Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 53

Conflict to Compromise

by Julia Cook MS

“I want it!”

“No, I want it!”

“I had it first…let go!”

“No, you let go, it’s my turn!”

“It’s my turn!”

“But I had it first!”

“Hey, that’s not fair!”

“WAAAAAAH!!!!”

Two kids + 1 bottle of bubbles = BIG problem!

Sound familiar?

I watched from across the driveway as my granddaughters went at it! My first instinct was to go into the house and pull out another bottle of the bubbles that was stashed in the closet, then both girls could each have their own. Boy, am I glad I didn’t do that!

A few minutes later, my son stepped in…

“Hey girls, that’s enough. I think this bottle of bubbles wants both of you to have a turn. Let’s compromise and flip a coin. Heads, CJ goes first, tails Zoey goes first. Then I’ll set my watch timer so you can know when it’s time to switch turns. Deal?”

“Deal!” (both girls shouted in unison).

“Awe! Zoey always gets to go first! That’s not fair!!!”

“CJ, life doesn’t always seem fair… and that’s OK!”

What a proud mommy moment! My little boy understands compromise – granted he is 32. But more importantly, he is teaching his kids one of the most powerful people skills on the planet!

The ability to compromise is vital to fostering healthy human relationships. When conflicts arise and people disagree, human relationships become stressed. Having the skill set to negotiate a solution that works for everyone involved can be an absolute game changer! A person who knows how to compromise effectively will be able to build healthier relationships in all aspects of life: at home, with friends and within the workplace.

Learning to master the art of compromise requires a lot of practice. Although kids grow up being very self-aware, developing an awareness for the needs and wants of others takes time…and work! If you can create situations that allow your children to truly “feel” empathy, becoming a compromise expert is much more attainable. Ask your child questions like,

How does what you want affect others?

How do your actions make other people feel?

Try to be (the other kid) for a minute. What does he/she want? Why?

To effectively learn compromise, a child must understand both its meaning and its value:

Meaning – Compromise does not mean surrendering something of value just to maintain peace. It’s an agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.

Value – All human relationships must have trust and communication thrive. Being able to compromise builds on both. A person who knows how to compromise effectively takes everyone into consideration, and people are very attracted to those who are mindful of the needs and wants of others.

All great leaders know how to compromise because that is one of the things that makes them great!

There are several things parents and teachers can do to help foster the learning of compromise.

1. Allow children to express their wants and needs:

What do you want?

What are you willing to give up to get it?

Can you live with your decision?

2. Keep in mind that it is healthy and natural toargue, process, and resolve. Allow your child to formulate a solid argument as to what their situational end goal is. Try to guide them toward viewing the situation without emotion. Sticking to simple logistics allows kids to see and understand both sides of an argument more effectively, making compromise easier.

3. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, reiterate the fact that FAIR DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN EQUAL (some grownups still haven’t learned this).

4. Try to view compromise as a WIN-WIN vs a WIN-LOSE. That means that each person has to give up a part of what they have to get what they want. No pain, no gain!

5. It is very important for children to always remember there are times when they DON’T COMPROMISE! That means never saying yes to a bad situation that is harmful, not safe, not wise, or goes against their morals and values.

6. Always remember… actions speak louder than words. You are your child’s compromise instructor and you are being watched continually. Allow your kids to see you argue, process and resolve issues.

A little later that afternoon I overheard my son and his wife talking, again from across the driveway.

“I mowed last week. It’s your turn to do it.”

“I’ve done it a ton more than you have, besides I have a lot of other stuff to do. You should do it.”

Then I heard CJ say, “I think this mower wants both of you to help it cut the grass. Why don’t you flip a coin? Dad… heads you start, tails Mommy starts. Then set your watch timer and take turns.”

Conflict to compromise!

Mission accomplished!

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The article Conflict to Compromise by Julia Cook MS appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

How to Help Children Express Themselves to the Fullest

by LouAnn Moss

Self-expression is paramount to any child’s healthy development. If you want them to truly feel comfortable in their own skin, the creativity and freedom that self-expression brings is key. There are so many ways to foster this, and each one will bring your child greater joy, comfort, and confidence in themselves. Here’s how to help children express themselves and achieve their fullest potential.

