My son is now three weeks old. He was born weighing 5lbs 13oz, lost some weight and has gained some back – but not near the 7lb mark needed for most carriers. With a 2 1/2 year old daughter who requires a lot of play time, I knew I would need something to be hands-free but still be able to hold my three week old son. I did research this time around. Most carriers still requires a 7lb weight limit. I have read reviews/raves about wraps. Therefore, I researched the best wraps – which there are plenty out there. The two most popular wraps are the Boba Wrap and the Moby Wrap. I read forums, weighed pros/cons, and even asked mothers at play-groups to find out which wrap was the best. After thorough research and many nights pondering the pros and cons, I chose the Boba Wrap.

The Boba Wrap we received to review is 100% organic cotton. The difference between the Boba Wrap and other wraps on the market is the fabric. This is the reason I chose the Boba Wrap. The Boba has a heavier higher quality knit, which means more durability, stability, and support while holding your little one. The wrap adjusts perfectly to your body without any guessing games. As mentioned on their website:

The material of other wraps is less dense than the Boba Baby Wrap, and there actually isn’t so much elasticity to it. It’s more a t-shirt kind of material that only stretches one way and bags out (like a stretched out t-shirt) after you take the baby out of the wrap, so you have to tighten it and retie it. The Boba Baby Wrap bounces back and clings to your body and your baby.

I wanted the best, easiest, and most durable wrap while holding my newborn. Now, I am going to be honest and say that it took me a couple of hours to figure out how to actually use the wrap when following the directions in the booklet. I am more of an audio learner than a visual learner, so I did find a video on YouTube to learn how to use the wrap. After watching the video a couple of times, I feel like a Boba-Wrapping pro. I also watched a video on how to do the newborn hold with the Boba Wrap and can click here to watch that video. I practiced using the Boba Wrap and learning how to tie it multiple times before actually using it with our newborn. So, practice, practice, practice until you feel comfortable. I used baby dolls – big and small, along with stuffed animals before I placed my newborn into the Boba. Now, I feel super comfortable putting the Boba Wrap on and wearing my newborn.

Some of the benefits of the Boba Wrap include:

*No pressure points on your baby – no pressure on developing hips or spines like other hard baby carriers which place pressure on your baby’s pelvis

*No baby is too small – the baby wrap is designed for the tiniest of babies

*Natural sleep solution – no plastic, no music, no bouncy seat-just you- calming and soothing your baby with your warmth, your voice, your scent, your movement and your heartbeat. There is no more natural way to put your baby to sleep

*Discreet nursing is no problem – no need to take the baby out of the wrap baby carrier or use any special attachments for privacy

We started using the Boba Wrap when our little man was 5lbs 11oz. I started using it around the house at first to fold laundry, color with my daughter, or read books. Now, I am confident to use it while grocery shopping or playing with my daughter at the park. I have found it is easier to put the wrap on at home over the clothes I will be wearing and just wear it while out and about with my children. The wrap actually comes with a storage bag, so it’s easy to place into the car where it will always be handy. Although I do not breastfeed, I have bottle fed our newborn while in the wrap especially when I didn’t want to take him out in crowded places. I have also discovered that you can put pacifiers in the middle panel while baby is not using them. We are always losing pacifiers, so this was a great way for us to have easy access to the pacifier and tuck it away when not in use. I have really enjoyed the freedom I have with the Boba. I can complete chores, spend more time with my daughter, and still have the opportunity to hold my little one. The Boba has been a blessing and I definitely recommend it to any parent. Since my husband isn’t a “baby-wearer” I didn’t have the opportunity to review how the wrap would work with mother and father, but the Boba website states that the wrap is designed for adult bodies of all types and works great for both mom and dad.

The Boba Wrap retails for $48-$65 and can be purchased online and in stores. Pajama Mommy is participating in a giveaway with other bloggers where you as a reader can have the opportunity to win a Boba Baby Carrier!

GIVEAWAY

Enter for your chance to win a Boba Baby Carrier and one of two Boba Wraps! All products can be seen at www.bobafamily.com. With Boba products it is easier than ever to enjoy Freedom Together as a family and Boba wants YOU to get a chance to use their products. To enter to win, “Like” them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boba) and for an additional two entries, follow them on Twitter (www.twitter.com/boba).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I did receive the Boba Wrap free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

We chose the Front and Back Snugli as an option for a carrier and it’s perfect for our Father’s Day Gift Guide. The Front and Back Snugli:

*Fits babies 7-32 lbs
*Has comfortable padded shoulder straps
*Breatheable fabrics
*Easy to clean
*Adjustable back straps
*One-handeded buckle for ease of use
*Adjustable seat
*Lumbar Support to distribute weight to hips

Since baby boy hasn’t made his arrival yet, we actually attempted to use the Snugli on our daughter.

sorry for the blackout, we don’t expose our faces

She is 2 1/2 years old and 24lbs. We were not able to use the carrier for her as the carrier would not close with her in it. When attempting to use the carrier with her and multiple teddy bears and baby dolls, we discovered a lot about the Snugli we liked and disliked.

PROS:

Most carriers aren’t designed for a man’s body, it’s more geared toward the woman. The Snugli fit my husband’s body well and the straps were easy to adjust. The one-handed buckle was easy to operate and open to place our daughter inside. The adjustable seat has two adjustments that are snaps. The snaps were easy to adjust for our daughter, as she is on the bigger side. If you were using the carrier with an infant, you would want to keep the snaps on the highest level. We really liked the breathable fabric, the ability to fold the neck support down for baby to see whether being carried forward facing in front or on the back, and the lumbar support for baby.

CONS:

Even though there are two seat adjustments that grow with baby, the actual inside of the carrier doesn’t adjust. Therefore, we weren’t able to figure out how a larger baby could fit on the inside as the width stayed the same. Our daughter’s weight is 24 pounds and we weren’t able to fully close the carrier with her in it. We followed the directions and looked over all the adjustments and still could not figure out how to make the width wider for the carrier to actually close. Also, my husband found it difficult to adjust the carrier around his waist. You will need a second person to help you with the back adjustments so baby will be safe in the carrier.

OVERALL:

I believe the Snugli is a great carrier for the newborn/early baby stages. As baby grows, I believe the Snugli might be a little more difficult to use especially with the width adjustment. The price for the Snugli is less than half the price (retailing at $59.99) of most carriers, so the purchase ability is definitely more beneficial for most parents. We plan on using it for the newborn stages when our baby boy arrives.

Prepare for the baby cost.
Once you bring home your little bundle of joy, expect that you will have to shell out more money than usual. Things to add to your money expenses are: milk formula, baby clothes, diapers, food and toys. Food, diapers and formula will have to be replenished on a weekly basis, sometimes even twice a week. These are the important things that you will have to buy on a regular basis. Parents always want to have the best for their kids but if they cannot afford to get the best formula or baby food, you can always improvise. Breastfeeding is still the way to go and mashing up fruits and vegetables is way better than buying the top of the line baby food. It helps to be creative in order for you to work around your budget.

Baby’s stuff doesn’t have to be brand new.
The excitement of being a new mom and dad will make even the most hardcore penny pincher splurge while shopping for the baby. You don’t have to buy baby shoes and clothes every time. Babies grow fast during the first months, and if you bought 10 pairs of shoes, chances are; some of it won’t be opened because they no longer fit your child. There are stores that sell quality baby items that won’t cost you much. The local church usually has baby clothes available. If you’re lucky some of them may even be unopened, like the aforementioned shoes. Breast pumps can cost a pretty penny because even if mom decides to breastfeed, she has no assurance that she’ll produce milk in the long run. If you have friends or relatives that have baby things that are no longer being used, you can ask them. Babies cry because they’re either hungry, sleepy or have wet themselves not, because they’re not wearing the latest designer clothes.

Medical bills are expensive.
Having a health care plan is important to help you prepare before the big day comes. Aside from that, would-be parents should have saved up for incremental hospital payments, during and after going into labor. A hundred bucks or more for 9 months should net you at least $1000 dollars when the baby is about to come out. You should also make sure what your plan covers, because finding out that the hospital you chose is not accredited by your insurance can wipe the smile out of your face even after holding your kid for the first time.

