Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mercredi 6 avril 2016
This Is What It Looks Like When a Pregnant Bachelor Star Throws a Baby Shower For Her BFF
While awaiting her own very special arrival, first time mom-to-be Catherine Lowe showered her childhood best friend (who also happened to be pregnant) with lots of love.
The former Bachelor star teamed up with Jenny of Jenny Cookies to throw a stunning We Love Lucy-themed celebration in honor of Crista's little girl. For the color palette, Jenny typically likes to work with the same tones that the mom-to-be is using in the baby's room so the details can double as nursery decor. With that in mind, the stylish pair worked with soft shades of pink, white, and gray with pops of gold to add a modern feel.
To set the tone for the lovely festivities, Harper Gray designed heart balloon invites that were packaged and sent to guests in confetti-filled boxes. The party details appeared once the balloons were inflated and the heart motif was carried through from the custom pillows to the surprise hearts baked inside the cupcakes. To brighten up the industrial-chic space, colorful arrangements of ranunculus, anemones, jasmine, and fresh greenery were placed throughout the room. The fresh blooms were also hung from a wall and sculpted into a heart to serve as a breathtaking backdrop for the dessert table.
After an afternoon of making baby blocks and feasting with friends, guests gathered for presents. As a helpful way to keep Crista organized, personalized thank you cards made by Tiny Prints were passed around the circle. Everyone was asked to self-address an envelope and encouraged to write down a little reminder of what they brought. Get inspired by all of the elegant details below!
Hands Off! Are You Overtouched?
Before becoming a mom, I was never much of a cuddler. I like my personal space, and I really appreciate alone time. Of course, both of those things are pretty much out the window now that I have two small children, both of whom seem to prefer to have some part of their bodies touching me at all times (my investment in a huge sectional couch and king-sized bed obviously didn't make an impression on the little wallowers).
Truth be told, most of the time, despite my natural aversion to extended physical contact, I love cuddling with my kids as much as they do. Now that they're 2 and 5, I know that the days of rocking a wet-haired, sweet-smelling little one to sleep are limited. Before I know it, they'll be asking me to leave their rooms and shut the doors behind me at night, telling me to move to the other side of the couch during family movie night. Most of the time, I'm happy to soak up every minute of this physically overwhelming stage. But, at the end of the day, I'd also prefer if my husband kept his hands off me. Thanks to our adorable children, I'm totally touched out.
The phenomenon of moms being touched out or overtouched seems to be fairly common among my friends, all of whom love their spouses but just can't stand to cuddle with them after a day of carrying infants and toddlers around, changing kiddie clothes and diapers, and offering up our laps as the most comfortable seat in the house. The feeling can be recognized fairly easily: when your husband comes near you for a kiss, a hug, or an extended snuggle, even though your mind says yes, your body? It says hell no, closed for business.
Because my husband, like most men, shows love through physical touch, my post-motherhood distaste for it hasn't always been easy on our marriage. He understands that after a full day with our kids, my touch limit has been way exceeded, but who wants a wife who prefers a pillow barrier to a spooning session before bed? Of course it hurts his feelings, and it frustrates us both that me being touched so much and him being touched so little means that neither of our physical needs are being met.
We've found a few ways to deal with the conflict between his desire for closeness and my desire to put a impenetrable plastic bubble around my body. He'll take the kids when he gets home from work and let me hide in our room for an hour to recenter myself. He'll take bedtime duty with our little guy, who still prefers an extended cuddle session before he'll submit to sleep, while I put our older, less physically demanding daughter to bed. We try to schedule a few hours of alone time together each week, no kids allowed, to reconnect. We talk it out and remind each other that our relationship is strong, even if our cuddle game is not.
6 Tips For Potty Training Boys
Although many potty-training tips apply to boys and girls alike, potty training boys does pose some unique challenges. Whether you're wondering when to start potty training boys, whether to teach sitting or standing first, and how to encourage good aim, readers have offered great toilet-training tips to help you potty train boys with confidence.
1. Be Patient
As eager as you may be to ditch the diapers, many moms stress the importance of delaying toilet training until your son is ready. Amanda G. shares, "There really is no right age. Just keep your eyes open for signs of readiness." Jessica D. agrees: "My little boy is a little over 3-and-a-half, and he just now decided he wanted to potty train. . . . He will do it when he is ready; just be patient and give lots of encouragement." Common signs of potty-training readiness (which generally appear between age 2 and 3) include asking questions about the bathroom and toilet, staying dry for longer periods of time (indicating stronger bladder control), wanting to wear "big kid" underwear, or telling you when he's soiled a diaper.
2. Try Sitting First
"Start out by sitting, and then move to standing," advises Michelle L., one of many moms who recommend first teaching boys to urinate while sitting before graduating to standing lessons. In addition to simplifying the learning process, Melissa V. shares that starting with sitting can minimize messes: "There are little toilet seats that fit onto the regular toilet seat. It makes it smaller so he won't fall in, and there's a little cup on the front so he can't miss the toilet." Tarsha D. adds that sitting may also be the most practical option based on the height of your little one. "I'm a mom of four boys, and I taught all of mine to sit first (especially my second son; he was so short he coudn't even reach the toilet bowl)."
3. Let Him Watch Dad
The standing element is an obvious challenge for potty training boys. When your son is ready to learn to pee standing up, several readers, including Alicia O., recommend having an older male relative set an example. "Let him follow daddy around or older siblings; seeing other boys like him use the toilet might motivate his interest."
4. Give Him a Target
In addition to having another male demonstrate, one trick many moms share is to toss circle-shaped cereal into the toilet and have your son take aim. "We put Cheerios and Froot Loops in and let them target-practice. This was fun for them, not to mention a great way to teach a boy how not to pee on the seat or rim," says Jennifer A. Other moms, like Katie S., a mother of two children in England, suggested using a ping-pong ball for the target (don't worry, it won't flush away).
5. Take It Outside
With five sons, Lisa B. definitely speaks from experience when she suggests incorporating outdoor time into potty training boys. "I think potty training boys is easiest when done in the warmer months of Spring and Summer. Pick a tree in the backyard and have fun! They learn quite quickly."
6. Motivate Your Child
Continual motivation and reminders are very important for potty training boys, as active toddler boys may not want to stop what they're doing in order to use the toilet or stay on the toilet long enough to relax and go. Tips from readers for motivating boys include buying "big-kid" underwear that he'll want to keep clean, having special toys and books for potty time, and offering plenty of praise and prizes. "[We] made a chart with stickers so whenever he would use the potty we would let him put the sticker on the chart, and at the end of the week, if he had 10 stars we would take him to the store and buy him a little toy. It didn't take long to have him completely potty trained," says Cassie J. "Try using temporary tattoos! That's how I got mine to like going to bathroom. Then when [he] saw the tattoo, it reminded him and he was proud to show them off!" offers Carol G.
Looking for more tips? From communities about raising boys to articles on bed-wetting in older children, Circle of Moms is a helpful source for parenting information, whether you're a parent to infants, toddlers or school-age children. Try joining the community based on your child's month and year of birth to connect with other moms currently going through the same challenges and exciting developments.
17 Parenting Challenges That All Moms and Dads Can Relate To
Image Source: Shutterstock
Raising kids is no joke - and as with every life task we're faced with, it presents a number of difficult and trying challenges along the way. Though some challenges regarding raising tiny humans are unique to certain families, there are quite a few difficulties that virtually every parent faces at some point. We asked real moms, "What is the most difficult parenting challenge you have faced so far?" and a few of those universal responses had us nodding our heads in agreement.
Read through for 17 relatable parenting challenges.
