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How to create a toxin free nursery

Posted on July 27, 2014

Mothers and fathers take pride in bringing their little one home to a cozy, beautiful and safe nursery. The flurry around creating the perfect nursery can overwhelm everything else. Babies are quite delicate and super sensitive to their new surroundings, so we want to try our very best to take every precaution to protect our treasured little bundle from harmful agents.

Outside the protection of the home, there is not much you can control. You can’t control how the air smells, or the exhaust from car that drives down the road, or the particular person nearby who is sick. You make every attempt to keep your baby away from hazards, but you take a chance each time baby is outside. At home however you can keep your baby’s nursery safe, sanitary and totally free from dangerous toxins.

Cleaning

Keeping your nursery clean is essential to providing a safe environment for your baby.

Make sure you regularly clean your carpets using a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. The filter will help eliminate the majority of harmful pathogens, allergies, dust particles, pet dander and more.

According to a 2002 U.S. Geological Survey, 80% of cleaning products leave behind a residue that may include antibiotics, synthetic hormones, pesticides, etc. That is a poor exchange for germ-free surfaces! These chemical substances can be very harmful if ingested or inhaled and can affect the development of your baby’s immune system.

Go to the store and find cleaning products that are ‘non-toxic.’ They are just as effective as their toxic counterparts and smell significantly better. You can also try home remedy cleaning solutions that are tremendously less costly and totally free of poisonous residue.

Crib Bedding

Your crib bedding is the last thing your baby sees before bedtime and the first thing your newborn sees when he/she wakes up. Your newborn will spend about two-thirds of their day in the crib, so selecting safe baby crib sets and taking appropriate care of it should be one of your top priorities.

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No really…do you have a Favorite Child?

Posted on July 25, 2014

Attorney and Blogger Darcy Shapiro penned a recent HuffPo piece titled, “I Have a Favorite Child. Admit it, So do you” that a friend recently sent me.

From the clickbait headline, I assumed she would be sharing the fact that she preferred or liked one of her kids over her others and was challenging other parents to admit that they too have a fave kid.

Some of us, like me, who watch reality TV a lot, may recall a somewhat cringe-worthy moment when Kris Jenner proudly announced that her daughter Kim was her favorite. Way to go to confirm any insecurities or self-doubt those other five kids you gave birth to may feel about there mom! Sheesh!

Anyway, the HuffPo piece wasn’t what I expected. Rather, it was Shapiro explaining how through the ups and down of her day, she had an appreciation and love for one child’s positive behavior while maybe was frustrated over another, but that shifted throughout the day and everyday.

Good for her, but come on. Let’s be really, real!

Many of us have that one kid we always boast about to our friends, or whose photo we share more in social media than the others. Clearly, to others who know we have more than one child, it must appear that we have a preference.

And in real life, among friends, we may unknowingly complain more about our troubles or frustration with one kid, while only sharing laudatory news about another kid. We may lean into one child more at events or put an arm around that one child more.

If you recognize that you may be guilty of showing favoritism, here is a way to confirm it: ask a close friend if they think you have a favorite based on that friend’s observation of you and your children’s interactions. Listen and get their honest opinion. The answer may surprise you.

Then if it turns out that you appear to favor one kid over another to the outside world, chances are the kids pick up on your cues and think so too. That is not cool and you may want to give yourself a gut check and then shift your behavior, tone, language and decisions to adjust.

I know I do and like Shapiro, try to tell each kid they are my favorite 9 year old or daughter (when I only have one daughter). I also try to have one-on-one mommy and me time or dates. I shower them with random compliments, periodically, and tell them I love them often so they don’t ever have a chance to doubt…um you know, to off balance those many other times when they’re driving me up the wall and may say something crazy like, “Quit driving me crazy! Do you want your mom to end up in an insane asylum?!” (ha!)

Many adults grow resenting a parent because they may have felt that parent did not like them as much as a sibling. It’s the stuff that emboldens intense sibling rivalry or resentment.

Further, Subconscious awareness about parental bias can have an impact on a child’s relationships and behavior as they grow. They may act out with more outrageous negative behavior to at least get noticed or may do the opposite: be reclusive and choose not to share or be open and honest with that parent. None of that is good.

Just something to think about, parents as we go about this challenging process of trying to raise good kids.

Your thoughts?

