Sleep Over Fire Safety Tips

by Sparky
July 10, 2009

Before you permit your child to sleep over with a friend, talk to the child’s parents. “Depending on what you learn, it can either uncover serious fire dangers or give you peace of mind during your child’s sleepover.” Here is a Check list supplied by NFPA.

 

Before you say “yes”

  How well do you know the home?

  Is the home clean? Does it appear to be structurally sound?

  Is the home in a safe area?

  If the home has security bars on doors and windows, do you know for certain that the bars have quick release devices inside, so your child could get out in an emergency?

  Is your child comfortable in the home and with all the occupants?

  Are you comfortable leaving your child in the home overnight?

 

How well do you know the parent(s)?

  Are they mature, responsible and conscientious?

  Will they supervise the children throughout the stay?

  Will they remain sober and attentive?

  Are they cautious with smoking materials, matches and lighters, and candles?

 

Ask the parents

  Are there working smoke alarms on every level, throughout their home? Are the alarms interconnected?

  Do they have a well-rehearsed fire escape plan that includes two ways out and a meeting place outside?

  Where will your child be sleeping? Is there a smoke alarm in or near the room? Are there two escape routes from the room?

  Will the parents walk through their escape plan with your child?

  Do the parents prohibit bedroom candle use by children?

 

Source: Sparky and NFPA

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Is A Bully Bothering You?

By McGruff and Scruff
July 12, 2009

In 1974, a neighborhood crime watch group was organized in South Dade County. Citizens met with their local law enforcement departments to ask what they could do to help the police apprehend a rapist terrorizing their community. From this first informal meeting, communities and law enforcement began to work together to keep neighborhoods safe and free from crime. An organization was formed, and Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County, Inc. (CCW) was registered as a 501(c) (3) non profit organization. Today, over 1,600 neighborhoods participate in the crime watch concept.

In 1979, the crime watch concept was introduced into the public school system at one school. Because it succeeded in curbing school crime, the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) requested we, CCW, expand its student crime watch program from one school to include all public schools in the county. Since that time, Youth Crime Watch of Miami-Dade (YCW) has functioned as an allied program of the public schools.

Methodology The public school system contracts with YCW to educate and train students in violence and crime prevention strategies. Children also learn that good citizenship and personal responsibility include watching out for family, friends, schools and community. YCW maintains a presence in all M-DCPS.

The foundation of the YCW program is built upon a “school safety survey” which is administered at the school during the first few months of the school year. It asks respondents to rank their particular safety concerns – those issues which they believe have the potential to cause harm to themselves or their schoolmates. YCW students, student advisors, and our staff are then enlisted in the effort to resolve those issues impeding the safety, health, and education of young people. The results of the survey are prioritized and comprise the core content of the YCW program.

The YCW program is structured to teach leadership skills to students who volunteer to learn about school safety. While they learn how to keep themselves safe, they also learn public speaking, critical thinking, leadership, and other skills that will serve them into their adult lives. This, in turn, reinforces their self-esteem and promotes positive involvement, again curbing misbehavior, crime and violence in the school.

I’m McGruff the Crime Dog – world famous for my advice on how to stop crime before it happens, and for my great sense of humor. But seriously, my job is to help people, especially kids, learn how to be safe and make their neighborhood safer. Something else you should know about me is that I go all over the country to talk to people about how they can take a bite out of crime. So if you see me in your town, come on up and say hi. You can recognize me by my tan trench coat – I never go anywhere without it.

This here is my nephew Scruff. He helps me show kids how they can stay safe. Scruff’s a good pup but sometimes gets himself into a bit of trouble. Lucky for him he’s got a good memory – eventually he remembers the right thing to do to get out of trouble. Want to know more about me and Scruff?

You can read more about yours truly in the story How McGruff Became the Crime Dog, and you can read some of Scruff’s adventures in these comic books. Today’s Tip: Help others in the Community.

You and your friends can help out in your neighborhood by taking some few simple steps each day:
Ask your teacher if you could help by erasing the blackboard, or if he or she needs help carrying supplies.

• Bake some goodies for the elderly people in your community.
• Offer to rake the lawns of those in your neighborhood who are not able to.
• Ask your parents if they need help around the house. For example, offer to fold the laundry while you watch the television…that way you both win!
• Collect donations for a local shelter or Red Cross office. These are just a few ideas that you can do to help out around your community.
• By helping out, you are saying thanks to all those who make your neighborhood great!

