No aspect of party planning is more crucial and sometimes mind boggling to a baby shower planner than selecting the baby shower theme. There are almost too many ideas available today, and often the host of a party finds themselves suffering apoplexy at the idea of selecting a baby shower theme.
A small amount of creativity however will be sure to generate success, regardless of the baby shower theme selected. Keep in mind that the mom to bes happiness is perhaps the greatest priority. Not sure what theme to select Worried about what might go over well with the guests Turn to the expectant mom for guidance, and you are certain to come out a winner.
Selecting a baby shower theme should depend on just a couple of critical factors; For example, is the mother expecting a boy, girl, twins or more Twins are the perfect "theme" for any party of a mother blessed with multiples. You could for example, in this instance offer guests two of everything, including cake!
In times of old a shower was only held for the first child. This tradition has changed however of late, and it isnt uncommon for a mom to be to have a shower for each child, celebrating their uniqueness and the joy at bringing another new life into the world. Sometimes a variation of the same theme can be used at subsequent showers. Still struggling for ideas Consider some of the following:
Teddy Bears: What child does not love plush, stuffed and furry teddy bears! Teddy bear themes can be used for male or female children. Napkins, tableware and similar style decorations are sure to be found with teddy bears on them.
Colors: Often a mom to be seeks out gifts and accessories that complement or match the color she has selected for babys nursery. You might consider a baby shower theme that matches the color scheme of babys nursery. Guests can also be clued in on the invitation, and invited to bring items that will complement the nursery or wardrobe of the baby to be.
Cartoon Characters: Many parents select well known characters to incorporate into their nursery theme and these are easily translated into a baby shower theme. Some ideas include Strawberry Shortcake, Hello Kitty, or Bugs Bunny for example.
Shapes: Some parents may decide on shapes or even objects such as lemons, fish, cubes, circles and triangles to decorate their babys nursery. Again, finding decorations and accessories for the shower that match this theme should prove beneficial and inexpensive.
No matter what baby shower theme you select, you are bound to find hundreds of items to complement the event, including decorations, favors and even gifts. Once the baby shower theme has been selected, as a planner the next most important task is setting about planning for the actual party and getting invitations out to the guests to be.
Traditionally, the shower is held at the home of the host; this is not always the case however, and exceptions to the rule might be welcome in some situations. Regardless of where you decide to throw the party, be sure to give guests enough advance notice to plan on attending. This usually requires three weeks to a months notice, as most people are already too busy in todays society!
After selecting a baby shower theme, planning the party is easy. Once invitations have been mailed out and RSVPs have been received, plan on spending some time making a list of food items that will be needed, decorations you plan on acquiring, settling on party favors and deciding on a few fun games to play. Once you have all of these items sorted out, everything else is bound to fall together and you and your guests are sure to have a delightful time celebrating mom to be!

About The Author

Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that dont blow the bank. Gift Baskets for Baby to Birthday and Beyond, are just some gift ideas youll find at her site: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com. Want regular reminders on gift-giving Sign up for her free monthly newsletter at http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift-news-signup.htm.

I hang out with the other mommies. No, I am not a "Mister Mom" or a "Househusband". I do have one enviable situation, though. I work from home and I have the flexibility to say, "This morning I am going to spend with my daughters. I can play with them. I can sing with them. I can laugh with them. I can clean up their ice cream that drips all over me."
Or I can say, "This morning I am taking my daughters to the play center, where they can play with other children, sing with other children, laugh with other children and spill ice cream on other children instead of on me."
So I hang out with the other mommies.
Ive noticed that many mommies want to start a home daycare. The reasoning seams to go like this.

Im at home within my own children anyway.
So far I have remained relatively unscathed, with few permanent injuries.
How much trouble can a few extra children running around spilling ice cream on the rug cause
Lets tempt fate.

