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Summer Shark Safety – Beach Tips

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Shark safety is important to learn and teach your kids before you visit the beach this summer.

We’ve seen reports of increases in shark attacks at beaches on TV and social media. Experts say that this may be attributed to warmer weather and drought conditions that cause sharks to come closer to the shore. Whatever the reason, there are a few ways that you can protect yourself while enjoying your time in the ocean:

1) Always wade or swim near a group of people. Never venture out by yourself — that makes someone appear like prey to a shark. You should also no longer float in the ocean as a form of relaxation (save that for the pools).

2) DO NOT swim in the ocean at dusk and before dawn. This is the time when sharks primarily feed. Go when the beach is open and lifeguards are on duty.

 

Shark Safety3) Avoid wearing any form of jewelry when swimming. This includes rings, earrings and necklaces. These items reflect off the sun and can create an glare in the water that might get a shark’s attention. This also includes metallic nail polish.

4) Avoid wearing brightly colored bathing suits or clothing, for obvious reasons, as it also attracts unnecessary attention.

5) Avoid swimming in the ocean if you have open cuts. Even wearing a soiled band aid can still put you at risk. The smallest amount of blood can be detected by sharks. Women who are menstruating should avoid the water completely for safety’s sake.

Have Safe Fun at the Beach

6) If you see a lot of fish, seals, dolphins or other sea animals swimming nearby GET OUT OF THE WATER ASAP. There’s a higher chance that a shark may happen by, as these are their desired prey.

7) Wear beach shoes to avoid cutting your feet on sharp rocks or shells, which could draw blood. The shoes should fit perfectly around your feet.

8) Parents must keep a very close eye on their children–in fact it’s best to only allow kids to swim when an adult is present if there’s even the slightest shark risk.

9) Stay out of the deeper water. You can still have fun at the beach while wading in the shallow water closest to the shore with friends and family.

These shark safety tips will help lower the risk of attracting sharks if you still want to enjoy the beach this summer. Despite what popular culture teaches us, sharks don’t always provide a warning with their fins — they mostly swim underwater. Generally speaking, it is important to ALWAYS stay alert when enjoying the ocean.

Posted by Lorraine

Photo credits: Flickr/elevy, Flickr/jaumescar

 

 

Tooth Decay in Kids: Don’t Share Spoons & More Dental Tips

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If you have had tooth decay, cavities, gum disease or any other dental problem in your past, it’s not a good idea to share spoons with your child. Here’s why…

Flickr/armymedicineParents are often distressed to learn that the same dental problems they experienced early in life are now plaguing their children. Some believe it’s due to genetics, but many parents don’t realize that they could be the ones who are actively introducing bad bacteria into their kids’ mouth.

Learn how sharing spoons and other items could be putting your child at a higher risk of dental problems.

Bacteria that Causes Cavities

Cavities form when bad bacteria eat away at the tooth enamel, creating tiny holes. If those holes aren’t filled by a dentist, the tooth becomes weak, creating a full-blown cavity and eventually an infection if it’s not treated. The bacteria that most commonly causes tooth decay in children, teens and adults is called mutans streptococcus. It eats sugar for energy and combines with food particles to form plaque.

Kids are most vulnerable to cavities because they eat a lot of candy and sugary drinks. There’s also another reason why young children tend to get cavities even when they brush and floss regularly—their parents unknowingly pass that cavity-causing bacteria to them by sharing spoons.

Sharing Spoons…

Flickr/the_luna

When you feed your baby or toddler, do you sometimes eat a spoonful of the food first then give the same spoon to the child? This isn’t the best idea if you’ve had dental problems in the past. Bacteria is carried in mucus, so it can travel on the spoon and be transferred to the child’s mouth. If you’ve had cavities in the past, the bacteria that causes tooth decay could still be living in your saliva.

Parents are often shocked when they take their kids to the dentist and learn that the same dental problems they had as children are now plaguing their young ones. They assume that tooth decay is something that runs in families, but it’s actually something that can be avoided. Besides sharing spoons, there are a number of other ways that adults could pass bad bacteria to children:

  • Allowing a child to brush with an adult’s used toothbrush.
  • Flossing a child’s mouth with the same piece of floss that the parent used.
  • Eating from the same plates.
  • Kissing children on the mouth.
  • Sucking a pacifier “clean” then putting it back into the child’s mouth.

