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Contents for April, 2006

Let Me Help You

Tuesday, April 25th, 2006

Dear friends,

I know it’s not easy for you to deal with your teen (if you have one). Sometimes you can be the most tolerant parent in the world by letting him do whatever he wants ’cause you had been waiting for his birth for so long.

Other times, you barely accept those bad deeds. You feel as if you’re the worst parent ever, and you just don’t know what to do.

You’re not alone, Tester. Please, let me help you. Just check out the article below on how to succeed in building good relationship with your teen.

You’ll also find this edition special. I share with you a joke you shouldn’t overlook.

Cheer up your day with laughter,

Adwina Jackson

Editor of InspiringParenting

PS.
Don’t forget to check our new blog on http://www.insparenting.com. It’s totally new!

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    PREGNANCY & CHILDBIRTH

    6 Secrets to Make Your Teen-Parent Relationship Work

    ” Giving him support is the best you can do, while you keep monitoring that the new activity is safe for him. ”

    by Adwina Jackson

    As your child approaches teen age -around 12-13 years old- you’ll experience some changes in him. He will probably be out of the house more often and wants to keep his privacy from you. Other times, he may not be listening to you nor doing what you ask him.

    Many parents in the world find the same troubles when dealing with their teens. Hope you don’t get them. But if you do, don’t worry! Keep on reading to get solutions.

    Just like when you were a teenager, you wanted to spend times with your peers rather than with your parents or family, right? Your teen feels the same way, too. Making his own decision is another important thing for him besides privacy.

    Now, do you think your teen is out of control and never wants to listen to you?

    Don’t give up! Of course you can help yourself deal with your teen. The best way to do it is to always strengthen your relationship with him. But how?

    Here are the solutions:

    1. Talk with him more - It’s better if you start the conversation. It can be just “How was your day, buddy?” Try to discuss many things instead of interrogate him. Find interesting topics, such as sport, entertainment, friends, and school experience to make it relaxing.

    2. Listen to him - If he reveals his criticism to you, listen to him and ask what he expects you to do. Talk about this wisely, not emotionally. It’s good for him to be able to express the feeling.

    3. Set rules for him - Your teen needs to recognize what is and isn’t acceptable and what the consequences of misbehavior are. Therefore you should set, or precisely, negotiate some rules with your teen to keep him on track.

    4. Consider his point of view - Regard your teen as your friend and respect his opinion whenever you discuss something. This also shows that you pay attention to him and consider him as important.

    5. Encourage your teen by doing his interests and talent - Most teens like to try new things. Let yours choose what he desires, though you don’t agree with it because, for example, it can endanger him. Giving him support is the best you can do, while you keep monitoring that the new activity is safe for him. Moreover, this idea is a good way of teaching your teen on how to be responsible with things he does.

    6. Do things together - This one is surely a great opportunity for you to improve your relationship with your teen. Why? ‘Cause you probably haven’t had much time to spend with him. Arrange agenda for the whole month. In each week, make an interesting plan for you and him and get the pleasant results at the end of it.

    Still about the last point above, think of exciting activities you both can do together. For example, in the first week, play video games together on Saturday, while on the next day both of you can go bowling or swimming at the beach.

    Later, in the following weeks, set up enjoyable weekends by doing these: having breakfast at a popular coffee shop which makes your teen’s favorite food and beverage, going fishing, going to the movie, camping, or visiting a college where your teen looks forward to join in the future.

    Conclusively, warm and positive communication without underestimating your teen is a key to successful relationship between the two of you. Clearly it won’t work at once. Try the tips progressively and enjoy your time being a parent of a teenager.

    Like this article or not? And why? Just let us know by replying this email.

    JOKES

    Jealousy

    Used to being the center of attention, Robbie was a little more than jealous of his new baby sister.

    The parents sat him down and said that now that she was getting older, the house was too small and they’d have to move.

    “It’s no use.” Robbie said, “She’s crawling good now and she’d probably just follow us.”

