Looking at my desk, I just knew that I had to do something about the clutter around me. To my right I have a huge mug that contained pens and other unnecessary things. I am positive that some of those pens no longer write but I have neglected it for far too long. On the left part of my desk are piles of books, papers and notebooks that I haven’t really opened for the past month. And to make matters worse, I can find plenty of my daughter’s things all around my desk from hair accessories to missing pieces of her toys stored elsewhere. I totally felt suffocated in my very own space.

When you have to frantically find your son’s baseball gloves and other everyday stuff, you may already have a growing problem with clutter in your home. Many families are battling clutter every single day, and be comforted by the thought that you are not alone. According to experts, clutter can affect many aspects of a person’s life, and it can particularly affect your productivity. Before you think of work deadlines and your kids’ after school activities, it may be good to start by getting rid of all the clutter in your life.

You can begin by tackling the problem in a per area basis in your home. Bear in mind that there is no short cut in de-cluttering your home because it is actually a lengthy process. There is just so much to do that it can even take days or weeks to complete. If you are too busy, try to set at least a few minutes of your time each day devoted to cleaning and freeing your family from all the clutter.

Prepare empty boxes so you can separate items that will go to the garbage, and set aside those that are for donation, recycling, or for a yard sale. Some parents may find it hard to let go of old items especially when these have a sentimental value. But when you keep too many things, it will just eat up space intended to store other important things.

Before you touch any of your child’s belongings, make sure that you ask permission because kids can be very strict with their property rights. While going through old toys, clothing, and the piles of documents that you need to sort, take the time to organize so you can easily locate the things that you need the next time around. There are plenty of affordable document, closet, and space organizers that you can purchase to get everything in order.

If you feel the urge to keep unnecessary things, think about the people who may need them. If you haven’t really used something for some time, it can mean that you really don’t need it. Instead of just stocking unnecessary items, contact local organizations that accept donations. The things that you don’t really need can go a long way when you give it to people who are in need.

You can even get everyone involved so you can teach your kids to avoid clutter. Try to make the task of de-cluttering your home a fun activity for everyone. If you agree to do a yard sale, get the kids to help you sort out the items and agree on where the proceeds will go. Kids can be enthralled with the idea of doing something for a common cause, or by the idea of earning money through an activity such as a garage sale.

Getting organized may eat up a lot of your time, but in turn it can lead to increased productivity and lesser stress. I am still in the process of de-cluttering my home but I can truly say that I am already reaping some rewards. Win the battle against clutter, and you are guaranteed to have more time to do other important matters.

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Have you ever had those days when you still want to do more things around the house and yet you are just too tired? When you come home from work, do you still have the extra energy to keep up with your kids? Have you suddenly become too exhausted that you no longer look forward to making special Sunday meals for your family? When you are worn out, you may no longer have the zest to even do the activities that you used to love. If you find yourself in a similar situation, try not to worry because it is just normal for parents to feel this way sometimes.

Being a parent is just not an easy task. You don’t have the luxury to go on holidays when you want to, and you don’t always get to have breaks when you badly need one. Parenting is a lifetime commitment to raise kids in the best possible way. And with this huge task on your shoulders, you need to exert an effort in making sure that you have the energy to carry out all your responsibilities. Here are some ways on how you can boost your energy:

1.     Eat a well balanced diet. You may have heard about this a million times, but experts will never grow tired of stressing the importance of eating right.  You need a balance of nutrients from all the food groups to ensure that you get the vitamin and mineral requirements necessary for the body to function optimally. Make sure that you have magnesium rich foods as part of your meals because it is needed in the breakdown of glucose to energy. Magnesium rich sources include nuts, green leafy vegetables, milk, grains, starches, and fish, and meat.

2.    Take a walk. When you are exhausted too soon, take a short brisk walk. According to studies, walking actually increases energy. And when it is done regularly, it can also have a positive impact on a person’s overall well-being.

