Summer and Water safety for children

Summer heralds a great time for kids! The outdoors become their playground and their general frolicking about is a given. But while summer might be a great time for your kids, the outdoors might hold some danger for them.

And therefore it becomes imperative that you take care of what the kids are doing out there. How many of you know about summer safety tips to keep children safe, for example? Not many! For all you know, they might end up doing something that might be putting them in grave degrees of danger. In order to prevent a mishap from happening later, it is better if you are well acquainted with some summer safety tips for children. These summer safety rules will help you be better prepared for any situation and you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that your kids are safe out there. So just for you then, here are some summer safety tips for children.

Playground Safety Tips for ChildrenWhen sending the kids out to play, keep the following outdoor safety tips for children in mind.Adult SupervisionAdult supervision is one of the best methods to prevent any mishaps from happening. An adult being present on the scene can not only keep a close eye on the child, but the child has someone to call out to in case of any problem. So also, the child knows that there is someone who is around and so he will avoid doing anything that is not considered 'OK' by elders, and which he might have done otherwise.Equipment CheckIf there is a particular playground that the child visits often, or he has a fixed place that he plays in, then make sure that you have the area checked for safety in terms of equipments.

Are the kids playing with something sharp, or which is rusted, or has jagged edges? All of which could pose serious threats. So also, if the kids are in the younger kids bracket, then is the equipment age appropriate for them? Can they handle it well? All these summer safety tips for children, especially, younger children are really necessary to take into consideration.Swings and SlidesMake sure that you give them a thorough knowledge of what should and should not be done when they are on slides or swings. Like tell them that standing in front of a swing when others are on it can cause them to get hurt.

Or not to take skipping ropes onto ladders because of the dangers of their legs entangling in it. So also not to crowd onto equipments, sliding down one at a time, no jumping when at a height etc.Dress CodeMake sure that the kids are wearing clothes which will not get entangled in things and cause a fall.

These would include scarves, loose clothes, stray strings, and hoods. So also hair should be tied instead of left open. Make sure that their feet are well covered because a playground can have several sharp objects lying around.Playground MaintenanceMake sure that a regular check and supervision of the playground is done. This is important because whatever is broken needs to be fixed. So also, better equipments need to be fitted in whenever possible.

This will ensure that the summer safety tips for kids are well taken care of. Read more on child safety.Water Safety Tips for KidsAnother area which one needs to concentrate on when it comes to summer safety tips for children is the water! Many people do not realize it, but accidents can happen within the blink of an eye if water safety is not taken care of. Prepare yourself with these summer safety tips for children as best as you can.
It is always advised that you provide swimming lessons for your kids. It will help them in the future as well.
Make sure that if the kids are too small, there is some form of adult supervision always present.

Make your child wear a life jacket if they don't know how to swim.
Tell them never to jump on other kids or try to push their heads down in the act of having fun.
Never allow kids to dive or jump into rivers and lakes before inspecting for any rocks or logs.

Make sure that there is a kiddie pool and that young kids go there. BUT adult supervision should still be provided.

Make sure that the kids take special precautions when riding on water slides, water parks and any other recreational centers. These include no running, pushing or monkeying around.

When on the beach, do NOT swim when there is a high or low tide. It can be very very dangerous!
Do not swim next to piers and docks, the current there is strong and unpredictable.

Never pretend that you are drowning. Because the next time you really are, no one will believe you.
It is always helpful if you know and teach your kid CPR. It could save someone's life.

Electrical Safety tips for Children

Following are some safety measures to keep your kids or toddler safe in or around your home or apartment.

Keep electrical appliance out of reach: Ensure you keep all electrical appliances out of reach and you remove plug form socket after use.
Play centers in the middle of the room: Create large play centers in the middle of the room with their most interesting toys in the center of the rooms. This will make your kid or toddler busy with their toys and utilize center or middle of room. This minimizes electrical accident and makes your home or apartment safe for your kids.

Adult supervision: Kids and toddler are more prompt for accidents and needs adult supervision. Never allow your kids or toddler to play in a room or home alone. Always supervise your infants when they are close to electrics. Ensure you watch your kid’s movement and you can reach them in case required.

Plug sockets covers: Plug sockets, or power outlets, are one of the primary danger spots for children. To prevent curious fingers poking into places where they shouldn’t, install plug socket covers to every power outlet in the home. Choose socket covers that have a twist and pull mechanism or ones that require the plug to be used as a key for removal.
Avoid using extension cords: Avoid using extension cords, especially for a long period. Do not string extension cords together, and make sure that the appliances do not exceed the amperage capability of the extension cord.