- "Learning to say 'no.'" - Beth
- "Separation anxiety." - Sarah
- "Trying to teach my girls to be good friends when many girls around them are mean and sneaky. My girls tend to get caught up in drama and then have their feelings crushed because I taught them to be kind to everyone." - Heather
- "[Dealing with the] death of a grandparent." - Raine
- "Transitioning from one to two children." - Sarah
- "[Answering] questions that don't have one answer." - Beverly
- "Explaining to my son that it's OK to cry." - Nancy
- "Not sharing the same parenting principles with my husband/their father." - Cindy
- "Learning to let my kids learn life lessons the hard way. Nothing is natural about letting your kids fall and learn to get back up. But it is absolutely critical for them to do this." - Kristi
- "Fighting my son to sit on the potty." - Kedzie
- "Getting [my daughter] to understand the dangers online - posting things for the world to see and friending strangers online." - Cathy
- "Every family member's constant criticisms. It doesn't matter what I do or don't do, it's always wrong." - Keri
- "How to not take my [child]'s meltdowns personally." - Jill
- "Teenage hormones. It's like dealing with something from the exorcist!" - Leese
- "The talking back phase." - Christine
- "Sleep deprivation." - Anna
And perhaps the be-all, end-all of parenting challenges that every single parent can relate to:
- "Kids." - Don
Image Source: Fox
Simple Ways to Make Potty-Training a Fun Experience For You and Your Child
Potty-training may seem like a daunting task, but turning it into a fun experience will take the scary away. A few simple crafts can make a world of difference, like creating an interactive calendar or a happy jar to track your child's progress. These positive associations will act as a reward for your child while making him or her feel accomplished. Watch the video above for some inspiration and look forward to potty-training!
A Whole Bunch of Adorable Dog GIFs Sure to Make You Smile
No matter how good your day has been, it can always be made better by some adorably silly dog GIFs. We come across so many on a daily basis and realized we needed to keep them all in once place - and that place is here! Scroll through to get your laugh on, and if you've got a hankering for some cat GIFs, we've got those, too.
This Girl's Response to a School Assignment About BMI Will Have You Cheering in Support
So proud of the family of one of my friends. Her daughter had to do a middle school project that involved...
Posted by MacLeodCartoons on Wednesday, March 30, 2016
While most students don't typically write more than they're required to for school projects, one impassioned student answered her assignment with a powerful letter - instead of just a simple number.
According to her mother, the Indiana eighth grader came home in tears after every student in class was weighed in front of their peers during an exercise about body mass index. A person's BMI is a numerical score for body fat calculated through height and weight. However, this simplistic measure doesn't take into account a person's muscle index.
This mature girl happens to be an active athlete, and even though her BMI technically qualifies as overweight, she isn't going to let that number define how she sees her body. For part of the assignment, the student was asked to calculate and share her BMI, but instead of submitting the number, she presented her teacher with an insightful letter explaining her thoughts on the "outdated" system:
Now, I'm not going to even open my laptop to calculate my BMI. And I'll tell you why. Ever since I can remember, I've been a "bigger girl" and I'm completely fine with that; I'm strong and powerful. When you put a softball or a bat in my hand, they are considered lethal weapons. But, at the beginning of the year, I started having very bad thoughts when my body was brought into a conversation. I would wear four bras to try and cover up my back fat, and I would try to wrap ace bandages around my stomach so I would look skinnier. So my lovely mother did what any parent would do when they noticed something wrong with her child, she took me to my doctor. My doctor and I talked about my diet and how active I am. He did a couple tests and told me I was fine. He said though I'm a bit overweight, he's not going to worry about me based on how healthy I am. So this is where I don't calculate my BMI because my doctor, a man who went to college for eight years studying children's health, told me my height and weight are right on track. I am just beginning to love my body, like I should, and I'm not going to let some outdated calculator and a middle school gym teacher tell me I'm obese, because I'm not. My BMI is none of your concern because my body and BMI are perfect and beautiful just the way they are.
While her original intent might not have been to stand up for body positivity on such a large scale, it's no surprise why this middle school student's eloquent words have resonated with so many across the Internet.
mardi 5 avril 2016
What Having 4 Kids (Including Twins) Has Done to My Body and My Confidence
The following post was written by Joanna Venditti of Nesting Story, who shares her adventures in raising her four kids. As her twins reach the seven-month mark, Joanna shares her thoughts on her own body image and what it means to be healthy.
Isn't it incredible what the human body can do? Or better yet, what a woman's body can do? I have had four children, including twins, in the span of five years. Yes, my body did that! Today our youngest, Mia and Everly, are seven months old and I am trying to wake up every morning to work out before everyone else is up. Most days I succeed and I am actually starting to see my body come back. But it has been through a war.
Since I was young I struggled with my weight, always being a little on the heavy side. I would tend to compensate with my bubbly personality and spend a lot of time on my hair and makeup. Finally, while in college, I reached my goal weight by working out and dieting A LOT. Back then my sole purpose was to turn heads. I know, that's pretty shallow, but it's true. I was already dating my now husband Mike, and knew that he would love me whatever size I was, but I still craved walking into a room and having all eyes on me.
Although my weight fluctuated, I knew tricks on how to lose 10 pounds scarily fast, especially for our wedding and honeymoon. I wouldn't say I ever had an eating disorder, but I know that my weight control was coming from a place where I felt I had to punish my body.
Getting pregnant and watching my belly grow while expecting our first two kids was so exciting and I was able to drop almost every one of those 50 lbs I gained with each pregnancy… but again it was coming from this negative and frustrating place.
When I found out I was expecting twins I couldn't wrap my mind around how enormous I was going to get. I was already well known for having huge basketball size bellies whenever I was pregnant, but growing two babies at once??? To be honest, I was kind of freaking out about it.
I finally made the decision that I would disassociate my body from my mind during my twin pregnancy and think of my body as a vessel. Guess what… that worked! In-fact anytime I'd start panicking about my size I would say to myself "you are a vessel, you are a vessel". It became my mantra.
Although I coped with my size and weight gain really well during my twin pregnancy, after having my girls was a different story. My postpartum body was literally bruised and battered. My distracting enormous but adorable baby bump had been deflated and I was left with mush, bruising, swollen ankles and healing from a C-section. I had this sadness for my body. I felt so badly for it with the state it was in and at the same time was so grateful for what it had done. It had safely created two humans and carried them for 37 weeks and 4 days. It had been touch and go at times but my body did it!
I made the decision to be kind to my body from now on. Eat healthy foods, indulge here and there and not beat myself up about it. I also wanted to get in shape again, especially knowing I was finished having children. I would take my time. But this time is different. I have simple goals that are for me and no one else. I want to be strong. I am over hurting my back when I pick up a baby. I want to be flexible. No more pulling my neck while reaching for a pacifier that has fallen under a crib. I want to go to my closet and feel good in whatever I put on. No more pulling at waistlines and being limited to leggings (although I will never entirely give up my leggings).
I get it, I am the something mom now with four kids and I am really proud of that. I am so much more confident with my body than I ever have been before. Anytime I start doubting my new curves or war wounds I look around the room and ask myself, how many other people in this room grew two people inside their body at once?
Thanks to Jonathan Adler, Fisher-Price Is Now Making Baby Gear That You Actually Want on Display in Your Home
"I see lots of young millennial moms and I go to their houses, and it's always just mayhem. You end up living with your kids' stuff all over your house - like it or not. It's become decor - it should just be chicer," said modern design guru Jonathan Adler. And that's just what he plans to do as creative director at Fisher-Price. Over the next three years, the noted ceramicist and interior decorator will oversee style direction at the baby gear company, consulting on designs that the company will apply to toys, nursery decor, baby gear, infant apparel, and more.
According to Adler, it's a match made in heaven. "Fisher-Price came to me, and I thought, 'Wow, what an incredible opportunity to partner with an iconic American brand,'" he told us at the launch event today. "Fisher-Price defined my childhood and my nephew's childhood, and I see it everywhere. I thought, 'What a fun way to put my signature on it - marry their expertise with my sense of chic.'"
To start, Adler and Fisher-Price will introduce a collection of premium baby products at Buy Buy Baby this Fall (and expand across the entire portfolio in 2017) that includes a bouncer ($120), a rocker ($175), a high chair ($200), a play gym ($120), a stroller ($180), and a stunning crib mobile ($80). The pieces all feature Adler's signature black and white print with a pop of teal and wooden accents. Those wood accents are a key element to the collection.
"I think that the challenge is to make it colorful and fun but also soulful," Adler shared. "Wood is a soulful material, so there's a lot of that." Wood is especially present in the furniture collection, which includes a convertible crib ($800), a dresser that can double as a changing table ($900), and a chest of drawers ($900).
