Author: Paul Banas Christmas is over and the end of the year is almost upon us. It’s a time when most of us think over the past year and consider making New Year Resolutions. January 1st marks the beginning of a new year and a clean slate. Few of us actually live up fully to all the commitments we make. And that’s okay. What’s more important is that we try to retain the spirit with which they were made. Even by acting upon just a few from the original list, and maybe even then only partially, we can still make the annual ritual of New Year resolutions a worthwhile exercise. Additionally, the very act of writing down a task, objective, or resolution makes it more likely that you’ll follow through on it. Dads, here is a list of some New Year Resolutions ideas to help you make the coming year a great one for yourself, your spouse and your kids: For yourself • While it’s great being a dad and shouldering responsibility for the well-being of you

Author: Paul Banas Buy toys that are safe for your kids. There are innumerable ways for them to get hurt when they are away from your watchful eyes. Some toys that you should be wary of are : • Toys with small parts: These can prove to be fatal to infants and toddlers who tend to swallow anything they can hold. • Toys with sharp edges or parts that wear away and produce a sharp edge: Handling these toys may injure the child. • Toys that are inflatable: Such toys can burst and pieces of rubber may pose fatal choking hazards. It is always better to consider your options before you purchase any toy. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right toy : • Double check toys before they are bought to ascertain whether they are hazard proof. • Read the labels carefully before purchasing and follow the age limits and safety regulations mentioned on them. • Look for toys that are well built and have well sec

Author: Paul Banas The process of becoming a mother involves a certain amount of psychological strain for a pregnant woman. In fact, for some women, childbirth can be as traumatic as life-threatening events such as a natural disaster or a war. During pregnancy, it is important for the to-be mother's family members and close ones to support her as required. During childbirth, women are likely to experience a range of emotions, which may include: • Guilt • Anxiety and fear that can manifest as intense flashbacks and nightmares • Helplessness or a feeling of loss of control or feeling incomplete • Severe depression • Anger, irritability • Obsessive talking about their traumatic experiences • Ambivalent feelings toward the baby • Hyper-vigilance and hyper-sensitivity to any perceived injustice • Other symptoms such as drug and alcohol abuse, phobias, fainting spells, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies • It should be

Author: Paul Banas Child care is more than a service that allows parents to work. It is a world that is bound to affect a child's development in many ways – physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially. According to the U. S Department of Health and Human Services, finding quality child care that is affordable can be challenging. Many parents need inexpensive or cost-free day care where they know their children are safe and are being helped to grow and develop. Parents can now contact their local social service agency (listed in the phone book) for information about government-sponsored programs such as Head Start and Early Head Start and other community programs. The National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) also recommends taking the following steps to choosing quality child care. Steps to Choosing Quality Child Care: • Look. Visit several child care homes or centers. Visit the home or center more than once and stay as long as poss

Author: Paul Banas According to the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, a majority of stroller accidents are caused by tipping. Whether caused by standing children, or unbalanced loads, the result is usually an abrasion or laceration. However, a much more serious accident that doubles in number each year is one involving a motor vehicle and a stroller. Every year, hundreds of children are seriously injured or killed by otherwise cautious drivers that simply do not see a child stroller in a crosswalk or a parking lot. Picture this real-life scenario: You’re waiting at the cross walk with your baby in a stroller, trying to peek over the car parked on the side of the road to see if it’s clear so that you and your baby can cross safely. It looks all clear. You push your stroller in front of you, and as the stroller is emerging from behind the parked car, suddenly another car or a truck comes speeding down the street or around the corner. The driver