Our dogs bring lots of joy to our lives. Naturally, we want to do what’s best for them in every situation. But when we take trips during the holidays, it can be difficult to decide just what the best thing for pets for kids is.
Many pet owners would like to take their dogs with them wherever they go. But when traveling, that’s not always an option. Some dogs get carsick or can’t handle the stress of traveling long distances. And the people the owner is visiting may be allergic to dogs or rent a house or apartment that doesn’t allow them. In such situations, it may be necessary to leave them in someone else’s care.
Kennels have traditionally been one of the few options that pet owners who were traveling had for pet care. But many of them have poor reputations. Even kennels that are very clean and tend to pets’ basic needs may not provide the human interaction that dogs need. Luckily, today’s options are much better.
The modern version of a kennel is known as a pet hotel. These facilities often provide dogs with their own rooms, complete with comfy beds and music or television to provide a more homelike atmosphere. Workers may walk each dog several times a day, or there might be supervised play with other dogs. Some dog hotels even offer services such as grooming.
Another possibility is hiring a pet sitter. This is usually more expensive than a dog hotel, but it also provides more individualized care for your four-legged friend. A sitter usually watches no more than a few dogs at a time and has the time to play and cuddle with them. You can also hire some pet sitters to simply go to your home a few times a day and check on your dog, providing food, water and walks. This option is generally much cheaper than full-time care.
Making Sure the Caregivers Are Qualified
When choosing a dog hotel, it’s best to visit the facility before making reservations. Drop by unannounced to see what the conditions are like when they’re not expecting potential customers. Pay attention to the demeanor of the animals there. Do they appear happy for the most part, or do most of them seem distressed? Do the caregivers have a good attitude? Ask for references to find out what other pet owners think of the place.
If considering leaving your dog with a sitter, visit his or her home. Is it clean, and does it appear to be a safe environment for your dog? Whether you’re leaving your pet with the sitter or having him or her come to your house, ask for references and documentation of insurance, bonding, and any applicable training. Have the sitter interact with your pet, and see how they react to one another. If the chemistry is good and everything else checks out, things will probably work out just fine.
Dog owners are hesitant to leave their beloved canines with just anyone, and rightfully so. But when traveling, leaving them with a qualified dog hotel or sitter may be your only option. If you take the time to select a qualified and trustworthy caregiver, you can go on your trip assured that your pet is in good hands.
Every adult gets angry sometimes. It’s a fact of life. Sometimes we’re just in a bad mood and something that’s not really a big deal sets us off. Other times, our anger is completely justifiable. Some of us have a short fuse, while others rarely lose their temper.
Children aren’t immune to anger, either. Anger is, after all, a completely natural emotion especially for child development. Our job as parents is not to prevent our children from ever getting angry. In order to do that, we would have to cater to their every whim, and that would be doing them a disservice. Our job is to teach them how to properly manage their anger. Here are five ways we can do that.
1. Set a good example. When you find yourself getting angry, strive to handle your emotions in an appropriate manner. Yelling, screaming and getting violent aren’t things we want our children to do when they get mad, so it’s important that we don’t do them, either. Calm yourself down in a way that you would want your child to calm down when angry, and he will usually emulate your actions.
2. Talk to your child about his feelings. When you see that he is angry, ask him to explain why. Sometimes it might be such a silly reason that by the time he gets done explaining it, he will realize that there’s nothing to be angry about. If he does feel that he has a right to be angry, talking it out will help him calm down and find a solution to the problem.
3. Encourage your child to let his anger out in an acceptable manner. When we’re really mad, sometimes we just need to release some of that negative energy before we can move on. Your child could hit a pillow, run laps around the house, or pound on some Play Doh for a while.
4. For children who are old enough to write, a journal can be helpful. When they get mad, they can write about their feelings. Once they’re down on paper, it’s easier to work them out rationally and let them go.
5. Sing with your child. Singing might be the last thing he wants to do when he’s angry, but it can help diffuse the rage. Help him make up a song about being angry, and have him sing it when he’s upset. This provides an appropriate outlet for his feelings and lightens the mood a bit so that you can effectively work out the problem.
Seeing our children angry can be difficult. But it’s important not to give in just to calm them down. Teaching them how to deal with anger will serve them much better in the long run.
Acquiring a dog or any other pets for kids requires some thought. You have to consider what kind of dog to get, where the dog will eat, sleep, and exercise, and you need to be sure you can commit yourself to the care of the dog for its entire life. If you get a puppy, you have to be prepared to housebreak him, train him out of chewing (everything), and teach him how to interact with people appropriately.
Having a dog is a big responsibility, but it also offers equally big - if not bigger - rewards. Did you know that pet owners are actually healthier than non-pet owners? Here are some reasons why.
- Exercise
While it may seem like one of the drawbacks to owning a dog, having to walk her actually offers some of the best health benefits. The whole family can get involved. Families that used to spend the weekend in front of the TV will find themselves planning a weekend that involves the dog: a hike, a trip to the park, etc. Training the dog involves exercise, too - taking the dog to obedience classes, teaching her to heel, fetch, and so forth requires the dog’s owner to get off the couch and get moving.
- Emotional Health
Dogs, with their lavish, unconditional love, boost their owner’s self-esteem, and studies show that dog owners are just happier people in general. Dogs offer so much in return for the most basic care that owners’ spirits are greatly lifted. Your dog needs you, and it feels good to be needed.
Emotional wellbeing is such a well-documented benefit of interacting with dogs that hospitals and nursing homes allow some dog owners to bring their pets in to interact with and improve the outlook of patients who are in chronic pain, terminally ill, emotionally troubled, or otherwise prone to feelings of hopelessness and depression.
- Stress Reduction
So many health problems are associated with stress - heart disease, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, even ulcers. Owning a dog has been proven to reduce stress, and with stress reduction comes better health. An Australian study showed that dog owners have lower cholesterol as well.
- Loneliness
There is nothing quite like having the constant companionship of a dog to reduce feelings of loneliness. Even when your dog is sleeping, you know your loyal companion is there.
- Recovery from Illness
Dog owners are more likely to recover from a major medical crisis such as a heart attack than non-dog owners. This may be due to the exercise dog owners get, or the incentive the owner has to be well in order to be there for his or her dog. This is a real benefit of dog ownership in these days of expensive health care!