But don't forget Adler's signature animals. Already present in ceramic and pillow form in his namesake junior collection, expect to find the lion, giraffe, and elephant in stuffed animal, rattle, blanket, and clothing forms under the Fisher-Price umbrella. "It's natural! Those are the things that really trigger children's imaginations and jump-start their journeys."
Read on for a sneak peek at the collection!
Cat Burglar Has No Intention of Stopping Her Underwear-Stealing Game
A couple weeks ago, we heard about an adorable cat in New Zealand that absolutely could not resist stealing the neighbors' underwear and bringing it home for her human. Brigit's human Sarah Nathan posted the above picture on her Facebook to alert her neighborhood that her well-meaning cat had a nasty habit of swiping men's undies and socks. Nathan, however, was able to track down many of the owners whose goods were stolen - a house of boys nearby who weren't bothered by the frisky kitty at all! Nathan said Brigit still likes to prowl for underwear, but she'll soon be wearing a GPS tracker so her humans can get the lowdown on where she goes after dark.
If You're a Barbie Girl, These Are the Names You Should Consider For Your Baby
If Barbie dolls have a special place in your heart, bringing on tons of nostalgic feelings from when you were a little kid, why not use Barbie in a fun way as you bring your own kiddos into the world? Barbie may not be the name you want your child to go through life with, but you may definitely be more partial to one of the many names that come from the famous doll's family and friends.
If you're a Barbie girl (or boy), consider one of these 100+ Barbie-inspired names for your future doll-lover.
A
Allan, Alyson, Ana, Asha
B
Barbara, Barbie, Becky, Belinda, Blaine, Brad, Bryant
C
Cara, Carson, Casey, Chelsea, Claude, Courtney
D
Dana, Darrin, Deidre, Desiree, Derek, Devon, Drew, Dude
E
Ellis, Evan
F
Francie
G
George, Gia, Gillian, Ginger, Grace
H
Hadley, Hanna, Honey, Hudson
J
Jai, Jamal, Janessa, Janet, Jazzie, Jenna, Johnny, Julian
K
Kayla, Keeya, Kelly, Ken, Kenzie, Kianna, Kira, Krissy, Kurt
L
Lea, Liana, Lila, Lillian, Lola, Lorena
M
Makena, Madison, Margaret, Maria, Marisa, Matthew, Meagan, Melody, Miko, Miranda
N
Nellie, Nia, Nichelle, Nikki, Nolee
P
Pearl, PJ, Pleasance
R
Raquelle, Rawlins, Ricky, River, Ryan
S
Samantha, Scott, Shani, Shannen, Shawnee, Simone, Skipper, Stacie, Steven, Summer, Sutton
T
Tamika, Tawny, Teresa, Tia, Tiff, Todd, Tommy, Tori, Tracy, Trichelle, Tyson
V
Vanessa
W
Whitney, Windy
Z
Zahara
Related:
38 Timeless Photos of Moms Breastfeeding Their Children at Every Stage
There's a good reason the hashtags #Brelfies and #NormalizeBreastfeeding are trending - mothers are fighting for the right to share their breastfeeding photos on social media in hopes of making the topic more mainstream and less taboo. Even celebrity moms have joined in on the heated discussion. Gisele Bündchen was not shy when she shared the famous snap of her nursing baby Vivian, while Olivia Wilde took a stance on the breastfeeding topic by gracing the pages of Glamour with her son, Otis, nursing.
After all, nursing is a natural act between Mama and baby. Whether you decide to breastfeed your child for six months or two years, the sweet moments deserve to be celebrated. Ahead, photographers captured the intimate connections of mothers nursing their children, from newborns to toddlers. Read on to see all the stunning images at every stage of the process and see moms who pulled double-duty by breastfeeding two kids at once.
These 11 Sweet Bread and Cake Recipes Will Have Everyone's Taste Buds Exploding
Warning: once you cut into one of these sweet breads, you won't be able to stop at one slice! Indulge with your kiddos in these creative recipes for rich sweet breads and try out flavorful fruit and vegetable add-ins for an unexpected (and yummy!) touch. From carrot cake bread with Nutella cream cheese frosting to crunchy streusel zucchini bread and Oreo cookies and cream cheese banana bread, good luck deciding which one to make first!
11 Times Corgis Were the Cutest Dogs You've Ever Seen
As far as we're concerned, everybody loves a Corgi. From their giant ears to their tiny little legs, what is there not to love about them? We've rounded up some of our favorite pictures, videos, and GIFs of Corgis here, so you can maximize your Corgi-viewing fun. Check it out!
A Letter to My Baby Before I Welcome You Into the World
Dear Baby,
There are still a few months until we meet, but already I'm busy writing you letters. (This is probably just one of a million times you'll be reminded that your mom's a writer - a sentimental one. You've been warned.) I started writing things down because I honestly couldn't stop thinking about you, and because even though I've only been carrying you for a matter of months, it already feels like there's so much to share. It's all in a tiny journal on my nightstand, one I'll give you someday when you're a bit older. There's a letter about how your dad and I met, another about the day you became a reality, plus others about your grandpa and your grandma and some of the special people who already love you. See? I told you: a sentimental writer.
In all these letters, I find myself imagining the mom I hope to be when you arrive. That mom I picture, she's a tall order, but although there's a whole lot I can't plan for, there are also some promises I vow to keep . . .
I promise to begin and end your days with the reminder that I adore you. At night, you'll hear "I love you" loud and clear, and I promise to wake you up each morning with a soft voice and an open smile, just the way my mom did with me. That might seem like a small thing, but trust me: tt makes for a pleasant start to the day, and when you're a teenager, you'll be really, really grateful that I'm not shoving the curtains open and yelling for you to get up.
When you try new things, I promise not to show you that I'm a tiny bit (or, more likely, very) scared. Deep down I might be worried or anxious or slightly terrified of what might happen if it doesn't work out for you, but I won't let my fears slow you down. I'll tell you to take chances, to go for it, to trust yourself. I promise to trust you.
I promise to make your birthday a big damn deal. Whether you're turning 1 or 35, I promise balloons and streamers and surprise parties and the cakes of your choice. Some years you might love that, and other years it might feel sort of cheesy, but when you look back on birthdays past, I promise you'll know that you were celebrated by the people who cared about you most.
If you mess up in a small way, I promise to acknowledge it, help you, then let it go. And whenever you mess up in a big way, I promise to feel the weight of it and push you to do the same. I promise to let you make those tough mistakes, to address them when I need to, and to keep on loving you all the same.
I promise to build you one hell of a library . . . or, at least, to bring you to one. I'll help you learn to read and then I'll share with you all the stories, true and imagined, that have made me who I am. I promise to stand by, thrilled, as you discover the Harry Potter world for yourself, and to give you all the Roald Dahl books that swept me away when I was small, and to offer you my collection of heavily underlined novels just as soon as you're able to love them too. I promise you a life filled with words and books and imagination and the space to be as creative as you want to be.
I promise to be active - to set that example and inspire you to keep moving. There will be after-dinner walks and Sunday morning runs and sunny hikes along the beach. Oh, I promise you sports, too. Plenty of them. Your dad will teach you how to throw a football, how to nail free throws, and I'll show you the ins and outs of soccer. Swimming, too. All of it or none of it, I promise that can be up to you. Golf, basketball, volleyball, dance - I promise to let you try whatever grabs you and to let you quit when you don't love it anymore.
I promise to surround you with art of all kinds. To share my love for pop culture, for movies and music and Broadway and Hollywood. I'll show you the good stuff and the cheesy stuff, the Oscar winners and the terrible comedies, the Beatles and the '90s pop that makes most people cringe. (You'll notice, of course, that I won't cringe. And you'll quickly learn that when it comes down to it, our family is Team *NSYNC, not Backstreet Boys.) Over the years I promise to bring you to museums and concerts and plays, and I'll totally get it when you transform into an all-out crazy fan of something, or someone. If you swear you won't make fun of me, I might even show you my homemade Justin Timberlake poster from 2001. Like I said: Team *NSYNC, OK?
When you have a bad day, I promise to listen. Or give you room to breathe, whatever seems best at the time. And when you get upset or angry or really, in-your-bones mad at me, I promise that I'll try to understand. I'll practice patience; I'll try, anyway.
