Parenthood HQ

Looking At Metabolism in Children with Down Syndrome
 by: Jane Orville

Research suggests children with Down syndrome have a lowered Basal Metabolic Rate, which is the rate a person burns calories for fuel when completely at rest - or sleeping. This means that children with Down syndrome use less energy when they are resting or sleeping.

Let’s look at an example. If you child is with a “normal” peer and eats the same amount of food and does the same activities, he will burn up to 15% fewer calories than his buddy. This means that his body has calories left over. Even 50 calories extra a day, a simple apple, will add up to 5 pounds a year. Take that over 5 years and you have an extra 25 pounds.

Some Unusual Causes Of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
 by: Lucky Balaraman

On the list of horrifying things that can happen to a family, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is near the top. SIDS occurs when a baby between the ages of one and six months mysteriously dies in its sleep.

There are several causes for SIDS, and more are being discovered each year. Being suffocated by bedding is certainly one of them, as is being rolled on by parents and being a passive infant smoker.

But there are two other reasons responsible for a significant number of unexplained infant deaths.

Raising Children With Choices
 by: Barbara Freedman-De Vito

It’s undeniably difficult raising children in a changing world. You want the best for your children and you want them to fulfill their potential with each new activity that they undertake but, in a society where certain endeavors are still too often considered to be the domain of males only or of females only, it may take a bit of effort to create a maximum of opportunities for your children, whether they be girls or boys.

Just like Willy Nelson, I could not wait to get on the road again.

After five years of marriage my husband and I had traveled to France, Florida, Missouri, Georgia, and the Caribbean. We had also taken many weekend trips around my husband’s hectic work schedule.

That all changed January 16, 1992 - or so we thought.

The next three months were a blur; bottles, diapers, and lack of sleep, times two. When I finally returned to work, after twelve weeks, my life had drastically changed.

A Covert Marketing Tool For Parent Buyers - The Kiddie Ride
 by: Damon Carson

Choosy mothers choose Jif. But what do choosy kids choose? “Automobiles and electronics,” says Mark Snyder, senior vice president of brand management for Holiday Inn. “Children very much get to participate in making those purchasing decisions.” Let’s face it. Anyone who has ever stood in a checkout line in the supermarket knows that kids have always had a say in purchasing toys, food and other smallish items. What’s new is how far that influence now stretches—and how advertisers are reacting.

Learning To Breastfeed Can Be Such a Vulnerable Time
 by: Dr. Melanie Beingessner

Learning to Breastfeed Can Be Such A Vulnerable Time

Learning to breastfeed can be a difficult and frustrating time

for first-time mothers and their babies. Under the best

circumstances, most of us have patience and determination to

learn a new skill. However, after the physically draining

effects of labour and birth, breastfeeding can easily become

frustrating if the baby is slower to learn to latch at the

breast.

During this period just after birth, your internal resources are

Children with ADHD
 by: Hoe Bing Lo

There is a perplexing state of affairs in today’s society, there lies a strong correlation between the affluence of a society and the amount of disease that is present. There is also another correlation that troubles many a people and that is with affluence comes disease at an Earlier age.

Working with children and the parents of these children I often get asked the question, ‘Why are Children with ADHD on the increase?’

The answer as you shall find is one that is both interesting and challenging.

Parenting - Find The Right Balance!
 by: Dana Goldberg

Parenting can be a daunting prospect even for the most accomplished and the most prepared. Good parenting is a balance of many different factors and you will need to discipline as well as spend good, quality time with your child. In this modern age, time is of a premium. Even when parents do find they have some spare time to interact with their children this time is often spent worrying about what needs to be done next.

With our twin boys getting ready to start solid food, I have been reading about making and freezing my own baby food. It is very easy!

You can make up large quantities of baby meals and freeze them for later use.

Green beans are in season and were on sale at the grocery store, so I bought several pounds to prepare and freeze. I steamed them in an electric steamer for about 20 minutes and then blended them in the blender with some water until they were pureed. I then poured the puree into ice cube trays. After the cubes were frozen I transferred them to a reclosable freezer bag and labeled the bag with the name of the vegetable and the date. These cubes can be stored in the freezer for 1-2 months.

Practical Tips To Survive The 1st Trimester Of Pregnancy
 by: Christine Dugan

So, you’ve gotten over the elation of being pregnant. Now, despite the joy of having a little one growing in your belly, you (and your husband or boyfriend) need to deal with the nagging symptoms of pregnancy. Here are just a few tips to help you to survive: