Littlest Pet Shop Birthday cake by cakejournal, on Flickr

Don’t panic if you are not a world class baker or if you failed at your last cake decorating venture.  I am going to share with you how to decorate a birthday cake that will make your kids say WOW!

Think of your child’s favourite super hero, cartoon or story book character.  Maybe it’s an action figure or a doll, maybe it’s one of those strange things from the Night Garden (cbeebies), just hold onto that image in your mind and get ready to transform it into icing!

To make the cake you will need, you will need decorating tips, an icing bag, a ‘non-toxic’ drawing implement (a non-toxic child’s coloured pencil is fine) and a piece of rice paper.

Tip: You may want to buy several pieces of rice paper so you can practice a few times before your Children’s Birthday Party – it may also be a good idea to practice on something really simple like a clown’s face.

You can normally find rice paper in the cake decorating section of your super market or in a specialty cake decorating store – you can buy it online, if you have enough lead time to wait for the delivery.

Let’s get started:

1. Select a cake mix your child will like (chocolate, banana, etc).  Go back to that image you are holding in your mind of your child’s favourite character and find a picture which will fit onto the top of your cake.  Select the image from a magazine, an online photo printed on your printer, or other source.
2. As it’s your child’s birthday party, using a picture of them is also a great idea!
3. Do all the necessary baking and then let the cake cool while you start to have fun and focus on your drawing.
4. Now place the piece of rice paper over the picture you wish to trace.  Trace the edges and all of the critical dividing lines you’ll need (e.g. the edge of a coat tail or the laces on a shoe) to give you a guide.
5. After you have traced the shape, cut it out carefully, and set it aside with the original picture so you can use that for reference when you start icing.
6. Ice the cake with any solid colour you wish.
7. Now put the rice paper on top of the cake, fill an icing bag and use a small tip to outline the shape of the picture.  Use dark icing for the outline.
8. Once the outline is finished, fill in the detail inside the pattern.  Start with the tiniest details first (like shoelaces and buttons) in dark colours, using the small writing size tip.
9. Complete the design by using lighter colours to fill in the colour of your picture, ie: a clown’s hair or the action figures costume, using a star or other shaped tip and placing lots of dots of icing in the coloured area until you have filled out that part of the design.
10. When you have finished the picture, change your tip back to the first one you used for outlining the picture at the beginning and then go over the whole outline again, go over the lines you originally created to make sure they are clearly defined.

As for the rice paper, it will disintegrate into a rice-based, edible substance that is invisible on the cake and everyone will wonder how you became such a talented artist overnight!

You can decorate the sides of the cake with an appropriate tip and place small dots of icing or other shapes randomly around the sides.  If your children’s birthday party has a theme you could choose items that match the theme to go around the cake.

It is now time to stand back, get the camera and take a photograph of your masterpiece; after all it won’t last long at your children’s birthday party once they blow the candles out!

Have fun,

Wayne

Photographing children, especially in a party environment can be especially challenging because children have lots of energy and a short attention span, this combination can be the kiss of death when it comes to taking pictures.

So, how do you capture great pictures of your Children’s Birthday Party?

Firstly, do not be distracted by the other things going on in the room.  Concentrate on what you can see in that little square.

Is the subject clearly visible?  Is the focus sharp or blurred?  If you are using a digital camera you can focus and zoom to get what you want in the digital image and then you can crop it later if it’s not quite right.

Don’t worry about getting your child in the middle of the picture.  The background and other people around your child help capture the mood of the party.  The main thing is that whatever you plan to photograph (the kids at the table, or your child blowing out the birthday candles) is clearly visible.

Try to keep things simple.  There is no need for a lot of patterns or colours to make a picture interesting, in fact try to avoid them because these are likely to take the focus off the subject.

Children at a Birthday Party are highly unlikely to sit still so don’t expect them to do so for a photograph.  Action shots are usually more interesting than static shots, anyway, so hold onto your camera and be ready for those spur of the moment opportunities.

Some of the best pictures of Children’s Parties are when your child is focused on an activity or a game.  They are less self-conscious about having their picture taken and you can usually capture the mood of the part very well when they are engrossed in something fun or interesting.

If you have a zoom lens on your camera, don’t be afraid to get a close-up shot!  You don’t always have to have the background setting for definition.  Sometimes, particularly with young children, just the expression is priceless!