Yes, owning a dog is a big responsibility. But the returns are so great for the investment that it is more than worth it.
When going on a trip for the holidays, pets for kids owners must decide what to do with their beloved animals. Kennels will take in cats and dogs, but many pet owners are concerned about how well their pets will get along with other animals while they’re there. You could hire a pet sitter, but that can be rather expensive. Have you considered taking your pet along with you?
Animal lovers often assume that taking their pets on a car trip will be too much trouble. They could get carsick, or they could make a mess in the vehicle. And once they get to the destination, there’s always a chance that they could be confused or intimidated by their new surroundings and run away. But if you prepare your pet properly, he can have a happy and incident-free trip with you. Here are some tips:
* Don’t make a long car trip your pet’s first experience in a car. Start taking him on short trips several weeks before you plan to go out of town. This will get him accustomed to riding and alert you to any potential problems while you’re still close to home.
* Reward good behavior in the car. Keep some treats handy when going on those short car trips, and if your pet behaves well, give him one. This will reinforce the good behavior, and he will repeat it.
* Keep your pets in carriers when traveling, and buckle them in. This will provide the best possible protection for your pet in the event of an accident. It will also prevent the carrier from striking and injuring you.
* Try to maintain your pet’s regular feeding schedule while traveling. Long car rides are stressful for animals, and hunger makes things that much worse.
* Stop and let your pet relieve himself regularly. If you don’t, there’s a good chance that he will do it in the car. Even pets that never do their business in the house could slip up during a long car ride.
* Make certain that you bring a leash along. This will be necessary when stopping for bathroom breaks and walks, as well as when you get to your destination. If you keep your pet on a leash when outdoors, there is very little chance of him running away or being stolen.
* Put a collar on your pet with a tag that includes your phone number, just in case he does get lost. This is good practice at all times, but it’s especially important when traveling.
If you don’t like the idea of leaving your pet with someone else, take him with you. With a little preparation, most pets travel well. And wouldn’t you prefer to have your best friend with you while visiting your loved ones?
After the upheaval of a move, it’s important to take some time to settle in. Children especially may need help coping with the major changes of moving. There are some things you can do to make it easier on the whole family and for child development. Here are some suggestions.
1. Get the children’s new rooms ready first
Have a box marked with your children’s special toys, and unpack those immediately in the child’s new room. Move the big furniture in and unpack their bedding and other bedroom accoutrements first, and get the room set up right away. Then, your children can occupy themselves with some of the fun details, such as unpacking their other toys, finding places for things, and so forth. Let them decide some of the details about the room, such as where their toy box will be or what color you are going to paint the room.
2. Plan a “new house party”
Yes, it’s another thing to plan, but in the end it can help lift some of the stress. Tell the children about the party and let them help you plan it. Have a picnic among the moving boxes or out in the yard, or pick up food from their favorite restaurant. You could even pick up a cake or box of cupcakes for a celebratory treat.
3. Get to know the people who will be a part of your children’s lives
Many of us are too busy to get to know our neighbors, but it’s a necessity if you are moving to a new area with your children. Introduce your children and exchange contact information, and encourage play dates with new kids.
Your children’s teacher will be a very important influence, so visit the new school and arrange a meeting with the teacher before the first day of class. If possible, establish contact with the school and teacher before the move.
4. Keep some routines where possible
Children love routine, and nothing disrupts it quite like a move. Try to maintain some of the family habits, such as movie or board game night, and try to establish a daily routine similar to the one in your old house. Go to bed and get up at the same time as usual, and don’t try to stay up late unpacking. It also helps to prepare the same sort of foods in the same way - “comfort food” is comfortable for a reason: it’s familiar!
5. Relax and don’t be in a rush
Of course you want to be unpacked and settled as soon as possible; but slowing down and taking the time to talk, creating a calm atmosphere and establishing comfortable routines will make things easier in the long run. If your moving boxes are clearly labeled, you can unpack what you need right away and take your time with the rest.
Some of us stay home for the holidays. Others make trips to see family and friends. But when you’ve got the kids in tow for children activities, road trips can become rather unpleasant.
It’s not that we don’t enjoy spending time with our kids. It’s just that they get bored. And they get hungry. And they need to stop at every rest area. But if you stop every time they want to stretch their legs or get a candy bar, you could add hours onto your trip. You may find yourself wondering why you didn’t just take a plane.
But road trips with the family don’t have to be an exercise in frustration. If you’re well prepared, they can actually be lots of fun. Here are some ideas to keep boredom and other things that make a road trip less pleasant at bay.
* Bring along plenty of snacks and drinks. But steer clear of chocolate, caffeine and sugar as much as possible, because these things can make already antsy kids even more hyperactive. Instead, pack some juice boxes, fresh fruits and veggies, crackers and other snacks that are healthy yet filling.
* Invest in a couple of travel games that the family can play together, or make up your own. These are great for keeping morale high and providing for quality time on long trips.
* Let each child bring a toy or individual game to play with. Most kids enjoy both group and individual activities at home, and they need both to keep them occupied and contented during a car trip. But be sure to place limits, because if you don’t, they’re likely to bring a whole bag full of stuff.
* If you have an infant, make sure to bring plenty of diapers, wipes, bottles and formula. Calculate how much of each item you will need, and bring about twice as much, just in case. Also, if any of your children take medication, be sure to bring an adequate supply.
* Bring something to put trash in. It’s surprising how many parents forget this. If you fail to do so, you’re just about guaranteed to end up with a car full of trash by the time the trip is over. Depending on the size of your family, you might need a grocery bag or a full-sized garbage bag.
* Be prepared for messes. If you have a mini car vac, it’s a good idea to bring it along. Other things you might need include wet wipes, paper towels, upholstery and carpet stain remover and glass cleaner.
* Ask kids if they need to use the restroom each time you stop at a restaurant or gas station. Otherwise, you might find yourself making lots of unscheduled rest stops.
Parents often consider holiday road trips necessary evils in which they must participate to get where they’re going. But if you plan ahead, the trip can be enjoyable for the whole family.
A significant part of preparing your home for a foster child care is preparing yourself. A prospective foster parent must prepare his or her heart to deal with the sacrifice, the pain (sometimes foster children have truly tragic stories), and the joy.
It’s also important to see to it that the child is comfortable in his or her new foster home. Of course, if you are prepared mentally and emotionally, that adds greatly to the child’s comfort. There are some practical things, too, that you can do to make the foster home a place of refuge and love.