3.    Cut back on the sweets. When you eat foods that are high in sugar, you immediately get an energy burst because your blood glucose level goes up. But it is also followed by a rapid drop in your blood sugar, which can leave you feeling exhausted. Choose foods that won’t cause rapid changes in your blood sugar level like whole grain foods. Good examples are brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain pasta, bread or cereal.

4.    Sleep right. Sleep before 10 in the evening, and make sure that you get at least 8 hours of night time sleep. Restorative body processes are thought to occur from 10 in the evening to 6 in the morning. This explains why you still don’t feel well rested even if you slept 10 hours during the day. If you feel that your brain has slowed down significantly in the middle of the day, take a power nap. Studies have shown that taking short naps is a great way to revitalize your senses.

5.    Manage stress. Many experts agree that stress and anxiety can use up energy. When you feel too stressed out, use relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises or do something that can take your mind away from your worries. Don’t allow your energy to be used up by worries that you still can’t solve.

6.    Stay well hydrated. Dehydration can make you feel really tired and drowsy.  It can resemble signs of exhaustion, and it can definitely slow you down. Try to be conscious of your water intake and make sure that you are adequately hydrated all throughout the day.
While there are plenty of products that claim to boost energy levels, you can also make certain changes in your life to ensure that you have enough energy to last all day. With plenty of energy to spare, you are guaranteed to get the most out of life.

While there are plenty of products that claim to boost energy levels, you can also make certain changes in your life to ensure that you have enough energy to last all day. With plenty of energy to spare, you are guaranteed to get the most out of life.

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It can be easy to rationalize that you really don’t have enough time to exercise when you have work deadlines and parenting responsibilities to think about.  But many parents fall into the trap of forgetting about physical activity altogether when they can’t seem to balance work and family life. While these are valid reasons, it is totally not impossible for parents to get the exercise that they need despite their busy

Studies have shown that more than half of the individuals, who are able to maintain a regular exercise regimen, are those who have full time jobs and those who even have small kids at home. It can be hard to imagine how these parents can allocate time for exercise when they have very demanding schedules. But there is actually no secret formula on how you can keep a regular exercise regimen. It is actually more of getting your priorities straight so you can stay healthy. Here are some tips on how you can include exercise in your life:

1.    Get moving. Whether you are a stay at home parent, or you are working long hours at the office, try to find opportunities where you can stay active. If you need to buy something nearby, give the car a break and walk to the nearest store.  At work, try to use the stairs instead of the elevator, and use your coffee break to take short walks. If you can modify your usual habits, you can get more physical activity out of your day.

2.    Focus on quality and not quantity. Many individuals give up working out thinking that they could never allocate enough time for it. But many experts recommend that a total of 150 minutes of quality work out in a week can be beneficial for most individuals. If you goal is to exercise for 30 minutes each day, you may divide it into two 15 minute intervals. This can be good for beginners who may not want to feel too worn out with their exercise regimen. If your aim is weight loss, you may need to allocate more time for working out, but you can definitely split the time into manageable intervals.

3.    Set realistic goals. It can be easy to lose focus when you don’t have a particular goal to meet. Make achievable goals for yourself and try to focus on that first. Work on gradually increasing your exercise routine to your desired goal, and make sure that you record your progress. Although you may not see immediate results, it can give you a sense of achievement if you can meet short-term goals.

4.    Get everyone involved. Give up weekly trips to your favorite ice cream joint, and instead schedule fun physical activities for the entire family. There are healthier ways to bond like playing a well-loved sport, or by simply walking to the park with your kids. Make it exciting by getting your kids involved in the planning. Exercise should never be boring because there are plenty of activities that you can do that are not only good for you, but fun for the entire family as well.

5.    Stay committed. It is difficult to keep on exercising when you don’t get to see results right away.  Losing weight after having kids is never easy. And it may even be more difficult to lose the excess pounds if you don’t start to exercise the soonest time that you can. If you feel like giving up, remind yourself that healthy weight loss occurs gradually so try not to rush things.

