ParentLife Blog

Fun Friday Photo -- May 28, 2010

"Just ship me to Grandma's!"

Thanks to Kiki E. for this great photo!

Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each Friday to see if your photo was chosen!

10 Tips to Maintain a Germ-Free Nursery

It wasn't long ago that I was working diligently to prepare a nursery for our little boy, Jack. I vividly remember wanting everything to be organized, clean, and beautiful. Every parent wants Baby's room to be safe and clean. Consider the following 10 tips from Dr. Benjamin Tanner.

1. Identify the germ “hot spots” within your nursery and clean them often. Germ hot spots within the nursery are the areas that come in contact with waste in diapers and other body fluids, either directly or indirectly. Diaper waste — and the millions and millions of germs in it — can be spread by hands and objects that come in contact with it. Since germs are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, it’s easy to spread many of them to clean surfaces without knowing it. Areas where most bacteria typically gather include:

• Changing Table – This is the place where diaper messes and germs are transferred from the diaper to baby’s skin – and possibly mom’s hands. And a dirty diaper likely has more germs inside it than anything else in the nursery.
• Laundry Hamper – Studies have shown that laundry, especially if it has come in contact with bodily fluids, can harbor great quantities of bacteria and even spread them to clean clothes through normal washing cycles.
• Floor – Germs on the floor are not a concern for adults, but the floor is where babies lay, crawl, and play. Most floor germs aren’t of the harmful type, but it’s still a hot spot to keep an eye on.
• Toys/Toy chest – The average toy isn’t loaded with germs, but toys will transmit them easily if they become contaminated, since toys come in contact with playmates’ hands, skin, and mouths.

2. Learn the difference between cleaners and disinfectants, and which is appropriate for your nursery. Cleaners remove most soils, but may spread germs around. Disinfectants actually kill germs when used correctly.

• To use a disinfectant correctly in a nursery, remove your baby from the spray or wipe zone and apply the product liberally. After the label-specified contact time elapses, wipe off the surface with a wet cloth or paper towel to get rid of any irritating residual chemicals so your baby’s delicate skin does not touch these chemicals.
• It’s also wise to disinfect hard floors and vacuum carpets routinely to keep germ levels low. Tip: Disinfectants say “disinfects,” “antibacterial,” or “sanitizes” on the label

3. Set aside a special place in the nursery for disinfectants so they are readily available for quick cleaning but safely out of reach of children. Even “non-toxic” cleaners can be dangerous to children, so keep cleaners on a high shelf in the closet or a child-proofed drawer of the dresser.

4. Keep messes (and germs) to a minimum when changing dirty diapers in the nursery.

• Establish a quick, mess-free diaper changing routine, and keep supplies handy and close by.
• Create a dedicated changing area that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.
• Take extra care to handle diapers from the outside surfaces and avoid touching waste.
• Get rid of diapers in a hygienic fashion that keeps germs sealed away. I recommend the Diaper Genie II Elite™ Disposal System. It seals odor into the pail and out of your nursery unlike an ordinary trash can and plastic bag. Diapers only touch the disposable film, not the pail, so there is one less thing to clean. The Diaper Genie II Elite™ Disposal System also has Antimicrobial Protection built into the plastic to inhibit odor-causing bacteria.

5. Keep soap and warm water, or where soap and water are not available, antibacterial hand wipes, nearby to use after changing your baby in the nursery. This will help stop the spread of germs within the nursery. Tip: When soap and water are not available, consider using an antibacterial hand wipe, such as Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hands and Face Wipes. Wet Ones Antibacterial Hands and Face Wipes are clinically proven to be just as effective as gel hand sanitizers in killing 99.99% of germs, and also clean away dirt and messes.

6. Keep baby bottles away from germ hot spots, such as the changing table, and only handle them when your hands are clean. Harmful germs can grow very quickly in formula and breast milk — be sure to keep bottles clean and dry when not in use.

