Tips On Buying Birdwatching Equipment
The most essential equipment in birdwatching is the binocular. Other than that, there’s the camera, notebook and field guide. There is also some fancy electronic equipment that makes bird identification available at the touch of a button, but to enjoy a good birdwatching expedition, all you need other than the proper clothing and shoes is good, reliable viewing equipment.
Binocular or telescope?
If you plan to go hiking while birdwatching, a pair of binoculars is a good idea. They're convenient and easy to carry. However, if you plan to visit wide, expansive areas like reservoirs and estuaries, a telescope is better because it carries a higher magnification and you can focus better at longer distances.
The first rule for buying a birdwatching equipment should be comfort. It should not be too heavy and should allow easy manipulation. It also should not cause strain on your eyes. Rubber coatings are a good bet to protect your body against knocks. If you choose a telescope, buy a good tripod for appropriate support especially if you will be birdwatching at a stationary position.
The magnification indicates the focusing power. There are two numbers indicating the specification (for example, 7x20, 10x40, etc.). The first figure is the magnification power and indicates how many times larger an object will look through the lens. The next number is the objective lens' (the front lens) diameter in millimeters and indicates how bright the object will appear. As the lens get larger, the more it can gather light so the brighter the image through the lens.
In general, the lower the magnification, the brighter the image and the wider the field of view. The depth of field is also greater and the nearest focus point is also closer. A higher magnification means that the image will be less bright and the depth of field will be narrower so you will need to frequently change the focus. The lower magnification will also be lighter than the one with higher magnification.
Field-of-view (FOW) refers to the width of an image as seen through the lens. This is either in degrees or ‘width at distance’. So if you have a 250ft at 1000yrds, an object that’s 1000 yards away will appear 250 feet wide. One degree is about 17m at 1000m, so just do the math.
As for price, you usually get what you pay for, so choose viewing equipment that you can reasonably afford. For a newbie birdwatcher, $200 or less is a good mark, as long as you do your shopping. Then, as your hobby progresses, start buying the more expensive ones. Brand-name equipment can cost over $1000.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Birdwatching Books
ooks Watching Birds, Birdwatching Books
North America is blessed with more than eight hundred species of birds. You can see them anywhere. Take a walk in the park and an abundance of our feathered friends will meet you there. Now isn't it more interesting and exciting if you know these birds by name?
Birdwatching is a fun outdoor activity meant for all ages around the world. Wherever you may be, whether alone or in a group, you can observe the beauty of birds. It is also a good opportunity to appreciate the wonders of nature and strengthen bonds with family and friends.
There are lots of things that you can do to help you learn more about birdwatching. One of these is arming yourself with a good book. Together with your binoculars, a field guide type of book is a handy tool to take with you once you are ready to go birding.
Birdwatching books are a good source of knowledge and there are many good titles to start with. A visit to birdwatching club websites will give you a short list of recommended titles fast.
Some birdwatching books,like "The Sibley Guide to Birds," help you identify birds by sight and sound. While books like, "Hawks in Flight," provide you with deeper knowledge about specific groups. There are also books that teach you the techniques of how to watch birds, how to recognize them, how to listen to their sounds, or how to tell them apart.
Are you from Alabama? You can find books that will show you how to identify the birds in your area. You are a resident of Florida? There are books that will help you learn how to recognize the birds you hear from your place.
No matter where you live, there is a book that will aid you in birdwatching from your location. Through these books you will learn the bird species and the best birding spots in your state. National Geographic has pocket-sized guides for some states that you can also check out.
Because birdwatching is for everyone, there are also books for young children. "Backyard Bird Watching for Kids" is one of the books that will encourage kids to explore and develop an appreciation for the little feathered friends around them.
Birdwatching connects you to the spectacular delights of nature. It gives you more awareness of the place you live in. Waking up to the sound of birds singing is more satisfying if you can tell who's greeting you so cheerfully in the morning.
North America is blessed with more than eight hundred species of birds. You can see them anywhere. Take a walk in the park and an abundance of our feathered friends will meet you there. Now isn't it more interesting and exciting if you know these birds by name?
Birdwatching is a fun outdoor activity meant for all ages around the world. Wherever you may be, whether alone or in a group, you can observe the beauty of birds. It is also a good opportunity to appreciate the wonders of nature and strengthen bonds with family and friends.
There are lots of things that you can do to help you learn more about birdwatching. One of these is arming yourself with a good book. Together with your binoculars, a field guide type of book is a handy tool to take with you once you are ready to go birding.
Birdwatching books are a good source of knowledge and there are many good titles to start with. A visit to birdwatching club websites will give you a short list of recommended titles fast.
Some birdwatching books,like "The Sibley Guide to Birds," help you identify birds by sight and sound. While books like, "Hawks in Flight," provide you with deeper knowledge about specific groups. There are also books that teach you the techniques of how to watch birds, how to recognize them, how to listen to their sounds, or how to tell them apart.
Are you from Alabama? You can find books that will show you how to identify the birds in your area. You are a resident of Florida? There are books that will help you learn how to recognize the birds you hear from your place.
No matter where you live, there is a book that will aid you in birdwatching from your location. Through these books you will learn the bird species and the best birding spots in your state. National Geographic has pocket-sized guides for some states that you can also check out.
Because birdwatching is for everyone, there are also books for young children. "Backyard Bird Watching for Kids" is one of the books that will encourage kids to explore and develop an appreciation for the little feathered friends around them.
Birdwatching connects you to the spectacular delights of nature. It gives you more awareness of the place you live in. Waking up to the sound of birds singing is more satisfying if you can tell who's greeting you so cheerfully in the morning.
Scrapbooking Techniques
Scrapbooking Techniques
This article will give you a few scrapbooking techniques that you may want to try. Scrapbooking is a comprehensive hobby. You can incorporate just about any craft medium into your scrapbooking. Whether it be beading, cross stitch, sewing or stamping, it can all be used in your scrapbook creations. The longer you scrapbook, the more ideas you will develop. It is no wonder scrapbooking has become an addicting hobby for thousands of women.
Try using fabrics to give your scrapbook a different feel. Felt, ribbons and bows can add color and texture to your scrapbook pages. Cording laced around the edges of your pages can add a unique look. Experiment with different fabrics. A lot of people will use vellum to create pockets or display words. You can sew the edges of your cardstock over the vellum so that the stitches are noticeable.
You can use beads as borders for you pages. Don't try to glue individual beads to the pages because they may not hold well. String your beads first on a thin wire and then adhere the string of beads around the border with adhesive tape and glue. This can give your page added color and eye popping appeal.
You may want to age your pages for a vintage look. You can do this by crumpling up paper or pages from an old catalog or magazine. Make a mixture of tea stain or you may use coffee and cinnamon for a darker stain. Spray the paper and place flat on a cookie sheet to dry. You may also dry in a low temperature oven if you so desire. This will give a primitive, vintage look to any paper.
You may choose to use die cut letters and shapes or stamps to create different backgrounds for your photos. Your choices here are endless. There are literally hundreds of different stamps and cut outs to use in scrapbooking. The choice is so huge, you may have a difficult time making up your mind.
Always use sharp tools and cutters. Make sure that your markers or ink pens are not dried out. Keep all of your scrapbooking materials organized and easy to find. Scrapbooking is a great hobby. It is a wonderful stress reliever and it can really get your creative juices flowing. The great thing about scrapbooking is, you are free to do almost anything. You are only limited by your imagination. Try your hand at scrapbooking. Once you do, you may be hooked!
This article will give you a few scrapbooking techniques that you may want to try. Scrapbooking is a comprehensive hobby. You can incorporate just about any craft medium into your scrapbooking. Whether it be beading, cross stitch, sewing or stamping, it can all be used in your scrapbook creations. The longer you scrapbook, the more ideas you will develop. It is no wonder scrapbooking has become an addicting hobby for thousands of women.
