Yes, it’s a time to be merry – but, let’s be honest, it can get a bit fraught for mums. Here’s how to avoid a crisis in your family’s Christmas, as quoted from babyexpert.com.

Get realistic!

‘You may aspire to cooking everything from scratch and having a spotless house, but cutting a few corners will help save your sanity,’ says Jessica Chivers, author of Mothers Work! How to Get a Grip on Guilt and Make a Smooth Return to Work (£10.99, Hay House). ‘You simply can’t do everything to the very best of your ability. Besides, aiming for “good enough” can be liberating, giving you more time for the things you really want to get done.

Don’t over-spend

It’s easy to get carried away, buying lavish presents and expensive toys for kids, but as a recent study by Unicef revealed, it’s time with you, not expensive gifts, that makes kids happy. ‘A big haul of presents on Christmas day may seem like a lovely thing to give your children, but it’s the three months of stress as you worry about paying the bills that will have the bigger, negative impact,’ says Amanda Gummer. No Christmas is worth getting in debt, so make a budget and stick to it!

Have fun!

Don’t lose track of what’s really important about Christmas – getting together and having fun. ‘Games are great for getting the generations interacting,’ says Amanda. ‘Remember, they don’t have to be sedentary. Hide and seek gets everyone up and about, which kids love. And if they’re happy…’

Hold the chocolates!

Well, not completely, it is Christmas, after all! ‘It’s easy to over-indulge at Christmas, but eating well can help to keep your energy up at a time when you need it the most. Additionally, being sensible on Christmas Day will stop those feelings of guilt on Boxing Day,’ says nutritionist Charlotte

Get organised

If your head’s so full of jobs you don’t know what to do first, make a list, from household chores to ordering a turkey, and take one thing at a time. ‘My top tip for being organised all year round – and particularly at Christmas – is to use a week-to-view diary as a place to write to-do lists. That way, you can see what the week holds at a glance,’ suggests Jessica Chivers. Avoid stress-inducing last-minute present buying by starting early. ‘Or avoid the hassle of packed shops altogether by buying online,’ says Jessica.

Keep kids happy

It can be hard to achieve anything with little ones under your feet, so why not give them an early Christmas present (that doesn’t need your imput) to keep them occupied. ‘Christmas can be a very exciting time for children, so it’s important to let them have quiet time to recharge,’ says Amanda. ‘Christmas stories and jigsaw puzzles are a great way to keep kids occupied without getting them whipped up into a frenzy.’

Delegate!

Don’t be a mummy martyr and try to do everything on your own – ask for help, says Jessica. ‘Everyone has a better time when the jobs are shared out,’ she says. ‘No one wants to sit down to a meal where the host looks hacked-off and resentful that she’s done it all herself.’ Rather than give orders, have a calm chat with your other half about divvying up tasks. Do ask what everyone wants to do to pitch in rather than dictating. Or say, ‘Would you mind doing X, you do it so well.’

Keep the peace

So you and your sister are picking over old rows, and your mother-in-law is sharing her views on working mothers. ‘Christmas is one of the busiest times for counsellors, as the emotional fall-out takes its toll. But try not to rise to those flashpoints,’ says Amanda. ‘Have some tricks up your sleeve for defusing the annual family arguments. Count to 10 – it’s an oldy but goody, and it stops you retaliating with a comment that fuels the situation.’

Get outdoors

It can be hard to drag yourself outside when it’s so cosy indoors, but the fresh air and exercise can immediately help to reduce stress levels and clear away the Christmas cobwebs. ‘Go for a family walk,’ suggests Charlotte. ‘Or why not go for a short, brisk walk by yourself on Christmas evening to allow you some time away from the chaos and to ensure you don’t become overwhelmed. Wrap up well.’

Remember you!