One of the biggest challenges that many parents have to overcome is to maintain a healthy lifestyle after having kids. But with children around, many parents should be more convinced to exert an effort in staying healthy. If you can keep a regular exercise regimen, you may have a lower risk of developing serious health conditions like heart problems, osteoporosis and diabetes to name a few. While we are working exceptionally hard to secure the future of our kids, we should also exert an effort in making sure that we can see them live their dreams.

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Some parents may be lured to the use of bunk beds because it can definitely save space. For children, it can be exciting to sleep in a bed that is just out of the ordinary. But before you decide to purchase one, it is important to consider that these beds may come with hazards when safety precautions are not followed.

Reports have shown that the injuries related to bunk beds are not only common in children but in young adults as well. Among the common injuries recorded are cuts, bruises, and bone fractures that mostly required emergency room visits or even hospitalization. And what’s more alarming is the fact that there are potentially serious hazards in certain bunk bed designs that may result to death due to suffocation or strangulation.

While some parents may choose not to have bunk beds in their homes, these beds are still common at summer camps, boarding schools or even college dorms. But with strict standards, bunk beds are now safer than before. In deciding whether to get one for your kids, bear in mind that there are certain features that you need to look for. And you also need to make sure that your kids are responsible enough to observe safety rules at home.

If you are looking around for one, look for the safety label required by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. It should indicate the bed’s manufacturer model, mattress size information, and other safety precautions on proper use. A safe bunk bed is one that has guardrails on both sides of the upper bunk bed. Another feature that you need to look for is that the openings on the upper and lower bunks must be small enough so that your kids head, trunk, arms and legs could not pass through them. If you have made a sound decision, you may also observe these added tips to promote safety at home:

1.Explain to your kids the safety measures that should be observed with bunk bed use. Aside from that, it may also help if you initially observe and guide your kids on how to properly behave on bunk beds. Some bunk beds come with weight restrictions and these should strictly be observed. It is also vital that you teach your kids how to safely go up and climb down the ladder. Likewise, they should be discouraged form using other pieces of furniture in place of ladders.

2.Children under 6 years old should never be allowed to sleep on the top bunk. If you feel that your six-year old child is still not ready, never hesitate to put it off. It’s always best to base your decision on your child’s readiness.

3.Make your own house rules to prevent injuries. No rough playing on bunk beds, and more importantly it should never be used as a jumping platform. Falls account to the most number of bunk bed-related injuries with concussions and skull fractures among some of the serious ones.

4.Make sure that you purchase the right mattresses for the bunk beds. The appropriate size is usually indicated on the safety label and these should strictly be followed.

5.Guardrails should measure at least 5 inches above the mattress surface otherwise it will not keep a child from rolling or falling off.

6.Position the bunk bed in a safe area in your kids’ bedroom. This should be away from ceiling fans or light fixtures to prevent curious hands from getting injuries.

7.Use a night light. Bunk beds and night lights should always go together. This is to ensure that kids can safely go to the toilet or elsewhere in the middle of the night.

8.Routinely check the guardrails and other support features of the bunk bed. This is to ensure that all screws or bolts are in place. Be certain that you also check the stability of the ladder so that injuries can be prevented.

When purchasing a product, parents will always have various concerns. But when you follow precautionary measures, you can greatly reduce the chances of kids being injured. Sometimes, your own instinct can guide you in making the right decision for your kids.

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We are in no doubt plagued by another deadly virus that has sparked numerous concerns from all across the globe. With its threat to become a global pandemic, health authorities have been scrambling to find ways aimed at prevention and treatment. Swine flu is actually one of the many type A influenza viruses. This type of virus rarely infects humans, and the small number of cases in the past has even shown that it occurred after a person had direct contact with pigs.

But the recent virus has taken the world by surprise. The new strain of swine flu virus has actually mutated, and it now contains DNA sequences from both human and avian influenza viruses, as well as other strains of swine influenza And what’s worse, it can spread from person to person without any direct contact with pigs.