    Do you think this joke is funny? If you have funnier ones, let us know!

    TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS

    Help Your Children Make Friends

    It’s good that your kids go to preschools to socialize with others. However, not all kids can make friends easily. Try these to help them get ones.

  • Take your little ones to school earlier than usual. This gives more time for them to become accustomed to the situation, thus makes them easier in joining a peer group.
  • Invite some kids from the preschools to play in your house and let your kids play in their friends’ houses.
  • Together with your kids, make an observation toward other children, such as which kid looks for friends to play with. Hence, your kids can approach him or her to play together.
  • Do you have parenting tips to share with others? Simply let us know by replying this email.

    THINGS TO DO TODAY

    Make a special bond with your teen by having a great communication and spending joyful moments together.

    Gwyneth’s Baby Boy

    Monday, April 17th, 2006

    Dear friends,

    Apple’s beautiful mom, yes, the Shakespeare in Love’s star Gwyneth Paltrow, gave birth to a baby boy at a New York hospital. Check out the good news below.

    Today’s edition also features an article about how a pregnant woman can go through her second trimester joyfully by following the guidelines provided. Mothers-to-be, the article is for you.

    Have a nice day,

    Adwina Jackson

    Editor of InspiringParenting

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    PREGNANCY & CHILDBIRTH

    Enjoy Your Second Trimester!

    ” The second trimester of pregnancy is actually the stage when you experience the most enjoying moment with your pregnancy. ”

    by Adwina Jackson

    Congratulations! Your pregnancy now comes to the second trimester, which is within weeks 13 through 27. Your morning sickness has faded away gradually by now. This means, you should be feeling better than before.

    It’s actually the stage when you experience the most enjoying moment with your pregnancy. You’ll feel energetic and full of vitality. You can do a lot more than when you were in the first three months.

    However, this does not mean you can do anything you want. You still need to be cautious about what you do and avoid doing too many activities.

    Check out the points below to guide you in going through this invigorating phase:

    1. Control your appetite. Compared to the previous trimester, it’s improving now. Try not to overeat and watch out for getting overweight. Get balanced nutritious food instead of fast food.

    2. Handle leg cramps by straightening and lifting up your legs for several minutes. If you get cramp, move your toes upward and hold for a few seconds.

    3. Carry out ‘low impact’ exercise. Getting pregnant does not mean you do not need exercises. They are even needed at this time. Swimming, yoga, and walking are good exercises for pregnant women. Ask your hubby or friends to join you.

    4. Perform Kegels to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Simply squeeze the muscles for a few seconds and let them relax just like when you stop and start urine flow. Do it several times a day as trained muscles can make labor easier.

    5. Enjoy love-making with your husband. These months are the most comfortable time for both of you to do it.

    Besides you’ll be enjoying this second trimester, another incredible thing is coming up. In the 22nd week of your pregnancy, the tiny little creature in the womb is about to make a little move. Wow! You won’t believe it’s true ’til you feel it by yourself

    Enjoy your pregnancy.

    Like this article or not? And why? Just let us know by replying this email.

    CELEBRITY

    Actress Paltrow Gives Birth to Son Moses

    Apple Blythe Alison Martin now has a brother.

    Yes, Gwyneth gave birth to her second child last weekend. The father, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin is said to name the baby boy Moses.

    Read through as Reuters reported.

    Read more…

    KIDS

    4 Tips to Your Kids’ Healthy and Shiny Teeth

  • Discipline the kids to always brush their teeth at least twice a day, especially before they go to bed in the evening.

  • Tell them to be prudent while eating sweet food because it can cause damage to their teeth. If you can’t have them do so, remind them to always brush their teeth after meals.

  • Inform the kids about how important tooth brushing for dental health. Use stories or interesting pictures to explain it.

  • Make sure your kids eat nutritious food consisting of calcium, phosphor, and other minerals which can help maintain teeth and gum health.

