This winter, an estimated 60,000 kids ages 5 to 14 will visit the emergency room with injuries from winter sports. The right equipment can help keep your child out of the hospital, but don’t forget the basic precautions: dressing in layers, staying hydrated, having adult supervision and getting proper training.No matter what the sport is, it’s important to wear sunscreen (even in subzero weather), drink plenty of water and dress for changing weather conditions. If your child ?- or you ?- becomes distracted or irritable, or begins to hyperventilate, it may be a sign of hypothermia or altitude sickness. It may also mean she’s too tired to participate safely in strenuous activities. Either way, send her indoors to rest and warm up. Heres some advice to keep your tween safe.

Skiing: Helmets are a must for skiing, so buy or rent a ski helmet and look for a seal of approval from the Snell Memorial Foundation or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) ?- and have an expert fit it correctly. Many ski resorts require helmets for kids under 16, but it’s important for adults to gear up too. According to a Safe Kids Worldwide study, kids really do learn safety habits by watching adult role models. “Do as I say, not as I do” is not an effective way to teach safety. “Practice what you preach” is.

Sledding: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends bike helmets for kids under 12. Teach kids to sit upright on a sled and face forward: Think bobsled, not luge. Inspect the hill first to make sure there are no hidden obstacles and that the foot of the hill would not lead sledders into traffic, water or crowds. Also inspect the sled for worn, damaged or loose parts, which could cause a problem at the worst possible moment. And although this may seem like common sense, never tow an occupied sled with a motor vehicle! The rider could fall off at high speed or be overcome by poisonous fumes.

Good old-fashioned family values may not be dead. They’ve just got a new gender twist. According to an online poll of 731 parents by one of the largest parenting sites on the Web, and AOL, half of the moms and dads quizzed said they think women should stay at home with their kids and not work if money isn’t an issue. But a surprising 22 percent said that Dad could stay with the kids instead of Mom, especially if Mom earns a bigger paycheck. The idea that Mom (or Dad) could work for personal fulfillment, instead of financial need, was given the thumbs down by many parents.

Bonding
One benefit many talk about was the special bonding that takes place between parent and children when they are able to stay home.

Development
Many stay-at-home parents felt that, by staying home with their children, their kids were benefiting by developing faster.

Mr. Mom is Still Scarce
According to a 2002 report by the U.S. Census Bureau, “stay-at-home” dads numbered only 189,000 compared to 11 million “stay-at-home moms” for the 41 million children under 15 living with two parents. Obviously, full-time parenting is still predominantly female territory. However, it is important to note that about 3-in-10 children under 18 living with one parent, lives with a single father. There is still obviously a huge difference in who plays the predominant care-taker.

Sorting and Nesting Toys: Toddlers love to sort, stack, unsort, unstack, and basically reorganize their lives. Sorting and nesting toys are great fun for those who are trying out their early problem-solving skills.

Climbing Gym: A tiny gym can give your toddler a safe place to climb, hide, slide, and practice all her emerging motor skills — over and over again. But these sets can also be pricey and are quickly outgrown.

Balls: Any ball that’s easy to grasp will be a hit with this group — underinflated beach balls, vinyl balls, cloth balls. Stay away from foam balls that could end up as a mouthful. This is the age at which you can introduce your child to “catch.” Start slowly — she’ll begin to get the back-and-forth rhythm with some practice.

Washable Crayons and Paper: Let the scribbling begin! Hand your toddler no more than a couple of crayons at a time — you don’t want to overwhelm her — and tape the paper to the floor so she can make her mark without dragging the paper along with her.

Ride-On Vehicles: This mode of self-locomotion may be even more popular than walking. Many small ride-on toys have models with handles for an adult to push when the child gets tired. Avoid the electronic versions — they’re expensive and take away from the fun of getting around under your own power.

Tool Bench or Toy Kitchen: Junior fix-it kids or aspiring chefs will get hours of play out of plastic or wooden models scaled to their size. Sets like these give a child a chance to emulate the things he sees adults doing, and they’ll continue to hold his interest for several months as his play gets more sophisticated.

Picture Books: Your toddler will enjoy more advanced picture books showing familiar objects and activities. She may also start to take pride in her own library and the chance to pick out a favorite for you to read.

