Vitamins for Kids

Do your children need to take vitamin supplements?

That’s a question that more parents ought to ask of themselves or the doctor before they start pumping kids full of over-the-counter supplements that may or may not be conducive to good health. Although it may seem like a good idea to feed your children all the extra nutrients you can get hold of, the truth is that a simple vitamin formula is not enough to keep your kids healthy, and it not a good idea to rely on a supplement of this type to do the job of a balanced diet and other health-oriented lifestyle practices.

Some doctors prescribe vitamins for babies or toddlers if the child is not developing properly or there is suspicion of anemia or another disorder that could interfere with proper nutrition. Since most pregnant women take prenatal vitamins, a majority of babies are born in a healthy state as far as nourishment goes. Generally, only children with health conditions that impact nutritional intake need a vitamin supplement. Of course, that decision is best left to the doctor.

If a child does not eat properly because a balanced diet is not provided, it is the parent’s or guardian’s responsibility to provide the right food daily to make sure kids get all the nutrients their bodies need for health and growth. Children who are picky eaters need to be trained to sample a variety of possibilities from the five major food groups. Toddlers may go through phases where they eat less than before, but they usually get over it pretty quickly and are soon ready to eat balanced meals again. Life-long fussy eaters should be encouraged to find healthy substitutes for the foods they dislike most, and learn to eat those that are indispensable. A vitamin supplement may not be needed for any of these situations, unless your doctor recommends it.

Another reason kids may need vitamins is during a prolonged illness or recovery period, or in the event of a chronic condition. Situations like these can attack a child’s immune system and create all kinds of problems. That’s why it is so important for kids to follow a healthy diet most of the time, so when they do become ill, their bodies will have the strength to fight it off. At times like this, a vitamin supplement may come in handy. Children being treated for serious illnesses with medication that suppresses their immune systems may likewise benefit from vitamin therapy.

Some children’s vitamins come with minerals and iron. Check with your doctor to see if iron is a good idea for your child, as some kids get too much of it, which can build up and create another type of problem. Kids must be taught not to take vitamins like candy, but rather to treat vitamins like medicine and follow parental directions about when to take them.

Prescription or over-the-counter vitamins can help to improve kids’ vitality and overall health. Ask your doctor whether your children ought to take a vitamin supplement.

Learn how to find safe vitamin and mineral supplements by visiting 1st Vitamins at http://www.1st-vitamins.com

Trend Lab Giggles Bedding Collection

Price : $129.95

Features

• Collection Includes Toy Bag, Valance, 4-pc. Crib Set, Crib Sheet (Each Sold Separately)
• Fun, Modern Pattern
• 100 % Cotton
• Machine Wash

Beginner Piano Lessons For A New Year

There is no better time than the New Year to begin piano lessons. If you have been thinking of enrolling your child in piano lessons, don?t wait. Piano lessons have many educational benefits for children, so waiting until your child is in middle school doesn?t make sense. If you want to do this for your child, commit to it now. Here?s a 5 step to get your child started in piano right away in the New Year, instead of waiting until another school year rolls around.

1. Make room in your home for a piano or keyboard - This is step one. It seems obvious but you can?t imagine how many parents put off piano lessons for their children because they claim they don?t have enough room in their home for a piano. This is baloney! People make room in their home for what is important to them. I recommend the living room or family room. Young children can feel isolated if they have to go to their rooms to practice their lessons.

2. Purchase a piano or keyboard for your home - If you are concerned that ?noise? will be a factor when other children are studying or taking a nap, then get a keyboard with ear phones. The minimum requirement is 76 full-size keys, if you don?t want to replace it within 6 months.

3. Find a piano teacher in your area - Check the internet or the phone book for a teacher in your area. Interview the teachers and find someone who goes out of his or her way to make your and your child feel comfortable and who will be flexible.

4. Arrange your schedule to accommodate weekly lessons - Parents also need to be flexible. Arrange your schedule to accommodate piano lessons and realize it is a weekly commitment. Piano lessons are just like any other class ? kids have to show up to benefit from enrollment. Kids who are frequently absent from school don?t learn as much, and it?s the same with piano classes.

5. Put the teacher?s Spring Recital Date on your Calendar - Recitals are a valuable tool that there is no substitute for. All behavior is essentially goal driven as that is where motivation comes from. If you want your child to be motivated in piano, help them to set goals. Piano recitals are not a test, they are a goal and a valuable tool to help piano students succeed and to grow in confidence when they are young.

