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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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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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Eco-Friday: 50 Creative Ways UpCycle old products

Posted on June 27, 2014

Most people have loads of old things laying around the house that they just don’t get rid of. How about using them to repurpose, reuse and upcycle those old items into new uses.

You need to go to TwistedSifter‘s blog and check out its very full list of 50 products you can upcycle. Just click through the images to take you to the DIY guide to each item. Here is an image sample of some of the upcyle projects.

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Summer Travel: 10 Tips for Preparing to Travel internationally with your children

Posted on June 24, 2014

International travel, whether for professional, pleasure or personal reasons, can be a daunting prospect when there are children involved. However, as with many other intimidating tasks, much of the worry can be sidestepped with proper planning and preparation. With this in mind, here are 10 tips for preparing children to travel internationally.

Immunizations – Depending on where you’re traveling and what the conditions there are, you and your children may need a round of immunizations to protection from communicable diseases. It’s advised that you make an appointment with your pediatrician to ensure that all immunizations are up-to-date and that any additional vaccinations required for travel are obtained.
Make Passport Arrangements – For children preschool-aged and up, the process of arranging their passports can create an opportunity for discussion and explanations. Walking him through the reasons for each step can help your child understand more about what he should expect and what is expected of him on your trip.
Talk About Personal Space and Sound Boundaries – Children that are old enough to communicate verbally may need a refresher course in what is and is not acceptable behavior in regard to noise levels and personal space boundaries on an international flight.
Fill Out and Explain an Emergency Contact Card – Filling out an emergency contact card with your child’s name, address and pertinent personal information, as well as any emergency contact numbers, while your child is looking on provides the perfect opportunity for explaining what the card is for, and what he should do if he finds himself separated from a parent.
Pack Gas Drops or Other Gas Remedies – Parents of infants should make sure that gas drops, or their favored gas remedies, are packed in a carry-on or diaper bag for quick access; high altitudes cause gases to expand, which can lead to abdominal pain during the flight. Every parent knows that with pain come howls; in these situations, gas drops may be a lifesaver.
Bring Small Toys and Other Diversions – Even the most patient, well-behaved child will experience boredom on a long international flight, and is likely to act out as a result. Packing a favorite small toy or a portable DVD player or taking advantage of in-flight entertainment can help to ease some of this restlessness. Parents who don’t ordinarily allow television or strictly limit it may also want to consider a temporary lift on the screen-time ban, as the novelty of being allowed to watch a movie will boost this diversionary tactics’ effectiveness.
Think Twice About Medication – It can be tempting to give children allergy medication like diphenhydramine to encourage drowsiness on long flights, but parents are advised to exercise this method of control with caution. In addition to the risk of overdose and the questionable wisdom of treating a condition that is not present, diphenhydramine can also have a paradoxical effect on some children, rendering them more active and restless than they would have been without the substance.
Talk to Older Kids About Security Measures – Older kids, tweens and teens who fiercely guard their privacy may benefit from a conversation prior to the trip about airport safety and security regulations, in order to prepare them for what’s to come. Young, first-time fliers are likely to be anxious enough; being surprised by invasive searches can exacerbate that anxiety.
Get to Know One Another – If your first international flight with a child is with one you’ve just adopted from a foreign country, it’s a good idea to stay in her home country for a few days in order to get acquainted; international travel is already nerve-wracking, and even more so for a small child in the presence of utterly unfamiliar adults.
Talk About What to Expect After Deplaning – During the flight, have a discussion about what kids should expect after deplaning in an unfamiliar airport. Instructions for conduct, and plans in the event of separation or unforeseen complications can ease some of the confusion and worry that kids feel just before landing in an unknown place.

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10 Best States to Visit with Kids

Posted on May 29, 2014

Planning a family vacation can be an overwhelming prospect, especially when the budget doesn’t allow for international travel. Fortunately, there are plenty of spots on American soil that can be ideal destinations, and won’t break the bank like touring a foreign country can. Whether your focus is on the great outdoors, sites of historical significance or great museums, these are 10 of the states that offer plenty of exciting spots for visiting families to check out.