Try using fabrics to give your scrapbook a different feel. Felt, ribbons and bows can add color and texture to your scrapbook pages. Cording laced around the edges of your pages can add a unique look. Experiment with different fabrics. A lot of people will use vellum to create pockets or display words. You can sew the edges of your cardstock over the vellum so that the stitches are noticeable.
You can use beads as borders for you pages. Don't try to glue individual beads to the pages because they may not hold well. String your beads first on a thin wire and then adhere the string of beads around the border with adhesive tape and glue. This can give your page added color and eye popping appeal.
You may want to age your pages for a vintage look. You can do this by crumpling up paper or pages from an old catalog or magazine. Make a mixture of tea stain or you may use coffee and cinnamon for a darker stain. Spray the paper and place flat on a cookie sheet to dry. You may also dry in a low temperature oven if you so desire. This will give a primitive, vintage look to any paper.
You may choose to use die cut letters and shapes or stamps to create different backgrounds for your photos. Your choices here are endless. There are literally hundreds of different stamps and cut outs to use in scrapbooking. The choice is so huge, you may have a difficult time making up your mind.
Always use sharp tools and cutters. Make sure that your markers or ink pens are not dried out. Keep all of your scrapbooking materials organized and easy to find. Scrapbooking is a great hobby. It is a wonderful stress reliever and it can really get your creative juices flowing. The great thing about scrapbooking is, you are free to do almost anything. You are only limited by your imagination. Try your hand at scrapbooking. Once you do, you may be hooked!
Scrapbooking Tips
Scrapbooking Tips
Scrapbooking is a fun and addicting hobby. If you have been bitten by the scrapbooking bug you may find yourself spending more money than you want to on scrapbooking supplies. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are a lot of things that you can do to save money on scrapbooking supplies.
If you like to use a lot of stickers in your scrapbooking it can get expensive buying them to fill all of your pages. Why not just flip through some old magazines and catalogs and find pictures that you like. Cut them out and trim them up. Then glue them on your page just like a sticker. Have your friends or other family members save magazines for you so that you will have a huge variety to choose from. Another good use for old magazines is to cut out letters or words that you can use on your pages. Why pay good money for letters when you can get them for free?
Scrapbooking paper is quite expensive, but also a necessity. A good alternative is to use old wallpaper sample books. Ask around of friends or relatives to see if they have any. A lot of businesses will give them away when they no longer have use for them. With the wallpaper sample books, you can have a huge variety of colors and designs to choose from for your background pages.
Wrapping paper can be used to create colorful borders for your photos or tags. This is also a great idea for holiday themed scrapbooks. You can also find wrapping paper for just about any occasion such as the birth of a baby, weddings, birthdays, etc. The possibilities are endless with wrapping paper.
Construction paper can be used for frames for your photos. You have a wide variety of colors to choose from and you can decorate the frames any way you like. Construction paper is relatively cheap also.
If you have a color printer why not make your own letters using Microsoft Word. You can choose from many different fonts to create the type of lettering that you want. Just type, print and cut. It is more cost effective to use a printer when you just need some of the more commonly used letters like "a" or "e" instead of buying a whole letter kit to get those two letters.
Explore the office supply department of your local chain store. There are a lot of things there that you can use in your scrapbooking and it is a lot cheaper. Use your imagination and see what you can find.
You don't have to give up your favorite hobby because of the expense. That is what is so great about scrapbooking. There are so many ways you can use things around the house or things that you create yourself. Imagine the pride you will feel when you create a scrapbook entirely from "scrap."Scrapbooking Tips
Scrapbooking is a fun and addicting hobby. If you have been bitten by the scrapbooking bug you may find yourself spending more money than you want to on scrapbooking supplies. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are a lot of things that you can do to save money on scrapbooking supplies.
If you like to use a lot of stickers in your scrapbooking it can get expensive buying them to fill all of your pages. Why not just flip through some old magazines and catalogs and find pictures that you like. Cut them out and trim them up. Then glue them on your page just like a sticker. Have your friends or other family members save magazines for you so that you will have a huge variety to choose from. Another good use for old magazines is to cut out letters or words that you can use on your pages. Why pay good money for letters when you can get them for free?
Scrapbooking paper is quite expensive, but also a necessity. A good alternative is to use old wallpaper sample books. Ask around of friends or relatives to see if they have any. A lot of businesses will give them away when they no longer have use for them. With the wallpaper sample books, you can have a huge variety of colors and designs to choose from for your background pages.
Wrapping paper can be used to create colorful borders for your photos or tags. This is also a great idea for holiday themed scrapbooks. You can also find wrapping paper for just about any occasion such as the birth of a baby, weddings, birthdays, etc. The possibilities are endless with wrapping paper.
Construction paper can be used for frames for your photos. You have a wide variety of colors to choose from and you can decorate the frames any way you like. Construction paper is relatively cheap also.
If you have a color printer why not make your own letters using Microsoft Word. You can choose from many different fonts to create the type of lettering that you want. Just type, print and cut. It is more cost effective to use a printer when you just need some of the more commonly used letters like "a" or "e" instead of buying a whole letter kit to get those two letters.
Explore the office supply department of your local chain store. There are a lot of things there that you can use in your scrapbooking and it is a lot cheaper. Use your imagination and see what you can find.
You don't have to give up your favorite hobby because of the expense. That is what is so great about scrapbooking. There are so many ways you can use things around the house or things that you create yourself. Imagine the pride you will feel when you create a scrapbook entirely from "scrap."
Scrapbooking is a fun and addicting hobby. If you have been bitten by the scrapbooking bug you may find yourself spending more money than you want to on scrapbooking supplies. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are a lot of things that you can do to save money on scrapbooking supplies.
If you like to use a lot of stickers in your scrapbooking it can get expensive buying them to fill all of your pages. Why not just flip through some old magazines and catalogs and find pictures that you like. Cut them out and trim them up. Then glue them on your page just like a sticker. Have your friends or other family members save magazines for you so that you will have a huge variety to choose from. Another good use for old magazines is to cut out letters or words that you can use on your pages. Why pay good money for letters when you can get them for free?
Scrapbooking paper is quite expensive, but also a necessity. A good alternative is to use old wallpaper sample books. Ask around of friends or relatives to see if they have any. A lot of businesses will give them away when they no longer have use for them. With the wallpaper sample books, you can have a huge variety of colors and designs to choose from for your background pages.
Wrapping paper can be used to create colorful borders for your photos or tags. This is also a great idea for holiday themed scrapbooks. You can also find wrapping paper for just about any occasion such as the birth of a baby, weddings, birthdays, etc. The possibilities are endless with wrapping paper.
Construction paper can be used for frames for your photos. You have a wide variety of colors to choose from and you can decorate the frames any way you like. Construction paper is relatively cheap also.
If you have a color printer why not make your own letters using Microsoft Word. You can choose from many different fonts to create the type of lettering that you want. Just type, print and cut. It is more cost effective to use a printer when you just need some of the more commonly used letters like "a" or "e" instead of buying a whole letter kit to get those two letters.
Explore the office supply department of your local chain store. There are a lot of things there that you can use in your scrapbooking and it is a lot cheaper. Use your imagination and see what you can find.
You don't have to give up your favorite hobby because of the expense. That is what is so great about scrapbooking. There are so many ways you can use things around the house or things that you create yourself. Imagine the pride you will feel when you create a scrapbook entirely from "scrap."Scrapbooking Tips
Scrapbooking is a fun and addicting hobby. If you have been bitten by the scrapbooking bug you may find yourself spending more money than you want to on scrapbooking supplies. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are a lot of things that you can do to save money on scrapbooking supplies.
If you like to use a lot of stickers in your scrapbooking it can get expensive buying them to fill all of your pages. Why not just flip through some old magazines and catalogs and find pictures that you like. Cut them out and trim them up. Then glue them on your page just like a sticker. Have your friends or other family members save magazines for you so that you will have a huge variety to choose from. Another good use for old magazines is to cut out letters or words that you can use on your pages. Why pay good money for letters when you can get them for free?