 

Got a Bully? McGruff Can Help

 

 

Does another kid kick, hit, pinch, punch, trip or threaten you? If so, you may have a bully.

Does someone tease you, call you names, leave you out, or spread rumors about you? You may have a bully. But you can stand up to bullies if you know what to do.

 

• Try to talk it out. Say, “Why are you being mean to me?”
• Walk away from the bully.
• Speak up. Say, “Stop picking on me!”
• Make a joke. If you say something funny, even about yourself, the bully might laugh and forget to pick on you.
• Stick with your friends.
• Ask an adult for help.

Do you know someone who has a bully? Well, you can help. Did you know that most of the time when a kid steps in bullying stops? Here are some things you can do.

• If you see someone being picked on, be a friend and walk away from the bully together.
• If you have a friend who bullies, take a stand and tell your friend to stop.
• If you know someone that gets picked on, ask the kid to play with you.
• Get your friends to come with you when you help someone being bullied.

Source: McGruff

www.mcgruff.org

 

Editor’s Note: Next week we will talk about: Help Stop Bullies.

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

History of the FBI Pt. 1

 

 

By Special Agent Bobby Bureau
July10, 2009

Editor’s Note: We are always looking for ways to inform parents of programs that will help them raise their children. Well we found one it is called “Special Agent Bobby Bureau”. We will be joining him to give you tips for kids of all ages. The best way to tell you about this agent is to let him tell you himself.

The Kids’ Page is designed for children and their parents to learn more about the FBI through age-appropriate games, tips, stories and inter actives. We also introduce you to our working dogs and show how FBI special agents and analysts investigate cases. First, can you help Special Agent Bobby Bureau get in disguise for his undercover assignment? He’s depending on you. You have to visit the sight to sign up as a special agent.

Today’s  we talk “About the FBI.”

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

We strongly recommend that you visit this sight with your child. This sight we rate a 10.

So, you’ve been thinking about working for the FBI? When I was a small pup, I wanted to work for the FBI, too. I want you to meet some of the people who work with me. They will be with us during some parts of the field trip.

We were not always called the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). When we began in 1908, we were known as the Bureau of Investigation. On July 26 of that year, the Attorney General appointed ten Special Agents to the Bureau of Investigation, and called them the Special Agent Task Force.

In 1933, our name changed to the Division of Investigation and, finally, in 1935, we became what we are today — the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Through each of these name changes, we also changed badges.

We also carry a special wallet that has our picture on it. We use this wallet to identify ourselves to people when we are working. We call it a credential. Here are two different credentials. Just click on the pictures to print them out and then make your own special identification wallet. Don’t forget to put you picture on it.

What we investigate has also changed over the years. Back in 1908, there were different crimes than what we have today. Also, there were far fewer types of crimes than we have today. A good example of this is car theft. In 1908, almost no one had a car, but as more people bought cars, the number of car thefts increased.

Wow! I didn’t know that the FBI had changed so much since it first started! Thanks for explaining that, Maureen. Next, we are going to learn about what the FBI does. Here’s Jose to tell you about this.

Next week: We talk about the “What We Do”

Source: FBI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grandparents

By Alexander
July 11, 2009

 

Dear Alexander,
(Q) We are going on a big road trip this summer to see my grandparents. The last time I saw my grandma and grandpa, they sort of brushed off my milk allergy even though my mom always tells them how important it is. Can you help me figure out what to say to my grandparents so that they’ll understand?

 

(A) Sometimes grandparents do not understand much about food allergies because when they grew up, they did not know anyone who had a food allergy. An easy way to help them to understand is to bring them FAAN’s DVD, One Bite Is All It Takes! You and your parents can ask them to sit down and watch the DVD with you. After it is over, invite them to ask you questions about your food allergy. You can educate them right in their own living room! Remind them that there were not very many people with food allergies when they were growing up, but that things have changed. Tell them about some of your friends or people you know at school who have food allergies (or about all the kids who visit this website!), and what each of you needs to do to stay safe. Ask them for ways to help you stay safe, too. 

 

Good luck!

Your friend,

Alexander

 

 Source: Food Allergy Neywork

Editor’s Note: The information above is not designed to take the place of a doctor’s instructions. Patients are urged to contact a doctor for specific information regarding guidelines for care.

