Divorce can be traumatic, not only for the separating partners, but also for their children. Kids who are caught in the middle experience a deluge of emotions, including sadness, anger and confusion. How the parents handle the divorce, however, can make it more or less difficult for them especially for child development.

A frequent point of contention between divorcing parents is the set of rules that their children are expected to follow. Usually, while married, parents come up with a set of rules to which they can both agree. But in the event of separation, each parent may prefer to change the rules a bit for when the children are with them.

Overall, this is a bad idea. While it is ultimately up to the parent to enforce rules, having two different sets of rules is generally bad for the children. Here are a few reasons why this is so:

* Having to adjust to a different set of rules each time a child visits the other parent is difficult. They might get confused about which rules apply where, and that could get them in trouble.

* Children may resent the parent who enforces more restrictive rules. These rules might be in the child’s best interest, but he still feels that he’s being treated unfairly because they do not apply when he is with the other parent. This often leads to conflict between parent and child.

* A difference in rules can cause added conflict between the parents. Not only does this produce more stress in the adults, it also hurts the children. Even though the parents are separated, seeing them fight is not good for the children.

* Children need a sense of stability. This stability is lessened when their parents divorce. But being subject to the same rules at both households gives them some semblance of security.

Agreeing on the Rules

When you come to the decision to get a divorce, the first thing that’s usually discussed is who will get the children and how visitation will work. It’s also important to discuss the continuation of rules early on. Parents often assume that the other parent will keep the same rules, but that doesn’t always happen. This is especially true in households where the rules are flexible or not well defined.

For best results, rules should remain the same as when the parents were together. But children who are experiencing a state of transition may need to have their rules revised. For example, a child who is ready to start dating will need rules that weren’t necessary before. In such circumstances, the parents need to discuss the prospective new rules ahead of time and do their best to come to an agreement on them.

Having the same rules at both homes makes things easier for parents and children. It makes for less conflict and greater uniformity. While a divorce is not by nature a pleasant experience, maintaining a consistent set of rules can make it less unpleasant.

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Some parents carefully watch every word that comes out of their mouths. Others let a curse word slip from time to time. But no matter which category you fall into, hearing your child curse isn’t a pleasant experience especially for child care.

Whether you find it amusing or appalling, the last thing you want is for your child to say a swear-word at the wrong time. And most parents agree that swearing is a horrible and offensive habit that they don’t want their kids to develop. So what do you do when your child starts cursing? Here are a few tips.

1. Don’t overreact. If you make a big scene when your child utters a dirty word, there’s a good chance that it will reinforce the behavior. He could use the word again when he craves attention, or he might decide that it’s a good word to use when he wants to get under your skin.

2. Do your best not to laugh. Whether you truly find it amusing or just giggle nervously, this could also cause a repeat occurrence. Your child will see that he made you laugh, and he might use the same word again when he wants to be funny.

3. Avoid confronting your child about swearing when he does it when angry or upset. This will only add fuel to the fire in most cases. Work through the problem at hand, and discuss the bad language at a calmer time.

4. Watch your own language a little more closely. Kids often pick up curse words at home, and if you use them frequently, they are more likely to think it’s acceptable to do so themselves.

5. Take your child’s age into consideration. Children who are just learning to talk usually do not realize that swear words are bad. So scolding them when they use them serves little purpose. In many cases, if you just ignore it, they won’t say it again.

6. If your child has more developed language skills, a calm and simple explanation of why they shouldn’t swear will often solve the problem. If you tell them that a word is not nice, there’s a good chance that they will cease to use it.

7. Older children who know that swear-words are bad may need to be disciplined when they use them. Depending on their age and the circumstances, time out, suspension of certain privileges or grounding may be appropriate.

8. Consider the context of the swear-word. Calling someone a bad name is much more hurtful than swearing because you tripped and fell. Both should be discouraged, but make sure the punishment fits the crime.

