All-Around Pinay Mama

Kids' Artwork by Bonnie Joy Dewkett (The Joyful Organizer)

December 29, 2013

Children’s artwork is a bittersweet thing. It’s beautiful and can represent a glimpse into the world as seen through a child’s eyes. It can also be a great indicator of your child’s development. However, artwork can add up. Before you know it, artwork can over whelm your counters, refrigerator, and walls. By implementing the following steps you will make sure your memories are kept in tact, and decrease the clutter.

Color, School, Kindergarten, Crayon, Pencil, Drawing

Before you do anything with a piece of artwork, decide what it means to you. Is it the best piece your child has ever done or is it just another piece they drew while waiting for dinner at a restaurant? Be honest with yourself.
Do you have family members that live far away? Have your child sign pieces of artwork, then write a quick note and send the artwork to friends and family who live far away. It may sound silly to you because you have dozens of pieces, but to them it may be the only piece they have!
For three-dimensional pieces of art, the easiest thing to do is take a photo of your child with the piece; keep it for a little while, and then dispose of it. I usually suggest moving it to another area of the house, such as the garage, after a period of time. If its not missed, you can easily get rid of it.
Use frames that are easily changeable to house artwork. Job tickets are small plastic sheaths that are designed to house contractor’s paperwork on dirty and wet job sites. They are inexpensive and easy to hang on your wall. Papers slip in and out quickly and easily. Changing artwork is a snap.
Pizza boxes make great artwork storage. Ask at your local pizza place to give you some unused boxes. Most restaurants will give them away for free. You can group artwork by date, child or academic year.
For artwork that is flat, consider scanning it in and storing it digitally.
Take photos of your child with their artwork. Then you can print them and put them into an album or you can print a digital photo book. This gives you a printed record of your child’s progress. Print multiple books and give them to family members.
Set limits with your child on just how many pieces of artwork you will keep. Stay within these boundaries and it will help them learn to determine which pieces have meaning and which pieces do not.
Combine storage with display. Use a string and clothespins to display a large number of items in a small amount of space.
Make sure you hold yourself accountable to sit down and sort through artwork. It will build up as the school year progresses. Putting a date into your calendar to make those difficult decisions will make sure it gets done and make sure the artwork doesn’t pile up too high. For the pieces you have determined should be kept and are important, take the time to have them laminated and to protect them in clearly labeled plastic containers.

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ABOUT THE BLOGGER

Bonnie Joy Dewkett, CPO® (Certified Professional Organizer® Board of Certification for Professional Organizers~Director of Communications) is a nationally recognized organizing expert, author, motivational speaker, and internet radio personality in the United States of America. She began organizing as a child, and she has been organizing ever since. Her company, The Joyful Organizer®, creates and implements organizational systems for the home and office. These changes allow her Customers to create calm from chaos at work and at home. Bonnie is passionate about helping her clients meet their organizational goals, and loves to see the positive impact that getting organized has on their lives.

Her diverse background gives her the ability to assist her clients with everything from the unique needs of organizing children’s rooms; to the organizational challenges ofmoving an entire family across the country. Working in special education in Maine, Bonnie helped her students exceed their educational goals by creating individualized programs that used their strengths to overcome their unique set of challenges. As a relocation consultant at Cartus, she managed the logistics of the moving process for hundreds of families that were being transferred through their employer.

Recognizing a gap in the information about moving and relocation, she authored The Joyful Organizer’s Guide to a Joyful Move—a comprehensive resource for families that are preparing to move. It helps them reduce stress by keeping them organized throughout their move. It is available on her website http://move.thejoyfulorganizer.com, and Amazon.com. Her most recent book, 50 Tips to Get You Organized- In Ten Minutes or Less!, is available in print or Kindle formats on Amazon.com.

She has gained a worldwide audience through her radio show, The Joy of Organizing. With over a quarter of a million downloads, her show is the most listened to show on the BlogTalkRadio Woman’s Business Network, formerly the Diva Toolbox Radio Network. Airing weekly, the show provides practical organizing tips and tricks for busy families. She has interviewed many of the country’s top organizing experts, including Oprah’s PeterWalsh, JulieMorgenstern, DIY’s Karl Champley, Barbara Hemphill, and Barry Izsak.

Bonnie’s organizing advice has been featured in many local newspapers, and nationally in Better Homes and Gardens, Better Homes and Gardens’ Secrets of Getting Organized, Parents, and Woman’s Day magazines. Bonnie has achieved the prestigious designation of Certified Professional Organizer, CPO®, from The Board of Certification for Professional Organizers. Making her one of only six in the State of Connecticut, and less than twenty-five in all of New England.

Bonnie received a B.S. in Resource and Agribusiness Management from The University of Maine in 2001. She completed work on her M.B.A. in May 2011, graduating summa cum laude from Nichols College.