Chances are your toddler is really taking off these days — and as you chase his little body down the street, you may miss the days before he learned to use her legs so well. “Active” is an apt way to describe him now, and him likes any toy or game that allows him to throw his whole self into it — balls, swings, and tiny climbing sets, to name a few.

His hands are becoming more coordinated, too, and he can now use toy sorters more efficiently, build even greater block towers, and scribble a drawing. His play involves lots of experimentation, like “What happens if I drop this ball?” or “What happens if pull this lever?” He’s very interested in the consequences of her actions, and because his memory isn’t well developed she won’t tire of repetition. Toddlers also like to try out what they see adults doing, so look for toys that imitate daily life.

Large Building Bricks: These light cardboard bricks are big enough to stack up into a fort or wall, or any other way your toddler wants. But the most satisfying part of the process continues to be the finale — when the walls come tumbling down.

Push and Pull Toys: Heavily weighted push toys can give your beginner something to lean into as she motors around your home. Wagons can be ideal. Pull toys are for slightly advanced walkers who can look behind them as they move forward. Give them something to look at: Pull toys that flap, bobble, squeak, or in any other way make a scene are favorites.

Does your kid prefer to flop in front of his PS2 with a bag of crisps or take a football and a bag of fruit to the park? Chances are your family falls somewhere between these two extremes, but with concern growing about childhood obesity and the associated increase in the incidence of type II diabetes, high cholesterol readings and later heart disease in our children, the time to introduce healthier lifestyle choices is now.

‘Parents need to recognise the importance of forming good habits in childhood, which will lead to a balanced and enjoyable diet later in life,’ advises Sarah Schenker, a dietitian with the British Nutrition Foundation. ‘Eating a wide variety of foods is the most important thing,’ she adds, ‘and a gentle, consistent approach usually results in a broader eating range.’ Here are some questions to ask yourself.

1. How does your child eat?
2. What would you pack for a picnic or school lunch?
3. How often does your child have sweets?
4. What does your child drink?
5. What do your child’s after-school activities most often include?
6. How much walking do you do as a family?

3. Animals, like humans, find comfort in routine. An established pattern on which to fall back on will help combat the insecurity your pet will naturally feel during the first few weeks after baby’s arrival. Along the same lines, allow your pet to get used to some of the new baby smells before you bring your infant home. Apply baby lotion or powder to your hands, for example, and allow your pet to sniff baby’s clothes and blankets. If possible, allow him to investigate an article of clothing or blanket worn by the new baby prior to the infant’s arrival from the hospital. Animals rely heavily on their sense of smell, so familiarity with the baby’s smell will help your pet recognise him as part of the family when he comes home.

4. When you finally arrive home with your new baby, greet your pet happily and tell him how much you missed him. Gently introduce him to the baby so he can get a good look at the new family member. From that point forward, include him in as many baby activities as possible. Even saying his name while you’re changing nappies or feeding your infant will make your pet feel like an important part of this new life. Most behaviour problems pets exhibited after a new baby’s arrival stem from jealousy and neglect.

By paying special attention to your pet, preparing him in advance and including him as much as possible after baby comes home, you can avoid such problems and ensure a harmonious household.

Having a baby may not mean saying goodbye to your beloved pooch. Find out how to help your two ‘babies’ become best of friends.Shelter workers report that many people who surrender their pets to animal shelters cite a new baby as the reason why they give up their pet. Yet many other families have successfully brought a new baby into their home and still been able to keep and enjoy their animal friends. What is the secret of their success? Experts suggest that preparing for the baby’s arrival well in advance and taking a few simple precautions can avoid friction and jealousy between your human baby and your furry one. Remember, your four-footed children are accustomed to your undivided attention and pampering.

1. Some jealousy will naturally surface when your new infant suddenly consumes all of your time. Plan to set aside a few minutes each day for quality time with your pet. Some extra attention and a few treats can go a long way toward avoiding behavioural problems and jealousy.

2. Dogs and cats are largely creatures of habit. Though your own routine will be completely disrupted by the new baby, try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible. If you anticipate changes in that routine, such as restricting their access to the baby’s room or feeding in a new location, begin implementing the changes as soon as possible before the infant comes home.