9. When you slip and say a curse word, apologize. Doing so will set a good example for your child.

10. Offer more acceptable alternatives to swearing. There are plenty of words in the English language that are not so offensive. You could even encourage your child to make up his own silly expressions to use instead of curse words.

These days, few kids get through childhood without saying a single curse word. When your child swears, don’t take it too hard. As long as you make it clear that such words are unacceptable, the chances of your little angel developing an incurable potty mouth are very slim.

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Adopting a child is an exciting and wonderful event. The process of child care will go a lot more smoothly if you prepare yourself with knowledge about how adoption works before you begin. Here are some things to keep in mind as you consider the adoption process.

* Open, semi-open and closed adoptions

This is the most important decision you will make as you begin the adoption process.

In an open adoption, an adopted child can maintain contact with his birth parents. An open adoption includes letters, emails, phone calls, and personal visits. It can be helpful for the child’s sense of wholeness and healing to be in contact with his birth parents, but this depends on the situation and lifestyles of the biological parents, of course.

As the adoptive parents, it is your decision as to whether you will allow open contact, but it should be a child-focused decision. It’s not about your convenience or preference; it’s about what is best for the adopted child.

Semi-open adoptions limit but do not prohibit the contact the adopted child can have with her birth parents. Generally, semi-open adoptions include receiving written correspondence and gifts from the biological parents, but no personal visits or phone calls.

Closed adoptions mean no contact is allowed between the adopted child and her birth parents.

* Domestic adoptions

Domestic adoptions, or adopting a child from your own country, can mean a long wait. Also, babies and children up for adoption in the United States tend to have behavioral or physical problems, which may or may not be an issue for a prospective adoptive parent. It is easier to obtain the medical history of the child in a domestic adoption, however.

The cost of domestic adoptions varies according to state, but generally they include an application fee, attorney fees, psychiatric and physical examinations for parents, and supervision after the adoption. These and any other costs or fees as per your state range in cost from $5000 to $40,000.

* International adoptions

Almost always closed, international adoptions are comparable in cost to domestic adoptions, averaging between $7000 and $30,000. This does not include travel, however. Overall, international adoptions are faster, but obtaining details about the child such as his medical history can be almost impossible.

* Adopting through the foster system

By far the least expensive way to adopt (averaging between $0-$2500), adopting through the foster system is a viable means of adopting a child. However, adoptive parents have less choice in the age, race, gender, and other particulars regarding the child they want to adopt.

Understanding how the process works and the variables involved go a long way in facilitating the adoption process.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Foster parenting requires willingness to sacrifice and a genuine love for abused and neglected children. If you are considering becoming a foster parent, bear in mind that it is a big commitment to child development but one with great rewards as well. This article discusses some of the important aspects of foster parenting, and addresses some of the questions commonly asked by prospective foster parents.

What does it mean to foster children?

Fostering is not the same as adoption. When you foster a child, it is understood from the beginning that your home is a temporary refuge while the child’s biological parents try to straighten out their lives and become responsible parents. Foster parents are in the unique position of giving love and attention to a child as if that child were their own, but need to be able to give that child up to a permanent home when the time comes. That can be a difficult sacrifice to make.

What kinds/ages of children are fostered?

Foster children range in age from newborn to 17 years of age, and encompass all genders, races, and backgrounds. Thus, there is quite a variety in the sorts of children foster parents can have in their home, although most foster parents specify what sort of child they feel most able to foster.

How long does a child stay with the foster parents?

This is quite variable, and depends a great deal on the state of the biological parents. There are cases of children being fostered for only a few weeks, during which time the child’s biological parents get their lives in order so as to be fit parents. Other times, a foster parent may have a child for years and may even adopt that child. Generally, a foster parent reserves the right to have a child removed for any reason, or to refuse to accept a child for any reason.

How is the existing family affected?

The whole family is involved in creating a “foster family” - thus, everyone needs to be committed to the fostering process. If there are any family members who are not on board with the concept of welcoming children into the home and caring for them, then it would not be a good idea to try to become a foster family. The existing family, after all, will be asked to share space and toys and time, and children will need to share their parents’ time.