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5 summer backyard dangers for toddlers & preschoolers

Posted on July 21, 2014

Summer brings a lot of opportunities for outdoor play, but with that it also brings opportunities for a lot of injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each summer 2.3 million children visit the emergency room due to accidents around the grill, pool, and play set. As parents and caregivers plan to spend time outdoors with toddlers and preschoolers, they should be aware of these 5 summer backyard dangers.

1. Wading pools. While some parents and nannies may think less water means less danger, according to research from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the United States every five days a child drowns from being submerged in a portable pool during the summer months. In addition to closely supervising children when they are in a portable pool, parents and caregivers must be vigilant about avoiding distractions, like answering the phone or socializing with neighbors, when the children are playing in and around wading pools. Most of the children who drowned were under the age of five.

2. The sun. To avoid sunburn or too much sun exposure, be sure to apply sunscreen to the children anytime they are playing outdoors. While it can be tempting to only put on sunscreen when the children are at the beach, in the pool, or only on sunny days, make putting sunscreen on a priority anytime the children are playing outdoors. Waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 should be applied before heading outdoors and reapplied every 90 minutes for the best coverage. Dressing children in hats, swim suits, and clothes that offer UPF protection can also prevent sunburn. Preventing sunburns is the key to preventing skin cancer.

3. Play structures. Backyard play structures can pose many hazards, especially if they aren’t age-appropriate for the children who are playing on them. Be sure that the play structures are designed for the ages of the children using them. Parents and caregivers should also regularly inspect the equipment for dangers, including loose or protruding bolts, broken parts, and any stability issues. Many home play structures are placed directly on the grass, rather than on an impact-absorbing surface like shredded rubber or wood chips. Parents should opt for proper ground surface covering when installing new play structures.

4. Bug bites and bee stings. For young children, getting a bug bite or a bee sting can be a traumatic experience. Unlike adults, toddlers and preschoolers don’t have the self-control needed to not itch or touch the damaged and irritated skin. As a result, infections can occur. When outside, consider applying insect repellent on children to prevent bug bites. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that DEET based repellents (with no more than 30% DEET) be applied to children aged 2 months and over once per day. Avoid putting repellent on the children’s hands and close to their eyes, ears, and mouths. Insect repellent should also only be used on exposed skin and it should be washed off with soap and water once indoors.

5. Garden hoses. Many garden hoses, especially older ones or ones with brass fittings can contain high levels of lead. Lead in any amount is unsafe for children. Lead ingestion can lead to brain damage and developmental problems. Avoid allowing children to drink from hoses that say “do not drink” on them. Since children often drink the water in kiddie pools, it’s a good idea for parents and caregivers to only use water from hoses that are safe to drink out of to fill them.

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Tips for Monitoring Kids’ Digital Devices (INFOGRAPHIC)

Posted on July 18, 2014

According to a recent Nielsen survey, 70 percent of teens aged 13 – 17 now use smartphones. Monitoring the smartphones, tablets, laptops, game consoles and other devices can be a struggle for parents.

The makers of the device management app MORE have tried to solve the problem by creating platform which allows parents to remotely access, control and monitor all of their family’s devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones, iPads, etc.). MORE founders state their app is perfect for those who use their devices for both work and home.

Check out this infographic they’ve assembled to help frame the dilemma:

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10 Tips for Staying Cool During a Heat Wave

Posted on July 16, 2014

Many areas in the country are currently suffering under a heat wave. Thank goodness for the nanny.net tips for staying cool during a heatwave. Phew! You too should keep these tips in mind if you find yourself living in a heat advisory this summer:

If you’re facing a heat wave, consider these 10 things:

1. Avoid the heat. Stay out of the sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If you do venture out, be sure everyone has sunscreen and hats on.

2. Turn on the AC. Air conditioning can be a real lifesaver for those facing a heat wave. If you don’t have air conditioning, fill a pan with ice, put a box fan in front of it, and sit in front of the cool air.

3. Stay hydrated. During a heat wave it is essential that everyone stays adequately hydrated. Be sure to drink and offer lots of water and fruit juice. Adults should avoid anything with caffeine or alcohol, as both are considered diuretics.

4. Wear loose clothing. Light, breathable clothing will help keep you cool during hot and humid weather. Remember, the looser the fabric weave, the less protection it offers from the sun.

5. Shut the windows and draw the shades if it’s hotter outside than it is inside. If it is cooler inside than it is outside, keep it that way by closing the windows and shades. Light colored drapes may be more effective at keeping the heat out than darker or metallic colored ones.