It is usually difficult to take a lot of the same picture at a Children’s Birthday Party because, as mentioned earlier, they just don’t sit still for long enough.  It is better to try and take pictures in succession, capturing the action a few seconds (or a minute) apart.  That way you will get a choice of interesting shots and one will probably be the one you want to frame.  Digital cameras are great for this because you can take lots of pictures and then delete the ones you don’t want.

Taking pictures outside:

If your Children’s Birthday Party takes place in the summer you may want to take pictures outside but if you do you must avoid taking them in direct sunlight.  It makes your children squint, can cause glare, wash out colours and create shadows and ‘red eye’ effects where you don’t want them.

Try taking your pictures in what the photographers call ‘open shade’, so that you have the diffuse sunlight but your subject is not in deep shadow.  As an example, you might take the picture under the broad limbs of a tree.  You will have some cover from the sun, but you won’t need a flash.  If you are using a 35 MM camera in ‘open shade’, use ISO 400 film (or faster).

Taking pictures indoors:

Sometimes you do not have the advantage of having natural light for your photographs so if you have to shoot pictures indoors be sure to add enough ambient light to illuminate the room but not to cause glare.  If you are using a flash on your camera remember that the flash is only useful if you are within a few feet of the subject.  Otherwise, the light from the flash disperses to the point where it doesn’t light up much of anything and is a waste of time.

You must also be careful using a flash with young children (12-18 months) as some children will cry or become disoriented with lots of flashbulbs going off.

To finish, we will leave you with these simple tips to make your photographic experience more pleasurable for everyone concerned, and still ensure that you will get those crucial shots of your Children’s Birthday Party.

• Consider the time and place of the party and be prepared with plenty of the right film (and the right speed, if you are using a 35 MM) for the particular room, outdoor event or lighting scenario.  If you are using a digital camera, be sure you have plenty of memory cards so you don’t run out!
• Consider if you will need a flash or not.  Take some pictures with a flash and some without if you ensure you have some good shots.
• Tired children never make good photograph subjects so if possible try and make sure your child is well-rested before the party starts so you don’t get pictures of them crying at their party.
• A big tip is to take pictures at the same level as the kids – get down on your knees or sit in a chair.  Many people over look this and end up with pictures of the tops of their heads or upturned faces!
• Take lots of pictures and shoot fast.  Children move quickly, so if you only take a few pictures, you may find you have captured nothing but a blur on film.
• Wait for the shot you want if it is critical.  Don’t force your child to pose or remain in one position for a long time.  Wait for the right shot that reveals your child’s personality through casual or candid activity.
• Remember to take plenty of close-up shots with your zoom lens.  That way, you don’t intimidate or distract your child by getting right in their face, but you get that beautiful close-up you want.
• Consider props!  If your child just got a teddy bear for a present, or they have a birthday balloon, get a close-up shot of the child with it.  It will make a great framed picture and be an ever lasting memory of your Child’s Birthday Party!

Not only is visual, audible and sensory stimulation important for your child’s development, but if you offer your child this kind of stimulation from an early age, your child will become more involved in the world around him and his natural curiosity will lead the way.

There are many toys for children out there and although a baby is not ready

Courtesy of rachel_a_long, on Flickr

for the toddler toys yet, they can use toys that will help them develop their coordination and motor skills.

Choosing the right toys for babies is not that complicated.  Here are a few tips to consider;

In the beginning, your baby can’t hold a toy or sit or stand to play with an object, but she can watch mobiles and brightly coloured cot ‘hangings’ that will help her focus her eyes.

Her vision is a bit fuzzy but she can see things that are about 20-30 centimetres from her face.  So, in addition to mobiles, you can decorate the walls around her cot with animals, figures or brightly coloured shapes with lots of contrast.  She will love that!

Many mobiles also play soft music which your young baby will find enjoyable.  Make sure you mount the mobile well out of baby’s reach and that it is fastened solidly to the cot or other surface, and choose a mobile that has lots of colour and shape.

You can also play a music box or a CD or tape with lullabies or soothing music your child will love.

As your baby gets a little older, he will love to look at his own reflection in the mirror.  Many baby toy stores sell safe, plastic mirrors that can be mounted on the cot or playpen.