7. Keep a special hamper inside the nursery to use specifically for heavily soiled baby laundry. This special, separate hamper will help prevent bacteria on heavily soiled laundry from spreading throughout the rest of the nursery. Also, take special care when laundering heavily soiled baby clothing and bedding to prevent the spread of germs through the laundry.

• Use hot water and/or chlorine bleach.
• Dry laundry in a hot dryer cycle.

8. Take special precautions within the nursery when baby is sick to prevent spread of illness to other children and throughout the rest of the nursery.

• Disinfect nursery “hot spots” more frequently.
• Reduce time other children spend in the nursery and with Baby.

9. Take special precautions in the nursery when you or other family members are sick to keep from giving your infection to baby and spreading throughout the nursery.

• Cover all coughs and sneezes.
• Wash hands before contact with baby and when entering the nursery.

10. Reduce pet access to the nursery.

• Reptiles and birds frequently harbor dangerous germs, like salmonella. Make sure that children wash hands well with soap and warm water after handling reptiles and before coming into the nursery, and keep bird bedding/litter out of the nursery altogether.
• Dogs and cats are less risky but still may carry certain kinds of harmful bacteria. Cats may harbor a parasite that is of particular concern to pregnant women — if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, avoid changing cat litter to reduce exposure to the parasite toxoplasma.
• If a pet makes a mess on the carpet, make sure to spray it with a non-bleach disinfectant after cleanup to prevent those germs from spreading to baby during playtime.
  
  

What tips have you found to be helpful to keep your baby's nursery clean? Are there products that you have found to be helpful?

Award-Winning BabyLife

The ParentLife team has some great news we wanted to share with you!

Our most recent edition of Babylife (special edition of ParentLife) won a Bronze Eddie Award from Folio Magazine — a magazine serving the entire magazine publishing industry. The Eddie and Ozzie Awards is the largest awards competition in magazine publishing. The Eddies recognize editorial excellence, while the Ozzies recognize excellence in magazine design.

There were lots of categories, but we earned Bronze Eddie in "Supplemental Annual/One-Shot, Full Issue," third only to Golf Digest Index 2009 and Discover.

We are so excited and truly honored to receive this prestigious award!

BabyLife will soon be getting an updated cover with the same award-winning content! If you don't have a copy, be sure to check it out!

Fun Friday Photo -- May 21, 2010

11-month-old Mae shows off her sweet smile!

Thanks to Bethany G. for this great photo!

Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each Friday to see if your photo was chosen!

Letting Go ... Sort of!

I'm struggling to let go of my little boy! No ... he's not graduating from high school and going off to college like so many parents are dealing with these days. He's not even moving from elementary school to middle school this fall or headed off to summer camp soon. After all, he's not even 2 yet ... but I'm still struggling. Confused?

You see ... often working moms have to put their children in day care because it is their best (or only) option. But my husband and I have been blessed with wonderful mothers that live close enough to take turns caring for Jack on the weekdays while we are at work. I'm not saying it's easy to leave him every day, but at least I completely trust his caregivers because I know they care for him just as much as I do. They truly take care of him as if he was their own ... except for maybe the occasional spoiling that grandmothers are entitled to!!

But lately I have been wondering if Jack would enjoy going to a mother's day out or weekday preschool program and being around other children. Being the worrier that I am, I worry that without frequent interactions with other children and adults Jack is missing some important social development skills. I also think structure is healthy for every child and it would be good for him to get used to structure. I wonder if he would start talking more often and more clearly if he had the chance to interact with his peers more than just on Sundays. Not to mention that fact that Jack LOVES other kids. His face lights up when other kids are around.

Being totally honest and transparent ... I still get nervous leaving Jack with preschool volunteers at church. We recently took advantage of a parent's night out hosted by our church and I had knots in my stomach for the first 30 minutes after we left him. But it turns out, he was in great hands and had a blast!

