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Does Your Child Suffer From Allergies?

If you are thinking about moving to a new city, and have a child who suffers from spring and summer allergies, you want to check out the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) of the worst cities for allergies in the nation.

Just released for 2012, the AAFA evaluates the 100 largest metro areas by pollen levels, 2011 sales of allergy medications (both prescription and over the counter) per allergy patient and the number of board certified allergists and immunologists per patient.

Knoxville, TN is at the top of the list. This year's mild winter means an early start to spring and the allergens are out with a vengeance. Tennessee allergy sufferers are having a hard time this year. Chattanooga is at #7 and Memphis is at #8. Cities in Texas and Oklahoma are also high on the list.

Looking for a place to live that is better for allergy sufferers? The top five best cities for allergies in 2012 are Portland, Ore. (No. 100); Boise City, Idaho (No. 99); Daytona Beach, Fla. (No. 98); Denver, Colo. (No. 97); and Salt Lake City, Utah (No. 96).

Summer Ideas - Plant a Garden

Vegetable gardens are increasingly popular among families interested in local, high quality product. It’s a big undertaking for just one person, so make it a family project. Depending on your climate, crops like spinach, lettuce, carrots and corn can be planted during the summertime. To check what else might work well in your area, contact your local Cooperative Extension office.

Take Care of Yourself

With all that we do with our children, mothers sometimes forget to take care of themselves. As I get older, I realize the one important thing I did when I was younger was take care of my skin.

With the Internet, women now have access to many different types and brands of skin care products than when I was a young mother. For instance, Yonka skin care products is a Parisian brand which specializes in aroma-therapeutic care. Their products are made from essential oils, plant and fruit extracts, and marine active ingredients. I find it amazing that these products use over 130 various plants from around the world.

Ideas for Rainy Summer Days

One of the best ways to handle a rainy summer day is by having a lot of craft supplies in the house. Besides things like construction paper, crayons, markers, and coloring books, you can even print off coloring pages and craft ideas from the Internet. Buy inexpensive puzzle books, like mazes, word search and crossword and have them available to pull out of the closet on a rainy day. Again, the dollar store is a great place to pick up these types of items.

Your local library is a great resource for any summer day, rain or shine. Many libraries offer summer programs including summer reading programs. Speak to your child’s teacher before school ends and get a reading list that will help prepare your child for their next grade. If your child doesn’t read yet, take out from the library age appropriate books and read to them.

Children and Fiscal Responsibility Part 3

Teach your child how hard work can help them financially. If your son wants a new bike, don’t just buy it for him. Instead, give him additional chores to earn money to pay for it. Of course I don’t expect a child to save enough for a new bike but you could make some type of arrangement such as if your son can come up with 30% of the cost of the bike, you’ll pay the other 70%. This will also help teach your son to think before he spends. Does he want something now or does he want to save for that bike. And can he get a bike for less elsewhere, like a thrift shop or a garage sale.

What Should Be Inside A Diaper Bag

Putting together a diaper bag for yourself or a friend?

Here is a list of essentials:

Diapers – Of course this should go without saying but I remember the time I forgot to reload the bag. Trust me … you only do that once but it is worth saying. For infants plan on one diaper per hour of trip … and then add two just to be on the safe side.

Diaper Cream – There is nothing worse than a screaming infant because of a sore bottom. Have cream on hand if/when diaper rash happens.

Wipes – Wipes do a great job of not only wiping bottoms but wiping faces and hands. Be sure you store them in a container that is airtight so they stay moist.

Changing Pad – You never know where you will be when it comes time to change the baby. Have a changing pad to lay the baby on takes away worries of unsanitary conditions.

Antibacterial Gel & Wipes – This is for your own use after changing that dirty diaper. Also use the wipes to clean grocery cart handles or clean your child’s hands after time at the playground.

Burp Cloths

Zip-lock Bags – Perfect place for storing that soiled diaper if you can’t dispose of it immediately.

Clothing – Change of clothes is an essential in case of a diaper malfunction. And the dirty clothes can then go into the zip-lock bag.

Feeding Supplies – This can mean just about anything depending upon the age of your child and what they are being fed but may include baby food, bowls, spoons, bottles and a snack.

Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer – It is amazing how quickly a child can run a fever. Have some children’s pain/fever reducer in your bag for when those times hit or for after a visit to the doctor where your child received her latest immunizations.

And more – A blanket for keeping your baby warm, a couple of toys or books, and some goodies for yourself, such as a bottle of water and a healthy snack.

I know this seems like a lot but I always think of a diaper bag as an all-event emergency bag.