I have two children, a toddler and a baby. They are enough of a handful, and the baby cant even climb on counters...yet.
Before setting up your own home daycare, consider this: how many more inspiring diaper-changing hours do you want to spend each day Little Lady is on her sixth month of perpetual toilet-training. If there is a purgatory, this is it. Too old to just carry her treasures in her quick-change diapers, too young to just go on her own, stuck in the middle in a high-maintenance waiting room of sorts. Little Sister has a nickname: Poopasaurus, because...oh wait just a minute. I have to go clean up a mess. Another mess.
Ive already written about the challenges of dressing a toddler while shes running bounding over the couch at record-shattering speeds: http://www.thehappyguy.com/toddler-dress.html
Then there is the atmosphere. Now that Little Lady doesnt nap anymore, she can get mighty cranky. I know the feeling. It doesnt take much to get a good wail going. And she has lungs. Or she might break a few rules or a few toys. Or she might just disobey. It doesnt take long for a parent to lose patience.
Crying. Stress. Babies sense it, and Little Sister can get cranky, too. Its a whole wailing chorus. Before long, the tension in our house can get so thick you could almost cut it with a chainsaw. Almost.
Does it get any better in a daycare Yes. You can take in only children who are completely toilet trained. Unfortunately, those children can climb counters. And chairs. And tables. And balconies.
If you still want to tempt fate and see how many children it takes to cause irreparable damage to your house, your car and your body, here are four tips:

Keep all sharp objects, cleansers and medications in a safe place...like another town.
Laminate your couch. And your carpets. And your clothes. And your ceiling. And your food.
Get a good pair of industrial strength earplugs

Does your child exhibit separation anxiety at daycare drop-off Do you spend more than fifteen minutes struggling to calm your childs fears You are not alone. All parents at one time or another have experienced guilt, fear and remorse at the very thought of leaving their hysterical child in the arms of a non-relative.
Separation anxiety affects both parents and children. Children display their discontent and fears by throwing temper trantrums, clinging onto parents for long periods and ignoring attempts by their daycare provider to calm their fears. Parents display separation anxiety by hesitating to exit the daycare, clinging onto their child for prolonged periods and performing disappearing acts when their child is not looking.
To help ease separation anxiety, change must start with the parents. Parents must first calm their own fears and insecurities. When children see parents more relaxed and confident at drop-off they begin to slowly warm up to their daycare provider and adjust to their new daycare setting. Parents can plan ahead of time by using some of these creative ideas to help ease separation anxiety.
Temporary Tatoos ...
Visit your local grocery store and ask your child to choose a temporary tatoo of his favorite cartoon character. At bedtime discuss going to daycare with your child. Offer to place the tatoo on his hand as a special reminder that you are with him always. Remind him at drop-off that when he looks at the tatoo, he will know that you love him dearly and will soon pick him up after work.
Popsicle Treats ...
Popsicles, especially on hot days, are a great treat for children. Purchase a pack with a variety of primary and secondary colors. Use the popsicles to teach him about secondary colors. Show him that two primary-colored popsicles can combine to form a secondary-colored popsicle. At daycare drop-off ask your child which color he would like to have at the end of the day. Ask him which flavor he thinks is associated with that color. Reassure him that he will be receiving his treat at the end of the day and that you will share precious time with him after returning from work.
Surprise Boxes ...
Keep surprise boxes in your vehicle. Explain to your child that he may open the surpise box if he is good throughout the week. The surprise box may contain baby photos of your child, his favorite storybook, a favorite snack and a simple craft item that he can quickly put together.
Healthy Snacks ...
Visit your local grocery store with your child and ask him to choose a variety of healthy kid snacks that he will pack and carry to daycare. Many children who are adjusting to daycare need something familiar to hold onto as they try to feel secure and comfortable being away from parents. If your daycare provider prepares meals, gradually reduce the number of snacks in your childs lunch box until your child starts eating the foods prepared at the daycare.
Bedtime Stories ...
Visit your local library and borrow books that focus on children going to daycare. Read these books at bedtime. From the pictures in the storybook your child will see other children going to daycare and will understand that he is not the only one experiencing separation anxiety. Ask your child about his day at daycare and try to determine if he is adjusting slowly or not adjusting at all. After a week or two most children adjust nicely to new daycare settings. For some children it may take longer.
If you suspect that your child is still not adjusting try to drop by the daycare unannounced to see if your child is interacting with the other kids. Look at his interaction with the daycare provider and the types of activities he is engaged in. Discuss any of your concerns with your daycare provider and allow time for adjustment. If there is no change after about a week or two try looking into other childcare options which may be better suitable for your child.

