Guest Blogger | 3 Boys And A Dog

Our Neighborhood Watch

June 22, 2010 By Kelli Leave a Comment

Post written by mommy blogger Melanie Collado

Lately my neighborhood has been going through some very pleasing changes. More attention is being focused on safety and kids, like it should be. After a few incidents that took place recently (theft and break ins) with some of our residents, changes were made immediately.

More and more House alarms are being set each day, and we also decided to find out how to get around Chicago. Many changes including manicured lawns, new bike trails, and cleaner streets are taking effect right now.

The streets around here feel much safer, and it’s a good feeling to know that our neighborhood actually tries to keep us comfortable.

Overall our neighborhood watch has really progressed these past few weeks. Families come out more and the playground is usually filled all the time now. There are also more events that take place to ensure that everyone gets to know their neighbors. It’s an amazing feeling to know that you’re not the only one wanting to make your neighborhood safe and secure. I can honestly say that my neighborhood now feels like a home.

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iCarly is my new favorite show

June 15, 2010 By Kelli 1 Comment

This is a guest post by Jacqueline Link

I never thought I would say that I like watching the shows my children enjoy but after today I think I’ve found a favorite. Out of all of the shows they love I would have to say iCarly is the best. It combines all of the elements needed for a good children’s sitcom laughter, drama and real life situations. They have been watching iCarly religiously since it has come on which made me decide to see what it was all about. I especially like how Carly and her friends single handedly created a web show that made them “superstars” overnight, they are living my dream.

The coolest part is that they can act silly and use digitally enhanced sound effects. I have watched over ten episodes now and have actually laughed out loud at her brother Spencer who’s artistic talent is way before his time. My kids think it’s hilarious that I am asking lots of questions about the show to get caught up to speed. It has been a great way to connect with my children. You wouldn’t believe sitting together watching Direct TV could be so rewarding. We especially like to sing the iCarly theme song when the show first comes on. The character has also been trying to start a singing character and will you believe I actually like the first song.

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Filed Under: Guest Blogger, Just for Kids Tagged With: Children, children enjoy, direct tv, favorites, guest, Guest Blogger, iCarly, jacqueline link, leave it all to me, music, new favorite, real life, show, sound effects, television, television in the united states, theme song, watches

4 Safety Checkpoints for Installing Your Baby’s Car Seat

June 12, 2010 By Kelli 6 Comments

The installation of a car seat is often a tricky proposition for most parents. However difficult (and frazzling!) it may seem to install a baby carseat, it is important to understand that the proper installation of a one can mean the difference between life and death.

Unfortunately, the reality is that most car seats are not installed properly, thereby putting our babies at risk for serious injury or even death. It is therefore of the utmost importance to abide by the following four safety checkpoints when installing your baby’s carseat.

1. Always, always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations – There is no better place to learn about the safety of your car seat installation than the manufacturer’s instructions. Read and re-read the instruction manual and install the car seat according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most of the car seat manuals come with easy-to-follow instructions and pictures to help guide you through the installation. Indeed, this is not the time to guess or assume how to do something! In addition to car seat instructions, pay close attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding age and weight requirements, as this can play a big part in how and where the seat is installed.

2. Use the LATCH system, if possible – Many newer car models come equipped with a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, which is essentially a factory-installed latch than ensures a secure fit for a car seat. The LATCH system eliminates the need to use a seat belt, thereby providing a foolproof method of installation. However, it is still important to carefully read the instructions for installation when installing a LATCH system!

3. Remember: the best place for a baby is in the back seat of the car – Regardless of the carseat manufacturer, type of car you have, or how old your baby is, the best possible place for your baby is in the backseat: preferably in the middle seat. The front seat is simply too dangerous for an infant, especially if the car’s seat does not have an automatic air bag switch. Remember: babies and young children can be killed by airbags!

4. Ask your local fire or police department if they offer car seat inspection services – If you have any doubt about your car seat installation, or if you simply want to double check your work, contact your local fire or police department and ask if they have a car inspection service. Most of the time local fire and police departments will offer this service for free, so take advantage of it to ensure that your baby is safe and secure in the car at all times.

Aside from making sure that your baby’s car seat is properly installed, it is best to contact your auto insurance company at least once a year to review your auto insurance policy. An annual review of your auto insurance policy will ensure that your insurance needs are met and that you, your family and your passengers are fully protected in case of an accident. You may also want to keep in contact with other car insurance companies to see if a better policy is available.

Annie Wallace is a new mom and blogger. You can find her blogging at Viral Mom.

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Filed Under: Guest Blogger, Parenting, Safety Tagged With: airbag, automobile seat, baby carseat, car, car safety, car seat, car seat installation, car seat instructions, car seat manual, car seats, cars, checkpoints, Guest Blogger, how to install, human development, install, insurance, isofix, latch, road transport, Safety, seat belt, seat belts, seats, traffic collision, vehicle insurance

A Teachable Moment: June 2010

June 1, 2010 By Kelli Leave a Comment

Summer Exploration

Dr. Susan Bartell

The summer is great when you’re a kid. The stressful weeks of school have been left far behind and autumn’s cold and dreary days seem like they’re still forever away. Each sunny moment is an opportunity for something new—an interesting shell on the beach; a new friend at the park; a delicious ice-cream flavor. The summer is a time for exploring.

