Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Pack Your Bags

You should have your bag packed when you’re in your 8th month of pregnancy. Some
things you’ll need during labor and other items after you have your baby. 
  • Picture ID
  • Insurance card
  • Birth plan
  • Bathrobe
  • Book or magazine
  • Phone & charger
  • Comfort Items (favorite pillow, blanket, music)
  • Cosmetics, hair items
  • Toiletries- deodorant, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush
  • Comfortable clothes to wear home

Don’t Bring
  • Jewelry
  • Money
  • Medication
  • Vitamins

For Your Baby
  • Going-home outfit
  • Car seat

For Your Coach
  • Camera, memory card & charger
  • Cell phone & charger
  • Comfortable shoes and clothes
  • Snacks
  • Cash for vending machines and parking lot. 

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Monday, December 12, 2016

Minor Discomforts and Remedies

Pregnancy is a joyful experience that can also bring some minor discomforts.Here are the reasons you may feel the way you do and suggested remedies.

You might  have morning sickness from an increase of pregnancy hormones, dehydration, and an empty stomach.
*Eat crackers 15 minutes before getting out of bed, sip water during the night.

You might have a backache because your spine is supporting the weight of the uterus.
*Have good posture, take a walk, apply a heating pad, wear low heels.

You might have breast tenderness because the milk glands are enlarging.
*Wear a larger, cotton bra with firm support both day and night.

You will have to urinate frequently because the uterus is pressing on your bladder.
*Avoid wearing tight clothing and empty your bladder as needed.

You might get sharp abdominal pain when the ligaments around the uterus are stretched.
*Slowly bend toward the cramp or take a warm bath.

You might have nasal stuffiness because hormones that increase mucus production and membranes in the lining of your nose will swell.
*Use saline solution, apply a warm, wet cloth to your face, use a humidifier.

Your gums might bleed from increased blood circulation and the pregnancy hormones.
*Use a soft toothbrush, be sure to floss and get dental check-ups

You might be more prone to getting headaches caused by tension or congestion.
*Rest in a darkened room, do relaxation exercises for your neck and shoulder area.

You might get heartburn caused by progesterone relaxing all the soft tissues in your esophagus allowing acidic fluids to rise from your stomach to your throat.
*Eat smaller meals, avoid spicy, fatty sugary foods, don't lay down after eating.

You might have sleeping difficulties from uncomfortable positions.
*Drink warm milk before bed, take a warm bath or shower, use a pillow between your legs and tucked under your abdomen.

You might have dizziness which is caused when progesterone dilates your blood vessels, making blood pool in your legs and decreasing your blood pressure.
*Move around often when standing, try laying on your left side and eat every 2 hours.

You might be constipated or get hemorrhoids because your bowels will function more slowly.
*Increase fiber in your diet, drink prune juice, walk, drink warm liquids in the morning.

Dehydration will cause low blood volume and increase the level of oxytocin which triggers premature labor.
*Make sure you are always drinking liquid throughout the day and night. If you are dehydrated go straight to the hospital!


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Monday, December 5, 2016

Old Wives Tales

Tales, in general, have been passed down from generation to generation before information was recorded, published and read. Old wives tales explained things that people didn’t understand. Here are some examples:
  • Pregnant women should not take baths.
  • Pregnant women shouldn’t lift her hands over her head.
  • Heartburn means the baby has lots of hair.
  • More babies are born during a full moon.
  • If you sleep too much labor will be harder.
  • A woman will lose a tooth for every baby she has.If a pregnant woman drinks too much coffee the baby will have a brownish birthmark.
  • Pregnant women should eat for two.

Read More »

Friday, December 2, 2016

Fine Motor Development

Fine motor skills involve the control of muscles in the hands, fingers, feet and toes. Also the muscles of the tongue and lips that help children speak and sing. Improving fine motor skills will lead to self-care.
tying shoes 
zipping and unzipping
buckling and unbuckling
playing games that require precise hand and finger control
pinching objects between fingers
using locks and keys
manipulating buttons and snaps
putting small objects together
doing puzzles
Small finger muscles can be challenged with nesting toys, puzzles
Smaller blocks to stack and arrange
Arranging and gluing  beads, pasta, cereal and string
Encourage children to turn the pages of books and to point to things on pages.