Very soon, your child will start to turn over and even sit up.  When your child is sitting in a walker, a swing or a high chair, you can give them brightly coloured shapes to handle.

There are many options, including plastic ‘rods’ that fasten onto strollers or walkers and fasten across the front with circles, squares and other shapes attached to the rod.  These shapes can be twirled, spun or pushed back and forth and make for great play for your young child.

Soft, sturdy, washable fabric books allow your child many hours of practicing motor skills as they grow.  They can flip pages, look at animal shapes, letters and numbers and YOU can wash their favourite toy without any fuss.

One of the best toys for your babies motor skills development is the old and faithful rattle.  It allows your baby to practice by grasping and moving these baby-friendly shapes – and he is rewarded with an interesting rattling or rolling bell sound.

When your baby is old enough to hold and snuggle a stuffed animal, there are great options for child safe bears and other animals that make noises, talk, sing and play music.

By all means, when you are looking for toys for babies, or toys for children of any age, be sure they are age-appropriate toys, labelled as such by the manufacturer.  Do not put makeshift toys or toys for older children into your child’s cot.

And stay away from toys with small pieces that may detach from the toy or be pulled off by little hands or budding teeth.

Try to buy toys that can be easily washed and be sure you don’t use toxic or strong detergents or cleaning fluids on your child’s toys.  Remember, your baby will put EVERYTHING in his mouth!

Wayne

Courtesy of Microcontroleur, on Flickr

If you are new to parenting then here are some pointers that may help you determine when to call the doctor.  However, if you are TRULY concerned and you need reassurance, call your Doctor, NHS Direct or someone who is qualified to give you medical advice.

Understand that they are used to this cycle and that they know if they can educate you, you will be a better parent and their investment will pay off.  But if you encounter a Doctor who is less than understanding, FIND YOURSELF A NEW ONE!

When you call for guidance the doctor’s advice will depend on the following general criteria:

The severity of your child’s symptoms
The frequency of your child’s symptoms

The doctor may give you a temporary solution to tide you over until you can get an appointment or he may tell you to go to the nearest Accident & Emergency if the symptoms or health problem is more severe and needs immediate attention.

The important thing to remember is not to panic.  Be prepared to answer questions (we’ll go over this in a minute) and call your GP’s practice and ask to speak to the doctor.  If you are calling at night, you will get an answering service which will normally tell you to ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or dial 999 if it is an emergency.

If your sick baby displays any of the following symptoms, it is wise to contact your doctor.

• Fever – While it is common for children between 2 and 12 months to develop mild fevers, your doctor will decide whether your child should be examined or whether to simply monitor and treat the symptoms of the fever.
• Diarrhoea or Vomiting – Babies sometimes have soft stool (especially if you are nursing), and all babies are sick at some stage.  But if these symptoms are frequent or severe, you should call your doctor.  If your baby has had diarrheal or vomiting for a few days, your doctor will be concerned about dehydration.
• Colds & Upper Respiratory Infections – Colds and viruses can be uncomfortable for a baby, but normally they are not of concern.  However, if your child is having problems breathing, or problems eating because he cannot breathe through his nose, or if your baby is coughing or congested, you should call your doctor.
• Eye or Ear Problems – If your baby is pulling on her ear or seems not to respond to your voice as usual, she may have an ear infection or congestion.   This can be associated with fever and/or upper respiratory infection.  Likewise, if your baby’s eyes are swollen or if you see any discharge from the eyes, call your doctor.
• Bruises, Cuts & Bumps - As your baby begins to crawl and walk, he is likely to get a minor cut or bump on occasion.  If you do not know how to treat these minor injuries or if the cut seems to take a long time in healing, call your doctor.
• General Changes in Habits – If your baby’s sleep patterns, appetite, mood or motor skills seem to change drastically and if these changes are persistent, call your doctor.  If your child is lethargic or irritable at times of day when he would otherwise be active or playful, and if these changes are persistent, call your doctor.  If your child develops a rash all over his body or an unexplained rash (not nappy rash), call your doctor.  Likewise, if your child’s skin tone changes (developing a yellowish colour) call your doctor.  This would typically occur within the first few weeks after you bring him home and could be a sign of jaundice, which is not unusual but does require treatment.

EMERGENCIES - 999!

