Mums can achieve their dreams - article by Erica Gordon

By Erica Gordon  |   Submitted On October 12, 2014

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Are you living the life you dreamed about when you were a child? Do you remember your dreams?

Most people are not living their dreams. They were taught to go to school, get a college degree and start a career that would earn a lot of money and make them happy. Society teaches children that a formal education is the key to achieving their dreams and a happy life. By the time most kids reach high school, they've forgotten about their childhood dreams.

The challenge for many women is that they tend to lack enough confidence in themselves to make their dreams come true. If they have a family or other responsibilities that compete for their time, some women may not believe it's realistic to follow their dreams. Moms are likely to feel guilty or selfish and they often let these feelings stop them from creating the life they want.

The good news is that you can go after what you want and achieve it, no matter where you are in life right now. You just have to decide that you are ready and make it non-negotiable. Now this doesn't mean that you have to neglect your family, quit your job or any other drastic change. Instead it means that you can take intentional steps today and start creating the life of your dreams.

Here are 5 steps you can take right now to go after what you want:

1. Write your dreams down. One reason why you're not living your dreams may be because you don't remember them. Life has gotten in the way and you've become disconnected. Spend time alone and recall your childhood dreams. Think back to when you were between 7 and 9 years old. What did you want to do or become when you grew up?

2. Share your dreams with someone you trust. This one can be tricky because everyone is not going to buy into your dreams or support you in living them. So you want to be selective about sharing. When you share your dreams with another person, it becomes more of a reality. You now have another person who's holding you accountable.

3. Pick the dream/goal that you want to accomplish first and set a date. Is this something you want accomplish in the next 30 - 90 days, 1 year, 5 years, etc.? Set a date and write it down. Now it's in your face on paper and no longer floating around in your head.

4. Create a realistic plan of action based on where you are today. You have to start where you are. The only way you'll make any progress is to know what you want (which you've already identified) and to create a plan to get there.

5. Take action. Taking action will remove your fears and doubts and begin to build your confidence. This doesn't have to be a giant, drastic step. In fact, your first step should be small so you can see how easy it is for you to do this.

Following these guidelines will help you start living the life of your dreams now. Don't wait another day as none of us are promised tomorrow. You've waited long enough and now is your time.

I love supporting moms in their journey to achieving their dreams. As a mom of four, I understand the many challenges women face when it comes to achieving their dreams.
If you love what you read here and feel that you need a little more support, I would love to connect with you and see how I can support you in your journey to your dreams.

You can visit my website, http://momswithdreams.com, contact me by email at Erica@momswithdreams.com or connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erica_Gordon

Stinky Feet and Teen Hygiene: School Nurse Tips by Anne Kolsky

Stinky Feet and Teen Hygiene: School Nurse Tips On The Smelly Years!

By Anne Kolsky  |   Submitted On October 16, 2014

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If I had a dollar for every middle school teacher that asked me to have "The Talk" with a student, I would retire and move to Bora Bora tomorrow.

What is "The Talk?" No, it's not THAT talk, it's the Talk about Smelly Feet, Smelly Armpits, Greasy Hair, Dirty Clothes, and Morning Breath (all day).

Middle School Teen Years. May God bless the teachers on the front line. They are too respectful to wear a gas mask and too kind to say anything to the student directly. They do not want to ruin a good relationship with a great kid, but when their eyes are watering in the middle of a lecture, it's time. Time to call the Nurse, that is.

Most of the time this "Stinky Phase" is a normal part of growing up. Some kids are just clueless, some are "lazy", and some just refuse.

• If they are clueless, we can teach them.
• If they are "lazy" or "distracted" we can suggest that cleaning up is good idea to help make and keep friends.
• Some would rather do something fun than do "that".
• If they refuse, it could be due to depression, trauma, or some type of mental illness. Please see a mental health practitioner or your general practitioner if you feel this is the case.
• Resistance: "We" are becoming "I". Your child is trying to figure out who he or she is. Part of that process is resistance to suggestions from parents.
• Puberty: things are happening. That cute no-longer-4-year old that needed a bath once-in-a-while now needs one daily. Smelly bacteria has found a home in your kid. It's a fact. Not a pleasant fact, but truth.

