Tag Archives: planet

Entertaining kids

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Rainy season begins and children cannot go out and play as often as usual, either because it’s raining or because it rained so much that everything is wet outside. Then comes the dilemma of how to entertain the kids indoors.

Our first thought is on TV, but we are aware of the negative effects of sitting for hours watching television programs or engage in a video game. While there are many educational programs that are very beneficial, it is also true that it is not healthy to spend hours in front of a screen. There are not very active games that can be organized indoors, but we can find some that require them to think and develop their creativity.

Besides reading, children can solve puzzles no matter their age, as there are for all ages. Also you can improvise a small study to draw and paint. Another option would be to learn to play a musical instrument. The occasion will give us the opportunity to know what the interests of children are, so that we can help develop them.

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What to do when there is no light

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We rely heavily on electricity for many activities of daily living and this is especially true when it comes to entertainment. Television, music, video or computer games are part of our entertainment world. So when there is no light, we do not know what to do to not get bored.

We must take advantage of these circumstances to activities we would normally not do because we are too busy watching TV or glued to the computer. For example, we can sit down under a window and get to read. Or we can devote to painting, embroidery or knitting. Or we can put together puzzles. We can also leave the house and go to the park for a walk and took advantage of exercise.

If we are without electricity at night, things change. Many will say that how can they do any of these activities if there is no light. But we can always have a battery hand lamp that allow us to meet somewhere in the house to play board games, for example. We can even read, if we get one of those battery lamps that are put on to the cover of the book and let us read, sometimes used when the others have gone to sleep and want to continue reading without bothering with the light on. With creativity we can find what to do to entertain when there is no light.

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Breastfeeding Myths IV

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I close this series of articles on the myths of breastfeeding with a common one: until when is breast milk nutritious and when it becomes water? WHO has a very clear answer to that, but I start answering with a question so you can find the answer yourself: even when does cow’s milk stops being nutritious and when does it become water? It’s amazing how by repeating or hearing something enough times we end up believing it without realizing the absurdity of the statement.

Breast milk is a living element that adapts to the changing needs of the baby. It always nourishes and never becomes water. According to WHO babies should be exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age. From that moment you should start introducing other foods but until year old breast milk remains their main source of nourishment, which nourishes more than cereals or fruit, so it’s a mistake to reduce nursing sessions to make him eat more solids.

WHO recommends continuing breastfeeding until at least 2 years and thereafter as long as mother and child wish. Some say that this recommendation is only for poor countries that cannot afford to feed children any other way, for this reason, the WHO states that its recommendations apply to all children in all territories.

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Breastfeeding Myths III

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The next myth strikes a very important chord: sleep. Some say that formula-fed babies sleep better at night. The reality is that babies do not wake up hungry, is a defense mechanism to verify that his mother is near. The only way a formula fed baby sleep longer is to be given more formula than he needs and he will have a heavy sleep by indigestion, which is an obvious hazard and is not recommended.

The other myths are related to diseases in children. Whatever the child’s health condition breast milk is always better for him than formula. According to WHO breastfeeding may not be the best choice for all mothers but it is always the best choice for all children.

It is also said that certain health conditions of the mother, procedures or medications they need are contraindicated with breastfeeding. The reality is that except for HIV there are no other conditions that contraindicate breastfeeding. And the vast majority of medications are safe during lactation despite what the medication prospect says. When in doubt consult recent medical studies in www.medline.com

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Breastfeeding Myths I

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Every mother has the right to decide how to feed her child, whether with formula, breastfeeding or a mixture of both. But it is very sad to see the amount of myths out there about breastfeeding, even among health professionals that make mothers who wish to exclusively breastfeed their children fail.

The first relates to the amount of milk. There is a misconception that there are women who have milk and women who don’t. According to WHO, the reality is that it is easier to win the lottery jackpot than to have no milk. It is all about breastfeeding on demand in the correct position. Breastfeeding on demand means breastfeeding the baby whenever he/she wants for as long as he/she wants; no schedules, or giving supplements so he/she won’t ask to be fed one hour later.