It’s your break too – include a few things for yourself on any to-do lists. That might be getting out for a run or soaking quietly in the bath. ‘Avoid gift disappointment by giving hints and tips,’ suggests Jessica. ‘Going shopping together as a couple and pointing out things you’d love to get is like being a child all over again. Playful, romantic moments like this are a great way to kick off the festive season.’

Having a baby is a life-changing experience – everything’s different, including your body! But you can regain your pre-baby shape with safe, sensible exercise.

Start off gently and don’t overdo things. This five-step exercise plan is perfect for after you’ve had your six-week post-birth check-up (10 weeks if you’ve had a C-section).

Follow your doctor’s advice if you’ve had any complications – and you can involve your baby, too!

The 30% rule

To find the right tension to tighten your tummy muscles, pull your tummy button in towards your spine (imagine you’re wearing a 10-notch belt done up to the tightest hole). Breathing normally, release to the third notch. This ‘30% tension’ is the ideal level to pull your tummy muscles in to.

Work those thighs

Lie on your side with your tummy muscles pulled in to 30%. Your lower leg and side of your chest should be flat on the floor with your arm supporting your head – don’t lean on your elbow.

Stretch your upper leg out so it’s aligned with your body, then drop it onto the floor in front of you with the knee bent so you can’t roll forwards. Now lift your lower leg off the floor, toes pointing downwards, to work your inner thigh muscles.

Do this in two batches of six to eight lifts, then roll over and repeat with other leg.

Lose those love handles

Get rid of love handles by working the abductor muscle group on the outside of the hip joint. Lie on your side with your tummy muscles pulled in to 30%.

Your lower leg should be bent for added stability and the side of your chest flat on the floor with your arm supporting your head – don’t lean on your elbow.

Stretch your upper leg out so it’s aligned with your body and let your toes drop towards the floor.

Gently lift your leg so it’s no higher than your shoulder, keeping your toes pointed downwards and your tummy muscles tensed.

Do two batches of six to eight lifts on each leg.

Get that flat tum back

To tone up your tum you need to work your transversus abdominals, or ‘trans abs’.

To do this, lie on the floor and pull your tummy muscles in to about 30% tension. Make sure your waistband’s slightly raised off the ground with your legs bent and your feet flat on the floor.

Gently slide one leg out to its full stretch and then bring it back up to the starting position – remembering to keep your tummy muscles tensed without arching your back.

Repeat six to eight times then change legs and repeat.

Curl up with your baby

Involve your baby in your ‘get fit’ routine by doing curl ups with your little one. This also works the ‘trans abs’ and improves your posture.

Lie on the floor with your knees together and your legs bent at a 45° angle. Rest your baby on top of your shins, supported under the arms with your hands.

With your tummy pulled in to the 30% position, take a deep breath in. As you exhale, lift your head up to meet your baby’s head, slightly rocking her forwards on your legs.

Try completing six to eight curl ups but if your tummy muscles start to dome or bulge, do a few more ‘flat-tum’ exercises instead (previous).

Top squats

Tone those central thigh muscles and keep your baby entertained at the same time with a series of squats.

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands positioned on your waist. As you squat down, make sure your knees stay over your toes and don’t roll inwards – your shin bone should be supporting your knee joint.

One trick to make sure you’re bending correctly is to imagine you’re sitting down with your bottom stuck out.

sources quoted from: babyexpert.com

Children are often left alone without parents when at school or other public place. When children are in public places without a parent, may be harmful to the children if you meet someone with a sexual disorder.

If the child is not with his parents and met with a person who has a sexual disorder, it can occur in child sexual abuse. Pedophilia is a disorder of sexual desire or fantasies of sexual impulses involving minors.

Can be called a pedophile if someone has a tendency of child sexual impulses and fantasies and sexual disorder that interferes with the child involved.

Here are steps from the experts that you can apply, aiming to keep the child from a pedophile as quoted from CNNHealth.

Recognizing that sexual harassment can happen to your child
According to the American Psychological Association, estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will experience sexual harassment.

