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FAMILY & PARENTING
TODAY’S NEWS HERALD
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Financial Mistakes
Travel easily
young families should avoid
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Simple Ways to teach kids about money
with kids in tow
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EXPLORE How to help kids
the advantages of working from home
MOST COMMON PARENTING MISTAKES
understand medication
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Help your child transition from a crib to a bed
FACTS about childhood fever
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the facts on How to help Get bronchiolitis kids choose an extracurricular activity
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Make your home safer for kids
16 Preserve digitial photos and family memories 17. . . . . NEW REASON to potty train 18. . . . . Welcoming young adults back into the home 19. . . . . Furnishing the empty nest 20-21 . . What to look for in an elder care facility 23. . . . . How to write your own last will and testament
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FAMILY & PARENTING
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TODAY’S NEWS HERALD
FINANCIAL MISTAKES young families should avoid Getting by without a budget. It’s possible to live without a budget, but that doesn’t mean it’s prudent. Living without a budget makes it hard to corral spending or to know just how much you’re spending each month. When sitting down to establish a monthly budget, the task can seem daunting, especially if you have never before lived on a budget. The first step toward establishing a budget is to determine the monthly costs of necessities (i.e., mortgage payments, car payments, groceries, etc.) and then make a list of those things you spend money on each month that aren’t entirely necessary (i.e., cable television bills, dining out, and so on). This can help you trim some of those extra costs that can make it difficult to save for your future. The first couple of month living on a budget might be rocky, and you might need to make a few adjustments along the way. But establishing a budget will make it much easier for you to meet your long-term financial goals.
Failing to save money. Young families want to start out on the right foot, and for many that means addressing finances and developing a plan so their finances help instead of hinder them in the years to come. Addressing finances often means tackling debts, and eradicating or significantly reducing debt is essential for young families. But being beholden to debt isn’t the only mistake young families make. The following are a few common mistakes that young families focused on their future should avoid.
Some young families feel their savings account is their home, the value of which they expect to appreciate considerably by the time they’re finished paying off their mortgage. Unfortunately, the housing market of the last several years suggests that homes might not be as great an investment as they once were. In fact, many homeowners are currently underwater with their mortgages, meaning they have more debt on the property than the property is worth. Though the prevalence of underwater mortgages doesn’t mean families should avoid buying a home, it does shed light on the importance families must place on saving money and avoiding the assumption that their home will finance their retirement down the road. There’s no telling if the value of your home will keep pace with inflation over the next several decades, so it’s important to save money and keep saving as the years go by.
Saving for college as opposed to retirement. Parents, of course, want their children to go to college, and many would prefer that their kids won’t end up buried in debt to afford tuition. However, it’s not a good idea to make the kids’ college tuition a higher priority than your own retirement. Kids can earn scholarships to college, but no such scholarships exist to finance your retirement. If your child’s college savings plan is getting more of your money than your own retirement savings, reverse this
plan immediately. You can still contribute to your child’s college fund, but don’t do so at the expense of your own retirement.
Living above their means. Young families in which Mom and Dad both have strong credit scores and histories will find they’re attractive to prospective lenders. As a result, it can be easy for young families to fall into the trap of living above their means, whether it be buying a home that stretches their budget or a car that might be flashy but is ultimately unaffordable. This is a potentially dangerous situation to find yourself in, as the first unforeseen expense can have a devastating domino effect on your finances. Though it might be tempting, don’t live above your means. Today’s families face a financial future that’s as uncertain as any in recent memory. That reality only emphasizes the importance families must place on making sound financial decisions that don’t put their futures in jeopardy.
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S I M P L E W AY S T O
TEACH KIDS ABOUT MONEY without making too many sacrifices, they can still start teaching kids about money, even if kids have just entered kindergarten. It’s never too early to teach kids lessons about money. The following tips are a few ways parents can do just that.
Give kids an allowance. Many parents Growing up in a time of economic struggle, today’s kids might be inadvertently learning lessons about money. If Mom and Dad have been forced to cut back or even lost their jobs, chances are kids have noticed and learned something as a result. Even if parents have managed to weather the economic storm of the last several years
give their kids an allowance so they can have some spending money when out with friends. But giving an allowance is also a great way to teach kids about managing their money. Start with an amount that is small but large enough for kids to make purchases. In so doing, kids will learn that things they want cost money and that properly managing their money will enable them to purchase the things they want. If kids spend all their
money by Monday and don’t get their allowance until Friday, resist the temptation to give them more money if the kids ask for it. This, too, will help kids learn the value of managing money.
Open a savings account in your child’s name. Another way to teach kids about money is to open savings accounts in their names. Once the account is opened, take your child to the bank once a week to deposit a predetermined amount of money. This shows the child the importance of steadily saving money. It might be difficult at the outset to get kids into this habit, but once they make savings deposits part of their routines and their balances start to grow, they will likely grow more enthusiastic about their weekly trips to the bank.
Encourage kids to document their finances. Encouraging kids to document their finances, including deposits, withdrawals and expenditures, is an effective way to teach them basic financial analysis. If the bank supplies savings books, make sure kids use them. But go one step further and give kids a financial journal where they can
document all of their purchases in addition to their deposits and withdrawals. Such documentation enables kids to analyze how they spend their money. Periodically go over these expenditures with children, and if they’re frustrated about their saving and spending habits, work with the children to develop more effective strategies. Kids may appreciate these small lessons in analysis down the road when it’s time to purchase their first vehicles or finance a larger expense, such as their educations or even their first homes.
Help kids make larger purchases. Helping kids make larger purchases, be it a new bicycle or a video game console, is another way to teach them about money. Such purchases teach kids about longterm financial goals, and how it’s necessary to stay diligent with savings in order to meet those goals. Paying for half is a good way to reward kids for meeting these longterm goals. It’s never too early to start teaching kids about money, and parents can do just that in a number of ways.