Dexterity means having the ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Discussion: Can you think of some occupations that require precise manual dexterity?
Musical Instrument Builders Repairers and Tuners
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Upholders
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Surgeons
Dentists
Pilots
Nurses
Hairdressers, barbers
Make-up Artists
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators
Automotive Mechanics and Service Technicians
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Sewers
Craft Artists
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters
Aircraft Mechanics and Services Technicians
Plastics Molder
Landscaping, horticulturist
Drywall Installer
Culinary Arts, Baker, Chef
Glass Cutter
Sign Maker
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
Wood Patternmakers
Machinist
Medical Lab Techs
Electricians
Jewelers

Brick masons and Block masons
Read More »

Monday, November 21, 2016

Quench Your Thirst

Hydration is important for flushing waste products from your body, and aiding the liver and kidney function in both you and your baby.


You will need 8 to 12 eight ounce glasses of fluid. Fill a pitcher or large sports bottle and drink in small amounts throughout the day.

Avoid caffeinated and sweet beverages which can actually cause dehydration.

Dehydration can
  • make you feel queasy
  • cause fatigue
  • cause toxemia
  • lead to miscarriage
  • cause preterm labor
  • can be life threatening to baby and mother

Read More »

Friday, November 18, 2016

Have a Ball

A colorful ball has lasting play value:

Newborn – visual interaction
4 months – reaches
8 month – crawls to ball
1-2 yr old – practices releasing
2-3 yr old – kicks
3-4 yr old – throws
4-5 yr old – bounces

5 years old – tosses & catches
Read More »

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Invest in Your Future

Think of the people you know who have retired. Are they living on a lower fixed income? Social security and pension plans alone are not enough to live on. You haven’t even started your career yet but when you do you’ll need to start planning for retirement! 

According to www.schwabplann.com , for every 5 years you put off investing for retirement you will have to double your monthly investing amount to achieve the retirement income needed to sustain independence as a retiree. 

Not only are you trying to figure out how much income you need to support yourself and your family over the next 45 – 50 years, but you’re estimating how much you’ll need to maintain a particular retirement lifestyle. Do you plan on staying in your home, having the mortgage paid off, and living a modest lifestyle? Or do you plan on traveling, golfing, and living in a retirement community?

Most expenses will decrease like taxes, savings expenses, shelter, education, apparel, and transportation. However, there will be cost increases for health care, utilities, and entertainment. Most financial planners estimate a replacement wage ratio of 70% - 80%.


The banking institutions do not pay a very high-interest rate so you will need to seek long-term investments like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Also, take advantage of workplace retirement plans and IRAs.
Read More »

Monday, November 14, 2016

The More You Know

Every woman has a unique childbirth experience so keep that in mind when stories are
shared. Try not to let these conversations scare you.

Remember, the more you know, the more confident you will feel during childbirth.  Begin researching all aspects of childbirth.

Register early for childbirth classes so you have plenty of time to learn everything before the big day.

Some of the topics that you need to know:

  • False labor vs true labor
  • The process of labor and delivery
  • The role of your delivery coach
  • Comfort techniques
  • Medications available
  • Medical procedures

Read More »

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

House Hunting

Figure out your housing budget. The best rule of thumb is 30% of your net income (take home pay).
Consider the following when choosing a location: distance to work, school districts, safe neighborhood.
  • Always ask friends and family if they know of any available places.
  • Check Craig’s List or Padmapper.com for apartment locator.
  • Take time to check each potential apartment. Do the faucets work? Do the windows lock? Is it clean and odor free? Does it come with appliances?
  • You will complete a rental application and must have proof of employment and photo ID. You will also need to know your bank account information, previous addresses, and references.
  • The landlord will do a credit check to verify employment, credit history, credit score and criminal background.
  • The Lease Agreement is a legal contract which outlines the rules and expectations that the landlord and tenant promise to follow.
  • Security deposit is required and will be used if you damage the unit or move leave while owing rent.
  • Public Housing Programs are available and include Metropolitan Housing Authority and other low-income housing organizations.