Plan for the future.
Even though your baby still hasn’t learned to talk, it’s always advisable to start choosing a nice college plan early on. Planning ahead is always a great policy. It will save you the stress of worrying where you get the money to pay your kid’s tuition. Choosing a college plan should be scrutinized very carefully because you will be making payments for your child’s future. The thing to consider first and foremost when choosing the right educational plan is stability. There are lots of companies offering lower rates easy payment schemes but as parents you should really be careful where you’ll be putting your hard-earned money. Stability always trumps convenience and affordability, with regards to insurance and educational plans. Secondly, you should also think about how much of your monthly income you will put in the plan. This is more of a budgeting decision that parents should know. It is suggested that you should put in at 10% of your monthly income because it won’t be too high to make a dent in your finances and is not too low to have a good plan.

About the Author: Johann is a marketing consultant for Purechecks, a company where you can order checks online that have a personalized design.

• Secure your home’s exterior. There are nefarious people out there who want to take your stuff and harm your family. Most of us go through life, thankfully, without ever actually encountering them. However, home invasions do happen. You need to make sure that your home is safe from predators. Home security cameras, surveillance equipment, and a high-quality home security system can all help to make your home a safer place. Today’s home security technology can even allow you to remotely access cameras in your home via your smart phone or computer, making for some truly useful options.

• Identify and secure dangerous objects. Obvious you’re not going to leave a cleaver laying on the carpet just inches from your now-crawling baby. However, you might not think about storing that knife somewhere out of reach of your toddler. It’s not just knives, either; you need to think about the various appliances and electrical equipment you might have in your home. Just because you have outlet covers on all of your outlets doesn’t mean your little one can’t reach over and start chewing on the cord to your lamp.

• Beware of falling objects. That lamp can pose another threat, as well. Even if your child is too old to decide to chew on the cord, he could trip on it and bring the lamp crashing down on top of his head. The same goes for that TV on a stand. Consider attaching your television securely to the wall with mounting brackets, and make sure anything that’s heavy isn’t stored in a precarious positions where it could be tipped over or fall from a height.

• Be picky about who cares for your child. It’s a startling and sad fact: the majority of non-parental abuse cases that wind up occurring in our society come not from strangers, but from friends and family. Think carefully about who you let watch your child. If there’s a doubt in your mind, follow your instinct. You can also add another layer of protection here by popping in on a babysitter unannounced, or even by using your home security or “nanny cam” cameras to keep an eye on things while you’re out.

• Shield your children from the worst of the Internet. There was a time when Internet filtering software couldn’t keep up very well with the creativity of adult-related websites, spammers, and more. Today, however, you have plenty of options. It’s not hard at all to lock down your computer and restrict it to family-friendly sites. Do keep in mind that children are clever, and that sometimes they’ll try to find a way around these measures.

• Educate your child about safety issues. From a young age, parents are in the business of helping their children learn about safety. Simply saying “No!” when the child reaches for an outlet is, in some ways, doing safety training. As your children grow, talk to them about what to do in certain safety-related situations. Help them understand how and when to use 911, and how to get help in an emergency.

• Have and practice a disaster plan. Your children should know what to do if there’s a fire in your house. Talk about how to recognize if there’s a fire on the other side of a doorway. Arrange a safe meeting spot for when there’s a disaster. Have drills at least a couple of times a year where your family enacts what they would do if an emergency hit. It might feel a little bit corny, but the fact is this kind of preparation can save your child’s life.

Our instinct, of course, is to wrap our children in bubble wrap and hide them away. While good parents know that’s not the right thing to do, they also do what they can to insure their children’s safety both inside and outside the home.

Author bio
Greg Robinson is the Social Media Coordinator at Vuezone.com, a completely wireless personal remote video monitoring network that is often used as a pet cam, nanny cam, or just to keep an eye on what you care about most while you’re away.

1: Support Pivotal Response Treatment
One of today’s most popular and effective treatments for children with autism, Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), uses natural learning opportunities to target and modify key behaviors, leading to rapid and sweeping behavior changes. Now parents can learn all the basics of PRT and support this treatment for their children with The PRT Pocket Guide: Pivotal Response Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders, a quick and practical guidebook by PRT developers Robert and Lynn Koegel. Packed with helpful tips and vivid examples based on actual children, this concise how-to guide reveals the secrets to motivating children with natural reinforcers, reducing disruptive behavior, encouraging communication and social initiations, helping families weave interventions into daily routines, and more.

2: Increase attention
The ability to focus on a specific task to completion is a foundational skill for life. Whether it is cleaning up their room or calling a friend for a play date, children rely on direction from others and the ability to execute those directions within themselves. Parents can help increase their child’s attention span and ability to follow directions with the software program, HearBuilder Following Directions Home Edition. Created by Super Duper Publications,  it covers 40 basic concepts that help children ages 4-9 (grades PreK-3) improve their ability to listen to and follow directions while they play fun interactive games.  This researched-based program automatically adjusts the difficulty level based on the child’s performance in the program.

3: Sustain engagement
As many children on the spectrum tend to focus on their own individual interests before those of others around them, it is imperative that parents and family members create positive memories and engage in activities that will cause their child to develop a vested interest in the world around them. Games can be a great way to engage a child, but oftentimes can be confusing and overwhelming for children with autism. With MagneTalk Turns and Topics, a magnetic board game for children with autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), children are able to have fun, increase concentration and communication skills, and learn basic game playing. The game offers four magnetic boards that increase in difficulty.

4: Use interests as a learning tool
Many children with autism develop an acute curiosity in a specific topic, interest or subject area. Engage your child in meaningful play by using her natural fascinations and interests as an opportunity to learn. One common fascination in children with autism is trains. Author and inclusion expert Paula Kluth has created a book that teaches vocabulary by using a child’s fascination with trains in “A is for ‘All Aboard!’” Published by Brookes Publishing Co., the book includes steps for using the book as a teaching tool as the child’s skills progress.

5: Foster social skills
Developing key social skills and the ability to relate to others requires age appropriate and contextual dialogue. Often children with ASDs have a difficult time developing these skills and lacking these skills prevents them from interacting with peers and the world around them. With the Practicing Pragmatics App, children learn age-appropriate behaviors and responses through social skills questions about politeness, solving problems, feelings, giving information, requesting information, telephone skills and staying on topic.

By learning how to support the treatments your child receives and how to best expand their learning throughout the day, you are ensuring that you will have happy and stress-free days with your child.

In honor of its new ExerSaucer Jump & Learn, Evenflo is calling all moms, dads and caregivers to submit videos of their little tikes jumping – in or out of an ExerSaucer – for a chance to win an ExerSaucer Jump & Learn Jam Session and $500 towards higher education (children 4+ months to walking age will be a natural in this contest, because let’s face it…babies love to jump!).

Just like the prize package, the new ExerSaucer Jump & Learn line is designed to help ‘jump start’ baby’s future by helping him reach his developmental milestones with new jump and spin actions that strengthen neck, back and neck muscles. For parents who can watch their cute, little kangaroo jump all around, this is their chance to have ultimate bragging rights.

At the end of the contest, the video with the most votes will win, so it is important to share your submitted videos with friends and family to help ‘jump start’ your own chances of winning! Come back daily to vote on your video, see other cute competitors, and learn savvy parenting tips and tricks on the EvenfloBaby Facebook wall.

Entry into this contest is as easy as 1-2-3:

1) Visit the EvenfloBaby Facebook page “ExerSaucer“ tab (http://on.fb.me/H9b2a6)

2) Register, accept contest terms/conditions and upload a short video of your child jumping in or out of an ExerSaucer (videos should feature children 4+ months to walking years of age, and be less than 3 minutes and 80 MB)

3) Vote!

The Evenflo’s ExerSaucer ‘Jump Start’ Video Contest is open NOW and closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on April 30, 2012. No purchase necessary to win.

Information provided by Evenflo. There was no compensation for publishing the information.