Scrapbooking paper is quite expensive, but also a necessity. A good alternative is to use old wallpaper sample books. Ask around of friends or relatives to see if they have any. A lot of businesses will give them away when they no longer have use for them. With the wallpaper sample books, you can have a huge variety of colors and designs to choose from for your background pages.
Wrapping paper can be used to create colorful borders for your photos or tags. This is also a great idea for holiday themed scrapbooks. You can also find wrapping paper for just about any occasion such as the birth of a baby, weddings, birthdays, etc. The possibilities are endless with wrapping paper.
Construction paper can be used for frames for your photos. You have a wide variety of colors to choose from and you can decorate the frames any way you like. Construction paper is relatively cheap also.
If you have a color printer why not make your own letters using Microsoft Word. You can choose from many different fonts to create the type of lettering that you want. Just type, print and cut. It is more cost effective to use a printer when you just need some of the more commonly used letters like "a" or "e" instead of buying a whole letter kit to get those two letters.
Explore the office supply department of your local chain store. There are a lot of things there that you can use in your scrapbooking and it is a lot cheaper. Use your imagination and see what you can find.
You don't have to give up your favorite hobby because of the expense. That is what is so great about scrapbooking. There are so many ways you can use things around the house or things that you create yourself. Imagine the pride you will feel when you create a scrapbook entirely from "scrap."
Sports Activities
An Invigorating Family Past Time: Sports Activities
If you are feeling bored, listless, and out of shape, you need a new past time. Sports activities will get your blood pumping and help you get back into shape. Not only will you be getting good exercise but you will be starting a valuable family past time. Sports activities are a great way to spend time with your kids. So get up off the couch, put down that soda, and get out in the yard for a little touch football.
If touch football is not for you, why not play a little kickball with your kids. Set up a diamond similar to a baseball diamond. Now the pitcher rolls a large soft ball, like a playground ball, on the ground to the "batter." Only in kickball, the batter kicks the ball and runs to first base. Since the ball is soft, the fielding team can throw the ball at the runner to get him out. Since the kicker will almost always manage to kick the ball and foul balls are rare, this is a classic game to play with young kids and others who are not very athletic.
A fun family game that makes a good past time sports activity is tetherball. This rousing game can be played with one or two people. Tetherball is called that because the ball is on a tether - it is on a rope tied at the top of a pole. The ball hangs about hand level. The object is to hit the ball and make the rope wrap around the pole. The two players attempt to make the ball go different directions. If you have never played tetherball, you should give it a try. It is really fun! And it really gets you moving (and laughing!)
Sand volleyball may have started on the beaches, but many towns are now installing sand volleyball courts in their public parks. The littler kids can sit in a safe place and play with their sand toys while Mom, Dad, and the older kids hit a beach ball or volleyball back and forth over a net. The sand feels good on bare feet (but not so good inside your shoes!) The kids will enjoy this past time sports.
A cross between volleyball and tennis that many families enjoy is badminton. In this game, the object is to use lightweight rackets to volley a "birdie" back and forth over a net. The birdie looks like a little plastic funnel attached to a firm rubber ball. You hold the birdie by the plastic and drop it onto your racket to serve to the other team. Badminton moves more slowly than tennis and is a leisurely way to get moving with the kids. You'll get some exercise, though!
Kids are naturally energetic and active, making past time sports activities extremely attractive to them. Since parents need to be spending more quality time with their kids as well as needing to get more exercise, too, these vigorous games are a good idea for everyone. Some say that the family that plays together stays together. This could be so, since exercise gets positive hormones flowing in your mind, putting you and everyone else in a better mood. Don't get so competitive that your family past time sports cease to be fun. Just volley that ball or birdie for fun and exercise.
If you are feeling bored, listless, and out of shape, you need a new past time. Sports activities will get your blood pumping and help you get back into shape. Not only will you be getting good exercise but you will be starting a valuable family past time. Sports activities are a great way to spend time with your kids. So get up off the couch, put down that soda, and get out in the yard for a little touch football.
If touch football is not for you, why not play a little kickball with your kids. Set up a diamond similar to a baseball diamond. Now the pitcher rolls a large soft ball, like a playground ball, on the ground to the "batter." Only in kickball, the batter kicks the ball and runs to first base. Since the ball is soft, the fielding team can throw the ball at the runner to get him out. Since the kicker will almost always manage to kick the ball and foul balls are rare, this is a classic game to play with young kids and others who are not very athletic.
A fun family game that makes a good past time sports activity is tetherball. This rousing game can be played with one or two people. Tetherball is called that because the ball is on a tether - it is on a rope tied at the top of a pole. The ball hangs about hand level. The object is to hit the ball and make the rope wrap around the pole. The two players attempt to make the ball go different directions. If you have never played tetherball, you should give it a try. It is really fun! And it really gets you moving (and laughing!)
Sand volleyball may have started on the beaches, but many towns are now installing sand volleyball courts in their public parks. The littler kids can sit in a safe place and play with their sand toys while Mom, Dad, and the older kids hit a beach ball or volleyball back and forth over a net. The sand feels good on bare feet (but not so good inside your shoes!) The kids will enjoy this past time sports.
A cross between volleyball and tennis that many families enjoy is badminton. In this game, the object is to use lightweight rackets to volley a "birdie" back and forth over a net. The birdie looks like a little plastic funnel attached to a firm rubber ball. You hold the birdie by the plastic and drop it onto your racket to serve to the other team. Badminton moves more slowly than tennis and is a leisurely way to get moving with the kids. You'll get some exercise, though!
Kids are naturally energetic and active, making past time sports activities extremely attractive to them. Since parents need to be spending more quality time with their kids as well as needing to get more exercise, too, these vigorous games are a good idea for everyone. Some say that the family that plays together stays together. This could be so, since exercise gets positive hormones flowing in your mind, putting you and everyone else in a better mood. Don't get so competitive that your family past time sports cease to be fun. Just volley that ball or birdie for fun and exercise.
Baby Expense
Baby Expense: Are You Ready for Your Baby?
As you probably know, baby expense should be high on your list of things to plan for, before the baby comes. There is no cheap way to have and raise a baby: it takes sweat, work, lots of cash, patience, and more to have a happy, healthy baby. Some studies suggest that you will spend anywhere between $150,000 and $200,000 for your kids by the time they are 18 years old, not including private schools, special lessons, or college.
But if you waited until you had enough money, time and energy to have your baby, you would probably end up without any children. Here you'll find a few ways to ease the finances, so that you can enjoy your new bundle of joy.
1. Get health assistance - if you don't have health insurance, and can't afford it, doctor's bills can ad up really easy. But there are options out there for people just like you. This baby expense will probably be one of your biggest, so don't be afraid to ask for assistance if your family needs it.
2. Breastfeed your baby, if possible. It's free, it's convenient, and it might help against breast cancer. It's recommended as being the best form of nutrition for baby.
If you can't breastfeed, don't feel guilty. Try to apply for WIC (Women , Infants, and Children): http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic , a program designed to help middle and low income families with educational resources and food. You can also save money by buying formula in bulk, clipping coupons, and accepting free samples whenever they are offered. This is a baby expense you can't do without.
3. Diapers - Some diapers are better than others, but most are basically the same. Store brand disposable diapers can be just as good as the name brand, for several dollars less than their name brand counterparts. You can save even more, if you use cloth diapers instead of disposable. As with breastfeeding, it's a little more work involved, but well worth it.
4. Diaper Rash Prevention - instead of taking action after your baby got a diaper rash, prevent it with a drop of olive oil applied to their bottom every time you change their diaper: it works wonders (you should check with your doctor first).
5. Baby food - When it comes to baby food, a blender is your best friend: it will help you keep this baby expense at its lowest. Not only is it much cheaper, but it's so much healthier! Save the little baby food jars for quick trips, or special occasions, and give your baby pureed food made by you. You can cook a week's supply on the weekend, put the blended vegetables in the ice cube tray, for a few hours, and then place them in a freezer bag. Depending on your baby's appetite and age, you can microwave one, two or three cubes before meal time. It's quick, healthy and inexpensive.