About The Author

Nicole Brekelbaum is the director at Young Achievers Inc. - A home-based learning center for aspiring youth located in Pflugerville, Texas. She has been providing childcare in her home since her career switch from working engineer to childcare director and mom. Visit her companys website at http://www.youngachieversinc.com
nicole@youngachieversinc.com

NY -- Strange as it may sound, bordom promotes happier, creative kids who are better problem solvers. When children use their own creativity with unstructured play, they find ways to amuse themselves -- even if it means simply daydreaming.
Thats the advice of child development expert, Alan M. Hess who wants to see American children spend more time in unstructured play, less time in structured activities and much less time in front of mindless TV programs. Hess states, "Plain and simple, its called creative child development. I recognize that in our society, its a hard concept for peopke to grasp at first.
"Many American parents who work 60 to 70 hours a week impose a very structured lifestyle on their children. Theyre concerned about boredom, so they overschedule to keep kids busy. Believe it or not, there is a direct relationship between boredom and creative thought."
Alan Hess, president of Safari Ltd., with its line of museum quality creative toys, is a noted authority and respected expert in developing creative play for children. Hess states, "Think back to when you were a kid and you will recall valuable lessons. Left to our own devices we discovered resources we didnt know we had. Im concerned that our busy, well-entertained children may not ever have the chance to learn them."
Hess, states, "Although most of the products that Ive been involved with are designed for children four and up, especially our current Safari line of products, I constantly study toddler trends. Several pediatric physicions, who are part of our research team, have shared some disturbing trends with me regarding middle and upper class parents who push their children to the extremes in the hopes that this will provide a better foundation for the childs future.
"Theyve told me about situations where parents are determined to find the "perfect three year old" pre-school so that their daughter will be prepared for law school later in life. Other parents make their children compete in soccer matches and karate competiton when the child is recovering from the flu. Their misguided reasoning is that the child needs to learn what competition means, regardless of illness, or circumstances. This thinking is insane."
Hess firmly believes that children need time to be children. Creativity, social skills and fun are vital to a well-rounded child. He suggests that parents help children get the most out of unstructured play by limiting TV. Parents might also provide materials, creative toys and even gentle suggestions, if necessary. Parental guidance and parental participation is also important. Hess said, "Bored kids eventually take out the paints, build a dinosaur den, read a book ... and create things, or they come home sweaty from a game of neighborhood soccer. Our educational, nature and science toys with a special focus on scale-model animal and dinosaur replicas are big favorites with children. They love the fantasy play and the fun of creating their own world."
This concept of boredom is new territory at the beginning because children may be upset that they cant watch TV. They may also bicker with their siblings. Hess states, "Working or single parent households may have even more of a challenge, but he strongly encourages parents not to give in and flip on the TV, or let kids watch a video."
The lifelong benefits of unstructured play are so great that Hess urges parents to try to find an hour a week for it. And he offers these tips to make things easier:
Set Limits to TV and Video Play. There is something very wrong with the fact that many children watch an average of 38 hours per week. Cutting back can provide unstructured play time. Most parents and care takers passively allow the media to routinely expose kids to violence and sex when they would never let an individual, or educational institution expose their children to this type of content.
Far too many children spend hours each day at computers, playing with hand-held game devices, or watching videos. Hess suggests that parents set a firm daily limit to these activities. Hess says, "The value of a toy is simple to calculate...to what degree does the toy invite imagination and creativity After a week, if you find that your child is more interested in playing with the toy box instead of the toy, youve wasted money and time."
Unstructured play time doesnt require a huge investment in new toys. Hess cites one focus group study where two boys were playing with toys. One girl had an electronically enhanced dinosaur and she boasted: "My dinosaur can say 500 words!" The other boy, who was holding a Safari dinosaur countered with: "My dino can say anything I want it to say and it looks like a real dino."
Hess states, "We hear so much about hyperactive children who are medicated as a result of this behavior. Is the child really hyperactive, or does the child simply need more unstructured play time Children are free spirits and when thats denied, we see physical and mental manifstations that have a negative impact on a healthy childhood.
"Spend time watching your child play. This can show children that adults value their play," Hess says. Its not necessary to join in, although thats great fun too, as long as parents dont try to take over. In fact, one highly successful parenting strategy involves spending time each day with your child doing whatever he or she chooses to do."
During this "special time," the child makes the decisions, controls the flow of the play and assigns all roles. Its unstructured play time for your child, yet you get to participate. Its important for us to share time with children and it shows them that you value their play.
Hess encourages parents to give this bordom concept a serious try. He states, "Giving your children a break from organized activities and electronic baby-sitters could very well mean sentencing them to boredom, at least at first, but it will open up a whole new world of creativity, fun and adventure as it helps them expand their minds."
www.safariltd.com