For more about the weekly prizes and video, please visit http://www.facebook.com/DisneyBaby.

copied press release

In February Disney Baby announced their expansion into Mealtime, Bathtime, Nursery, and Apparel. From Simba in the Nursery to Nemo in the tub, the adorable all-new collections are organized around the key moments in mom and baby’s day to make everyday moments even more magical. Some products included in the new expansion are:

Lion King 4-Piece Crib Bedding Set

The Lion King 4-piece Crib Bedding Set by Kisline includes an appliquéd quilt, a 4-piece bumper, a dust ruffle, and a 100% cotton crib sheet. Each piece helps tell one of Disney’s most beloved stories through unique patterns, prints and designs.

Winnie the Pooh Bouncer

This adorable Winnie the Pooh and Friends Bouncer features a large seat and deluxe fabrics to make Baby comfy and cozy while she bounces. Bouncer comes equipped with seven melodies, volume control and vibration with auto-shut off as well as soft hanging characters.

Minnie Mouse Stroller

This plum colored Minnie Mouse lightweight stroller by Graco features a one second, single step fold that makes life on-the-go a lot less hectic, while Minnie makes it a lot more adorable too. And since the stroller can accommodate your “mini mouse” as she grows (up to 50lbs), Baby will “stroll in style” for years to come. Plus there’s a parent tray, so the everyday essentials can come along for the ride.

My favorite time is bath time with my children. I enjoy the quality time and the bonding experience with bath time. My daughter has been bathed every single night before bedtime and it has been a routine that has stuck in our family. Bath time relaxes her, helps her wind down, and get prepared for bed. We have a routine of bathing, lotion/massage, reading books, and singing songs before we lay her down in bed. We want to continue the same routine with our baby boy. Therefore, I absolutely fell in love with the Disney Baby Finding Nemo bath tub.

The Finding Nemo bath tub is made by Summer Infant and features a soft, newborn sling that can be removed as your baby grows, a fun and engaging toy bar with removable hanging toys, a water wheel and a parent assist tray for easy storage of bath time necessities. The bath tub can be used from birth to toddler stages.

My daughter instantly fell in love with the tub and hopped in it to give it a test. Of course at her age and being used to the big bath tub, bathing her in the Finding Nemo Bath Tub would be difficult, even though she is two years of age. The tub was easy to put together and the sling was sturdy enough to hold a good amount of books, toy blocks, and other items my daughter could find to place on top of it. The tub is designed with Finding Nemo characters is blue in color which can be neutral for a boy or a girl and the toy bar features a squirt toy, a waterfall wheel and a toy that creates a waterfall effect for baby. One of my favorite features is the parent assist tray. Not only does the parent assist tray hold necessities for bath time, but it also helps with rinsing.

When being used with a toddler, the toy bar actually folds down and toddler can still interact with the toys. My favorite features while being used with a toddler is the soap holder. The turtle hanging from the toy bar with the waterwheel attached becomes a soap holder when being used with a toddler. Even though my toddler would not be comfortable being bathed in the Finding Nemo Bath Tub (or any toddler bath tub for that matter), I do believe we will attempt to use the Finding Nemo Bath Tub until he’s at least 12 months of age. Of course, if he enjoys it, we will keep him in there even longer.

Of course, as a parent we always need to remember the “Dont’s” of using a bathtub with our children.

*Do not put more than one inch of water in bathtub
*Do not leave child unattended
*Do not pick up bathtub by toy bar – the toy bar will actually come off if you attempt this

DO have fun with your baby/toddler, let them interact with the toys and make bath time a fun, exciting adventure for the both of you.

Disclosure: I did receive the Born Free Classic Bottle Gift Set free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

Often, parents claim the title of head salesperson when their children start a fundraising campaign. But according to Maribeth Kuzmeski, a stack of order forms can be a great opportunity to help your child learn a variety of valuable skills—if you help her to take the lead herself.

The campaigning begins around this time every year. (And no, we’re not talking about politicians.) They take over storefronts, go door-to-door, and post mouthwatering photos on Facebook, mounting a sales effort that no cookie-loving human can resist. You guessed it: It’s Girl Scout cookie time, otherwise known as the annual fundraiser during which parents of Girl Scouts make it a personal goal to outsell their competition…other parents of Girl Scouts.

And no, that isn’t a typo. Just a bold declaration of reality, says Maribeth Kuzmeski. The truth is, sometimes parents miss out on teachable moments for their kids because it’s easier (and dare we say it, a source of personal satisfaction?) for them to take the reins.

“I had always taken for granted that parents would be the real driving force behind most youngsters’ sales until I heard what a friend did with her six-year-old’s Girl Scout cookie campaign,” shares Kuzmeski, author of the new book The Engaging Child: Raising Children to Speak, Write, and Have Relationship Skills Beyond Technology (Red Zone Publishing, 2012, ISBN: 978-0-9717780-3-0, $18.95). “Then I realized that this annual race for cookie orders could be a great opportunity for parents to teach their daughters the fundamentals of effective communication.”

Giving parents the tools they’ll need to help their children develop a strong ability to connect with others is the focus of Kuzmeski’s latest book. As a bonus, the author’s seventeen-year-old daughter, Lizzie, wrote the last two chapters. They are meant to be read by Lizzie’s fellow teens and tweens in order to provide a peer’s perspective on the elements of building and maintaining real relationships in a wired and fast-paced world.

“The next time your Girl Scout brings home order forms, don’t sell the cookies for her,” Kuzmeski recommends. “Instead, look at the sales campaign as an opportunity to help her develop connecting and relationship-building skills that will serve her well throughout her life, long after her cookie-peddling days are over. And keep in mind that the benefits I’m talking about aren’t limited to Girl Scouts and cookies, either—they apply to any fundraising campaign that any child might participate in.”

Here are six important lessons you can teach your daughter thanks to Girl Scout cookies:

Master the art of the sale. First, make sure your daughter understands all the products she’s selling. In this case, just know the names of each cookie and a little bit about them, as well as the price of each. Of course, there are different age ranges of Girl Scouts, so if your daughter is very young, it’s okay to supervise and help her as she makes her pitch. You’ll notice that she’ll get better and better at making the sale every year!

“Help your child practice an elevator speech during which she describes her favorite cookie to a potential buyer, then quiz her on the other types of cookies she’s selling,” Kuzmeski suggests. “Then teach her the basics of taking orders, like making change, collecting contact info, etc. Knowing how to pitch her product and wrap up a sale will be a huge boost to her self-confidence. And customers will be impressed by her initiative, too!”

Face-to-face connections provide the best results. One Girl Scout parent posted a photo of her adorable kid holding a box of Girl Scout cookies on Facebook and simply collected all her daughter’s cookie orders that way. But when you take this path, notes Kuzmeski, your child misses out on learning how to really connect with people in person.

“No matter how all-encompassing technology becomes, I believe that all of life’s key interactions—personal and business—will continue to happen face-to-face,” shares Kuzmeski. “Your daughter is in a great position to develop her communication skills, because most people love talking with kids, so her interactions with potential customers will be positive. This will give her a chance to get to know her neighbors and work on her face-to-face communication skills.”

Understanding the mission is key. People tend to do their best work when they are driven by a purpose that is bigger than themselves. And that applies to kids, too! Teach your Girl Scout that she isn’t just selling cookies for the sake of selling cookies. It’s to support the Girl Scout mission.

“Explain to your Girl Scout that selling cookies helps to make it possible for her troop to do all of the activities she enjoys,” Kuzmeski recommends. “Make sure she understands where the money from the cookies goes, and that she can explain this to potential customers. Perhaps she could share her favorite things to do with her troop!”

Phone skills still matter. It’s not always possible to make every sales pitch face-to-face. But instead of going the social media route, put your daughter on the phone. This is a great opportunity to help her fine-tune her phone skills and manners.

“Help her figure out a phone script in which she asks important questions,” says Kuzmeski. “She should lead off with, ‘Is this a good time for you?’ Then, have her explain what she’s selling, for how much, and when it will be delivered.”