In addition to being fun, exploring is an important task of childhood. By becoming a detective, a child learns that one must look beyond the obvious “big picture” to see the world as interesting and complex. Developing the ability to explore with an open and inquisitive mind—to analyze situations, objects and places—is a skill that will carry a child far beyond the fun of the playground and into a successful adult life.

It is important for you to provide opportunities for your child to explore—and summer is the perfect time. Encourage digging holes on the beach by making sure you remember to bring the shovel. Invite exploration in the playground by leaving ample time to play. Ensure bicycles and their safety equipment are accessible and ready to go. Your enthusiasm and patience (rather than frustration or boredom) will support your child’s desire to question and learn. At home, adventures can be found in baking or homegrown scientific experiments with soap, water, clay and…just ask your young explorer! Summer days are perfect for ‘science’ when patios or driveways can be hosed down afterwards!

Exploring need not be reserved for playful detective work! Trying new foods is a type of exploration—a venturing into unknown and for many children, scary territory. However, the summer is a great time for widening a child’s palate. For one thing, it is less stressful, having left behind the “hurry up and eat, we’ll be late for school, homework or bed.” There are also so many great foods to try—fruits, BBQs and picnic foods all seem tastier and more fun in the summer. So, invite your child to explore a rainbow of summer foods—make it tempting by cutting them into interesting designs or serving them in fun ways. Invite neighbors to a picnic in the backyard—new foods taste better on colorful paper plates while sitting under a tree, especially when other kids are eating them too—peer pressure can work wonders when it comes to exploring foods.

Some children are born explorers. For others, the idea of venturing out of their comfort zone doesn’t seem like fun, it feels overwhelming. Sometimes a child is left behind by the others who want to explore—especially when the park, pool and beach are calling out for adventure. A reluctant explorer may need a boost from you to get over fear. Also, ask yourself if you’re contributing to his or her anxiety by conveying your own worries about straying too far, getting hurt or becoming dirty. If so, you’ll want to keep this in check so your child can become a more confident explorer—while still being safe of course!

Igniting interest in creative exploration is a gift you can give your child that will burn brightly long into adulthood. So get out your favorite walking shoes, your digging stick and your magnifying glass and get ready to explore!

Dr. Susan Bartell is a nationally recognized child psychologist, speaker and award-winning author. Her latest book is The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask. You can learn more about Dr. Bartell at www.drsusanbartell.com

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A Teachable Moment ™ May 2010

May 4, 2010 By Kelli 2 Comments

A little bit of Mother’s Day all year round

By: Dr. Susan Bartell

Mother’s Day comes but once a year. Too bad, because for many moms it is the only time they don’t feel guilty sleeping late, eating breakfast in bed and not doing the dishes (if they’re really lucky!)

But, it doesn’t have to be this way! In fact, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to begin teaching your child that being generous, not just with gifts, but with time, effort and heart, is an important part of growing up into a great adult. The key is to continue teaching this lesson all year along. Once you are successful, the bonus for you is a little extra down time, more help with chores and receiving greater appreciation for all that you give your child.

Step one: Recognize that requiring your child to accomplish regular chores is good for her. Being a mom doesn’t require you to do all the household work! Participating in age-appropriate chores (taking into account time constraints given school and other commitments) teaches responsibility. It should not be tied to receiving an allowance: you don’t get paid to wash the dishes, neither should your child.

Step two: Teach your child to give you a break sometimes! For example, get a babysitter and go out. Do not give up your plans even if your child complains or has a tantrum. Remind him that you need time to ‘play’ just like he does, and that he will be fine for a while without you. As long as you have good childcare, you have no reason to feel guilty, regardless of his behavior. Soon he will learn that being a good mom sometimes means that you will not always give in to his demands for your time.

Step three: Help your child become more appreciative of everything you do for her. Children (especially teens) are naturally self-involved, but yours can still learn to be more sensitive and grateful. Start by making a point of soliciting a ‘thank-you’ from your child when you help her with something (homework, solving a problem, accomplishing a task etc.), buy her anything—no matter how small the price, or in any other situation that requires appreciation. In addition, model appreciation by thanking your child whenever appropriate.

Step four: The final and trickiest step in this process—ask for what you need from your child. He will only learn to be a giving, loving and generous person if he is clear about what he needs to do in order to meet your expectations—so tell him. For example, if you would like your child to ask you how your day was (rather than you only asking him about his day), then tell him, remind him until it becomes a habit, and then thank him when he does it. Ask for what you want without being critical, fighting or yelling and always have a practical solution at hand that you can offer your child.

By consistently following these steps, not only will you start to see your child become more caring and giving all year round, but soon you will find that Mother’s Day isn’t the only time that you get help with the dishes!

Dr. Susan Bartell is America’s #1 Family Psychologist. Her latest book is The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask. You can learn more about her at www.drsusanbartell.com