The second relates to weight gain and growth charts. One of the advantages of breastfeeding is that children are leaner than formula fed children, which long term protects against diseases associated with obesity. Growth charts are changing over time; make sure your doctor is using the latest published by the WHO.

Also be aware that being in the 5th percentile means your child is within normal, there are still 5% of normal, healthy children that are thinner than your child.

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Above-ground pools

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The above-ground pools are a great option for people who live in houses with a medium sized yard. They are delicious to cool off in the summer or on sunny weekends, with a very small investment compared to the investment to make a real pool.

There are different brands and different diameters and depths. One can choose between the ones with an inflatable upper edge and the ones with an outer structure of PVC poles. They have a filter and all kinds of accessories to keep them clean: vacuum cleaners, nets, robots and chlorine floats.

If you are high enough you will need a ladder, which are also available. It is convenient to buy a cover to protect them from leaves, bird droppings and other waste.

They require minimal maintenance, you can do it yourself if you have the time and the energy, or you can pay someone to give it a good cleaning every month. Normally, pool companies do not provide this service, because they are more automated, and the cleanup of these pools is done by hand. You’ll have more luck with a handyman.

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Cool off in the summer

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Summer is the most awaited time of the year for children. They’re on vacation from school and since it doesn’t rain they can come out and play. But since it is so hot what they most want to do is play with water.

There are a number of ways to play with water in our yards. I remember as a child playing with the hose. We also threw water buckets, especially during Carnival.

Today it is common to use sprinklers, but not the typical metal garden sprinklers, but special plastic ones for children to play. Do not use metal sprinklers to play because if the children trip on them, they can get hurt. Another fun way to play with water are plastic sliders that attach to the hose.

Often times with summer comes drought. If there is drought there will be a warning not to waste water. If that is the case, it is best to use an inflatable pool so children can get in there to soak. That way the faucet is not open indefinitely.

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Family meals

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One of the activities made possible during the children holidays is a family meal, even once a day. During the school year, hours of parents and children are different, which prevents them from sitting together at the table often, except on weekends.

The mealtime should be a time to share, to talk about the activities of family members, to make plans for future activities, to enjoy each other’s company. Therefore avoid contentious issues, scolding or punishment. Also to be avoided is to force children to eat foods they do not like or to force them to eat if they have no appetite. The solution is to present dishes that are generally accepted for all to enjoy equally. Equally important is not to cram the children of food or sweets.

Let’s make mealtime a time of happy relaxation and enjoy the pleasant company of all family members, parents should seize the opportunity to be closer to their children and give them quality time.

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Outdoor activities

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Within the program of activities for children holiday, outdoor activities should have an important place, not only because they prevent children to spend the day inactive in front of a television and video games, but because it is important for their physical development and health.

Taking sun at the appropriate times helps to get vitamin D and fix calcium, exercise strengthens their muscles and helps in the growth process, in addition that playing with other children teaches them to share and work as a team.

These outdoor activities must be supervised by an adult or responsible person, taking all necessary precautions that children should know and follow with discipline. This should apply not only to sports but also to activities in the playground (swings, spanking and other games like that). The important thing is to keep the kids occupied and entertained, so as to make the best use and leisure of the free time.

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Cycling

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Summer is the ideal time for outdoor sports. Cycling is an excellent alternative. It’s fun and you can practice it in closed ranges, open country, mountain, track, and road. You can practice alone or in company.

The bicycle was invented by Baron Karl von Drais near 1817 in Germany. His invention was rudimentary, two wheels connected by a rod that was propelled with feet on the ground alternately. With the passage of time were added chain, pedals and seat, about 1885.

The bicycle is a human-powered transport, making it healthy, sustainable, economic and ecological.

Bike riding at an average speed, burns an average of 400 calories per hour, making it ideal for those who want to lose weight. It is also an aerobic exercise, which helps to oxygenate the lungs and activate the heart. Finally also strengthens the legs.

You just need a good bicycle, comfortable clothing, shoes, protective equipment and reflective tape if you are riding on the street.

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