* Know your state’s requirements
Much of the physical aspects of your home - types of toys, sleeping accommodations, etc. - are determined by the state. An inspector or case worker will come to your home and determine whether it is suitable for a foster child, looking for proper safety measures (such as smoke alarms), number of bedrooms (some states require a separate bedroom for each foster child), etc. It will make the process go a lot more smoothly if you find out your state’s requirements ahead of time.
* A welcoming home
Besides state regulations, you probably want your home to project a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere. Try to keep the household quiet on the day of the foster child’s arrival. Let your children know they will need to be quiet and calm, but not stifled. Make sure the house is free of clutter which can be overwhelming to a child who is already feeling traumatized. If you have pets, especially big dogs, put them outside or in a separate room at first.
* Put valuables away
Keep any “tempting” items, such as jewelry, electronics, or other valuables out of sight. As you adjust to this new child and discover his strengths and weaknesses, you will learn where you can relax the rules and where you need to tighten them up.
* The child’s own space
Remember that a foster child is going through something traumatic, and may have known little but trauma for most of her life. She will need a space of her own where she can go to process her thoughts and feelings when she feels overwhelmed. Prepare this special space, most likely a bedroom, by making it welcoming and peaceful - a comfortable chair, a neatly made bed, some books, and maybe some stuffed animals. Quiet, soft toys are a good place to start.
* Preparing your other children
Of course there will be a period of adjustment, and some bumps along the road are to be expected. To prevent any big set-backs, though, it is a good idea to prepare your children for the foster child. Let them know how things are going to be different, and why you are taking a foster child in to your home.
The whole family can participate to make the fostering experience a joyful and rewarding one for everyone involved.
The Petco Trupanion Pet Insurance offers protection for your beloved pets in case of accident or illness. With vet bills soaring, it offers you the peace of mind that pets for kids are in good hands should treatment be necessary.
Trupanion offers a higher payout than other pet insurance providers as it covers 90% of your veterinarian’s bill. The company also approves and pays claims faster than other competitors and won’t charge you any penalties. The insurance premiums won’t rise as your pet gets older.
Trupanion benefits from the Seal of Acceptance from the American Animal Hospital Association.
Are you thinking of buying a guinea pig for your children? The Petco Guinea Pig Starter Kit includes everything you need to give your new pets for kids a good home.
It contains:
* 2-story home with a solid-surface balcony
* 2 lb guinea pig diet food
* Treat bar
* 16oz timothy hay (a staple food for guinea pigs)
* 5 liter bedding
* 16oz water bottle and wire hanger
* Dishwasher-safe food dish
The cage assembles very easily by snapping together, no tools are required. The wire on the cage is washable, chew-proof as well as stain and rust-resistant. The plastic base is quite deep and therefore reduces the amount of mess in your home.
“Pretty is as pretty does” and “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” are common sayings which talk about a woman’s looks. Depending upon where you live, you may have heard similar sayings. So if the outward appearance isn’t what’s most important, can you learn how to appreciate inner beauty especially for child development?
There are some women who may never be considered to be a “classic” beauty, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be considered to be attractive. Every woman won’t be a super model but when you really think about it, wouldn’t the world be a boring place if everyone was stunningly beautiful? Here are some ways you can learn to appreciate your inner beauty rather than fixating on the outward appearance.
* Define what inner beauty is to you. Is it having integrity above all else? Does it equate with being a good listener or having compassion for those that are hurting? Can it be said you have inner beauty if you’re able to see the good in others or if you have a great sense of humor?
* Whatever inner beauty consists of to you, determine to work on those areas of your personality. Develop your sense of justice, compassion, or the ability to listen and truly hear what others are saying.
* Think about how you can make yourself more attractive, but don’t rely on your outer appearance to help you get by in life. Do your best to dress neatly, have your hair styled in an appealing way, and think of how you want to be treated by others. Even if you’re not considered beautiful by society’s standards, you can still be attractive.
* Another common saying you may have heard is that the “eyes are the window to the soul.” If you’re unsure of yourself or don’t feel good about yourself, it’s unlikely you’ll look into the eyes of another person. What do you see when you look into another’s eyes? Are the alive with confidence and mischief or lacking energy and distant?
* Do your best not to make disparaging comments about others’ appearance. There really is more to a person than what you see on the outside. If this is true for others, it’s also true for you.
* Show others that you care about them. Encourage them to be the best they can possibly be. Cheer them on when they’re struggling. And no matter what you look like on the outside, you will have the type of character traits which will make you appealing and desirable to be around.
Make it a point to spend time with others who appreciate their inner beauty as well as those of others. Develop a good attitude.
You’ve been hoping to put it off a little while longer, but your children finally wear down your defenses against pets for kids. You agree to get a dog. But which dog breeds would make great family pets and which will you choose? The answer to those questions may not be as difficult as you imagine.
Ask twenty different people which is the best breed of dog for a family pet and you’re likely to get fifteen different answers. Of course, some dog breeds are more common so they’re often chosen as a family pet. Does that mean it’s the best choice? Not necessarily, at least not necessarily for your family.
Before you choose which type of dog to get, you may want to ask yourself if you and your family are truly ready to add a puppy or dog to the family dynamics. Dogs require a good bit of attention and can live quite a long time if cared for properly. It is also helpful to know who will be responsible for various aspects of the dog’s upkeep. Will everyone chip in with walking, grooming, and feeding the dog?
More than 21 million homes already have at least one dog as a pet. With so many people choosing to add dogs to their family, it’s easy to see how they’re so popular. And, when you invite a dog into your family, you can expect more than protection; you get a life-long friend who can grow up with your children and be a major part of their lives.
One breed of dog which is very common for families is the Border Collie. They are very intelligent, active, and will keep a close watch on your children. Bred to help shepherds keep the flock together, don’t be surprised if a Border Collie appears to herd your children and keep them close by. They are friendly, loving, obedient, and easy to train.
Labrador Retrievers are another common family pet. They are especially good with children and love to play. They have a lot of love to give a family. They are gentle and trustworthy with children even though they grow to be quite large. They need plenty of room to run.
Golden Retrievers also make great family pets. They are eager to please their masters and are very loving. They are excellent guard dogs and excellent swimmers. They love to spend time with their family and will gladly show them how much by being obedient.