Year after year, I promise to carve out all kinds of special time for just you and your dad. From day one I'll do everything I can to support that relationship and to let it be as special as the one I share with my dad. Together you two will take camping trips, go to football games, road trip along the California coast. He'll introduce you to his reggae favorites and way, way more 49ers trivia than you'll ever care to know. On weekends, he'll bring you along for Sunday drives, and over the Summer, he'll let you tag along to watch Giants games from the bleacher seats. Hockey games, though - you'll save those for me.
I promise to be honest with you, even when it's hard, but I also promise to protect you. When there's something you need to know, I'll tell it to you straight, and if it might do more harm than good, I'll keep it to myself. I promise that I'll try to recognize the difference.
Speaking of difference, I promise to celebrate what makes you different. I promise to let your weirdness shine.
I promise to mark the major moments as they come, to take pictures and fill out scrapbooks and document the biggest milestones of your life. It's important to acknowledge the little things, too, so I'll do what my mom did, and at night, I'll ask you what you're grateful for. It'll give you perspective and a sense of calm. Hope, too.
Mostly, sweet baby, I promise to show you love in all its best forms. I'll love you and your dad and our friends and our families. With words and with actions I'll say it and I'll show it, and if just one of my promises can be kept, let it be this: that you'll feel it. A love so big that it fills you up, that it makes you feel safe.
I can't wait to meet you.
Love you already,
Mom
I Still Have My "Lovey" at 25 - and I'm Completely Normal (I Swear)
Ever get a whiff of your clothes on vacation and think, "Smells like my house," and in that moment you feel like you're a little closer to home? That's how it feels for me when I am near my 25-year-old stuffed bunny, Boogie - it feels like home when he's around.
When I was nannying, my pint-size employer slept with a little blue bear - aptly named "Little Blue Bear" - and if he ever went missing over the course of the day, a sh*t fit would be had, and I could never blame him. I used to do the same thing as a child when Boogie went missing - it's terrifying when you've lost something that makes you feel so secure.
But feeling such a strong attachment to an object is a red flag for some parents who think their child won't develop correctly with a stuffed animal or blanket - sometimes called a "lovey" - as a crutch. But they're a completely normal part of development, and seeing as I am 25 and still have mine, I'd go so far as to say they're a completely normal part of life in general.
I recently read an article about children and why they're so attached to their loveys, and I found myself nodding my head in agreement to every point made.
". . . these objects play a key role in a child's life, providing comfort when they're upset or anxious, giving them a sense of security as they gain independence, and acting as a soothing substitute when you're not around. . . . If a mother [or father] is gone, you can bring that soothing feeling back with an object."
At 8 years old, I started going to sleep-away camp, and even though I wanted to go, there were still times I missed home - like going to sleep at night - so I'd clutch Boogie, get a familiar scent, and fall blissfully asleep feeling safe and secure.
At 18, I went off to college in Pennsylvania, and even though it was exactly like camp, there were times I longed to be back in New York with my friends and family - enter Boogie.
At 22, my family got a dog who thought that Boogie was for him - and the boy loves to chew things to bits - so Boogie made his way from my bed to the shelf above it, and though the first few nights felt weird, having him there was enough.
At 25, I moved out of my parents' house, and in the beginning, I would look around and feel as if the house I was standing in would never be my home. I initially left Boogie on that shelf in my old room, until I went to my parents' house one night, looked around at some of the stuff I left behind, and spotted him. I've never had the feeling that my new house isn't my home since I brought Boogie back with me that night.
All that being said, I'm a completely normal, functioning adult with a job, friends, and an apartment who can totally go on vacation and sleep at night without a stuffed animal - but there's not a chance in hell I'd ever get rid of it.
Adults go through plenty of periods in their lives where having something that aids with self-soothing is beneficial - going through a breakup, moving to a new city, settling into a new job, dealing with loss. Those attachments that are formed with a lovey inspire trust and security to help with situations that induce anxiety and sadness.
So yes, I'm 25, and a once beautiful, soft bunny - now full of holes; missing stuffing, a nose, and ears; and no longer soft to the touch - is something that can instantly make me feel 100-percent safe, secure, and at home, no matter where I am, and I'm pretty grateful for that.
9 Sensible Tips For Fostering Strong Relationships Between Siblings
While siblings have no say when it comes to being a brother or sister, they can decide if they want to be lifelong friends. The possibility for this special bond to endure often depends on how their relationship was fostered during childhood - which isn't an easy task. Whether your little ones are close in age or have years between them, there's always a potential for squabbling, comparisons, and small resentments to turn into major issues. To help form a strong connection between your children, check out these nine tips for building unbreakable relationships between children.
Drew Barrymore Probably Does What You Do Every Night
Drew Barrymore has a lot on her mind these days, but first and foremost will always be her daughters. A day after announcing her separation from husband Will Kopelman after nearly four years of marriage, Drew spoke with POPSUGAR Food and was candid about life with the couple's daughters - Olive, 3, and Frankie, almost 2.
"The only thing I care about, my life's mission and the only thing that matters as of now is that my daughters know what our lives were like, how we lived, and how much I love them," the actress and winemaker shared. "I journal things for them. I describe our days in writing. I take a lot of pictures. I spend my time with them. I put work second. I put them first . . . For them to know that they were not just loved, but like ridiculously, utterly, life-alteringly loved. That's the only reason I'm here now!"
That love extends to meal time too - but don't expect mom to indulge in the healthy homemade meals she makes her kids. "I only cook for the kids," she revealed. "They get three-course meals, and I order PostMates!"
While Olive and Frankie dine on "steak and salmon and broccoli and fresh rice and fresh pastas" or "drumsticks with a honey glaze and apple juice reduction," Drew's more likely to be ordering in Chinese or Mexican food - or eating their scraps with a roll of Ritz crackers - something that probably sounds familiar to busy moms everywhere.
But it is a quote from the Drew's bestseller, Wildflower that really brings her down to earth. In the book, Drew writes about Olive needing her for her strength, not her worry. "That's how my daughter is. She doesn't want the worry. She needs to know it's going to be OK. It's the only way she will allow herself to be vulnerable," Drew confesses. "Every little girl wants to curl up into the arms of tree limbs that encompass them. They can only be made to feel safe with that if they know the parent is solid."
Much like one of her favorite books. "The Giving Tree. Read it, and your whole life will change," Drew says. Lucky for Olive and Frankie, they have one very strong mother.
Read on to see some sweet photos of Drew and her girls.
The 1 Thing This Mom Would Do to Protect Her Baby If She Could Turn Back Time
One new mom is speaking out after her newborn ended up in the intensive care unit because she refused immunizations while pregnant.
In a powerful video posted on Facebook, the Australian first-time mom identified as Cormit describes her heartbreaking reality after she decided not to receive the whooping cough vaccination during her 28th week of pregnancy.
"Being the healthy, fit, organic woman that I am, I said 'Leave me alone, I don't need this crap,'" she recalled. Yet, despite working out every day and eating healthy, she contracted whooping cough during her last two weeks of pregnancy.
While the illness didn't take much of a toll on Cormit - she didn't even know that she had it until she went to her doctor after her natural birth - it quickly became a serious situation for her newborn, Eva: "Within two weeks the cough became pretty scary - horror movie, coughing to the point of turning blue, flopping in my hands, can't breathe, running into hospital."
Since then, Cormit has spent nearly four weeks in the hospital watching her daughter suffer. Despite her original anti-vaccination stance, she said that she would get immunized if she could turn back time. "It's so hard to watch your tiny little thing and they go red, from red they go blue, and sometimes they go a bit black," Cormit said. "For a moment you think they're dead in your hands. They flop."
How to Get Your Cat to Lose Weight
It may come as no surprise to anyone that I have two cats, seeing as I tell everyone and their mother about them. (I even drove them across the entire country when I moved. They're still in the forgiving-me process.) I also love telling everyone about how fat my cats are, especially Sherlock. I say it jokingly, but my vets have actually told me he could stand to lose about a pound. He's definitely a tall cat, but he does weigh 18 pounds, and my current vet said if he reaches 19 pounds, he could be in serious trouble. However, my concern has always been that if I cut back on his food, what's to say he won't eat the same amount and prevent Watson from eating enough? He's much more aggressive than she is, so if he wants to eat all the food, Watson will stand back and let him. I posed these questions to Royal Canin vet Dr. Catherine Lenox and asked her for guidance, and these are the tips she gave me.