Cords and cables should be out of reach: Ideally, cords and cables should be out of reach and hidden because babies in particular are prone to chewing anything they can get their hands on. Cords and cables can also be pulled which may result in toppling over a lamp or other appliance bringing it crashing down on top of your tot.

Avoid touching electrical appliances from wet floor: Teach your child never to touch an electrical appliance, such as a hair dryer, light switch or radio, while he or she is in the bathtub or Wet floor or ground. Teach your child not to turn on lights or electrical appliances when you or others in your family are in or around.

Avoid contact with overhanging wires: Ensuring your children stay away from climbing trees or flying kites near overhanging wires. Never allow your kids to play in or around home where electrical wires hanging to the reach of them.

Do not allow to play near overhanging wires: Do not allow kids to fly kites, balloons or model airplanes near power lines. If one gets caught in a line, do not try to remove it. Leave it alone. Ensure your children stay away from climbing trees or flying kites near overhanging wires.

Safety of your kids or toddler is your primary duty. Cover the power outlets with socket cover that cannot be easily removed by your kids or toddler. Never encourage your kids or toddler to play in or around electrical appliance. Keep electrical appliance out of reach of children and ensure they are safely fixed to wall and do not fall or cause injury if your kid or toddler try to reach them. Don’t touch anyone or anything that is touching a downed wire.

Be Part in your Child's Activities, Hobbies and School

It's probably no secret that children who have involved parents are more happy, healthy, and well-adjusted and excel at their educational and extra curricular pursuing. It can increase their cognitive development,and keeps them more motivated, strengthens the parent-child relationship, and has a direct positive influence on their overall academic achievement.
It help parents achieve a positive view on their parenting skills, increase their own self confidence and self esteem, and will most likely feel more satisfied with their child's educational experience at school.

But when you will be involved? With today's busy schedules between home, work, and school, it may feel that the average family has very little quality time to offer. However, different options and levels of commitment are available to fit every parent's availability, and with some careful planning and dedication, you can make it a positive experience for both yourself and your child.
First of all, discover what your child is most passionate about. what he like the most, music, sport , Art ...etc. and learn more about about you can come up with new ideas and new things to do together.

It's also important to consider what skills, talents and abilities you can bring to the table. Maybe your child's school is in desperate need of your help organizing a fundraiser, but your skills in sewing and designing might better serve the school if you were to help in making the costumes for the school play. Remember, you want this to be a positive experience for both of you, and if your child senses that you're not happy with what you've chosen to become involved in, then they likely will not be happy as well.

But the bottom line is get involved and stay involved. Children of involved parents are less likely to get into mischief, have emotional problems, or have problems in school. You benefit by connecting with and staying connected to your child. It's a win-win situation for you both.

BATHING AND CLEANLINESS DURING INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD

cleanliness is essential to the infant's health. The principal points to which especial attention must be paid by the parent for this purpose are the following:

At first the infant should be washed daily with warm water; and a bath every night, for the purpose of thoroughly cleaning the body, is highly necessary. To bathe a delicate infant of a few days or even weeks old in cold water with a view "to harden" the constitution (as it is called), is the most effectual way to undermine its health and entail future disease. By degrees, however, the water with which it is sponged in the morning should be made tepid, the evening bath being continued warm enough to be grateful to the feelings.

A few months having passed by, the temperature of the water may be gradually lowered until cold is employed, with which it may be either sponged or even plunged into it, every morning during summer. If plunged into cold water, however, it must be kept in but a minute; for at this period, especially, the impression of cold continued for any considerable time depresses the vital energies, and prevents that healthy glow on the surface which usually follows the momentary and brief action of cold, and upon which its usefulness depends. With some children, indeed, there is such extreme delicacy and deficient reaction as to render the cold bath hazardous; no warm glow over the surface takes place when its use inevitably does harm: its effects, therefore, must be carefully watched.

The surface of the skin should always be carefully and thoroughly rubbed dry with flannel, indeed, more than dry, for the skin should be warmed and stimulated by the assiduous gentle friction made use of. For this process of washing and drying must not be done languidly, but briskly and expeditiously; and will then be found to be one of the most effectual means of strengthening the infant. It is especially necessary carefully to dry the arm-pits, groins, and nates; and if the child is very fat, it will be well to dust over these parts with hair-powder or starch: this prevents excoriations and sores, which are frequently very troublesome. Soap is only required to those parts of the body which are exposed to the reception of dirt.