    Do you have parenting tips to share with others? Simply let us know by replying this email.

    THINGS TO DO TODAY

    The second trimester is the best time for a pregnant woman to do a lot more activities than the other times during the pregnancy. However, it’s best for her to consult them with her obgyn first.

  • Are You Ready?

    Saturday, April 8th, 2006

    Dear friends,

    Easter is only a few days ahead. Are you really ready for the holiday? I’m sure you want to celebrate the blissful moments with the kids and the whole family.

    Our article in this edition features about smart things to improve your kids’ immunity. Apply them in their daily activities and you’ll find your kids healthier than ever.

    In news, an interesting study reveals that most dads want to attend kids’ checkups.

    Happy holiday,

    Adwina Jackson

    Editor of InspiringParenting

    PS.

    We want to thank one of our faithful subscribers for sending us her encouraging comment. We’re glad that our effort is helpful for her and you hopefully. Enjoy.

    Thank you so much too for all the information you’re sending me. I really appreciate it. I’m really glad that I found your site. I really do. It helps me more to deal with my two kids and being a stay home mom. I even do share it with my husband all the newsletter and information you’ve sent me. Thank you so much and GOD BLESS YOU AND MORE POWER.

    - Rosalyn -

    (Dear Rosalyn, thank you so much for your email. I wish you a greater parenting life. -With love, Adwina)

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    HEALTH

    6 Great Habits to Improve Your Children’s Immunity

    ” The yellow colostrums, which come out in the early days after the labor, are proved to have antibodies that can protect babies from many illnesses, such as diarrhea and meningitis. ”

    by Adwina Jackson

    It is normal for your little kids to get fever, cough, or cold once in a while. However, don’t let the virus and bacteria disrupt their development.

    Therefore, boost your kids’ immune system by doing these smart habits:

    1. Breastfeeding

    There’s no doubt that breast milk provides the best and complete nutrition for babies ever since they were born. The yellow colostrums, which come out in the early days after the labor, are proved to have antibodies that can protect babies from many illnesses, such as diarrhea and meningitis.

    2. Consuming Fruits and Veggies

    Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals, as well as other nutrients to boost your kids’ health. Having them in daily menu will prevent your loved ones from infection.

    3. Making Hygiene as a Way of Life

    Washing their hands with soap is a very good start. Always do it before having meals, after using bathroom, after playing, and after handling their pets.

    4. Having Enough Sleep

    Lack of sleep can lead to the decline of body’s immunity. Taking a nap everyday is a good way to make your children have enough sleep. If they refuse it, put them to bed earlier in the evening.

    5. Doing Exercises or Outdoor Activities

    Ask them to join you doing exercises or enjoy playing outside together because these activities will increase your kids’ endurance. Playing soccer, hiking, and swimming are examples of exciting activities you can do with them.

    6. Saying No to Tobacco

    Smoking is so unhealthy. The smoke is even more damaging. If you or any other adults in the house smoke, better let go that bad habit for the sake of your kids’ health.

    Simple habits, right? Yet you probably don’t recognize how important they are for your kids’ fitness. Talk about this with your spouse and both of you can start a new beginning with healthier kids and family.

    NEWS

    Include Dads in Kids’ Doctor Visits

    A study in Pediatrics states most dads want to come along to kids’ checkups.

    Find out more about the research details and unveil the four main reasons why the men wish for it. Check them out as WebMD reported.

    Read more…

    PARENTS

    Kids Appreciating Money

    Kids understand that some stuff become theirs after a buying process. It means that they see you pay some money for the stuff.

    But then, do they always know where you get the money from? Therefore, you’d better remind them again and again that the money becomes yours after a process, a hard working one. Then they would appreciate more the value of money.