For families with limited space, you may want to consider getting a toy or miniature poodle. They are smart and sensitive. They respond well to obedience training and make a great friend for children.
Miniature Australian Shepherds are another breed of dog to consider. They are loving, loyal, protective, and eager to please. They are intelligent and like having a particular job to do in the family. They can be nippy while trying to herd the family together, but generally they don’t bite.
There are so many breeds to choose from. It’s not easy knowing which breeds would make great family pets. In many cases it’s not the breed which determines how they would react to a family dynamic, it’s the training and treatment they received before coming into your family. Learn as much as you can about the breeder and lineage of any dog you may choose to ensure there is no abuse in their background. Then choose the pet dog which best suits your family.
It’s a common complaint of many families these days. Everyone is involved in so many children activities that it’s hard to come together and enjoy time as a family. Consider some of these ideas on how to enjoy a fun family night in instead of everyone going their separate ways.
Scientifically it has been proven that families who eat meals together are more emotionally connected and more stable. And since everyone has to eat, why not start your fun family night in by cooking a meal together?
Family meals don’t have to be elaborate or tedious to prepare. They can be as simple as cooking hamburgers, having chips, and drinks. Of course, you may want to prepare something that will get everyone involved in the cooking process. Someone can cut up vegetables, someone else be in charge of cooking the dessert, and another person in charge of the main meal. Have everyone pitch in and the work will be completed quicker. You can also use the time to reconnect and talk about what’s happened in each person’s life since your last family fun night.
Once the meal is complete, take time to set a nice table and eat there rather than in front of the television. You can make clean-up a breeze by using disposable plates and napkins if you like, but you can also make the dinner seem more special by using nice place settings which are normally reserved for holidays.
After you’ve eaten dinner and cleaned up the dishes, continue your family night by playing board games. Have everyone choose one of their favorite games and then decide together which one you’ll play first. Games are meant to be fun and relaxing, so try to avoid becoming too competitive if that’s your personality. Depending upon the game you’ve chosen, you may be able to play more than one game; and don’t forget to play games even the little children of the family can enjoy.
If games aren’t your favorite things, you can also plan a movie night. Find a movie everyone will like, or at least tolerate, and pop some popcorn. Comedies are usually a good choice even though people have different senses of humor. Unless the humor is extremely dry, everyone in the family should at least get a chuckle out of the movie.
Pull out the family albums and take a stroll down memory lane. Remember the way the children were when they were young. Everyone loves to look at pictures of or hear stories about themselves even if they can be slightly embarrassing. Talk about some of the things your children did as babies or toddlers that you found so endearing.
No matter how busy your family may get, it’s vital to take time to reconnect as a family. You can use some of these ideas on how to enjoy a fun family night in or you can come up with some of your own. The important thing is to do something everyone, no matter what their age, will be able to enjoy and look forward to.
Dogs are often called man’s best friend. This may be partially true; however, that doesn’t mean they are a child’s best friend. In fact, some children are afraid of them. If this describes a child you know, you can use these smart ways of helping child development by overcoming the fear of dogs. Despite the fact they’re animals, dogs can be very similar to humans.
You can tell when a dog is being playful or when they want to be left alone. Some dogs even smile at you because they’re happy to see you. When it comes to helping your child overcome the fear of dogs, it’s a good idea to begin by teaching them to read dog behavior. If your child is afraid of dogs, take them to a pet store. They will have puppies and dogs for the child to look at but they stay behind a glass where the child and animal are safe. This will allow your child to see the animal without fear of being hurt. Don’t try to force your child to pet an animal. They may have good reason for their fears. Let them watch dogs from a distance.
This will allow them to see how dogs interact with other children and adults. It will help them to recognize when there is danger and when there is not. After they become comfortable seeing the animal from behind the glass, ask if you can see one of the calmer animals. The sales person will bring dog into an enclosed room where you can get to know the animal. They will remain with you and will be able to help protect your child. They may also have some more ideas for helping your child overcome their fear of dogs. Teach your child that when a dog is wagging its tail or its whole body, there usually is nothing to fear except if the dog inadvertently knocks the child down. Explain to the child that the dog is being friendly and that it means them no harm. This can be especially important if your child has been bitten or nipped at before. On the other hand, if a dog comes running toward them with their ears back and barking, the child is fully justified in being scared. The child needs to know to stand still rather than run, however.
Running may be an automatic response, but running will only encourage the dog to chase the child. Helping your child recognize the difference between a dog that’s friendly and one that’s not can make all the difference in the world as to how they respond to them. When being introduced to a new dog, have your children follow these steps: * Stand still; let the dog sniff at them. * Let them look to you for cues as to whether the dog is friendly or not. * After they become comfortable, or at least less uneasy with the dog being near them, teach them to hold out the back of their hand for the dog to smell. * Finally, when they’re ready, tell them to move slowly and then gently pet the dog on the back of the neck or the head.
It is possible to help a child overcome their fear of dogs. These smart ways may give you information you need to help your child. If you’re still unsure about introducing your child to dogs, ask a veterinarian or your child’s pediatrician for more ideas.
It’s not uncommon for people to try to shed extra pounds. Many times people decide to try to lose weight at the beginning of the New Year. If you’re trying to slim down, here are some healthy recipe for kids ideas to help you lose weight.
People often think that when they’re trying to drop extra pounds they’re limited to what they can eat, and that’s true to a degree. But, there’s no need to starve yourself or eat nothing but rice cakes. You can have snacks which are healthy and taste great so you won’t have to suffer while you’re slimming down.
Advertisements on television and in magazines state each person needs a certain number of dairy servings a day. The ads claim you can actually lose weight by consuming dairy products. Well, why not eat low-fat yogurt as a snack. Add fresh fruit to the yogurt and you’ve taken care of one serving of dairy and one serving of fruit for the day. You’ll also have the benefit of the vitamins and minerals from both foods which are necessary for health.
What do you do if you don’t like yogurt that much? You can get dairy servings in other ways, too; try a low-fat milkshake or smoothie. Using skim or low-fat milk, ice, and either fresh or frozen fruit, you can make a great milkshake to enjoy for breakfast or at any other time of the day.
