Lions, Tigers, and TICKS !! Oh my!!!

We have been playing outside a lot lately, and I found a bug/bite on "AJ's" leg that we were pretty sure was a tick.  The ER could not confirm that because of what it looked like, but they did inform me that the day we were there they have 6 people who were treated for ticks.  They are very real, and very prevalent in our community currently. 

Then I came to work and it was discussed that three of my co-workers children have had ticks on them, sometimes multiple ticks.   We have been told that because the weather has been so damp lately that the ticks are higher and more prevalent at the current time.

Check out the website below for information on ticks.  When in doubt call the doctor.   DO NOT USE GASOLINE, VASOLINE, DAWN, or  A BLOW TORCH, they do not work (all remedies I have heard lately).   Check your children and your self when you get a bath, the hospital informed us the sooner you get the tick off the better your chances of no disease.  

Sing the Brad Paisely song, "Ticks" as you do this task if you like. 
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/tick-bites-home-treatment

More World Disasters

It hasnt been that long since I was blogging about world disasters and how much we share with our children, but also being able to share with them ways that they can help others in need.  I thought I would repost this article from last month in light of all of the tornado disasters in the midwest.

http://postingsbypickens.blogspot.com/2011/03/thoughts-on-world-news.html

Please remember those who have been affected both in your giving, and your prayers.  Not just those with damage to homes and lives are affected but also those who are related, friends, workers, etc... it is such a trickle effect.

Safety Plans in your Home... Practice Them

Watching the news and seeing the caskets from the farmhouse fire in Central Pa and reading about the mother standing on her lawn screaming for her infant in Southern Fayette County whiel holding her other children, has reminded me how quickly tragic accidents can happen.

For an excellent blog about fire safety please see my friend Robin's blog for her thoughts on the topic.

http://schickfunideas.blogspot.com/2011/03/family-tragedy-in-pennsylvania.html

http://schickfunideas.blogspot.com/2010/10/fire-prevention-month-and-drills.html

Also remember there are other safety concerns in your home/neighborhood as well that we should be teaching our chidlren about.
       * Stranger Danger
       * Poisons and Medications (Poison Control Phone Number 1-800-222-1222)
       * Your Home - look at it from the point of view of a toddler.  Do you need outlet covers, door locks, are there accessible wires, furniture or knickknacks that can be pulled down.  Do you have phone lists for emergencies, lists of illnesses and medications for the hospital if needed. Copies of important documents.  Are the paths for your escape routes blocked and have you practiced your escape plans
        * Check your smoke alarms, locks, etc... and Remember to be aware of your surroundings.

Comments on this topic are welcomed... This has been on my mind and heart a lot lately.

Remember to Praise

Kids are frustrating. They get into mayhem so quickly and just as quickly your temper may rise along with your voice (I admit mine does, I can be a yeller.).

One thing that may help with this is to look for the positives that your child is doing. "AJ" is working on getting better at cleaning up her toys when done. She loves to sing the clean up song.

Praise isn't always a natural thing or feeling to share. Look for the good things your child is doing (your spouse too), and point those out.

Praise yourself too for doing good. This will help teach your child this skill.  It is not conceited to give yourself praise (even outloud) for a job well done.

Only piece of advice I would give here is to remember not to make the praise sound like a condition of your love. Instead of saying "Johnny, I love it when you clean your room." Sounded like praise but it also attached your love to him having a clean room.  Say it more like "I like how you cleaned your room, good job."

Work not to attach you love to the praise statement. Listen to your wording when you talk (I admit I need to remember that too.)

Sometimes I think these lessons are made for me to learn in my head when I share them with others, just like my children's sermons are more for me than the church sometimes...   Happy Parenting

"Chuck E Cheese"....for parenting help? Why yes please.

One of our favorite places to go since last summer when we went with 'Uncle' in Erie is "Chuck E Cheese".  When we first went "AJ" liked the games and the show, but hated the big guy.  Now she requests going there and both sides of the family  readily oblige.

I was doing some research on the place for work about locations of the restaraunt when I discovered that "Chuck E Cheese" has reward charts and a report card program where you can earn free tokens.  I think if you are already a fan of the place or are able to go there using coupons and a spending limit (it can get expensive if you let it) this is a great parenting tip.

Here's to printing the potty chart at our house and giving it a go this week...we are so close to being trained any incentive will do.

Go to http://www.chuckecheese.com/ to check out the training charts.