Responsibility is in the details. Selling Girl Scout cookies doesn’t end when you tally the order on your sales sheet. It ends when the cookies are successfully delivered to the customer.

“Teach your daughter that it’s very important that she makes sure everyone’s order is correct and that each one is delivered to the right customer in a timely fashion,” stresses Kuzmeski. “Making sure that all loose ends are effectively and efficiently tied up is another skill that will serve her well throughout her life.”

Creating customer loyalty can have a big payoff. Once the cookies are delivered and all the money has been collected, work with your daughter to create a customer loyalty list she can use next year. Help her make a list of special details about each customer so that she can refer to it when making the rounds the next year.

“For instance, she might say, ‘Mrs. Smith, it’s Girl Scout cookie time again! Oh and by the way, how’s your dog? I’ve wanted to get a Pomeranian ever since I met Fluffy,’” Kuzmeski suggests. “When she remembers unique things about each customer, your daughter will be excited to see them again. Plus, she’ll learn that when you take the time to nurture relationships, they become easier and more fun to manage.”

“Make sure your daughter understands, every step of the way, that it isn’t primarily about how many cookies she sells,” Kuzmeski concludes. “It’s about learning to build relationships. The added bonus, of course, is that when she takes this approach, she really will see results. And she’ll have the great feeling that comes with knowing the victory isn’t Mom’s or Dad’s…it’s all hers.”

About the Authors:
Maribeth Kuzmeski, MBA, CSP, is the author of six books including The Engaging Child, …And the Clients Went Wild! (Wiley), and The Connectors (Wiley), and is a frequent national media contributor and international speaker. Maribeth and her firm, Red Zone Marketing, Inc., consult and train businesses from financial services firms to Fortune 500 corporations on strategic marketing planning and business growth. She has personally consulted with some of the world’s most successful CEOs, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Maribeth lives in the Chicago, IL, area with her husband and two teenagers.

Lizzie Kuzmeski is a teenager and a natural connector. She enjoys theatre, horseback riding, and, yes, Facebook.

Now that I am pregnant with baby number two, breast feeding is an option I am considering. This time around, I’m not totally committed to it as I know the possibilities of having issues with breast feeding. But, to prepare myself, I have been looking into bottles that will cause less nipple confusion. I was introduced to the mimijumi “Very Hungry” bottle and had the opportunity to review one. The mimijumi is designed by a physician father and a psychiatrist. The mimijumi is manufactured in Austria, made from Swiss polyamide plastic and German medical grade silicone to ensure a toxin free feeding experience without BPA, lead or other contaminants. The nipple is soft silicone, colored to resemble skin, and has an integrated ventilation system to aid in baby’s digestion. I was very impressed with the quality, design, and durability.

First off, the design of the nipple mimics the shape of a breast nipple. When drinking from the bottle, baby will latch on to the nipple of a mimijumi just like they would latch onto their mother’s breast. My favorite part: baby must latch on to the nipple to make the bottle express milk, exactly what happens during breast feeding. After trying many bottles with my first child, none of them had this amazing feature to help mom’s who struggle to breastfeed.

My second favorite feature is the super wide mouth on the bottle which makes it easier for pouring and for cleaning. I compared the mimijumi to Avent bottles, and the wide mouth definitely helps with less spillage especially when it is late at night and you are trying to prepare a bottle for a hungry baby. Also, the wide mouth feature makes it easier for cleaning. My husband has larger hands than I do and scrubbing the inside of a bottle can be difficult without a bottle brush. The mimijumi is wide enough for him to wash the inside of the bottle with a washcloth and dish soap.

Lastly, the mimijumi is extremely durable. We tested the durability on our two year old daughter. When our daughter was younger, we were always replacing nipples during teething stages. She would bite into the nipple and the nipple would tear causing us to replace them more often than we wanted. When the mimijumi arrived, I let her explore the bottle herself. She chewed on the nipple and pulled it with her teeth, after five minutes there was no damage. I was extremely impressed and it was definitely approved for our household.

mimijumi has partnered with Pajama Mommy to giveaway two mimijumi bottles to one lucky reader! The “Very Hungry” baby bottle (8oz) and nipples retail for $14.99 and the “Not So Hungry” baby bottle (4oz) retails for $14.99.

Disclosure: I received one mimijumi bottle free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

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The stories break my heart. Therefore, I was more than willing to spread the word about a new device, The ChildMinder Smart Clip System. The ChildMinder System will greatly reduce the opportunity for a child to be left in a vehicle.

WHAT IS IN THE BOX?

The ChildMinder Smart Clip System comes with two pieces and two batteries. One of the pieces in the system is the Smart Clip. The Smart Clip will replace your child’s safety seat chest clip with the Smart Clip. This process says it takes three minutes to install. It did take us a little longer, because we had to find our manual to remove the car seats safety seat chest clip. Make sure you read the manual on your car seat and do not attempt this yourself. The Smart Clip will not compromise the integrity your existing child safety seat. The clip is extremely light weight and our child did not know any difference with having the Smart Clip on instead of the existing safety chest clip.

The second piece to the system is the key ring alarm. The key ring alarm is a small, light weight alarm that fits on your key ring. The key ring takes less than one minute to install and doesn’t hold down your key when in ignition. The system will come with two batteries to get you started.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Now, you are probably wondering how this system works. First off, the Smart Clip is activated once it is fastened. Therefore, if you walk away from your vehicle for more than six seconds and at fifteen feet, the key alarm will be activated and will let remind parents/caregivers of the child being left in the vehicle.

You are probably thinking “I’ll never leave my child in the car.” It can happen and 33 children died of hyperthermia in 2011 alone because of being left in the vehicle. I am a stay at home mom and I am used to having my child attached to my hip. On the other hand, it’s uncommon for my husband or my mom to have our daughter in the vehicle with them. Therefore, purchasing the ChildMinder for a caregiver, nanny, mother in law, friend, or relative isn’t a bad idea even if as a parent you think you would never do it.

Disclosure: I received the ChildMinder Smart Clip System free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

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Pajama Mommy and ChildMinder are giving away ONE ChildMinder Smart Clip System!

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I want to examine women’s nutritional needs that are breastfeeding and provide practical suggestions for vitamin supplements, drink recommendations and useful guidelines for helping breastfeeding moms lose the extra baby fat. I will touch upon foods, drinks and medications that should be limited while breastfeeding your child.

Breastfeeding and nutrition
One must always keep in mind while breastfeeding that nutritional and energy requirements exceed that of women who are not breastfeeding. Do you remember when you were expecting and you were consistently told “You are eating for two?” Well, breastfeeding is no different. Women who breastfeed typically require a higher calorie intake daily in obtaining the proper food to feed their babies on a daily basis.

How many fluids can I consume daily?
You are not alone with wondering how many fluids you can consume daily while breastfeeding. This issue proves popular with the population of breastfeeding moms. It proves prudent to say that women should drink when they are thirsty (this does not apply to alcohol, sugary beverages and energy drinks). Ensure you reduce daily caffeine intake. Caffeine has been known to make babies cranky, and this can make for a cranky mom.

Losing weight while breastfeeding
Most women will lose the extra weight gained after pregnancy. Some women lose the weight slowly with others experiencing a longer time to lose weight. Moderate exercise with adjusting to smaller eating habits will not affect the amount of breast milk you provide for your baby.

The following are excellent exercises that you can do with your baby that can help you lose weight while breastfeeding:
• Stroller walk/jog – Babies need to get out of the house just as much as mom does. Take the baby and put him or her in the stroller. Go for a walk with pushing the stroller and let the baby relax and enjoy the fresh air.
• Dancing with baby – Take a “snuggie” and put the baby inside. These products position the baby close to your body while placing them in fixed positions. Put on your favorite music and moderately dance. The baby is happy and mom is happy with listening to her favorite music. Tons of mothers have claimed that this practice puts their babies to sleep.
• Bench pressing with baby – Simply lie on your back and secure the baby above your chest. Your arms should prove straight. Lower your elbows and keep your arms to your side. Extend your arms up and repeat.