There can be no doubt that foster parenting requires sacrifice and dedication. But like so many things of that nature, the rewards are great and so is the joy. Parenting, after all, is not about what we get out of it; it is what we give to it that makes it rewarding.

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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.

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“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.

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Families who are considering home child education, or homeschooling, for their children want to know what is needed to home educate successfully. You may be surprised to know that home education success is often more than educational. The following are some things a home educating family will need to succeed.

* Commitment of the whole family – One thing that that will help you to home educate successfully is a commitment to do so by the entire family. This means that both parents must agree that homeschooling is the right choice for their children. The children must be willing to be homeschooled and commit to do their best. Without this commitment, homeschooling will be stressful and will be seen more as an experiment which can be discarded rather than a change in the family’s dynamics.

* A good sense of humor – Home education requires the parent doing most of the teaching to have a good sense of humor. There are days when being able to laugh will be what gets you through. You’ll also want to try to make learning enjoyable and using humor is one way to do that. There will be times when you have to be serious, but allowing the children (and you as the teacher) to have fun during the learning process will make your day go smoother and quicker.

* A good relationship with your children – Parents who are having struggles with their children may not want to homeschool. It’s not that they can’t be effective in teaching their children, but their children may not want to spend most of their time with their parents. Having a good relationship with your children will enable you to bond closer together and overcome any obstacles you may face.

* Patience with your child and yourself – Many families choose to begin homeschooling from the beginning of their child’s education. It is so much easier then because children are like little sponges that soak up new skills and knowledge. As they get older, however, home educating may require more patience with your child and yourself. You may both get frustrated after a long day of schoolwork, but have patience; you can and will get through the tough days.

* Curriculum and course materials – Of course, if you’re teaching your child at home, you’ll need some type of curriculum or course materials. There are many homeschool curriculum choices available. Talk with other homeschool families to see what curriculum they use.

Make plans to attend homeschool curriculum fairs which are normally held at the end of school year. This allows you to physically look at the curriculum to see if it meets your family’s needs. You can also search online through auction websites to purchase a used curriculum and find websites for curriculum producers. Be sure to get a variety of catalogs to help you make your curriculum choices.

You may be under the impression that home education success depends strictly upon the curriculum or textbooks you use. Surprisingly, nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, the curriculum you use with your children is important, but if you don’t think you can spend the amount of time it takes to homeschool with your child day in and day out, homeschooling may not be the best choice for you.

If you really want to know what is needed to home educate successfully, look to your family’s commitment, sense of humor, and your relationship with your children to help you decide if this education method is best for you.

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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.

For more information, go to www.amazon.com.

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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.

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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.

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You’ve been hoping to put it off a little while longer, but your children finally wear down your defenses. You agree to get a dog. But which dog breeds would make great pets for kids 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.

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To home pets for kids is serious business, the animal whether a dog or any other animal becomes a family member and the right animal care knowledge for kids is very essential. This article gives a broad overview of the basic considerations and care that need to be taken for dogs.

Dogs are probably the most loving of all pets; they give love unlimited and want the same in return. As a parent it is your responsibility to teach your child the importance of loving and caring for the animal as a first step in keeping a pet. A dog needs to be fed right, exercised and groomed at regular intervals. Training the dog to live indoors, obey commands and not chew your favorite rug or slippers is all a part of owning a dog.