Bring out their artistic side

The arts are a wonderful way to foster self-expression and identity. There are so many reasons to support art programs, and one of the biggest is that they give your child a way to express themselves. Through art, kids can translate their thoughts, feelings, and interests into a visual medium, which can make those emotions less scary. Plus, all those creative pieces will give them something to be proud of and to show off.

Let them dictate their own hobbies

Even if all the other kids join the soccer team, that doesn’t mean your kid has to. If they’ve shown repeated interest in another hobby, let them pursue it. This is a great pointer on how to help children express themselves. When you let them pick out their own hobbies, they’ll realize their own choices matter. They will also realize that every kid can have different interest, and that’s a great thing—it creates diverse friendships and people who are all unique.

Teach them that their opinions matter

Opinions are one of the greatest ways we can express ourselves, and they allow us to share our unique viewpoint when we have a conversation with others. While kids may not grasp the more nuanced aspects to sharing opinions, it’s still important to instill in them that their opinions matter. Ask what they think of a certain movie or what their favorite color is. If you let them lead the discussion, you’ll find they’ll light up with their own self-expression in no time. It will also help them realize that each person’s opinion is unique, and that’s something they should be proud of.

Develop individuality with fashion

It’s all too tempting to dress up your kids in perfectly curated, wonderfully matched outfits. It’s better, however, to let them express themselves by picking out their own outfits every so often. This creativity can even extend beyond just their clothes. If they’re in need of a new backpack or pencil bag for school, let them choose something that really speaks to them. Personal style is the perfect way to foster self-expression that can last a lifetime.

For your child to truly feel confident in themselves, they’ve got to learn how to express themselves. This won’t be an overnight process, and it’ll take time for them to realize how important their own individuality and viewpoint are. Don’t let this deter you—each step toward your child’s betterment is well worth the work it takes to get there. If you continue to foster this self-expression, you’ll notice positive changes in your child’s attitude and see all the good it brings to your child’s life.

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The article How to Help Children Express Themselves to the Fullest by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Supporting Your “Heroes In Training”

by Elizabeth Svoboda

Kids can do amazing things. Here’s how to guide them along the way.

Paloma Rambana knew life was unfair for kids like her. As a nine-year-old with a visual disorder called Peters’ Anomaly, she often had trouble seeing words in her classroom or making out faraway objects. Paloma’s parents paid for the support she needed in public school, including a dedicated vision instructor, but she knew other visually impaired students in her state weren’t as lucky. Florida had what people called a “funding gap,” meaning kids from ages 6-13 weren’t getting nearly as much classroom support as younger or older kids.

So Paloma, now 14, decided to take action. With the backing of her family and a local non-profit, she visited the Florida state capital to have dozens of talks with elected officials. She told them about her own experience and why it was so crucial for kids with vision problems to have extra help and classroom technology. Her efforts paid off: After hearing from Paloma and others, Florida lawmakers granted more than $1 million in additional funding for visually impaired kids.

While Paloma’s journey is impressive, it’s also one that almost any kid can emulate. The more bold and determined young people I spoke with while writing my kids’ book The Life Heroic, the more convinced I became that age is no object when it comes to pursuing a heroic goal. In fact, research shows that most heroes—young or old—are ordinary people who summon the grit to do something extraordinary. When kids brainstorm changes they want to make in the world, or prepare themselves to help people in trouble, there are few limits to what they can do.

As a parent, what can you do to sharpen your kids’ heroic instincts without pushing or stage-managing them? Studies of real-life heroes show us that selfless behavior often takes root when young people encounter role models who care about others. Parents are essential in this regard. But when kids hear about people their age who’ve stood up for others in real life, it can help them imagine themselves doing something similar.

While working on my book, I interviewed Juliana Davis, who started a petition when in high school asking Apple to remove the After School phone app from its online store—she’d learned her classmates were using it to bully and harass other students anonymously. I also spoke with Ethan King, whose organization Charity Ball—founded when he was 10—has donated soccer balls to impoverished communities around the world.

Whether young or old, I’ve learned, what most spurs heroes to action is seeing a situation that bothers them so much that they’re determined to fix it. So ask kids if they’ve ever noticed a situation like this. What would they change if they could? Then, challenge them to take one specific step to improve the situation—something that’s well within their reach, like starting a petition or launching a fundraising club at school (have them decide what the step will be!). And to prove you’ve got skin in the game, too, challenge yourself to right an injustice you’ve noticed. You and your kids can check in with each other about the progress you’ve made.