Foods to avoid or limit while breastfeeding
When the doctor informs you that you have to increase your calorie intake in order to produce healthy milk for your baby, this should never involve eating binges and eating virtually everything in sight. While breastfeeding your baby, you should ensure to eat foods that are beneficial for not only you, but the baby. There are also foods and beverages that one should avoid while breastfeeding.

Eating fish
Let us face it, fish is considered a delicacy with some, and it proves ok to eat fish but in moderation. The huge concern about breastfeeding mothers eating vast varieties of fish is that shellfish (popular with for anyone who enjoys Cajun food) and nearly all fish contain traces of what is called “mercury”. The average woman who is not breastfeeding does not have to concern themselves with the “mercury” factor, but for breast feeding women mercury can increase health risks for your baby.

It has been recommended by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) that breastfeeding or pregnant women:
• Avoid eating Mackerel, Tilefish, Swordfish and Shark. The fish contain high levels of mercury when compared to other popular fish delicacies.
• Breastfeeding moms can eat shrimp, light tuna, salmon and catfish. Avoid white tuna because it contains a higher level of mercury.

Other foods
Other foods to be avoided during pregnancy are soft cheeses, meat spreads and deli meats. The reasoning for this is due to what is called listeria bacteria. Listeria can cause illness in adults, and it can prove fatal for infants in the womb. If you are breastfeeding, there is no need to worry about Listeria because it cannot be passed through breast milk.

Vitamin requirements while breastfeeding
If you eat well-balanced meals and snacks, you typically will not require a vitamin supplement while breastfeeding. Let us face it, not everyone can eat healthy, and if this applies to you, then it is highly recommended that you ask your doctor, and pediatrician about taking a vitamin supplement to make up for nutrients not received on a daily basis for you and your baby.

Calcium
Breastfeeding can cause a temporary reduction in bone mass. You can make up for this loss with consuming more calcium while breastfeeding. Do not worry about the decrease in bone mass because as soon as you stop breastfeeding, your body will adapt and recover the mass lost during this period. Some wonderful sources of calcium are dairy products such as milk, yogurt, spinach, cottage cheese and hard cheese.

Iron
Women who have not been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia after giving birth and who breastfeed typically do not have menstrual cycles up to six months after delivery. If this is the case, iron supplements are not administered. On the other hand, women who are diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia require iron supplements. These supplements are sometimes over the counter or doctor prescribed.

Vitamin D
Breastfeeding women need minimally 800 IU daily of vitamin D. This proves beneficial for women who live in areas where the temperature proves cold, and dark. Milk is a significant source of Vitamin D and women can take a calcium supplement plus vitamin D supplementation to obtain the necessary nutrients warranted for breastfeeding.

Safe medications while breastfeeding
Medications are generally safe while breastfeeding, but there are exceptions. It proves best to consult a doctor about the possible implications of taking any medication (prescription or non-prescription) while breastfeeding.

Medications to avoid while breastfeeding
It has been proven that some medications can be hazardous to your baby while breastfeeding and should be avoided at all costs. Illegal drugs are not safe for breastfeeding mothers or any one for that matter. Women who are habitual drug users are asked by medical professionals not to breastfeed their babies. The reason behind this is because the drugs can be passed to babies during the breastfeeding process. It is advised that women who breastfeed avoid using illegal drugs. Breastfeeding mothers are warned against the repercussions of using certain birth control pills when breastfeeding their children. There are types of birth control that doctors prescribe to breastfeeding moms; progesterone-only birth control pills, injections and IUD’s have been found to affect milk supply.

Tobacco products
The repercussions from second-hand smoke have been in the limelight often in society. In the past, second hand smoke was not considered a health risk. Research has proven that second hand smoke can cause a variety of ailments that can be passed through the milk supply to infants. Ailments such as ear infections, bronchitis, SID (Sudden Infant Death), asthma and other serious ailments prove dangerous and sometimes fatal to breastfeeding babies. You must stop or minimally reduce your tobacco dependence in order to reduce the health risks involved for your baby.

Alcohol
Do not ever drink alcohol while breastfeeding your baby. If you do drink alcohol during this period, there is a small percentage of alcohol that can be transferred to the baby. Other medical sources have suggested that women can drink alcohol as long as they reduce the drink to one serving of alcohol while breastfeeding. If you enjoy drinking alcohol, you discuss this topic in full with your doctor.

Breastfeeding your baby is a joyous occasion and proves ideal for bonding with your little one. Please ensure that you take specific notes of the information in this article. Where this article is written as an unofficial guide to help breastfeeding mothers, do not overlook the opportunity to communicate with your doctor if you have any questions.

Author Bio: The article is written by Jeffery Morgan, Jeff is a health enthusiast and also and has great knowledge of diet and nutrition, If you want to know more about cardio, weight loss, weight gain then you should refer to how to get ripped fast and Get This Ripped.

Today, I am 27 weeks pregnant with baby number two. I was immediately placed on 17p shots, which is a progesterone shot to help with irritable uterus and to strengthen the cervix. I receive these shots weekly, directly in the bum. The only side effects I have received are itchiness and soreness, other than that the shots have been working great. I do experience contractions a lot one to two days before the shot but once I receive the shot, I am good to go until the next one is ready. We are hoping to keep baby number two in utero until 38 weeks. I have been on pelvic rest for four weeks, but bed rest hasn’t been applied to my daily life yet!

Every year, 1 million U.S. women with high-risk pregnancies are placed
on bed rest to protect their developing babies. Despite that, every
year, about 500,000 newborns – one of every eight – arrive too
early, according to the Centers for Disease Control

Here are some tips from Kelly Whitehead regarding bed rest and pregnancy:

• TRY TO ENJOY BEING PREGNANT. Don’t miss out on this experience
because you’re high-risk. Do the normal prego things, even if you
have to modify them: Shop online, get a belly cast, shoot
expanding-belly photos, and savor those kicks and body changes.
Don’t forget or stop dreaming about the actual birth and your
desires for what it will be like. I regretted missing out on so much
while carrying my daughter. Rather than enjoying the pregnancy, I kept
focused on the end and my hope she would survive.

• DON’T LET YOUR EMOTIONS BECOME YOUR ENEMY. Say goodbye to guilt
– this is not your fault! It’s okay to be bitter, angry and upset
at the world, and to hate “normal” pregnant women, but it isn’t
going to change anything. So go get mad, yell, and cry, and then move
on.

• PELVIC REST SOUNDS EASY, BUT IT ISN’T. It’s not fun being
forced to become a nun, so don’t. There are still ways to enjoy
intimacy; you just need to get creative. Think high school –
remember how much fun necking was? Try body oil, a massage…whipped
cream? Sexy lingerie is still hot, even if you’re pregnant. Flaunt
your new assets – they surely went up a cup size or two.

• EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR SITUATION. Don’t go reading about
every other possible scenario out there; you don’t need to worry
about problems that aren’t a likely issue for you.

• ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE. It may sometimes feel as though people
have forgotten about you, but the reality is they’re busy and they
have no idea what’s it’s like for you. If you want company, reach
out and invite someone over.

Research scientist Kelly Whitehead wrote a book called: “Why Me? Understanding and Managing a Potential Preterm Pregnancy,” which is backed by fetal and maternal medicine specialist Dr. Vincenzo Berghella, a top pre-term birth researcher. Whitehead’s first child died following his premature birth. During her next pregnancy, she spent 4½ months in bed worrying over and trying to protect her daughter.

As a mom, you will do anything and everything to protect your children and I am blessed to be able to go through a second pregnancy.

First off, The Mommy Hook is a stroller hanger (or cart hanger) that holds your necessities and allows you to have free hands. The Mommy Hook is made out of aluminum, not plastic, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking.

The Mommy Hook does hold a decent amount of items. I wasn’t brave enough to put too much on ours, as our stroller is very light weight at less than eight pounds. We used The Mommy Hook on a Peg Perego Aria with our two year old in it. I started out with just placing her diaper bag on the hook and then became brave enough to add a shopping bag, along with my purse. Just be careful when putting too many items or heavy items on The Mommy Hook, because you do not want your stroller to flip. Always remember to take The Mommy Hook with items off the stroller first before removing your child. Otherwise, the stroller may flip backwards.