Some basic tips on the right kind of animal care knowledge for kids to be practiced:
• Sweets are poison for your dog; the Xylitol an artificial sweetener is very dangerous because it causes the animal’s blood sugar to drop dangerously causing seizures, lack of coordination and even depression.
• Chocolate for dogs is an absolute NO! It can cause seizures, diarrhea and vomiting and has been known to be fatal for the animal.
• Dogs by nature are curious animals especially in the puppy and growing stages, keep them away from electrical cables and power outlets, glass and plastic. They can get an electrical shock, choke on plastic and the glass when ingested can cause internal bleeding.
• Dressing up your dog may cater to your fantasies but for the dog it may mean skin irritations and breathing problems.
• Your dog should be registered and wear a collar and dog tag ID attached to the collar at all times. Make sure your contact details are on the Identification tag.
• It is not advisable to bathe a dog too often due to skin problems; your vet can guide you on the right bathing intervals. Practice grooming the dog on a regular basis; everyday is best and give the animal plenty of fresh air and good nutrition. You can always sponge the animal down with warm water if he gets too dirty.
• You need to do a physical exam of the animal at least once a month – check the teeth for tartar, the gums for disease, the pads of the feet for cuts and bruises, the ears for infection. The dog needs to be taken to the vet for annual checkups and booster shots.

Use these basic tips as a starting point and build on your animal care knowledge for kids.

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Child education is one of the most important aspects of parenting. This article on animal facts for kids makes for interesting reading about little known facts about the animals that inhabit planet earth. Encourage your child to read and learn in a fun way, and share knowledge with friends and have great fun doing it. You can arrange family fun quizzes and make the learning fun!

In biology the word “Animal” comprises all species belonging to the animal kingdom; it is very interesting to read about the little known facts about these animals found in our world today.

Some of the more interesting animal facts for kids:

• A cow can produce more milk than a single human being can consume in one lifetime – approximately 200,000 glasses of milk! Apart from this staggering figure, you will never find two cows with the exact same pattern of spots!
• Horses weighing approximately 1,200 pounds eat roughly seven times their own weight each year!
• When a lion roars you can hear the sound from a distance of about 5 miles away.
• Cheetahs are swift and merciless toward their prey. Scaring the living daylights out of man and beast but the sound they emit is anything but scary - more like a dog yelping. However you can hear them a mile away!
• Elephants are the largest land animals alive in the present age. An elephant’s tusks grow all through its lifetime and can weigh as much as 200 pounds; usually tusks grow for the male species. The females are seldom found with very small tusks or no tusks at all.
• The Chimpanzee is often considered the closest of all animal species to man, with an intelligence that supersedes all other animals. Chimps as they are commonly referred to actually make tools and use them to get their food. They adopt highly refined hunting strategies to get their food. To Chimps status is important; they are also very manipulative and deceptive in their behavior patterns. They can be taught to use symbols, numbers and some aspects of the human language.
• The Giraffe is the tallest living mammal in the animal kingdom and has approximately double the blood pressure of any other animal to enable blood circulation, especially to the brain.
• Some interesting animal facts include: rats live longer without water than even the Camel does; squirrels bury their nuts and often forget where they have hidden them, inadvertently helping to plant millions of trees.

The animal facts for kids detailed above are only a tip of the iceberg; it is hoped that once a child’s interest is awakened, he or she will continue to read more.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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It’s a well known fact – growing children love to snack! Making fun healthy kids snacks will provide your children with fillers between meal times that are healthy and nutritious for child development.

While it is very easy to hand a bag of potato chips to your child to munch on, it will not give the child any nutritional value. Too much fast food, oily foods and over eating have led to a huge problem of overweight children across the country. As parents we have to take control of our children’s eating habits and steer them on the right path to eating foods that provide the nutrition the body needs to grow healthy and strong.
Children get hungry very quickly and if you have trained your child to eat right from a very young age you will not have any problem in getting them to eat the right kinds of snacks. Every growing child is going to need fillers between meals and it is better to train a child to eat smaller portioned meals more often. Healthy snacks are good fillers and can consist of fruits and other whole grain snacks that will add value to the growing body.