Preserving Your Child’s Dental Health

If your young child has been diagnosed with tooth decay or you’re generally concerned about your child’s dental health, there are actions you can take starting today to head off problems:

  1. First, ensure that your child brushes twice per day for at least two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste made for kids. Buy your child a dedicated toothbrush and box of floss that only he or she will be able to use—there are electronic toothbrushes for kids and brushes with timers to make it fun.
  2. Now this is probably the toughest but most important step: drastically reduce the child’s consumption of candy and sweets as well as sodas and sugar-rich juices. If your child has a sweet tooth, try a healthy alternative like fresh apple slices or the occasional piece of candy made with a sugar substitute. Remember that sugar feeds the bad bacteria that cause cavities. It may help to explain this to the child and read a kids book about dental health together—knowledge is power.Flickr/payitforwardphotos
  3. Take your child in for dental checkups at least twice per year—more often than that if they have already experienced problems with tooth decay. The best thing you can do is teach your child to get comfortable with going to the dentist from a very young age. Have any cavities cleaned and filled in immediately.
  4. Some dental experts theorize that some children are more susceptible to cavities because they drink bottled water instead of fluoride-rich tap water. Ask your dentist if a dental sealant or fluoride treatment is a good idea.

And of course, be extremely careful about introducing your own saliva into the mouth of a child, whether by sharing spoons, floss or brushes to prevent tooth decay in kids. You should also make it a point to keep your own teeth healthy to keep bad bacteria at bay and to teach your child the importance of dental health.

Posted by Jade

Photos Courtesy: Flickr/armymedicine, Flickr/payitforwardphotos , Flickr/the_luna

 

 

Fun Games from Your Childhood to Play Outdoors with Your Kids

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When the weather gets warm, who doesn’t enjoy a little backyard fun? Playing fun games outdoors with your kids creates a lifetime of memories for everyone. Some of the best outdoor games were played in your childhood and in generations past, but they won’t ever get old for kids. Try playing these fun outdoor games from your childhood with your young ones. A quick trip to your local dollar store will provide you with some of the necessary items you’ll need to have a great day.

Water Balloon Fight!

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Get those balloons ready!

When it’s hot outside and your kids tell you that they are “so bored,” get them outside for a water balloon fight! Get as many balloons as you can and tell your kids to help you fill them with ice cold water. Next, break evenly into two teams (you can swap teams if you’re the only adult, because you have an unfair advantage!). Draw a line in the middle of your lawn with a piece of string and play a make shift dodge ball game with the water balloons. Whoever lands the most water balloons on members of the other team wins! Set clear safety rules. The losing team has to pick up the pieces of balloons around the yard or you can all just clean up as a group. It’s a fun and safe way to cool off on a hot day.

Play Ball!

Another fun game of the past that we all enjoyed is Wiffle Ball. It’s a form of baseball that uses a light weight plastic bat and ball. The way the ball soars in the air when you get a hit is exhilarating—your kids will love it. Make the playing field as large or as small as you want. Make the bases out of odd, yet safe, items that are in your garage. It will be an awesome game and best of all you don’t have to worry about anyone getting hurt, and all your windows are safe.

Slip and Slide!

One of the best water games from the past is the Slip and Slide. It’s a long plastic runner that extends from one end of your yard to the next. Attach a hose to the slip and slide, turn on the water and start sliding! Some people say adding a bit of dish shop to the runner makes it easier to slide. Get a good running start and cruise your way down the slippery surface. It’s a great way to cool off and have some excitement on a hot summer day. You might find yourself just as eager to use the slip and slide as your kids are (memories 🙂 .

Barbecue Time!

At the end of all this backyard fun how nice would it be to end the afternoon with the good old all-American tradition of hotdogs Barbecue Outdoor Grillingand hamburgers for dinner. Hot dogs and burgers are simple and quick to prepare outdoors on a grill (small or large). Eating the food outside together will be a memorable moment that your kids will always remember.

Need to slow down and spend some quality time with your kids? Make plans to enjoy next weekend with them outdoors and teach them these and other fun games from your childhood. As always, take all precautions to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and safe time outside!

Posted by Lorraine

 

Create a Fun and Inspiring Kids Bedroom (Under $500)

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A good friend of mine came to me with a home designing dilemma. She needed to affordably transition her child’s bedroom to the “next level.”  She had a toddler’s bed in the room, which the child outgrew. She had a few requirements for upgrading her child’s bedroom:

– it has to be a room that a child can enjoy for years to come (that way it doesn’t have to be upgraded again for a while)

– it has to be capable of entertaining play dates and sleepovers

– it has to be inspiring and spark the child’s imagination

– the update has to be affordable ($500 or less)

– the new bedroom must be able to handle the wear and tear of a growing child

– the bedroom must create an atmosphere of fun, excitement and inspiration for a child

These are all common requests of parents with transitioning toddlers and growing school-aged children. You want them to have a fun but also inspiring place to sleep. Here are a few furniture and decor ideas for creating a fun kid’s bedroom.

Fun Time Bed!