- Get a weight-loss plan from your vet. First thing's first - talk through a plan of action with your vet. Make sure your vet knows what's currently happening at home with food, water, and activity. Also creating an eating schedule is a good idea, as it will train your cats when the food will be available, which gets them used to eating at specific times. Work together to come up with a manageable plan that everyone will be able to stick to, but make sure to monitor weight very closely so it's not coming off too quickly.
- Make your cat work for the food. Dr. Lenox suggests hiding small amounts of food around the house, "allowing them to search for the food and move around a little more." It promotes exercise and is a fun little game for you all to play!
- Feed cats separately. In my case, I have two cats but only one who needs to diet. Dr. Lenox suggested I feed one cat in one room and one in another room so that their meals are kept completely away from each other. This way Sherlock won't have access to Watson's food, ensuring she is still getting enough.
- Try a microchip feeder. Another way to control which cat is eating and when is to use a microchip feeder. You can program them to allow one cat to eat but not another. Amazing, right?
I'm in the process of putting all these things into action and anticipating some backlash from my kitties. Sherlock may not love it at first, but once he's a bit slimmer and trimmer, I imagine he won't mind!
Ring Bearer Tells the Bride and Groom How He Really Feels by Throwing Rings Down the Aisle
Being the ring bearer at a wedding is an important job, but we're really asking for it by typically giving said important job to a pint-size little boy who has no idea the value of the tiny metal circles he's holding. Normally everything turns out fine and the rings make their way down the aisle successfully, but every once in awhile, a ring bearer goes rogue, abandoning his duties for something much more exciting (probably snacks, because weddings are long).
Watch the video above to see how one sharply-dressed little man hilariously shows the bride and groom how he really feels about their rings.
19 Mexican Slow-Cooker Recipes to Add a Delicious Twist to Family Taco Night
If your kids can't get enough of taco night every week but you're looking to change it up, we're here to help you broaden your Mexican horizons. With the help of your slow cooker, you can whip up some delicious meals that will give your local Mexican restuarant a run for its money and leave your family full and happy (until they beg for dessert, of course).
Read through for 19 Mexican crockpot recipes the whole family will love.
You'll Want to Consider These Baby Names Even If You Aren't a Star Wars Fan
For expectant parents who also happen to be Star Wars fans, this is a big year. In fact, we assume the most diehard George Lucas devotee might have a tough time deciding what they are looking forward to more - the arrival of their little one or the debut of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
So, when we discovered that the name Jedi made it onto BabyCenter's official list of the year's most unusual monikers - a roundup of quirky names given to at least three of the 340,000 babies registered with the site - we figured there was undoubtedly a set of parents-to-be who might opt to use the Force when choosing their baby's name.
From obvious choices (Luke and Leia, of course) to more discreet references to offscreen characters, we've rounded up some options that pay homage to the films without coming off as overtly geeky. (Sorry, but Yoda and Jar Jar aren't exactly subtle.)
After all, the movies have stood the test of time, so we think the following names will too.
- Allana
- Anakin
- Ben
- Dart
- Force
- George
- Han
- Jacen
- Jaina
- Jedi
- Kylo
- Lando
- Lars
- Leia
- Lucas
- Luke
- Mace
- Ren
- Rey
- Skye
- Solo
- Star
- Storm
- Veda
- Walker
10 Baby Shower Gift Ideas For Parents Expecting Twins
Although most expectant parents register somewhere for baby gifts, there are a few gifts for parents expecting twins that could be the lifesaving products they didn't even know they needed. Some of these are purely practical (like a double nursing pillow), some are downright adorable (like a "Buy One, Get One" onesie set), and all will - hopefully - be appreciated whether they were on the registry or not.
Read through to see 10 products that are must haves for parents expecting twins.
Yes, You Totally Can Do These 16 Things While Breastfeeding
I loved breastfeeding and was lucky it worked out for me and my babe. Those were cozy moments, just me and her together. You get special bonding opportunities, whether with the breast or bottle, or pumping, offering chances for making eye contact, a bit of one-sided convo, and maybe even bouts of impromptu singing. You can also do a bit of multitasking thanks to a hands-free nursing bra, which comes in handy. Really, I've done all of the following during sessions.
- Catch up on phone calls: You owe your mom a call, so steal the moment to connect. And your babe will be soothed by your voice. No one knows you're breastfeeding, which makes it a great chance for making any other calls that are on your list, too.
- Read a book: Get caught up with a couple of pages of a book or magazine, but read it out loud, which is also a wonderful way to keep your baby engaged via your voice.
- Join a conference call: Once you get to know your babe's feeding routine, it turns into a smart opportunity to schedule or jump on conference calls. Just be careful to keep yourself on mute and the video camera off if on a video chat.
- Listen to a podcast: I actually listened to several podcasts and writing courses while breastfeeding, which was a great way to sneak in a bit of learning that also helped motivate and keep me on track.
- Use an app: Get help with staying on track thanks to an app, like MyMedela, which is intended to be used during feeding or pumping. There are tons of articles and tips, plus helpful info when troubleshooting.
- Wash dishes: When my baby was just a newborn, I loved using a sling while she was breastfeeding, which kept her close and my hands free. I tackled the dishes during her postnap session.
- Go walking: While baby's in a sling, you can pretty much do anything while breastfeeding, but taking a walk offers the opportunity to get out of the house.
- Meditate: You usually get about 20 minutes per breastfeeding session, which is the perfect amount of time to sit and meditate on your own or with a guided session. You'll feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
- Make a to-do list: While you're sitting down, write out your to-do list so you can make sure to get everything you need taken care of during your busy day.
- Prep dinner: Even if you're working single-handedly, you can pull ingredients from the fridge and pantry to prep for dinner. Preheat the oven, get out the mixing bowls, and you're set to get cooking once both hands are free.
- Eat lunch: It's so important to remember to eat when you're breastfeeding, so take advantage of that downtime and savor something delicious.
- Drink water: You can also use the moment to load up on your water intake. Breastfeeding burns through calories and also zaps your body of necessary moisture, so replenishing is so important for you and your babe.
- Do something you love: See what's trending on your favorite social media site, play Candy Crush, or catch up on what's lingering in your Netflix queue. You deserve it.
- Do your online banking: Sure, it's not very exciting, but you can manage all your expenses and get organized while breastfeeding so you don't find yourself doing it last minute before paying monthly bills.
- Fold clothes: Get that laundry done - while you're breastfeeding! Roll baby socks and fold onesies so you're set for putting everything away.
- Clean up your inbox: Grab the computer and go through emails, cleaning up your inbox in the process. You'll be up to date without that big, looming number of emails waiting for you every time you open your computer.
No matter if you're feeding or pumping, know this time is special - and goes by so fast! Take care of yourself, and enjoy the moments you have with your little one.
More From Medela
Breastfeeding doesn't look the same for everyone. And that's more than OK. There's no perfect way to do it, and plenty of ways to get to your own version of perfect. See how real families with real-world advice get through it all at MedelaThroughItAll.com.
Golden Retriever Pup Just Wants to Play With His Reflection
Let the record show that we think Golden Retrievers are adorable. They're silly, they're cute, they're smart - they're just awesome. This Golden Retriever puppy is no exception. When he sees himself in a mirror for the first time, he's so excited to have a playmate who looks just like him! Check out the video to see his adorable reaction!
lundi 4 avril 2016
10 WTF Surprises of Being a New Mom That You'll Never Read in Any Book
Like most women, I was nervous about becoming a mom and worried a lot about what it would be like. I tried to prepare myself as best I could, and while I didn't read all the baby books, I definitely asked around. Before I gave birth, I knew I might be surprised by the challenges of breastfeeding and the weird noises my newborn would make in her sleep. I heard all about the squeeze bottle I'd soon keep by the toilet. And I was warned to get my sleep in now.
But there are some things I realized soon after becoming a mom that no one ever told me and I certainly didn't find while flipping through What to Expect When You're Expecting, or even when reading articles online chronicling the "37 Most Shocking Things You Never Knew About Motherhood." Here, 10 of the real surprises no one warns you about.