If you’d like to try something different, why not simply try a green smoothie? You use water, 100% fruit juice, water, fruit, and then add raw spinach or another green leafy vegetable. It may take a bit to get used to, but once you’ve had this type of drink you’ll soon learn to love them. This will be very low fat, as you’re not adding anything to the fruit, vegetables and water, and will be full of health-giving vitamins and minerals.
Make muffins using applesauce in place of the fat (margarine or butter). This will make the muffins lower fat than traditional recipes and you may not even recognize the difference as far as taste. Add shredded carrots to the muffins to give you more nutrients. Use other fruits or vegetables such as bananas and zucchini to make the muffins moist and delicious.
Popcorn is a great healthy snack idea as long as you don’t smother it in butter. Air-popped popcorn has no fat, is healthy, and can be filling. Instead of using salt and melted butter to flavor the popcorn, try adding onion powder, garlic powder, or nutritional yeast instead. Be adventurous and try to find a combination that you’ll enjoy. If you feel you must use fat to help flavor the popcorn, use a spray of olive oil which is a good fat.
When choosing healthy snacks that help you lose weight, remember to choose foods which are low-fat. You also want to limit the amount you eat at one sitting. Even snacks which are healthy can cause you to gain weight rather than lose it if you eat too much.
More and more parents turn to child education homeschooling as their preferred education choice. They believe that it is a much better option for their children and themselves than a traditional classroom. A lot of support and information is needed for homeschooling families to make their educational journey an exciting and happy one.
The Education Store’s website ‘www.learningthings.com’ offers a wealth of information and products on homeschooling. The online store provides homeschool materials for any subject from preschool to college level, from English grammar to history and foreign languages.
On the website you can browse through informative homeschool-related articles, find relevant online resource links and coupons & special offers on educational resources.
Go to www.learningthings.com for a closer look at this fabulous online educational homeschooling resource website.
The Parents’ Guide to Successful Homeschooling is a child education resource that provides parents with the support and information needed to become successful homeschoolers. It covers topics that every homeschooling parent will be interested in.
The book features:
* Things you need to consider before homeschooling your child
* Important actions to take to make sure you have the correct information for homeschooling in your own state and know the law
* How to make sure your school district will approve your homeschooling proposal
* What is expected from you as a teacher
* What a school committee looks at before accepting your proposal
* How to create lesson plans
* How to pick subjects the school committee will approve of
* How to make homeschooling fun
* Where to find homeschooling resources and information
* And lots more
In his book, the author gives you the straight talking on what you need to know before embarking on homeschooling your children. Which laws to abide by and on how to deal with your local school district. You don’t need to be a qualified teacher or have a degree but you need to have enthusiasm, be informed, find the right support and want the best possible education for your children.
This book comes as a Kindle version and the file size is 58KB.
Nothing like joining together health and fun recipes for kids. Here is the nutritious Banana and Mango Delight, yields up to four servings.
Ingredients:
1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
1 ripe mango, peeled and sliced
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
½ cup raspberries
2 cups cottage cheese
1 tsp apricot jelly
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine sugar and lemon juice. Add banana and mango slices and stir, so that the fruit is well coated.
Use a fine mesh strainer and press the raspberries with the back of a spoon. Extract all the raspberry juice.
In a small pot on very low heat, melt the apricot jelly and stir in the raspberry juice.
Divide the cottage cheese in 4 individual bowls and cover with the fruit slices. Drizzle with raspberry sauce and enjoy this delicious and light dessert.
Valentine’s Day is not only for lovers. It can be a chance for family members to show their love for each other. This recipe for kids is one big example. Enjoy.
(Yields 2)
Ingredients:
¼ lb angel hair pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
10 medium shrimp, cleaned
2 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch of salt and pepper
1 ½ tbsp freshly chopped parsley
1/8 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Cook angel hair pasta according to package directions and drain.
In the meantime, in a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until golden brown. Remove garlic from skillet and discard. Add shrimp, salt, pepper and parsley to oil and cook until shrimp turn pink. Remove skillet from heat.
Toss with spaghetti and add parmesan and remaining parsley.
Serve immediately with garlic bread and a tossed salad.
Give your kids with some healthy doses of seafood nutrients with this recipe for kids: Valentine’s Day Smoked Oysters and Bacon Appetizer
Ingredients:
2 cups smoked oysters
¼ cup vegetable oil
3 tbsp garlic, minced
½ lb bacon strips, cut in thirds
Toothpicks
Instructions:
Wrap bacon slice around an oyster and place toothpick through to hold it together.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, add garlic. Then fry bacon wrapped oysters until the bacon is nice and crisp. Remove from the skillet and place on paper towel to drain.
Children need to be educated about our planet and all the different life forms that inhabit the earth. Teaching a child about the millions of species of animals that exist in this world, half of them in the rainforests are a good thing. This child education article on the endangered rainforest animals for your kids to know covers some of these animals in danger of extinction to create awareness among children. Since our children are the future of our country teaching them is our duty.
Children need to be made aware that most animal extinction and endangerment is caused by human activities. There are many animal rights activists who strive valiantly to save the endangered species and stop extinction but it is a long, hard battle. Rainforests are under constant threat and saving the rainforest means saving the animals that inhabit the forest. Tropical rainforests are considered to be nature’s largest pharmacy due to the numerous natural medicines found there.
A few of the better known endangered rainforest animals for your kids to know include:
Gorilla – found in the west central African rainforests of Zaire and Rwanda are in danger of being wiped out through loss of habitat and being hunted as bush meat. The Ebola virus has already done significant damage to the Gorilla population.
Golden Lion Tamarind Monkey - is probably one the most endangered of all the rainforest animals and is nearly extinct. The fur of these monkeys is extremely valuable and can fetch as much as 20,000 dollars on the black market. Their number has diminished drastically and only a few of the species are to be found in the Brazilian rainforests.
Jaguar – one of the sleekest of all beasts of prey, this magnificent animal is on the endangered list. Hunting although prohibited in most countries continues to drive the species nearer to extinction with each passing year.
Bengal Tiger – there are only approximately 4000 of these animals left in the wilds of the Sundarbans in India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, China and Siberia. When you consider that they numbered roughly 50000 in the 1900s, you will realize how much damage man has done by poaching not just these beautiful animals but their land.
Most of us know and love the Orangutan and it is sad to know that these cute creatures with their mops of orange hair are on the endangered list. Destruction and loss of habitat coupled with poaching and being hunted as an exotic species have led to the decline in numbers.