6. Take cool baths or showers. Don’t underestimate the power of a cool bath or shower. A cool bath or shower can offer a refreshing break to the heat.

7. Avoid strenuous activity. Don’t overdo it during a heat wave. During a heat wave, you’ll want to skip yours and the kids exercise routine and keep active outdoor activity to a minimum.

8. Create indoor fun. From playing board games to doing arts and crafts, there are lots of fun things you can do inside with the kids during a heat wave. Older kids may enjoy playing card games and younger kids may enjoy coloring, cutting, and pasting to make their own artful creations. Watching movies together is another way to beat the heat.

9. Eliminate additional sources of heat. Incandescent light bulbs, appliances, and computers can throw off heat. Shut off and unplug all nonessential electronics during a heat wave to minimize the extra heat that is added to the environment. Instead of turning the oven on to cook, opt for simple suppers like cereal, sandwiches, or other items that don’t require using the oven or stove.

10. Head out for cooler fun. If the kids get cabin fever, consider heading out for an indoor adventure. Head to a family movie, go for a walk around the mall, take a swim at an indoor pool, or visit other family-friendly, air conditioned venues for something fun to do.

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Summer: 10 Fun Activities to do At Home

Posted on July 15, 2014

This summer, finding fun things to do to keep the kids entertained and busy and off electronic devices can be a challenge. Courtney DeFeo, author of “In This House, We Will Giggle: Making Virtues, Love, and Laughter a Daily Part of Your Family Life” , offers parents a practical approach of how to instill virtues in their children through laughter, rather than lecture.

Joke Telling. Grab a pretend microphone and host an open joke night.
Game Night. Gather the entire family and choose one family friendly board game.
Movie Time. Each person acts out a scene from your favorite movie.
Swim Indoors. Fill up a bathtub, slip into your swimsuits, and pretend you’re at beach!
Design a Fort. Build a fort with sheets and dining chairs.
Best Costume Contest. Kids dress up in their parents’ clothes and accessories.
Daddy Disco. Play an old ’80s tune and pull out your craziest dance moves for the kids.
Mom’s Soprano Solo. Sing the menu for the evening in an operatic style.
Hide-n-Seek. Play a daytime game in the house—or at nighttime using flashlights.
Balancing Act. Find things to balance on your head, nose, toe, etc.

Have Fun!

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Should Married couples sign Pregnancy “Prenups” ?

Posted on July 15, 2014

Over at Slate‘s Doublex Blog, writer Rebecca Onion has again proposed the idea of having her husband sign a version of the marital prenuptial agreement called the “Pregnancy Prenup.” She pens:

People get prenups. What about drawing up a pre-pregnancy contract? (Not, under any circumstances, to be called a “prepup,” as my husband joked.) Wouldn’t a not-at-all legally binding document, outlining expectations and setting a course for periodic re-examination of the division of labor, alleviate my fears, and prevent aggravation, or fights, or divorce, in the future?

I find that any number of life challenges are more palatable when drained of their emotional content through quantification. Terrifying deadline? Take a realistic look at the number of work hours available before filing, and divide the work into those chunks. Feeling disorganized? Make inventories of the things we have in the storage space. My husband would naturally adopt a much more spontaneous approach to our daily life, but it’s that very looseness that worries me; in a “spontaneous” household, I observe, work tends to revert to the less spontaneous person, who is often the person who’s culturally expected to carry it out. Above all, there’s no such thing as “natural” when it comes to domestic arrangements. A baby would seriously increase the need for planning in our house. Why not start now?

There is a list of things I’d want if we had a kid. I’m a writer with a very flexible schedule—just the kind of mom whose work time gets bitten into when a child care crisis arises. Could I ask for a guarantee that I could have six (seven? eight?) hours a day to myself, for work, no matter how inconvenient that arrangement gets for him? Could I stipulate that he would need to be done with work at 6 or 7 p.m., rather than his current workaholic quitting time of 9:30 or 10—again, no matter what mitigating factors might arise? Could we acknowledge the unfair cultural expectation that allows fathers to take time for leisure, while denying the privilege to mothers, and try to change that in our own lives through planning? Could I ask for him to learn to cook and shop for groceries, so we could split that 11-hour-a-week burden?

Read the entire lengthy and interesting piece at Slate and come back and tell us what you think.

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National Ice Cream Month: 16 Kid-Friendly Ice Cream Treats to make with the Kids

Posted on July 14, 2014

July is National Ice Cream Month!