6. Clothing - There is no need to buy expensive designer clothing for you little one. Do you think anyone will really notice that your baby is wearing Tommy Hilfiger? Babies look cute in anything: don't waste your money! You can get most of your baby clothing at yard sales or second-hand stores.
7. Toys - they are big business, but you don't have to feel pressured to get the latest and most expensive models. My kids were happy with everyday items as their toys: empty shampoo bottles (make sure they are cleaned and rinsed very well before handing them to your baby), plastic bowls, plastic containers from food products (margarine, sour cream , etc.) that they could stack up, etc. Also, buy some toys that will help with your baby's development, are durable, and are age appropriate: a baby expense worth the money.
8. Wills - Get a will or update your old will. Name a guardian for your child and the trustee of your child's inheritance (often but not always the same person). Without a will, the court will name these individuals and also split up your assets in accordance with state law which may not be the way you would wish. Please don't try to avoid this baby expense: your kid's future might depend on it. A simple will that includes a trust for minor children costs between $150 and $250.
Hopefully, this article gave you the information you needed for the arrival of your new baby.
As you probably know, baby expense should be high on your list of things to plan for, before the baby comes. There is no cheap way to have and raise a baby: it takes sweat, work, lots of cash, patience, and more to have a happy, healthy baby. Some studies suggest that you will spend anywhere between $150,000 and $200,000 for your kids by the time they are 18 years old, not including private schools, special lessons, or college.
But if you waited until you had enough money, time and energy to have your baby, you would probably end up without any children. Here you'll find a few ways to ease the finances, so that you can enjoy your new bundle of joy.
1. Get health assistance - if you don't have health insurance, and can't afford it, doctor's bills can ad up really easy. But there are options out there for people just like you. This baby expense will probably be one of your biggest, so don't be afraid to ask for assistance if your family needs it.
2. Breastfeed your baby, if possible. It's free, it's convenient, and it might help against breast cancer. It's recommended as being the best form of nutrition for baby.
If you can't breastfeed, don't feel guilty. Try to apply for WIC (Women , Infants, and Children): http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic , a program designed to help middle and low income families with educational resources and food. You can also save money by buying formula in bulk, clipping coupons, and accepting free samples whenever they are offered. This is a baby expense you can't do without.
3. Diapers - Some diapers are better than others, but most are basically the same. Store brand disposable diapers can be just as good as the name brand, for several dollars less than their name brand counterparts. You can save even more, if you use cloth diapers instead of disposable. As with breastfeeding, it's a little more work involved, but well worth it.
4. Diaper Rash Prevention - instead of taking action after your baby got a diaper rash, prevent it with a drop of olive oil applied to their bottom every time you change their diaper: it works wonders (you should check with your doctor first).
5. Baby food - When it comes to baby food, a blender is your best friend: it will help you keep this baby expense at its lowest. Not only is it much cheaper, but it's so much healthier! Save the little baby food jars for quick trips, or special occasions, and give your baby pureed food made by you. You can cook a week's supply on the weekend, put the blended vegetables in the ice cube tray, for a few hours, and then place them in a freezer bag. Depending on your baby's appetite and age, you can microwave one, two or three cubes before meal time. It's quick, healthy and inexpensive.
6. Clothing - There is no need to buy expensive designer clothing for you little one. Do you think anyone will really notice that your baby is wearing Tommy Hilfiger? Babies look cute in anything: don't waste your money! You can get most of your baby clothing at yard sales or second-hand stores.
7. Toys - they are big business, but you don't have to feel pressured to get the latest and most expensive models. My kids were happy with everyday items as their toys: empty shampoo bottles (make sure they are cleaned and rinsed very well before handing them to your baby), plastic bowls, plastic containers from food products (margarine, sour cream , etc.) that they could stack up, etc. Also, buy some toys that will help with your baby's development, are durable, and are age appropriate: a baby expense worth the money.
8. Wills - Get a will or update your old will. Name a guardian for your child and the trustee of your child's inheritance (often but not always the same person). Without a will, the court will name these individuals and also split up your assets in accordance with state law which may not be the way you would wish. Please don't try to avoid this baby expense: your kid's future might depend on it. A simple will that includes a trust for minor children costs between $150 and $250.
Hopefully, this article gave you the information you needed for the arrival of your new baby.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding and Mastitis
Mastitis is perhaps the most distressing problem you may encounter when attempting to breastfeed. You have been making it through the sleepless nights, the relentless feeding schedule, the diapers, the leaking... when all of a sudden you want to stop breastfeeding.
Why?
Mastitis is the answer. One of your breasts is engorged. There is a slightly red patch which is painful to touch. When the baby feeds it's extremely uncomfortable. After the feed your breast feels sore. You dread the next feed... and then you begin shivering. You think you have the flu. You have hot and cold sweats. You have a thumping headache. You retire to your bed and feel utterly miserable. Visitors encourage you to give the baby a bottle so you feel like you've failed... but there is a solution.
In most cases mastitis affects only one breast at a time. So what causes it? Most often a new mum, whether or not she has previously breastfed, will suffer mastitis as a result of incorrect positioning or latching on of the baby. Consequently the milk is not properly drained from the breast and a milk duct becomes blocked. Other reasons include skipping feeds because you don't want to feed in public or in front of visitors, or the baby is sleeping and you do not want to disturb him.
If you recognise the sensation of a blocked milk duct you may be able to avoid it progressing into mastitis by gently massaging your breast in the bath or shower. Massage downwards towards the nipple. You may feel a small lump which disappears as the duct becomes unblocked. You can also try feeding the baby more often and again massaging the sore area towards the nipple as the baby drinks. Another effective technique is to try expressing milk with the aid of an electric or hand pump. However, if all your efforts are in vain and the duct does not unblock mastitis will often follow. Mastitis is simply when the blocked duct becomes inflamed and possibly infected.
Current medical advice is to continue feeding from the affected breast even if it is infected. The infection will not harm the baby. However, the last thing you may want to do is to feed from the affected side at all as it is so painful. This will only make things worse and you may end up with an abscess. If this happens you will need to have the abscess drained by a doctor.
If you are worried about your baby drinking milk from the affected breast a good alternative is to express and dispose of the milk and to feed only from the unaffected side. Your body will adapt. It will continue to supply enough milk for your baby from the unaffected breast. And as long as you express regularly from the affected breast the milk supply will be maintained. You produce breastmilk on a supply and demand basis so there will always be enough. When the infection clears up you can simply return to your usual feeding pattern.
If you do get mastitis and it does not clear up within a few hours you will probably require an antibiotic so speak to your GP. Make sure to tell him you are breastfeeding so a suitable antibiotic can be prescribed.
To avoid a recurrence make sure you position the baby properly. Ensure he is not sucking on just the nipple but that he has a good mouthful of the areola also. Try to sit upright or if lying down do not lie on the breast. Make sure the baby is tummy-to-tummy with you, his nose and mouth facing the breast and that he is not creating a blockage with his chin or a hand or arms.
Mastitis usually clears up completely within a couple of days so put it in perspective. Don't give up breastfeeding because you have mastitis. Instead ensure you don't get it again; position your baby correctly, feed on demand and avoid skipping breastfeeds.
Mastitis is perhaps the most distressing problem you may encounter when attempting to breastfeed. You have been making it through the sleepless nights, the relentless feeding schedule, the diapers, the leaking... when all of a sudden you want to stop breastfeeding.
Why?
Mastitis is the answer. One of your breasts is engorged. There is a slightly red patch which is painful to touch. When the baby feeds it's extremely uncomfortable. After the feed your breast feels sore. You dread the next feed... and then you begin shivering. You think you have the flu. You have hot and cold sweats. You have a thumping headache. You retire to your bed and feel utterly miserable. Visitors encourage you to give the baby a bottle so you feel like you've failed... but there is a solution.