This list is only the beginning of a very long list of endangered rainforest ouTube- Sherlock Holmes - The Awakenedanimals for your kids to know.. Encourage them to visit as many sites as possible to learn more and teach them to be motivated towards saving the endangered animals.
Animal adoption for kids is an important topic and this article focuses on what to expect when you plan to adopt a pet for your kids. Many pets especially dogs and cats are being abandoned for a number of reasons that may include: inability to afford pet care costs; allergies; inadequate facilities; landlord issues and lack of time to care for the pets for kids.
When you are considering animal adoption for kids you need to be aware that it is a very serious matter. You are taking an animal out of the shelter to provide a stable home and lots of love to that animal, and it is important that your kids have time for their new pet.
Read on to find out what will be expected of you when you approach the pet shelter or rescue group to adopt a pet.
The shelter or rescue agency will ask you several questions to ensure that you can provide a long term, stable home for the animal, and to ensure the right match between pet and adopted family. You will in all probability be required to fill out an application form and provide information that includes, complete contact information; type of housing you inhabit, rental or ownership; number and ages of children in your family; number and type of existing pets if any; previous experience with pets and lifestyle and expectations from the pet. Be prepared to answer all of the questions asked in a frank manner because every agency has its own rules and regulations.
When planning on animal adoption for kids it is well worth the time you invest in considering your family size and the home size; facilities for housing a pet; the kind of pet you would like to home – big or small, hyper active or regular level of activity; what sort of pet – dog, cat, rabbit, etc. It is a good idea for the entire family to sit down and discuss the adoption process; you can always get a wealth of information of the internet. As a family decide on the type of pet and the handling of responsibilities of looking after the animal. You children need to clearly understand that you are adopting a pet for them and looking after the animal will be their responsibility.
Do not hesitate to ask questions, the usual tendency is to go with the cute factor and adopt a puppy; now bear in mind that a puppy will need to be house trained and can be very chewy indeed. Furthermore, you will need to consider your preparedness in terms of handling an overgrown mutt when the cute puppy grows.
The above is just an example but it is well worth the effort of doing your research throughly when considering animal adoption for kids.
Striving to be a good parent in a difficult world full of trials and temptations is a daunting task especially for child development. What qualities should a good parent possess is a question well worth the asking. Read this article to get some valuable input on how to be a better parent in trying times. Maybe you are a single parent struggling to raise a teenager on your own or you may be an overworked parent trying to raise tiny children. The qualities you will need to possess remain the same with few adjustments as the years roll by.
Read on to find out what mothers the world over consider as the answer to the question, “what qualities should a good parent possess.”
Patience with a capital “P” heads the list. You are going to have to call upon hitherto untapped resources to find the patience to deal with day to day circumstances that arise when raising children.
Let your children know how much you love them and never be backward to demonstrate the love you have for them. This will teach them to express their feelings and emotions and help them grow into caring individuals.
Pay attention to what your children are trying to tell you. Listen without judging and try to understand the reasons behind their actions. Talk to them without getting angry and frustrated and they will talk back to you. Your children need to feel confident in coming to you with their problems; they need a listening ear and someone to guide them when they go off track. If you rant and rave you will only succeed in pushing them away from you and you can bet they are not going to come to you when in a crisis.
Make time for your children, set aside family time that is totally devoted to them. Take the time to get creative when planning family activities and make sure that you include their personal favorite activities as well. Every one is always busy and has plenty to do but that will not work as an excuse. Your children need and deserve your attention – give it to them!
Treating your children with respect means they will in turn respect you, your authority and your decisions. While they may not always agree with your decisions, especially when it restricts television or telephone talk time, they will respect what you say. This is the best way to encourage obedience.
Learning to laugh and stay cool in situations where you would rather explode is an excellent quality to have. This provides a calm and stable environment for the children.
Keep personal disagreements with your spouse separate from the children and never interfere when one parent is doing the correcting. Time enough to discuss it with your partner behind closed doors if you do not agree with something.
When you consider what qualities should a good parent possess, the list is seemingly endless. Hopefully this article will help you get started.
Parents with children in school need to stay on their toes to help them succeed socially and schooling wise. There are lists of ways for parents to help child education and you need to invest time and effort in learning and practicing the suggested methods. This article focuses on how to get your child to discuss school and the happenings of the day. Without this information you will not be in a position to help the child.
There are lists of ways for parents to help their kids in school and some general ideas have been discussed in this article.
It does not matter what age group your child belongs to – don’t pounce on your children the moment they walk through the door to find out about tests, grades and other school stuff. Younger children are usually more willing to discuss what happened at school, eager in fact to share information. This is not the case with older children especially teenagers. You have to give the children time to unwind first. Choose general topics to talk about and give them something to eat and drink, children always fare better on full stomachs. Avoid being authoritative and forceful, your children need to feel comfortable confiding in you.
It is always good for parents to be aware of the teachers, friends, classrooms, school layout and subject matter that concern their children. In this way you can ask specific close ended questions that will give you more than monosyllabic answers. Stay involved by reading the school letter, talking or emailing teachers and chatting with the parents of their friends. There is no need to be nosy, just diplomatic.
You have to be patient and understanding with your children in order to help them in school. A parent who is always losing their cool becomes hard to approach. Encourage openness and try to keep discussions open between the child and both parents. Be aware of the nuances of your child’s speech and on the look out for social or academic problems that the child maybe facing. In other words learn to read between the lines but don’t go off tangent at any given opportunity. Be supportive, show love and kindness when helping a child deal with school issues.
With smaller children you may have to provide solutions to the problems that arise in their small world. Teach them problem solving skills and possible responses to the problems they face. Consider the child’s maturity level and stage of development before bursting into speech. With older children they probably already have the answers on how to handle problems and are just seeking parental support. Serious issues need to be addressed to the teacher to get their insights on how best to handle the matter. However, you need to know when to intervene and when to gently suggest solutions to your children.
There are endless lists of ways for parents to help their kids in school and remember practice makes perfect!
Parenting in today’s world is probably one of the most difficult tasks of all. What is the role of a parent especially for child development? Where do you draw the line on authority? Who does what in their role as parents? What are your responsibilities as a parent? Parents today need all the help they can get and this article seeks to answer some of the more baffling questions that plague modern day parents.