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EXPLORE
Working from home, also known as teleworking or telecommuting, is a growing component of the business sector. Many employees have already moved into the position of teleworking at least parttime from a home office, while others are poised to make the transition full-time. The ability to work remotely could be a boon to individuals looking to balance work and family further. As of 2011, Forrester Research, a technology and market research company, reported that about 34 million Americans work from their homes occasionally. In 2010, Telework Research Network found
that approximately 2.8 million employees in the United States worked from home a majority of the time. According to Statistics Canada, about 3.6 million Canadians work from home, with an even split between employees and selfemployed individuals. Other research projects that about 63 million people will telework by 2016. Here are some other facts garnered through a survey of senior leaders and hiring managers of Fortune 500 companies with at least 5,000 employees. • Fifty-six percent believe virtual work will steadily or greatly increase at their company. • Sixty-one percent feel their companies will let more people telecommute over the next three years. • Sixty percent of office-based employees use texting, instant messaging and teleconferencing technologies daily. • Fifty-six percent of company supervisors believe that working remotely makes employees more productive. Many families find that it is increasingly necessary to have two incomes in order to live comfortably. But childcare issues arise when both parents must work. The average household spends more than $20,000 a year on daycare or after-school care alone. Having the opportunity to telework and reducing childcare expenses is simply too attractive for many families to ignore. However, there are some factors to consider when working at home with
the advantages of working from home
children in the house. The perception of working at home and the reality of it with young children around rarely matches up. There are certain strategies to consider to keep the balance of work and time in check. Here’s how to get started. Set aside a private work space. Some people have the luxury of an extra room that can be used for an office. Others have to create a quiet nook in which to place a desk. Keep your work equipment and papers here to improve focus. Children will also learn to respect this space as your work area. Try not to place the desk in a busy living room or kitchen. A den, bedroom or even the garage will be quieter. Have reliable equipment. Nothing disrupts productivity like a poor Internet connection or a computer that is dated. Find out whether your company will supply you with equipment from the office or if you will have to buy it yourself. Then set yourself up with the office IT department to troubleshoot problems, or hire an outside service. Set work hours. Many people hoping to work from home believe they’ll work when they want and get things done. The trouble with this approach is the work day may eventually seem interminable, especially if you’re doing snippets of work here and there. Get in the habit of setting a consistent work schedule so other employees will know when they can reach you. This will also help you have a distinct shutdown time when your workday ends. Schedule these hours around school times and other responsibilities to reduce stress.
Limit time goofing off. Although many people who work remotely spend plenty of time at their desks trying to prove their work efficiency, some who work from home are easily distracted. Give yourself a few breaks so you can check status updates and personal e-mail throughout the day. But catch yourself if your mind has been wandering too much. Create break times. Officer workers have distractions such as lunch hour, chats with coworkers and coffee breaks. This helps split up the workday so you’re not chained to your desk. At home, there may not be as many opportunities or you may feel guilty about being caught away from your desk. But breaks are important because they help you recharge. Therefore, get up and make a cup of tea, or take a short stroll down the street. Wake early. It can be to your advantage to get up and start your day before others in the household. This way you can have some moments of peace and quiet to review your schedules for the day, prepare school lunches, organize paperwork and other tasks, and set goals. Hire a sitter. Even the most teleworker may find that doing work with a toddler or preschooler around can be challenging. See if a sitter or a neighbor can come in for a couple of hours to help you out while you get the bulk of your work done. Working from home is a growing phenomenon and can be the break families need to reduce dependence on childcare facilities and save money.
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MOST COMMON parenting mistakes Install a new appliance, which comes with an instruction manual. Buy a new gadget, and there will be an operation booklet tucked into the box. But have a child, and there’s no how-to guide that comes with the new baby. Parents must learn the ropes themselves with some guidance from others who have been there. Parents with good intentions make mistakes when parenting their children, and most of these mistakes are quite common.
P
arents employ many strategies for raising children the right way. It is often a task of trial and error to find methods that work in certain families. When making parenting decisions, individuals may want to avoid these common pitfalls that may lead to potential problems down the line with children’s behavior.
it is important to follow through. Don’t allow children to feel as though they can behave badly without facing consequences.
Setting unrealistic expectations.
often guilty of instructing children how to do something, but not following their own advice. For example, telling children to eat a balanced meal (including those vegetables) while the parent doesn’t put any on his or her plate. Children learn best by example, and they are always watching their parents’ behavior. Setting a good example all of the time is important.
This is a fast-paced world, and one in which many people are trying to keep up with the Jones’. This can cause parents to compare their children to others the same age and wonder whey their kids are not yet meeting a milestone someone else may have accomplished. As a result, parents tend to get pushy and impatient with their own children. This is often the case with a toddler who is not yet ready to potty train or a teenager who has yet to a commit to a course of study at school. Parents should set realistic expectations for their children, taking time into consideration. All children mature or do things on their own schedules — and will come around in time.
Failure to be consistent. Empty
Offering too many choices.
threats will soon be recognized by children for what they are. If a certain punishment is mentioned in reference to poor behavior,
Children presented with too many options might become indecisive. Parents can keep this in mind when allowing kids to have
Do as I say, not as I do. Parents are
some independence by making a few decisions but limiting the choices to a manageable amount. For example, when asking children what they may want for breakfast, only give three choices, such as: cereal, oatmeal or yogurt. They’ll still feel like they are making choices, but fewer options are less likely to overwhelm kids.
with praise, but often parents heap on too much praise or reward things that don’t have much merit. This may cause children to expect a pat on the back every time they do something. When parents applaud everything a child does, he or she may end up undermining the effectiveness of praise as a form of positive reinforcement.
Packing the schedule. More is not necessarily better when it comes to setting a child’s schedule. Too often parents fill their kids’ schedules with too many activities, especially extra-curriculars. Although afterschool activities help kids make more friends and become wellrounded individuals, overdoing it can cause stress, fatigue or inability to concentrate. Children need a balance between just having fun with free play and their school and extracurricular commitments. Having something to do each and every afternoon may overwhelm some children.
Nagging doesn’t work. Repetitively
Over-praising mundane things. It’s good to reinforce positive behavior
asking for something to get done may cause children to tune out. If the child doesn’t comply in a reasonable amount of time, then he or she will face some sort of punishment.
Children and adults are not equal. In an effort to befriend their children, parents often worry about hurting feelings or having their kids mad at them. Children shouldn’t be treated as small adults, and parents should remember they are parents first and foremost. Some decisions will be unpopular, but such decisions need to be made if they are in the child’s best interest.