Supermarkets are inundated with kids snacks in exciting packages and oh so easy to just dump a few in the trolley and move on. Time savers indeed! These processed foods contain plenty of sugar that is not good for anybody. You can make eating fruit a lot more fun by blending it into yoghurt that makes for a very tasty snack. Alternatively you can also serve the child a fruit platter with a bowl of flavored yoghurt as a dip. Another alternative to getting your child to eat more fruit is to make fruit popsicles – goes down great on a summer day. Fruit smoothies are really very popular among children and can be made from low fat milk, yoghurt and fresh fruit. Your child gets the dual health benefits from fruit and low fat dairy products together. You can make up combinations of fresh vegetables and exciting dips or put low fat peanut butter on whole grain crackers. All of these ideas make for healthy snacks that are going to fill your child up in more ways than one with the goodness of nutrition.

When we are busy rushing around between work, the kids and home with barely a minute to breathe, it is very difficult to think nutritious when easy is all that comes to mind. However, every parent is urged to find the time to make up a list of fun healthy kids snacks based on the preferences of the child. Make a conscious effort to shop right; if you don’t have it in the house the child is not tempted to eat it!

If you take the time to consider your options to provide fun healthy kids snacks you will be pleasantly surprised, there is quite a list of possibilities ranging from fruit, pretzels, crackers with peanut butter, muffins, yoghurt, granola and so much more. Make the time – your child’s health depends on the food you feed him or her.

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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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Employees continue annual charitable tradition at Santa Monica facility

Canyon Capital Realty Advisors (CCRA) helped kick off this year’s holiday season for children activities at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica. On Wednesday, December 9, more than 125 children gathered at the Boys & Girls Club for a pizza and cupcake party, where CCRA employees distributed pairs of TOM’s tennis shoes to all party guests. At the end of the evening, CCRA Managing Partner Bobby Turner also presented a check totaling $30,505, which represented the generous donations of CCRA employees, business associates and friends.
The non-profit Boys & Girls Club, founded in Santa Monica more than 60 years ago, strives to enable all young people, especially those with the greatest needs, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Programs in Santa Monica are offered at two branch locations, and at Santa Monica High, John Adams and Lincoln Middle Schools, and McKinley and Roosevelt Elementary Schools.
The shoes and donation were given in support of the Family Assistance Program at the Santa Monica Boys & Girls Club. Each year, the program provides the most deserving families with food, clothing and presents. For many families, being a recipient of the Family Assistance Fund is the only time they will receive new clothes or toys throughout the year.
“Our annual holiday visit to the Santa Monica Boys and Girls club has become a wonderful tradition for Canyon, and we are thrilled to support an organization that works so hard to improve the lives of young people,” said Turner. “This year in particular, resources are strained for families across Los Angeles and the needs of the community are greater than ever. We are thrilled to bring a bit of cheer into the lives of these children and make their holidays a little brighter.”
“For two years running, Canyon has helped create a fun and energetic event that is a highlight of the holiday season at the Boys & Girls Club,” said Aaron Young, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Santa Monica Boys & Girls Club. “These economic times have put tremendous pressure on many families whose children are involved in the club. Now, more than in years past, the tennis shoes and Canyon’s generous donation will make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children.”
About the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica
Founded in 1944, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica currently serves approximately 7,000 youth through memberships and community outreach. They come from all over Los Angeles County, largely from Santa Monica, Venice, West Los Angeles and Inglewood. Members pay a $10 annual fee for access to all Club amenities and programs that span across education, leadership, recreation and more.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica operates with the objective of serving children from all backgrounds, regardless of economic circumstances - ensuring that youth ages 7 to 18 have a safe and nurturing environment to develop socially, succeed in school, stay physically active and prepare for positive futures.

SOURCE Canyon Capital Realty Advisors LLC

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Use of wood-burning devices is prohibited on Christmas Day

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is issuing the third Winter Spare the Air Alert of the season for Friday, December 25, 2009, which bans burning wood, manufactured firelogs or any other solid fuel, both indoors and outdoors.

Stagnant weather conditions and wood smoke from the 1.4 million fireplaces and woodstoves in the Bay Area, will bring the region into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category of the U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index. This is bad for child safety. Children, adults, and especially people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, are advised to limit outdoor exertion.