    There are also some other ways to guide them to understand it:

    • Make money saving a habit in your family, it can just be a piggy bank for a start
    • Should they get some money on Christmas or birthday, put it in a bank account specialized for them
    • Then if they desire something, check the balance and explain whether their saving is enough or not
    • Give them a list of errands and the reward they’ll get if they manage to accomplish them
    • Let them buy stuffs with the money and remind them that they get it out of their own effort
    BABIES

    Ways to Soothe Your Colicky Baby

    • Pick your baby up, then hug and sway her by singing lullabies.
    • Carry your baby and put a bottle of warm water on her tummy.
    • Wrap her tightly in a blanket to make her comfortable, just like when she was in the womb.
    • Alter the ambiance by taking a walk outside the house or by turning on slow music.
    • Turn on the vacuum cleaner, electric fan, or hair dryer. Their sounds may help your baby relax.
    TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS

    Brain Games to Enhance Children’s Intelligence

    • Playing puzzle: to develop kids’ ability in solving problems logically
    • Assembling plastic or wooden blocks: to optimize children’s imagination.
    • Reading stories: to make them get used to listening stories and to experiment expressing and reproducing words earlier
    • Playing with peers: to let kids socialized and introduce them to rules in friendship
    KIDS

    How to Encourage Your Kids to Love Reading

    • Find short stories with light themes
    • Familiarize them with many kinds of books in different illustrations and sizes.
    • Choose books or stories with simple words yet many pictures to explain the stories
    TEENS

    Worry Too Much about Your Teens?

    Sometimes they may not be comfortable with your way of thinking. Say these reasons to them:

    • You love them so much and want the best for them
    • You want to see them making good decisions
    • You care for them and want to protect them from the world you’ve been going through
    THINGS TO DO TODAY

    Never think that playing is a waste of time for children. Through playing, they can enhance their intelligence. Find exciting and educational games for them.

    6 Ways to Develop Your Kids’ Empathy

    Saturday, April 1st, 2006

    Dear friends,

    Do you know that having pets in the house can develop your kids’ empathy? Discover the other great ways in our article below.

    Kate Winslet breastfed her baby? Yes, she did. Read more an interesting story about it in the news section.

    Our newsletter now comes in a longer, yet with more helpful info. You’ll find more tips for babies, toddlers & preschoolers, kids, teens, as well as parents. Hope they bring great benefits for all of you here.

    Cherish every moment with your kids,

    Adwina Jackson

    Editor of InspiringParenting

    Advertisement

    How to Discipline Your Children

    It’s depressing if you have children who don’t know how to discipline themselves. But isn’t it more depressing if you, parents, don’t know how to discipline them?

    The key is to discipline yourselves first. Are you discipline enough to be a good role model for them?

    If you don’t think you are, you need to change it. How?

    Find out here…

    EDUCATION

    6 Ways to Develop Your Kids’ Empathy

    ” You may not realize that only by saying “Thank you” and “I’m sorry”, your kids are growing into friendly persons whom other people will respect later on. ”

    by Adwina Jackson

    “Aawww…!!” A friend of mine got her finger cut while slicing meat in the kitchen.

    Suddenly her little boy came approaching and asked her some soothing words that she hadn’t thought he would say, “Mom, are you OK? What happened to your finger? Ohh… it’s bleeding! Let’s get a bandage!” Soon he ran to get a bandage after hugging her tight.

    Of course there’s an unspoken feeling she had after that awful situation. She has never imagined that her little boy would do something nice like that.

    Sure, you want your kids become aware and sensitive to any situations, right?

    Here are the 6 great ways to develop your kids’ empathy:

    1. Having pets or growing plants - Doing it in the house is an exciting way to build your kids’ empathy. They’ll learn to be responsible in feeding the animals. ‘Talking’ to the plants and pouring them with water everyday are good steps to introduce them to empathy.

    2. Visiting sick friends or families - This agenda is also a very good way to develop compassion. Make sure that the illness isn’t infectious. Don’t forget to bring either food or favorite items that the people would love.