So that is where the letting go comes in.  I really want Jack to benefit from a mother's day out/preschool setting (not to mention give the grandparents a break), but I have a very hard time trusting other people to care for my child. The thought of leaving Jack with people that don't love him like I do and I don't know very well terrifies me. 

All of this makes me wonder if it will ever get any easier? What will it be like to send him off to kindergarten, elementary school, summer camp, ... ? The list goes on and on (and I'm breaking out in a sweat just thinking about it)! All I know is that I have to learn to trust that God is in control ... and though it's hard to fathom, He loves Jack even more than I do. Jack belongs to God (not me) and his every move is in God's hands. I just need to pray that God will help me loosen my grip when the time is right!

Does it ever get any easier to let go? Do you struggle trust issues like I do ... with others ... with God? What helps you as you face these challenging situations?

Puberty and Your Preteen

Have you had "the talk" with your preteen? Every parent knows exactly what talk this is and more than likely dreads it! However, there is another approach to this talk – that of an ongoing conversation about boundaries, roles, anatomy, and your child as a special creation of God — that renders the talk a natural outgrowth of previous conversations. In other words, it is not the talk, but an ongoing conversation.

In the May issue of ParentLife, be sure to catch both approaches! Check out our feature on a lifetime of conversation with your child and the preteen Growth Spurt (pp. 16-17) about talking to your child about sex. In addition to this article, the author provided a few extra facts that sheds light on the changes boys and girls go through during puberty.

The Normal Life of Boys in Puberty
A boy experiences five to seven surges of testosterone each day. This will affect his body as it grows and changes. It also will affect his feelings. He will be sad, happy, embarrassed, and angry, often all at the same time. He also will think about girls and sex on a very regular basis (statistics say every 20 seconds).

The Normal Life of Girls in Puberty
A girl’s brain moves into hyper drive during puberty. The brain connections grow rapidly, affecting two things predominantly: her memory and her self-confidence. So she periodically will not remember even things that are important to her. She often will feel bad about herself for no reason at all. The changes in her hormones also will cause her moods to fluctuate often and with great intensity.

What has helped you in conversations with your preteen about these sensitive topics?

When Conflict Happens

In her May 2010 ParentLife article "A Step of Faith," Mary Ann Bradberry helps parents of infants feel more comfortable taking their babies to church and leaving them with church caregivers. But what do you do when conflict arises between you and your child's teachers?

Misunderstandings between parents and teachers often are inevitable. However, because the church is a partner in the spiritual development of your child, it is essential to work out differences. These tips may help create a positive outcome when you face a conflict.
 

1. Talk to the teacher. However, avoid an angry outburst when picking up your child. Instead contact the teacher to discuss the situation. If the teacher is unwilling to talk with you, contact the person responsible for the preschool ministry.
2. Listen carefully. Ask specific questions to get the facts about the situation. Use open-ended questions such as “Can you explain to me the policy for contacting parents when a baby is upset and cannot be soothed by a teacher?” Follow-up with more specific questions and express your concern about not being paged or notified that your child was upset. Often teachers want parents to enjoy a worship service without interruption.
3. Brainstorm a solution together. Often expressing your desires will solve the problem. Most conflicts arise from miscommunication between parents and teacher.

Be sure not to miss "Seven Signs That Babies Matter" (p. 9 of May 2010 ParentLife) for characteristics of a quality church program for infants.

Have you ever had a problem with your child's teachers at church? How did you handle the conflict?

May Giveaway -- BornFree Gift Set

Cook With Your Kids

Parents® — www.parents.com/recipes

“Parent Helpers; Cooking With Kids,” PBS Parents — www.pbs.org/parents/parenthelpers/cooking.html

Cooking With Kids — www.cookingwithkids.com

Tell us some of your favorite things to cook together!