You can keep in touch with Bonnie through:

The Joyful Organizer®, LLC
bonnie@thejoyfulorganizer.com
http://www.thejoyfulorganizer.com
http://thejoyfulorganizer.com/blog

Looking for free organizing tips? Subscribe to The Joy of Organizing Radio Show on iTunes!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joy-organizing-blog-talk/id352871697

http://www.facebook.com/thejoyfulorganizer
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http://www.twitter.com/thejoyfulorg
http://www.linkedin.com/in/thejoyfulorganizer
https://pinterest.com/BonnieJDewkett/

Children and Winter Time Health by David Novak (Healthline)

December 28, 2013

Child, Winter, Snow, Trip, Family, Snowflake, Baby Boy

Winter is the most anticipated seasons for children. Snow signals numerous fun activities they can enjoy such as sledding and skiing. For parents, this also signals the prevalence of cold and flu viruses, as well as other accidents caused by playing in the snow and cold weather. Don’t let winter dangers keep your children from enjoying outdoors. It’s all about proper planning and following safety guidelines that will ensure your kids are safe at all times. Follow these winter safety tips so your family can enjoy winter without worries:

Encourage proper hygiene

Winter doesn’t only bring cold weather, but also cold and flu viruses. Children are more prone to acquiring these viruses because they play closely together, and they’re still unaware of proper hygiene. Washing hands the right way is one of the basic essentials kids should learn when it comes to hygiene because most viruses are transferred through surfaces and direct contact. Oral and nasal secretions can get on the hands, and ultimately in your body quite easily. Another rule for kids is to cover their mouth when they cough, and keep a safe distance from others when they are doing so. This is a very simple and helpful way in preventing the spread of cold and flu viruses. Teach them also to use disposable tissue to cover their nose and mouth while sneezing.

Dress warmly

Snow is like a child’s beacon for fun. When snow falls, children get amped up to play outside, but it also signals parents to make sure they are dressed warmly for the weather. Dressing them in layers helps in keeping their body insulated, and prevents them from being too cold. Make sure they are also wearing water-resistant or waterproof jackets, gloves, wool hats and thermal underwear. Instruct them to come back in the house regularly to check if they aren’t ignoring any signs of possible hypothermia.

Keep their skin winter-proof

Children have more sensitive skin than adults, and the winter weather can wreak havoc on their delicate hands, faces and lips if skin care is not taken seriously. Sunscreen is vital even if it’s winter, since sun glare reflected off snow can still burn the skin. Make sure to reapply sunscreen if needed. Breakouts of eczema and other dry skin conditions are also common during winter, so it is vital to keep their skin moisturized. Apply moisturizers made from natural ingredients or petroleum jelly on any exposed areas. Avoid those with artificial fragrances and colors, which can only cause irritation.

Provide healthy foods and plenty of liquids

Eating healthy can also help in fighting off cold and flu viruses that are prevalent during winter. Make sure that children are getting all the necessary nutrients they need to keep their immune system healthy. Serve foods that are high in vitamin C, such as leafy greens and citrus fruits, as these are well-known for their flu-fighting components. Vegetables are high in nutrients and vitamins, so make sure to include these in their meals as much as possible. Keeping them healthy lowers their risk of cold and flu, and in case they do get sick, these nutrients aid in fighting off illness more vigorously.

Give them daily multivitamins

Most kids can be picky when it comes to food, leaving them deficient in certain nutrients and vitamins. Supplementing with daily vitamins is vital in ensuring they are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need. Try to use supplements that are all-natural, dye and preservative-free daily multivitamins.

Sleep

Rest is one of the most important components in keeping the body healthy, as well as helping our bodies to recover easily when we get sick. As a parent, stress to your kids that they should follow a good sleeping routine, which includes 8-solid-hours of night-time sleep, and the occasional nap if needed. Check on your child’s room temperature to make sure it is not too cold or too hot. Either could disturb their sleep. Make sure to cover them with blankets or duvets to keep them cozy and warm at night.

Be careful in winter sports

Winter sports such as sledding, skiing, and ice skating can be lots of fun, but they can also be dangerous if proper safety guidelines are not followed. Adults should supervise children while they are sledding, and make sure the path doesn’t have any obstacles that can cause accidents. Children should also wear protective gear such as fitted helmets to avoid any head injuries, which is one of the most common sledding injuries. When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, children should always be accompanied by an adult who is familiar with the sport and the route. Make sure that the slopes are in good physical condition as well as the equipment they are using.

Enjoy indoor activities

Snowstorms can hinder your child’s outdoor activities, thus it is best that you have fun indoor activities planned when this happens. Board games and art supplies can help in keeping your child busy when they are snowed in. Other activities that can be more active and fun include dressing up, bean bag tosses and dance parties. Scavenger hunts and obstacle courses can also help not only in keeping them active, but also in enhancing their cognitive, social and physical performance.

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David Novak’s byline has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world. He’s an avid health enthusiast, and frequently is featured in regional and national health publications. He is also a weekly writer for Healthline. To view his other stories on Healthline, visit http://www.healthline.com/.