    3. Gifts shopping - Teach them about love and care by shopping and giving some gifts for the people they love. Ask your kids to write how they feel about the people on a hand-made card. It will absolutely be a precious gift for the recipients.

    4. Telling stories - Bed time stories are useful method to familiarize your kids with empathy. They will learn it from the good and bad characters in the tales.

    5. Doing household tasks - Ask them to help you doing little errands, such as bringing the cuisine you’ve cooked onto the table and cleaning up the table after having their meals. Later, your kids will get use to helping other people and understand other persons’ works.

    6. Showing appreciation and forgiveness - You may not realize that only by saying “Thank you” and “I’m sorry”, your kids are growing into friendly persons whom other people will respect later on.

    Above all, as parents, you are holding the key to success. Be a role model for your kids. If you do good, they’ll do the same. Experience a wonderful experience once you teach them the above methods. Enjoy!

    CELEBRITY

    Kate Winslet Takes Unconventional Measures for Son’s Health

    When she had just given birth to baby Joe and went back to her career, the stunning Titanic actress, Kate Winslet, expressed her milk in between her takes.

    What a supermom! Don’t miss one amusing story she had done at that time as reported by LondonNet.

    Read more…

    ABOUT PARENTS

    Be Your Kid’s Best Friend Forever

    The best kind of relationship between parents-kids is friendship. If you make friend with them, things will be easier. It’ll avoid them from hiding things from you.

    It’s easy and best to start it as young as your kids could be.

  • Talk the way they talk

    Don’t wish them to understand your language. It’s better to do otherwise.

  • Keep up with the trend

    Listen to their music and don’t ever turn it down. Appreciate their fashion.

  • Respect them

    Simply say “I like you.” It’s different from I love you but as important.

  • Be all ears

    Listen to them attentively, let them know that you’re as interested.

  • Watch out your mouth

    Sometimes, it’s better to just shut up. Save your comments until a proper time.

    BABIES

    Easy and Fun Ways to Encourage Babies to Speak

  • Talk at anytime

    When you prepare their meals, explain the steps and show them the things you use and tell them what they are, like “This is your spoon, your bowl, and your napkin.”

  • Match your language with theirs

    Give the impression that you understand what they’re talking about. Make dialog with the same voice uttered by your babies. They’ll be attracted to and love to see your responses.

  • Listen to their words

    Spend your time listening to the new words they say by also looking at their eyes. Give responses by correcting the expressions they mistakenly say.

    TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS

    3 Ways to Teach Responsibility

  • Day-to-day experience

    Asking them to clean up the mess they make after playing with their toys is one example of teaching them responsibility.

  • Parents as model

    Demonstrate responsibility by doing household works together with the little kids so that they understand the meaning of it.

  • Rules

    Putting on some rules in everyday activities is a good way to remind them of responsibility.

    KIDS

    How to Build Your Kids’ Motivation

  • Show your love and tell your kids that you love them.
  • Give them attention more frequently so that they feel confident about themselves.
  • Never compare your kids with the others in a negative way because it will only drop their confidence.
    TEENS

    Your Teens Can’t Take the Pressure?

    Here are ways to ease it:

  • Never put too much pressure on your teens either about school projects or family matters.
  • Support them as much as you can by talking to them and helping them solve their problems.
  • Let your teens be just what they are.
  • Tell them how great they’re doing with their tasks.
    THINGS TO DO TODAY

    Give your children more attention so that they feel they are respected and therefore will feel confident about themselves.

  • Baby Antibiotics ‘Link to Asthma’

    Saturday, April 1st, 2006

    Dear friends,

    Last week I read about a shocking report in the BBC web site. It said that antibiotics given to infant under 1 year old had a link with an increased risk of asthma in children.

    The report concerns me a lot, since I know that antibiotics are still carelessly used. Some people, unfortunately, use antibiotics to treat many diseases, which, actually, don’t need to be cured with them. Worse, antibiotics are even taken without doctor’s prescription.

    Also, find out the signs that generally occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, overcome the symptoms and enjoy your pregnancy.