The swine flu virus causes symptoms similar to that of typical flu. An infected person may have fever, cough, sore throat, body malaise or aches, fatigue and chills. Some individuals also reported other symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting. While these may sound treatable, the new strain can cause fatal respiratory problems a week after the initial symptoms are noticed.

This explains why efforts at understanding and containing the virus are under way, and on a global scale at that. While our authorities are doing all they can to stop the spread of infection, it is the most opportune time to take measures to reduce the risk of transmission of infection. We have to be proactive in protecting our families, especially our children from this dangerous strain of flu.

Take time to be up to date with any development in your area. You may get reliable information from your local health department or even websites such as the CDC. Practice proper hand washing, and make sure that your kids follow suit. Be certain that your kids also practice hand washing in schools, or in other areas outside your home.

Hand washing is also necessary after sneezing or coughing so that in the event of an infection, the spread of disease can be reduced. Let your kids know that infection can be spread by touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Thus, they should avoid doing this because the germs that they get from the things or persons they touch can enter their bodies that way.

Tell your kids to avoid crowds, and to stay away from individuals who are ill. As long as your local health department has not issued a mandate to temporarily close down schools, you may still allow your child to attend class. Although the virus is a threat to everyone, it is also impractical to keep our kids confined in our homes indefinitely. Without any real threat in your area, you can still do your usual routines but with some modifications.

It may not be the right time to hang out in crowded places when the swine flu virus can easily spread through direct contact. Try to think of ways on how you can have fun without going to places with large crowds. Talk to your kids on what fun activities they want to do at home because by doing so you are not exposing your kids to viruses in public.

If you notice anybody in your home who has flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider right away. Proper evaluation and treatment needs to be done first to ensure that everyone is safe. We all need to do our parts in the battle against swine flu, and that includes preventing the spread of infection. At this time when everything seems uncertain, we just have to stay on the safe side when we can.

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All of us feel nervous or anxious in some social situations. Before speaking in front of a group, it is only normal for your heart to pound faster, and you may also feel butterflies in your stomach. And although many of us get similar anxiety-related symptoms, we can still somehow manage to get on with our activities. For some individuals, this may not be the case because even common social situations can already cause extreme anxiety.

Our bodies actually respond to fear through a fight-flight mechanism. A perceived fear can trigger the rush of adrenaline and chemicals, which are essential in preparing the body to either face the situation, or to make an escape. And although this mechanism serves to protect us from danger, some people may find that it’s not helping them at all.

While some kids are comfortable at speaking in public or performing in front of an audience, there are others who may not even be able to speak to other people. They have this intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, and criticized, which keeps them from doing many activities.

When social anxiety already gets in the way of a person’s life, it may no longer be typical shyness anymore, but a condition called social phobia or social anxiety disorder. For people with social phobia, their response to the fight-flight mechanism can be so strong and more frequent, that it may already do more harm than good.

Social anxiety disorder can affect both kids and adults alike, but many of the cases only begin during the teenage years. If you notice that your child has poor social skills that are already getting in the way of his activities, it may be wise if you investigate further. Social phobia can make a child miss out plenty of opportunities in school in terms of learning, forming friendships, and developing skills or talents.

With its great impact in a child’s life, we need to examine whether we are preparing our kids for the many changes and challenges ahead. Although a person’s genetic make-up can put him at risk for developing social phobia, factors like learned behaviors and life events also play a role.

Children will always look up to their parents, and if an already shy child is overprotected to a fault, he may not learn how to deal with unfamiliar situations and new people. If parents also set an example by avoiding socialization, a child may also follow suit. Negative experiences can also put a child at risk for developing social phobia. Children, who are being bullied or ridiculed in school, may be prone to social anxiety disorder.

Although it may be difficult to undo a child’s past experiences, social phobia can be treated with the right therapy, together with a strong support system. A therapist may focus on building effective coping strategies, practicing new behavior, and building confidence. The family and friends of an individual are also essential for his eventual recovery.

It is important for parents to understand that the road to recovery may take time, and a child may need a lot of love and encouragement, so he can slowly deal with his anxiety. As parents, it is only natural that we try to protect our child from the harsh realities of life. However, we also need to give them a chance to learn essential life skills, so that they can get the most out of what life has in store for them.