Some times our kid’s need a little helping hand in remembering what we ask them to do. If you are a parent of a child who is old enough to start helping out around the house…You will know what I mean.

Some children just do not comprehend and know how to complete tasks from start to finish. So they ask mom or dad over and over how to do whatever it is they are attempting to do.

I thought I would take a moment and list a few things that might be great to put on a child’s list of To Do’s and To Not Do’s. Making a list and posting it in words your child can read will not only help you save all the questions. It will also help you to encourage your child to read.

Toddlers Ages 3 to 5

1. Pick up your toys.
2. Put your toys where they belong.
3. Put your dirty clothes in the hamper.
4. When you are done playing put your things
away.

Kindergartners Ages 5 to 6

1. Pick up your things in your room.
2. Put everything where it should go.
3. Put your dirty clothes in the hamper.
4. Set out your clothes for the next morning.
5. Try and make your bed.
6. Help set the table.

Children Ages 6 to 10

1. Clean your room.
2. Make your bed.
3. Put toys away and other play items.
4. Put dirty clothes in the hamper
5. Help fold and put clean clothes away.
6. Help set the table.
7. Learn to pick up around the front room.
8. Learn to vacuum.
9. Learn to dust and clean surfaces in bathroom.

Children Ages 10 to 12

1. Clean your room.
2. Make your bed.
3. Put belongings away after play or use.
4. Put dirty clothes in hamper.
5. Help fold and put clean clothes away.
6. Set the table and wash dishes.
7. Learn to clean and vacuum front room.
8. Clean the bathroom.
9. Take care of personal belongings.
10. Put your bike away or any outside items.
11. Feed and take care of a pet.
12. Take out the trash.
13. Help around the house.
14. Be willing to learn new things.

Teenagers 13 and up

1. Do all of the above listed things.
2. Help mow the lawn and pick up around the yard.
3. Do extra chores for added allowances.
4. Baby sit as you grow more responsible.
5. Clean the house.
6. Learn to cook a little.
7. Learn to do laundry.
8. Learn the value of money.
9. Do some volunteer work.

Now Don’ts For All Ages.

1. Do not break house rules.
2. Do not talk to strangers.
3. Do not go any place alone or without
your parents permission.
4. Do not disrespect other people.
5. Do not talk back to teachers, parents or
people with authority.
6. Do not leave your bike or belongings in
places they do not belong.
7. Do not go places by your self.
8. Do not leave your mess for others to clean up.
9. Do not hit, kick or bite.
10. Follow all of your parents DO NOT Rules.

I am sure you get the basic idea of what you want your child to do and to not do. Just make up a list and post it on the door. You may want to add a how to clean your room list. It is always helpful to use simple words that the kids understand and can relate too. You may want to show them where the dirty clothes go.

Just a few ideas to help make life a little easier and more pleasant on the home front.

When I was five or six years old, my best friend Jenna’s little sister was being potty trained. In their upstairs bathroom they kept a small bowl full of M&Ms so that when Betsy used the potty she would be rewarded with one. I remember one day I couldn’t resist the M&Ms anymore. While in the bathroom under the guise of actually needing to use the facilities, I ate all but maybe three of the M&Ms in that bowl. I felt guilty, but man, they tasted so good. I was only a little kid, but I never forgot how enticing those M&Ms looked perched on the sink cabinet. So, 25 or so years later as I’m trying to interest my own daughter in potty training again, I thought of those M&Ms.

Caught stalled in the zone of potty training, I needed a brilliant new plan to ignite interest in my two-and-a-half-year old, Molly. Let me tell you, I thought of one! I believe it’s the perfect, no-fail, two-part, potty-training plan.

So, we headed to the store and bought the two major components in the plan: M&Ms and a package of princess pull-ups.

The ingredients to this potent mixture of potty training mania are perfect for Molly. She knows what the wonderful little M&M candies taste like from her infrequent opportunities to have them (mostly around holidays or birthday parties) and LOVES them. She is even more excited about the prospect of eating them possibly several times a day! Then there’s the Princess Pull-Ups. That’s right, on the market they have pull-up diapers (meant to be more like training pants than actual diapers) that have princesses and hearts and flowers all over them. They are beautiful. In essence, they are a little girl’s dream of what the best underpants in the world should look like.