To start a heroic journey, or stand up for someone in trouble, kids also have to feel comfortable standing out in a crowd. So it can be fun to encourage them to do something around others that they’d normally think was off-the-wall. Have them brainstorm about what they want to try. Maybe they’ll decide to wear a rainbow clown wig to school all day, or maybe they’ll want to walk up to grocery store shoppers and compliment them out of the blue. Afterward, talk to them about what the experience was like. Did standing out that way feel as weird as they thought it would? Did that practice help them feel brave enough to stand up for someone else or speak up for what they believe?

When kids begin to flex their courageous muscles early on, as Paloma, Juliana, and Ethan did, they often form habits that carry over into adulthood. If they take action and see that it makes a difference—whether it’s shutting down a bully or starting their own non-profit—they’ll feel confident and capable of taking another stand in the future. Ultimately, they’ll mature into adults who will blow the whistle on corruption or support others in reaching their highest potential.

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The article Supporting Your “Heroes In Training” by Elizabeth Svoboda appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Need Money Help? A List of the Best Types of Loans for Single Moms

by Tammy Jones

There are over 11 million single-parent families in the United States. 80% of those families are headed by women.

While single parents can provide a good life for their kids, there’s no denying that a single mom without a support system is going to have less money than married couples that have two incomes. Consequently, we find that many moms without a partner run into financial hardships.

If you’re a single parent that needs financial help, you’re in the right place. Loans for single moms are available and in this post, we will help you weigh your money-borrowing options.

Before You Start Looking for Loans, Consider Other Means of Assistance

Loans are great in that they serve the purpose of getting you past today’s hardships. Loans can also be destructive though. Predatory interest rates, skyrocketing fees, and fine print have all sent millions of Americans into crippling debt and eventual bankruptcy.

To lessen your financial burden and risk of running into deeper money issues, look into programs like Medicaid and Section 8 to mitigate your healthcare and housing expenses. You can also ask social workers for resources that might help to offset childcare expenses and even the cost of a vehicle.

Loans for Single Moms

If you’ve determined that pursuing a loan is your best financial option, it’s important to be aware of the different types of loans that are available. Below, we step you through a quick list of loan options so you can determine what’s best for your needs.

1. Network-Sourced Loans

One of the few loans you can get that doesn’t carry interest and fees is a loan from family and friends. If you’re lucky enough to have people in your life that love you, let them know that you need financial help.

You might be surprised by how willing your connections are to usher you through difficult periods in your life. Just do your best to not borrow money that you can’t pay back since money disputes can have a horrendous effect on relationships.

2. Unsecured Loans

When borrowing from the people around you isn’t an option, your next best bet is to go to a lender and look for an unsecured loan. Unsecured loans are loans that banks, credit unions and other lending entities give out to borrowers without requesting collateral in return.

In order to get an unsecured loan, having good credit is a necessity. If you have bad or even average credit, this loan may not be a viable option.

Unsecured loans can double as consolidation loans so if you’re looking for a lender to buy your existing debt so you can simplify the number of entities that you’re paying, unsecured loans are worth pursuing.

3. Secured Loans

Secured loans are loans that require collateral. For example, if you had a car that was worth $3000.00 and needed a $2000.00 loan, you could take your car into a secured loans lender and they’d give you the money that you needed with the caveat that if you don’t pay them back, they can take your vehicle.

Not all secured loans need to be backed by cars. You could go into a pawn shop and secure a loan with a necklace, a game console or several other pieces of property.

4. Payday Loans

Payday loans get a bad rap because they are ground zero for aggressive interest rates and fees. Despite that reputation, if you’re in a pinch, have bad credit and need money now, payday loans can help.

With a payday loan, you’ll be required to show lenders that you have a job and a checking account. After that’s sorted, you’ll be able to borrow amounts of money that either match or exceed what you’re planning on receiving on your next paycheck.

5. Business Loans

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur your loans for single moms options extend to business loans. Business loans can be acquired from a number of lenders and some won’t even ask you for a business plan to approve your loan (although having a plan is a good idea).

Websites like KIVA provide free business loans to underserved communities so consider checking out what they might offer you before taking on an interest accruing loan.

6. Crowdsourced Loans

Websites like Upstart, Funding Circle and Lending Club offer people personal loans that are sourced from multiple parties. These loans are called “crowdsourced loans”.