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Many families look forward to spring with hopes of warmer weather, blooming flowers and trees, and many fun-filled days outdoors. While we may have plenty of reasons to eagerly await the onset of spring, some individuals or even children can’t help but dread this time of year. This is due to the fact that along with the change of climate, comes grass, molds, spores, pollens and many other allergens responsible for spring allergies.

If your child has allergies, spring is again the time for symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, and itchy eyes just to name a few. And with spring lasting for a couple of months, parents definitely have to take steps so that a child’s allergies can be properly managed. Before spring even sets in, parents should already think about prevention and treatment.

It is important that you take your child to his doctor or to an allergist. In some cases, an allergy test is ordered to determine the specific substance that a child is allergic to. The results will also serve as a guide for doctors to prescribe the treatment that can work best for a child.

Identifying triggers is essential in the management of your child’s allergies. If you know your child’s allergy triggers, you can take necessary action so that his exposure to these substances can be limited. Ask the doctor whether there are instances when you need to pre-medicate your child before heading outdoors. It is also vital that you ask the type of medication that you can give to your child for the relief of common allergy symptoms.

Spring is really the time for allergies, and after your child spends time outdoors, he may already be covered with allergens. And since these allergens tend to stick to fabric, he can easily transfer these to the furniture, or even to other people in your home. Ensure that your child takes a shower after his time outdoors, and keep his used clothes in a laundry bin away from his room.

It may also help if you take steps to reduce pollen exposure inside your home. Keep windows closed especially during times when pollen counts are highest. It is also advisable that you use an air conditioning system together with an air filtration device. In particular, you can use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your child’s room to keep the air clean.

You also need to make sure that you stick to your cleaning schedule. Bear in mind that frequent cleaning can help reduce the allergens in your home. Try to vacuum at least once or twice in a week. Use allergy-proof covers to encase your child’s mattress and pillows. When laundering sheets or blankets, ensure that the water temperature is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t hang your laundry outside because you may just end up with more allergens inside your home.

Try to determine pollen forecasts before you schedule certain activities outdoors. When pollen counts are high, it may be best to keep your child indoors. It is also important that you don’t allow your child to have some outdoor activity early in the morning. This is actually the time of day when pollen counts are highest. Windy days are also not good for kids with allergies, and it may be good to stay indoors so that bothersome symptoms can be prevented.

Spring is definitely in the air. And although you may have to deal with your child’s allergies, there is still no reason why he can’t enjoy this time of year. For as long as you work closely with your child’s doctor, you can help keep your child’s allergy symptoms at bay.

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One of the things that teens are particularly conscious about is their physical appearance. As their bodies change due to puberty, they also face greater social pressures, which may lead to certain behaviors harmful to their health and well-being. With this desire to look great, what may start out as normal dieting for teens may go out of hand, which can then develop into an eating disorder.

Anorexia nervosa is one of the most common eating disorders, and it can affect a person’s mind and body. It is then important for parents to understand what goes on in a teen’s mind with anorexia nervosa. It is after all crucial that parents learn the symptoms, so that they can help identify the problem early. With early treatment, you can help prevent serious health-related problems like osteoporosis, renal damage, and heart problems.

If an individual has anorexia, he or she may have a distorted body image. A person can look at the mirror in distaste of his appearance, when in reality he may already be too thin. Persons with anorexia can be so obsessed with their weight that they will restrict food, or they may exercise excessively because they think they are already overweight.

With the obsession to lose weight, some individuals can be skeletally thin, and yet they still continue to starve themselves. And although the disease may be centered on unhealthy eating habits, it is more complex in the sense that it also involves a person’s coping abilities. For individuals struggling with emotional issues, perfectionism, and the need for control, anorexia is an unhealthy way for them to cope.