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TODAY’S NEWS HERALD
HELP YOUR CHILD
Is she ready to move out of the crib into a bed?
transition from a crib to a bed Much of a young child’s life revolves around adapting to new situations. Even when a routine is established, things can change and new skills must be learned. From moving from bottle to cup, to giving up a pacifier, to no longer using diapers or training pants, young children must tackle a lot of transitions. One such transition is making the switch from sleeping in a crib to sleeping in a bed. A crib can be a safe, comforting place for a child. But over time, the crib may no longer be the right place for the child to rest and this can manifest itself in a number of ways. For instance, a child may attempt to climb over the railing edge. When such behavior persists, most parents consider switching to a toddler bed, or a twin-sized bed with safety railings.
Not every child has the same feelings about a “big boy or girl” bed. Some are excited about the prospect while others feel a bit frightened. There are certain things a parent can do to make the process go more smoothly for all involved. Get talking. Before buying the bed, start talking about it with your child. Talk about how the new bed will be comfortable and exciting and how your child is no longer a baby. Go to the store and look at all of the beds available. If your toddler has an older sibling, let the youngster try out his or her older sibling’s bed. Childproof the room. Chances are your child already plays in his or her room, so it already may be full of safety features. To be on the super-safe side, however, give it another look and be sure all
electrical outlets are sealed, topheavy furniture is secured, and items that pose safety risks are removed. Repurpose a safety gate. Since your child will now have free reign to get out of bed when he or she desires, prevent middle-of-the-night roaming or leaving the house while you are sleeping; block the bedroom doorway with a gate. This will be for the child’s protection and give you peace of mind. Choose the right time. It’s best not to make a substantial change to your child’s sleeping environment when there are other major events going on. Moving to a new home or welcoming a new baby into the house can be stressful. Wait until later to move to the bed. Stick to the same pre-sleep routine. Children are creatures of
habit and like to know what is coming next. Therefore, stick to the same routine around bedtime so that all will feel familiar. This may include reading a story, brushing teeth, and putting on pajamas, straightening up the room, or singing a lullaby together. Choose the transition type that works for your family. Some parents choose to leave the crib up and slowly transition to the bed. For example, parents may let the child nap in the bed throughout
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the day and sleep in the crib at night. Still, some parents prefer the out-of-sight, out-of-mind method of taking apart the crib and making the bed the sole optias life, this one is reached when the child is ready. Parents should also avoid letting their children sleep in Mom and Dad’s bed. This promotes a habit that will be hard to break down the line. Although the first few nights of the new bed may be hard for your child, with time he or she will grow comfortable with his or her new sleeping arrangements.
FAMILY & PARENTING
TODAY’S NEWS HERALD
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HOW TO HELP KIDS
Certain extracurricular activities, including sports, require larger commitmets than others
Today’s kids are busier than ever before. Commitments in the classroom coupled with a full slate of extracurricular activities have ensured that many of today’s school-aged children don’t have a minute to spare.
kids won’t get much of the experience if they’re reluctant to participate. However, parents should not overlook the social benefits of extracurricular activities. Consider those benefits when helping kids choose activities, especially if they’re likely to choose solitary activities like learning a musical instrument. It’s good to encourage such interests, but also try to encourage a balance between solitary activities and ones that encourage socialization with peers, such as a sports team, debate club or volunteering with other students at a local charity. Don’t forget the fun factor. Extracurricular activities are not just supposed to instill character, they’re also supposed to be fun. If kids aren’t having fun or showing any interest in a given extracurricular activity, then help them find another one. Kids need time to have fun away from school just like adults need time for fun away from the office. Weigh how enjoyable a given activity figures to be for your youngster before signing them up.
choose an extracurricular activity
While it’s important for kids to embrace extracurricular activities, parents know it’s not always easy helping kids find the right activity that allows them to grow outside the classroom while still focusing on their responsibilities inside it. In addition, kids’ interests tend to change at the drop of a hat, so something they want to do today might bore them come tomorrow. To help kids choose and manage their extracurricular activities, consider the following tips. Emphasize that schoolwork must come first. Kids get excited about extracurricular activities, especially ones involving sports where they get to spend time playing with their friends. But parents should emphasize that school still comes first and that, if schoolwork starts to suffer, participation in extracurricular activities will be put on hold until kids get their studies back on track. Go over coursework at the start of the school year. Examine a child’s course load before choosing an extracurricular activity. It’s important to do this each year, as coursework gets
more difficult as children get older. Just because a child could handle a couple of afterschool activities a week when he or she was in fifth grade does not mean such a schedule will be as manageable when the same child reaches high school. Go over coursework and requirements as early as possible, preferably before the school year starts, so you and your child can get a grip on what can and can’t be handled with regards to extracurricular activities. Get a grasp of the commitment required of a given activity. Extracurricular activities require various levels of commitment.
Varsity sport participation, for example, typically requires daily commitment and often requires kids to participate on weekends or even the sport’s “off-season,” which may include summer vacation. However, volunteering with a local charity likely won’t require such a large commitment and such charities often allow volunteers to choose their own
schedules. Parents and their children should consider the level of commitment an extracurricular requires and choose the activity they’re most comfortable with. Don’t overlook the social benefits of extracurricular activities. When helping kids choose an extracurricular activity, it’s important to leave the ultimate decision in their hands. After all,
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TRAVEL EASILY with kids in tow
Many people enjoy traveling. The opportunity to spend free time experiencing other cultures or visiting faraway lands appeals to many people’s inquisitive and adventurous natures, and it’s no wonder retirees often devote so much time traveling the world. Traveling with youngsters does not have to be difficult. Yet traveling as a carefree retiree and traveling as a parent to young children are two entirely different things; and parents’ love of travel is often put to the test when the kids are in tow. But traveling with kids doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. The following are a few travel tips for parents about to go on vacation with their little ones.
Check your flight status. Flights are commonly rescheduled, which can be inconvenient for adult travelers who don’t have a couple of kids tagging along. For parents, though, extra time waiting at the airport with kids can be stressful and tough to handle. Before leaving the house, check your flight status to ensure you won’t be spending extra time sitting and waiting at the airport and looking for things to quell your child’s boredom. When booking the flight, sign up for flight updates that are sent directly to your mobile phone. These will keep you posted and save you the hassle of going online and checking your flight status every few hours. Check in ahead of time. Many airlines allow passengers to check in ahead of time, typically within 24 to 36 hours of the flight’s scheduled departure. When kids are coming along, the less time you spend in line at the airport the better, and checking in ahead of time can save you from waiting in long check-in lines at the airport.