If your child has any of these symptoms, you should consider this an emergency and immediately call 999 or take your child to an emergency room (DO NOT attempt to drive your child to the Emergency Room if you are alone with the child).  You will need someone in the car with you to care for your baby while you are driving.

In the event you and your child are alone when the emergency occurs, remain calm and call 999.

Seek emergency treatment if your child:

• Has swallowed an unknown substance or a poisonous substance (like a household cleaner)
• Is having seizures or is unresponsive
• If your child has a serious wound or cut that will not stop bleeding or that may require stitches
• If your child is having real problems breathing (laboured, heaving breath or severe wheezing), and/or his skin tone is bluish or gray in colour (look at the nails and lips, as this is where you will first see these signs appear)
• If your child has a high fever (equal to or above 38 C or 100.4 F)
• If your child has sustained a head injury (with or without bruising or outward signs) and appears to be listless, dizzy, is vomiting or sleepy or is unresponsive
• If your child cannot move or is having trouble moving arms or legs or controlling motor skills they have already mastered
• If your child is choking or appears not to be breathing

When you contact a medical professional or take your child in for emergency care, you will be expected to provide answers to questions that will help the doctors, nurses and A & E staff better care for your child.

Remain calm and be prepared to answer these questions:

1. How old is your child
2. Does your child have any known medical conditions or problems (including allergies to medications and/or foods?)
3. What are your child’s symptoms (how long has this been going on, how frequently (in the case of vomiting/diarrheal, etc?)
4. How is your child responding (crying, listless, unresponsive)
5. Who is your Doctor (if you are going to a Walk in Centre or hospital rather than calling your doctor directly, they will need to know your doctor’s name to contact her and let her know they are treating her patient and get her advice)
6. When was your child’s last doctor’s appointment?  Do you have another one scheduled any time soon?
7. Has your baby been immunised?  How recently, and for what?  Has your baby had a tetanus shot?  If so, when?
8. What changes have you noticed in your baby’s regular schedule lately, if any?  (Eating, bowel or urination habits, sleeping, mood, etc.)
9. Has anyone with a health problem or contagious illness been around your child recently?  Have you fed your child anything different recently, or given him any new medication.

And lastly, be prepared to provide medical coverage information and the name of the pharmacy you use for your prescriptions.

The bottom line for all parents of children ages 1-12 months is to remain calm in the event your child has a health crisis or problem.  At this young age, your child is incapable of caring for her own needs and is depending on you to make the right decisions.  Don’t panic!  Call your doctor if you feel you should, and let your intuition guide you in that respect.  And, if it is an emergency, get your sick baby to a doctor immediately!

Wayne

(This article is meant as a guide only so do not follow it as medical advice.  It has been compiled from research in good faith. Please use your own common sense and always consult your doctor before acting on any health information on our blog.)

Consider your needs and decide how long you wish to work.  Some women like to work as long as they can so that they don’t waste any maternity leave and can use more of it after their baby is born.  Others get tired or uncomfortable and it becomes difficult for them to work, especially if they have a strenuous or stressful job or commute.  Talk to your doctor about your situation.

While you are working, you want to maintain your health and ensure that your baby has a healthy environment in which to grow and develop.

Courtesy of max sauter, on Flickr

Here are some tips:

Some foods and smells can trigger nausea during pregnancy. The sweet biscuit you used to love for your morning snack may now cause your stomach to churn.  Recognise these changes and stay clear of these foods and smells so you don’t make your nausea worse.

Keep crackers in your desk at work and use them to stave off nausea – a stomach that is very empty or very full will cause more problems.

Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.  Dehydration will make your morning sickness worse.

Get plenty of sleep and allow yourself more time to get ready for work in the morning.  Fatigue and stress will also increase nausea.

You might feel tired much of the time, especially during the first and third trimesters and even more so after a long day at work.  Take regular breaks, take a short walk (outside if you can) and move around.  If your job is physical, try to take more rest periods.  Rest periods will also help you concentrate.  You may want to close your office door, put your feet up and close your eyes for a few minutes during lunch or on a break.

In early and very late pregnancy you may be tired by afternoon.  In this case, change your work schedule if you can so that you can get the higher-energy tasks out of the way in the morning while you are feeling fresh.

If you have a demanding job, try to cut back on commitments outside work and get more rest after work so that you will be prepared for the work day.