During childhood.
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When this period arrives, or shortly after, bathing is but too frequently left off; the hands and face of the child are kept clean, and with this the nurse is satisfied; the daily ablution of the whole body, however, is still necessary, not only for the preservation of cleanliness, but because it promotes in a high degree the health of the child.

A child of a vigorous constitution and robust health, as he rises from his bed refreshed and active by his night's repose, should be put into the shower-bath, or, if this excites and alarms him too much, must be sponged from head to foot with salt water. If the weather be very cold, the water may be made slightly tepid, but if his constitution will bear it, the water should be cold throughout the year. Then the body should be speedily dried, and hastily but well rubbed with a somewhat coarse towel, and the clothes put on without any unnecessary delay. This should be done every morning of the child's life.

If such a child is at the sea-side, advantage should be taken of this circumstance, and seabathing should be substituted. The best time is two or three hours after breakfast; but he must not be fatigued beforehand, for if so, the cold bath cannot be used without danger. Care must be taken that he does not remain in too long, as the animal heat will be lowered below the proper degree, which would be most injurious. In boys of a feeble constitution, great mischief is often produced in this way. It is a matter also of great consequence in bathing children that they should not be terrified by the immersion, and every precaution should be taken to prevent this. The healthy and robust boy, too, should early be taught to swim, whenever this is practicable, for it is attended with the most beneficial effects; it is a most invigorating exercise, and the cold bath thus becomes doubly serviceable.

If a child is of a delicate and strumous constitution, the cold bath during the summer is one of the best tonics that can be employed; and if living on the coast, sea-bathing will be found of singular benefit. The effects, however, of sea-bathing upon such a constitution must be particularly watched, for unless it is succeeded by a glow, a feeling of increased strength, and a keen appetite, it will do no good, and ought at once to be abandoned for the warm or tepid bath. The opinion that warm baths generally relax and weaken, is erroneous; for in this case, as in all cases when properly employed, they would give tone and vigour to the whole system; in fact, the tepid bath is to this child what the cold bath is to the more robust.

In conclusion: if the bath in any shape cannot from circumstances be obtained, then cold saltwater sponging must be used daily, and all the year round, so long as the proper reaction or glow follows its use; but when this is not the case, and this will generally occur, if the child is delicate and the weather cold, tepid vinegar and water, or tepid salt water, must be substituted.

The Whys of Whining

The Whys of Whining
"Moooooooooooom!"
It's irritating, it's frustrating and it gets on your last nerve. Though it's obnoxious and unacceptable, it's actually an effective for your child to get your attention. It's whining. But, like other bad habits, you can nip it in the bud early with a few simple strategies to teach your child there are other appropriate, effective forms of communicating with you.
First, try limiting the situations that trigger it. Avoid extra errands when the kids are hungry. Don't let them get involved in a frustrating game or project prior to bedtime. Pay attention when your child is talking, as sometimes whining is a reaction when a child feels you aren't giving them your full attention. Praise them for not whining and talking in a normal and understandable voice that allows you to fully understand what they are saying to you.
When the whining begins, don't overreact. Keep your response simple, calm and neutral. Ask your child to repeat the request in a normal tone. When giving in seems inevitable, don't delay. If you must finish the grocery shopping so you can put dinner on the table, for instance, and your child starts whining for a snack, offer something healthy right away.
Once a limit has been set, parents should follow through. It's imperative that both parents are on board with this limit and fully follow through when the whining rule has been violated.
If you have an older child that's developing a whining habit, suggest they come up with a solution to their perceived boredom or other voiced problem. If you suggest possible alternatives, it might just prolong the child's whining.
Sometimes whining can be the result of trauma and trouble in their life. A divorce, serious family illness or problems at school may be at the root. Additional positive attention and quality one-on-one time may be just the medicine your child needs at a time like this. Your pediatrician can also suggest alternatives to curb whining should the positive attention and disciplinary actions be ineffective.

Time Outs Help Reinforce Positive Behavior and Discourage Misbehaving

Disciplining a young child using the time out method can be very effective, and will work with children as young as 18-24 months old. By using this method of discipline parents are giving the child time to sit quietly and alone after misbehaving, without becoming angry or agitated with the child.

