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Tuesday Tips-For New Parents

cindy — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:41:58 +0000

Tuesday Tips is back by popular demand! Every Tuesday I will be posting parenting or family related tips to help you be the best mom you can be.

Top 5 Tips New Parents Need to Know from BornFree:

BornFree is the leading chemical free/BPA-free baby bottle line

1. Get your home in order before the baby arrives: Clean, organize, and find a place to store all baby products, so they can be easily accessible.

2. Find the places that are open all night and who will deliver to your home – keep a running and accessible list of nearby pharmacies, grocery stores, etc. and have these numbers readily available.

3. Keeping your baby safe is the most important. Products that are BPA and chemical free are essential.

4. Try and lock down a sleep schedule ahead of time to adjust to both your needs and your baby needs. Taking turns between parents is a great way to ensure both parties are tending to the baby while taking care of their own health as well and getting as much rest as they possibly can.

5. Read up beforehand and don’t be afraid to ask your pediatrician questions before the baby even arrives in your home such as what to expect for feeding, sleeping and general care of your child.

About Born Free (www.newbornfree.com )

BornFree has developed a range of products baby bottles, cups and accessories that is totally free of the potentially dangerous chemicals Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phthalates and PVC. BPA is a known estrogen mimicker that is used in the production of polycarbonate plastic. According to researchers, BPA may cause developmental and neurological problems if it leaches from plastic. Reports suggest that small amounts of BPA may leach into food or beverages stored in polycarbonate containers, especially when the contents are heated. In addition, BornFree’s cups and bottles feature the unique BornFree venting system, designed to reduce colic and ear infections.

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Texting Tips for Parents

cindy — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:57:58 +0000

Texting is not just for kids anymore as more and more parents are climbing out of the dark ages and embracing the communication method of the future. This ‘new generation’ of texters may pride themselves on finally catching up to the 21st century, but they still have a lot to learn before their texting forefathers (i.e. their kids) will fully accept them into their texting community.

Below are a few helpful tips from Predicto Mobile , the leading online and text message based survey company, for parents looking to successfully integrate into the texting community:

1) Learn the lingo: There are pre-established acronyms like LOL, TTYL and BRB. Not every sentence is meant to be written using only the first letter of every word.

2) Don’t invade their tech space: Don’t text your kids until they text you, otherwise your kids will think you’re a poseur.

3) Use but don’t abuse: Don’t be the next of victim of text addiction.

4) Make it all inclusive: Make sure you have an all inclusive rate plan so you aren’t like “OMG” when your cell phone bill arrives

5) Just Say No: “Sexting” is inappropriate at any age

6) Don’t text and drive: Texting accidents are becoming increasingly common. Recent studies have shown that drivers who text are four times as likely to crash.

“Texting is an appealing way for parents to reach their kids while simultaneously boosting their “coolness” factor,” says Eyal Yechazkell, CEO of Predicto Mobile. “But parents also need to be careful they don’t over do it. Kids are pretty astute and can sense when their parents are trying too hard.”

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Tuesday Tips-Swimming Pool Safety

cindy — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:36:27 +0000

I love to swim. I grew up going to swimming lessons first at New England Divers and later at Bevery Regional YMCA. I went on to get my senior life saving certification and work at the YMCA amd a summer camp as a lifeguard. I have taught hundreds of kids how to swim. I have witnessed a few near drownings. Swimming is fun and a good means of exercising but swimming can be deadly.

Living in Florida it seems we hear weekly of another child who drowned in a swimming pool. It is sad. I know how hard it is to keep an eye on one child near a pool, let alone a large group of kids. Unfortunately, I don’t believe there is a 100% fool proof way to avoid accidental drownings but, there are many things you can do raise the safety level of your pool.

Use layers of protection

Childproof locks on all doors that lead to the swimming pool area
Surround the pool with a fence that is at least 4 feet tall. Just make sure to contact reputable professionals who offer services like Split rail fences.
Above ground pools-remove the ladder when the pool is not in use
Always bring a telephone into the pool area before you swim
NEVER leave a child unattended near a pool, even for a second
NEVER allow a child under age 8 in a swimming pool without an adult in the pool with them
NEVER assume a child is safe because they have had swimming lessons
Don’t use flotation devices as a substitute for direct supervision
Be extremely careful at large gatherings, it is easy for a young child to wander off and drown when there are lots of people milling around.
If a child is missing, look in the pool first. Seconds count in a swimming pool emergency, rule out the pool before looking anywhere else.

Recently there have been several drownings because children got stuck to the bottom of the pool by a faulty drain cover. Check you drain cover and make sure it is intact. The new drain covers are dome shaped instead of the old flat ones. Knowing where the electrical cut-off is for your pool could save a life. If someone is caught in the drain cutting off the electicity to the pump will stop the suction and release the victim.

Swimming pool ownership is a lot of fun, but it is also serious business. Have a safe fun summer but don’t take your eyes off the pool.

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Win Some July 4th Fun

cindy — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:44:02 +0000

Just in time for the Fourth of July, the Momfluence network has partnered with Sara Lee and Ball Park Franks to provide one Momfluence Network Blog reader with a ready-made picnic!
One lucky winner will receive 10 packs of Sara Lee’s Soft and Smooth Buns and 24 packs of Ball Park Franks – all delivered to their door! Add the condiments and some sides and you’ve got a holiday celebration to remember.
This contest is open to all U.S. residents age 18 years or older and ends on noon eastern, June 29th. This contest is brought to you by Momfluence…rocking the cradle and shaping the world.