Recognizing that the most likely perpetrators of sexual harassment is someone who is known
The stranger has a very small possibility of sexual harassment in your child. For example, if a stranger offers you candy to children on the playground, your child probably will not be easy to believe in the person.

But if this is done by a man known by the child, the child will comply. Perpetrators of child sexual abuse can be a family member, teacher, coach, or a trusted friend.

“Perpetrators of sexual harassment usually very good at ingratiating themselves to the children,” said Dr. Judith Cohen, medical director for the Center for Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Suspicious of adults who try to spend time alone with children
Of course, children will often spend time with adult friends, teachers, and coaches. But beware of people who are trying to just be alone with your child. Especially an adult who often give gifts to your children.

Avoid situations where the child can be bullied
“If a child wants to go to stay, then the parents need to know with whom the child will stay. If the child will be traveling overnight, for example by a group of organizational activities in school, you should inquire about setting bed,” said Dr.. Paula Bloom, a psychologist from Atlanta.

Do not be too requires the child to give a hug when meeting with close relatives
Too often, parents tell children to hug or kiss a relative or close friend, may endanger the child when left alone, “says Dr. Bloom.

To teach children about good touch and bad touch
Teach the children that he has control over his body and must say ‘no’ to the touch that makes him uncomfortable. University of Missouri has provided more information to children about good touch and bad touch.

Teach children to say no
Teach the child about what to do if someone tries to molest her.

Give comfort to communicate if the child wants to tell the discomfort experienced by a person
“If parents are too hard on the child may make a child afraid to tell a sexual harassment she experienced. Let your child feel safe and comfortable to talk to you about anything,” says Dr. Bloom.

Knowing the signs that a child has been sexually harassed
If the child has a nightmare and there is no other explanation. Or if the child has mood swings or develop a new fear of the unusual people or certain places. It can be a sign of sexual harassment if it had happened to them.

Believe your instincts and your child
If someone makes you uncomfortable, that’s reason enough to keep the child to stay away from that person. There is no harm if wary of people who make us uncomfortable. “Sometimes we are right about one’s instincts,” says Dr. Bloom.

source from: detikhealth

If you have a family, even run-of-the-mill cold can be a lot of problems. As spread from one person to the next person in your family, that one bad flu virus can disrupt your life for weeks can lead to no school, missed work, sleepless nights, and emotionally frayed.

So, when your child or your partner, came home sobbing and coughing, how can you stop those cold germs from dragging down the entire household? Do not panic – here are five tips that can help stop colds spreading:

Tip 1: Wash Your Hands

You’ve heard many times before, but washing your hands is the most important ways to stop the spread of flu. According to the CDC, approximately 80% of infectious disease spread by touch – cold germs get on your hands and from there to the eyes and mouth. Look at it this way: you can not keep cold germs out of your house. But if you keep everyone’s hands are clean, they will be much less likely to get sick.

When you wash your hands, do it thoroughly. Use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If you are not near a sink, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good substitute.

Tip 2: Cover your nose and mouth

Most of us were raised to cover our mouths and noses with our hands when we sneeze or cough. Instead, use your elbow – or a tissue. That way, cold germs will not get into your hands and spread.

Tip 3: Pests

Cold germs can live on surfaces for hours. Consider disinfecting areas such as tables, doorknobs, remote controls and toys. Just do not make yourself crazy wiping everything you touch the sick toddler – no way to maintain a sterile household.

Tip 4: Open the disposable

Colds can be spread by shared towels and cups in the bathroom. When someone in the hospital, consider switching to paper products for a week.

Tip 5: Caring for Yourself

Can eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress helps prevent colds? We do not really know. There is some evidence that they may help maintain a strong immune system – and potentially more able to fight the cold virus.

Remember: Stop Colds Are Difficult

Practicing these tips can help break the cycle of infection. But you still need to know your limits. Colds can be difficult to stop. By the time your child starts coughing, it may already be too late – people can be contagious before they show any symptoms.