We would like to know what you think? And is there a question that you have for Alexander. dan@youngchronicle.com

Tools Be a Fit Kid

By Mary L. Gavin
July 12, 2009

 

There’s a lot of discussion these days about fit kids. People who care (parents, doctors, teachers, and others) want to know how to help kids be more fit.

Being fit is a way of saying a person eats well, gets a lot of physical activity (exercise), and has a healthy weight. If you’re fit, your body works well, feels good, and can do all the things you want to do, like run around with your friends.

Some steps only parents can take – such as serving healthy meals or deciding to take the family on a nature hike. But kids can take charge, too, when it comes to health.

Here are five rules to live by, if you’re a kid who wants to be fit. The trick is to follow these rules most of the time, knowing that some days (like your birthday) might call for cake and ice cream.

 

Eat a Variety of Foods, Especially Fruits and Vegetables

You may have a favorite food, but the best choice is to eat a variety. If you eat different foods, you’re more likely to get the nutrients your body needs. Taste new foods and old ones you haven’t tried for a while. Some foods, such as green veggies, are more pleasing the older you get. Shoot for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day – two fruits and three vegetables.

Here’s one combination that might work for you:

• at breakfast: ½ cup (about 4 large) strawberries on your cereal
• with lunch: 6 baby carrots
• for a snack: an apple
• with dinner: ½ cup broccoli (about 2 big spears) and 1 cup of salad.

 

Drink Water and Milk Most Often

When you’re really thirsty, cold water is the No. 1 thirst-quencher. And there’s a reason your school cafeteria offers cartons of milk. Kids need calcium to build strong bones, and milk is a great source of this mineral. How much do kids need? If you are younger than 9 years old, drink 2 cups of milk a day, or its equivalent. Aim for 3 cups of milk per day, or its equivalent. You can mix it up by having milk and some other calcium-rich dairy foods. Here’s one combination:

• 2 cups (about half a liter) of low-fat or nonfat milk
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (small container) of yogurt

You probably will want something other than milk or water once in a while, so it’s OK to have 100% juice, too. But try to limit sugary drinks, like sodas, juice cocktails, and fruit punches. They contain a lot of added sugar. Sugar just adds calories, not important nutrients.

 

Listen to Your Body

What does it feel like to be full? When you’re eating, notice how your body feels and when your stomach feels comfortably full. Sometimes, people eat too much because they don’t notice when they need to stop eating. Eating too much can make you feel uncomfortable and, over a period of time, can lead to unhealthy weight gain.

 

Limit Screen Time

What’s screen time? It’s the amount of time you spend watching TV or DVDs, playing video games (console systems or handheld games), and using the computer. The more time you spend on these sitting-down activities, the less time available for active stuff, like basketball, bike riding, and swimming. Try to spend no more than 2 hours a day on screen time, not counting computer use related to school.

 

Be Active

One job you have as a kid – and it’s a fun one – is that you get to figure out which activities you like best. Not everyone loves baseball or soccer. Maybe your passion is karate, or kickball, or dancing. Ask your parents to help you do your favorite activities regularly. Find ways to be active every day. You might even write down a list of fun stuff to do, so you can refer to it when your mom or dad says it’s time to stop watching TV or playing computer games!

Speaking of parents, they can be a big help if you want to be a fit kid. For instance, they can stock the house with healthy foods and plan physical activities for the family. Tell your parents about these five steps you want to take and maybe you can teach them a thing or two. If you’re a fit kid, why shouldn’t you have a fit mom and a fit dad?

Source: Kids Health

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Football Players Keep Healthy

By Mary L. Gavin, MD
July 12, 2009

 

Football training camp tests what a player is made of. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, that means sweltering August afternoons in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on the campus of St. Vincent College. The sun beats down on the fields as coaches and fans scout to see who’s got the right stuff this year.

But before they hit the field, Leslie Bonci makes sure they have the right stuff on their plates. As the team nutritionist, she helps set the menu at the camp cafeteria and says good nutrition gets front-and-center attention at training camp. Rule No. 1: No skipping meals. Players must sign in at every meal, which means even superstar athletes can’t sleep through breakfast.

“It puts the importance on the fueling,” Bonci said.