Confirm what you’re allowed to bring on board. Parents of very young children, be it infants or toddlers, should confirm what they’re allowed to pack and bring on board in advance of their flight. Sterilized water, for instance, might be acceptable to bring on board, but the airline might insist that it be stored in a baby bottle. Contact the airline a few days before you plan to pack to learn the company’s guidelines. Different airlines might have slightly different guidelines.
Explore the airport. Depending on if you will be flying a domestic or international flight, you might be spending a considerable amount of time waiting to board or even dealing with a layover. These waiting periods and layovers are boring for adults and kids alike, so use the airport to your advantage and go exploring. Kids are often fascinated by airplanes, so take them to gates or terminals where flights are about to depart.
Separate kids on the plane. If you have two or more children in tow, avoid seating them next to one another on the plane. This can lead to spats that will almost certainly upset your fellow passengers. Let Mom sit with one child and Dad with another, and give kids the window seat so they can entertain themselves by looking out the window when the plane is in flight.
Bring your own entertainment. Kids are going to get bored on the flight, so be sure they have plenty to do while in the air. Bring along a tablet with video capability to keep kids occupied with a movie or television show. This will help reduce the restlessness and boredom they’re likely to feel in the air. Or buy kids a new book or magazine at the airport so they have something new to occupy their time until the plane lands. Traveling with children is seldom easy. But a few tricks of the trade can make the trip go more smoothly.
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TODAY’S NEWS HERALD
HOW TO HELP KIDS understand medication
T
he reasons for those increased hospital visits can vary and might very well be a product of an increased reliance on prescription medications, which are now more prevalent in most family homes than they used to be. For example, the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital notes that prescriptions for oxycodone, a painkiller that can prove deadly if ingested by a child, have increased by 500 percent in recent years. That growing presence only increases the chances accidents might occur when curious kids find these medications around the house.
Kids are curious by nature, and few things parents do go unnoticed by their children. Though it’s good to encourage their curiosity, children might be in danger if their curiosity takes them to the medicine cabinet.
According to research conducted at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the number of children under five who required emergency medical care because of household pharmaceutical poisonings increased by 28 percent
between 2001 and 2008. Dr. Randall Bond, who led the research, noted that 95 percent of those hospital visits were related to kids getting into someone’s medicine and not a result of misdosing of their own medications.
Regardless of the reasons behind the hospital visits, parents must take steps to ensure their children are safe from prescription medicines around the house. One way to do just that is to explain medications to kids, whether it’s about their own medicines or something Mom, Dad or their siblings might take to treat an existing condition. Explain the function of medication. Few children want to take medication, but explaining its function and how it should improve their health is a good way to reduce kids’ unwillingness to take their medicine. Discuss the child’s symptoms before administering the medicine and explain how it will alleviate those symptoms. When doing so, read the instructions to kids, making a point to explain why it’s important to follow the dosage instructions and how ignoring those
dosing guidelines can prove very dangerous. Acknowledge that medicine is not candy. Kids often don’t like taking medication because it doesn’t taste good. Acknowledge that and use this as a chance to explain that medicine isn’t candy and shouldn’t be treated as such. This is especially important if medication is in pill form and doesn’t really have a taste that kids abhor. If the pills are brightly colored kids might be more inclined to take them and then take more of them when you’re not looking. So it’s important to explain that medicine isn’t candy no matter what it looks like, and that it should only be taken in Mom and Dad’s presence and in strict adherence to dosage guidelines. Explain why medicines aren’t stored with food. Another good way to teach kids about medicine is to explain why medications aren’t
stored with food. Explain that it might be safe to sneak an extra cupcake here or there, but that it’s never safe to sneak an extra pill or dose of medicine when Mom and Dad aren’t looking, and that’s why medicines are stored in areas that kids can’t easily access, if at all. Explain prescription labels to children. A prescription label can also be a valuable tool when teaching kids about medications. Point out certain symbols kids won’t soon forget, like poison symbols or skulls, and explain that they should never take anything out of such bottles without Mom or Dad present. Also, point out the doctor’s name on your own prescriptions, and explain that not even Mom and Dad can take medication unsupervised. This illustrates to kids that everyone, even grownups, must be under supervision when taking medication.
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FACTS
13
about childhood fever
Fevers can be scary for parents who don’t realize they’re a natural bodily process to fight illness.
Fevers scare many parents. When a child’s temperatures rises, it can induce panic and helplessness. But when parents recognize that fevers are oftentimes not incredibly harmful to children, that recognition can reduce panic and overreliance on fever-reducing medication. If a child is healthy, a fever does not necessarily indicate anything serious. A fever is a rise in temperature initiated by the hypothalamus in the brain, which acts as the body’s internal thermostat. The average body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C), but if body temperature is measured consistently throughout the day, this temperature will fluctuate. In fact, body temperature is often lower in the morning and higher in the middle of the day.