Designate an appropriate area in the house where the child is isolated from interacting with others. It can be a corner in their bedroom, a space on the kitchen floor or a special chair that's labeled specifically for time outs. The length should be age appropriate. A good rule of thumb is generally one minute per year of age. A kitchen timer is helpful in counting down your child's punishment time.
Time out for toddlers is used to give them a chance to regroup and calm down. It's doubtful they will sit completely still, and they should not be forced to try.
All children should be asked in a firm but pleasant tone to complete a designated task or stop an undesired behavior. If their behavior persists, they should be verbally directed to behave once again, with eye contact being made and the time out spot pointed out. If after this warning the behavior still persists, they should be escorted to the time out location and told exactly why they are being sent there. Maintain a calm but firm tone with them. Once they've quietly served their time in the time out location it's important to discuss with the child why they were sent there and that if the behavior occurs again, they will again be sent to time out. Older children should then agree to do what you told him to do or cease misbehaving. Children who leave their time out location before their time is up must be made aware that privileges will be lost as a result.

It's likely that your time out method will have to be modified to fit the temperament of your child and your own parenting style. And remember to reinforce positive behavior with praises, hugs and smiles. Time out can successfully be used outside the home such a grocery stores, restaurants, or shopping centers. It's important to emphasize to the child that time out will be enforced should they misbehave while there. Be consistent and place the child in time out should they misbehave in the store. If you don't, they'll get the message early on that you're inconsistent and will be more likely to test your boundaries.

Why Purchase Baby Monitors With Two Receivers?

A baby monitor enables you to keep tabs on your baby without having to stay awake all night long. You can even do house chores during the day while making sure that your little one is safe and sleeping soundly in the next room. This helpful gadget actually comes with a wide variety of options to choose from. Perhaps you want to purchase baby monitors with two receivers so that you and your other half could both monitor sounds coming from your baby's room.

Having more than one receiver makes it possible for both parents to keep a closer eye on their little bundle of joy. You may also keep the second receiver on stand by in case your main one runs out of battery juice. In addition, an extra receiver may also come in handy especially if you have a tendency to lose things like phones, remote controls, etc.

Facts About Baby Monitors

Before you shop for a baby monitor that suits you, try to get the lowdown on these valuable modern-day parenting gadgets. A baby monitor, basically, is a radio transmitter that lets you listen to sounds coming from your baby's room. This efficient and compact device is made up of two parts: the radio transmitter and the portable receiver.

A baby monitor is especially useful when your little one is still very young. By means of the receiver, you will be able to monitor awakenings in the middle of the night. In this way, you will know when your baby needs feeding, a diaper change or, perhaps, your mere presence and the comfort of your touch. At daytime, a baby monitor also provides you with an enormous freedom to do other things during your baby's naptime.

As a rule, you need to place the radio transmitter within 10 feet of the crib so that it can pick up even the slightest sounds made by your baby such as breathing and movement. You can then carry the portable receiver around during the day or just leave it plugged in at the side of your bed at nighttime. These days, a good number of baby monitors are battery-operated. Some models even have extra capabilities including a video monitoring feature and an option that lets your baby hear your comforting voice.

Factors To Consider When Buying A Baby Monitor

Low-battery Indicator – As much as possible, you should purchase a baby monitor that has a low-battery indicator. In this way, you will be alerted whenever your batteries need replacement.

Compactness – The smaller the size of the baby monitor, the more effortlessly you can carry it around. Be sure that you buy a model that allows you to place the receiver inside your pocket. An option that lets you wrap the portable device around your waistline is also an excellent alternative.

Sound-activated Light – It can be difficult to monitor baby sounds if you're trying to vacuum the floor or watch television. Fortunately, a number of baby monitors now come with a sound-activated light that illuminates each time it detects noise. This feature allows you to immediately know that something's going on without even hearing the sounds.

Double Receiver – Opting for baby monitors with two receivers is an excellent idea; that is, if you don’t mind shelling out more money than you're supposed to. At present, there are certain brands on the market that offer buyers with an option to buy additional receivers. Of course, you can always stick to the traditional choice – single receiver – in case the extra receiver is beyond your budget.

Why You Should Use Digital Baby Monitors

Baby monitors are the parents’ best friends when it comes to keeping tabs on their babies. These devices provide an extra ear and extra eye to ensure the safety of the little ones.

In the past, baby monitors were simple gadgets making use of a transmitter and receiver system. But now, as modern day technology progresses, so do the baby monitors. As of today, digital baby monitors have risen up to provide parents better quality and functionality when it comes to baby monitors.

Digital Baby Monitors and Other Baby Monitors

One obvious difference between digital baby monitors and other old baby monitors is that it’s digital! This however does not in any way mean that the former is far more superior to the latter. It’s just that they use newer technologies to aid parents in taking care of their babies.