The physical symptoms that anorexia can cause are extreme weight loss, fatigue, dizziness, brittle nails, hair loss, constipation, dry skin, dehydration, irregular heart rhythms, cold intolerance, and a string of other symptoms, which are caused due to inadequate nutrition

While some symptoms may be noticeable, it is important that you watch out for any sign that can indicate a problem. Keep in mind that people with eating disorders will try to conceal the problem with their families. Some people with anorexia can even successfully hide their problem for years, without their family knowing about it.

It is then important for parents to try to be wary of any sign that may indicate an eating disorder in a teen. To identify a possible problem, here are the common behavioral signs that you may notice in a teen with anorexia:

- skipping meals
- taking on a strict eating ritual
- using the weighing scale too often
- counting calories or weighing of food
- frequent checking on the mirror for one’s appearance
- complaining of being fat

If you notice any of these behaviors in your teen, it may be best to intervene early so that treatment can be started. Teens with eating disorders can be quite defensive, or even angry when confronted about the situation. This can be attributed to the fact that individuals with eating disorders, may find it difficult to admit, even to themselves, that they have a problem.

It is common for a teen to resist, but parents need to be very persistent when offering help because the condition has to be treated. If you know anybody else who had successfully battled an eating disorder, you may try to have him speak with your child. He or she may be a good motivator for your child to agree on seeking help. Parents should never allow a child to battle this out by himself because without help, the condition may only worsen.

Treatment of anorexia is usually through a team approach including physicians, mental health providers, and dietitians. A doctor will focus on treating the physical symptoms brought about by the disease. Mental health providers on the other hand, will focus on the therapies needed to promote effective coping skills, and a healthy concept of self. Family therapy may also be recommended, aimed at resolving conflicts and earning support from loved ones. Another important aspect of the treatment is to ensure that a teen is taking in enough nutrients to meet certain weight goals, in which a dietitian will be monitoring.

There are plenty of factors that can affect our child’s self-concept. Everywhere we go, we are bound to see images of models with perfect figures. And while society and media may not be too helpful, there is much that we can do as parents. Encourage healthy eating habits, and promote an active lifestyle in your family. Set the right example by appreciating yourself regardless of your flaws. Help your kids accept that we are all unique, and with our flaws, we still have the right to feel good about ourselves.

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Children will always look forward to summer, when they can spend long relaxing days under the heat of the sun. Long before school is over, children may already have in mind certain activities they want to do. To add to that, parents may also plan out beach vacations and other fun activities for the entire family.

Along with the fun of summer comes the risk of certain health conditions and even health risks. It is then important for parents to take certain measures so that these can be avoided. Here are some general summer safety tips to protect your kids from the sun:

1. Try to limit your child’s sun exposure. While spending lazy afternoons at the beach can be fun, you need to limit the time your child spends outdoors. Keep in mind that the sun’s rays are strongest from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon.

While staying under shades such as trees or umbrellas provide some protection, it still could not totally offer complete sun protection. Plan your child’s activities wisely, and try to have him avoid sun exposure during midday. Remember, even a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s risk in developing skin cancer.

2. Always make sure that your child uses a sunscreen. Apply a liberal amount of sunscreen on your child 30 minutes before going outdoors. . Before purchasing a sunscreen, read the label. Choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protector Factor or SPF of 15 or higher. It is also best that you purchase a broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides protection, against both UVA and UVB rays.

Use a water resistant sunscreen, if your child swims or engages in a physical activity that can promote sweating. Waterproof sunscreens usually provide protection up to 80 minutes, but you may also reapply sunscreen each time your child comes out of the water. To add to that, sunscreens should also be reapplied after two hours or when necessary.

Be certain that you supervise how long your child stays out in the sun. Although sunscreens provide some protection from the sun, it does not completely eliminate damage that can be caused due to overexposure.

3. Dress your child appropriately during hot weather. Along with sunscreen, wearing protective clothing can also decrease the damage caused by the sun. If you need to stay outdoors, make sure that your kids use wide-brimmed hats and clothing that can cover the body. If your family spends time at the beach, make use of shades like umbrellas, pop-up tents or any other sun-protective gear.