Healthy, nutritious food – eaten at the right times – can make a difference for all athletes, kids included, she said. You might not be a Steeler yet, but you can follow Bonci’s advice before beginning your preseason sports camps and practices.

 

Put your health first.

Bonci likes to use the acronym SHOP with the players she advises. It stands for “Safeguard health. Optimize performance.” That means no one should start their preseason workouts unless they’re sure they’re healthy. For a kid, that might mean getting a sports physical.

Lots of schools require these, which typically include an exam to check basic stuff like your blood pressure and weight. It’s also a chance for a doctor to look at your medical history – info on current medical issues, previous sports injuries, and health problems you have had in the past or ones that run in your family.

The Steelers are no different. They get health checkups, too. This year, Bonci had to help one player who had gained weight in the off-season. She worked with the camp cafeteria to create special meals for him. While the rest of the team was having chicken wings for an evening snack, this player got a portion of grilled chicken with dipping sauce. Still a tasty, satisfying snack, but less fat and calories.

 

Start practice an hour early.

No, Bonci doesn’t tell the Steelers to get to the field an hour early. But she does tell athletes to start preparing for practice 1 hour before by having a drink and a snack.

“That’s part of your warm-up,” Bonci said.

This is especially important when practices will be long and intense – the kind when you’ll spend an hour or more doing conditioning exercises or actively practicing your sport.

Here are some before-practice menu options:

 

Drinks (choose 1)

• 8-10 ounces of water
• Half a sports drink (10 ounces)

 

Snacks (choose 1)

        *   Half a peanut butter sandwich

• Yogurt and granola (Steeler Troy Polamalu loves yogurt!)
• Small egg sandwich or wrap.

These pre-practice snacks include carbohydrates (like the bread, granola, and oatmeal) for energy. They also offer some protein (peanut butter, yogurt, egg) to help athletes keep going during a long, tiring practice.

 

Bring enough to drink.

Also 1 hour before practice, think about what you’ll need to pack. Most important? Enough water to get you through. Bring a large insulated jug of water rather than just one bottle. Don’t rely on the water fountain, Bonci says; bring your own and enough of it.

Your body performs best when you’re hydrated. When you’re not, you may start feeling lightheaded and dizzy. Even mild dehydration can make it hard to throw that perfect spiral or go after the soccer ball. Sweating while working out means you’re losing extra water. Try to take a drink every 15 minutes or so.

 

Pack a “recovery snack.”

Bonci recommends a “recovery snack” – something to eat about 15 minutes after practice ends. At Steeler training camp, some of the players eat Popsicles as they walk off the field after afternoon practice. Other good choices include fresh fruit, granola bars, some dry cereal, or Bonci’s favorite recovery snack – garbage can trail mix. What’s that?

For large teams, you start with a clean garbage can with a liner. Dump in dry cereal (such as Chex), pretzels, and snack crackers. Give everyone a plastic cup to scoop some out and you have the perfect recovery snack.

Eating a little something after practice takes advantage of enzymes (chemicals your body produces) that help your body recover after a tough workout, Bonci said. A recovery snack has an added benefit: It makes athletes less likely to overeat later.

So the right recovery snack will help “Fast Willie” Parker eat just the right amount of lasagna after a game. Read on to learn more about this Super Bowl champion’s healthy food habits

 

Food Q&A With Running Back Willie Parker

 

(Q) What’s your favorite healthy food?
(A) Salad.

 

(Q) What is your favorite pre-game meal or snack?
(A) Baked chicken, some potatoes, and lots of fruit.

 

(Q) What’s your favorite post-game meal?
(A) Lasagna.

 

(Q) What’s your favorite junk food and do you limit how much you eat?
(A) Fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. I like to limit my servings to two servings of each.

 

(Q) Have your eating habits changed since you were a kid or teen athlete?
(A) They have changed dramatically. You have to start eating healthier by eating better foods. I also have a nutritionist who makes sure that I get the right proteins.

(Q) Any food advice for kids and teens who are practicing and playing hard?
(A) Stay away from high-sugar meals and snacks.

 

How About Some Steeler Salad?

This recipe incorporates Parker’s favorites – salad, chicken, potatoes, and fruit – all in one Super Bowl! Have an adult help you with this dish, which requires some cutting, chopping, and use of the stove.