In most cases mastitis affects only one breast at a time. So what causes it? Most often a new mum, whether or not she has previously breastfed, will suffer mastitis as a result of incorrect positioning or latching on of the baby. Consequently the milk is not properly drained from the breast and a milk duct becomes blocked. Other reasons include skipping feeds because you don't want to feed in public or in front of visitors, or the baby is sleeping and you do not want to disturb him.
If you recognise the sensation of a blocked milk duct you may be able to avoid it progressing into mastitis by gently massaging your breast in the bath or shower. Massage downwards towards the nipple. You may feel a small lump which disappears as the duct becomes unblocked. You can also try feeding the baby more often and again massaging the sore area towards the nipple as the baby drinks. Another effective technique is to try expressing milk with the aid of an electric or hand pump. However, if all your efforts are in vain and the duct does not unblock mastitis will often follow. Mastitis is simply when the blocked duct becomes inflamed and possibly infected.
Current medical advice is to continue feeding from the affected breast even if it is infected. The infection will not harm the baby. However, the last thing you may want to do is to feed from the affected side at all as it is so painful. This will only make things worse and you may end up with an abscess. If this happens you will need to have the abscess drained by a doctor.
If you are worried about your baby drinking milk from the affected breast a good alternative is to express and dispose of the milk and to feed only from the unaffected side. Your body will adapt. It will continue to supply enough milk for your baby from the unaffected breast. And as long as you express regularly from the affected breast the milk supply will be maintained. You produce breastmilk on a supply and demand basis so there will always be enough. When the infection clears up you can simply return to your usual feeding pattern.
If you do get mastitis and it does not clear up within a few hours you will probably require an antibiotic so speak to your GP. Make sure to tell him you are breastfeeding so a suitable antibiotic can be prescribed.
To avoid a recurrence make sure you position the baby properly. Ensure he is not sucking on just the nipple but that he has a good mouthful of the areola also. Try to sit upright or if lying down do not lie on the breast. Make sure the baby is tummy-to-tummy with you, his nose and mouth facing the breast and that he is not creating a blockage with his chin or a hand or arms.
Mastitis usually clears up completely within a couple of days so put it in perspective. Don't give up breastfeeding because you have mastitis. Instead ensure you don't get it again; position your baby correctly, feed on demand and avoid skipping breastfeeds.
Breastfeed
How To Breastfeed
When my first baby was handed to me I wasn't sure what to do. Of course I was thrilled, overwhelmed, ecstatic and emotional but I had told everyone I was going to breastfeed. Now she was here and I was expected to get on with it, put her to my breast and nourish her... Well to be quite honest I was a little bit afraid. I was lying in a room full of medical equipment and strangers and my husband had just witnessed me in a state of distress and undress such as never before. All I really wanted to do was get washed, dressed and go for a sleep. But, there was a little tiny girl in my arms looking a bit hungry and everyone was watching and waiting.
Tentatively I showed her my breast and waited. She waited. I poked at her mouth, then at her nose with my nipple. She opened her tiny mouth wide and dived forward. Amazed at this tiny wonder of nature I gazed at her as she began to suckle. I marvelled as she guzzled and swallowed... I was breastfeeding!
As the days went by it wasn't all that I expected. It was painful and burned every time she latched on. But I persevered and we made it. Sixteen months later she decided she had had enough of mummy's milk and with tears in my eyes I concluded that breastfeeding had been a wonderful experience and one which I hoped to repeat.
So how do you breastfeed? Here are some tips...
Try to have skin-to-skin contact immediately after the birth, preferably before the baby has been cleaned up.
Get comfortable and hold the baby in a way that suits you both.
Gently place your nipple under baby's nose, and above her top lip. The baby should instinctively begin to root about for it.
Wait until baby opens her mouth really wide. Then put her on the breast ensuring she has as much of the areola(the area around your nipple)as possible in her mouth. In other words she should have a good mouthful of breast.
Baby will begin to suckle very quickly at first. As colostrum (pre-milk rich with antibodies) begins to flow the sucking will become much slower and you may even notice baby gulping as she swallows this pre-milk.
When baby has had enough she will let go of the breast and may even fall asleep.
Within about three days the colostrum will be replaced by mature milk.
The first feeds may last a long time or they may occur very frequently for short periods of time. Just as mum is learning how to breastfeed so too is baby. Within a few weeks a routine of sorts will have become established!
Breastfeeding is by no means easy but it does get easier after the first four weeks or so. At times it is painful but always satisfying. It's always convenient and requires no advance preparation or sterilising of bottles! Most problems occur as a result of incorrect positioning of baby at the breast. Don't let the baby suck at your nipple - she must have lots of the areola as well otherwise you will get sore and this is when many new mums give up.
By breastfeeding your baby she will benefit tremendously and there are numerous health benefits for mum too. Persevere - it's worth every minute of it.
When my first baby was handed to me I wasn't sure what to do. Of course I was thrilled, overwhelmed, ecstatic and emotional but I had told everyone I was going to breastfeed. Now she was here and I was expected to get on with it, put her to my breast and nourish her... Well to be quite honest I was a little bit afraid. I was lying in a room full of medical equipment and strangers and my husband had just witnessed me in a state of distress and undress such as never before. All I really wanted to do was get washed, dressed and go for a sleep. But, there was a little tiny girl in my arms looking a bit hungry and everyone was watching and waiting.
Tentatively I showed her my breast and waited. She waited. I poked at her mouth, then at her nose with my nipple. She opened her tiny mouth wide and dived forward. Amazed at this tiny wonder of nature I gazed at her as she began to suckle. I marvelled as she guzzled and swallowed... I was breastfeeding!
As the days went by it wasn't all that I expected. It was painful and burned every time she latched on. But I persevered and we made it. Sixteen months later she decided she had had enough of mummy's milk and with tears in my eyes I concluded that breastfeeding had been a wonderful experience and one which I hoped to repeat.
So how do you breastfeed? Here are some tips...
Try to have skin-to-skin contact immediately after the birth, preferably before the baby has been cleaned up.
Get comfortable and hold the baby in a way that suits you both.
Gently place your nipple under baby's nose, and above her top lip. The baby should instinctively begin to root about for it.
Wait until baby opens her mouth really wide. Then put her on the breast ensuring she has as much of the areola(the area around your nipple)as possible in her mouth. In other words she should have a good mouthful of breast.
Baby will begin to suckle very quickly at first. As colostrum (pre-milk rich with antibodies) begins to flow the sucking will become much slower and you may even notice baby gulping as she swallows this pre-milk.
When baby has had enough she will let go of the breast and may even fall asleep.
Within about three days the colostrum will be replaced by mature milk.
The first feeds may last a long time or they may occur very frequently for short periods of time. Just as mum is learning how to breastfeed so too is baby. Within a few weeks a routine of sorts will have become established!
Breastfeeding is by no means easy but it does get easier after the first four weeks or so. At times it is painful but always satisfying. It's always convenient and requires no advance preparation or sterilising of bottles! Most problems occur as a result of incorrect positioning of baby at the breast. Don't let the baby suck at your nipple - she must have lots of the areola as well otherwise you will get sore and this is when many new mums give up.
By breastfeeding your baby she will benefit tremendously and there are numerous health benefits for mum too. Persevere - it's worth every minute of it.
Changing A Nappy
Changing A Nappy
Congratulations! It's a boy... or a girl... You've imagined those words throughout your nine magical months. But, what you probably have not thought about is the part where you need to put a fresh nappy on the little person!
Even after having two little girls I worried about changing my little boy's nappy for the first time. For some reason I thought it was going to be really difficult. But actually it was easier!
So how do you change a baby's nappy? Assuming you are using disposable nappies, as most mums do, at least in the beginning, here are some tips:
Lie your baby on a flat surface, preferably on a soft changing mat; this allows little accidents to be wiped up quickly. If you are placing your baby on a raised surface or a changing station, never leave him unattended for even the slightest moment. Babies can and do fall off raised surfaces, often with disastrous consequences.