Read More »

Monday, October 31, 2016

Healthy Weight Gain

Gaining just the right amount of weight depends on many factors. You can put your baby at risk if you gain too little or too much weight.


As a teenager your body is still growing so it’s vital that you are eating enough calories and nutrients for your development as well as your baby’s. During pregnancy women generally only need an additional 300 calories added to their daily intake.

Talk to your health care provider about how much weight gain is appropriate for you. It will be based on your overall health and your pre-pregnancy weight.

If you’re rapidly gaining weight talk to your health care provider. Gaining more than 2 pounds per week could be a  sign of preeclampsia.

The weight you gain is not all baby. The weight is distributed all over your body. Your breast gain 2 lbs, maternal fat stores 7 lbs, extra blood and body fluid 8 lbs, placenta, amniotic fluid and uterus weighs 5.5 lbs and finally, the baby averages 7.5 lbs.

Baby needs calories and nutrients to build heart, lungs, brain and skeleton.
You are not eating for two, but you are sharing what you normally eat with your baby.
  • Make time for breakfast
  • Avoid snacks with no nutrients; soda, coffee, chips, cakes and cookies.
  • Avoid fruit juice loaded with sugar. Eat fresh fruit instead.
  • Eat smaller portions several times per day.


Good choices at fast food restaurants include:
  • Grilled chicken, not fried
  • Baked potato, not French fries
  • Salad or fruit, not cookies
  • Milk or low fat yogurt, not milk shakes

Read More »

Monday, October 24, 2016

Bond With Your Baby

Interacting with your baby will directly affect his growth and development. It will release
endorphins in you that will make you feel happy and calm.

  • Begin talking to your baby
  • Read to your baby
  • Ask him how he’s doing today.
  • Stroke and pat your tummy.
  • Play with him by poking your tummy
  • Sing to him
  • Listen to soft music
  • Dance with him
  • Tell him you love him and you can’t wait to hold him.

Read More »

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Get Politically Active

You have wanted to grow up and move out for so long. There are probably many things you planned on doing with your home and life on your own. But one of the things most young people don’t think about doing once they turn 18 is getting involved in politics. It’s not only your right, but it’s your responsibility to know what’s happening and who is making the decisions.
  • How are the taxes used?
  • Who is running the city where you live?
  • How are the schools funded?
  • How high are tax rates for the lower and middle class?
  • Do the politicians work on issues that make the world a better place for your children? 
  • Or are they unproductive and stagnant?

Find something you care about and then voice your opinion. Write letters to the decision makers, lobby, petition and most importantly vote! You can make a difference! What are some current issues people are talking about in your state?
  • Same-sex marriage
  • legalization of marijuana
  • tax policies 
  • voting rights of all people
  • water shortage in California
  • transportation funds to fix our broken infrastructure
  • Medicaid budgets that threaten the Affordable Care Act
  • carbon emissions and climate change

Read More »

Friday, October 14, 2016

Importance of Play

Play influences every aspect of your child's development

Creativity and imagination grow, along with learning that life is full of opportunities and possibilities when your child creates and pretends.

Physical skills develop as your child learns to reach, crawl, walk, run, climb, jump, throw, catch and balance. Fine motor skills develop as your child handles playthings.

Mental skills sharpen through play that encourages problem-solving and shows cause and effect. Your child learns about shapes, colors, sizes and other concepts through play.

Social skills, like learning to follow directions and rules, cooperate, take turns, and share, build during play.

Emotional skills form through your child’s experience of pleasure, bonding with others and working through feelings during role-playing. Goals achieved through play, increase your child’s self-esteem.



Read More »

Monday, October 10, 2016

Bathing Your Baby

Your baby will get a sponge bath until the umbilical cord falls off in the first 2-3 weeks. Caution: Never place a cotton swab inside a baby’s ears or nose. Use a new cotton ball dipped in warm water, no soap, for each part: Eyes - wipe from inner eye to outer. Ears - Clean behind and around the outer ears. Nose – wipe around each nostril. Neck - Wipe gently under baby’s chin and folds of the neck.