In many cases, the hypothalamus raises body temperature as the result of an infection or illness, according to the Nemours Foundation for Children’s Health. It is believed that making the body less hospitable to viruses and bacteria helps reduce their propensity to grow and multiply. A fever is often a good indicator that a person is sick, which can sometimes be difficult to determine if there are no apparent symptoms. This can parents and doctors discover what is triggering the fever. For parents of toddlers and older children, a fever of 103 F or less is generally nothing to run to the doctor about. There is no inherent harm in letting the fever run its course, and it can actually prove beneficial in fighting the viral or bacterial illness that is causing the fever in the first place. If your child is a newborn, a fever of 101 F or higher can be considered a medical emergency and should be evaluated by a doctor right away. Youngsters ages 7 weeks to 3 months should be brought to a doctor immediately if they have a fever of 101 or higher. If a child has a fever of 104 or higher and his or her body temperature will not come down to 101 or 102, even with treatment, this is a cause for concern. This guideline, courtesy of renowned childhood medical expert Dr. Sears, can help parents determine if their child’s body temperature is something they should be concerned about. • Normal temperature – 97 to 99 degrees (36 to 37.2 Celsius). • Low-grade fever – 99 to 100.9 degrees (37.3 to 38.3 Celsius). • Common fever – 101 to 103.5 degrees (38.4 to 39.7 Celsius). • High fever – any fever over 103.6 degrees (39.8 Celsius). Most pediatricians agree that a fever should not be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen if it is not making a child extremely uncomfortable. These medications can be used if the child has pain or is complaining about how they feel about the fever. Acetaminophen is used every 4 hours while ibuprofen lasts a little longer and is given every 6 to 8 hours. When checking fevers, parents often wonder which thermometer is best. While some parents employ
the lips-on-the-forehead method, there are more accurate methods of determining temperature readings. • Glass rectal or oral/underarm thermometers: These have been around the longest and have a proven record of accuracy. They do take the longest to read a temperature and can be difficult when dealing with fidgety kids. • Ear thermometer: This quick and easy thermometer has become a favorite method. But accuracy can vary, giving different readings from each ear. • Temporal thermometer: Another quick method, this thermometer is swept across the temporal artery in the forehead and has a better accuracy rating than the ear thermometer.
Choosing a doctor Choosing the right doctor is a critical decision that requires some in-depth research. Very often individuals make this decision purely by which names turn up on a health insurance plan, while others choose the doctor who is closest to their homes. Although managed care has changed the way many look for and use doctors, this doesn’t mean a person should remain handsoff in the selection process. Narrow down potential doctors by their specialty, academic history, proximity to home, and whether the doctor is board-certified. A doctor who is board-certified has taken several extra years of training and passed a difficult board examination. To remain board-certified, he or she sometimes must complete continuing education and periodic recertification. After the list is made, you can select two or three eligible doctors and make appointments for non-care-related interviews. This way there is the chance to gauge the doctors’ personality, how well the interaction goes, and how comfortable you would feel in his or her care. The doctor who best meets this criteria is likely going to make the best fit.
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TODAY’S NEWS HERALD
Get the facts on bronchiolitis
Infants are more susceptible to cases of bronchiolitis caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Parents have likely heard about bronchitis. But another respiratory infection, bronchiolitis, gets far less attention. Bronchiolitis is an infection of the small tubes inside of the lungs (bronchioles) that is caused by a virus and generally affects young children during the autumn and winter months. During normal breathing under healthy conditions, air enters the lungs through the trachea. It then travels down the branching bronchi and into the small bronchiole tubes inside of the lungs. Then the air passes from the
bronchioles into the millions of air sacs in the lungs, and eventually into the bloodstream. When a child suffers from bronchiolitis, most often the bronchioles fill with mucus and experience inflammation thanks to a virus called the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The mucus and swollen tubes can make it difficult for oxygen to reach the lungs and get to where it is needed. The child may wheeze or breathe harder or faster in order to compensate. In adults, RSV infection isn’t generally serious. But in children it can be dangerous, particularly if the virus does not clear up quickly and leads to an acute case of bronchiolitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that most otherwise healthy people recover from RSV in 1 to 2 weeks. Infants and young children may be prone to cases that don’t go away and become bronchiolitis. The best way to prevent bronchiolitis is to reduce the spread of cold viruses through the home with frequent hand-washing and cleaning of shared items around the house. Children that fall into the following categories may be more likely to get bronchiolitis, according to the National Institutes of Health. These risk factors include: • Age 6 months or younger • Born prematurely
• Exposed to cigarette smoke, even in the womb • Bottle-fed • Born with Down’s Syndrome • Close contact with other infected children • Have a long-term lung disease Symptoms of bronchiolitis include a cough that may be dry or produce phlegm. Wheezing may also occur because of inflammation of the airways. Rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, fever, and nasal flaring in infants may be other signs. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, so it’s unlikely the child will be given an antibiotic prescription for bronchiolitis. Usually supportive therapy, such as breathing in moist air, rest, drinking fluids, and avoiding any exposure to cigarette smoke, are recommended. Rarely antiviral medications may be used to treat very ill children. Some doctors may prescribe the use of a bronchodilator or steroid treatment to ease inflammation in the airways. These may be breathed in by use of a nebulizers or another inhaler delivery device. Parents of children with breathing difficulties should consult with the pediatrician if symptoms of any respiratory illness take a while to clear up. The illness may have gone beyond just the common cold.
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Make your home safer for kids
Cords that hang from blinds present a serious safety risk to young children if not hung beyond a child’s reach.
According to the Home Safety Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing home injuries, half of the children who die before their first birthday die from choking or suffocation. Many times such tragedies can be averted. Parents of very young children can and should take it upon themselves to safeguard their youngsters from various choking and suffocation hazards around the house. The Home Safety Council offers the following tips to parents hoping to do just that. Keep smaller items out of reach. In general, anything that can fit through a tube of toilet paper is big enough to cause a child to choke. This includes hard candies, coins, peanuts, and even latex balloons. Always store these items in closed areas or in places that are beyond a child’s reach. Make the crib a kids-only zone. Pillows, toys and comforters in a crib can cause a child to suffocate. Make the crib off-limits to these types of items, and always put children to bed on their backs. Clip window cords. Window cords, such as those that hang from blinds, can be very dangerous if they make their way into the hands of young children. Clip the loops in these window cords and make sure they are always high up the window where curious kids cannot reach them.
Read all toy labels. Kids have so many toys that parents can easily overlook toys that might be safety hazards. Parents of especially young children might feel a little run down from raising their youngster and unknowingly let a few toys slip past their radar. However, it’s imperative parents read all toy labels before handing the toys over to a child. Pay specific attention to the recommended ages for each toy, as those recommendations are often made with child safety in mind. Keep kids at an arm’s length at all times when around water. Another potential threat to kids’ safety around the house is water. Children can drown in as little as an inch of water, and it might only take a few minutes to do so. As a result, parents must be mindful and attentive whenever kids are around water. Bathtubs, toilets and, of course, pools present serious safety hazards to young kids. Whenever kids are around water, always stay within arm’s length. Erect a fence around a pool or spa. Many communities have laws in place that require pools to be fenced in. But those laws often only mandate the yard where the pool is located be fenced in. While that might be sufficient, it can also help to erect a fence around the pool itself and keep a lock on the gate to prevent curious youngsters from making their way to the pool unsupervised. Turn buckets and wading pools upside down when not in use. Many parents purchase wading pools so their kids have a fun place to relax on hot days. When the kids aren’t living it up, empty these pools and turn them upside down. Do the same with any buckets you have around the house. Whenever possible, store empty buckets outside the reach of children. Prevent burns. Adults know to be cautious around hot water, but kids often learn the hard way. To prevent burns, keep hot water at or below 120 F. More information on making your home a safer place is available at www.homesafetycouncil.org.