Childhood Allergies: Symptoms and Treatments by David Novak (Healthline)

December 10, 2013

Childhood allergy is an exaggerated reaction by the immune system in response to certain foreign substances. These foreign objects may or may not be harmful, thus that’s why it’s classified as only an exaggerated response.

Cold, Headaches, Health, Influence, Disease, Virus

In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulin, which cause the mast cells and allergy cells to release chemicals, including histamine resulting in allergic reactions.

With most people, allergies appear during infancy and childhood. Some allergies can be outgrown while some last a lifetime. It is best to consult with an allergy specialist early on so that the source can be easily avoided and the symptoms treated. When avoidance measures fail to produce results, there are also numerous medications and other measures that can help in treating your child’s symptoms.

Causes

There are numerous causes of children’s allergies. Here are some of the common allergens that can trigger allergy symptoms:

● Pollen - these are fine, reproductive pollen found in plants that travels easily through the air. Several examples include tree pollen such as oak, elm and birch. Pollens from Bermuda grass and orchard grass can also cause allergies.

● Mold spores - These pesky allergy-producers are found almost everywhere, such as in soil, vegetation, attics, basements and carpets. Mold spores also travel by air, so it is one of the most prevalent causes of allergies.

● Dust mites - These tiny creatures can also cause allergies. They are commonly found in bed linens and sofas. Dust mite allergies usually peak in July and August, when the dust mite population is high due to a warmer climate.

● Pet dander - These allergens are the dead skin that warm-blooded animals, such as dogs and cats, shed. Pet dander can be found everywhere because it can be carried through people’s clothing.

● Food - There are numerous foods that can cause allergies. Most common are peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, shellfish and milk or dairy products.

Symptoms

Children’s allergy symptoms occur when their immune system overreacts to certain foreign objects. If the allergen was acquired through the air, the reaction will most likely affect the nose, eyes and lungs. If it was eaten, it may affect the mouth and the digestive system. Some also cause skin rashes and asthma symptoms. Effects usually vary depending on what type of allergens trigger the allergy.

● Food allergy - symptoms include rashes, hives, diarrhea, swelling in the throat and mouth, and difficulty breathing.

● Drug allergy - skin rashes, itchy skin, anaphylaxis, and wheezing or other breathing problems

● Mold allergy - sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat, swollen eyelids and trouble breathing

● Pet allergy - wheezing, sneezing, runny nose and other breathing problems

● Dust allergy - runny or stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Treatments

There are numerous medications to help alleviate the symptoms of childhood allergies. Here are several that have been found effective. Take note that all prescribed and over-the-counter medications should only be used as directed by a prescription, package labeling or your child’s pediatrician.

● Oral Antihistamines - This is the most common class of medication for children with allergies. Prescription medicines such as cetirizine, fexofenadine, and desloratadine can be given to children as young as six months of age. Loratadine, which can be bought over-the-counter, can be administered to children as young as two. These medications are relatively inexpensive and easy for children to take. It usually treats symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchiness, particularly in the eyes, nose and ears.

● Topical Nasal Steroids - This type of medication is found to be most effective in nasal allergies and non-allergic rhinitis. Topical nasal steroids can be easily found and available by prescription. These are excellent in controlling sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy nose, runny nose and post-nasal drip. Side effects are usually mild and limited to nosebleeds and nasal irritation.

● Over-the-Counter Nasal Spray - Oxymetazoline and phenylephrine are cromolyn nasal sprays that can be administered to children as young as two, and they work by preventing symptoms before exposure, but not too effective when used during the outbreak of these symptoms. Topical decongestants with phenylephrine can be given to children down as early as six months old. It is crucial that these medications be used sparingly and during short periods -- three days a month is suggested.

● Oral Decongestants - Oral decongestants are useful medications in the treatment of nasal congestion in children. This class of medication includes pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. They work well for occasional and as-needed use since side effects such as insomnia, headaches and rapid heart rate can be experienced with long-term use.

● Leukotriene Blockers - Montelukast was originally developed for asthma, but has been subsequently approved for the treatment of allergic rhinitis for children as young as six months old. It is found beneficial for children with mild asthma and allergies. It must be taken daily, and it takes a few days before effects can be seen. Mild side effects include fatigue, abdominal pains and headaches.

● Allergy Shots - Allergy shots or immunotherapy are particularly helpful when it comes to childhood allergies. This is not typically considered for children under five years of age due to maturity and cooperativeness of the child, however, several studies have shown that allergy shots can help in asthma prevention up to three years after immunization.

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David Novak is a international syndicated newspaper columnist, appearing in newspapers, magazines, radio and TV around the world. His byline has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Readers Digest and GQ, among others, and he has appeared on The CBS Morning Show, Paul Harvey and The Today Show. David is a specialist at health, wellness, diet and exercise, and he is a regular contributing editor for Healthline. For more information, visit http://www.healthline.com/.

Kids' Artwork by Bonnie Joy Dewkett (The Joyful Organizer)

Children and Winter Time Health by David Novak (Healthline)

Childhood Allergies: Symptoms and Treatments by David Novak (Healthline)

SJ Valdez

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