Crazy Weather, Amazing Volunteers

No doubt many of you have heard of the devastation in middle Tennessee due to 2 days of rain unlike any other in recorded history. I was on my way back from Atlanta when the weather hit and found myself driving in the middle of it all. I don't think I was ever afraid for my personal safety but was a little panicked at the thought of not being able to get home because of flooding streets and interstates. Little did I know that many were beginning to see flooding that would reach into their homes and devastate lives all across the state. God spared us any damage, but we certainly feel called to step out and help others.

In the days since, I have been wowed at the number of people and churches who have helped storm victims. Check out the stories on the Baptist Press Web site of Baptists who have been involved in relief efforts along the way. Their lead story refers to this event as a 1,000 year flood!

Many may not realize it but the SBC has its own Disaster Relief organization that is part of the North American Mission Board. Check out their coordinated efforts in the USA and around the world.

I can't help but mention the Red Cross for their efforts in setting up shelters in our community. I just saw the new Red Cross Emergency Radio (Etón) that includes a USB port, radio, NOAA weatherband, and that is powered by either solar energy or a handcrank! How cool is that? Plus, Etón will contribute up to $1.00 of the sales price of each Red Cross product to support the American Red Cross.

Saving Your Little Girl From Cinderella by Leigh Rollar Bethel

After reading this title, you may wonder Why would I have to save my little girl from a fairy tale heroine? This article does not deal with the actual Cinderella but the image her character portrays. Little girls want to be just like these fairy-tale characters. Be aware of what today’s culture can subtly instill in the heart of your little one.

Fairy Tales vs. Reality

The image portrayed in many fairy tales is often unrealistic. Little girls can be set up to believe that they too can have their own Cinderella story — looking just the way she does and believing a perfect prince will come give them their happily ever after. From fairy tales to unrealistically proportioned dolls to teen stars who lack modesty to images of perfect models in media, kids are bombarded with the unrealistic messages of what beauty is. Young girls are struggling with eating disorders and depression while trying to keep up with what the culture believes a beautiful girl should look like.

Laying a Foundation

Raise your daughter to know her true value. Clearly share with her the pressure the culture will put on her and how she can resist it by knowing what true beauty is and where it comes from. Instill in her that she is “remarkably and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) by God. Truly knowing that will bring contentment. Tell your daughter she is beautiful, but also tell her she is kind, sweet, precious, worthy, loving, and made perfectly by her Heavenly Father.

Let your daughter watch the movies and read the books, but take the time to talk to her about them in an age-approporiate way. Explain that an endless pursuit to attain what the world thinks women should look like will only bring disappointment. Teach your daughter to be presentable, modest, and kind, but most of all, teach her what a significant, beautiful little girl in Christ she truly is.

Find True Beauty
Jesus loves you so much He died on the cross for you so that you can be free to be loved unconditionally. If you would like to trust Jesus, pray this prayer.
Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and need You. I believe Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead so that I can know You and have eternal life. Please forgive me of my sins. I accept Your gift of eternal life and choose to follow You as Lord. Thank You for giving me a new life in Christ. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, please let the editorial staff of ParentLife know by e-mailing parentlife@lifeway.com or writing to: One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0172. If you would like to talk with someone about how to have a new life in Christ, call toll-free (888) 537-8720.

Recommended Reading

Raising a Modern-Day Princess by Pam Farrel and Doreen Hanna (Tyndale, 2009)

Leigh Rollar Bethel is a professional organizer and author of Kid’s Stuff and What to Do With It.

10 Ways to Nurture Reading

In our May 2010 issue of ParentLife, Dr. Rebecca Isbell gave you tips for nurturing a love for learning ("Raising a Reader, pp. 14-15).  Do you have a reluctant reader? If so, try these 10 tips for nurturing a love of reading ... a vital part of learning.

1. Read to and with your child every day.
2. Find books that match your child’s interests.
3. Visit a library regularly and let your child choose the books.
4. Support your child’s beginning reading efforts.
5. Let your child see you reading.
6. Listen to children’s books on tape.
7. Expose your child to a variety of reading materials — magazines, newspapers, joke books, informational/reference books, postcards, and letters.
8. Find time to read together as a family.
9. Value books and learn to take care of them.
10. Read favorite books and stories again and again.
    