“Air quality is unfortunately forecast to be unhealthy on Christmas Day, and the Air District is taking steps to protect public health by issuing a Winter Spare the Alert,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District. “Please remember this holiday season that children, the elderly and those with heart and lung problems are most susceptible to the harmful effects of wood smoke.”

During this Winter Spare the Air Alert, it is illegal for Bay Area residents and businesses to use their fireplaces, woodstoves and inserts, pellet stoves, outdoor fire pits, or any other wood-burning devices. Homes without permanently installed heating, where woodstoves or fireplaces are the only source of heat, are exempt.

The public must check before they burn during the Winter Spare the Air season which runs from November 1 through February 28

SOURCE Bay Area Air Quality Management District

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As the holiday season kicks into high gear, journalist Perri Peltz examines the effects, impacts and influence of video games

A leading behavioral child psychologist, a renowned toy tester and an expert in video game violence will take calls and offer advice and tips that every parent should hear

SIRIUS XM Radio today announced that it will broadcast Doctor Radio Reports: Kids and Video Games - What You Should Know Before You Buy, a live one-hour special hosted by journalist Perri Peltz on which she and a panel of experts will explore everything parents need to know about video games and the effects they have on children.

Doctor Radio Reports: Kids and Video Games - What You Should Know Before You Buy will air live December 11 at 10:00 am ET on Doctor Radio, SIRIUS channel 114 and XM channel 119. The phone lines will be open for the entire show for listeners around the country to call in with their questions. It will replay December 12 at 12:00 pm ET and December 13 at 6:00 pm ET.

Which games are too violent? What do the ratings mean? How do you set guidelines for how long your child should play? What must you know before you buy? Peltz and a panel of experts will answer these questions and more, and explore a wide variety of other topics including: the video game rating system, what it means and how to use it to purchase games as presents; the most popular games this holiday season and whether or not they are appropriate for your child; the impact of setting guidelines for your child, and advice on what to do when playing video games affects their schoolwork and sleep habits.

Guests scheduled to appear include child behavioral psychologist Dr. Lori Evans, co-host of Doctor Radio’s weekly child psych show About Our Kids. Dr. Evans, a specialist in ADHD and Behavior Disorders, is Director of Training at the NYU Medical Center Psychology program. She has counseled families on how, when, and if limits should be set on video game usage.

Peltz will also welcome Cheryl Olson, Ph.D., Co-Founder & Co-Director of the Center for Mental Health and Media, Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. Olson is on Faculty in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the co-author of Grand Theft Childhood: The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games & What Parents Can Do. James Oppenheim, a tester and reviewer of games and toys, will also join the show. Oppenheim is the former Tech Editor for the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and Child Magazine. He is the creator of JamesGames.com and TheMoveChef.com and is currently a contributor on the Today Show on NBC-TV.

Source Sirius XM Radio

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In the movies, kissing a frog can result in a prince. But, as the disclaimer often says, “Do not try this at home.”

Frogs, like all amphibians and reptiles, can be a source of Salmonella infections in people. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) are reminding the public that instead of a prince, improper handling of amphibians and reptiles — and that includes kissing a frog — can result in a nasty illness bad for child safety.

Frogs passing on Salmonella to people recently made headlines when the CDC reported on Dec. 7 that water frogs were the source of 48 cases of human Salmonella infections in 25 states in 2009.

While the majority of illnesses were reported in children less than 10 years of age, the AVMA and ARAV are encouraging people with pet amphibians and reptiles to think twice before finding new homes for their pets if they have, or are expecting, children in their households. Instead, safe handling and some common-sense precautions can prevent illness.

“Individuals who have pet amphibians and reptiles really just need to be conscientious about the care of these animals,” says Dr. Mark Mitchell, associate professor of zoological medicine at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. “Certainly there is a risk associated with keeping them in their house, but it’s no different then the risks associated with cooking chicken or eating raw vegetables. We need to understand that there are potential concerns, and we need to follow through by practicing appropriate hygiene.
“Just like any potential risk, we need to be aware of it so we can protect against it becoming a problem.”