Supplies needed:
  • Baby tub
  • Baby soap
  • Tearless shampoo
  • Soft washcloths
  • Two large soft towels
  • Baby clothes & diaper
  • Lotion and diaper cream

Getting ready:
  • The room should be warm, no breeze
  • Have all above supplies on hand
  • Check with water temperature

Bathing baby
1.    Undress baby and wrap in large towel
2.   Wet and wring out washcloth. Wipe baby’s eyes and face.
3.   Fold washcloth over your finger and gently wash the outside and behind babies ears. NEVER PUT ANYTHING IN BABY’S EARS
4.   Unwrap baby and lower into the tub.
5.   Enjoy this time with your baby; talk, sing and gently play.
6.   Do not let baby become chilled

Never leave your baby alone - EVER!

Read More »

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Feeding Your Family

Feeding your family is more than purchasing food. There is so much that goes into planning meals and preparing things your family likes to eat. You have the responsibility to instill healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.   

  • Plan a menu around the items you have in your freezer and pantry
  • Check weekly specials and coupons in newspapers & online.
  • Utilize discount grocery stores with lower prices
  • Buy in bulk if possible
  • Make a grocery list, grouped by type of product in the store (produce, deli, meat, dairy, frozen, canned).
  • avoid packaged and processed foods to make meals healthier
  • Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables when possible.
  • Homemade meals costs less than eating out
  • Ask your relatives for family recipes
  • Try new recipes in cookbooks and online
  • Use the slow-cooker to have a meal ready when you get home from work
  • Involve your children in meal planning and preparation
  • Try making freezer meals during the weekend


It’s important for families to spend time around the table
and catch up with everyone’s day.
All devices should be put away and television turned off.
Always ask, “What was the best part of your day?”
Read More »

Friday, September 30, 2016

Dangers of Toys

Nothing is more tempting to a one-year-old than a four-year
old’s toys!

According to the CDC, choking rates are highest for babies under one-year-old and is the leading cause of injury and death among children. Between 1990 and 2011, at least 231 children died after choking or asphyxiating on a toy or toy part. The Consumer Product Safety Commission designed this simple device to test the safety of toys or other articles for children under age (available in some toy stores). Any object that fits entirely within the cylinder is small enough to be a choking hazard.

There are so many toys available and many more being developed every year so it’s important for parents to follow some simple tips:

Fabric toys should be labeled flame resistant
Stuffed toys should be washable
Painted toys should be lead-free
Art supplies should be nontoxic
Avoid older toys and hand-me-downs
Keep an older child’s toys away from infants/toddlers
Make sure toys are sturdy
Broken toys can have sharp or jagged edges
Avoid toys with long strings or cords
Avoid cheap toys that may break
Avoid toys with small pieces
Heavy toys can injury your child or another
Avoid flammable objects
Keep small household items out of reach
Wooden toys might have splinters
Metal toys can have sharp edges
Has no places where fingers can get pinched

Read More »

Monday, September 26, 2016

You Child's Temperament

You overslept, missed the bus, and were late for school. What happens to your day when
your routine is changed? Does it offset your whole day or do you just shrug it off? What kind of temperament do you have?

There are three basic types of temperament:

Easy Child
  • Reacts mildly to discomforts and can sooth self.
  • Establishes a regular eating and sleeping routine quickly
  • Generally in a positive mood, adjusts to new experiences

Difficult Child
  • Reacts negatively and cries frequently, hard to sooth
  • Has an irregular routine, is a light sleeper
  • Responds vigorously to hunger and discomforts
  • Constant physical activity and demand attention

The Slow to Warm up Child

  • Has a low activity level and shy
  • Is somewhat negative, cautious
  • Has low adaptability to anything new
  • Responds slowly and quietly to hunger and discomforts.

Read More »

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Employment Success

Imagine if you owned a business. 
What characteristics would you want from your employees?