Regular exercise will help your energy level as well.  If you were exercising before pregnancy, continue to do so with guidance from your doctor.  If you want to start exercising during pregnancy talk to your doctor about what you can do to stay active.

Don’t be too proud to accept help at home and at work where you can.  You can always return the favour after you and your baby are on a regular schedule and you are feeling like your old self again.  Cleaning, mowing the lawn, or shopping can be done by others or, if you have the financial wherewithal, you can hire someone to do these things for you until you can take on these responsibilities again.  That way, you can get the extra rest you’ll need to do your job every day.

Go to bed when you are tired!  You don’t have to stay up until midnight to get that extra work done, just because you always did before.  Your body is changing and you and your baby deserve a little extra sleep.

Move around frequently to ease the stress on your muscles and back.  You may find that standing, lifting and even sitting for long periods of time will make you tired or sore now, so listen to your body.  Many companies supply an ergonomic chair for office workers if you have a note from your doctor.  Chairs with adjustable arms and height, and a firm back can help.

You can also bring in a small pillow to support your lower back while you sit.   Put your feet up on a box, wastebasket or stool to take the weight off your lower back and reduce foot and leg swelling.

Plan for those extra trips to the bathroom.  Don’t try to hold it!

If you have to stand a lot in your job, put your foot up on a stool or box to change your position and take the strain off of your low back. Change the leg you elevate every so often to be sure you pay attention to both legs throughout the day.  Wear comfortable shoes (you may have to get a larger size shoe when you are pregnant) and use pregnancy or support pantyhose to support your legs.

If you have to lift during the course of your day, be sure your doctor is OK with the weight you are lifting.  You may have to stop working sooner if your job is strenuous or requires you to lift heavy weight.  Remember to lift the right way so you don’t strain your back.  Your abdominal muscles are already strained so they can’t help much with lifting!

If your job is very stressful, you need to rest more and may need to stop working sooner.  Stress can be much harder on a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

Talk to your boss, your co-workers and others to see if you can reduce some of the usual stress.  Talk to your doctor so she knows what you are up against.  She may suggest an earlier leave or other options.

Learn relaxation exercises, or take a Yoga class for pregnant women.  You can use this to relieve stress and relax and you will feel much better.

Be sure you talk to your doctor about the demands of your particular job.  Some jobs will increase your risk of pregnancy complications.

Jobs that should be carefully evaluated include:

• Those that require heavy lifting or require a LOT of lifting (a recent study found a significant association between physically demanding work and premature birth. Increased risk of low birth weight infants and maternal hypertension or pre-eclampsia)
• Jobs with lots of standing or strenuous climbing or walking (prolonged standing at work is also associated with increased incidence of premature birth)
• Jobs in toxic environments (hazardous chemicals, gas, dust, fumes, radiation, or infectious diseases)
• Environments with constant loud noise or where machines are very loud or have lots of vibration
• Jobs that require long or intense commutes
• Jobs with very long hours or frequent shift changes (shift work and increased levels of work related fatigue are also associated with premature birth)
• Jobs in very cold or very warm environments
• Jobs that require a lot of flexibility or balance

If you must continue to work throughout your pregnancy and your job is high-risk, talk to your employer about taking a temporary position elsewhere until after the baby is born.

Talk to your doctor and/or your midwife about what you are feeling and change your plans if your condition or health is being affected by work.

To find out your rights surrounding pregnancy see the Direct.gov website - Pregnancy & maternity rights in the workplace

(This article is meant as a guide only so do not follow it as medical advice.  It has been compiled from research in good faith. Please use your own common sense and always consult your doctor before acting on any health information on our blog.)

Also, talk to your doctor about visits or tests you need to schedule,

Courtesy of NNegrilli, on Flickr

so that you are not away during the time these are to take place. Prenatal visits, scheduled ultrasound tests, glucose screening tests or Rh immunoglobulin injections (for those whose blood type is Rh negative).

Assuming your doctor says it is OK for you to travel, be sure you prepare a complete list of contact names and phone numbers to take with you. If you have problems during your trip and need care or attention, health care professionals or other travellers can ensure that you get appropriate care.