Advances in technology allow us to keep the wet surface of the nappy away from the baby. Although this is great for your baby,it can make it difficult to tell if the nappy is wet.
So how will you know if the nappy needs to be changed? A wet nappy will feel soft and squishy on the outside. It may also have increased in size. The moisture absorbing material within the nappy swells when it comes into contact with urine making it easy to tell if the nappy is wet.Obviously, a soiled nappy is easier to detect as you can just peep inside; or, more often than not, you can smell it!
As your baby gets older he will become more wriggly at every nappy change. A good tip is to hang a mobile above his changing station or give him a different toy to keep his interest at changing time - making nappy changes much less tiring for mum!
Remove the old nappy. Wipe the baby's bottom with some cotton wool pads soaked in warm water. You do not need to use soap or scented wipes on a newborn baby. Newborns have extremely soft, sensitive skin which is easily irritated. A so-called top and tail, or a warm bath once a day, is enough. When the baby is a few weeks old you can wash him with a warm soapy cloth or some sensitive baby wipes at each nappy change.
Wipe baby girls from front to back to avoid the risk of cross infection. With baby boys you will need to ensure you wipe around and under their little bits! However, never pull back the foreskin. You may cause damage and infection if you attempt to.
Creams and talc are unnecessary. Nappies today are so effective at keeping moisture away from the skin that creams are not required. In fact, creams can actually hinder the nappy's performance, making irritation more likely.
If your baby has nappy rash, and you really feel that cream is required, apply it very thinly before putting on the fresh nappy. Also, let the air at your baby's bottom. Let him lie on the changing mat on the floor for a while without a nappy. You may want to put an old towel or absorbant bed cloth under him so that he will not be lying in a puddle getting cold, if he does wet it.
Put the fresh nappy under the baby's bottom, with the sticky seals at the back!Lift the front of the nappy up over the baby's bottom and fasten it closed. Do not fasten it too tightly as this will be uncomfortable.Allow the baby some room to breath!
Voila! All Done... until the next one!
Sinead Hoben is the proud mum of three beautiful children aged 6 years, 3 years and 9 months old all of whom were breastfed. She is currently still breastfeeding her youngest child. A qualified English teacher, she now runs her own website,
Congratulations! It's a boy... or a girl... You've imagined those words throughout your nine magical months. But, what you probably have not thought about is the part where you need to put a fresh nappy on the little person!
Even after having two little girls I worried about changing my little boy's nappy for the first time. For some reason I thought it was going to be really difficult. But actually it was easier!
So how do you change a baby's nappy? Assuming you are using disposable nappies, as most mums do, at least in the beginning, here are some tips:
Lie your baby on a flat surface, preferably on a soft changing mat; this allows little accidents to be wiped up quickly. If you are placing your baby on a raised surface or a changing station, never leave him unattended for even the slightest moment. Babies can and do fall off raised surfaces, often with disastrous consequences.
Advances in technology allow us to keep the wet surface of the nappy away from the baby. Although this is great for your baby,it can make it difficult to tell if the nappy is wet.
So how will you know if the nappy needs to be changed? A wet nappy will feel soft and squishy on the outside. It may also have increased in size. The moisture absorbing material within the nappy swells when it comes into contact with urine making it easy to tell if the nappy is wet.Obviously, a soiled nappy is easier to detect as you can just peep inside; or, more often than not, you can smell it!
As your baby gets older he will become more wriggly at every nappy change. A good tip is to hang a mobile above his changing station or give him a different toy to keep his interest at changing time - making nappy changes much less tiring for mum!
Remove the old nappy. Wipe the baby's bottom with some cotton wool pads soaked in warm water. You do not need to use soap or scented wipes on a newborn baby. Newborns have extremely soft, sensitive skin which is easily irritated. A so-called top and tail, or a warm bath once a day, is enough. When the baby is a few weeks old you can wash him with a warm soapy cloth or some sensitive baby wipes at each nappy change.
Wipe baby girls from front to back to avoid the risk of cross infection. With baby boys you will need to ensure you wipe around and under their little bits! However, never pull back the foreskin. You may cause damage and infection if you attempt to.
Creams and talc are unnecessary. Nappies today are so effective at keeping moisture away from the skin that creams are not required. In fact, creams can actually hinder the nappy's performance, making irritation more likely.
If your baby has nappy rash, and you really feel that cream is required, apply it very thinly before putting on the fresh nappy. Also, let the air at your baby's bottom. Let him lie on the changing mat on the floor for a while without a nappy. You may want to put an old towel or absorbant bed cloth under him so that he will not be lying in a puddle getting cold, if he does wet it.
Put the fresh nappy under the baby's bottom, with the sticky seals at the back!Lift the front of the nappy up over the baby's bottom and fasten it closed. Do not fasten it too tightly as this will be uncomfortable.Allow the baby some room to breath!
Voila! All Done... until the next one!
Sinead Hoben is the proud mum of three beautiful children aged 6 years, 3 years and 9 months old all of whom were breastfed. She is currently still breastfeeding her youngest child. A qualified English teacher, she now runs her own website,
Pregnancy
The Benefits Of Exercising During Pregnancy
Everyone knows that exercise is very good for your health. During pregnancy, exercise can have many other benefits as well. Normally, exercise should be light, especially during your first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes.
Any type of heavy exercise can divert the blood flow from crucial areas, and most women that exercise on a regular basis should tone down their workout regimen during pregnancy.
Swimming, walking, and yoga are two very popular exercise activities that are suitable for pregnant women. There are other forms of exercise such as weight lifting that are acceptable as long as it isn't too strenuous. Most specialists recommend exercise 3 - 4 times a week, unless you have a medical condition that prevents it. If you are ever in doubt, you should consult a physician first.
Below, you'll find some of the best reasons as to why you should exercise during pregnancy.
1. Exercise can help to reduce the length of labor and recovery time. The right exercise routines will also increase stamina that is needed for delivery.
2. Improved mental health. Exercise can lower stress and improve your emotional health, making it easier for you to get through the new experience of becoming a mother.
3. Exercise can also help with weight management after the child has been born. A common concern with most mothers is the weight they lose after pregnancy. During pregnancy, exercise can make postpartum weight loss easier.
4. Exercise is very good for your unborn baby. By keeping your body healthy, you are also looking out for your baby as well.
5. Exercise can help reduce the side effects of pregnancy. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, swelling, and constipation are all common with pregnant women. Studies have shown exercise to reduce the occurrence of these symptoms.
6. Exercise can also decrease the risk of premature birth. Exercise has been proven to decrease the risk of premature birth by at least 50%.
You should always make sure that you drink plenty of fluids before you exercise, follow a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion. You should also listen to your body, and if you start feeling sick you should immediately stop and rest.
If you exercise during your pregnancy, you'll find it a lot easier to deliver when the time comes. Exercise will help your body strengthen up, which will make it very easy on you when you go into the delivery room. Women who don't exercise find it much harder when the time comes to give birth.
Exercising during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your unborn baby. Your baby will reap some of the benefits, which is reason enough to exercise. Always be safe when you exercise, and don't hesitate to ask a doctor for advice if you have any questions at all. As long as you exercise safe and use good common sense, you'll do a world of good for your pregnancy.
Everyone knows that exercise is very good for your health. During pregnancy, exercise can have many other benefits as well. Normally, exercise should be light, especially during your first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes.
Any type of heavy exercise can divert the blood flow from crucial areas, and most women that exercise on a regular basis should tone down their workout regimen during pregnancy.
Swimming, walking, and yoga are two very popular exercise activities that are suitable for pregnant women. There are other forms of exercise such as weight lifting that are acceptable as long as it isn't too strenuous. Most specialists recommend exercise 3 - 4 times a week, unless you have a medical condition that prevents it. If you are ever in doubt, you should consult a physician first.
Below, you'll find some of the best reasons as to why you should exercise during pregnancy.
1. Exercise can help to reduce the length of labor and recovery time. The right exercise routines will also increase stamina that is needed for delivery.