Massachusetts – From the rich historical significance of Boston to the unique retail offerings in Northampton, there’s definitely something for everyone in Massachusetts. Walk the Freedom Trail to get a real taste of American history, see the sights at the living history museum of Battleship Cove in Fall River and enjoy winter sports at Butternut in Great Barrington.
Virginia – The close proximity of the nation’s Capital, as well as the wealth of history shared in Colonial Williamsburg make Virginia an ideal family vacation destination. Families with a hankering for history or an affinity for the civil sciences will revel in the many sites Virginia has to offer.
Arizona – The Grand Canyon alone is reason enough to embark on a family vacation to Arizona, but there’s more to this great state than the Skywalk. A treasure trove of museums in nearby Phoenix offers plenty of cultural edification, while the many state parks provide ample opportunity to do a bit of hiking in the desert.
Florida – Disney World may be the Happiest Place on Earth, but Florida also boasts a healthy selection of kid-friendly vacation diversions. Visit the Everglades for an up-close encounter with swamp creatures and get space-crazy kids in on the act with a trip to the Kennedy Space Center. Don’t forget to pack bathing suits and plenty of sunscreen; no matter where you are in Florida, you’re within driving distance of a beach.
Texas – They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and there’s plenty of truth to that statement. World-class shopping in Houston’s Galleria area, rich culture in the Museum and Theater districts and nearby Galveston Island make Houston a great choice for family travel. And if historical sites are more your speed, there’s always the world-famous Alamo in San Antonio!
New York – The Big Apple is certainly packed with more diversions than you’d be able to take in over the course of one vacation, and that’s not including all the wonders of New York State you can see before even entering the city. Niagara Falls and the changing autumn leaves in Upstate New York are reason enough to make the trek; when you factor in NYC sites like Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, it’s almost unbeatable as a family vacation destination.
Tennessee – Outdoorsy families will love visiting Rock City outside of Chattanooga or the rustic charm of the Smoky Mountains. Music lovers can revel in the country sounds of Nashville or the wonders of Memphis. There’s more to Nashville than country music, too. World-class museums like the Frist Center, a booming culinary scene and plenty of nearby state parks make Tennessee an unbeatable choice for family vacations.
California – From the wonders of Disneyland to the majestic redwood forests, California is a veritable goldmine of exciting sites for the visiting family. Wander through Joshua Tree, experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood or spend a day relaxing on the beach. Whatever your fancy, California certainly offers something that will please everyone.
Pennsylvania – The Liberty Bell, Gettysburg and the wonder of Independence Hall are just a few of the can’t-miss attractions in Pennsylvania. Sports fans will love visiting Pittsburgh’s legendary Heinz Field, while every member of the family finds something to love at Hershey Park in Lancaster or the fascinating culture of Amish Country.
Washington – While young fans of a certain vampire love story will clamor to visit Forks, the rich natural beauty of Washington State is reason enough to explore the area. Seattle alone is filled with an impressive array of family-friendly activities, with destinations all over the state to cater to any interest group.

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10 iPhone Apps to help Parents Discipline their Kids

Posted on May 13, 2014

When it comes to Apple’s powerful and popular iPhone, it seems that there’s very little the mobile device isn’t able to streamline and simplify. Thanks to the App Store and the developers that make it great, there are even offerings to help busy parents track and manage parenting and disciplinary tactics. These 10 apps are among the most popular and useful for keeping up with kids’ behavior, as well as the rewards and consequences of their behavioral choices.

1. Positive Parenting Practices – This $3.99 app is geared towards parents who espouse a more lenient, gentle approach to discipline. Positive Parenting Practices is more than an app detailing disciplinary methods, offering valuable insights into the motivation behind kids’ problem behavior and real-life solutions.

2. KidChart – Charts are great tools for tracking kids’ accomplishments, chores and behavior. Unfortunately, they’re also rather difficult to carry in your pocket. That’s where this $0.99 app comes in, putting the power of a full-sized paper chart at your fingertips. KidChart is also an effective way to monitor kids’ daily behavior for later discussion, when cooler heads allow for constructive conversation.

3. hAPPy Family – Encouraging positive behavior on the go is easy with this powerful app, which rewards kids with collectible marbles, ocean animals, treasures, insects or candy when they make the right choices.

4. iGrounded – Teenagers are notorious for pushing boundaries a bit too far in a bid to assert their burgeoning independence. A game of consequences that you’re able to edit and modify to suit your teen’s individual needs, iGrounded is available in the app store for $0.99.

5. iReward – The customizable motivational charts provided by this $4.99 app are designed for use by parents, caregivers and educators to reward good behavior. Traditional rewards, like gold stars, are among the options offered by this simple but powerful application.

6. Timeout – Ultimate Discipline Tool – Tracking the length of a timeout to provide kids a visual representation of how long they are sentenced to this punishment is a snap with this application. The app isn’t loaded with extra features, but it does deliver exactly what it promises.