About The Author

Alan Hess, president of Safari Ltd., has an extensive marketing background with a wide array of highly successful toy and hobby products. One of the key factors in his success is his understanding of child development research and his ability to apply that knowledge to product development.

Reading is the most important skill that a child must acquire at school, because one must learn to read to be able to read to learn. The implication of this is that the child who is a poor reader will usually also be a poor learner.
Unfortunately poor reading skills, and therefore poor learning skills, have become a reality for an alarming number of people. The $14 million National Adult Literacy Survey of 1993 found that even though most adults in this survey had finished high school, 96% of them could not read, write, and figure well enough to go to college. Even more to the point, 25% were plainly unable to read.
Even more alarming is that reading difficulties are not limited to people who are environmentally, culturally or economically disadvantaged. Many children come from good homes, go to good schools and score average to above average on IQ tests. Yet, they battle to learn to read, and many never succeed.
Children with reading difficulties share a number of common symptoms. They are inclined to reverse letters or words, to omit letters, to lose their place, to remember little of what they have read, or to read with poor comprehension. These children are considered to suffer from a learning disability LD, commonly called dyslexia.
According to the Orton Dyslexia Society at least one in every ten of otherwise able people has serious dyslexia problems. The Foundation of Children with Learning Disabilities states that learning-disabled children represent more than ten million of the total population of the U.S.A. Estimates of learning-disabled students being dyslexic vary between 70 and 80 percent.
FIND THE CAUSE TO FIND A CURE
Most problems can only be solved if one knows what causes the problem. A disease such as scurvy claimed the lives of thousands of seamen during long sea voyages. The disease was cured fairly quickly once the cause was discovered, viz. a Vitamin C deficiency. A viable point of departure in LD research would therefore be to ask the question, “What is the CAUSE of dyslexia”
The idea that dyslexia is a certifiable biological disorder, a physical problem that could be diagnosed and treated accordingly, gained credence during the 1960s and 1970s, giving rise to an armada of theories. One such a theory states that dyslexia is the result when the link between the language, hearing and comprehension centers of the brain is somehow misconfigured during fetal development. Another theory states that dyslexia is caused by “faulty wiring in the brain,” whereas another holds that a subtle impairment of vision may be responsible, while yet another believes that a cerebellar-vestibular dysfunction may be responsible for the learning disability. All these theories – most of them blaming some difference in structure between the brain of the dyslexic and that of the so-called normal reader – have lead to nothing at all. Despite all these theories and all the intervention efforts based on them, not to mention the vast amounts of money expended in the process, the numbers of dyslexics continue to escalate.
Except for the fact that proof of a neurological deficit still eludes the researchers, this theory leaves many questions unanswered. If dyslexia has a neurological basis, why is this supposedly non-contagious “ailment” on the increase Compare the present situation with, for example, that of a century ago. In 1910 the literacy rate in the U.S.A. was so high it was predicted, “the public schools will in a short time practically eliminate illiteracy.” In 1935, a survey of the 375,000 men working in the Civilian Conservation Corps – a government-sponsored work project to provide employment – found an illiteracy rate of 1.9 percent. It is most noteworthy that this last figure was found among men primarily of low socio-economic status. It is even more noteworthy that the illiteracy rates of the first half of the twentieth century reflected, for the most part, people who had never had the advantage of schooling.
It is also impossible to explain how a neurological dysfunction can be more prevalent in specific areas or countries. While the National Commission on Excellence in 1983 warned that the American nation was “at risk,” remedial reading facilities were not needed at all in Japan due to the rarity of reading problems. Some would argue that reading problems were virtually nonexistent in Japan because their written language is easier than our Latin alphabet. That, however, is simply not true. The Japanese Kanji ideograms consist of 1,850 characters. In addition there are two Kana syllabaries,