What is the role of a parent in the old fashioned context was for the father to take on the authoritative role of provider and protector and the mother to nurture. We would be hard pressed to maintain this concept in a society such as ours. Both parents work and more often than not single parenting seems to be the norm.
Children need to know and accept that parents are in charge. Raise your children on love and teach them the art of respecting people. Honesty, truthfulness, sincerity are virtues you can inculcate in your child with the right kind of upbringing. Teaching your child morals and values in life is not something that is picked up as your child grows, rather something that is taught from the knee high stage onward.
What is the role of a parent? It certainly isn’t a dictator! Authoritative parenting requires parents to be firm in raising children, rearing them on love and warmth, teaching and guiding, avoiding harsh discipline and being clear in what they expect from the child, yet flexible when necessary. In order to be a good parent you have to walk a fine line between overindulging and overbearing in your treatment of children.
Families that make the effort to have family time sessions, share information, fun and laughter at mealtimes, and participate in the decision making will continue to strengthen the bond that binds. There is a very popular saying, “Families that pray together, stay together.” I would like to stretch that to include those families that share and care build an interdependency and oneness that continues to grow over time. Treat your children with respect and they will learn to respect you. If you have older children, involve yourself in their lives without intruding. Smaller children are easier to manage, get them involved even in your shopping activities and weekly cleaning and you will find they make willing helpers.
Children need to feel loved and wanted and that is the main focus of what is the role of a parent in a child’s life.
In order to use the computer you need to know how to type, efficient typing or touch typing, you still need to learn how to type. Learn to type for kids in the virtual world is an article that covers the child education, you will need to know how to type or you will be lost, reduced to fumbling around.
There are many good sites that will teach you how to type successfully. When using virtual worlds to socialize, play, shop and chat you need to call upon your typing skills. A good way of learn to type for kids in the virtual world is to practice your skills. It is recommended that you log on to sites and practice because typing is an acquired skill that is developed over time and through constant practice.
You will find sites that focus on the right use of the fingers on the keyboard, provide extra practice for weak keys and non repetitive lessons to keep you motivated. Some of the sites even have games that allow you to take a break from your typing lessons. Some of the best sites provide training for the right positioning of the keys on the keyboard and the right way to type, as well as practice sessions to use the letters. You can track your own progress through the data that is recorded and strive for continued improvement. The text passages provided in the practice mode help you maintain your speed and improve typing skills.
Learn to type for kids in the virtual world is a good option for the dyslexic student, who fares better because much of the communication is done through typing. In virtual worlds the typing is done in real time and you can see the mistakes you make and learn the right spellings form what is produced on screen by others. Moreover, text logs provide the opportunity for the student to revise what was done, understand at their own pace and make corrections.
There is a very good site called Wiglington and Wenks that allows you to make use of your typing potential to the full through games that are education oriented. These games will help to develop a child’s IQ and social skills, educate about animals, the environment, geography, history, culture and much more. Children learn to develop their typing skills as they move through the site playing games and learning.
In an age of highly advance computer technology and the World Wide Web at our disposal, using virtual worlds for kids that focus on child education is a good way to get children interested in learning. It is recommended that you read this article to learn more about these virtual worlds of learning to enhance your child’s educational development.
Research has shown that children who actively use virtual worlds for learning, not only benefit in terms of education but also learn to be technologically smart and the art of socializing. The educational value from using virtual worlds for kids that focus on education can be quantified in terms of engaging a child’s mind in study and the ethical values that a child learns from playing games that require ethical decision making skills.
One of the better virtual world kids’ sites is the Wiglington and Wenks site that allows a child travel to over one hundred factual places around the globe; travelling through time and space, you will meet many famous people, plays loads of enriching and fun games, party with new friends, buy island and build houses, explore many secret places and solve mysteries and puzzles. What could be more inspiring or fun? A safe site that allows children to learn about history and geography and so much more, giving the player fun filled hours of exploration and discovery.
Virtual worlds replicate all of the bullying and racism found in the real world to help educate your child on the realities of life. Parents are advised to take an active approach with their children in these virtual worlds. Going into the virtual world with your child will give you a better understanding of the level of education the child receives from playing these games.
Educational virtual worlds are a combination of different learning activities, imagination and plenty of fun for your child and the adult too. Virtual worlds offer children a range of activities that include puzzle solving, action games, contests, fascinating facts and a host of learning activities, all combined to make learning fun. There are various educational elements of math, history, geography and English woven into the fabric of the games, so children learn while they play.
These virtual worlds offer the opportunity of earning virtual money as various activities are completed. The money can then be used to buy different items like homes or pets. The really good part about virtual worlds for kids that focus on education is parents can also register an account and link it to the child’s account. In this way parents can control the child’s play and chat safety features.
As the parent of a toddler or preschooler, you may want to consider allowing your child to play preschool games for kids on the internet. This is a great way to make learning fun and capture the child’s imagination, making him or her more receptive to being educated. There are many sites that provide excellent preschool educational games that your child can play at home.
This article about preschool games on the internet was written based on research of some of the sites and one very good site we came across was Wiglington and Wenks, a truly massive virtual world for kids. A child can virtually travel through time and space, around the world, meeting famous people, playing fun filled games, exploring secret places and making new friends. There’s a lot more activities that the child can undertake on this site, virtual learning made easy – learn history, geography, animals, inventions and so much more.
Parents need to beware that Preschool games on the internet are in abundant supply but not all of them deliver on their promises. Your goal is to find safe sites that your little one can play on and learn from. You need to research the sites carefully first before you allow your child to go exploring.
Capturing and holding a child’s attention for a reasonable period of time can be a difficult task simply because children get easily bored. To hold your child’s attention you can select from online games, preschool math games, counting games and several other different kinds of kids game activities online. Most of these games can be downloaded free of cost or at the most a registration fee for the really good sites. The purpose behind online games is to impart simple counting skills, coordination skills, learning the alphabet and numbers, word recognition, basic reading skills, reasoning skills and motor skills all through a fun filled educational program.
When you select good preschool games for your child you are in effect seeking to help them increase their abilities to observe and learn, play and understand, increase agility and reasoning skills and so much more. Children are quick learners in their early years and you can make use of this ability to the full, encouraging your child’s educational development before the actual schooling begins.
A child that has the basic educational knowledge will be more confident in going to school for the first time. Preschool games on the internet are well worth the time invested in educating your child.