 

Steeler Salad

What You Need

• 2 3-ounce chicken breasts
• 2 baking potatoes, washed
• 2 cups washed greens (lettuce, spinach, or both)
• ½ cup sliced cucumber
• ½ cup peppers (any color)
• ½ cup red grapes
• Cajun or blackened seasoning (for chicken)
• Cooking spray oil
• Italian seasoning (for potatoes)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ cup shredded cheese, optional
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chopped almonds, cashews, or peanuts
• Low-fat or fat-free salad dressing (any variety)

 

Equipment and Utensils

• Oven/stove
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Nonstick grill pan or skillet (for chicken)
• Baking sheet lined with aluminum foil (for potatoes)
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife
• Two large salad bowls

 

What to Do

Potatoes

• 1. Preheat oven to 350°.
• 2. Sprinkle a little olive oil on the baking sheet lined with foil.
• 3. Cut 2 baking potatoes into long wedges.
• 4. Place potatoes on the baking sheet lined with foil.
• 5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• 6. Bake about 15-20 minutes at 350°.
• 7. Increase oven temperature to broil and broil for 5 minutes until brown.
• 8. Remove from oven, cut into smaller chunks. Set aside.

 

Chicken

• 1. Prepare grill pan or skillet with spray oil.
• 2. Sprinkle chicken with Cajun or blackened seasoning.
• 3. Grill in grill pan until done.
• 4. Cut into strips, set aside.

 

The salad

• 1. In two bowls, combine greens, cucumbers, peppers, and grapes.
• 2. Add chicken strips and potato chunks to each bowl.
• 3. Add cheese and nuts, if desired.
• 4. Top with 1-2 tablespoons dressing

Source: Kids Health

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

History on the Hudson

By Chloe Anello
Scholastic News
July 12, 2009

When I think of the Hudson River during the summer, I think of speedboats and jet skis. Recently, however, the view was much different. I saw a mixed flotilla of two historic sailing ships, a fire boat spouting water, and two floating museums sailing up New York State’s mightiest river.

I knew these historic ships were coming when I heard a cannon firing. The modern world interrupted for a moment as a helicopter chased the speedboats and jet skis away to clear a watery path for the flotilla. All of this was part of Hudson River Quadricentennial celebration, marking 400 years since Henry Hudson first made his historic voyage from the southern tip of Manhattan Island up the river.

Hudson was a famous explorer, determined to find a shorter route to Asia. He and his crew sailed on a ship named the Half Moon. Instead of a trade route to Asia they stumbled upon North America. During his expedition he sailed up the river that is now called the Hudson River and established a Dutch trading colony.

A replica of his ship, the Half Moon, and another replica, the Onrust stayed in my town, Newburgh, New York, for a couple of days. Did you know that onrust means wanderer in Dutch?

The Half Moon is portrayed in history books as this big majestic ship with huge white sails, but let me tell you, up close, it is quite different. The ship is colorful and pretty, but not very large. I was surprised when a crew member told me that it is only 16 feet long and that it takes 15 to 20 people to sail it. That is a lot of people to be crowded in such a small space! Also the sleeping corridors are only four feet high-I’m guessing there was a lot of head bumping.

 

The ships reminded me of a pirate ship or the ships in the movie Peter Pan. It was a really terrific experience to board and experience the Half Moon in person.

The celebration is going on all year. It began on New Year’s Day 2009 and continues throughout the summer and fall.

 

Editor’s Note: PHOTOS: (TOP) The masts and sails of the Half Moon. (BOTTOM) The Half Moon in Newburgh, NY, where it stayed overnight so people could explore its quarters. Photos courtesy Chloe Anello.

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Source: Scholastic News Online

Classic Camp Craft: “Leather” Pouch

By Family Fun
July 11, 2009

Gear up for future wilderness explorations with this versatile belt pouch based on a classic camp project.

 

CRAFT MATERIALS:
	Template
	Scissors
	Stiff brown felt
	1/16-inch hole punch
	Embroidery needle and embroidery thread
	Glue
	Button
	Adhesive Velcro dots
Time needed: About 2 to 3 Hours

 

1. Print our template  and use it to cut the three pouch pieces from stiff brown felt.

2.   For the belt loop, use a 1/16-inch hole punch to make guide holes for the thread along the short ends of the rectangle. With an embroidery needle and embroidery thread, sew two ends of the rectangle to the full oval, lining it up to match the height of the partial oval as shown.