8 Ways You Answer Questions About What's For Dinner vs. What You Actually Mean
The topic of dinner can be a complicated one in anyone's household. From picky eaters to being too exhausted after a busy day to feel like preparing a Michelin star-worthy meal, sometimes it would be easier if things were back to the good old days: when your kiddo had a bottle and then went off to bed. Hearing the words "What's for dinner?!" can send a chill down your spine, but, as a good parent, you respond with a smile and keep your real thoughts to yourself. Here are 8 ways some parents answer the innocent question . . . and what they're actually thinking.
The "Touching" Tribute to Parents That's Actually Sexist and Stereotypical
Call me overly sensitive, but roughly 0.5 seconds into this short, animated Facebook video from Bright Side, I knew it was going to be sexist, stereotypical, and completely unnecessary. And it was.
The video, titled "How Kids See Mom and Dad," illustrated a child at every stage of life with a split screen of what this kid thinks of his mom (on the left) and dad (on the right) at any given age.
The first few - like the newborn thinking Mom is "warm and soft" while the dad caused physical pain with an "ouch! He's itchy!" - I could get past, mostly because I'm aware that infants don't really have much awareness of who's who in this world. But once that animated boy turned 3 years old, my ability to dismiss gross generalizations was vanquished.
Because, apparently to Bright Side, kids from 3 to 6 years of age see moms as the women who "won't let me throw sand" while dads are those cool guys who "let me play in puddles."
It gets worse.
In the five-year span from ages 7 to 12, moms "won't give me the smartphone," but dads "gave me a tablet." Not only are moms cruel disciplinarians while dads are adoration-seeking pushovers, but apparently all parents of either gender are good for is providing their offspring with technological devices.
In a plot twist, by age 13, kids no longer see their parents as separate beings (a minor victory against gender stereotyping) and instead lump them together as equally terrible. "They don't understand me at all!" is how kids see their parents until they reach adulthood.
The rest of the video is filled with sappy realizations kids make as they get older and have kids themselves. That is, save for the period of time when those new children need babysitters, at which point Grandma "stays with the kids all weekend" while Grandpa is just around to "tell funny stories."
I get that this video is meant to make us parents feel all warm and fuzzy - and perhaps also a bit nostalgic about our own upbringing, if not all-out guilt-ridden for how we've treated our aging parents. It's a heavy-handed message, for certain, but if it was meant to only bring sunshine and happiness to those who viewed it, would it have been that hard to figure out a way to do that without alienating those moms and dads (or moms and moms, or dads and dads, or single moms and single dads) it's geared toward?
My husband and I work tirelessly to create an environment where my child sees me not as a fuddy-duddy who won't allow for horseplay and him not as a clown only there for amusement. If anything, why can't we both be fuddy-duddies and both be clowns when the need for each arises?
So, call me sensitive, touchy, an aforementioned fuddy-duddy . . . whatever you like. My goal in being that person who's no fun, who can't take a joke, and who picks apart an unassuming video about love and family is that the subtle, almost subliminal notes of sexism seen in the media and shared on Facebook are perhaps worse and far more pervasive than those overt, blatantly offensive exclamations of it. They sneak by, as this one does, guised in cheery cartoons and uplifting messages, and do the most damage.
5 Reasons I Love Being a Single Parent
Being a single parent isn't easy, but neither is rocket science, finding a guy who knows the difference between "your" and "you're" or surviving an episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse without wanting to strangle yourself to death. But even though single motherhood may have its cons and downfalls, there are so many wonderful things to embrace about being a single mom.
More of the Love
No kidding! Even though my child's father is an active parent, when my daughter is with me, I get every inch of that love! Our bond is so very tight and we have gotten the chance to develop a close relationship because when it's "Mommy Time," it's "Mommy Time" and that means all of the kisses and hugs too. How can anyone not cherish that?
Peace
Instead of fighting with my former spouse, my home with my daughter gets to be a haven for us. This means my daughter and I have a happy environment to live and exist in, and when you have been on the flip side trust me, you appreciate what it's like to live without tension right under your nose.
My Ideas
I try to respect what my coparent is doing, but there are things I do that he would never do and vice versa - there are things he does that I would not consider. But as a single parent during my time, I can parent the way I feel is best for her and use my strengths to my best ability. Not only does this follow for parenting, but my home and schedule can be run in a manner that I see fit. Does it mean that I am more tired and have no help? Yes, but it also means that I can try out new things and keep what works for me without someone else's objections.
Strong Example
Being a single mom means my daughter already knows that women can be whatever they want, and that a woman doesn't need to rely on a man or anyone for help unless she wants someone's help and that person respects her. My daughter sees a woman in 360 degrees - from work to nurture and care, I am her guideline to all she can do and achieve, and I think I am setting a positive example for her on the endless possibilities a woman has in life.
I Grew
Becoming a single parent is possibly the hardest thing I have done in my life, but it has also required me to grow in ways I never believed I could. During the lowest point (in which I had to find a new home for me and her on little money), I have been stretched to what I thought was my breaking point when in reality, I was simply experiencing growing pains. I could survive it! This means that I could truly enjoy the highest points like being able to celebrate her birthday with only my family and friends without any stress or tension from a torn marriage. All that joy and hard work I own. It's mine! I cherish the moments I have had to grow because it has set me on the right journey, even if sometimes it feels incredibly hard.
Robert Downey Jr.'s Tweets to a Little Boy Having a Bad Day Will Make Your Heart Melt
Celebrities likely get tweeted at hundreds of times a day, making it hard for them to answer every single tweet - but every once in a while a lucky fan will get a response. Kathy Ellis tweeted to Robert Downey Jr. last year, asking him to say "hi" to her son Aidan, who was having a "rough day." Downey Jr. came through, making the young boy's day.
@RobertDowneyJr It would make my son Aidan's day if you could re tweet "hi." As you can see he has had a rough day. http://pic.twitter.com/eMuXlUhmVB
- kathy ellis (@trips034me) April 22, 2015
Downey Jr. replied directly to Aidan through Kathy's account, and the exchange continued from there. The boy touched on his bad day, adding in another reply, "You made my day and my year."
@RobertDowneyJr I was racing with my bro. I was slowing down and he pushed me into the house. Not on purpose. You are the best actor. Aid
- kathy ellis (@trips034me) April 22, 2015
@RobertDowneyJr you made my day and my year. Thanks for talking to me.
- kathy ellis (@trips034me) April 23, 2015
Many fans replied to the star in admiration throughout the exchange.
@RobertDowneyJr @trips034me And this is just one of the reasons why you're so awesome.
- Gigi McLaughlin (@TGIDinner) April 22, 2015
@RobertDowneyJr my heart is melting
- Claudia (@rdjsfans) April 23, 2015
Nice one, Robert.
What Happens When This Dog's Favorite Box Keeps Getting Smaller? It's Too Cute
This dog has a favorite hangout place in his human's car. It's a nice-size box in the backseat where he comfortably fits. But his human decided to play a little trick on him and keep replacing the old box with gradually smaller ones to see how the dog would react. Watch the hilariously cute video to see how the dog takes it, and then check out even more animal videos.
These Are the 17 Books Your Kiddos Should Read in Honor of Beverly Cleary's 100th Birthday
On April 12, Beverly Cleary will be eating a slice of carrot cake in honor of her 100th birthday.
While the talented author might not be going all out for the occasion, anyone can celebrate by picking up one of her beloved books that have the power to unite different generations. With more than 40 titles to pick from, parents can share their favorite childhood books with their little ones, introducing them to the likes of Ramona and Henry. In fact, HarperCollins recently published new editions of Henry Huggins, Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and The Mouse and the Motorcycle, with introductions by Judy Blume and Amy Poehler.
As Cleary reflects on her accomplished career, she told The Washington Post that despite how much times have changed, she doesn't think she has joined this century. "I think children today have a tough time, because they don't have the freedom to run around as I did - and they have so many scheduled activities," Cleary explained. Instead, the carefree times of a more familiar lifestyle live on through her spunky characters as they roam around the neighborhood exploring with friends.
Share a piece of your childhood with your little ones by introducing them to these 17 popular Beverly Cleary books in time for her big birthday!
