Nancy Macdonald

Few things seem more important at a baby shower than duckies, monkeys and theme colors.

Once you get the baby home though, the most important thing about baby clothes is how well they protect your baby.

Depending on the time of year that your baby is born, and the type of climate you live in, there are a variety of concerns to take into consideration for your baby's very sensitive nature.

For summer babies, or babies in warm climates, overheating is not the only concern.

A baby's skin is incredibly sensitive to light, especially with the increasingly less protective o-zone layer.

Sunscreen is not the only necessity for baby's sensitive skin.

Keeping a towel or blanket over the baby's carriage or bassinet during summer play is a great way to keep the sun from harming your baby.

Umbrellas and pop up tents are also great for beach days.

Make sure there is plenty of ventilation but little to no sun—that way your baby won’t get sunburned or have to squint at the bright sun rays.

For daily summer wear, onesies that are made of a lightweight cotton are a great alternative to pants and shirts.

In addition to being comfortable, they will easily fit in a small bag or purse that you can bring along in extra in case of a spill or accident.

Another bonus of your baby being born in the summer is that it will keep shoe costs down, since a baby in a stroller in seventy five to eighty degree weather does not really need to wear shoes!

Keeping a blanket in the stroller is important, especially if you're in air conditioned buildings a lot, since babies are a lot more sensitive to the change in air temperature.

For winter wear, bundling babies in layers is a good way to combat the difference between heated buildings and the outside.

Avoiding long stretches of being outside in colder temperatures is probably a good idea, but for short walks or trips between cars and buildings, warm bundling is vital.

If you live in a climate that has a lot of snow, the danger of sun burn is even more prevalent than in the summer, since it attacks from all angles.

Warm socks, mittens, and hats will do a good deal to keep most of the baby's body heat in.

Buntings that button down the front are a great way to let the baby escape from the heat a little bit when you are inside without too much effort for you or discomfort for the baby.

Layers work in almost every weather.

As any New mother will tell you, the ability to put on a layer or take it off is the key to combating shifting climates.

This is particularly important for your baby, who is much more sensitive than you to slight changes in temperature or outside conditions.

So keeping an extra sweater around, or putting an onesie underneath warmer clothing is a great way to prepare for anything that Mother Nature has in store. She likes to keep new mothers on their toes!

One thing in paticular , is when you live in an aptment building and you are up lets say on the 8th floor, do not bundle your baby up for the outside till you are down in the lobby.

Lesson one learned by Grandma on fall outings with my grandaughter, babies get hot very quickly in the transition from the apartment to outside.

Have a wonderfull day thanks for stopping by.

Nancy Macdonald RPN

http://www.Go2parent.info http://www.preciousbabysite.com

Is your baby up all night

When To Start Teaching Your Baby
By Nancy Macdonald RPN


When is it that I should start teaching my baby?

That is a question that may come to mind for many first time parents; other parents may never consider the question at all, and just leave things to evolve naturally.

In a way, that is an unnecessary question as, whether you like it or not and whether you mean to or not, you begin teaching your baby while it is still in the womb, and then continue through its early years, teenage years, and even into adulthood. So, perhaps it is better to rephrase that question slightly to "when should I consciously start teaching my baby?"

Even with the rephrased question, the answer is the same: while the baby is in the womb. How can that be?

While the baby is in the womb it starts to learn about its environment after about six months of pregnancy, when it is capable of hearing external sounds.

Of course, it is aware of its internal environment earlier than that, but there is little you can do to enhance that.
But when it comes to the external environment, you are in a position to have some influence even from that early stage of development.
What Can You Teach Your Baby In The Womb?
With the baby in the womb there is clearly a very limited scope for teaching as such. However, you can provide additional stimulation that will form an important part of their learning at that stage.
You can provide many hints as to what the outside environment is like, in a way that sets a good foundation for their feeling of love and security.
The main external awareness of a baby in the womb is sound.
If you can make the external sounds comforting and welcoming then that will help the baby more than you may think.
Music is a proven stimulation to babies, especially classical music; a daily dose of Mozart will stimulate the baby's brain and senses.
With any luck, they will become a musical talent, but that is not an issue at this stage of their development.
You do not, of course, have to restrict her to classical music.

Whatever music you like, just turn the volume up a bit more than usual to ensure she hears it.

The sound will be muffled, but by the time baby is born, she will be used to your musical tastes.
Your aim should be to make the outside environment familiar to the baby.

Most of that will happen naturally, and she will become used to the daily sounds, such as vacuum cleaner, liquidizer, lawnmower and other domestic noises that are penetrating.

. If you want to insist on having a most important sound in the womb, then it must be the voices of the parents.

Getting to know the voice of mum and dad will come naturally, but dad especially can get up close and talk to the baby in the womb.

It will not talk back of course, but you can rest assured, if she is awake, she will be intrigued by your up close and personal voice.
It is something I did every evening withmy daughter. That also had the effect of keeping her awake as long as possible during the evening, so she was less restless at night.
That can be very helpful for mum to get a good night's sleep

. Another external stimulation which I never learnt about for my now grown up children, and that is light.
This can be even more useful for keeping baby awake in the evening.
If you take a powerful flashlight, switch it on, and hold it close to mum's tummy, the baby in the womb will respond to it.
I must say I thought it a silly idea, until the then unborn Saffron started moving every time the light was switched on.
So, the flashlight became another tool in the "keep baby awake in the evening" campaign to stop mum being kicked so much during the night.
Maybe Saffron did not appreciate my "keep her awake" tactics. She was probably wondering "who is this guy keeping me awake all the time; doesn't he realise I want to get some sleep?" However, she does seem to have done well on it.
She has slept like a log all night, every night apart from one, since she was just a few months' old. The odd night? Apparently, a bad dream at 11 pm.
A quick cuddle and words of reassurance, and she was back to sleep again.
Whether that has any connection to her in-the-womb experiences, I cannot say for sure.

But I will definitely be using the same tactics again next time, if we are asked how did we get our precious baby to sleep.

Tell me your experience of getting your baby to sleep. I would love to hear them.


http://www.preciousbabysite.com go to the chat board and tell me your stories ,I cant wait to hear them.

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