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Backing-up images onto a CD is one method of preserving digital photo files.
The advent of digital photo technology has revolutionized the way most people take photos. Although there are many advantages of digital photography, the potential for digital images to disappear in a moment makes preserving them of the utmost importance. Digital photos start off as a file stored on the memory card of a camera. These files can then be moved to a computer or printed at a moment’s notice. The ability to view the image on demand and then save or delete as necessary was one of the initial draws of digital photography. Although digital photographs have permanence and convenience, they are also fragile. That’s because the storage methods are not foolproof and it only takes one instance for the images to disappear forever unless properly protected. Anyone who has experienced a computer crash in the middle of saving a file or has turned on a laptop only to discover that the hard drive is fried and inoperable knows how frustrating such experiences can be. The prospect of losing important files and other data that are likely not recoverable is one of the factors that detracts from electronic devices. When those important files are years’ worth of photos, the loss can be doubly painful. Fortunately, there are a number of ways
to backup images so, if disaster does strike, you’ll still have all those precious photos at your disposal. Primary backup: Images on a memory card should be promptly downloaded to your computer’s hard drive. This can help you sort through images that are keepers and those that can be discarded. It is helpful to separate photos into dated or specially catalogued folders so they are manageable and easily searchable. Some computer operating systems are equipped with built-in software that helps catalog images according to projects. Otherwise, create your own series of folders for organization. Secondary backup: Computers are durable pieces of machinery, but thanks to viruses and corrupt files, there is always the possibility that one day you may turn on your computer, only to discover that it is not working. Also, if the machine is stolen, your photos will go with it. Backup to DVDs, CDs or portable memory drives is another method of safeguarding the images. But even these devices aren’t perfect. CDs can become scratched or corrupted during the saving process. They also may become damaged after exposure to sunlight. Also, pocket drives can be easily lost due to their small size. Tertiary backup: External hard drives are another method of backing up images, and they can be more durable than other options, even if they are more expensive. These drives are stored on the side of the computer and can be programmed to do routine back-ups of all the files on the hard drive. Although they can last for some time, an external hard drive — although rare — can also fail. Final backup: After you have backed up images, you may want to use an online storage site to keep the images stored remotely for added protection. Some photo sites provide free storage up to a certain limit. There are also pay-for-use sites that will offer you more storage capability. Of course, an easy way to preserve images is to print them out and put them in albums. This way you’ll always have a tangible photograph on hand and can scan it if necessary.
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new reason to
POTTY TRAIN
There is no magic formula in determining when your child is ready to potty train. But if you’ve been putting it off because it inconveniences you but your child seems interested in the idea, it could be worth a shot.
You’re already separating cans and plastics from regular trash. Your light bulbs are CFL or LED. Each of your showerheads have been replaced with low-flow models. There’s a hybrid car in the driveway. What more can you do to help improve the environment? If you’re a parent to a toddler, encouraging him or her to potty train a little earlier can be a considerable help to the planet, particularly if you’re currently relying on disposable diapers. According to statistics posted by the Real Diaper Association, 27.4 billion diapers are consumed in the U.S. each year. Around 90 percent of single-use diapering products go directly to landfills. While there is no real way to determine how long it takes a disposable diaper to decompose, estimates suggest it can take between 250 to 500 years. While disposable diapers have environmental implications in their disposal, they also affect the environment in their manufacture. Bleached diapers contain traces of dioxin, a toxic byproduct of the bleaching process. There are also other chemicals used to increase absorbency. Chlorine, water, petroleum and other substances are also used in abundance to produce disposable diapers. Many families now realize that cutting out diapers from their lives is a way to reduce the amount of trash considerably. With four or more disposable diapers used per day for the average toddler, around 840 diapers per child would be spared from landfills each month. How can you eliminate diaper use apart from switching to cloth varieties? Potty training.
Many experts say that a child will show readiness clues that can indicate he or she is able to try training. These include being about to get to the potty independently, being able to communicate somehow (either verbally or gesturing) that he or she has to relieve him- or herself, and the ability to pull pants up and down. Being curious about the potty and wanting to sit on it are other signs. Many children are ready to start training at age 2. Keep in mind it can take several months, even up to a year for the child to be completely trained. This means dry and using the potty for solid and liquid waste both day and night. Most girls are diaper free in the U.S. by 36 months and most boys in the U.S. by 39 months.
If you are considering potty training, keep these pointers in mind. • Don’t try it during a stressful time, such as during a move or when you are vacationing. Wait until you have an uninterrupted stretch of time. • Consult with friends and family about the methods they tried. Then use their opinions to develop your own plan. • Cold turkey is often the best way to approach potty training. Once diapers are taken away, don’t return to them, even if it is tempting to do so. • Stores sell thick, absorbent underwear that can be worn with a plastic cover during the training process to protect against leaks and damage to car seats and furniture. • Involve your child in the process. Let him choose his potty seat and underwear styles. • Don’t get discouraged too easily. It can take several months for the concept of training to really set in. • Keep a potty nearby so that the child doesn’t have to run long distances to make it to the seat. Eliminating diapers via potty training is another way to help the environment.