This information should include:

• Your name, age and blood type, and any medications you are taking, as well as your health care insurance information. Also include your due date, the date of your most recent doctor appointment, any allergies you may have to medication or foods, and any immunizations you may have had before travel.
• Your doctor’s name and contact information
• Any doctor’s name and phone number you may be using while you are away from home
• Emergency contact information for your family (include more than one contact)

Be sure you have ample supply of prescription and over the counter medications, and prenatal vitamins.
Make certain that your health insurance polity covers pregnancy, delivery and other complications during travel and be sure to double check any restrictions that may apply to travel in foreign countries.

Check the availability of travel insurance on your airline, or other carrier, to be sure that you are covered if you have to miss part of, or your entire, trip because of pregnancy related health problems or if you incur emergency expenses during your trip. Ask if this insurance covers complications from pregnancy and emergency transport.

Carry a mobile/cell phone, especially if you’re travelling alone, and be sure that your phone will function in any foreign country to which you may be travelling.

You can plan normal activities while you are travelling, but understand that you are likely to get tired more quickly when you are pregnant, so plan for extra rest during each travel day. Take a relaxing bath, use room service, sit on the beach or watch an in-room movie.
Eating healthy is important, and your schedule is likely to be different on the road, so take bananas, dry fruit, and cheese and crackers with you. Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration, especially if you are flying to your destination.

Take your bathroom schedule into consideration. As an expectant mother, you are likely to need to use the bathroom often. Don’t plan vacation or travel activities that require you to be out in the middle of nowhere, away from facilities. And plan extra time for ‘pit stops’ if you are travelling by car.

Remember that your feet and legs are likely to swell during pregnancy if you are sitting for long periods of time. Wear comfortable, expandable shoes and socks and elevate your feet whenever possible. Get up and walk around whenever you can on a plane, train or bus and if you are travelling by car, be sure to walk around a bit when you stop to use the bathroom.

If you are travelling to a foreign country, you and your doctor will have to consider any vaccines you will require to determine whether they are safe to administer during pregnancy. Avoid live vaccines like varicella for chicken pox, measles, mumps, and rubella. The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) report no foetal damage from live vaccines, but they admit that their information is limited, so these vaccines should still be considered risky. Vaccines for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, and tetanus, are safe and recommended for pregnant women at risk of getting these diseases.

In many developing countries local healthcare and the quality of available food and water are questionable. It is best to avoid travel to these countries while you are pregnant.

If you are travelling to a hot, humid destination, avoid yeast infections by wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes, and cotton underwear. Change out of wet bathing suits as soon as you can, and talk to your doctor about carrying a tube of anti-fungal cream, just in case you need it.

Avoid risky activities, especially late in pregnancy: snow skiing, water skiing, surfing, horseback riding, parasailing, scuba diving, water slides and some more extreme amusement park rides. You may also wish to avoid very hot saunas and hot tubs, as they elevate your temperate beyond what is normal in a regular bath.

You can walk and hike at low altitudes, swim in calm waters (not in heavy surf or rapids), ride a stationary or regular bike, exercise in the hotel gym (if you have been used to exercising before and during your pregnancy) and jog if you jogged before pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your planned activities before you leave for travel or vacation.

Be smart! If you start to feel tired, overheated, dizzy or uncomfortable, slow down, rest, take a break or stop what you are doing.

Travel, especially to other time zones, can throw your eating schedule off and cause more problems with bloating, and indigestion. Try eating several small meals during the day. Don’t eat close to bedtime (allow 2-3 hours to digest your food). Sleep with your upper body propped on pillows. Avoid alcohol, carbonated beverages, caffeine, chocolate, acidic foods (citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar), and spicy foods. Try to eat high-fibre foods to avoid constipation and bloat, and stay active to keep your digestive tract moving.

Avoid motion sickness by sitting in the front seat of the car and keeping the window open to get plenty of fresh air. In an airplane, sit over the wing, and on a boat, try to stay on the deck and focus on the horizon.

You can try wearing a specially designed wristband to deliver mild electrical current to a nerve at an acupuncture point on the underside of your wrist. Studies show that this device helps some pregnant women with morning sickness and motion sickness.

If you follow these suggestions, you should have a pleasant and healthy trip.

And, remember, be safe. Check with your Doctor about all these things and their associated risks. If your doctor advises against travel, you are wise to follow her/his suggestion. It is best to put off the trip for another time after the baby is born, rather than to risk your health and the health of your unborn child!