Our children are our most important legacy to the world. However, our love is our most important legacy to our children. Here are seven ways to show love that will help children build sturdy foundations for the future.
1. Spend Time with Your Children.
Time is the most loving gift we can give to our children. It allows for the mutual exchange of ideas, emotions, actions, and words that help our children develop and learn to communicate.
Enjoy a toddlers tea parties as well as a teens ball games. Help your children build things and create art. Begin new family traditions that you can enjoy together each year. Ample time spent in mutually enjoyable activities will create memories you will always treasure.
2. Be the Primary Role Model for Your Children.
Children need examples to follow. Teach practical values to your children by modeling those values. Admit when you have made a mistake and apologize. Model being committed to the ideals you embrace. Demonstrate the advantage of integrity over peer pressure.
We teach and influence children more through actions than words. We are our childrens first heroes; the ideals that we live today are the ideals that will influence our children throughout life.
3. Listen to Your Children.
A childs message is one of his or her most essential gifts. We build self-esteem in children when we show interest in what they have to say. Children need to communicate their pride of accomplishment as well as their needs.
Get down at eye level with very young children and listen with your eyes, ears, and heart. Listen most of all to the feelings conveyed through a childs eyes and expressions. If you listen to your children deeply, they will grow up listening deeply to you.
4. Provide Your Children with Loving Discipline.
Children need guidelines and safe boundaries without being constrained unnecessarily. They need to learn the value of being accountable for their choices and actions.
Let your children know that you disapprove of hurtful actions but will always love them as sons and daughters. Loving discipline enables them to recognize the best in other people. It allows children the freedom to explore the world safely and reach their highest potential.
5. Give Your Children Encouragement.
Encouraging words are powerful emotional deposits of confidence and self-esteem. Verbally acknowledge your childrens special talents and accomplishments. Catch your children doing something great, and tell them what a great job they have done.
Children need to know that we recognize and support their hopes and dreams for the future. Encouraging children to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually provides the foundation for living a balanced life.
6. Share Your Experiences with Your Children.
We each have valuable stories to tell, unique maps of our journey through life. These stories tell how our reactions to events created the life we are living now. Sharing the benefit of your experiences

