Linking Post @ http://www.familyresource.com/blog/2009/02/11/top-3-herbal-remedies-for-kids/

This link serves as a FYI on natural remedies. It is important to be careful of the dangers and allergies that could be present while taking herbal substances. Make sure to read labels so that you do not overlook or miss anything! Three of the top herbal remedies you can give to children are: 

1. Chamomile, which is good for calming the nerves and for winding down children before they go to bed. CAUTION! Should not be used for allergies of "Ragweed" or "Daisy Family Allergy."

2.  Garlic helps with cleansing and serves as an anti-viral product. A flushing of the inner system is 

best done with garnishing plates and dishes with some garlic. CAUTION! Should not be taken if you are on any kind of blood-thinning medication or have food allergies to garlic.

3.  Omega3 fatty acids are found in fish oils, flax seeds, and nuts. They are very good for your brain which help promote learning.

One last final note: Always consult a doctor or a professional before you start using herbal supplements for yourself or for your children. 

Linking Post @ http://childdevelopmentblog.info/

This is a good link to help understand some of the basics of kid's minds and the things that help them grow into healthy thinkers, speakers, manipulators, and learners. This link also has some good stories about the interaction children encounter on the playground, with the toys they play with, computer technology and its influence, and many other good story topics on children's development.

Let 'em Play!

When the idea of children's play centers began back in the 1970's, it opened a door to a world full of ideas, plans, precautions, and helpful tips for the future concerning children's growing need for play.

One important tip is to keep the child's safety as a center concern. They have a lot of energy and will exert that energy causing their coordination to sometimes become disconnected. 

Play time affects children's development in cognition, social skills, use of language, and motor skills and is a part of how their minds dip into creativity. "Play leads to discovery, reasoning, manipulative skills, divergent production and improves problem solving (Dansky, 1980; Sylva, 1977)." Many of these skills will also be needed as they mature into adults.

Researchers are beginning to identify ways to provoke children's play in new and imaginative ways which promote cultural awareness.  

It is explained that the experiences of childhood, especially play, help form the brain's circuits. If neurons are not used they may die (Begley, 1996).

High emphasis is placed on children's physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.  Too much of kid's every day activities involve occupying couch space and sitting glued to the TV or video games, and this must change! Parents, keep them active and participating in new and fun activities like sports and youth programs like the Ymca or Boys & Girls Club.

Researchers say that play time is crucial and is even therapeutic. "A growing body of research reviewed by Landreth (1995) concludes that playing helps children to resolve conflicts resulting from child abuse, family disruptions and other trauma."

One last final note. Kids enjoy playing, but it is also good for them. Even though it is easy to let them convince you that they'd rather watch Batman or Disney channel, keep them going and try and keep up with them if you can!

                                                                                          

What is SIDS?

SIDS is something that a parent never wants to encounter.  SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome which can occur in infants ages 0-12 months.  Researchers have identified ways to prevent this type of occurrence from happening.

*Always place baby on their back while sleeping! Never on their stomach! (could cause suffocation.)

*Remove any extra blanketing, stuffed animals, or pillows from baby's crib.

*Place a fan in the baby's room to help increase ventilation, and reduces CO2 buildup that may gather around a baby's face.

*Never overheat a room!

*Keep monitoring and checking on them especially while sleeping (even though this may mean little to no sleep for you).

EXTRA Note:  This article helped me understand and become more aware of one of many threats and dangers that can happen during early childhood development.  This is a post that I hope others will benefit from and will raise their conscience level.  Even the most simple steps towards prevention can help!