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WELCOMING
young adults back into the home
To current college students or recent graduates, the prospect of moving back in with Mom and Dad is not likely to be met with open arms. Once kids taste the freedom of living on their own, their return home to reside under their parents’ roof can feel limiting. Despite the difficulty of such a decision, statistics indicate that more and more young adults are returning to live with Mom and Dad. A 2011 report from the United States Census Bureau revealed that the number of men between the ages of 25 and 34 living with their parents had increased dramatically over the previous six years. By 2011, nearly 20 percent of men in that category lived with their parents, a six percent increase from just six years earlier. That increase was far less significant among women of the same age, but 10 percent of women between the ages of 25 and 34 lived at home. The end of this trend is seemingly nowhere in sight. Statistics from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that as many as 50 percent of college graduates under the age of 25 are underutilized. This means they are unemployed, working only part-time or working jobs considered to be outside the college labor market and don’t require a degree. Without an opportunity to gain valuable experience and advance in their fields, these young adults are essentially stuck in limbo and might be forced to live with Mom and Dad for even longer than they initially anticipated. While it’s easy to imagine this transition has been hard on young adults, it’s likely no easy task for their parents either. A struggling economy that has produced a stagnant job marketplace has made it difficult to pinpoint just when, or if, young adults will move out for good, which can put a crimp in their parents’ retirement plans. For example, the 2011 TD Canada Trust Boomer Buyers Report revealed that 17 percent of Baby Boomer parents who planned to downsize their homes, and save money as a result, are delaying those plans because they have adult children still living at home. The survey also revealed that a significant portion of those parents who don’t plan to downsize admit that their decision to stay put was made with the expectation that their adult
children will still be living with them when they retire. To some parents, having the kids back at home is a great experience that breathes new life into their empty nest. For others, relationships can quickly grow strained, creating a tense living situation that no one enjoys. To make the most of living with young adults who have returned home, consider the following tips. Encourage children so they can get where they want to be. No matter how accommodating their parents may be, no young adult wants to live at home, especially if they have recently earned a degree they thought would springboard them into a life of independence. But parents can help their kids in ways that go beyond just giving them a place to live. For instance, encourage kids to pursue internships even if they have already graduated and those internships are unpaid. Such opportunities, even if they don’t pay, can be a great chance for young adults to gain entry into their chosen fields. Since most parents don’t charge their kids rent, the lack of pay shouldn’t be much of a problem, and parents should explain to their children that they will support them so long as they are actively pursuing opportunities within their field. Emphasize that your home isn’t a dorm or college apartment. Just like kids don’t necessarily want to move back home after
college, parents don’t want their homes to resemble a dorm or college apartment should their kids move back in after graduation. When young adults move back in, parents must make it known that their sons or daughters are no longer kids and they will not be allowed to live in messy bedrooms or leave dirty dishes and laundry for Mom and Dad to clean. Be firm and forward when letting young adults know that, while you’re happy to give them a place to live, your days tidying up after them are over. Eventually, consider charging rent. Most parents don’t want to charge their children rent. After all, young adults are moving home to save money, not spend it. But it can be very easy for young adults with no rent to pay to grow lazy in their
job pursuit or to develop an attitude that rent-free living is for them, even if they do find a job that enables them to support themselves. This can complicate matters down the road, so if young adults have been living at home a long time without paying a dime in rent, it’s time to start asking for money. Do this more to motivate young adults than to meet your own financial needs. In fact, when you start collecting rent, and if you don’t need the money, simply put it aside and give it back when young adults decide they do want to move out of the house. Nowadays, more and more young adults are moving back in with their parents. Though such living arrangements might not be ideal for parents or children, there are ways to make the best of the situation.
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FURNISHING the empty nest
coop, it’s possible to take over their rooms and turn them into something tailored to you and your spouse. The following are a few transformations that can take place.
Craft Center
Perhaps an unused bedroom can be transformed into a library.
For parents, experiencing their kids leaving the nest can not only be a momentous event, but it can also be one sometimes tinged with a bit of sadness. After all, your little boy or little girl is all grown up now. However, looking at the bright side, this means you now have one or more rooms that can be turned from a kid’s bedroom into a space you can now enjoy. You may have been making due with storing your personal effects into rooms in the house simply because of necessity. But now that the kids have flown the
Many people enjoy making things with their hands, be it painting ceramics or knitting sweaters. A room that is set aside for different types of craft projects can keep work undisturbed and organized. Walls filled with shelves and storage containers alongside bulletin boards will create a utilitarian feel to the room. Have a large task table so you can spread out work and comfortable sitting chairs. Stick with a flooring material that can be cleaned quickly, like tile or wood in the event of spills.
Sports Room Sports enthusiasts may want to set up a room devoted to collections of trophies, collector cards, memorabilia, and any other sports-related items. Add a sofa or recliners in the room as well as a bigscreen TV, and this spot can be the perfect place for watching the game undisturbed.
Home Office For those who have been doing bills at the kitchen table or trying to work from home amid the noise of the kitchen or the television in the family room, a home
office can be just the solution. If the room is large enough, place two desks face-toface so it can be a his-and-her work center. Use neutral paint colors so that it will be more of a gender-neutral space.
Spotlight on North American families
Private Bedroom Although topics of the bedroom are often kept hush-hush among friends and family, many men and women aspire to one day having their own bedrooms. After time retreating from the master bedroom because of a spouse snoring or simply because of being on opposite schedules, separate bedrooms enable you to create rooms that cater to you. Put in the amenities you desire and encourage your spouse to revamp the other bedroom according to his or her desires as well.
Guest Retreat Many times guests are forced to sleep on a pull-out bed or sleeper sofa when staying over at a loved one’s. Having an extra bedroom available can enable friends and family members to stay overnight with comfort and ease now. Decorate the room in neutral colors and invest in comfortable, hotel-quality linens for the utmost in luxury.
Library Some people simply enjoy the ability to curl up with a good book in a quiet space. Turn a vacated bedroom into a cozy nook complete with bookshelves, a plush chair and decorative reading lamp. Fill the rook with favorite books, decorations and a side table to house a cup of tea or coffee. Regardless of how you feel when your children leave home, redecorating empty rooms into new, functional spaces can
Families can vary greatly from one household to another, and census questionnaires seek to find out those differences as well as similarities between families. Here are some statistics about families uncovered by both the United States Census Bureau and the Census of Canada, along with other government statistics. • Total population: 308,745,538 (US); 33,476,688 (Canada) • Population growth from last census: 9.7% increase (US); 5.9% increase (Canada) • Most populated state or province: California at 37,253,956; Ontario at 12, 851,821 • Median age both sexes: 37.2 (US); 41 (Canada) • Married households: 48% (US); 48.5% (Canada) • Number of children: 75 million (US); 10 million (Canada) • Single-parent families: 68% (US); 25.8% (Canada) • Mixed race children: 6.8 million (US); 340,000 (Canada) • Two-income families: 57% (US); 63.4% (Canada) Other changes that have taken place in families are the rise in the number of samesex families as well as a decline in overall marriage rates. Many couples are simply choosing to cohabitate without getting married. Also, single-parent families are growing in number and there is an increased reliance on government aid.