Ideas to Resist Resistance:

At a calm time, sit down and ask,

• "What is the reason you don't want to shower (brush your teeth)?"
• "What don't you like about it?"
• Discuss the problems.
• How can we solve this problem in a different and healthy way?
• Discuss the changes the child is going through in his or her body and what to expect. Not comfortable or not sure yourself? Call your school nurse or pediatrician to have "The Talk" or for tips on how to Have The Talk.

What Your Child Needs:

• Bathe daily.
• Deodorant and anti-perspirant. Use both. Kids sweat even when not running around.
• After running around, teach to WASH, then re-apply anti-perspirant/deodorant.
• Discuss the positives: why bathing daily is helpful to make new friends instead of negatives such as, "You won't have any friends if you don't bathe."
• Some parents like to use incentives.
• Natural Consequences: Kids, for better or worse, are blunt and will tell your child, "Pew! Your breath stinks".
• School Consequences: students "get to" visit the Nurse or Guidance Counselor. Talk about embarrassing (for both of us!)

Bad parenting? No, not if you are doing your part. Are you:

• Giving Reminders?
• Washing clothes and bedding frequently?
• Providing the right tools: toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, etc.?
• Providing Knowledge (teaching about body changes)?
• Role Modeling (are YOU washing your clothes, bedding, brushing your teeth, bathing frequently?)
• NOT assuming that your child knows what to do just because he or she is "old enough to know".

Other ideas that might help:

Ganoderma lucidum. This is a mushroom that comes packaged in special ways; yummy hot chocolate (tea and coffee as well!), capsules, soap and toothpaste.

The beauty of Ganoderma is that it has natural anti-bacterial properties that not only kill the bad bacteria, but actually promotes over all well-being.

Many parents and their children use it daily to keep colds at bay, keep the body as clean as possible, and help to improve mental focus.

Ganoderma is a wonderful tool to use in your arsenal to help your child practice the good hygiene needed, especially at this age.

This school nurse uses it daily. People always remark, "How come you never get sick?" (Remember, these are middle schoolers... who still need to get close to a "mom figure" when they feel sick... ). I always answer, "The two G's: God and Ganoderma".

I need to stay healthy for my other clients who are extremely medically fragile. A small cold from me could mean hospital or worse for them. It's that important! It's also that good.

I have found this to be one of the best ways to stay healthy. Since simply switching my coffee, the few times I have been sick, it has never been profound or prolonged. Overall, my health is the best it's been in years.

Never hesitate to contact this school nurse for more information. I would be glad to share the Secrets of the Treasure of the Earth with you.

Anne Kolsky is a Proud Mom, Registered Nurse, and CEO of Avai's Dream. Come on over and visit her at the Blog:http://lifeofqueenanneblog.weebly.com/ or check out how to get the best of the best at http://howtochooseyourganoderma.weebly.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Kolsky

The Importance of After-School Activity for children with ADHD by Patty Dole

Most children who suffer from ADHD {Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder} also have problems with hyperactivity as well. This often puts a strain on the parents, who are well aware that inattention and hyperactivity don't stop just because their children are at school, and while they are at work throughout the day. It can be a very difficult task for parents to make sure that their children are involved in activities that will be challenging as well as enjoyable to them.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ACTIVITY

One of the first things that you should consider when thinking of an after school activity for children with ADHD, is understanding how ADHD effects that particular child. Though many children that suffer from Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder have many symptoms in common, they are different people with distinct personalities. It is a personal disease. For example some children with ADHD will excel in team sports and others will do well in singular sports or fine arts. How well does your child get along with other children? Is competition too overwhelming for them? Are they good at communicating their feelings? All good questions to contemplate.

For children in general physical exercise is beneficial, for children suffering from ADHD it is a necessity. Exercise expends much of their pent-up energy and helps to stimulate their little brains. Team activities are great teaching tools that teach them how; to interact with others, develop social skills and most importantly discipline. But, if team sports are too overwhelming for your child introduce them to activities like dancing, cycling, swimming or gymnastics. Martial Arts is a good example. Not only does it teach the techniques of self-defense but, also teach self-control and patience. All traits that they are definitely going to need to navigate their way through this life.

