Parenthood HQ

“Good parents give their children Roots and Wings.” –Jonas Salk

The first time I heard this quote, it made me think. The two sound contradictory - roots and wings: one to tie us to the ground and the other to enable us to fly away.

As I thought about it, however, I realized that, in fact, it clearly summed up the two primary responsibilities we have as parents: to provide a safe, nurturing environment in which our children can grow, and to prepare them for the time when they will “leave the nest.”

It is important that you remember that weight gain is a normal and healthy part of pregnancy. You have to gain weight in order to provide a healthy and comfortable home for the child that you will be nurturing for the next nine months.

Most women want to know what the ideal weight is during pregnancy. Honestly, there is no one answer. Weight gain will vary from woman to woman. There is no one ‘ideal’ weight during pregnancy, just like there is no one ‘ideal’ weight that is just right for al women.

Car Loans for Students
 by: Jacob Andrews

Are you sick of public transportation? Perhaps you are tired of having to walk to class in wet, cold weather? Maybe you need a car to get to and from a new job that you just started. If you are a student seeking an easier means of getting around, there is answer! You can apply for a student car loan, even if you have no credit or bad credit!

Student car loans have two major advantages!

1) Buying a car will help eliminate all of your no-transportation headaches!

Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, some of your fondest memories are of outdoor activities and places. Perhaps you had a favorite climbing tree or secret hiding place. Maybe you remember jumping rope or learning to turn cartwheels with your best friend or playing fetch with the family dog. Do you recall the smell of lilacs, the feel of the sun on the first day warm enough to take off your jacket, or the taste of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich eaten on a blanket in the park? Did you enjoy lying on your back and finding creatures in the clouds?

What a dreamer I am when thinking about parenthood. Most of the time, I do this without knowing to whom my heart will belong and who will share that sacred responsibility. Even though, I am connected with the billions of souls that have always faced the stars at night to decide on what would be the perfect name for our not-yet-conceived little angels

"If is a boy? I’ll name him?; or if is a girl? I’ll name her?" And yes, it is far more important to ask the spirits for the baby to come healthy, but at least our children should have the right to know when people outside the family are referring to them.

People always ask my wife and I: "How did you ever do it with two babies? I just can’t imagine it". My answer is always the same?we just do. We just do what needs to be done. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s exhausting. Yes, it’s stressful. But we find a way to get the things done that need to be done. That’s really the key, is finding a way that works for you and your spouse. I’ve listed some things in this article that have worked for us, maybe you can use some of the same things to help you through the first year.

Although, not a well publicized statistic, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past two decades-15% of American children are obese according to the U.S. Obesity Task Force.

With TV commercials bombarding children’s minds with ‘junk food’ options and fast food restaurants enticing parents to ‘take a break’ from tedious cooking by offering toys or a play room, staying on a healthy eating plan is difficult. In addition, playing outside is a distant thought if children are accustomed to using T.V. the computer, and a plethora of video games as fun activities. Couple this with no P.E. in school and parents have an up hill climb.

Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula to solids is a milestone for both you and your baby. However, it can be challenging for some parents. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve compiled for introducing solid foods to your baby. Do remember, however, that you should follow your pediatrician’s advice if you’re in doubt.

Start with fruits One tip I’ve heard from various is to start with fruits. Use really ripe bananas, mashed with a fork. Or sweet potatoes (baked, with the insides scooped out).

Q. I don’t like my children spending so much time on the computer and playing video games. Can you help me find or develop a fun quiz to stimulate their thinking?

A. A fun quiz is an excellent way to keep kids occupied especially during the vacation months when learning takes a hiatus.

The key to designing a fun quiz is to keep the subjects relevant to things that interest your children while managing to stretch the limits of their knowledge.

A fun quiz does not have to be so easy that it’s seen as a joke, nor does it have to be boring. Here’s an example:

I used to have a really challenging job. It was stressful and demanding, high pressure and large responsibilities.

I was really good at it too. Really, I was.

Then I became a parent.

In my old job, I was really good at delegating, training, developing and managing people…and rationalizing.

Oh, could I rationalize.

“I may have to work 60 or 70 hours a week, but I’m providing my girls with security, money for college, a comfortable life.”

“Yes, I have to be out of town for a week at a time several times a year, but I’m providing a strong role model for my daughters.”