Traditionally in China, when once people got married, they would immediately get ready for having a baby. That is why symbolic things such as dolls or lotus seeds would be put on the beds of the newly weds on their wedding day so as to bring in the meaning of having a baby as soon as possible.
When once a married woman becomes pregnant, things for the baby will start to be prepared. Prams, cot, baby clothes, etc will be readily prepared to welcome the arrival of the new born.
From now on, the health of the mother is of utmost importance. Therefore, the mother should reduce her workload, eat healthily, and employ prenatal education. Prenatal education has come into being for over 2000 years in China. It was believed that a good pregnant mother should eat only meat which was cut only in square cubes, sit only on properly built chairs, walk unswingingly, talk softly, etc. By doing so, the foetus would be able to learn the most valued virtues. Although in present days the above mentioned practice is no longer common, pregnant women in China still behave very carefully so as not to do anything which affects the foetus. Still now most people believe that the structure of the house or flat should not be changed while a woman in the house is pregnant since it will cause the foetus no good but harm.
The first month after giving birth
The first month after giving birth is very important for a mother. She needs the most rest and the best nutrition. Otherwise, her body will not be able to recover and can easily get ill. In this month, she cant go outdoors, cant be exposed to wind, cant wash with cold water, cant drink cold water, cant read books etc. However, if a mother really has to wash herself, she should do so by using water boiled with dried ginger skin. In some places in China, a mother must not wash her hair because otherwise she will get a chronic headache.
Compared to the west, western women can leave home after a week of giving birth and can go to work after two weeks. It is unimaginable in China.
In China, after giving birth, a woman should eat plenty of fish soup and pig knuckle soup. The pig knuckle soup is boiled for a long time with ingredients such as a lot ginger, eggs, pig knuckles in plenty of sweet black vinegar. It is believed that this soup can compensate for the loss of calcium and other nutrients needed by the body. It is a tradition to give out and share such soup to friends and relatives but one can only do so twelve days after the baby is born. Chicken is also ideal for meals after giving birth. In order to help a mother to recover from giving birth, it is recommended that she should eat rice cooked with ginger daily since it can enhance all bodily circulation. Apart from the above, it is also a tradition that after the baby has been born for one lunar month, eggs dyed red should be given to friends and relatives. However, anything salty should be avoided since it will hinder the production of breast milk of a mother.
It is only after the baby has weaned then the mother can start considering controlling her body weight.
Some practices may seem quite unimaginable. However, they are still practiced in most places in China. Even in Hong Kong, women would follow the above traditions as long as family expectations are involved.

About The Author

Wong Yee Lee
This article was produced by Asia Dragon. Visit us at www.asiadragon.co.uk where you will find authentic oriental fashion clothing & accessories, kimonos, stylish home furnishings, furniture, beautiful ornaments, Chinese calligraphy plus much, much more!
sales@asiadragon.co.uk

Expectant parents spend hours preparing the nursery, poring over pregnancy and delivery books and going to childbirth classes. Yet surprisingly, many decide their child

Most people dont know the meaning of their name, but most names do have meanings. You should at least find out the meanings of your favorite choices before giving one of them to your child. The meaning of your childs name probably wont greatly affect his or her life, but may help you to make a decision between your favorites.
Many names are shortened to nicknames during childhood, or other stages of life, so be sure to think about what shortened forms of your childs name may be. Also consider that names we might think are cute for a child could be embarrassing later in life, before giving your child a nickname as their legal name. For instance - shortening Samantha to Sam or Sammy while your daughter is young may be fine, but will she mind having to put Sam on her business cards or college application later in life if its her legal name
No one likes having their name constantly misspelled or mispronounced, so keep this in mind before choosing a unique pronunciation or spelling of a common name. Remember that your child will spend his or her lifetime explaining to others how the name is really spelled or pronounced.
Unisex names, like Chris, Robin or Terry, may make it easier for you to choose your childs name before you know their sex, but others argue that it can be unfair and psychologically harmful to a child, especially to boys who may feel more insulted when presumed to be girls, than girls do when theyre mistaken for boys.
Namesakes, or exact reproductions of a persons name, even if followed by II or Jr., are quite often confusing to everyone involved. Worse yet, the child never gets the satisfaction of having a clear identity or name of his own. Although namesakes can be complimentary to the original owner of the name, consider the impact to your child, and how you plan to differentiate between the people who share the name before you choose to name your child after someone else.
Remember, the name you choose for your child will be a lifetime decision, so take your time and enjoy the process!

About The Author

S. Denise Hoyle serves as the webmaster of both http://nurseryroomprojects.com and http://fertility-facts.com. To find the meanings and origins of thousands of popular names, take a look at our lists of boys names and girls names at http://nurseryroomprojects.com/baby_names.htm
c Copyright 2003, S. Denise Hoyle. All Rights Reserved.

Is it possible to be using our children addictively
Anything that we use to get love, avoid pain, and fill up inner emptiness can become an addiction