To enter to win, just fill out this secure form – your information will only be shared with the vendor if you win and will not be used for any other purpose. Then check back just before the Fourth of July for the Momfluence Summer Guide – a fun review of summer products from toys that bring the fun, to gels to soothe a sting!
Enter Here: http://tinyurl.com/ljty3t

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Momfluence Mother’s Day Gift Guide

cindy — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:48:09 +0000

Featured Products

Chic and Carry Wristlet – Make mom’s quick trips out with baby much easier with this great product.

Miessence Organics Mothers Day Set – Every mom deserves to be pampered once in awhile, and these organic body products allow her to do just that.

Sara Lee Simply Sweets Pies – Sara Lee’s Simply Sweets line gives you a delicious way to treat Mom this Mother’s Day with a fast, easy and delicious dessert.

Children Should Come With Warning Labels – Patti McKenna offers a humorous take on motherhood, giving mom a chance to laugh, cry, and identify with her tales.

Roundhouse Designs Desktop Mobile – Roundhouse Designs origami mobiles and wall art are handcrafted creations that make a unique Mothers Day gift.

Roundhouse Designs Jewelry – Roundhouse offers a wonderful selection of handmade jewelry, with styles that are perfect for every mother on your list this Mother’s Day.

Heart of A Mother – Heart of a Mother is a gift book filled with touching tributes to Mothers and Grandmothers, inspirational short stories, poems, proverbs and quotations.

Protect-A-Bed – Protect-a-Bed waterproof mattress covers provide protection from allergens, dust mites, and bedbugs, helping to extend the life of your mattress and mom to sleep a little sweeter.

Ultimate Woman Vitamins– Make sure that mom is getting everything she needs to stay healthy and active with the Vitamin Shoppe’s Ultimate Woman vitamins.

More Great Gift Ideas

April Cornell Shoulder Bag

BabyPlus System

Not Just Any Old Day Keyrings

Menu For The Week Subscription

For My Mother Reflection Journal

Vintage Body Spa

No Throw

Me Time Sportswear

Peek-A-Boobs

Kind Notes

Aventine Hill Bath Products

Treadlight Eco Snack Kit

Name Your Tune CDs

Things Remembered Charm Stories

Diaper Clutch

Pedometer

Lia Sophia Riverside Necklace

Lia Sophia Beaujolais Necklace

Lia Sophia Mandalay Bay Necklace

Lia Sophia Athena Necklace

Lia Sophia Love Dust Set

More Great Gift Guides

The Mom Maven

MomECentric

All reviews listed in the Momfluence gift guide were product provided.

Featured positions were purchased by sponsors.  Member gift guides are not affiliated with Momfluence.

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Day 3 of 10 Days Celebrating Mom-Giveaway Like Mother, Like Daughter

cindy — Sun, 03 May 2009 21:39:45 +0000

There is a special bond between mothers and daughters. They don’t always get along, who does, but there is a bond. “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Like Mother, Like Daughter” celebrates that special bond between mother’s and daughters. A perfect Mother’s Day gift for daughters to give to mothers and vice versa. Divided into sections ranging from “Mutual Support” to “Special Mother-Daughter Moments,” this book offers stories on maternal wisdom, raising teenage girls, becoming friends with Mom and more.

Every mother-daughter pair has its special times and traditions. My mom started a silly tradition when I went away to college that continues through today. When I went away to college, eventhough I was just over an hour away from home, it often felt like mom and I were hundreds of miles apart. Back in those days, there were no cell phones and most of us didn’t have phones in our dorm rooms. I was in an all girls dorm with one pay phone in each hallway. Telephone time was at a premium. Mom and I talked when we could, but I always new we would talk on the 1st of each month. It became a game to see who could catch the other one off guard with “Happy May 1st!” (or whatever month it was). It is a silly game, but I knew mom cared. After 2 years away I transferred to a college even closer to home and two years later, my sister went away to college and the tradition continued. Twenty-plus years later the tradition still continues, with the advent of caller-ID it has become more difficult to beat the other person to the greeting, but it is still fun. Now my sons play too, they try to call my mother or my sister and beat them to the punch. It is silly traditions like this that can deepen the bond of mothers and daughters.

While reading “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Like Mother, Like Daughter,” I was struck by how similar, yet how different we all are. As I read about:

How contributor Lizanne Southgate was reunited with her daughter after nearly 20 years
How cyclist Peggy Newland recreated her mother’s cross-country bicycle ride
How contributor Shana Helmholdt battled-and survived-leukemia, with her mother by her side
Why contributor Sylvia Rosa-Casanova describes the period that her mother moved in with her as a time of “the most grief and the most joy”

I could connect to each story, each person-even though I haven’t walked in their shoes-I am a mother, I am a daughter and we are all connected.

You can purchase the book here or you can enter to win it from The Mom Maven.

Mandatory EntryLet me know in your comment if you would keep this book for yourself, give it to your mother, give it to your daughter or give it to another significant woman in your life.
Bonus Entries
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This giveaway is open to US residents only and the winner will be chosen 5/9/09 at 5:30pm. Good Luck!

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