While crowdsourced loans are a borrowing option, the people that fund these loans are investors and as such, will charge you interest on borrowed money. Crowdsourced loan providers also have strict credit and income requirements so if you’re hurting in both of those areas, you’ll almost certainly be turned down.

If you have substantial income, some crowdsourcing lenders may overlook credit issues.

Loans for Single Moms Can Help You Beat Adversity and Start on a Brighter Path

Being a single mom is hard. Being a single mom that’s having financial trouble is even harder.

Loans for single moms are a solution to immediate financial problems that can help people like you take steps out of today’s turmoil and hopefully move towards a brighter tomorrow.

Remember, before your turn to loans, look into government options that may be able to help. Loans are great but free assistance is a lot better.

Craving more helpful content on a variety of subjects that matter most to moms? If you are, our team has you covered. Dive deeper into our digital publication and read the newest content that we have uploaded, today!

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The article Need Money Help? A List of the Best Types of Loans for Single Moms by Tammy Jones appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Am I a Bad Mom if I Don’t Let My Kid Play Fortnite?

by Chris Ferguson (Psychology Professor)

A common question I get from mothers involves whether it’s ok to let their kids play aggressive video games and, if so, at what age.  It’s a difficult question to answer because every family and child is different and what works for one family may not be right for another.  Further, the question overlaps both moral and health related concerns.  For instance, it’s entirely possible that a 6-year-old playing Grand Theft Auto V would have no impact on their aggression, but most of us would probably agree the game has so much adult content that it would be morally inappropriate for such a young child.

The good news is that, either way, whether a mom decides to be more or less restrictive, neither decision is likely to damage a child in terms of their mental development.  People tend to like to complain about media and, too often, shame those who make decisions that are different from their own.  Indeed, I tend to find that advocacy of government censorship or regulation of media tends to have less to do with helping one’s own family and more with forcing other families to make decisions we want them to make.  This is likely one of the factors that has fueled a lot of misunderstanding about aggressive game effects.

In a just published study in Psychiatric Quarterly  I examined the impact of aggressive game playing on serious aggressive behavior among 1340 Chinese adolescents.  Playing more aggressive video games was not a risk factor for youth aggression.  This study joins an increasing number of longitudinal studies that find little or no relationship between aggressive games and real-life aggression.  Indeed, earlier this summer colleague John Wang and myself published another study of over 3000 Singapore youth that found no relationship between aggressive games and a range of aggressive and prosocial outcomes.

The issue of video games is often brought up after mass shootings perpetrated by young men, but this is foolish.  Not all shooters are young men, and the issue of games is generally ignored when shooters are older men or, more rarely, women.  Data from a Secret Service report on school shooters first published in the early 2000s, found that shooters tended to consume relatively lower levels of aggressive games and other media.  Mass homicides are related to mental health (and, contrary to some claims, mental health issues are near universal among mass homicide perpetrators) and the easy availability of firearms among high-risk populations of angry, suicidal individuals.

Video games, whether aggressive or not, are best considered as similar to many hobbies or even sports (indeed eSports are becoming popular.)  They probably don’t do anything astounding, either positive or negative.  They don’t boost IQ or prevent Alzheimer’s on one hand, but don’t lead to any meaningful aggression either.  Of course, people sometimes become frustrated when they’re losing at video games, but we also know people who throw the cards or chessboard across the room when they lose too.

Many youth use games, including aggressive ones, to reduce stress or socialize.  Completely eliminating games can sometimes come at a cost of their own.  Of course, game use should be balanced with homework, sleep, exercise and, for most youth, real-life socialization (some youth with autism or other disorders may be uncomfortable with real-life socialization and prefer online).  Although there’s no firm time limit that works for all kids, setting limits, particularly requiring kids to do other activities first, before using games, is perfectly reasonable.

Mothers may also want to spend some time playing the games their kids enjoy.  This serves several purposes.  First, it’s a fun way to spend time with your child!  Second, it may provide some understanding in what your child enjoys about the games.  It’s a good opportunity to talk about the child’s motivation for gaming on one hand, but also to discuss any concerns about objectionable content that may emerge on the other.  Third, it also gives mothers credibility when they decide a particular game won’t be allowed due to objectionable content.  The worst thing is to overreact to a game based on something read in the news.  News media often hype issues and misrepresent the content of many games.