Follow this simple and direct 5-step plan to get your child started in piano lessons today, and when the Spring Recital rolls around, you?ll be glad you did!

For great home piano activities parents can use to help children ages 5 to 11 develop their musical talent, visit Piano Adventure Bears Music Education Resources You?ll find a treasure box filled with piano resources to create an exciting musical adventure for your child - right in your own home! Visit their website and subscribe to their f?ree internet newsletter so you can download f?ree piano sheet music and mp3s of original piano compositions.

These exciting stories, games, piano lessons, and inspirational gifts feature the Piano Adventure Bears, Mrs. Treble Beary and her new piano student, Albeart Littlebud. Young students follow along with Albeart to learn what piano lessons are all about in a fun way that kids readily understand appreciate. Click here visitPianoAdventureBears.com For a wealth of information about piano lessons, visit TallyPiano.com

10 Memorable Gifts You Can Give Your Children for Their Birthday

Everyone loves a special gift on their birthday: especially our kids! I have put together a list of 10 memorable gifts you can gift your children on their birthday without breaking the bank.

1. Art supplies: almost all kids enjoy crayons, markers, stickers, colored pencils, gel pens, special papers and scissors, sidewalk chalk, water colors, homemade rubber stamps, “how to draw” books calligraphy instructions, or origami instructions and colored paper. An art supply gift not only encourages the youngsters to use their imagination, but it can be an extra treat when you spend time with them using them.
2. Books are always great gifts for any age: you can get musical or squeaky books for the little ones, short stories for preschoolers, adventure books for 9-11 year olds, and so on: there is a book for every taste. You can also buy books about your child’s interests, books about careers, etc.
3. A classic movie, which never goes out of style, great for when friends come over, or on that day when they are bored and nothing else could help.
4. For older boys, a tool kit would be great: gives them the opportunity to work side by side with dad, and possibly learn a life skill.
5. For older girls, beads could mean hours of fun. Buy a variety of colors and shapes and watch you little princess enjoy hours of happiness.
6. To the gourmand give a roll of sugar cookie dough from the grocery store, along with a couple of cookie cutters, and a rolling pin. Again, this would be a lot of fun for the little one to make, and share with friends and family.
7. For the nature lover, a gardening kit with a couple of small pots filled with potting soil, some seeds, and a plastic watering can give countless hours of fun, while caring for the plants, and watching them grow.
8. A disposable camera will add a boost to the party. If your budget permits, add a small picture album, and you’ve instantly created wonderful memories of that birthday.
9. A basket of fun: find an inexpensive basket, or another container, maybe a pail for kids and fill it with fun, cheap stuff. For instance, silly putty, a water gun, a deck of cards, sidewalk chalk, etc. For boys, you can add some little cars and for girls, throw in some hair accessories. Finish it off with some candy or a pez dispenser and you have a fun gift. If you find some fun, small things that most kids think are neat, pick up a bunch so that at any time you have a supply of items to mix and match for a birthday.
10. Children crave attention from important people in their lives, (mom, dad, grandparent, aunt, older sibling). Give that special child the gift of time: a day out with you complete with lunch, a movie, and/or shopping for the gift of
    their choice.

Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don’t blow the bank. Find many Gifts Under $5 at her site. In a hurry to get a gift? Check her Gifts 911, where you’ll find last minute gifts for any occasion. And for more Article written by her, check out http://www.free-content-resource.com/

Baby Trend Single Snap N’ Go Stroller

Price : $59.99

Features

• Fits most major brand car seats
• Folds compactly for storage
• Parents can place infant car seat on carriage frame without removing child
• Features with an extra large storage basket

Product Description

The Baby Trend Snap & Go Stroller allows parents to place infant car seat on carriage frame without removing child. It’s a convenient alternative to a conventional carriage or stroller because it fits most major brand car seats, folds compactly for storage or travel with one hand fold and features an extra large storage basket (Infant Car Seat not included).34 x 19 x 9.

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-09-10
No ndeed to wake baby from car seat to get into stroller. Just pick the car seat out of car and place in this infant seat carrier / stroller frame. GREAT invention. Received as a shower gift and it was greatly appreciated and used often!