7. Tymoot – Designed by a parent for parents, Tymoot is a $0.99 app that helps you create and set timeout timers. However, there’s a bit more to this one than meets the eye due to the Wheel of Discipline feature that allows your children to spin the virtual wheel in order to be “sentenced” to one of eight customizable punishments.

8. Caught Being Good – The free CAUGHT BEING GOOD app takes the spinning wheel of chance approach to rewarding kids for undirected good behavior. You can change, add or remove any reward, and also set the probability of a particular one appearing. Surprising your child with an unsought reward for good behavior that you have not requested or directed is an effective method of encouraging her to continue on the right path, even when she doesn’t think you’re there to see her.

9. Positive Discipline – Rather than a traditional punishment and rewards systems, the Positive Discipline approach relies upon a motivational system that helps kids to develop strong moral fiber, character and a sense of self-reliance. Encourage a sense of connection with the respectful, encouraging tone that motivates kids to make the right decisions in their daily lives, autonomously.

10. Rich Kids – Behavior & Reward Contracts for Child Discipline – This $2.99 app combines positive reinforcement parenting tactics with a method of teaching the fundamentals of financial responsibility that helps kids grow into the well-rounded, well-adjusted adults they were meant to become. Suggested for kids between the ages of three and 15, Rich Kids is an effective tracking and incentive tool.

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Youth Sports Safety Month: 6 Kids’ Sports Safety Tips

Posted on April 27, 2014

April is Youth Sports Safety Month. Sports can have a tremendously positive impact on kids’

lives. A positive experience in sports

can benefit a child not only physically, but socially and emotionally. Sadly our current youth sports system is

leading to a number of preventable injuries.

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 3.5 million children under 14

receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year. When it comes to high school athletes, they

are clocking in 2 million injuries a year.

Keep your young athlete safe, healthy and happy with these top six youth sports safety tips tips from the experts at personal coaching company, CoachUp

1. Health, Sleep and Nutrition. Set your child up for a long, healthy career

in sports by making sure they are eating a balanced diet and are sleeping

regularly. Always have your child’s

annual physical up-to-date and be diligent with following up on their doctor’s

orders, especially for children with conditions like diabetes. Never hesitate to bring your child to their

doctor if they are experience pain or feeling ill.

2. Concussion and TBI Awareness. Make sure both you and your athlete are aware

of the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries, as well as, the long term impacts

of such an injury. When in doubt, refer

to the guidelines outlined by the CDC and remember to bring your child to a

medical professional immediately if you suspect your child might have sustained

a TBI.

3. Hydration and Heat Related Illness Awareness. Your child

should always be properly hydrated before participating in any physical

activity. Especially if your child’s sport is rigorous or performed in elevated

temperatures, both you and your athlete should be aware of the symptoms of heat

related illnesses such heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

4. Strength, Conditioning and Flexibility Programs. Particularly for middle to high school

athletes, a well-rounded training program is vital for preventing common

overuse injuries. Your athlete should be diligent about following the strength

and conditioning, and flexibility programs their coach prescribes. Your athlete

might need some extra support with regard accommodations for existing

conditions or injuries or just reviewing proper form, so consider enlisting the

help for a private to work more closely with your child.

5. Sports Performance Stress Management. As your athlete begins to compete they will

become introduced to the stresses of sports performance. You can help your athlete by making your home

a stress-free environment and offering your emotional support. If you think your child is becoming unhealthy

stressed, address the problem with their coach to determine the next best steps

to reduce their anxiety.

6. Rest. Never underestimate the power of rest, whether

that is a nap, a day off from practice

or a short term break from the sport. Burnout is a very common problem with

young athletes so it is important to

foster a nurturing relationship with your athlete so they feel comfortable

approaching you if they need a break.

Following these tips will help ensure that your athlete will

have a long-lasting career and positive experience in sports for years to come.

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Eco Friday: 10 plants your kids should avoid!

Posted on April 19, 2014

It’s Spring gardening season again.

Lush plants and vegetation make for wonderful curb appeal for the home, but whether at home, hiking, playing in the park and about, there are some plants that are not safe for adults, and definitely not kids. Here is a list of 10 plants your kids should avoid. Clip and save.