    Use drugs wisely,

    Adwina Jackson

    Editor of InspiringParenting

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    Pregnancy & Childbirth

    Overcome the Symptoms in the First Trimester of Your Pregnancy

    ” The upcoming nine months will be more thrilling than before. You’ll experience unexpected, remarkable changes in your body. ”

    by Adwina Jackson

    “Honey, I’m positive.”

    Surprised with the outcome, you abruptly told your husband about this news soon after having a home pregnancy test in one early morning. Afterward, both of you were so contented that you hugged each other for minutes while tears were dropping on your cheek.

    All the emotions of joy, fear, amazement and acceptance, assembled within you. There was no exact word to describe the feeling.

    Now you should prepare yourself for the next huge things. The upcoming nine months will be more thrilling than before. You’ll experience unexpected, remarkable changes in your body.

    In general, pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. Each one has its own nature.

    Take a look at the general symptoms you may have in the first trimester of your pregnancy - a crucial time when you should be careful with your fetus. Also, the tips given will hopefully help you go through this wonderful journey. Enjoy.

    1. Morning sickness - Nausea and vomiting are two common symptoms of early pregnancy. Hot drinks, crackers, and fresh fruits are great choices for relieving them.

    2. Frequent urination - The growing of uterus causes some pressure on your bladder. You’ll be going to the restroom more often.

    3. Tender breasts - The increasing hormone lets your breasts become more sensitive, fuller and heavier than usual. This time you may replace your bra with a more comfortable one.

    4. Uncommon Exhaustion - Don’t push yourself by working too hard. Try to get some rests whenever you feel fatigue.

    5. Increased craving - Acquire nutritious and balanced food intake. Make sure you and your baby are well nourished.

    6. Bad moods - The change of hormones in your body causes your moods to switch as well. Mild exercises can help your moods. Moreover, just think that it’s a preliminary change and challenge you’ll have before and after your baby arrives.

    Some of you may not recognize that you’re pregnant until it reaches five to six weeks from your last period. But soon when you find it out, it’s best to think which health care provider you’ll go to for a routine check-up.

    Ask your pregnancy condition to your obgyn. Some of the congenital abnormalities may be observed at the end of the third month of pregnancy by a USG examination. Consult with him when unexpected things occur.

    Read also lots of information about pregnancy. Knowing what happens in your uterus - and your pregnancy in general - will make you feel safe and comfy.

    Most of all, enjoy your bigger size. It’s an amazing experience you’ll never forget in your life.

    Like this article or not? And why? Just let us know by replying this email.

    News News

    Baby Antibiotics ‘Link to Asthma’

    A number of studies suggest that antibiotics use in the first year of life contributes to the increased rate of childhood asthma.

    Care about your child’s health? Read the rest as BBC reported.

    Read more…

    Education Tips

    Let Them Learn from Mistakes

    Children surely make mistakes as we also do. We, grown ups, know how to deal with them and learn from them. They don’t, at least not yet. It’s your duty as parents to make them see that mistakes aren’t always bad, that we even can learn from them.

    How to?

  • Whenever they are making mistakes, the first thing to do is explain to them that everyone makes mistakes and they don’t have to be perfect to be loved
  • Don’t ever raise your voice even if you feel like doing it
  • Make sure they know that you forgive them
  • Don’t ever forget to apologize if you, yourself, make mistakes
  • Discuss those mistakes with them, let them know how not to do it anymore
  • Let them try doing the thing correctly
  • If they still make mistakes, again I remind you, no yelling, no abusive phrases such as “You brat” or “You’re no good” to your children
  • Always be there for them

    Remember, there are no mistakes, only lessons, and you’d better tell that to them.

    Do you have parenting tips to share with others? Simply let us know by replying this email.

    Things To Do Today

    Get healthy and balanced nutrition during your pregnancy. Ask your obgyn about which foods to avoid and which are suggested.

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