If your best efforts to prevent the flu from spreading to fail, do not feel like you are doing something wrong. Short keeping sick family members in quarantine, or other people in biohazard suits not only surefire way to stop the common cold, the source of WebMD.

Play is the beginning of the child’s development. Through play activities aspects of child development can be grown in an optimal and maximum. Letting children play in pre-school age have been shown to improve children’s mental development and intelligence.

Lancet Medical Journal recently from the Institute of Child Health at University College London, named Sally McGregor said, there are several studies that found a link between intelligence and children’s play activities. “We have carried out programs play activities for children who are malnourished in Bangladesh and the activities of the stretcher shown to increase their IQ to 9 points, just past the other play activities.”

A study of new research results are presented in the American Psychiatric Association 2011 Annual Meeting, by researchers at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, shows children who have severe mental disorders including psychosis, have twice as much vitamin D deficiency compared with children who are mentally healthy. So 21% of children with severe psychiatric symptoms requiring residential care have serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 [OH] D) at a level lower than 20 ng / mL (minimum of the recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics level [AAP] ) compared with 14% of the children who participated in the Survey of Health and nutrition Examination III (NHANES III), a population-based study designed to assess the health and nutritional status of children and adults in the United States.

From a study conducted by Dr. Keith Cheng, mentioned vitamin D deficiency occurs in about 50% of the children in the population, so by the study’s estimated 1 in 5 children with severe mental disorders have high levels of vitamin D deficiency in general the incidence of vitamin D deficiency is approximately 43%, and most of all occurred in children with psychotic disorders compared with children with mild mental disorders.

Vitamin D deficiency is often associated with various adverse medical outcomes, the most common endocrine disorders and bone health, but more recently has also been associated with a variety of other medical conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, cancer, and diabetes. In addition, recent research has linked low vitamin D levels to the development of psychiatric disorders, including symptoms of depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. There is a controversial hypothesis by researcher Dr. John Cannell, head of the Vitamin D, a nonprofit educational group, mentioned vitamin D deficiency is also associated with autism.

Mental disorders often go undiagnosed, including in children. For that investigators issued a list of 11 marks to get parents more easily recognize mental problems in children. Some signs such as feeling sad for 2 weeks or more may show symptoms of depression, intense fear or concern in doing everyday activities can be an anxiety disorder. But sometimes this is not realized, especially in children who have not been able to explain what she feels.

Therefore, this list is intended to help parents or community to more easily recognize mental problems in children so they can receive proper treatment and medication. Previous studies showed 3 of 4 children have mental health problems, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders and bipolar disorder are not diagnosed, so do not get the care needed. Dr. Peter S Jensen, professor of psychiatry at the Mayo Clinic, said “many parents are confused about whether their children have a problem, hence this list is created to facilitate the identification so that treatment is more effective,” as quoted by LiveScience.

Here are 11 warning signs a child has mental problems that have been published in the journal Pediatrics, namely:

1. Feeling very sad or withdrawn for 2 weeks or more
2. Trying to hurt or kill oneself, or even have plans to do so
3. Suddenly felt tremendous fear for no apparent reason, sometimes accompanied by heart rate and rapid breathing
4. Involved in several fights, using weapons or desire to hurt others
5. Have out of control behavior that could harm themselves or others
6. Do not want to eat, spewing out food or using laxatives to lose weight
7. Fears or worries that intensive and continuous in performing daily activities
8. Very difficult to concentrate or put yourself in an environment that could endanger themselves or cause failure of the school
9. The use of drugs or alcohol are repeated
10. Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships of friendship or family
11. Behavioral and personality changes drastically

Researchers reveal if parents notice any of these signs in children, you should consult with a physician or mental health professional for psychiatric evaluation. In addition to the expected with the guidance of these signs can help parents distinguish between normal behavior from childhood with signs of mental problems.