Does your child love to read? What are some of your family's favorite books?

Fun Friday Photo -- May 14, 2010

Elijah and Josiah are brothers ... and best friends!

Thanks to Ken and Lygia L. for this great photo!

Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each Friday to see if your photo was chosen!

Fun Friday Photo -- May 7, 2010

Somebody LOVES their veggies!

 Thanks to Kiki E. for this great photo!

Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each Friday to see if your photo was chosen!

Quality Time With Your Children by Carrie Bevell Partridge

Have you spent quality time with your children lately? I don't mean eating dinner together in the van on the way to a soccer game. I mean doing something together just for the sake of being together — no other agenda. Every family is busy, but carving out the time to talk and play and just be with your children is invaluable. And if you have more than one child, making an effort to have quality one-on-one time with each child is equally important.

Spending this time together doesn't have to cost a lot of money, and even if you have only an hour to get away by yourselves, it will be worth the effort. Be creative in how you spend your time, and make sure you let your child have some input in the planning. Above all, focus on your communication and have fun! Here are some ideas to get you started.
 

Places To Go

• Book store
• Sporting event
• Favorite restaurant
• Park
• Library
• Coffee shop
• Ice cream parlor
• Movie theater
• Zoo
• Concert or other performance
• Skating rink
• Bowling alley
• Miniature golf course
• Paint-your-own-pottery shop
• Museum
• Amusement park
• Swimming pool
• Farmers' market
• Thrift store

Things To Do

• Go to the dollar store and buy gifts for each other.
• Play a board game.
• Bake something.
• Take a walk.
• Go for a scenic drive.
• Teach your child a new skill or craft.
• Work a jigsaw puzzle.
• Get your child out of school early just to spend some time together.
• Camp out in the backyard.
• Plan your child's birthday party.
• Read a book aloud.
• Have a tea party (real or imaginary)!
• Write a story, poem, or song together.
• Work on a shared hobby.
• Ride bikes.
• Work in the garden or yard.
• Plan and prepare a special meal for the rest of the family.
• Do a service project.
• Color, draw, or paint.
• Play with clay or play dough.
• Make holiday cards for family and friends.
• Make lists of your favorite things about each other and read them aloud.
• Look at old family photographs, scrapbooks, or videos.
• Eat lunch with your child at school.

Carrie Bevell Partridge lives in Jackson, Mississippi, with her husband and three children.  Stop by her blogs at www.oncarriesmind.blogspot.com and www.stuffmamaslike.blogspot.com.

Spending time with your kids is one of Victor M. Parachin's eight stay-close-to-your-kids strategies in the May 2010 issue of ParentLife. Be sure not to miss it. What are your favorite ways to spend one-on-one time with your kids?

Important Safety Recall

If you have kids, more than likely you have Children's Tylenol, Motrin, and other over-the-counter medications handy. If that's the case, you definitely need to be aware of this safety recall.

McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is voluntarily recalling all lots that have not yet expired of certain over-the-counter (OTC) Children’s and Infants’ liquid products manufactured in the United States.

For all of the details, visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm210443.htm.

May Calendar of Events

We hope you will be inspired and encouraged by this month's calendar of events. Notice the great ways you can make a difference through prayer, a simple click of the mouse, or getting out to walk!

All month - You can help the Erika Kate Foundation win a $50,000 grant this month in the Pepsi Refreshes Everything Challenge. Log onto www.refresheverything.com/erikakate once each day and vote for EKF to win a $50,000 grant. With this money, EKF could help up to 100 families whose children face critical heart issues! If you want to learn more about EKF, visit Erikakate.org. You can also support EKF by joining their EKF Facebook page.

