Friday, May 28, 2010

Understanding Parenting

Understanding Parenting: "As parents, one is seen as the immediate role model by the child. A child feels secured when their parents understand their feelings through the connection of love which establishes trust in the child’s mind. The child becomes more comfortable and is open to express his feelings in times of discomfort. Consequently, the child uses those lessons as a basis of reference to build relationships with others.

But how often do you feel, as parents, that you really want to enrich the lives of your child with proper nutrition/skills but you feel that you are limited in resources or just feel helpless in coping with certain demands or attitude of your child?" ... (Click on title link above to read entire article on understanding your roll as a parent and how to develop parenting skills.) ...

Child Support Agency (CSA) Advice

Child Support Agency (CSA) Advice: "Going through any relationship break-up is always difficult, but when children are involved the problems intensify. Anger, frustration, mistrust and a myriad of other emotions all combine, usually affecting the children more than anyone else.

Some parents manage to keep things civil, and organise shared custody, contact and maintenance payments between themselves for their children; other parents are unfortunately not able to be so civil, and it’s here that the Child Support Agency (CSA) usually becomes involved. The CSA claims that it exists to ensure that children get what they deserve, but the truth is far more sinister as many believe the CSA is merely a debt collection agency for the government. Here are some examples of how things can go wrong when the CSA becomes involved in a case." ... (Click on title link above to read entire article on what to expect from a Child Support Agency intervention.) ...

UCLA scientists identify gene linked to deadly disorder in newborns

UCLA scientists identify gene linked to deadly disorder in newborns: "DNA detective work will lead to earlier prenatal testing.

After 12 years of searching, UCLA scientists have tracked down the first known gene mutation responsible for a heartbreaking disorder that kills newborn babies. Published in the April 1 online edition of the American Journal of Human Genetics, their findings will allow for earlier testing of embryos at risk for the disease.

Many things go awry in short-rib polydactyly syndrome. The fetus develops extra fingers and toes and its skeleton doesn't grow, resulting in stunted ribs that prevent the lungs from maturing in the womb. Unable to breathe on its own, the child dies shortly after birth.
Parents currently must wait until the second trimester of pregnancy for a diagnosis - a long time to wait for potentially agonizing news about one's unborn child."... (Click on title link above to read entire article on new gene research which will provide earlier testing for at-risk embryos.) ...

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Risk, Adventure, and Your Child

Risk, Adventure, and Your Child: "Growing up in a risk-free environment may lead to behavioral or mental health problems. Veteran youth counselor Michael Ungar says, “A whole swath of our youth is feeling lost amid the sanitized, prescribed, regimented order of their too safe upbringings. These children tell me they have everything but what they need: opportunities to experience some measure of risk and responsibility, responsibility both for themselves and others.”" ... (Click on title link above to read entire expert article on enabling level of measured risk develops confidence and responsibility in children.) ...

Saturday, May 08, 2010

Fun Developmental Toys for Children

Fun Developmental Toys for Children: "Children are most impressionable in the first few years of their lives. Likewise, the learning and development that occurs in a child's early years can have a life-long impact on intelligence, ingenuity, coordination, and creativity. Children who have the proper exposure to activities that help develop essential skills can have the upper hand in the future.

There is power in play and providing the right toys can greatly benefit children's development. That being said, toys should, of course, be fun. The real purpose of play is to give your child a fun-filled experience, and a toy that might aid in development but bores a child to the point of abandoning play is no good to you or your child." ... (Click on title link above to read entire article on how buying the right developmental toys for your children has big benefits.) ...

How Fun Playtime Builds Social Skills

How Fun Playtime Builds Social Skills: "Many parents mistakenly view playtime as the opportunity for children to burn off energy, allowing them to be less cranky and sleep better at night. Still others see it as an opportunity to complete their own tasks and chores while children are otherwise occupied. While both of these may be benefits of playtime, they are not the only ones to be achieved." ... (Click on title link above to read entire article on child play helps build valuable social skills.) ...