Healthy friendly recipes for kids are the need of the hour as more children across the globe tend towards obesity, stemming from poor eating habits and inactivity.
You can give your kids what they like to eat, yummy foods that are delicious and healthy. Teaching a child to eat healthy from the start will avoid a lot of problems later on as the child grows. Overweight children tend to have medical issues involving the heart and blood pressure and then there is the psychological factor as well, overweight children get bullied and mocked. You can prevent all of this as a parent by making sure your child eats the right kinds of nutritious food and leads an active life.
Parents can develop healthy eating patterns in children by being innovative and making use of some very healthy kid friendly recipes that use vegetables and proteins in combinations that provide for lower calorie, vitamin and mineral rich foods will teach a child to eat right and enjoy it. Whole grains are full of proteins but need to be served up as appealing fare to get children to eat the food and calcium rich foods are a must for the child’s bone development.
Busy work schedules and microwavable food have seriously affected the growing child’s overall growth and development, because bad eating habits make for nutrition less food. Parents tend to think that as the child grows these deficiencies can be made up for but that it is absolutely the wrong thinking. Right nutrition goes a very long way in making for a healthy child and the positive effects carry on into adulthood, helping defend against medical illnesses.
Children who are raised on nutritious foods adapt quickly to the food and don’t have any problem with eating it, but it is important to start them off right from the word go. Potato crisps are yummy but not nutritious, while fruit is tasty and good for a child. While it is true that it is far easier to whiz through the market picking up snacks and other munchies, it is well worth the time invested in shopping for healthy fruits and vegetables. Buy more fish, which is full of omega 3 fatty acids that are excellent for the body. Always check the child’s food pyramid for your food options and try as far as possible to stick to it.
Make sure your healthy kid friendly recipes include generous helpings of the daily recommended allowances of vitamins and minerals. You can get the vitamins and minerals chart to help you closely adhere to the necessary daily intake and make sure the food groups you buy cover all of them. Children who eat healthy, nutritious food seldom need vitamin supplements. Your pediatrician can help you make informed decisions about the food you give your child. Calcium, iron, zinc and fluoride, and vitamins A, C, D and K should be included in healthy does in the foods you feed your child.
There are several good books that you can buy, which provide healthy kid friendly recipes to help feed your child favorite foods that are healthy alternatives to high calorie diets.
Listen in to the conversations you hear at the grocery store. You may hear one mother complain that her children often say “I want this” or “I want that.” Another parent may mention that they’re tired of how many different directions their family runs on a daily basis. Whether your family has the “I wants” or is rarely together, you may want to consider the advantages of family volunteering for child development.
One of the many advantages of family volunteering is having your family work on a project together. Not only can you spend time with one another, but you help someone who is less fortunate than yourselves. If you look at it like that, it’s a win-win situation.
Perhaps your family is concerned about the environment. You can probably find environmental projects you can do in your own area. Call the local city park to see if they need help. They may ask you to help pick up litter, plant trees or flowers in flower beds, or place markers to identify the trees along a walking trail.
Another family volunteering activity you can do is to work at a soup kitchen or center for homeless people. They have to feed those staying at the shelter every day so they’d probably be thrilled to have someone come to the center to help cook, serve, or clean up after meals. Many people consider helping during the holidays but there are needs at these shelters and centers all year round.
Is anyone in your family handy with tools? You may want to volunteer as a family to work on a Habitat for Humanity home or some similar project. If you get involved when the project first starts and see it through completion, your family can feel proud of a job well done and see the joy on a deserving family’s face when they are handed the keys to their new home.
What are some other advantages to family volunteering?
* You’re teaching your children about giving to others rather than always asking for something.
* Volunteering allows children to become involved in their community in a tangible way.
* It teaches your family to become stronger, promotes positive values, and teaches them how to work as a team.
* Having your children volunteer while they’re young will probably encourage them to continue volunteering as an adult. They may even pass the volunteering tradition onto their own children.
* Family volunteering can be a lot of fun!
Bring your family together by volunteering. You can strengthen your family, have fun, and benefit others in the process.
What happens when most women see a mouse in their home? They climb up on a chair and scream. At least that’s what most cartoons would have you believe. It might surprise you that many people choose a pet rodent when they decide it’s time to get pets for kids.
There are a number of rodents which are kept as pets: gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, and rats. Pet stores are a great place to find these pets but you may also find individuals who have them to sell or give away. Here is some information on each type that may help you decide which rodent to have as a pet:
* Gerbils are about 4 inches long and can live as long as 5 years; 2-3 years is the most common. They have a furry tail, are active, and do better in groups rather than being kept alone. It is best to get gerbils while they are young so they get used to being handled. They need a cage about 12×24x12 so they have plenty of room to run and play.
* Hamsters generally live 2-3 years and can range in size depending upon the species. Golden and Dwarf hamsters are the most common. They need a 12×24x12 cage. How social they are depends upon how much they are handled as young. Dwarf hamsters are more social with their own kind than the Golden hamsters.
* Guinea pigs may or may not be rodents depending upon who you listen to. They’re larger than most pet rodents, weighing as much as 2-3 pounds. They live between 5-7 years but some have been reported to live as long as 10 years. They rarely bite and prefer to be kept with others of their kind. Because of their larger size they will need a cage about 4 feet square or larger.
* Mice are very easy to keep but they are also known to be escape artists. They live 1-3 years and are generally about 3 inches long. They can live in a cage 12×18x12. If you end up with a breeding pair, you could very easily be overrun with little pinkies. They can be tame if handled often, but may not be the best choice for families with small children.
* Rats are larger than their mouse cousins, coming in at nearly 8 inches. They live 2-4 years and prefer to live in pairs of the same sex. As with mice, a breeding pair can soon have many babies. They require a cage about 24×36 inches which is very tall. They can be tamed and rarely bite.
As a general rule, rodents need a large enough cage they can’t escape from, bedding to nest in, safe chewing material, food, and water. It is also important to provide some type of exercise wheel for smaller varieties of rodents.
Don’t expect your children, especially younger children, to completely care for pet rodents. They’ll likely forget to take care of them so it’s best if you resign yourself to that before you bring the pet home. You’ll also want to have a veterinarian check out a pet rodent within two days of purchasing it. They will be able to verify the animal’s health and ensure you know how to care for it properly.
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