2. Improved mental health. Exercise can lower stress and improve your emotional health, making it easier for you to get through the new experience of becoming a mother.
3. Exercise can also help with weight management after the child has been born. A common concern with most mothers is the weight they lose after pregnancy. During pregnancy, exercise can make postpartum weight loss easier.
4. Exercise is very good for your unborn baby. By keeping your body healthy, you are also looking out for your baby as well.
5. Exercise can help reduce the side effects of pregnancy. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, swelling, and constipation are all common with pregnant women. Studies have shown exercise to reduce the occurrence of these symptoms.
6. Exercise can also decrease the risk of premature birth. Exercise has been proven to decrease the risk of premature birth by at least 50%.
You should always make sure that you drink plenty of fluids before you exercise, follow a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion. You should also listen to your body, and if you start feeling sick you should immediately stop and rest.
If you exercise during your pregnancy, you'll find it a lot easier to deliver when the time comes. Exercise will help your body strengthen up, which will make it very easy on you when you go into the delivery room. Women who don't exercise find it much harder when the time comes to give birth.
Exercising during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your unborn baby. Your baby will reap some of the benefits, which is reason enough to exercise. Always be safe when you exercise, and don't hesitate to ask a doctor for advice if you have any questions at all. As long as you exercise safe and use good common sense, you'll do a world of good for your pregnancy.
Teen's Dreams
Follow Your Teen's Dreams!
As parents, we often complain of troublesome three year olds. Three year olds are troublesome because they are developing from babyhood to childhood.
Teenagers get the same reaction - developing from childhood to adulthood is not an easy transition, and so much communication can be lost along the way, especially with parents, who could, with a little effort, be the teenager's best friend....
A certain understanding of the roots of a problem, and a lot of acceptance can bridge so many gaps and ease the changeover from a 3 to 5 year old, or indeed a 13-20 year old.
But how on earth do you find the root of the problem when you hardly know what the problem is, and your teenager certainly isn't going to reveal it to their parents. In your dreams!
The solution is to 'not' focus on the problem - we know in our hearts that focusing on a problem will not find the solution.So what do we do? We ignore the problem, or more to the point, we put it on hold.
The most certain way to communicate with anyone is to ask them what their dreams are, what they want from life, how they visualize themselves in the future.
Get into their space:
Many teenagers will be dreaming of celebrity type status, footballer, singer, film star. And before you decide for your teenager that these dreams are unattainable, remember someone's got to be doing it....
Find out what your teenager is interested in, ask them what they dream about, and go with it. Yes enjoy it with them. Let them dream and then help them on their way.Even if you're absolutely convinced in your heart that your teenager has no acting ability or can't kick a football to save their lives, that's not for you to judge.
People achieve stunning things in this world, wouldn't you love your child to be one of them. A happy fulfilled individual able to share his or her success with the rest of us mortals?!
How many of us grow up with firm beliefs that we aren't capable of achieving our dreams because someone at sometime told us we didn't have what it takes?
Don't let that happen to your loved ones. Following your dream should be an enjoyable experience. Most 'successful' people will tell you it's not the goal but the journey that counts. You need the goal though to be able to begin the journey.
Find out what your teenager is dreaming about....
Don't make the cringing mistake of making their dream something you're particularly interested in. Your teenager won't respect you for this and will more than likely be embarrassed by it.
The best way to help with the dream path, is to take the steps logically, one tiny step at a time. Sit down and discuss the possibilities and the impossibilities. Make some notes together. Buy a homework book to note dreams and goals. Take it seriously.
Do a little research, and come up with the first step in the process. Maybe you could download free scripts from the internet to practise acting skills at home. Have fun acting out the films and learn while you play!
Is there a local football club your budding football star could join and train on Saturday mornings?
Don't be afraid to NOT achieve the dreams. I was always told 'you'll only get disappointed when you don't make it.' Well, hey, a little disappointment and a slight change of direction isn't nearly as devastating as never fulfilling any of your dreams and resentfully working in a job you hate for the rest of your life.
Keep an open mind, we change our minds and ideas as we grow older, take on responsibilities, change our careers... It's perfectly okay to change your goals and dreams, and this should be clearly stated when you first chat about the dreams with your teenager. As long as you don't ridicule the idea, you will find a way.
A series of events while pursuing an acting career, could so easily lead to the individual wanting to polish up his/her writing skills. And what's wrong with that? The contact and experience was necessary to find the right path towards fulfilment. A less than brilliant sporting talent may result in acting the part in the next blockbuster!
We can't predict the future, but we do all have a perfect right to pursue our dreams and be happy in our lives. The happier we are, the more happiness we share with others, and the happier they are!
As parents, we often complain of troublesome three year olds. Three year olds are troublesome because they are developing from babyhood to childhood.
Teenagers get the same reaction - developing from childhood to adulthood is not an easy transition, and so much communication can be lost along the way, especially with parents, who could, with a little effort, be the teenager's best friend....
A certain understanding of the roots of a problem, and a lot of acceptance can bridge so many gaps and ease the changeover from a 3 to 5 year old, or indeed a 13-20 year old.
But how on earth do you find the root of the problem when you hardly know what the problem is, and your teenager certainly isn't going to reveal it to their parents. In your dreams!
The solution is to 'not' focus on the problem - we know in our hearts that focusing on a problem will not find the solution.So what do we do? We ignore the problem, or more to the point, we put it on hold.
The most certain way to communicate with anyone is to ask them what their dreams are, what they want from life, how they visualize themselves in the future.
Get into their space:
Many teenagers will be dreaming of celebrity type status, footballer, singer, film star. And before you decide for your teenager that these dreams are unattainable, remember someone's got to be doing it....
Find out what your teenager is interested in, ask them what they dream about, and go with it. Yes enjoy it with them. Let them dream and then help them on their way.Even if you're absolutely convinced in your heart that your teenager has no acting ability or can't kick a football to save their lives, that's not for you to judge.
People achieve stunning things in this world, wouldn't you love your child to be one of them. A happy fulfilled individual able to share his or her success with the rest of us mortals?!
How many of us grow up with firm beliefs that we aren't capable of achieving our dreams because someone at sometime told us we didn't have what it takes?
Don't let that happen to your loved ones. Following your dream should be an enjoyable experience. Most 'successful' people will tell you it's not the goal but the journey that counts. You need the goal though to be able to begin the journey.
Find out what your teenager is dreaming about....
Don't make the cringing mistake of making their dream something you're particularly interested in. Your teenager won't respect you for this and will more than likely be embarrassed by it.
The best way to help with the dream path, is to take the steps logically, one tiny step at a time. Sit down and discuss the possibilities and the impossibilities. Make some notes together. Buy a homework book to note dreams and goals. Take it seriously.
Do a little research, and come up with the first step in the process. Maybe you could download free scripts from the internet to practise acting skills at home. Have fun acting out the films and learn while you play!
Is there a local football club your budding football star could join and train on Saturday mornings?
Don't be afraid to NOT achieve the dreams. I was always told 'you'll only get disappointed when you don't make it.' Well, hey, a little disappointment and a slight change of direction isn't nearly as devastating as never fulfilling any of your dreams and resentfully working in a job you hate for the rest of your life.
Keep an open mind, we change our minds and ideas as we grow older, take on responsibilities, change our careers... It's perfectly okay to change your goals and dreams, and this should be clearly stated when you first chat about the dreams with your teenager. As long as you don't ridicule the idea, you will find a way.
A series of events while pursuing an acting career, could so easily lead to the individual wanting to polish up his/her writing skills. And what's wrong with that? The contact and experience was necessary to find the right path towards fulfilment. A less than brilliant sporting talent may result in acting the part in the next blockbuster!
We can't predict the future, but we do all have a perfect right to pursue our dreams and be happy in our lives. The happier we are, the more happiness we share with others, and the happier they are!
5 Tips
5 Tips To Help You Talk To Your Teen
One of the greatest feelings about being a parent is in knowing that your teens can talk to you about their feelings and everything else that’s going on in their world. Establishing this great relationship with your teen requires good Communication.