INTRODUCE THEM TO FINE ARTS:

Acting classes are a fantastic form of creative exercise. It provides the child with the opportunity to develop his social skills. Music, art or dance helps the child to keep not only be entertained, but they learn so much about their area of study.

I have found that many children with ADHD need to be encouraged to try new things. Make it a requirement that they try something that they profess not to like for at least a couple of months or more. They do not know that they don't like something if they do not actually give it a try. Children with ADHD will have to go to school, grow up, get jobs. They will need to learn how to take part in life in much the same way as people who do not have the disorder; so, getting them involved in activities that teach them how to do this is as important as any medication that they take.

COMMUNITY ORIENTATION:

Also, I urge you to do is make your ADHD child more socially aware. Teach them to view the world as a place that they can contribute something to. It will make them feel good about being able to give something to the world in their small way. Take them to visit the sick and shut in. Explain to your ADHD child how important it is to think about the needs of others. So many parents feel so helpless and hopeless that they allow the disorder to run the show when it doesn't have to be that way.

There are so many well-known, successful people who have been formally diagnosed with ADHD that have managed to go on to have many accomplishments regardless of the disorder and so can your child. They just need the right guidance. Will this be simple? No, but little in life is just that simple.

Being present in your children's lives is imperative to their success and that is doubly so for a child with ADHD. Scheduling is very important for them and for you; as you will be on a strict schedule when they are in school and have after school activities. Lastly television, video/ computer games are fun and get them out of your hair but should have time limitations. When your child is active doing things that they enjoy this will be less of a problem because there will be little time for tv and computer games. No successful person is successful without effort so having successful children means you need to

.http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Importance-of-After-School-Activities-for-Children-With-ADHD&id=8759585

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patty_Dole

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8759585

Ten tips for keeping your children and pets safe at Halloween

You may wish to draw the curtains and put your feet up but the children are raring to go out with their friends trick or treating. These tips from Laura McHolm will help you make Halloween a happy memory:

Kid Halloween Safety Tips:

1. Choking hazards: As a good rule of thumb, a choking hazard could be considered as anything that can pass through a cardboard toilet paper roll holder unobstructed. So, taking that into consideration, look closely at all the items that you are putting out to display. From bats and ghosts to pumpkins you roast. Hazards lurk everywhere!

2. Flashlights: Child-safe flashlights should have a child-safe battery door on them that is secured by a screw to prevent removal of the battery, thus preventing a choking hazard. Use flashlights or electric candles to light up your pumpkin too; flames and kids don't mix.

3. Halloween lights: Look for Halloween light strings that have tamper-resistant bulbs that can't be removed easily, and remember cords pose a strangulation hazard. All cords should be kept short and tight. Consider taking the excess that you might leave hanging and bind it up with a zip tie. So it can't be made in to a loop to be placed around a child's neck.

4. Pumpkin carving: Remember to only use child-safe cutting tools while carving pumpkins, even as an adult. Kids learn by watching you, so if you use real knives you must know that they will want to do the same. As soon as you turn around to grab something you forgot... little hands wander.

5. Costumes: As a kid it's mandatory to dress up. Our job is to make sure dress up is safe. Costumes should never obstruct movement, never cause visual impairment and never pose a trip hazard. Stick to material that is form fitting. If it's loose, baggy or long it could create a trip hazard. Avoid masks that can impair vision. Face painting is the safest mask.

6. Glow at night: Make sure your child's costume is visible or is is equipped with something that makes them visible. Glow sticks are great and kids love them, but remember, never hang anything around their little necks unless you are using a child safe breakaway lanyard. A couple of glow sticks secured to shoes can be seen from a long way away. Flashlights are a good additive as well.

7. Candy: Remember to make sure you go through and check all the candy that you are keeping. The candy should be in name brand with sealed packages. For candy bars, be sure you cut them into small pieces that are easy to chew. This also helps to ensure it hasn't been tampered with. Unfortunately, ghouls are sometimes disguised as regular people.

Pet Halloween Safety Tips:

1. Pet costumes: Yes, your pet looks absolutely adorable in that costume! Keep in mind, your fuzzy family member might not be as thrilled with the outfit. Feel free to get that amazing photo, but respect the fact that your pet may want to get out of those duds as soon as possible. Make sure the outfit is comfortable, and pay special attention to straps that may impinge upon the neck and areas where the extremities meet the body. Never leave a pet unaccompanied in a costume to avoid any "wardrobe malfunctions!"