Review date : 2008-07-08
This stroller is great! We bought the Baby Trend Flex-Loc car seat for our newborn son due to the fact that we have two year old twins already and with their car seats (even the Sunshine Radian seats, the narrowest convertible infant/toddler car seats on the market) we could not get the Graco car seat and base that we already own to fit. Since the Baby Trend is clearly not compatible with the stroller that was part of our Graco travel system we needed to buy another stroller and really did not want to spend a ton of money since we already have the Graco stroller and will likely buy a lightweight stroller once the baby is old enough.

We decided to buy the Baby Trend snap-and-go stroller and I have to say it’s one of the best baby gear decisions we’ve made! This stroller is so lightweight, portable, and convenient. I can easily lift it into the back of my SUV unlike our Graco stroller. It comes nearly fully assembled so the remaining assembly (attaching the wheels, fitting the parent console on, and attaching the back part of the stroller bag onto the support frame) is quick and easy. The stroller opens and folds very easily and locks with a single red latch that is easy to operate with one hand. I have not had any issues with the wheels or tipping as other reviewers stated. I think the stroller is actually very stable. The stroller maneuvers much more smoothly than I expected as well. The stroller is compatible with several models of car seats, but be sure to check before you buy if you already have your car seat or you can buy the stroller and then find a car seat that is compatible using the owner’s guide included with the stroller.

Review date : 2008-05-20
I absolutely loved using this Snap ‘n’ Go and was sad when I had to stop using it. It was so easy to open and close and pop the infant carrier in and out of. I did have a Baby Trend carrier, but my sister had a Graco and still had success with her Snap ‘n’ Go. I used it for about 9 months until my son grew out of his infant carrier. In that time, I never had a problem with wheels falling off or my child tipping out or anything like that. We mostly kept it in the back of our trunk of our compact car (which it’s nice that it’s small enough to do that) and used our jogging stroller for walks, etc… but we did take this one on vacations (airplanes) so if something was going to break, I would think it would have.

I highly recommend this one because of its price (we found a new one on Craigslist for about 20 bucks) but overall, I recommend ANY stroller frame as opposed to a travel system. It’s light and small and can manuever anywhere. LOVE it.

Review date : 2008-04-30
My wife and I have been quite pleased with our BabyTrend Snap-and-Go stroller and FlexLoc Infant Car Seat. We have used these items since our daughter came home from the hospital over four months ago, so this review is based on quite a bit of use.

We concur with others who have noted the portability and foldability of the stroller. We have found the stroller/carseat combo to be quite easy to travel with on both car and plane trips. The car seat, while a bit challenging to get out of a car (owing to the difficulty of moving the bar from the "ride" position to the "carry" position — it’s too stiff), has proved comfortable and reliable. In fact, our daughter now prefers being in her car seat to being in any other contraption we own–crib, bouncer, and swing. She actually sleeps better in this car seat than in her crib!

Unexpectedly, we use the stroller/carseat combo extensively in our home. It allows us to transport our daughter easily from room to room, to rock her to sleep (a gentle back and forth push works best), and to allow her to be part of the action wherever we are (it puts her closer to our level).

All in all, I’d highly recommend this stroller with the BabyTrend Flex Loc car seat. Since we use the stroller so much in the house, we are planning to buy a second unit so that we don’t have to clean the wheels off every time we come in the house with it!

Review date : 2008-04-14
Got one as a gift and now have to return it. It is not as "universal" as it states. The only way you can keep a Peg Perego Primo Viaggio car seat from completely falling off is to use a strap that it somes with. The car seat does not lock onto anything, but merely rests on the bar. The problem with having to strap the car seat down is that the strap goes OVER the baby’s chubby legs and/or belly. It doesn’t leave much room for an infant once you secure the car seat to the stroller.

A Beach Party With Or Without A Beach!

You don’t need a beach to throw a beach party. Start out with your invites; if you don’t live near the beach use that for part of the invite! If you make the invite catchy then more people will come. Make sure you send them out two to three weeks in advance.

If you were planning for a large elaborate beach party you could see how much it would cost to move in some sand. If you do that you can set up a volleyball area. Even without sand this could work.

If you have a pool that could also work into you’re beach party. You can suggest in you’re invite that there is a pool ready to be used. You set a room aside for changing or invite them to come in their swimwear!

For decoration for you’re beach party, get some streamers, large balls for the pool etc. if you’re party is going to go long into the night string up some color lights and get some Tiki torches to set the stage.