 

May 6, 2010 - National Day of Prayer - Join together with local believers and those all across the USA to pray for our country. Discover local observances and read more about this year's theme "For Such A Time As This" by logging onto www.nationaldayofprayer.org. We echo Chairman Shirley Dobson's prayer: "May we continue to seek the Lord's guidance and protection during these crucial days that will impact the direction of our country for generations to come."

 

May 8, 2010 - For 22 years Project ACES (All Children Exercise Simultaneously) has impacted millions of children. Founder Len Saunders is now introducing PACES Day (Parents and Children Exercise Simultaneously). PACES, which asks parents to exercise with their children for 15-45 minutes each Saturday, will be highlighted by the third annual national PACES DAY on Saturday, May 8, 2010. To learn more about PACES Day, visit the web site at: www.pacesday.com

May 22, 2010 - Ellie's Run for Africa - Ellie Ambrose, a 10-year-old whose heart was moved by the stories of those hurting in Africa, began an event to raise money know as Ellie's Run for Africa. Eliie is now a high sophomore but her heart and vision for Africa is strong.  Ellie is a fantastic example of what a young person can do when her heart is inspired to make a difference in the world and spread the message of God's love and mercy. This May will mark the sixth year for Ellie's Run, which has raised over $210,000 to date. Visit the website for Ellie's Run www.elliesrun.org and learn more about how your family can participate. 
 

May 23, 2010 - Deadline for the Red Robin "How Do You Make A Difference?" Kids' Poem Contest. Kids ages 5-10 are encouraged to submit their poems (100 words or less) describing how they make a difference in their communities. Kids can complete the contest entry form and submit their poems online at www.redrobin.com/makeadifference. There are six winners chosen and lots of great prizes for the winners including getting published online.  

Let us know if you participate in any of these programs!

May 2010 Blog Giveaway -- BornFree Smart Start Gift Set

Are you an expectant mother? Having a first child can be overwhelming – with the new bundle of joy comes the new lifestyle, new responsibilities, new sleep schedule, and so much more. An alarming amount of parents can get overwhelmed, particularly in the first few weeks of bringing the baby home. This could be a lot less of a stressful experience knowing some tips beforehand. BornFree has provided some tips below to guide first-time parents in ensuring a more pleasant experience.

1. Get your home in order before the baby arrives: Clean, organize, and find a place to store all baby products, so they can be easily accessible.
2. Find the places that are open all night and who will deliver to your home – keep a running and accessible list of nearby pharmacies, grocery stores, etc. and have these numbers readily available.
3. Keeping your baby safe is the most important. Products that are BPA and chemical free are essential. BPA-free bottles (as well as extra BPA-free nipples) should be ready and plentiful. Consider using BPA-free pacifiers, teethers, and training cups too.
4. Try and lock down a sleep schedule ahead of time to adjust to both your needs and your baby needs. Taking turns between parents is a great way to ensure both parties are tending to the baby while taking care of their own health as well and getting as much rest as they possibly can.
5. Read up beforehand and do not be afraid to ask your pediatrician questions before the baby even arrives in your home such as what to expect for feeding, sleeping, and general care of your child.

BornFree has generously provided ParentLife with one Smart Start Gift Set to giveaway this month. The gift set is packed with BPA-free products including one sterilizer, three 5-ounce bottles, one 9-ounce bottle, one twin pack level 2 nipples, one day and night silicone pacifier, and one twister brush set! Everyone* who posts a comment on our blog during the month of May will automatically be entered to win this starter kit. A winner will be drawn randomly on June 1, 2010. So let us hear from you!

*LifeWay employees are not eligible for this giveaway. Multiple comments do not increase chances of winning.

What tips for new mothers would you add? What did you find the most helpful as a new mother or father?

April 2010 Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to Kristie, Debbie, Barbara, Stephen, Summer, Beth, Brenda, Chris, Brandon, and Gail — the winners of our April 2010 giveaway! They each won a copy of  Chris Coppernoll's book Screen Play! 

Be sure to stop by later today for details about our May 2010 blog giveaway!