3. Place the partial oval on the other side of the full oval. Punch guide holes along the curved edge of the two pieces, then whipstitch the pieces together.

4. Whipstitch around the edge of the flap.

5.  Glue or sew a button on the flap. Keep the pouch closed with adhesive Velcro dots.

 

 

Source: Family Fun

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

How to Make Friendship Bracelet

By Family Fun
July 11, 2009

To prove to each other that their bond will last, your child and her pal can fill up their arms with a batch of best friend bracelets.

 

CRAFT MATERIALS:
	Colored embroidery thread
	Tape
Time needed: Under 1 Hour

 

1. To make each bracelet, gather six 24-inch strands of embroidery thread. Hold the strands together with the ends matched up, then tie an overhand knot one inch from an end.

2. Tape the knot to a tabletop (or anchor it in a closed drawer). Holding the free end, twist the bunch repeatedly in the same direction until it is tightly wound.

3. Pinch the twisted band in the center and fold it in half so that the free end matches up with the knotted end. Release the center, and the band will automatically twist back on itself.

4. Slip the ends through the loop (the pinch point) at the opposite end of the band, tie a knot to secure the bracelet, knot again and trim the ends.

Source: Jas Family Fun

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Gifts for New Moms

By Rosemary Maggiore
July 11, 2009

Being a mom for the first time can be overwhelming enough, so if you’re looking for a good gift for a mom-to-be, give her something she can actually use. We asked our veteran moms what they used most in those first few weeks after childbirth and here’s what they said:

• A huge, soft, bath towel. After childbirth, the body aches all over the place and is going through tons of discomfort and change. The last thing anyone wants is binding clothing, and a big, huge, plush towel is a great idea for mom to wrap herself in when she gets out of the shower. A little softness will go a long way. Why not make mom feel even more special by monogramming the towel so everyone knows it’s hers! See these ideas from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

 

• A stylish robe. New moms want to feel comfortable, yet stylish because there is no regular routine in those first few weeks after mom comes home with the new baby. Moms might want to lounge all day in jammies or sweats and have a nice soft robe to pull on in case the doorbell rings with unexpected visitors. Also, a robe sends the message to the world that mom is not up to her usual self just yet so make your visit quick and let her get some more rest! Lands’ End has some great choices for robes and sleepware.

 

• Good baby and momhood books. Dr Sears’ The Baby Book is an essential guide for the first year for answering questions like when do you call the doctor if your baby is showing signs of illness or how much medicine to dispense. There are opinions in the book that may not be for everyone’s taste, but the book is loaded with helpful advice. A fun read for mom is The Girfirends’ Guide to the First Year of Motherhood. Vicki Iovine will allow mom plenty of chances to laugh at things that might otherwise feel abnormal or frightening, half the time simply because they are new experiences.

 

• A big sweater or sweatshirt with pockets. Get mom a huge, cotton sweatshirt or depending on the season, a huge fleece or wool sweater with plenty of pockets where she can store pacifiers, keys, teething rings, and all of the baby items that need to be handy and always around when taking a walk around the house or the block.

 

• Indoor/outdoor slippers. Who doesn’t need a good, study pair of slippers with treads? Mom might be carrying a million things in her arms so make sure these slippers fit like shoes so she doesn’t fall down the stairs. If they have real bottoms, she can run outside with a bag of trash and not have to necessarily change her shoes. There’s a website called onlyslippers.com that has loads of choices.

 

• Hair accessories. Give mom something she can throw on if she wants to face the public but doesn’t have time for a shower and her hair looks crazy. A good hair band or accessory will help her hide these little imperfections and feel beautiful! See Urban Outfitters   selection.

 

• Mani/Pedi/brows. See if you can get someone to come to mom’s home and give her an in-home manicure or better yet, pedicure. She will feel luxurious and thank you for this little treat that she couldn’t otherwise do on her owns.

 

• Skin care products. Breastfeeding moms especially tend to dehydrate more than usual so it’s a good idea to give her a natural salve to help stay soft and keep skin healthy. Gilden Tree has shea butter products and other lotions that are organic.

 

• A hand! Sometimes all mom needs is someone to come over and hold the baby so she can take a shower or lie down and not have to worry. Offer your services for a half hour at a time. She’ll tell you if she doesn’t want any visitors, but either way, she’ll appreciate the offer.

Source: Rachael Ray

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

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