(This article is meant as a guide only so do not follow it as medical advice. It has been compiled from research in good faith. Please use your own common sense and always consult your doctor before acting on any health information on our blog.)

It’s not about the politics for me so if you want to debate that side of things there are plenty of places to go online. For me, the Olympics is about the dedication and work the athletes have put in order to represent their country in one of the greatest sporting events ever.

Can you imagine being at the top of your game like that, the world at your feet, the personal sacrifice it has taken to get there and the feelings of sheer joy in your accomplishment. I can not think of how they would describe it, the best sporting emotion I ever had was winning the Leicestershire Rugby County Cup, being the best in world, a gold medal at the Olympics, is a gazillion miles from that.

Yes the Olympics may seem a little off topic but my kids have learned more about China in the last fews hours (and so have I) than they would learn through school. What an amazing history, Makes me wonder what we will be celebrating in 4 years time, Robin Hood and the Viking Invasion???
Don’t get me wrong, I’m very proud to be British and will be cheering on the Great Britain Team in the 2008 Olympics, Come on Team GB!!

If you love the whole idea, like me but also have to work, then grab this news sprout and embed it in your facebook, myspace or similar profile, you will be able to keep up with all the news

Wayne

Anything they come up against in life will be more easily dealt with if they can read. They will have more confidence in class, around their peers and gain a great satisfaction from life as they will be able to solve problems themselves and in turn help others.

Until I started teaching my own children how to read I had always took it for granted and didn’t realise just how lucky I am that I could read. My Daughter has struggled with reading up until the last six months but now she is catching up so fast. She has started reading the Harry Potter books, and I now know she has got the ability to read because she discusses them with my wife (a massive Harry Potter fan) and I also know she now has one of the big doorways to life opened up.

Now my 4 year old son is a different story. He is starting to read himself and he loves it. Every night he asks me to read book after book and he now reads several of his favourites to me. Apart from being one of the most valuable gifts to them, it is one of those fantastic moments in life, when they start reading, you just feel so proud.

I have just read a post on another blog, Life Without School, and I really connected with the author for the way her daughter struggled to read as well and she has some great ideas of the little things you can do every day to build the foundations for your children’s reading future.  Take a look if you can.

Wayne

For more simple steps you can use today to help your child’s reading don’t forget to grab our free software - Educational Activities to Share with Your Child.

]]> http://family-guide.co.uk/teach-your-child-how-to-read/feed/ http://family-guide.co.uk/family-guide-100-steps-to-make-school-a-positive-event/ http://family-guide.co.uk/family-guide-100-steps-to-make-school-a-positive-event/#comments Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:32:56 +0000 Wayne http://family-guide.co.uk/2008/07/20/family-guide-100-steps-to-make-school-a-positive-event/ I have just come across a great site, ScottCounseling, covering many areas of parental education and how to help your children at school.

I wanted to share it as it really made me think about what I am doing and what more I could be doing.  I am a member of my children’s school PTA and my 4 year old starts school after the summer holiday and I now have a few more ideas of how to help him settle in.

Its a good idea to check what else you could be doing for your children, everything helps
Take a look at  Steps To Make To Help School Become A Positive Event: 100 Steps To Consider!

Wayne

Download “Educational Activities to Share with Your Child” It’s free for all our visitors

Tags: child, education

If you have read the “About Family Guide” page you will know my family are number one in my life and I suggest that anyone who values their children’s education get involved with their school as much as they can. This is my first year as a committee member of the PTA and I didn’t realise just how much hard work it is to ensure these events work. The good news is that we achieved new records raising more money than before so it was definitely well worth it.

The main thing I have learnt is that the BBQ at a Summer Fair is really busy. I volunteered to run it as we were short on people putting themselves forward. My suspicions should have been raised as other parents sniggered on Saturday morning when they found out I was doing the BBQ and to be honest, it was harder work than my day job!

But it was for my children and their education will benefit when we spend all the money on additional resources for their classrooms, so I didn’t mind.

However it is Monday morning so back to everyday life.

Keep a look out later this week as we have a new “Easy Science Projects” guide coming your way to help you help your family.

Wayne

Have you downloaded “Educational Activities to Share with Your Child” yet? It’s free for all our visitors