Other ideas for your beach party could be having a set of fruity drinks for people to pick from. If you would like your party to be extra fun then you should offer dinner. If you don’t have a large budget ask that you’re guest bring a favorite food to share. This will give you a lot of food for everyone to eat. If you still want to add something to dinner, you can provide the meat.

Make sure that everyone has a good time at you’re beach party. Most of all have a good time yourself. Find someone to help you make sure that everyone has been served dinner. If you have a pool, make sure that there is someone there always to watch it. With any kind of beach party you can make it great with a few simple ideas!

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette, and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free coloring sheets, printable games, and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Party Themes (PartyThemeShop.com) to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or just because parties is at the Party Theme Shop. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

Kids and Money Guide

As the name of our website suggests we help you in managing your finances when you think it is time that you had a baby but are worried about the cost and responsibility of a new life on your shoulders and pockets.

Expecting a baby soon? Worried how you’ll be able to manage in the limited finances after it’s born? Worried about your child’s higher education? Well, we have the solution to your problems. At teachmoneytochildren.com, not only do we help you sort out your financial problems but we also explain as to how to go about explaining to your child the need to save money for a rainy day!

Soon you may be incurring expenditure for diapers, baby soap, cradle, cots and the works. Within a few years you will be preparing for clothes, shoes, education, sports equipment, dates and bikes. We need to finance our children not only till the time they are in university but also until they start earning substantially. Therefore, the need for our intelligence in saving rises substantially.

Planning

Money does not grow on trees and we all require more than what we have. Therefore, it is essential we plan for our child’s education. It should be pre-planned so as to bear the cost of what our child chooses to do in the future. Planning helps in appropriate allocation of resources to the required areas.

Teaching the child

It is very essential to teach the child about managing finances. Giving the child pocket money and allowing them to make small personal expenses and then explaining the need to control expenditure and savings. And as a child grows up a bank account should also be opened so that he can learn the details of banking as well as managing his money.
Basically, two things need to be done simultaneously - the children should be taught the power of money and the things they can buy and at the same time also telling them to refrain from spending on whatever they desire. They have to be taught that a balance can lead to success and an imbalance otherwise.

Investing for the future

Certain investments should be made in the name of the child maturing with the child and ready-to-use at an age when required. Further, at an age when the child is in his late teens he should be allowed to make a responsible choice of taking financial loans for his needs whether educational or otherwise. Such efforts enable the child to realize the value for money making them more responsible and aware.

Exploring various options

While sending children to college it should be taken care that all colleges have been carefully explored and scanned and all benefits such as scholarships and needs-based grant monies should be taken advantage of.

To have a successful financial life for your children, make the right moves now and bear incredible benefits in the future.

Mansi aggarwal writes abou kids and money ..Learn more at. http://www.teachmoneytochildren.com

Disney Pixar Cars Inflatable Sleeping Bag

Price : $59.99

Features

• Disney Pixar Cars Slumber Bed
• built in air mattress
• includes pump and carrying case
• easily washable
• size: 61Lx26"W

Product Description

It’s the perfect sleepover solution! The chair easily converts to a lounger and finally to a comfortable slumber bed. Built-in air mattress inflates quickly with included foot pump. Store it in its carrying case when not in use. Removable 100% polyester cover is washable.

When We Was Kids In Chicago (part 3)

I have been thinking about those times back in the 70’s in Chicago. We were all out of service, the war was over, and we were coming home in droves. Many guys found out that they had lost their girlfriends, and wives, to the romeo’s who stayed behind, while we served in the military.

I remember how some people reacted to what they had seen and done. Some of it was good and other actions were not so good. It was all the matter of melding back into society. I use that word loosely, because Chicago society, as I knew it was tough and sometimes dangerous.

When I was seventeen I left home for a life of adventure on my own. I moved into a horse stable on Chicago’s far south side. The name was, Sky High Stables on 172nd and Central Ave. In the bunkhouse, we lived with drunks who would make us drive to the liquor store, then threaten us and take our money so they could buy liquor. It didn’t seem that far out of line back then. One might say it was the price of living that adventure.

Every morning we would roll open those huge barn doors, and the smell of horse urine coming from all those poor equines, would almost knock us out. We shovelled and cleaned all those stalls, so the horses could have some kind of good life. That was just one of the two sides of the barn. Fifty horses on the stand stall, and livery side, and about thirty on the high dollar side with box stalls.