50+ Media Resources For Every Kind of Expectant Parent
Living in the digital age has brought with it the benefits of having a million different types of media at our disposal at all times. There was a time when expectant parents read What to Expect When You're Expecting, and that was the end of that, but now, there are so many other resources available to prepare you and your partner for pregnancy, birth, and raising babies.
Read through for 50+ media resources - both nonfiction and fiction - for all types of digital (and nondigital) beings.
The Surprising Reason Babies Everywhere Are Sleeping in Cardboard Boxes
It almost seems too simple to work, but for more than 75 years, Finland's government has provided all expectant moms - regardless of their economic status - with a maternity box filled with a selection of clothes, bedding, and products used in the first few months of a baby's life. And the government there says the box is the reason Finland has one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates - 3.4 deaths per 1,000 births - half the rate in the United States.
In addition to baby's layette and some bath products, the box comes with a small mattress that is placed in the bottom of the box to create baby's first bed. To get the box, all expectant parents need to do is attend a a prenatal appointment prior to their fourth month of pregnancy.
Although the box had been around for more than half a century, news of its existence spread a few years ago and a number of copycat boxes began cropping up - some government or charity-issued, and some for sale by entrepreneurial companies.
In South Asia, for example, the Barakat Bundle was created by a Harvard University doctoral student. Karima Ladhani developed the low-cost box to include a clean-birth kit that helps prevent infections during childbirth, a thermal kit, and a mosquito net to ward off malaria. "We wanted to provide low-cost life-saving solutions to new mothers - specifically targeted to causes of preventable infant and maternal mortality," Ladhani told the BBC. The box also includes health and hygiene information, as well as newborn essentials - including a safe place for the baby to sleep. In order to receive the box, mothers must attend a prenatal checkup.
Here in the US, Jennifer Clary and Michelle Vick were taken with the story of the Finnish baby boxes and set out to create a version that American parents could buy for themselves. The result is The Baby Box Company, a for-profit company that sells several different boxes that provide a safe sleeping environment for babies up to 8 months old. Depending on the box you buy, it can be simple with just the box, a mattress, a waterproof cover, and a sheet ($69) to luxurious with onesies, socks, bibs, sleep sacks, organic bath products, and more ($199). The company also works with government agencies and hospitals to distribute their for free.
And lest anyone think the folks in Finland are just watching other countries copy one of their signature products, Anssi Okkonen, Heikki Tiittanen, and Anton Danielsen - three dads who were impressed with the contents of the boxes they received for free from their government - have created the Finnish Baby Box that ships copies of the government-issued boxes to expectant parents around the world for approximately $450.
Read on to see what the boxes look like around the world.
This Is What It's Like Leaving Your First Child With Their Grandparents Versus Your Third
Leaving your first child to spend a night with their grandparents should be easy - you're exhausted, you need the break, and they raised you, so clearly they know what they're doing. However, it's anything but. You get paranoid about everything and give a million directives that likely get laughed off by your parents, which really doesn't help the situation.
Fast-forward a few years to when you've got more experience under your belt and maybe had another kid or two, and suddenly the idea of leaving your second or third child with their grandparents is a complete no-brainer. If you've been in this situation, it may have broken down a bit like this:
First child: As far as meals go, we haven't introduced any meat, grains, or root vegetables, and we're staying away from fruit juices or any kind of fruit.
Third child: FYI: all he's had to eat today are chocolate chips, so you might want to feed him. You do you.First child: We don't do any screen time and that includes television, phones, or windows with a particularly strong reflection.
Third child: As far as screen time goes, please, no more than 18 hours a day. We have standards.First child: Here's a burner cell . . . it's preprogrammed with all the important phone numbers - mine of course, the pediatrician, osteopath, homeopath.
Third child: If you have any kind of emergency, please do not hesitate to call . . . 911. My phone's actually going to be off.
Watch the video above for more hilarious differences.
What Is Being Done About Arsenic Levels in Baby Rice Cereal
Infant rice cereal isn't just a staple in many infants' diets - it's also a leading source of arsenic exposure in babies.
In order to combat concerns about the impact of this exposure on pregnant women and babies, the Food and Drug Administration is working to limit the inorganic arsenic found in infant rice cereal. Arsenic isn't an additive ingredient, and according to the FDA, it doesn't matter if you buy organic cereal. Due to how rice grows, both the plant and grain absorb arsenic faster than other food crops - even if grown under organic farming practices.
A recent study completed by the FDA in 2016 found that arsenic exposure in infants and pregnant women could result in damaging outcomes including decreased developmental performance on cognitive tests.
Infants eat nearly three times more rice cereal than adults, relative to their size, and the FDA is proposing a limit of 100 parts per billion for arsenic in rice cereal. According to the agency's sampling of 76 types of infant rice cereal found at retail stores, nearly 75 percent already meet or fall below this limit.
In addition to the proposed limit, the FDA has also issued new guidelines for parents and caregivers:
- Feed your baby iron-fortified cereals to be sure she or he is receiving enough of this important nutrient.
- Rice cereal fortified with iron is a good source of nutrients for your baby, but it shouldn't be the only source and does not need to be the first source. Other fortified infant cereals include oat, barley, and multigrain.
- For toddlers, provide a well-balanced diet, which includes a variety of grains.
This New GapKids Campaign Photo Is Sparking a Major Racial Controversy
A recent GapKids ad campaign has sparked a racially charged controversy that has people infuriated. The images shot for the GapKids x Ellen DeGeneres campaign feature a photo of four young models flaunting their fashions and acrobatic skills. However, one photo in particular has prompted remarks of racial insensitivity, as one older white model is seen propping her arm up on the head of the only young black girl, as you would on a chair.
The campaign is built around the values of empowering young girls and proving that they can achieve anything, but Twitter users argue that the advertisement only shows that for a young black girl, that means being used as a white person's "armrest."
Although the true meaning and inspiration behind the shoot is unclear, Twitter believes having a diverse set of eyes approving campaigns like this could prevent such images and the backlash that inevitably ensues. Gap and Ellen have yet to comment on the public's reaction to the campaign. Scroll through to read more tweets.
meet the kids who are proving that girls can do anything.
check out #GapKidsxED: https://t.co/qbR13BsWIL http://pic.twitter.com/e47gVghHt0- GapKids (@GapKids) April 2, 2016
@GapKids Why is the little black girl being used as an arm rest? I'm sure there were better photos taken. You should fix it.
- Caissie St.Onge (@Caissie) April 3, 2016
@TheTherapyDiva @GapKids Do they not have people who actually look at these things???
- Judith M (@Jmeow2) April 3, 2016
@GapKids What is the message for Black girls? Are they meant to be seen as subordinate? Shame on you, Gap! http://pic.twitter.com/7U41B8lFI5
- nightshade (@VeganWhileBlack) April 3, 2016
This Video Puts You Inside the Body of a Kid With Autism - and It'll Change the Way You See the World
Does the prospect of walking through a shopping mall make you anxious? Then you likely can't even begin to comprehend the triggers that can set off a child with autism.
In a short video released by The National Autistic Society to coincide with World Autism Awareness Day this weekend, viewers are tasked with going inside the mind of a 10-year-old boy who has the disorder as he walks through a mall with his mom. Shot in first-person, the short film - which is best viewed with headphones and in full-screen mode - starts benignly enough until the smallest of details become impossible to ignore.
The crinkle of a party balloon becomes akin to nails on a chalkboard, and loose change falling to the floor is all but deafening. Flashing lights, a pair of untied shoelaces, an otherwise friendly smile from a stranger - even the boy's own mother offering her hand - it all becomes too much. Panic ensues.
The last few seconds, in which the child lashes out in public, is often the only part you'd actually notice in real life.
The title of the video asks, "can you make it to the end?" Even if you could get through the 90-second video without feeling more than a few moments of discomfort by the sensory overload, just keep in mind: you're able to turn off this screen and take off your headphones.
For many kids on the autism spectrum, this is how they see the world every single day. For some, this walk through the mall might have even seemed calm compared to what it's really like.
As the video reminds us, "understand autism, the person, and what to do."
9 Signs Your Daughter Might Be a Mean Girl
There's a mean girl in just about every school, clique, band, soccer team, religious education class, or carpool. This type of bullying is scary for parents, because we often worry that our sweet daughter is the subject of such relational aggression, but what if the tables are turned and your child is actually the mean girl? Would you be able to tell? Check out these telltale signs that your daughter may be taking her pack-leader status to straight-up tyranny.