We are in the heat of the summer. It’s a perfect time to indulge in some creamy and yummy ice cream treats! Stores like ColdStone Creamery, Rita’s and Khory’s offer tasty options when we are out on the boardwalk at the beach or at the mall.

But what can be even more fun is if you get the kids involved in the creation at home. As part of a paid campaign with our partners Foodie.com, we have put together for your resource and reference a collection of 16 amazing and easy to make Kid-Friendly Ice Cream Treat recipes!

Take a look and do share with us how they turned out!

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Over 60 restaurants where kids eat free

Posted on July 12, 2014

While all points sign to a rise in the economy, times are still tough for many. But besides that, whenever families can save money by eating out at places where their kids can eat free, the better.

Compliments of Bob’s Deals, we’ve got a pretty good comprehensive listing for you to check out of the places where kids eat free. Participation may vary, so be sure to call ahead and check with your local chain.

Applebee’s: Kids eat free on a select day of the week. Participating locations only; day of week varies by location.
Arriba Mexican Grill: Kids eat free all day on Sundays. One free kids’ meal per paying adult.
Bennigan’s: Kids eat free on a select day of the week. Participating locations only; day of week varies by location.
Back Yard Burgers: Kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult combo meal.
Bob Evans: Kids eat free on Tuesdays after 4 p.m. with the purchase of an adult meal.
Brewzzi: Kids 12 and under eat free on Mondays; up to to kids eat free for each adult meal of at least $12.
Carrows: Kids 10 and under eat free after 4 p.m. One free kids’ meal for each paying adult.
C.B. & Potts: Kids eat free all day on Thursdays.
Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen: Kids eat free here on Thursdays. Up to two kids get a free meal for each paying adult.
The Chartroose Caboose: Kids eat free all day on Thursdays with purchase of an adult meal of at least $8.
Chevy’s Fresh Mex: Kids eat free all day on Tuesday. One free kids’ meal for each paying adult.
Chick-fil-A: Kids eat free on Tuesdays between 5:30-7:30 p.m. with the purchase of an adult combo meal. NOTE: some locations charge $0.99 per kids meal.
Chicken Out Rotisserie: Kids eat free all day on Friday with the purchase of an adult meal.
Cici’s Pizza: Kids under 3 eat free every day.
Cinzetti’s: Kids under 12 eat free between 5-9 p.m. on Mondays.
Cody’s Original Roadhouse: Kids eat free at Cody’s on Tuesdays. Limited to kids 10 and under; two kids eat free for each paying adult.
Culver’s: Kids 12 and under get a free frozen custard with the purchase of a meal (valid daily).
Damon’s Grill: Kids eat free all day on Wednesdays. One kids’ meal per paying adult.
Denny’s: Kids eat free at Denny’s on Tuesdays from 4-10 p.m. (at some locations, Saturdays, too). Up to two kids get a free meal for every paying adult.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Kids eat free all day on Sundays; drinks included.
Famous Dave’s: Kids 12 and under eat free all day on Tuesdays. NOTE: Some locations may charge $0.99 for kids meals, and some may use Mondays as their kids eat free day
Firehouse Subs: Kids eat free all day on Wednesdays. One free kids’ meal for each adult combo meal purchased.
Fudruckers: Kids eat free on Mondays between 5-9 p.m.
Go Roma: Kids eat free all day on Sundays. Two free kids’ meals per paying adult.
Golden Corral: Kids 10 and under eat free on Mondays from 5-9 p.m. Two free kids’ meals per paying adult.
Hooters: Kids eat free from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays.
IHOP: Kids eat free on Mondays from 4-8 p.m. One free kids’ meal for each paying adult; drinks not included.
IKEA: At some IKEA locations, kids eat free at the food court on Tuesdays. There are also some specials throughout the year.
Jason’s Deli: Kids eat free all day on Wednesdays. One free kids’ meal per paying adult.
Jeffery’s Sports Grill: Kids eat free all day on Wednesdays. One free kids meal per paying adult.
The Locker Room: Kids eat free on Thursdays from 4-9 p.m.
Lone Star Steakhouse: Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. Two free kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult meal.
Little Bitty Burger Barn: Kids under 10 eat free all day on Wednesdays. Two free kids’ meals for each paying adult (with drink purchase).
Maggiano’s Little Italy: Kids under 5 eat free all day on Saturday.
Moe’s Southwest Grill: Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. One free kids’ meal per paying adult.
Norms: Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. One kids’ meal per paying adult, drinks not included.
On The Border: Kids receive a free sundae with meal purchase (valid daily).
Perkins: Kids eat free on Wednesdays. One free kids’ meal for each paying adult.
Piccadilly: Kids under 6 eat free all day on Fridays.
Pizza Hut: Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays.
Pizza Street: Kids under 10 eat free on Tuesdays. One free kids meal per paying adult; offer limited to cheese pizza only.
Planet Sub: Kids eat free all day on Sundays. One free kids’ meal for each paying adult.
Ponderosa Steakhouse: Kids eat free on Tuesdays after 4 p.m. Two free kids’ meals for each adult meal purchased.
Qdoba Mexican Grill: Kids eat free on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Red Brick Pizza: Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. One free kids’ meal per paying adult.
Red Robin: Kids 10 and under eat free on Mondays.
Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina: Kids eat free all day on Thursdays with a paying adult.
Shari’s: Kids eat free from 4-9 p.m. on Saturdays.
Shoney’s: Kids under 4 eat free all day on Fridays (with paying adult).
Steak ‘n Shake: Kids eat free on Sundays. One free kids’ plate for every $9 adult purchase. Dine-in only.
Texas Land & Cattle Steak House: Kids eat free from 11-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Two free kids’ meals per paying adult.
Texas Roadhouse: Kids eat free on a select day of the week. Participating locations only; day of week varies by location.
TGIFriday’s: Kids eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays.
UNO Chicago Grill: Kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal.
White Castle: Kids eat free on Sundays from 4-8 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal over $4.