It is an ongoing process that takes a lot of patience and understanding on your part as a parent. Once you have established an open line of communication with your teen, it will be easier to deal with any other kinds of issues that could show up.
Your teens are going through a period in their life where they feel a strong need for becoming an independent person and working on creating a separate identity. They usually express these needs by acting distant, defiant, disinterested, emotional, and rebellious.
These are the times where you have to remember to be very understanding. Although they may appear to be indifferent and uninterested, they are actually very perceptive of your reactions, what you do, and what you say. And they certainly want to be able to talk with you about what’s going on in their life.
With that in mind, here are some of the things that you should look out for when talking to your teen.
1. Stop nagging. It never works! You will never get your teen to listen to you by nagging. Doing this just closes the door to any attempt of communicating with them.
2. Do not always try to solve your child's problems. A lot of times, all they really want is for you to listen to them and let them know that you are there to help. Often, just by letting them talk to you about their problems is enough to give them comfort. And not offering any answer gives them a chance to figure out the solutions for themselves.
3. Do not criticize. You’re supposed to build up their self esteem, not tear it down. Letting your teens have control in areas like the clothes thy wear, the music they listen to, or their hairstyle gives them a feeling of acceptance and the assurance that they can talk to you with more complicated matters in their lives.
4. Do not give a lecture or a speech. You need to give your teen a chance to respond and talk to you.
5. Do not underestimate them by saying that what they are going through is just a phase. You have to be able to acknowledge that they have a problem and it is a big deal to them.
One of the greatest feelings about being a parent is in knowing that your teens can talk to you about their feelings and everything else that’s going on in their world. Establishing this great relationship with your teen requires good Communication.
It is an ongoing process that takes a lot of patience and understanding on your part as a parent. Once you have established an open line of communication with your teen, it will be easier to deal with any other kinds of issues that could show up.
Your teens are going through a period in their life where they feel a strong need for becoming an independent person and working on creating a separate identity. They usually express these needs by acting distant, defiant, disinterested, emotional, and rebellious.
These are the times where you have to remember to be very understanding. Although they may appear to be indifferent and uninterested, they are actually very perceptive of your reactions, what you do, and what you say. And they certainly want to be able to talk with you about what’s going on in their life.
With that in mind, here are some of the things that you should look out for when talking to your teen.
1. Stop nagging. It never works! You will never get your teen to listen to you by nagging. Doing this just closes the door to any attempt of communicating with them.
2. Do not always try to solve your child's problems. A lot of times, all they really want is for you to listen to them and let them know that you are there to help. Often, just by letting them talk to you about their problems is enough to give them comfort. And not offering any answer gives them a chance to figure out the solutions for themselves.
3. Do not criticize. You’re supposed to build up their self esteem, not tear it down. Letting your teens have control in areas like the clothes thy wear, the music they listen to, or their hairstyle gives them a feeling of acceptance and the assurance that they can talk to you with more complicated matters in their lives.
4. Do not give a lecture or a speech. You need to give your teen a chance to respond and talk to you.
5. Do not underestimate them by saying that what they are going through is just a phase. You have to be able to acknowledge that they have a problem and it is a big deal to them.
Parents
Are Parents The Cause Of Teen Suicide?
What drives a teenager to commit suicide? Is a dysfunctional family the cause of teen suicide or is it the peer pressure, low self-esteem, stress, access to drugs, guns, or an unyielding desire to make the pain disappear. Teenage suicide has and is becoming a pandemic in our country and around the world.
According to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, "teen suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers -- almost 2,000 teens kill themselves each year." It is estimated that "over 90% of teen suicide victims have a mental disorder, such as depression, and/or a history of alcohol or drug abuse."
Our youth has become entrenched in an ideology doled out by those who seek to control, persuade, and coerce our teenagers. At the same time, communication between parent and child has become, in most situations, non-existent. This leaves teenagers to fend for themselves in areas they are too immature to understand, or too eager to become engaged in activities which can lead them astray.
There was a time when teens came directly home after school; were greeted by at least one parent; studied; had a family dinner, and off to bed. Today, the term “latch-key kid” has become the norm, rather than the exception. Teens arrive home late; often to an empty apartment or home. They engage in computer games, while eating junk food; and often do not see their parents until morning – and only because they are late getting out of bed. Homework is secondary or non-existent. One can argue a two income household is necessary; but at what cost? Furthermore, if you’ve ever graced a public school environment, you would find teens lack even the rudimentary necessities of life; yet, cell phones are tucked in their worn out jeans and skirts.
The music, movies, and educational system have let down our teenagers in the most rudimentary way. They lack guidance and care. Our child services, our family courts, and our caregivers have offered little to assert the importance of self-worth. Over the years, the make-up of the "family" has dramatically changed. A teenager’s family could be his gang members who, on a daily basis, feed into the destruction of that teen. Morality has become passé, and they have become self-absorbed in an underworld of hatred and self-loathing.
Have all teenagers talked or even thought about suicide? No. However, the statistics are still frightening. A teenager doesn't suddenly choose to die unless something terribly wrong has pushed him/her over the edge. We cannot allow them to choose that endgame. Teenagers do become depressed, alone, angry, hopeless and helpless. As parents, as friends, as educators, as guardians of this precious commodity - we cannot allow them to succeed in what they think may be in their best interest. They must be given a reason to live, to love, to become needed and useful members of our society.
As adults/parents, we must educate and interact with our youth in a positive, caring and thoughtful way to ensure they have the proper tools with which to grow and gain empowerment. To do less would without a doubt contribute to the cause of teen suicide, the ultimate tragedy.
What drives a teenager to commit suicide? Is a dysfunctional family the cause of teen suicide or is it the peer pressure, low self-esteem, stress, access to drugs, guns, or an unyielding desire to make the pain disappear. Teenage suicide has and is becoming a pandemic in our country and around the world.
According to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, "teen suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers -- almost 2,000 teens kill themselves each year." It is estimated that "over 90% of teen suicide victims have a mental disorder, such as depression, and/or a history of alcohol or drug abuse."
Our youth has become entrenched in an ideology doled out by those who seek to control, persuade, and coerce our teenagers. At the same time, communication between parent and child has become, in most situations, non-existent. This leaves teenagers to fend for themselves in areas they are too immature to understand, or too eager to become engaged in activities which can lead them astray.
There was a time when teens came directly home after school; were greeted by at least one parent; studied; had a family dinner, and off to bed. Today, the term “latch-key kid” has become the norm, rather than the exception. Teens arrive home late; often to an empty apartment or home. They engage in computer games, while eating junk food; and often do not see their parents until morning – and only because they are late getting out of bed. Homework is secondary or non-existent. One can argue a two income household is necessary; but at what cost? Furthermore, if you’ve ever graced a public school environment, you would find teens lack even the rudimentary necessities of life; yet, cell phones are tucked in their worn out jeans and skirts.
The music, movies, and educational system have let down our teenagers in the most rudimentary way. They lack guidance and care. Our child services, our family courts, and our caregivers have offered little to assert the importance of self-worth. Over the years, the make-up of the "family" has dramatically changed. A teenager’s family could be his gang members who, on a daily basis, feed into the destruction of that teen. Morality has become passé, and they have become self-absorbed in an underworld of hatred and self-loathing.
Have all teenagers talked or even thought about suicide? No. However, the statistics are still frightening. A teenager doesn't suddenly choose to die unless something terribly wrong has pushed him/her over the edge. We cannot allow them to choose that endgame. Teenagers do become depressed, alone, angry, hopeless and helpless. As parents, as friends, as educators, as guardians of this precious commodity - we cannot allow them to succeed in what they think may be in their best interest. They must be given a reason to live, to love, to become needed and useful members of our society.
As adults/parents, we must educate and interact with our youth in a positive, caring and thoughtful way to ensure they have the proper tools with which to grow and gain empowerment. To do less would without a doubt contribute to the cause of teen suicide, the ultimate tragedy.
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