Like I said, this is a brilliant potty training plan.

We’ve set up “the plan” as follows: We keep a little baggie of M&Ms in the bathroom and Molly gets to eat one (her choice of color, of course) every time she uses the bathroom. If she is able to go No. 2 in her potty seat, she gets two, that’s right, two M&Ms. In addition, she gets to wear her beautiful princess pull-ups, or as we call them her “big-girl-princess-pants” all day long. What a great deal!

So, we’ve got the potty seat, the books, the extra princess pull-ups and the M&Ms all set up in the bathroom. We’ve hatched our plan to Molly who is excited and eager. All is well. I know we are in the very early stages, but I’m pretty confident that this is going to be a brilliant, no-fail potty training technique. We’ve tailored the incentives to Molly and think that they will work. Of course princess pull-ups and candy wouldn’t work for every child, but I think we’ve got a good shot. We’ll see.

I must admit, sometimes when I’m in the bathroom I steal a couple M&Ms for myself. I can’t help it. They just look so good sitting there, but really, isn’t that the point?

Feeding solids on the go

Starting at about age 4 to 6 months, your child will probably start eating solid food — so get ready to add soft spoons, dishes, bibs, and more to your already bulging diaper bag.

What helps: Disposable or plastic-coated bibs.

Disposable bibs are really extra-thick paper towels with Velcro-like closures that you toss after one use. Plastic-coated bibs can be wiped clean with a wipe or napkin and machine-washed when you get home. Portable placemats. Portable placemats that you can lay down on restaurant tables or highchair trays give you the peace of mind of knowing that your baby’s eating off of a clean surface. You’ll find reusable or disposable mats made of plastic — these are handy because they don’t slip. Disposable placemats (essentially heavy-duty paper towels) also do the trick, but they don’t stay put as well as the plastic ones.

Mini-food dicer. Tired of cutting your baby’s food into bite-size pieces?

A food dicer does the job quickly for you and is small enough to fit in your diaper bag. Just drop the fruits, vegetables, meat, or poultry that you want to feed your baby into the dicer, press a few times, and the meal is ready to serve, safely.

Knowing the safety rules of baby food.

If you’re offering food from a jar or container, don’t dip the spoon back into the food after it’s touched your child’s mouth unless you’re sure he’ll eat it all (or you don’t want to save what’s left). The spoon will contaminate the remaining food with bacteria. Instead, use a clean spoon to scoop a small amount of food into a bowl and serve from there. Once a jar of commercial baby food has been opened, it will keep — refrigerated — for 24 to 48 hours (read the jar’s label for specifics: Fruits keep longer than meats). If you don’t have access to a refrigerator, sandwich any leftovers in ice packs in an insulated cooler. When in doubt, throw it out. It’s better not to risk serving contaminated food.

Clip-on seat or self-inflating booster.

Helpful whether you’re dining in a restaurant or at a friend’s house, these seats attach to virtually any table, or even a picnic bench. A self-inflating booster is compact enough to fit in most diaper bags or backpacks.

Disposable snack cups.

Fill a couple of plastic cups with fitted tops with snacks appropriate for your child’s age: rice cereal for an infant (add breast milk, formula, or water when you’re ready to feed), toasted O’s cereal, teething biscuits, goldfish crackers, mandarin oranges, peeled and sliced grapes. These containers keep food from spilling or getting crushed — and they make great serving bowls for jarred food, too.

Disposable spoons.

Infant- and toddler-sized disposable spoons are useful for mixing cereal and for feeding your baby. And you don’t have to worry about cleaning them to take home.

Mini-insulated tote bag.

A small cooler bag with ice packs keeps formula, juice, yogurt, cheese, and other perishable foods fresh until you need them. If your baby is still eating just a few foods, it will make your life easier if you keep them on hand and then “supplement” with appropriate foods available wherever you happen to be eating.

Portable mini-fridge.

For longer outings such as road trips, a portable refrigerator with a car adapter (which can also be plugged into a standard electric outlet) keeps jars of opened baby food, snacks, breast milk, and prepared formula cool.

Tip: Even when you’re at home, offer jarred baby food at room temperature rather than heating it. That way, when you’re out (where warming it up would be inconvenient), your baby will enjoy it just as it is.