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What to look for in an elder care facility As men and women enter their golden years, many decide they can no longer maintain their homes and choose to downgrade to something smaller, be it an apartment or a condominium. For millions of others, health plays a significant role when deciding where to move when it’s time to sell their homes. According to the AARP, slightly more than five percent of people 65 years and older reside in nursing homes, congregate care, assisted living, and board-and-care homes. Statistics Canada notes that by 2004-05, the most recent year for which statistics are available, one in 30 Canadians over the age of 65 were living in homes for the aged. Though no one plans to live in a nursing home, seniors and their families should at least know what to look for just in case.
Determine Individual Needs Men and women researching potential living facilities might find it difficult to determine their specific needs. Unforeseen health conditions, for instance, might dictate which option is the best fit. Men and women who have a medical condition that requires routine monitoring will almost certainly want a skilled nursing facility. But those without medical conditions who need help with simpler tasks of everyday life are likely to have those needs met by an intermediate facility. Some facilities provide both types of care, which can make transitioning from one to another much easier if or when that need arises. Facilities typically have intake planners on staff who evaluate each individual and determine which level of care is the best fit.
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A host of factors, including staff interaction with residents, should be considered when choosing an elderly care facility.
Research Policies and Procedures Each facility should be ready and willing to share and discuss its policies and procedures with regards to residents. What is the procedure when a resident has a medical emergency? What if a resident finds a living situation unpleasant? What is the facility’s philosophy regarding staff and resident interaction? What are the facility’s hiring practices, including certification requirements, for its personnel? What is the ratio of staff to residents? Each facility should be able to answer these questions promptly and adequately. Those who can’t should be checked off the list of residences to consider. Facility Ratings According to the AARP, recent research has shown that nonprofit nursing homes offer higher-quality care, better staff-resident ratios, and have fewer health violations than facilities managed by for-profit companies. Men and women researching facilities
can visit Caring.com, an online resource for men and women caring for aging relatives. The Web site enables adults to compare nursing homes in their areas, including if a home is for profit or nonprofit, and the home’s capacity. U.S. residents can even learn each facility’s Medicare ratings, which are determined by examining the safety of the facility and its overall quality of care and a host of other factors. Get a Firsthand Account of the Facility Before choosing a facility for themselves or an elderly relative, individuals should spend some time at the facilities they’re considering to get a firsthand account of what life at that facility is like. Observe the staff interactions with residents, including if they address residents with respect and patience. How do the current residents look? Are they unkempt and left to their own devices, or do they appear well groomed and are they encouraged to interact with other residents? Does the facility seem warm and welcoming, or is it antiseptic? The move to an elderly care facility is often difficult and sometimes depressing, so each of the above conditions can carry significant weight when choosing a facility. Finding a nursing home or a similar facility for yourself or an aging relative is not necessarily easy. Men and women facing such a difficult decision should begin the process as early as possible to ensure they find the facility that is the best fit.
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How to write your own last will and testament
Few people, young or old, look forward to writing a will. A will is not an easy subject to broach, but it is important to have documents in place to ease the burden for family members. When a person dies without a will, his or her assets might not go where he or she intended. In some instances, assets might go to the government. For parents who die before their children are grown, a will can also serve as a legal document indicating a plan for custody of the kids. Although it is often preferable to consult with a local estateplanning attorney who understands the language and legalities surrounding a will, it is also possible to write a will yourself. There are forms that can be purchased from office-supply stores, or a will can be prepared online by answering questions and then generating a form to print. The will also can be typed or handwritten. Handwritten wills are called holographic wills and may not be recognized unless written during an emergency situation, such as a fatal illness. Laws regarding wills vary based
on where you live. Therefore, learn the legalities before preparing a will so you will have a document that holds up in a court of law and can be executed to your desires. Here is some of the basic information that may be included in your will. • Include your name, address, date of birth, and social security numbers if they will better help identify you should there be confusion. • State that you are of sound mind when writing this will and of contractual capacity. • Write a statement indicating that this will revokes all other wills that may have been executed before. • List the names and addresses of all of your children. If the children are minors, at this point you can also specify your wishes with regards to their guardianship. List the names and addresses of the people whom you wish to have custody of your children. • Appoint an executor or executrix to carry out the affairs of your estate and instructions specified in the will. This person typically
must be over the age of 18. Select someone whom you trust to honor your wishes. • Indicate how you want the executor to handle your financial affairs, including paying taxes, funeral costs, final expenses, etc. At this point you also may want to spell out where you would like to be buried and any specific requests with regard to the funeral, viewing, and any other funeralrelated details. • Indicate the executor has permission to sell your home and personal belongings that are not included in personal gifts to be distributed. • List any gifts you would like to be distributed to certain people. This may be a doll collection to a daughter, coins to a son, china to an aunt, etc. • Specify the percentages of your assets to be distributed should the listed beneficiaries survive you. Maybe you want to divide your estate evenly between two children. If so, allocate 50 percent to one and 50 percent to the other. You may have more specific breakdowns. Should these people not survive you, you can establish
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an alternate or list nothing, in which case the assets will be put back into the general pot. • Include a residuary clause that states how to distribute any remaining assets. • State whether you want the executor to be reimbursed for any expenses that result from executing the will. • Indicate that you would like the executor to post bond as a form of insurance so that the executor can’t run off with the money for himself. • Name an alternative executor should the first pass away before executing the will or if he or she is unable to serve upon your death. • Sign the will in front of two or three witnesses (check what is required where you live) and a notary public. The witnesses cannot be anyone named in the will. This article is intended as general information about what is typically covered in a standard will. It should not be taken as legal advice. Prior to implementing any of these tips, consult with an attorney certified in estate planning.
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