One of my favorite features is the fact you can carry the items from stroller to vehicle without having to remove them from The Mommy Hook.

With baby number two on the way, The Mommy Hook is definitely going to be beneficial for my husband and I. With two children, The Mommy Hook will give me free hands, the ability to shop, the ability to tend to children, and even baby wear our son without having to worry about carrying shopping bags or diaper bags. The Mommy Hook is a definite must have!

Disclosure: I received one Mommy Hook for free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site. Images are from The Mommy Hook website.

GIVEAWAY

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The SheaMoisture’s Organic Baby Head-to-Toe Wash & Shampoo retails for $9.99 and can be purchased at Walgreens. Product information includes:

-Shea Butter: Deeply moisturizes and heals dry skin with its high content of fatty acids and vitamins
-Argan oil: High in vitamin E, this rare oil softens and renews the skin
-With frankincense & myrrh: Given as a gift of beauty throughout history, these precious extracts repair and rejuvenate skin
-Suitable for all ages
-No parabens, phthalates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, PABA, synthetic color, DEA, or sulfates
-Cruelty free, no animal testing
-Made in USA

My favorite features are:

-Made in USA
-Organic
-Suitable for all ages

We used the SheaMoisture’s Wash and Shampoo last night during our normal bath routine. The wash smells very pleasant and it isn’t too strong. I noticed after the bath you couldn’t even smell the wash on my daughter’s skin, which was a plus for us. We were still able to smell the wash on her hair, as we did have to apply more to her hair to lather it well. I also noticed that you will have to use a bit more wash than a regular body wash, in order to lather and clean, but this was perfectly fine with us. The wash/shampoo did leave her hair kind of tangly afterward, so I hope one day a conditioning product will be added to the SheaMoisture’s Organic Baby Collection.

The SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Healing Lotion retails for $9.99 and can be purchased at Walgreens.

Product Features:

-Shea Butter: Deeply moisturizes and heals dry skin with its high content of fatty acids and vitamins
-Argan oil: High in vitamin E, this rare oil softens and renews the skin
-With frankincense & myrrh: Given as a gift of beauty throughout history, these precious extracts repair and rejuvenate skin
-Suitable for all ages
-No parabens, phthalates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, PABA, synthetic color, DEA, or sulfates
-Cruelty free, no animal testing
-Made in USA

The SheaMoisture’s Healing Lotion was by far my favorite product we tried. First off, I love that the smell isn’t too strong and can be used for a girl or a boy. The texture is thick and creamy, lathers on nicely, and left toddler’s skin with an exfoliated feeling. We did shake the bottle as directed and apply from head to toe. The lotion did not leave any rash, or residue on her skin. I even used the lotion on my hands, which are currently extremely dry from the weather, and my hands felt soft and smooth all night. The bottle is large enough to last for months with a baby. With adult use from head to toe daily, I see the bottle lasting 1-2 months. I love the fact that the lotion is free of any chemicals and made in the USA. I will be using the same lotion on our baby boy due in May, as I am confident it will be great for his delicate newborn skin.

Disclosure: I received the Baby Wash & Shampoo along with the Healing Lotion for free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

Here are the features of the Molar Muncher:

-First product to soothe entire gum line simultaneously
-Avoids nipple confusion during breast feeding
-Designed to prevent tooth displacement
-Single piece construction with no crevices where germs can hide
-Hands free and lightweight to soothe gums while they play
-Dishwasher safe
-Medical grade non-toxic silicone
-Soothes all stages of teething
-Refrigerator safe – DO NOT FREEZE
-0 – 24 months
-USA and International Patents Pending
-Made in the USA

My favorite features are:

*Made in the USA – always a plus in our household
*Refrigerator Safe – the coldness helps with my daughter’s teething
*First product to soothe entire gum line simultaneously

My daughter is 25 months old, so she is over the recommended age of 0-24 months. She has also been pacifier broken since she was 16 months old. I was extremely nervous giving her The Molar Muncher, because I didn’t want her to regress back to using her pacifier on a daily basis. Luckily, it was easy to give to her and even easier to take away. I let her use the The Molar Muncher 2-3 times a day for 15 minutes. I do stick the Molar Muncher in the refrigerator to help soothe her gums. So far, The Molar Muncher has held up great with her constant chewing and biting on it. I haven’t seen any teeth marks and it seems to be helping her with the teething process. Not only will be using it during these long months of the “eye teeth” but we will be using it again for her molars.

The Molar Muncher retails for 12.99.

Disclosure: I received a Molar Muncher for free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

Therefore when making our registry for baby number two, which is a boy, NUK pacifiers and Learner’s Cups were placed on our registry. We knew what worked for us with our previous child, so we didn’t want to try anything different four our baby boy. Weeks after placing the items on the registry, I came across an email regarding NUK’s new 2012 product line. Their new 2012 product line is the TrendLine design. The TrendLine design is perfect for both genders and the designs are absolutely adorable. You will be able to find the TrendLine design on NUK pacifiers, bottles, and learning cups.

I was blessed with the opportunity to review a NUK TrendLineLearning Cup, TrendLine matching pacifiers, and the Camo pacifier for our baby boy.

First off, I love NUK pacifiers because of their design. We never had an issue with red marks around the mouth from baby sucking on the pacifier. Also during the breastfeeding stages NUK pacifiers have never caused nipple confusion for us, because the natural shape mimics the shape of the mother’s nipple during breastfeeding. The pacifiers are absolutely adorable, I love the new Trendline design, the ABC design along with the “BOY” graphics are perfect for our little man. My favorite is the Camo pacifier. As an army wife, we are always purchasing items that represent the army/camo design and NUK did an awesome job incorporating the Camo design onto a pacifier. Of course, all NUK pacifiers are BPA free and promote proper teeth alignment.

The new Trendline Learner’s Cup has many features including:

-Flows easily when sipped
-Helps make the transition from breast to bottle to cup easier
-Spill-proof soft spout – designed to be gentle on gums while teaching baby to drink from a spout
-Extra-wide neck for easier cleaning & filling
-Easy-grip handles, ergonomically shaped with anti-slip soft grips, make it easy for baby to hold
-Available in silicone, 5oz

My favorite features are:

-Wide Neck Design: makes it easier to clean
-Alignment: The handles are easy to align up with the spout so drinking out of the cup is easy on baby

Disclosure: I received a TrendLine Learner Cup and pacifiers for free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

GIVEAWAY

NUK is generously giving away the Trendline Collection to one lucky reader of Pajama Mommy Community! One lucky reader will receive the TrendLine Learner’s Cup with matching pacifiers.

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One in five girls in the United States is sexually abused each year. Some do not disclose sexual abuse until they are much older. These children find themselves in foster care if their parent does not protect them from ongoing harm. The most common perpetrators are boyfriends, step-parents, and relatives, with 80% of the perpetrators being within the birth family. Studies have shown that in the aftermath of sexual abuse, 50% of sexually abused girls later become juvenile delinquents, run away, are significantly more aggressive, engage in promiscuous activities when poverty is factored in, engage in drug related activities, can self-mutilate, have uncontrolled outbursts of rage, need to always be in control of situations, and become abusive towards boyfriends, or get into abusive relationships. Sexually abused children and teens also develop eating disorders, and have guilt, shame, anxiety and depression, and poor self-esteem.

So how can we make our girls fight back and become resilient young teens? How do we protect our young girls and teach them the right ways of coping?

Here are the top five techniques that have worked very successfully in my practice with teen girls (www.thesupportivefosterparent.com):

• Develop Body Boundaries: Sexually abused girls tend to have poor body boundaries. TEACH body space, appropriate distance, hugging from the side, not pushing themselves into others’ in the front, and maintaining appropriate distance from males

• Teens and Dating: Sexually abused teens also either get victimized or become aggressive towards their dating partner. Develop self-worth in young teens, teach them to respect their bodies, teach them about being a woman in this world and be a role model for your teen. They learn from your actions, not just words.