2. No chocolate: Most people know chocolate is toxic to their pets. Chocolate contains methyl xanthine, which can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from stomach upset to tremors, hyperthermia and seizures. At high doses, chocolate can lead to collapse and even death. Generally speaking, the darker and more concentrated the chocolate, the more dangerous it can be. There are helpful charts available (for instance, petMD.com) that can tell you what doses are dangerous for your pooch. If in doubt, always best to contact your veterinarian to see if treatment is indicated.

3. Watch out for sugar-free: Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found commonly in sugar-free gum as well as other products, can be extremely toxic to dogs. When ingested, it can cause a significant release of insulin, which can lead to extremely low blood sugars. At high doses, it can also lead to liver failure. If your pup has ingested this substance, always best to contact your veterinarian as your pet may likely need treatment and supportive care.

4. Healthy treat dangers: If you're offering healthy alternatives this Halloween, keep in mind that grapes and raisins can be extremely toxic to dogs. Some pets are more sensitive than others. In some animals, the toxin can lead to stomach upset initially, followed by kidney failure within 24 hours. It is always prudent to contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested these substances.

5. Burning Jack O' Lanterns: Flames and fur aren't typically a good combination. Just as you do for kids safety, consider replacing that Jack-O-Lantern candle with a flickering LED light.

6. Trick-or-Treating: During trick-or-treating it is best to keep your pet inside, safe from all of the scary costumes, noises and lights that might frighten your pooch or feline. And, if you have a black cat be sure to keep them inside.

13 Spook-Free Safety Tips by Laura Holm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laura-mcholm/halloween-safety_b_6016654.html

Self esteem and body confidence - what are youngsters need

Conservative MP Caroline Nokes wrote about the need to help our young people to develop body confidence since so many are suffering from a lack of self esteem causing lasting problems from school days onwards. In an article in the Daily Telegraph, she explains her reaction to the assertion that negative body image  prevents us joining in many activities:
"The first time I read that, I assumed that these 'activities' would be sports-related and involve wearing Lycra. Far from it. Appearance based insecurities are preventing students from putting their hand up in class, deterring job applicants from attending interviews, affecting romantic relationships and encouraging people to retreat into their shell, or to inhabit an online world where appearance based bullying is rife

In many shops, the fancy dress outfits aimed at primary school- aged boys are superhero costumes or, at this time of year, Halloween costumes that are padded to give the impression of a six pack. It reinforces an image in a young mind that this is the most desirable look for a 'real man'."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-health/11154651/Body-confidence-We-urgently-need-to-help-teens-with-their-self-esteem-issues.html

As a direct response to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Body Image report, which revealed that millions of Brits are stuck in an unhealthy cycle of depression, short-term dieting, cosmetic intervention and eating disorders in a bid to achieve an unrealistic ‘ideal body’, the Be Real campaign targets schools, businesses, charities, public bodies and individuals to help change attitudes towards body image and put health above appearance.

“At Dove, we are committed to building a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety. Through the work of the Dove Self-Esteem Project, we create educational resources for young people to help inspire them to feel good about their appearance and to reach their potential in life,” remarked Mark Bleathman, vice-president brand building at Unilever, the campaign’s founding partner

.http://www.thedrum.com/news/2014/10/14/dove-tackles-body-anxiety-be-real-body-confidence-everyone-drive

Home remedies for teething babies

What many of us may not know is that some babies are born with their first teeth? It is not uncommon for a baby’s first teeth to develop while still in the womb! But if your baby hasn’t been born with teeth, the teething process will usually start when he is six months, although the timing depends from baby to baby. But don’t be alarmed if your baby starts teething as early as four months or as late as after 12 months. Most children will have all their deciduous teeth by the time they are two and a half years old. 

Teething symptoms also vary from baby to baby. Some babies may not feel any pain during this period while others can show quite severe symptoms. But why does teething sometimes bring along unwanted issues? The explanation is that, the new milk or deciduous teeth try to make their way up through the gums because of which there is movement in the jaw bone, resulting in pain. Pain can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as a raised temperature, reddened gums, poor appetite, irritability and restlessness, excessive dribbling, facial rash, red lips, chewing on objects and disturbed sleep.