13 Notes From Kids Who Sold Their Parents Out Like it Was Nothing
Kids say a lot of funny things - usually unintentionally - but sometimes their "jokes" get a bit too real, especially for parents. As tiny humans with little to no filter, kids are pretty quick to sell a person out, and it doesn't matter if that person's name is Mom or Dad - it's every man for himself out here.
Read through to see how 13 kids totally sold their parents out like it was nothing.
9 Things We Could Learn From Our Kids
We spend most of our kids' childhoods answering their questions and teaching them everything from social skills to algebra to right versus wrong. But every now and then, we find ourselves pausing to soak in a moment of enlightenment, courtesy of our very own children. Here, nine such lessons that every parent should embrace.
43 Helpful Things to Say to Your Overstressed Child
It doesn't matter if they're a tiny tot or full-blown teenager - all kids experience forms of stress. With the mounting pressure to excel in school and hectic schedules filled with challenging activities, little ones are dealing with more intense stressors at a younger age. How your child processes and copes with concerns is unique to their individual personality but some become overwhelmed more easily than others. If you have a child who tends to spend time worrying about situations, or even ends up crippled by fear, these 43 phrases can open the dialogue between parent and kiddo as well as alleviate some of your overstressed child's concerns.
- Let's take a break.
- This time is for fun.
- Let your brain rest and enjoy the downtime.
- There's no pressure.
- What is your heart worried about?
- Let's have a relaxing morning to set the tone for a stress-free day.
- You're not supposed to know how to do everything.
- There's no such thing as failing when you're trying something new.
- How does your tummy feel about that decision?
- You're in a safe place.
- Is there a special spot that will make you feel more comfortable talking about it?
- It's okay to listen to your body.
- I know you're feeling stressed but let's talk about how we are going to get through it together.
- I get worried sometimes too.
- You aren't alone.
- You might not know that everything's going to be okay - but I do - and you can trust me.
- Every time you feel the little alarm inside you go off, take five deep breaths.
- I completely understand why you would be worrying about that.
- Let's talk about the worst case - and the best case.
- I know what that stress feels like, I used to worry about….
- I want to try to understand exactly what you're stressing about.
- I totally get it.
- I can tell something is worrying you and I'm here when you're ready to talk about it.
- Which part is bogging you down the most?
- Let's face our fears together.
- Success is just giving it your best, no matter what the outcome.
- Let's embrace our mistakes.
- First, let's talk about the positives.
- Why do you think that's worrying you?
- We can read a book while we wait for that bad feeling to go away.
- Do you think others are feeling the same way?
- What do you think will happen next?
- You can do this and I'm proud of you for trying.
- Let's draw our worries.
- We're going to put your worry in the corner and check on it in 20 minutes.
- We can research it together and learn more.
- Let's play devil's advocate.
- If (blank) was in this situation, what would they do?
- Let's break it down into smaller pieces - what's the first part of concern?
- Stress is just a fleeting feeling, let's thank it for stopping by and know that it doesn't have to stay.
- What can I do to help you?
- I know it's hard not to worry sometimes.
- Remember when you made it through the last time?
If You Have a Daughter, Please Spend 3 Minutes Watching This Video For Her Sake
"This is Ellie. She is 5 years old."
That's how this video starts, but if every mom simply substitutes their own daughters' names and ages, it's as if the next three minutes were made just for them.
Because, like Ellie, there are certain things your child knows and some things she doesn't. She knows she's smart, fast, and strong. She knows anything is possible. She doesn't know, however, that the world can be a difficult place for girls. For instance, she doesn't know that:
- Only 11 percent of practicing engineers and one-fifth of head chefs are female
- Women make up just 5 percent of the artists in the New York Metropolitan Museum's modern art section
- By middle school, girls earn higher grades in science but feel less confident than boys
- By age 11, 30 percent of girls will try a diet
- 60 percent of girls give up doing something they love because they don't like the way they look
Before you start feeling defeated, the thing to remember is . . . she doesn't know those things yet, and maybe she won't have to.
The video - made to introduce Kazoo, a "new kind of magazine" for girls, on Kickstarter before its launch this Summer - should be mandatory viewing for any parent of a daughter because it reminds us all that, in this ever-changing world, the possibilities for her are endless if we keep it that way.
dimanche 3 avril 2016
10 Easy Weeknight Meals You Need to Work Into Your Dinner Rotation
Maybe it's just us (though we're willing to bet not), but this time of year, the meals that come out of our kitchens begin to look a little monotonous. Chicken cutlets, taco night, spaghetti, and repeat! We've all got a lot going on, and with kids and parents alike adjusting to the back-to-school routine, the last thing we want to be doing is scouring cookbooks for inspiration. With that in mind, we turned to our reliable and creative friends at Food Network.com for some help. The 10 recipes they came back to us with were all carefully selected with busy families and kids of varied ages in mind. From a chicken tamale pie to an unexpected way to introduce shellfish to your (nonallergic) kids, we think that you'll agree that these all deserve a spot in your rotation.
Let These Before-and-After Playroom Photos Inspire You to Transform Your Space
Whether you've carved out space in your house for a kids' playroom or not, let's face it: it's probably not seeing a ton of play. Most playrooms these days serve as storage for all the toys and games your little ones have accrued over the years. If they do hang out in there, it's not long before they get bored. With ample space and plenty of supplies, how can this be?
We turned to Megan Schiller, founder of The Art Pantry, for answers. She specializes in revitalizing kids' playrooms by turning them into creative spaces to maximize their ingenuity and stimulate their artistic ability.
"Every design choice is rooted in my experience as a preschool teacher and art educator," she tells us. "I think about the ages of the kids, their interests, and how they play. Then I think about how to set up a space that would inspire them to explore, tinker, create, and get lost in their imagination."
Megan answered our nine most frustrating questions about how to create a playroom that keeps kids entertained for hours on end, revealing that it's not all about organization - though a little certainly doesn't hurt - and outlining how parents can let their kids get messy without ruining the furniture. For added inspiration, she also shared before-and-after photos of four different rooms she's revamped so that you can see her advice in action.
11 Moments of Pure Parental Bliss
If there's one thing parents love to do, it's complain about their kids. Don't believe me? Try to go a single day without complaining once. But for all of the complaining we do, one thing's for sure. Our children bring us immeasurable amounts of bliss - the moments are just not as obvious as you might imagine. They're often hidden in our everyday routines. So take a moment, step back, and enjoy the show, because while the moments may be fleeting, you'll bask in their glow long after your child runs off to do something else.
24 Taco Recipes With Alternatives to Ground Beef That Will Please the Whole Family
The typical taco recipe features ground beef with classic seasoning, but changing it up once in a while could be the perfect way to expand your dinner repertoire. With these 24 delicious taco recipes - featuring proteins like beans, shrimp, and ground turkey - at your disposal, it'll be hard to fight the urge to make tacos every night!
A Pregnant Guide to Starbucks and Caffeine Intake
While some women feel more energetic during pregnancy, some (read: many) women may still need that little boost from their daily cup of joe - or maybe coffee is a luxury in their daily routine that they're not willing to give up just because of their pregnancy. Consuming caffeine while pregnant isn't completely off-limits, but it is recommended that you consume less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day - and yes, decaf does include a few milligrams - while a tiny human is sharing your body with you.
So what does this mean for your vanilla latte obsession? Check out our handy guide ahead to find out how to keep filling the blank space on that Starbucks cup with your name throughout your pregnancy.
14 Terrifying Things About Your Baby That Are Totally Normal
If you were to ask my husband on the day my daughter was born, he would have told you that she wasn't the adorable baby I saw. To him, she was an eight-pound bundle of medical emergencies. From the look of her, he swore she had two different forms of skin cancer, and if we ever gazed at her for too long, he'd find something devastating to point out: "Why are her legs curved like that?" "Her eyes - they're crossed again!"
Thankfully, all of those horrific things he discovered about our baby turned out to be, well, normal baby stuff . . . as weird as some of it is.
To calm your nerves, here are most of the strange but perfectly safe physical attributes of your newborn baby.
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