Poison Ivy: This green plant found in the woods, at the park or almost anywhere should be avoided. Not everyone has a bad reaction to poison ivy, but some people do. Sometimes reaction to poison ivy is a cumulative thing too. The first few times you touch it nothing happens, but the fourth time you could react. It’s best just to steer clear of them.
Poinsettia: This beautiful plant, seen mostly at Christmastime, is highly poisonous if ingested. Your best bet is to keep them up off the floor to keep them away from toddlers and pets.
Cactus: There are some varieties of cacti that have needles that are anywhere from 1-6 inches long and these can be very dangerous for a child to run into while playing. Especially a small child that might be at the right height to get poked in the eye.
Mushrooms and Toadstools: If you serve mushrooms to your children to eat then this caution is especially important. Kids will not know the difference between the kind of mushrooms that they’ve seen in a salad or on pizza and the ones that they see growing in their yard. Most mushrooms found in the wild are poisonous. Children should avoid putting anything into their mouth, but as we know sometimes that is not an easy lesson to teach a toddler who is exploring their world by putting everything into their mouth.
Rhubarb leaves: Now this is a weird one and one that will be hard to explain to your kids. The stalk of the rhubarb is a fruit and it’s edible, but the leaf of the rhubarb stalk is poisonous. I grew up eating rhubarb right out of the garden and I never once tried to eat the big green leafy part, but just make sure to let your child know that they have to cut the leaf off before they eat the stalk.
Dumb cane (aka Dieffenbachia): A common houseplant, this Dieffenbachia (pronounced dee-fuhn-bak-ee-uh) is very welcoming with its broad green and gold leaves. It is one of the most poisonous houseplants and one you should probably steer clear of if you have little ones around or pets.
Holly bushes: Children are attracted to red berries or berries of any color really so it’s important to make sure that children know that they should never eat berries off of bushes. The leaves of the holly bush are also incredibly sharp and pokey so it’s probably a good one to omit from your landscape.
Black-eyed Susan: This fun pretty flower appears in home flower gardens as well as in the wild. Eating the petals of this flower will probably not kill you or your child, but they will certainly have a stomach ache. The seeds are very poisonous though and should be avoided. The root is said to have some of the same medicinal properties as Echinacea and the flower petals can be used in teas, but great care needs to be taken when doing this and it’s not something for the home gardener to dabble in.
Yucca: If you are not familiar with the yucca plant it has large spikey arms and thrives in warm climates and deserts. This plant stores water in its fleshy arms so it’s a great plant for areas that are prone to droughts. These plants can grow to amazing heights, but most are around 3-5 feet high and if you’re not careful their spikey arms will poke you or your child in the eye. This plant is a definite no-no in a yard for children.
Pampas grass: This ornamental grass appears in many landscapes. They are very invasive so they are usually seen in public areas. Your child might come into contact with one at a restaurant or country club. Warn your child not to touch the leaves or the blades of grass because they are literally like little blades. The edges are very sharp and can cut you or your child. The pampas grass blooms with this big fluffy white poof on the top and they look so soft that children are drawn to them. A good example of a time when they should look, but don’t touch.

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6 Things to consider when buying your baby’s crib

Posted on April 4, 2014

For many expecting parents, visions of pastel, color-coordinated nurseries dance alongside mounds of fluffy pillows and luxurious baby bedding. Unfortunately, these bedding sets are almost always more stylish than safe, and in some cases they can be downright dangerous. There are some guidelines that new parents should adhere to when choosing a crib and bedding for their upcoming bundle of joy, making sure that certain requirements are met and dangers avoided before Baby’s first slumber in her new nursery.