Sometimes babies also start to develop mouth blisters or ulcers while teething. This condition is called mouth blister teething. It happens because, when the teeth are trying to make their way out, a little bleeding occurs under the delicate skin, causing a small blood blister or bruise on the gum area. These blisters go away when the teeth have erupted. Do not cut or try to remove the blisters. No treatments are usually required but consult a dentist if the blisters have been there for a month but the tooth has not come through. 

Teething is a natural process and mostly can be treated at home. Here are some home remedies for teething in babies – 

• Teething toys and necklaces – if your child is teething, he will start chewing on anything he finds. Make sure he has the right toys to help with the teething process. There are loads of teething toys available in the market that are safe and developed especially for teething babies.

• Cold drinks – if your baby is over six months, and it is safe for him to drink water. Give him cold water in his bottle to help numb the pain, if any. Make sure you consult a medical health professional before, as cold water can cause a common cold.

• Cold food – if you have already introduced foods to your baby, try giving him chilled foods such as blended peaches, applesauce and yoghurt to ease gum aches and irritability.

• Vanilla essence – has calming properties that will help soothe your baby’s aching gums. Take a dab of vanilla essence on your finger and gently rub this liquid on the gums.

• Oils – clove and olive oil together can work to relieve tooth-related problems. Clove oil, though, is very potent and should be diluted and mixed with olive oil before rubbing gently onto the baby’s gums.

• Breastfeeding – babies instinctively want to nurse more during teething. Skin contact and breastfeeding help in relieving teething pain. Your baby not only receives nourishment from breast-milk but it is also very comforting, which further aids to alleviate the symptoms.

• Keeping it dry – your baby might drool more than usual due to teething, which can sometimes result in a red rash around the lips and chin. You can topically apply a mild emollient like almond or sunflower oil to avoid the skin from 

Teething : What you need to know by Sam Malone


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/articles/411/dental-fitness/teething-what-you-need-to-know.html

Cat allergies - how to help your children

It is so distressing when chidren start to show allergic symptoms and the much loved family pet becomes suspect! Catster tells us what to do in the article  "Ten relief strategies for kids who have cat allergies."

Sometimes parents don't know their child has an allergy to a pet until the little one is toddler-aged. Our cats never affected our daughter, but when she was around age three, we participated in a local walk-for-animals fund-raiser and she spent a good part of the day petting some of the canine walkers ... and then rubbing her face. We initially had no idea what was happening when her face became red, itchy and so puffy that she couldn't open her eyes. She'd been around dogs, but not so many of different types all at once.

We raced to urgent care and eventually discovered that she did indeed have an allergy to some dogs. We also learned that if one or both parents have allergies of any kind, the child is likely to develop them as well. My husband has eczema, which flares from various triggers (none of them animal-related). Consequently, our daughter went on to develop eczema as well.

We have friends and family with dogs and we didn't want to avoid them, so we began researching ways we could help our daughter avoid allergic reactions. We discovered there was a lot we could do and much of it applied to both cat and dog allergies. 

One point I can't emphasize enough is that you do not have to rehome your cat if your child starts sneezing. There are many strategies you can use to create happy cohabitation with both cats and children with sensitivities. Here are 10 tips for helping your child cope with feline allergies.

http://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-allergies-allergy-10-relief-strategies-kids

Is your child showing signs of anxiety?

When your usually ravenous child starts refusing food, won't settle at bedtime and loses interest in the games or toys he/she used to love, it's a sure sign that something is causing them anxiety. And that's enough to start any parent worrying and create a cycle of stress and aggravation. Kelly the (Reformed) Idealist Mom has written an article about "8 Surefire Ways to Calm an Anxious Kid". Here is an extract on one of the ways she suggests:

1. Name the Bad Feelings

This suggestion came from our doctor, and it’s a common tip for anxious kids.

Get your kid to think up a silly name for the bad feelings they’re having. For example: Bob.

Then tell your kid to boss those bad feelings around.

“Bob, stop making me feel like that!”

Or: “Go away, Bob!”

(I suggested that Abby name her bad feelings “Voldemort.” She decided to stick with “Bob” instead)

http://idealistmom.com/2014/10/calm-anxious-kid/