If you decide to restrict an aggressive game from your family does this make you a bad mom?  Not at all.  Despite all the whining, your kid will most likely be fine.  So too, the kid who’s mom lets him play Grand Theft Auto V will also most likely be fine.  If one is trying to find compromise with a child, it may be fair to start with games with cartoonish violence such as Fortnite before moving to aggressive video games like Call of Duty or, at the outside, Grand Theft Auto (keep in mind that series also tends to have significant sexual content.)  See how it goes and adjust accordingly.  Ultimately, no one knows your child as well as you.  You have to be confident in making the decisions that are right for your family.

For most families, this just won’t be the type of critical issue that determines a child’s mental outcomes.  Frankly, they’ll come across far worse among their peers, certainly starting in middle school.  Preparing kids for how to make good choices in their own lives is ultimately more valuable than attempting to bubble-wrap them from everything negative in the world of adults.  Be informed, be knowledgeable of the ESRB age-ratings for games, talk to your kids about games and everything will be fine.  Or if it’s not, it won’t be games that made it so.

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2 Ways to Make Your Water Healthier

by Tiffany Pratt

Did you know that water could actually be causing you physical problems? You probably know that water is the source of life, and without it, we can’t function correctly. But what you might not realize is that the water from your tap could be causing damage to your hair, skin, and even your physical health. Here are two important things you should do to make water healthier for you.

Invest in a Water Softener

If you live within city limits and notice pink rings around your tub or toilet, you probably have hard water with chemicals that are stripping your hair and skin of important oils. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself having to deep condition your hair more often to keep its shine. The water softener companies Livermore has to offer can help you change the tap water you’re using for showers and baths to be less harsh on your skin and hair, and keep toxic chemicals to a minimum. Speaking with professionals from your area can help you make the right decision for your home, and change the impact of water on your health.

Ditch Tap Water

When it comes to drinking water, you know you should be staying hydrated. But what kind of water should you really be drinking? When it comes to water from your tap, you might be taking a bigger risk than you think. While the EPA typically monitors and enforces strict guidelines on water treatment within city limits, there’s still a chance of contaminants or chemicals causing issues, especially if you’re immunocompromised or pregnant. To be safer, leave the tap water for washing dishes and vegetables and use bottled or filtered water for drinking. Though not all bottled water is equal, you can check the ingredients or the company brands of bottled water to find out the best water for you. Some bottled water is essentially bottled tap water, and you’ll probably be able to taste the difference. As far as filtered water is concerned, you can invest in a filtering system that attaches to your faucet or you can have a filtered water system in your fridge. Some desert areas with notably bad tap water might also have reverse-osmosis filters you can get installed as part of your faucet kit that will help your water feel and taste great.

Though water is an essential part of a healthy life, making sure you know where your water is coming from and what it might be doing to your health is a must. Talk to a professional in your area to figure out whether you have tap water or well water, and do what you can to make your water work for you.

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5 Common Household Problems to Keep an Eye Out For

by LouAnn Moss

There truly is no place like home, but when issues arise, they can be a real pain to deal with. Some issues are more likely to come up than others. It’s best to stay aware of what you should expect, so you can deal with these problems as soon as possible. These common household problems are essential to keep an eye out for to ensure your home stays safe and comfortable.

Hard water

If you notice spots on your dishes, your clothes look dull out of the laundry, or your sinks and faucets continually clog, you may be dealing with hard water. There are multiple differences between hard and soft water, so pay extra attention to your water, and get it checked out if you’re worried. To avoid the unsavory outcomes hard water cause, install a water softener to ensure your faucets run smoothly. There is nothing we need as much as water, so keep yours running smoothly and in pristine condition.

Pests

You never know when you’ll stumble upon a creepy crawler in your own home. Whether it’s rodents, bugs, or even birds, you don’t want to let the critters sneak into your house and make it their territory. If you hear any strange noises, or spot a pest running about, nip the problem in the bud quickly, and utilize a pest control service. It’s especially essential to keep an eye out during the winter; that’s when critters will look for a warm place to hide out.

Mold

Mold is a common household problem that many homeowners have to deal with. Both bothersome and potentially hazardous for one’s health, mold comes in many forms and is often caused by leaks. Mold is especially dangerous for the elderly and young children, so get that taken care of quickly by a professional. It’s easy for it to resurface if it’s not disposed of properly, so take all the necessary steps to banish it for good.