It is also very important that you take steps to protect your child’s eyes. A day out in the sun can lead to a burned cornea, while long-term effects can result to cataracts. Encourage the use of sunglasses that can provide 100% UV protection. Your child may initially resist the use of these, but try to be persistent. You may give your child some autonomy by allowing him to choose a particular design.

4. Make sure that your child stays well hydrated. Although sunburns are common during summer, heat related illnesses can also occur when your child does not take in enough fluids. Have your child avoid beverages containing caffeine because it can increase the body’s fluid needs. Strenuous physical activities should also be avoided when the sun’s rays are strongest. When outdoors, have your child wear lightweight clothing, and be sure that he regularly drinks fluids at intervals.

5. Before spending some family time under the sun, determine any potential effects of any medication that your child is taking. Certain antibiotics and acne medications can increase sun sensitivity. Talk with your child’s doctor so you can protect your child from the sun. This is vital because some medications can cause a child’s skin to burn in just a matter of minutes.

As adults, we even look forward to hot summer days when we can spend some fun activities under the sun. For kids, summer days can be more appealing with the myriad of activities that they can do under hot weather. Thus, it is vital that parents ensure that kids are safe while playing under the sun.

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In keeping your child healthy, do you also ensure that oral problems can be prevented? While your child’s baby teeth will eventually give way to permanent teeth, it is still essential that steps are taken to prevent any oral problems from occurring. After all, it is your child’s baby teeth that will guide his permanent teeth in its proper placement.

Here are the common oral problems in children and ways on how to deal with these:

1. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD) or early childhood carries is a form of dental caries that occurs, when sweetened liquids come in frequent contact with a child’s teeth. These liquids include milk, commercial formula, fruit juice and other sweet liquids. Bacteria in the mouth use the sugar found in these liquids as food. They then produce acids which can cause tooth decay.

Keep in mind that it is not just what you give your child that causes tooth decay, but how often or how long these sweetened liquids come in contact with your child’s teeth. It is very important to wipe your baby’s gums using a clean gauze pad after every feeding. You may also begin using a toothbrush on your child soon after the first tooth erupts.

Do not allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle, and never attempt to dip the pacifier with any sweetened liquid. It may also be good that you begin introducing the use of a cup when your child turns one year old. It is also very important that you start visiting the dentist after your child’s first birthday. Regular dental visits are essential to ensure that your child’s fluoride needs are met, and that tooth decay can be prevented.

2. Thumb Sucking

Sucking comes naturally for infants. It is a natural reflex that makes them feel happy and secured, as they learn about their new environment. For this reason, some parents may find it hard to get a young child to stop thumb sucking. If a child continues to practice this habit after permanent teeth has erupted, it may create problems with proper growth of the mouth as well as teeth alignment.

A child may begin to stop thumb sucking by the age of 2 to 4 years old. It is generally not advisable that parents use negative reinforcement as a means to make a child stop this habit. Bear in mind that sucking is a security mechanism, and it may only make a child defensive if you utilize it to make your child stop. It may be better if you set-up a reward system each time your child avoids the habit. After a while, you can then increase the time needed for your child to get the reward. Always praise your child each time he tries to avoid habit.

For older children, it may be necessary to determine the stresses that your child may be facing. A child may be able to successfully give up thumb sucking if he is not too stressed out, or if he is not too preoccupied by something. If this will not work, consult your child’s dentist.

3. Lip Sucking

Lip sucking is another habit that some children practice. It can occur in combination with thumb sucking, when a child may repetitively hold his lower lip underneath his upper front teeth. This habit can lead to overbite, as well as the problems brought about by prolonged thumb sucking. In having your child give up the habit, you may utilize the same approach being used in having a child give up thumb sucking.

4. Tongue Thrusting

A baby can already show a tongue thrusting pattern from birth. While swallowing, a child may thrust the teeth forward against the teeth, or even in between the teeth. This type of swallowing can be retained by a child, which in turn may cause the teeth to be aligned. To add to that, it may also cause an overbite that can interfere with a child’s speech development. If you notice this problem in your child, consult a speech pathologist. Your child needs to have a treatment plan aimed at developing a new pattern of swallowing.