Advantages of Digital Baby Monitors

Digital baby monitors make use of modern digital technology thus giving them a little bit of an edge against other analog baby monitors.

When it comes to audio and video baby monitors, quality offered by digital technology is superb. Another advantage that digital technology has is that it provides clearer reception. The digital receivers, whether a microphone or s camera, are also more sensitive to sound and visuals respectively.

One problem of analog baby monitor devices is the fact that there are instances when neighbours can actually tap in to the signal of your baby monitors and listen. With the digital technology, privacy is kept since it broadcasts private signals that only you, the parents, have access to.

Another dilemma that has plagued analog baby monitors before is the range. There is no total mobility since parents can easily get out of range from the baby unit. But with digital monitors, the range of the devices has been extended making it more possible for the parents to roam around the house without worrying of getting out of range.

Disadvantages of Digital Baby Monitors

Digital baby monitors do also have their fair share of disadvantages. One of the most controversial topics about digital technology in baby monitors is health risk. Since these digital devices make use of signals like electro magnetic waves, they may cause health problems to babies especially when they are at that stage when growth and development is on "rapid mode."

A solution developed to counter this problem simply states that parents should put the baby monitor as far away as possible from the child without sacrificing the quality of monitoring. This way, exposure to the harmful waves is, if not eliminated, at least minimized.

This next issue can be a disadvantage for some people but not for others. This issue is about the price. Digital baby monitors are quite more expensive compared to other baby monitors. This is expected though since it is using the latest of modern technology. If you have the right budget or extra money to spare, then the issue of price is not really that of a disadvantage for you.

Conclusion

Digital baby monitors are the latest devices that have emerge from the baby monitor market. They may have some edge over older analog gadgets but the latter are nevertheless still effective. If you opt to use the latest technology when it comes to baby monitoring, and if you have extra money to spare, then digital baby monitors are the right devices for you.

Wireless Baby Monitors Night Day

Your baby is the most precious thing in your life. If it is only possible to watch over him or her day in day out then you would. Unfortunately you are not robots that do need sleep, eat and rest. You are only humans bound by physiologic limitations. So to aid you with your wanting to watch your baby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you may want to consider using wireless baby monitors night and day.

What are Baby Monitors?

Baby monitors are devices, either audio or video, that can help you check up on your baby even if you are not physically present with him or her. This is most helpful to parents who need to be constantly on the go but still want to watch over their baby while doing other productive activities.

When are Baby Monitors Useful?

Most people think that baby monitors are only useful at night during the sleeping periods of both the child and the parents. This, however, is not the case. You can actually use baby monitors even during the day when you have other things to do around the house like cooking or other household preparations.

Wireless VS Wired Baby Monitors

Video and audio baby monitors can either be wired or wireless. Both modes have their own advantages and disadvantages. But as of today, parents usually prefer the wireless devices over wired ones for reasons of mobility.

With wireless devices, parents can go anywhere around the house while still being able to keep tabs over their babies. The only setbacks of wireless baby monitors are that it can be more expensive to wired devices and they are also prone to interference.

Wireless Baby Monitors: Solving Interference Problems

Issues of interference with wireless devices have been the long time concern of parents who use wireless baby monitors. Instead of the device being able to help parents, interference turns them into annoyances. So for those who are experiencing this kind of problem, here are a few tips on how to minimize interference with your wireless baby monitor.

1) Signals coming from wireless devices usually clash with other signals from other wireless devices running on the same frequency. When this clashing occurs, wireless interference occurs. So to avoid interference, change the frequency of your baby monitor every once in a while and make sure that the frequency you use does not clash with frequencies of other devices.

To change frequencies, wireless baby monitors are equipped with a switch that lets parents change frequency easily.

2) Another way to help in solving wireless interference is to find a proper location for the transmitter as well as for the receiver (baby unit and the parents’ unit). So where should you place your wireless baby monitor to minimize wireless interference?

You need to place it as far away as possible from other devices especially wireless ones. This includes router and wireless/ cordless phones. The baby’s and parents’ units should also be placed as far away from the microwave oven since it can also cause great interference.

3) If you have money to splurge on these kinds of devices, you can go for digital baby monitors instead of the analog ones. Digital technology has incorporated fixes to help solve the issue of interference.

These are some of the best solutions that parents can take to minimize wireless interference. They may not be able to eliminate interference totally but they can help in minimizing their occurrence.