  • To be productive, hardworking
  • To be positive, confident
  • To be helpful, friendly, patient
  • To be a team member and get along with others
  • To leave your troubles out of the work environment
  • To be on time, dependable
  • To be neat and clean, dressed appropriately
  • To be flexible, adapt to change
  • To keep your skills current
  • To learn and grow
  • To make healthy choices

Read More »

Monday, September 19, 2016

Safe Sleep

The A B C's of Safe Sleep

Alone, on their Back, in the Crib

  • Provide safe sleep by placing your baby on his back
  • Baby may suffocate when sleeping with adults.
  • Remove all pillows, stuffed animals and crib padding
  • Never use a heavy or loose blankets
  • Place baby’s feet toward the foot of the crib.
  • Avoid cigarette smoke exposure around your baby.
  • Avoid letting baby’s room get too hot.
  • Use only fitted sheets specifically made for  a crib
  • Use a pacifier at nap time and bed time.
  • Dispose of antique cribs with drop-down sides, decorative cutouts, corner posts or lead paint.
  • The slats should no more that 2-3/8 inches apart to prevent head injury.
  • Set the mattress at its lowest position when your child can pull his or herself up.
  • The mattress should be firm and fit snugly with no gaps.
Read More »

Friday, September 16, 2016

Categories of Toys

These are the toy categories and examples of items:

Arts and crafts – large crayons, chalk & markers, large sheets of paper, finger paint, blunt nose scissors, easel

Active Play – climber, swing, slide, wagon, riding, large balls, bowling pins, bean bags

Books – age appropriate

Construction – blocks, wood train, play tools, play workbench

Dramatic Playthings – dolls, child-size table & chairs, play kitchen & food, dress up clothes, shopping cart, cash register, costumes for different occupations

Manipulative – puzzles, pegboard, sewing cards, stacking, dominoes, games

Sensory materials – water, sand, bells, drums, play-dough, musical instruments

Technology
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Monday, September 12, 2016

Pre-K Matters

Read More »

Low Birth Weight

Read More »

Friday, September 9, 2016

Benefits of Blocks

These are the major concepts children can learn from playing with colored blocks:

Constructing, Designing, Comparing, Building, Transporting, Classifying, Adding, Subtracting, Ordering, Apportioning, Originating, Measuring, Restructuring, Balancing, Sorting, Dividing, 
Multiplying, Arranging

Colored blocks have lasting value:
6-8 months: grasps, mouths, and release blocks. Develops hand/mouth and hand/eye coordination and sensation of squareness. Bangs blocks together, transfers block from one hand to the other
8 months to 1 year – Often drops blocks and will look for them on the floor. Plays hide and seek with blocks (object permanence)
1 – 2 years – Loves piling blocks and dumping from a container, carries blocks across the room, pushes and pulls blocks as the  child develops mobility. Holds blocks with thumbs/fingertips rather than in palm.
2 – 3 years – can imitate (not copy) a three block train or two-block tower, demonstrating sequencing and integration of visual perceptual skills.
3 -4 years old – With emerging imagination,  a child creates a variety of original structures and designs. Shares and wait their turn.
4-5 years – With more confidence and purposefulness, a child creates a building plan and shows great satisfaction in results.Will persevere even if tower topples or the plan is unsuccessful.
5 years old – Can accurately count ten blocks and copy or create three-dimensional complicated buildings in both vertical and horizontal planes. Usually uses both hands, with preferred hand leading and the other helping (emerging hand dominance and accommodation).
Read More »

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Your Spending Plan

There are the 6 steps to making a spending plan: 

1) Assess your financial situation, 
2) Set financial goals, 
3) Create a budget based  on projected income and expenses, 
4) Monitor spending patterns, 
5) Compare your budget to what you’ve actually spent, 
6) Review progress and revise as needed.

How to calculate estimated Net Income (take home pay):
  • Monthly gross income   x .22% tax = deductions.
  • Monthly Gross income – Deductions = Net Income
Net Income is used to pay for the following Fixed and Flexible expenses:
FLEXIBLE EXPENSES
  • Groceries
  • Clothing
  • Recreation
  • Savings
  • Health
  • Allowances
  • Hair/Grooming
  • Laundry
  • Gifts/Christmas
  • Diapers/Formula


FLEXIBLE EXPENSES
  • Groceries
  • Clothing
  • Recreation
  • Savings
  • Health
  • Allowances
  • Hair/Grooming
  • Laundry
  • Gifts/Christmas
  • Diapers/Formula

Be realistic! If you can’t pay for these then get a roommate
or don’t move out!   
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