5. Premature/Early Tooth Loss

A child’s primary teeth may be lost early due to reasons like decay, injury or lack of jaw space. If your child’s teeth is lost before permanent teeth has erupted, the nearby teeth may move or tip into the vacant space. As permanent tooth emerges, the space may no longer be enough. This will result to crooked or misaligned teeth, which may then lead to a variety of problems involving chewing, or even temporamandibular joint problems. If your child loses a tooth too early, consult your dentist. Your child may need to wear a space maintainer, to make sure that his permanent tooth can grow normally.

Since there are factors that may affect a child’s oral health, parents need to begin by knowing when and how to stop certain habits. Along with visits to the dentist, you can help in keeping your child’s teeth healthy long before any permanent tooth has started to emerge.

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None of the myriad of parenting books say “Warning - small children make excellent germ transportation vehicles. Be prepared to be sick for the next 10 years… “

I used to dread wintertime. With my pre-schooler in child care, winter only meant endless colds, flu’s. My generous daughter brought home all sorts of germs and then proceeded to “share” them with the entire family. At first I was resigned to be ill. How could you teach a small child to not spread germs? One year, after weathering 7 colds and sinus infections that were passed through the house from my adorable daughter, I came upon the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation to teach kids to cough and sneeze into their elbow.

What? elbow - not hands?
Ok….this makes sense. They get germs on their hands because they touch everything, then spread the germs, because they touch everything. But, it’s hard to touch things up with your elbow. Aha, the light bulb went off.
From that moment on, I was a mom on a mission. I was going to teach my 3 year old to use her elbow. Have you tried it? Asking a child to cough and sneeze into their elbow is like asking them to eat brussel sprouts –not fun, easy or fruitful.

So I searched the internet, I talked to people, I looked for a solution – nothing. Finally, I realized I would have to invent it myself.

It had to be fun. It had to make this invisible thing - germs - easy to understand for a preschooler. A character, like her cartoon friends. Germy Wormy was born. Germy Wormy’s favorite food is germs and he is sooo hungry. Germy Wormy asks all kids, “May I please have your germs?” Germy Wormy started out as a character drawn onto a chopped off top of a sock that I put on my daughter’s elbow over her sleeve. She loves feeding Germy Wormy all her germs. Mission accomplished! She wasn’t giving her germs everywhere! I got sick less often.

She was still getting sick though. Why? She was still touching everything and getting every germ on the planet. Kids touch 300 surfaces in 1/2 hour. Surfaces that are 99% of the time covered in germs.

Now, getting germs on hands won’t make kids sick. It is the next step where they then take those germy hands and fingers and proceed to place them in their mouth, nose, eyes and ears letting the germs in that make them sick. To totally reduce the spread of germs, you also have to teach how not to get germs in the first place.

More internet research boiled down to the Germ Stoppers 5 – the top 5 things kids can do to keep from getting germs. I added an activity with glitter glue to show why they should do the 5 and to make those invisible germs visible. After, if she went to pick her nose, whined about washing her hands, all I had to say was Germ Stoppers 5. She would remember and stop. :-)

She stopped getting sick as much, but her friends were still giving her germs. We had a Germy Wormy play date where I put on a puppet show and did the Germ Stoppers 5 activity. It was a hit. I took it to her pre-school and it was a hit again. They were amazed at how the kids took to it and “jumped on the bandwagon”. That year only one major illness spread around the school. The “1 gets sick, the rest drop like flies” rule no longer applied.

Today, Germy Wormy is no longer the top of a sock but a commercially available disposable sleeve. The way I taught her and her friends is a complete program to make teaching your child about germs fun, fast, easy and kids love it! The Germy Wormy Germ Awareness Program is now available online for you to enjoy the same success. Get sick less often – get the Germy Wormy! http://www.germywormy.com Spread the word - Not the Germs

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