Kids Eat Almost Free

The following restaurants aren’t quite free, but they’re close enough to warrant inclusion.

Buffalo Wild Wings: On Mondays, the kids’ menu is $0.99 from 5-8 p.m.
Fazoli’s: On Tuesdays, kids’ meals are $0.99 each from 5-8 p.m. Offer valid for up to two kids meals per adult entree.
Fire Mountain: On Thursdays, get kids’ buffets for $0.99. Offer valid for kids 11 and under; up to two kids’ buffets per adult buffet.
Luby’s Cafeteria: On Wednesdays, kids under 10 eat for $2. Offer valid after 2 p.m.
McAlister’s Deli: Kids’ meals are $0.99 everyday at select locations.
Old Country Buffet: On Thursdays, get kids’ buffets for $0.99. Offer valid for kids 11 and under; up to two kids’ buffets per adult buffet. Offer also valid at some HomeTown Buffet locations.
Ryan’s: On Thursdays, get kids’ buffets for $0.99. Offer valid for kids 11 and under; up to two kids’ buffets per adult buffet.
WhichWich Superior Sandwiches: On Mondays and Saturdays, kids’ meals are $0.99 with the purchase of a 7″ Wich. Offer valid for kids 12 and under.

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Disney beats Apple & Google to the Smart Wearables market

Posted on July 10, 2014

This week, Samsung and LG launched wearable smart watches and beat Apple to the market for delivering its anticipated iWatch.

But how about Disney World in Orlando Florida beat them all to the punch! That’s right, those staying at a hotel in the popular vacation destination resort have the option to purchase waterproof “Magic Bands” to make their visit totally digital. You can also purchase the wrist bands on site at the various parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom or the water parks; and use them in Downtown Disney.

With the wrist bands, wearers can seamlessly go on rides, sign up for their FastPass, buy food and merchandise and even get their photo taken while on a ride once a sensor recognizes they are wearing the wrist band. The bands are good at the hotels, restaurants and are connected to a credit card. It could replace the need to take your keys and wallet and is in essence a digital ID.

The Magic Bands currently cost $12.95 (plus tax) and are available in seven colors and can be blinged out for extra. At check out, the MagicBand are linked to your park tickets.

Of course, with this technology, it didn’t take neurotic privacy wonks to lament in a Time article how the wristbands are like the spying United States National Security Agency (NSA), in that they can track every move. Sure you can get into your hotel room by just tapping your wristband at the door, but do you want that convenience of not having to be weighed down when you know Disney may be tracking your and your kids’ preferences?

Um….. There are a lot of parents and Disney lovers who will gladly turn in a little bit of privacy in exchange for a less burdened and easier time maneuvering around a sprawling campus all day.

Sign us up! ha!

photo: Disney.com

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Kids Eat Almost Free