Dr. Mitchell stresses the importance of hand washing after handling amphibians and reptiles to prevent the spread of Salmonella. In addition, amphibians and reptiles, and anything that comes in contact with these animals, such as housing or cages, should not be cleaned in areas where people prepare their food or clean themselves, such as tabletops, sinks, or bathtubs.

The AVMA has developed a complete list of tips on how amphibian and reptile owners can protect themselves and their families from Salmonella infections. These tips are available on the AVMA’s Web site at www.avma.org/public_health/salmonella/amphibians.asp. This Web page also includes links to resources from other organizations, such as the ARAV, U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association

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The holiday season is a joyful time for celebrations, family gatherings and decorating the home. It’s also the most popular time for burning candles and, unfortunately, the peak season for accidental candle fires. The National Candle Association and the National Association of State Fire Marshals are urging consumers to take child safety precautions when using candles this holiday season, and to follow these important fire-safety rules:

Always keep a burning candle within your sight.
Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Keep burning candles away from combustible items. Be careful not to place candles near flammable decorations or Christmas greenery.
Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be sturdy, heat resistant and big enough to collect dripping wax.
Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
Trim candlewicks to 1/4 inch before lighting or re-lighting. Keep the wax-pool free of wick trimmings, dust, matches and debris at all times.
Keep burning candles out of drafts and away from air vents.
Never move a candle when it is burning.

SOURCE National Candle Association

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Full of hand-drawn color illustrations, “Catiana Makes a Family” (published by AuthorHouse), the new children’s book written and illustrated by Mary Lotorto-Soroka, details the poignant true story of child education and her own daughter’s adoption.

Told from Catiana’s point of view, “Catiana Makes a Family” is a perfect tool for helping children understand adoption by relating to Catiana and her story. Catiana’s tale begins when her adoptive parents fall in love and wish to share their love with a child. Soon, the couple makes friends with people who want to help their dream come true.

One day while at the beach in New Jersey, the couple receives a telephone call about a special new baby who has been born just for them. Once they hear the news, they begin dancing on the clouds. Immediately, they pack their bags and all of their baby belongings to travel to Colombia, South America, to meet their new baby.

Once in Colombia, the couple has to go into the mountains so that they may finally hold their baby girl. When baby Catiana is in the woman’s arms, tears of joy fill the couple’s eyes and when Catiana smiles up at them, they realize that in this exact moment the woman had become a mother and the man had become a father. All together, smiling, they were a family.

At home, they arrive back to a big welcome party for the new family, complete with balloons, food and presents galore. After the celebration, Catiana and her parents get settled and ready to live their happily ever after.

By contrasting the New Jersey beach to the exotic landscape of Colombia, full of eucalyptus trees, gorgeous flowers and mountains, “Catiana Makes a Family” reflects how both adoptive children and their new parents come from diverse places with their own unique characteristics. Entertaining for eyes and ears, “Catiana Makes a Family” will be fun and informative for the whole family.

SOURCE AuthorHouse

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For many families across the country, Halloween is the official launch of the holiday and decorating season. In fact, a recent study predicts Halloween spending may reach $5.77 billion on costumes, decorations and candy. Whether adorning their homes with jack-o-lanterns, decorative lights or creepy cobwebs, many families don’t realize their Halloween traditions might be dangerous for child safety if not done right.

On Halloween night there is a significant increase in home fires, burn-related injuries and falls. Most injuries involve flammable costumes and decorations. Home fires are 70 percent more likely to happen on Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day than on any other day of the year according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

“October through January experiences the greatest number of structure fires caused by an open flame,” says John Drengenberg, director of Consumer Safety at Underwriters Laboratories. “As parents, we need to make sure we are taking the appropriate safety measures when it comes to decorating our homes and outfitting our children in costumes.”

To help parents recognize potential safety hazards associated with many Halloween activities, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the leading independent product safety organization, is offering the following tips as a guide to ensure loved ones enjoy a safe Halloween season.

Source: Underwriters Laboratories

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