• Manage Eating Disorders: Eating can be excessive with binging and purging, or refusal to eat at all. Both forms are ways young girls attempt to control their environment. This need to control comes from the helplessness and lack of control due to sexual abuse. Food is a way that a young teen can exert power over adults and cause anxiety in others. Anorexia and Bulimia are common with these teens. To develop a healthy sense of control, provide your young teen with healthy foods, give her areas of her life over which she has control and allow her to make decisions about the foods she eats. Making a fuss about how much she is eating is going to worsen the situation and strengthen the eating disorder instead of reducing it. Rather, make food fun, use humor at dinner and provide her with healthy childhood snacks she loved. Creating a low tension environment with a relaxed family non-judgmental environment will gradually relax your young teen daughter and she will substitute food with activities that you have introduced her to in which she can exert control and feel empowered.

• Deal with Bouts of Rage: Intense rage reactions are fairly common in children with sexual abuse histories and they can sometimes get violent. Often they are misdiagnosed as being Bipolar and placed on medication to keep them calm. However, their rage is a primitive reaction to the emotional trauma of sexual abuse and can be explosive. What works for these teens is trauma therapy and most importantly predictability. They dislike sudden changes, unpredictable actions, sudden changes in schedules, and power struggles more so than the average teen. Allowing your teen time to regroup, holding her when she wants you to, and giving her space when she asks for it so that she can bolster her defenses will help her handle stress, get “unstuck” and cope with new situations better. What will worsen this situation is forcing her to talk to you when she is not ready and forcing her to complete chores and engaging in a power struggle.

• How to Handle Panic Attacks: Bouts of anxiety with fear of choking up, nausea, trembling, fearing that the walls are closing in and that she is going to die are all too common for our sexually abused teen. Create resilience by identifying the triggers that have caused the anxiety and combat these triggers by pairing them with healthy effective empowering activities. The negative effect of these triggers will disappear over time, and your teen will become resilient and strong.

Successful parenting of your sexually abused female teenager will depend on CONSISTENCY, CALMNESS and CREATIVITY; the three Cs of parenting children with boundary issues.

About Dr. Kalyani Gopal

Dr. Kalyani Gopal is a licensed clinical psychologist with special interests in child sexual abuse assessment and treatment, attachment issues, and foster care assessment, adjustment and training. She serves on the Lake County, Ind., Child Protection and Child Fatality teams, and was the recipient of the Outstanding Service to Lake County award in 2004.

When I heard about Undercover Mama, I thought the undershirt was going to be another cami! I soon found out I was completely wrong and shouldn’t “judge a book by it’s cover.” Undercover Mama is an undershirt designed to go with any bra and any shirt. The undershirt can be used on a regular bra, or a nursing bra – with ease in breastfeeding.

I had the opportunity to review the Undercover Mama and I was really impressed with the quality. The shirt doesn’t have straps, it does strap to your bra, which is very convenient. The shirt is made long with soft, stretchy fabric so I never had any issues with the shirt riding up my belly while walking, running, or playing with my daughter. I also want to stress the comfort in the Undercover Mama being thin and breathable. I stated before how some camis were thick and would cause me to sweat during breastfeeding sessions. Now, it’s not too thin where it’s see through or anything, it’s just..breathable. I wore the Undercover Mama with a regular bra and it fit perfectly. The shirt is made to fit snug, so I think after it washes it might shrink up a little being 95% cotton and I received a small. If you are in between sizes, Undercover Mama recommends you to get the smallest size for the snuggest fit.

(why yes, my bra strap is twisted)

In my opinion, the Undercover Mama is great for nursing, every day wear, and super comfortable. The undershirt is a bit more expensive than what I paid for nursing camis and may be out of budget for some, but the quality and the comfort makes it worth the money.

PAJAMA MOMMY GIVEAWAY

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HOW TO ENTER

You must leave a comment below telling us how Undercover Mama can help you in your adventures with breastfeeding.

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4. “Like” or join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST ENDS: CONTEST CLOSED!

Disclosure

The Snuza gO! and Snuza Halo may be the answer for you. Both products clip onto the baby’s diaper and safely monitors your baby’s movement. Now, to me this is more convenient and reliable than an under the mattress monitor. As it’s portable, directly on the baby, and can even pick up sound through baby monitors. We co-slept with our child for the first eight months of her life and an under the mattress monitor would have never worked in our bed. The Snuza gO! is the newest monitor. The gO! actually features all the same benefits as Snuza Halo, except gO! is programmed to alarm parents after 20 seconds elapse with no detection of baby’s movement. The Snuza Halo has an unique vibration/rousing function and if movement is not detected for 15 seconds, Halo will actually vibrate and try to stimulate the baby. If after five seconds there is no movement an alarm will be activated with a siren-like sound. The only other main difference I could come across is the price. The Snuza Halo retails for $129 and the Snuza gO retails for $99. Both devices can be purchased from Walgreens.com, Babiesrus.com, and CVS.com.

Disclosure

Patricia Babuka, CEO of GrandCamp Adventures says:

“Make time for family relationships and make that time sacred – whether in person or long distance.”

This statement truly hits home for me. This weekend while on vacation we are going to try one of the following activities recommended by Patricia:

- CREATE A FAMILY HANDSHAKE: Creating a secret family handshake allows for creativity and for kids to feel like they are part of something special that can be passed down from generation to generation.

- TRY: Shake It Up! from grandcamp.com

- COOK OFF! Twist up the summer BBQ with a family cook off. Invite kids into the kitchen to create their favorite family dishes and desserts. Food is always a great way to bring people together and it’s never too early to teach kids family recipe secrets.

- TAKE A TRIP! It’s always fun for parents and kids to go back and time and learn about their family history. This Sunday take a trip to mom and dads’ hometown or where Grandma and Grandpa met.

- DISCOVER FAMILY JEWELS WITH A TREASURE HUNT: Explore your surroundings in a way that will have kids and adults scrambling from clue to clue to find hidden treasures and family jewels. Hide family treasures such as a special family pictures or keepsake from a family trip that will bring back fun family memories and teach kids fun family facts.

- TRY: Longbeard’s Treasure hunt from grandcamp.com

Why don’t you try some of these activies with your family. If you do, please let us know what activities you tried. Not only will these activities bring you closer together, but it’ll help you explore your relationships with the people who are close to your heart.

Disclosure

We were on the market for new all natural (no medicine added) pain relief for teething. I remember going to Blogher ’10 last year and having the opportunity to try natural alternatives from Boiron and thought I would check their website for teething pain relief. To my surprise, they actually had some – Camilia. I found a new love. Not only is Camilia benzocaine free, but it is has no preservatives, flavors, dyes, sugar or artificial sweeteners. It’s truly all natural. Camilia arrived just in time, our daughter is getting a molar teeth on the right side – yikes! My favorite part is Camilia comes in convenient, sterile single-use doses. I no longer have to squeeze gel onto my fingertips and rub them on my daughters gums – yuck! All you have to do is twist cap to open and squeeze into mouth. She didn’t gag, show disgust, and we didn’t even have to hold her down. Camilia can be used every 15 minutes for two more doses. Even though it’s all natural and I know she cannot overdose on it, I still space out the doses for ever 2-3 hours for two more doses. Other great news, you can start Camilia at one month old (if you have an early teether) and not worry about any side-effects! I would say that one box of 15 single-use doses will last us a week, or so. Even though we will be spending more on teething pain relief, we do not have to worry about medications (so hopefully no recalls!), overdoses, or holding her down to give her something to relieve the pain. Totally worth it in our opinion.

my nineteen month old’s teeth

Disclosure

April is Autism Awareness Month!!!