Avoid SIDS by Eschewing Soft Bedding – The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that new parents eschew all crib bedding apart from a fitted sheet for the first twelve months of their baby’s life. Opting for wearable blankets rather than loose blankets and placing babies on their backs to sleep with no pillows or plush toys can prevent the risk of suffocation. If you do choose to use a blanket in your infant’s crib, the Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests positioning your baby so that her feet are touching the bottom rails of her crib, tucking the blanket in at the bottom and sides of the mattress, and only pulling the blanket up to her chest. Keep in mind that babies can overheat much more easily than adults, and you should use only lightweight blankets to ensure that she stays warm.
Make Sure Your Mattress Fits Tightly in the Crib – Your baby’s crib mattress should be firm, not soft, to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and suffocation. It should also fit tightly into the crib to prevent suffocation or entrapment between the mattress and the crib’s sides. Ideally, you should be able to fit no more than two fingers between the side of the mattress and the frame of the crib. The surface of the mattress shouldn’t conform to an adult hand when pressed into the mattress, and it should snap back into place as soon as the hand is removed.
Forgo the Antiques – The ornate, antique crib used by three generations of your family might be a beautiful piece of furniture, and every child that used it may have survived their infancy, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a safe choice. In addition to the unlikelihood of slats and bars being properly spaced on very old cribs, they may also feature drop sides, which have been banned, and even a layer or two of lead-based paint. Let good sense trump sentimentality, and choose a new crib that adheres to modern safety standards.
If You Do Choose Decorative Bedding, Play it Smart – If you simply can’t bear the idea of skipping the magazine layout-worthy crib bedding to show off Baby’s nursery to the fullest, be smart about your decision and make sure that the fitted sheet is snug, thin, and breathable. When it’s time to put your baby down, be sure to pull every pillow, stuffed toy, comforter and any other soft objects out of the crib first. Parents determined to have a nursery ready for photographs as well as a lowered risk of their baby suffering from SIDS, suffocation, or injury are forced to compromise in just such a manner, but can have the best of both worlds by playing it safe and smart.
Do Your Homework About Crib Bumpers – The city of Chicago has banned the sale of crib bumpers altogether, with advocacy groups across the country crying out for similar bans on a national level. Parents are largely divided into two camps these days: pro-bumper and anti-bumper. If you fall into the former, be sure to research the subject thoroughly and apprise yourself of all the risks before tying those bumpers onto Baby’s crib; namely, the risk of suffocation and the impediment of air flow in the crucial area at your baby’s face level on all four sides of her crib. Also, don’t be fooled into thinking that bumpers are safe once the threat of SIDS has largely passed; older babies and young toddlers have been known to use bumpers as a means of climbing out of their cribs, leading to messy falls and giving them access to dangerous situations. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have given crib bumpers a thumbs-down, so it might be wise to think twice before springing for those adorable but potentially-deadly accessories.
Do a Recall Check – Before purchasing nursery furniture or bedding, make sure that you check for any recalls; repeat these checks regularly after you’ve made your purchase as well to ensure that safety hazards haven’t been discovered since the last time you looked. The Consumer Product Safety Commission website is a great resource for recall information.

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10 Spring Gardening Safety Tips for the Family

Posted on March 30, 2014

It’s lawn and gardening season nce again. Every year 600,000 Americans are injured riding lawn mowers while doing yard work. Often times, your children also want to join in and “help” doing yard work. They can but while exercising proper supervision and following some safety tips.

SummerNannyJobs lists 10 tips for keeping the children safe.

As the temperature rises and the days get longer, the amount of attention that your lawn requires also increases. For parents who are considering outdoor chores for their brood, there are some safety rules that should be taken into account before sending them outside. Here are 10 of the most important guidelines that should be instituted when kids help out with yard work.

Teach Proper Tool Use – It’s easy to assume that older kids have a handle on the use of basic lawn tools, but those without hands-on experience may be a bit confused. This can lead to serious injury if tools are mishandled, so it’s a good idea to outline the basics.
Supervision is Key – For younger children, it’s absolutely essential that they be supervised at all times. Work alongside them or even on another task nearby, but never let them work while you’re inside or on the other side of your property.
Keep Little Ones Inside During Mowing – Kids are fascinated with riding lawnmowers, so it might be difficult to keep them indoors while an adult cuts the grass. Still, the potential for flying debris and injury from the blades is too great to allow for close observation.
More On Mowers – In addition to keeping smaller kids indoors while an adult is mowing the lawn, it’s a good rule of thumb that those under the age of 13 be deemed too young to operate a mower. This rule can be flexible; you know your child’s abilities and level of responsibility best. However, be sure that they are well-informed about safety measures and instructed on proper operation.
Insist On Proper Footwear – Summertime might be flip-flop weather, but kids and adults alike should wear shoes that cover the entire foot and lace securely during lawn work. In addition to the chance of injury due to mishandled equipment, there are also a myriad of other things that can cause injury if stepped on.
Keep Kids Away From Chemicals – Though more and more parents are opting for organic or “green” lawn and garden solutions, it’s still important to treat all additives as if they’re potentially harmful and to keep kids entirely clear of traditional, chemical-based solutions.
Store Everything Properly – At the end of a yard work session, kids should be instructed to return everything to its proper storage space. Rakes, hoes and shovels left lying in the lawn can be obscured and cause injury if stepped on.
Wear Proper Protective Clothing – Kids should wear protective gear to shield their eyes, close-fitting clothing that is less likely to be caught in any mechanical equipment, and plenty of sunscreen.
Stay Hydrated – Summer heat can be downright brutal in some places, so it’s important that kids know to stay well hydrated and to come inside if they feel overheated. These rules can also be applied to outdoor play.
No Horseplay Allowed – Kids are, by nature, prone to rough-housing and horseplay. They need to understand, however, that it isn’t allowed during lawn work. There are too many potentially-dangerous situations that arise from this sort of behavior when tools are involved.

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