Developing Your Child’s Self -Respect
March 29, 2005
Self-respect means taking satisfaction in appropriate behavior and hard-won accomplishments. People with self-respect also respect others. They do not need to disparage others or build themselves up by bragging or exaggerating their abilities or talents. They do not need lots of money or power to feel good about themselves.
People who respect themselves view selfishness, loss of self-discipline, recklessness, cowardice and dishonesty as wrong and unworthy of them. They have inner strength and are unwilling to let others use or manipulate them. They know that showing patience or tolerance does not mean allowing others to mistreat them.
People with self-respect do not crumble when they fail. They accet mistakes as a part of life. As we help our children set high standards for themselves, we also need to let them know that failure is no embarrassment when they have done their best.
Teaching children self-respect, however, does not mean complimenting everything they do. They also need honest criticism from time to time. When we do criticize, we should focus on things they have done, not on them personally.
What You Can Do
· Encourage your child to build a positive identity that focuses on her integrity and talents.
· Emphasize that character is built upon the decisions and actions a person takes each day
· Work with your child to help him reach his full potential by encouraging him to develop his talents, set reachable goals and honor himself as a unique person.
Teach your child how to choose good values. Help her reason about what are worthy goals and what are proper
means to reach those goals.
About the Author: Anil Vij is the creator of the ultimate parenting toolbox, which has helped parents all over the world raise smarter, healthier and happier children. Sign up for Anil’s Experts On Parenting Newsletter - just send a blank email to parentingnews@aweber.com
Sports First Aid Kit: Are You Prepared?
March 29, 2005
Do you have an active family? Are your kids involved in soccer or little league? What sports are high on your priority list – running, golf, tennis?
American Sports Data, Inc. estimates:
- 50.6 million people over the age of 6 exercise frequently, participating in single activities (running, cycling, treadmill)
- 39.9 million participate in recreational sports (basketball, tennis, softball)
- 15.3 million people are active outdoors (hiking, mountain biking, skiing)
- 3.2 million players are registered with the U.S. Youth Soccer Association
If you pound the pavement, swing the club, or bat the ball, there is always the chance for injury. Is your family prepared with a sports first aid kit that meets your needs? Many commercially packaged first aid kits contain basic supplies. Sure, they might offer limited help for simple emergencies. But is your first aid kit prepared to handle your child’s rugby injuries or treat a sprained ankle on the soccer field? How about your knee pain after a marathon?
The answer is to create your own customized kit that fits your family’s sports first aid needs. Chances are you already have many of the necessary supplies on hand. Here’s how you get started.
1. Evaluate your needs by the type of sports your family participates in. Is there the likelihood of bumps, cuts, and bruising that might occur in contact team sports? Or are overuse injuries more prevalent such as runner’s knee, golfer’s tendonitis, or tennis elbow?
2. Decide what supplies best fit the type of injuries you have described, such as bandages and ointment for cuts; ice pack for pain and swelling; sunscreen for sun burn.
3. Find a roomy, insulated tote to carry your supplies. Why an insulated carrier rather than one of those little, plastic boxes that most first aid kits come in? Because you need to carry at least one, preferably two frozen, reusable ice packs in your sports first aid kit. Most kits only contain an instant, one-time-use, chemical ice pack. This is usually not sufficient to numb pain or reduce swelling. The best and most effective treatment for many injuries is to immediately apply a frozen ice pack for several 15 to 20 minute sessions. This will help lessen pain, reduce swelling and treat bruising. And an insulated tote will keep your ice packs cold for several hours.
Here is a list of suggested supplies to include in your family’s sports first aid kit:
Information: First aid guide or manual
General: Matches, Scissors, Travel Toilet Paper, Anti-diarrheal, Antiseptic wipes, Tweezers, Needle (for splinters), Thermometer, Safety pins, Flashlight, Disposable gloves, Mouthpiece (in case of using CPR), Blanket, Plastic Zip-lock bags (to keep supplies dry), Tissues
Emergencies: Cell phone, Whistle, Personal alarm, Pepper spray, Emergency phone numbers, Maps (with directions to nearest first aid)
Pain and Swelling: Cold pack, Ibuprofen
For cuts, scrapes, blisters: Bandages of different sizes, Antibiotic cream or hydrocortisone cream, Mole skin dressing kit, Sterile gauze, Adhesive tape, Antiseptic solution, Non-stick gauze pads
Sun protection/heat exhaustion: Misting water bottle, Cold pack, Sunscreen, Lip balm, Aloe Vera lotion
Fractures, strains, sprains, pulled muscles: Neoprene joint braces, Compression bandage/ice wrap, Cold pack, Two triangle shaped pieces of cloth for a sling or tourniquet
Dehydration: Filled water bottle, Sports drink
Allergic Reactions: Calamine lotion, Epinephrine (for bee stings), Antihistamine, Recommended medications
Insect Bites: Epinephrine (for bee stings), Insect repellent, Cold pack (reduces swelling of bug bites)
Assemble your supplies and customize your family sports first aid kit for each event or outing.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with your physician in the event of a serious injury.
About the Author: Louise Roach is a health and fitness editor, marketing specialist, and product development consultant. She helps others find pain relief through the use of SnowPack Cold Therapy products. Learn more about the benefits of cold therapy at http://www.snowpackusa.com/ Sign up for *free* health/fitness e-newsletter at: http://home.netcom.com/~newsflash/
Scrapbooking - Fraying
March 28, 2005
Fraying can create extremely interesting and artist border accents.
Fraying looks especially good in children’s scrapbooks, as well as pages for your more creative and imaginative friends. Be careful, fraying does not comply well with all themes. In some more formal themes fraying creates an unprofessional appearance.
Just cut your paper border about an inch larger than you need. Then, dampen this border by dipping only the edges of the paper into a shallow dish of water. Then, the edges of the paper can then be easily pulled off.