Our regular faithful readers know I have a grandson, Jordon age 10 who is Autistic, and I have reviewed and shared several books on Autism here on PJ Mommy.  I have also considered my daughter’s family very lucky that Jordon has a milder case of Autism, but Autism just the same.  We knew at an early age that something was “just not right”, and I have come to hate that term, but it was just that at the beginning.  My daughter and all of us were in a kind of denial, oh he’ll grow out of it, he just processes things differently, and so on until we had no choice but to face the facts and had him tested.  The word Autism hits you between the eyes like a brick and we cried and felt sorry for Jordon for about 2 minutes, and then went into action.  Jordon is an extremely intelligent little boy and his ability to retain EVERYTHING is still to this day just short of amazing.  But I must say that if it were not for the school in Rochester, New York where we live, I think it may have been a different road we traveled.  We were given the Mary McLeod Bethune School No. 45 as his school and he has soared! It is very important that you get the right teachers and he has been in school 45 for 4 years now and his progress is amazing.  He interacts and laughs and jokes and plays with his little sister and everyone he knows now.  I wanted to tell our story so anyone who is in our position can know that there is help out there you just need to look and do the research.  This book the Everyday Advocate is a starting place and answer to those questions that you just don’t know where to find the answer to.  The footwork is all done for you, which is a major part and can be very defeating.  It also gives help for everyday things you just would not think of having to do, or knew you had the right to do or request.  Please, anyone with an autistic child please read this book, it will help save you a lot of frustration and tears so you can get onto the important things like helping you child get some normalcy in their life so they too can soar!

Potty training has never been easier with the Little Looster Booster.  This special stool is designed to wrap around the base of the toilet to give your kids extra support, stability and comfort without getting in the way of the adults. We were given a Little Looster Booster to try with my granddaughter Chloe.  She is almost 4 and a tiny little thing.  She would not use one of those portable potty training seats that you move around for toddlers from day one.  She went right to the toilet and said she wanted to go in there!  The big problem with that with all children is they have to do a balancing act just to stay afloat! Well, now the kids can get on the toilet and feel safe and balanced.  The Little looster Booster stool is perfect and you never have to move it.  It is just right for everyone.  The kids can climb up on it and feel safe, and the adults can do their thing and it never get in the way.  What a smart idea and thank goodness, as Chloe was so tired of having me hold onto her every time she had to use the potty.  She truly feels like a “big” girl going potty! Thank you Little Looster! Check it out at: www.littlelooster.com.

Having a child’s party or entertainment activity is not simple these days, and in an age when playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey just won’t do, organizers are looking for help.

The fun and imagination that goes into a “make your own teddy bear” workshop can’t be matched and, as the company that inaugurated the “we come to you” teddy bear workshop, Noah’s Ark is much more than child’s play!  Sold in the US and Canada through independent Party Leaders, the children’s plush entertainment company, which started nearly seven years ago has a very strong mission:  to put smiles on kids faces and make a lifetime of magical memories. And that’s what they have been doing more than ever!

Inspired by her dedication to her family and maintaining her daily presence in the home, Dina Amico-Kriescher founded Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop as a personal business in 2003 and began conducting workshops throughout the suburbs of Chicago.

Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, and the overwhelming response she received from customers and community adults to join in the business opportunity, she soon began developing a national opportunity. In 2004, with the support of her husband, Peter, and direction from her father and brother, John Amico Sr and John Amico Jr, she put her simple plan into action and began to offer entertaining children’s party services to families and children’s organizations in a ‘we come to you’ format by providing in-home and on-site party workshops through a sales force of “Party Leaders.”

As a company that has been built on family values, Dina takes pride in sharing the business opportunity with Party Leaders across the United States and Canada, who are mostly mothers with the passion and desire to build profitable businesses while staying home to raise their children and manage their households.

More than six years later, her business continues to grow, and has broadened to include Bellabeads 925, a high quality jewelry enterprise with a direct-sales distribution channel, offering Party Leaders the opportunity to conduct two lucrative businesses with one unique company.

Each guest will have a magical experience bringing their very own cuddly pal to life by hand-stuffing it and making a wish on rainbow star. It’s fun and easy, with no sewing required!

Please check out their website and start this year with a unique party for your child, one they will remember always!  www.noahsarkworkshop.com.

AM2 Kids Music, which is “taking kids songs to the next level,” has created a CD, Kids Pop 2.0, which includes songs made to appeal to children in this age group. The lyrics of the songs touch on issues important to the childhood experience, such as self-esteem, bullying, and healthy eating.

Abdus Muhammad II, also known as AM2, is a song writer, and created AM2 Kids Music when he realized how important music is in the lives of his own children. He now creates age appropriate music for kids with the help of a Grammy award winning producer.

Kids Pop 2.0 includes the internet hit “I Wanna Be Spongebob” and can be purchased at www.am2kidsmusic.com for $5.00. The website also has a free cell phone wallpaper available, as well as the official “I Wanna Be Spongebob” video for $1.99.

See The Light Product Uses Multi-Sensory Techniques With Draw-Along Art Edutainment

Just in time for this holiday season, something you can feel really good about giving to your children, grand children , and more!

In a world of bells, whistles and overstimulation, children will now See The Light in a new a DVD series that gives them a chance to experience the Bible in a unique and compelling way. Launched this week at the Children’s Pastors Conference in San Diego, See The Light is a new brand that uses multi-sensory techniques with draw along art “edutainment” that brings Bible stories to life. The program incorporates an interactive chalk-drawing curriculum, making a traditional art practice new again.

Created by author and educator Pat Holt, and produced by Parking Lot Production’s Kip Perry (Disney, ABC, “Guideposts Junction,” “A Distant Thunder”), See The Light is a series where Bible stories come to life as gifted artist Gloria Kohlmann develops a colorful canvas of chalk art. Then, at the story’s climax, an ultraviolet light reveals a hidden picture that reinforces the story with a truly memorable moment. The companion DVD elements and web-based curricula allow children to draw along with Kohlmann bringing the Bible stories to life.

The first DVD to be released in the series, entitled ‘The Crossmaker,’ contains two complete stories: “The Crossmaker” and “Jesus Loves the Children.” “The Crossmaker” tells the story of Dominic, a carpenter’s son who finds himself drawn into the unforgettable trial of the man called Jesus. “Jesus Loves the Children” recounts the beautiful story of Jesus demonstrating to the disciples His unconditional love for children.

“My hope is that See The Light will truly draw children to Him,” Holt declares. “It’s very evangelistic in its thrust. It presents the truth of God’s word very clearly. I want children and adults to know just how much God loves them, what the sacrifice of His Son really means, and the length that the Lord goes to in showing His grace and mercy to all of us. What better way to convey this message of God’s grace than through art.”

Other DVD components include a creative and dramatic presentation of the plan of salvation called “Know the Light” and an immersive and worshipful multi-sensory segment featuring original music called “Celebrate the Light,“ making the DVD perfect for co-viewing with parent or teacher and child. More features are available online at www.SeeTheLightshine.com, such as downloadable drawing lessons and an exclusive “Yes, I Can Draw Club” art clinic, where children will be exposed to various art techniques. The creativity continues as draw-along printouts extend the fun and learning beyond the DVD.

In addition, for more foundational Bible stories, subsequent titles in the series will include various themes, making the program appropriate not just for families at home but also as supplementary curriculum in churches and schools.

Holt is also hopeful that the project would extend the reach of God’s Word far beyond our borders. “I have a desire for mission organizations to embrace it, and that missionaries would take it all over the world. Because it is based on the universal presentation of art, it can easily be translated into any language.”

Holt has a passion for children and a heart for missions. She has worked with children since she volunteered for ministry at age 14 before earning degrees in education and instructional technology. Since then, she’s taught in public schools and founded a Christian school while authoring many books including the bestselling “When You Feel Like Screaming – Help for Frustrated Mothers,” as well as being a guest on a multitude of radio and TV programs.

For more information or to purchase See The Light, please visit www.SeeTheLightshine.com.

Pajama Mommy has the opportunity to share the newest Super WHY DVD with our readers. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and Other Fairytale Adventures contains four Super WHY episodes. The four episodes are: “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “The Ghost Who was Afraid of Halloween,” “The Three Feathers,” and “The Stars in the Sky.” This special DVD contains these four episodes plus interactive games, music videos, coloring pages, printable activities, and resources for parents.

One lucky Pajama Mommy reader is going to win a copy of Super WHY’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas on DVD to share with your own children!

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