Tent and Slide Bed for KidsIf you’re looking for a bedroom that your “rough and tumble” child will absolutely love, then this fun-time tent bed for kids is it. It’s a colorful coaster bunk bed with a slide, a tent and plenty of places to hide. It would be the perfect addition to a child’s “dream room.” Imagine sliding down the slide in the morning and having meals in the tent. Any child would look forward to bed time if this was in their room! You also save space, because the play area and bed are combined.

Here’s a second, more conservative option if you like the idea of a tent-slide bed for your child’s room, but want it to look modern.
Night Light Lamp

Doggie Night LightMost young children prefer to sleep with a night light on. Upgrade your child’s bedroom and give him or her some extra comfort with this cute night light lamp that’s also a wallpaper sticker. The lamp is shaped like a doggie’s head, so when he lights up at night your child can see a friendly face shining on the wall. The cord that goes into the outlet looks like the dog’s leash!

 

Star Gazing

Les Brown famously said “Shoot for the moon, because even if you miss you’ll land amongst the stars.”

Do you remember those long nights as a child spent staring up at the ceiling, thinking and trying not to fall asleep? When your child is in bed at night and looks up at the ceiling, let him or her see “the stars.” Add these glow in the dark star stickers to the ceiling to help inspire your child and ensure that he or she has sweet dreams.

Have fun creating a fun and inspiring kids bedroom for your child!

Posted by Eve

3 Fun Easter Ideas for Your Family to Enjoy

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My kids and I always enjoy the fun and festivities that come along with the Easter holiday.  I’m always looking for new ways to spruce up our “normal” festivities to include fun games that everyone of all ages will enjoy.  Here are three 3 fun Easter ideas for your family to enjoy this year.

1- Glow In The Dark Easter Eggs
Glow in the Dark Easter Eggs
Here’s a fun and original Easter idea for the family. Instead of doing your Easter Egg hunt in the daytime, why not have the hunt in the wee early hours of the morning, before sunrise, when it’s still dark, in your backyard!  These Easter eggs glow in the dark so they’re easier to find! They come 12 to a pack.
2- Easter Photo Prop

easterphotosOne way to have some Easter fun with your family is to have a photo shoot! This photo prop allows you to take special pictures with your kids and create memories that will last a lifetime.  It depicts the Easter bunny in a beautiful spring scene surrounded by birds and colorful Easter eggs. Have your children put their faces in the cutout to take a picture for Instagram or Facebook!
3- Talking Easter Egg

Talking Easter EggI love this idea! Basically, it’s a talking egg that gives the little ones clues on how to find their Easter eggs.  It’s just an added layer of excitement for them. In my experience, it’s usually the really young ones who get frustrated when they’re unable to find eggs during the hunt, so this will help them out. The batteries are even included with purchase.  So all you have to do is find a great hiding spot! The come in a variety of cute Easter colors including blue, pink and yellow.

Posted by Eve

3 Must-Have Black History Month Books to Buy Your Kids

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Growing up in a predominately white suburb as a non-white person was eventful.  As early as I can remember, my parents always spoke of the importance of remembering our cultural past with regards to race and slavery. They encouraged us to read books and celebrate Black History month all year long.

As a young adult I realized that what they accomplished coming up in the 50s and 60s. They wanted us to never forget the struggle, injustice, determination and will of our forefathers to become free people who were treated as equals and not second class citizens.  I passed these traditions onto my own children so that they would know the importance of understanding our past and now, it’s time to teach my grandchildren these same important lessons.

So I did a search for Black History books on Amazon.com because they are the premier retailer for books that appeal to all ages.  These are the books that I thought were interesting:

81GMUE57e0LFor my youngest grandchild, I chose a book titled, Escape North: The Story Of Harriet Tubman.  I knew that it would keep her attention because of the excellent illustrations and use of words that she would comprehend, when read to her.  I appreciated that it was offered as a paperback and on Kindle, for such an affordable price of only $4.00.

For my second grandchild, I chose a book titled The Story Of Ruby Bridges by 511ipO06XsLRobert Coles.  I wanted to show my grandchild that for a time in our nations history, schools were segregated. Also teaching that it was a law only 50+ years ago.  My purpose was to awaken their desire to succeed and learn, when our ancestors could not.  They are selling this book new and used at an affordable price from $2.00 to $10.00.

51-sI4-6DLLAs for my oldest grandchild I chose a book that was filled with history and has plenty of crafts that could be done alone or with adult supervision.  It is called A Kids Guide To African American History by Nancy I. Sanders.  I found it to be affordable and a great way to share some bonding time with my grandchild.

I believe that celebrating Black History month with great, educational books will be a tradition that they will continue to share with their future children.  I believe it is our responsibility (regardless of color or background) to NEVER forget our ancestral struggles by educating our children about the past.

Posted by Lorraine