Funny thing about that, they all kicked hard and bit viciously, when they were hungry in the morning, and we thought nothing of it. Cleaning all those stalls was an all out assault on the senses and in some case, dangerous to our health. I guess when your a kid, nothing really gets to you that much. At least, not a kid from Chicago.

We threw hay bales during the summer. If you had any fat on you at all, there was none after that excersize. We were fairly strong, now that I look back at it. I remember too, all the big black limosines, rolling down the long road that lead into Sky High. Oh yes, mobsters, coming to see Kenny. The owner, as we all knew was involved with the mob. He would get regular visits and we all knew to keep our distance from the trailer, that he and his wife lived in, just outside the barn, during those meetings.

We would find a good spot, far away from the action, we didn’t even want those tough guys to see us looking at them. We knew that it was the best thing for our health. We just loved the horses, and living with the mob was an everyday thing for us. We all knew gangsters and we all stayed far away from those black clothed drivers, who would lean against the limos, and cross their hands in front of them while waiting for the bosses.

Horses were our lives back then, and we belonged to a click of kids who knew about horses. We had broken even the toughest brutes by sheer terror of getting busted up. We had no finesse or horse sense, everything was brute force and compliance. That is all we knew back then.

As time drew me into its vortex, I started looking for other things in my life, outside the horse arena was a world of interest to me. Most of it was coming from the veteran’s who were coming home, and were having a hard time. My Father, his Father, all my uncles were all veterans of the wars and service. There was never a day in my life when I doubted the thought of anything, other than enlisting in the service.

Lets see, I remember the old timers saying, ya ain’t a man till ya fought in Japan. Sheesh how was I gonna follow that up?

All the days of my life, my eyes had beheld these powerful men, all my relatives, wearing khakis, and navy blues, these were the real tough guys in my life. I say those words with real fond memories of these men, who had done things that were not intimated to those, who were not destined to serve. That too was a club of sorts, The Mens Club, and not the one in Houston, Texas.

I want to tell you more of these stories but first, I must think about, how I shall describe these men, and how they dealt with their burdens. Their wives and families had their own crosses to bear while they were gone, and they were strong, and brave. The tears they cried, left indellible wet spots in my mind and wonderous thoughts of those men’s peril, while they faced the ultimate test.

We will talk more later, please come back and read my tales of bravery. All these people deserve to have their stories told because most are no longer here. I will tell those stories as I remember them. With fondness and respect for all. Till next time, these are my thoughts and memories of Chicago.

Life was becoming more serious as the war in Vietnam wore on. We were just doing what we were trained to do.

Let’s Luau! Main Landers or Islanders Love a Luau Theme Party!

The Luau is a traditional Hawaiian party, but whether you are on a beach or in your own backyard, a warm summer Luau filled with the flair of the islands, can be yours! Help should be enlisted, and invitations should be sent well in advance explaining the Hawaiian theme, and requesting that everyone dress appropriately. Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts are especially fun and appropriate attire for your Luau.

Leis should be given to each guest as they arrive, with an enthusiastic “Aloha” (Hawaiian for ‘Welcome’ and ‘love’). Decide ahead of time how changing areas should be handled if water recreation is involved. You can assign a bedroom or bathroom for women to change in, and have a separate place designated for men to change in by making door hangers. One side can read “Men’s” or “Women’s” and the other side can read “Occupied” so the sign can be flipped over when someone is changing.

Of course, if you have neither the beach, nor a pool, you can create a faux tropical feel in your own backyard, or rent a public pool for a day or evening. Just be sure not to forget about lifeguard duty. If your event is to be held at home, or a rented pool, be sure to allot part of your party budget to hiring some of the lifeguards at the local pool to make sure everyone is safe.

Fake cardboard palm trees, piles of sand (complete with scattered sea shells, pails and shovels) and even small kiddie pools full of water, can help to create the Hawaiian theme. A fun alternative for children can be sprinklers set up in certain areas of the yard, if there is no pool for swimming.

Most of us will not go to the trouble to roast a pig, but foods grilled outdoors are acceptable alternatives, and you can always make a Hawaiian punch and tropical fruit platters to add island flair to your party. No matter the age of the Luau guests, games like twister, limbo, and trying to hula dance to exotic Hawaiian music are always hits.

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has a huge selection of free party games, coloring pages, word find, word scramble, printable baby and bridal shower activities. Luau Party Supplies (http://luaupartyshop.com), party planning tips, menus, recipes, party planning ideas, and free printable games to help complete your event.