Roof damage

With its pronounced exposure to the elements, your roof is one of the most vulnerable areas of your home. Whether due to unruly birds, excessive snow and ice, or a stray tree falling on your roof, there are many potential issues it can experience. To stay ahead of less obvious damage, you should have routine roof maintenance performed. If a larger issue arises, get that taken care of right away, so you don’t face further structural problems.

Plumbing issues

Whether you have a faucet that drips all the time, a tub that drains far too slowly, or a toilet that constantly runs, annoying plumbing issues happen all the time. They come in many shapes and sizes, making them one of the most common—and irritating—household problems. Each issue poses its own headaches, and each will require you to take care of it in a different way. There are many ways to fix these yourself, including tinkering with the toilet or purchasing a drain guard for your shower. If you don’t know where to start, contacting a plumber is your best bet.

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Fun and Fresh Air: Outdoor Activities for the Whole Family

by LouAnn Moss

As summer turns to fall and the wind begins to shift, it’s important that you make the most of those last few fair-weathered days. Grab your family and head outside to enjoy the crisp autumn air with four of the best outdoor activities for the whole family. These activities are a great way to get a bit of exercise and have some fun, all while spending some quality time together as a family.

Play ball

Kick-off autumn with a bit of healthy competition. Organizing a family Olympics is a great way to have some fun and get a bit of exercise at the same time. Your family Olympics can consist of many different sporting events, including baseball, football, and field activities, such as tag or red rover. You can also include less strenuous activities, such as hide and seek or Simon says. If your kids are feeling particularly creative, allow each of them to help design an obstacle course or relay race for your family. Don’t forget to hand out medals during the closing ceremony of your family Olympics.

Take a hike

Gather up the gang and head out on an exciting outdoor adventure to parts unknown. Regardless of your child’s age or fitness level, hiking is a fun and invigorating outdoor activity for the whole family. For older kids, check the National Park Service website to find fun and challenging hikes through a national park near you. If you’re searching for a less-strenuous hike to accommodate younger kids, consider embarking on a nature walk through a local park or forest preserve instead. Many national and state parks even offer special youth-centered programs to teach kids about the different flora and fauna that’s common in their area.

Pitch a tent

There’s no better way to bond as a family and enjoy the beauty of nature than by sleeping under the stars. Camping is a great way to take a much-needed break from electronics and spend some quality time with your family members. Your kids will love the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, grill their own food over the campfire, and truly become one with nature. Can’t make it to a campground this year? Try pitching a tent in your backyard instead. Even if it’s only a few feet from your doorstep, braving the great outdoors as a group is a surefire way to bring your family closer together.

Set sail

Pack up all your worries and cares and hit the deck as you prepare for an exciting sailing adventure with your family. Whether you’re setting sail on the high seas or a local lake or pond, this nautical experience is an adventure your family won’t soon forget. In addition to being an exhilarating experience for children of all ages, sailing with kids can also be incredibly educational. Your kids will get an up-close and personal look at their favorite aquatic animals and can learn the importance of wildlife conservation.

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Get On Top of It Before They Do

by Sarah Field

There is nothing more important to a mom than making sure her child is happy, healthy, and safe. We take so many precautions – from car seat safety inspections to adjusting the temperature of the hot water heater to baby-proofing every room in our homes. We always want to ensure that we’re being proactive in making our child’s environment the safest it can be. Yet many tip sheets, blog posts, and even pediatrician recommendation lists are missing a critical safety precaution in the home – anchoring furniture and televisions to the wall.

Potential furniture and TV tip-over incidents are a hidden danger in the home. I recently received a 12-month developmental and safety checklist from the pediatrician at my son’s one-year checkup, and while there are plenty of notes about lowering the crib mattress, avoiding curtain cords, and locking away medications, there is no mention of anchoring furniture. And even as someone who was aware of anchoring, I’ll admit that when we first had my son, I found myself a bit overwhelmed when I researched baby-proofing tips and saw references to anchoring furniture.  I wondered if anchoring was really necessary, and if it was even something I was capable of doing.

But then I learned that a child dies every 11 days when a TV, furniture, or appliance falls on them. About 70 percent of those fatalities involve children ages 1.5 to 3. In fact, 14,000 children are injured every year due to a tip-over incident, according to the newest report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. These numbers are scary – but these incidents are preventable. Seeing the numbers first hand was more than enough motivation for me to buy anchoring kits  – and what I found upon installing the kits (which were fairly inexpensive) was that it only took about five minutes, and it was a simple process. It gave me peace of mind to know that nothing in our home would tip over on my son as he continued to grow and explore. Our bookshelves, dressers, TVs, and other larger furniture items were securely anchored to the wall.

How I made my home safer

Here are a few things that helped me as I researched and installed anchors in my home – all of these resources are available on CPSC’s Anchor It! website:

This poster has simple steps on how to anchor, what tools you need to anchor furniture, and which items in your home should be secured.
This tip sheet has important reminders, like recycling old, unused TVs and removing attractive items (like toys and remote controls) from the tops of dressers and other furniture.
If you’re looking for a basic check list to use in your home or to share with a friend, I followed this one:
Anchor furniture, such as dressers, armoires, and bookshelves to the wall
Secure TVs to the wall or base/TV stand
Watch this video demonstration to learn more about how tip-overs happen as well as how to easily install anti-tip devices (also known as anchors)
Watch these how to anchor videos for drywall and brick walls
Check for recalls of products that present tip-over hazards

How you can help other families

Since learning about the scary statistics related to tip-over incidents and small children, I’ve become passionate about sharing these resources with other parents in my community.  You can help by passing the above information on to other parents and caregivers you know, along with this new, short video that provides a quick introduction to anchoring for those who may be unfamiliar with it. You can also get involved individually or through a company or organization you belong to as an Anchor It! Advocate or Community Leader.

Anchor It! Advocates and Community Leaders collaborate with CPSC to help raise awareness about the dangers of tip-over incidents in the home. By sharing campaign resources through their own channels, networks, and communities, they help to educate more parents and caregivers about inexpensive ways to prevent tip-over tragedies.  Advocates and Community Leaders include organizations and individuals focused on child and home safety issues, parents/families who have lost children (or whose children have been injured) in tip-over incidents, and industry organizations.

Advocates and Community Leaders collaborate with CPSC to share safety messages related to anchoring, receive support from CPSC in the form of social media and website promotion, and also get access to free safety materials, with the understanding that they’ll distribute those materials within their network. If you’re interested in becoming an Anchor It! Advocate or Community Leader, you can contact CPSC.

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The article Get On Top of It Before They Do by Sarah Field appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Four Important Tips for Parenting a Toddler

by LouAnn Moss

You made it through the infant stage. Your little baby is growing, and you’re hopefully getting more sleep. But now you’re on to the toddler stage, and you may find yourself wondering how to transition to this phase. Are you doing the right thing? Are you setting enough boundaries? Most importantly, are you showing your child enough love, support, and affection? If you’re worried about taking on this next stage of parenting, we’ve listed a few important tips for parenting a toddler below. Don’t worry—you’re more than capable!

Spend Quality Time Together

This tip should last throughout your relationship with your child. Close parent-child relationships start with spending a lot of quality time together. An important aspect of this is to not think too hard about it—just do it! Even though you’re probably exhausted from caring for your toddler, the more time you spend with them, the more affection they’ll see from you.

Know Your Child’s Limits

To help prevent or at least lessen those inevitable tantrums, work on understanding and learning your child’s limits. A lot of the time, toddlers have tantrums because they don’t understand what you’re asking of them. This frustrates them, resulting in temper flares. If you’re trying something new or a bit difficult, take it slow and explain everything thoroughly.

Enforce Consequences

This is vital for parents to remember: sometimes your toddler will break the rules. That’s okay! What’s most important is how you react to that. Encourage your child to cooperate by teaching them that there are consequences for “bad” behavior. Make sure to discourage disobedience by withholding privileges or setting time-outs. Set specific consequences to certain actions—for example, if they don’t pick up their toys, then you’ll take away the toys for a day. Whatever consequences you choose to enforce, make sure to do so consistently.

Teach Empathy

Get this started as soon as possible. Toddlers are rarely aware that things they may find fun (biting, pulling, grabbing toys from children) can hurt somebody else. If the situation is severe enough, you can partner the consequences we talked about above with some empathy-focused statements: “When you bite or pull at people, it hurts them,” or “When you take someone else’s toys, they feel sad.” If the situation isn’t that severe, just stick with the empathy—it helps children realize how their behavior directly affects others.

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The article Four Important Tips for Parenting a Toddler by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.