Must-Have Spring Fashions for Teens

Parents of teenagers know how important fashion is to them. Each teen has his or her own individual style. Some love to follow the latest trends, while others have a fashion sense all their own. Here are some of the hottest fashion trends for teens this spring:

The Little White Dress

The little black dress is a perennial favorite, but one of this spring's most notable trends is the little white dress. Whether it's a simple A-line or a cute little crocheted number, the little white dress is versatile and easy to accessorize. You can also easily add some punch to it with some brightly colored jewelry and shoes.

White is also a hit for the prom, for both boys and girls. White dresses and tuxedos are quite elegant, and they can be accessorized with virtually any color. If all white is too intimidating for your teen, there are some nice black and white options for the prom.

Belts

Belts are a big deal this spring. Skinny belts are making a comeback in a big way, but big, thick belts are a favorite as well. Both are being paired with dresses to slim and draw attention to the waist.

Patent is popular in accessories, and belts are no exception. A shiny patent belt can add lots of interest to almost any outfit. You can find these belts in a variety of colors, not just black and white.

Sheer Fabrics

Sheer fabrics have been all over the runways this season. There, they leave little to the imagination. In real life, they are great for layering with solid pieces.

Sheer jackets or button-up shirts in vivid prints look great with coordinating solid-colored tank tops. Scarves are also a hit this spring, and there are lots of lovely sheer ones to choose from.

Lots of Silver

Silver is one of the most popular colors of the season. There are plenty of ways that teens can incorporate it into their wardrobes. Jewelry is one of them, but not the only one.

Metallic fabrics are both trendy and elegant, and they can be found in everything from dresses to outerwear. Shoes and handbags are also great in silver, and they complement the season's neutral colors very well. Even belts and scarves in silver tones can add some shine to an ensemble.

Floral Prints

The femininity of floral prints is often seen in the spring. Large and mid-sized floral prints are all the rage for both teens and adults this season. Dresses are the most obvious place for them, but they can also be found on shirts, jackets, pants, and handbags.

Floral prints also provide a great way to introduce color without wearing it from head to toe. White or neutral backgrounds are unobtrusive, yet when you add some brightly colored flowers to them, it really makes them pop.

Father’s Day Gifts for Grandpa

Unless your dad, or your husband’s dad, is a real grump, kids love to spend time with their grandpas. Let’s face it, grandparents allow children to get away with much more than they would have allowed their own children to do. They love to spoil their grandchildren and know if they do, they can give them back to their parents. So, what are some great Father’s Day gifts for Grandpa – things that will allow your children to express how much they love and appreciate him?

Of course, before you can make a blanket statement about the perfect Father’s Day gift for a grandfather, you have to realize that this is no such thing. Each grandfather is a unique person, so one size will definitely not fit all! Think about your own particular Grandpa that will be the recipient of the gift, and then you’ll have a better idea of the gift that’s perfect for him.

Perhaps there is one gift that would be appreciated by all grandfathers, but each gift would be as different as the family giving it. That gift, of course, is a family photo. What grandparent wouldn’t love to have a current picture of their loved ones to grace their wall or table? Plan a few weeks ahead to have a new family portrait taken. It will be one gift that you won’t mind giving to both grandfathers.

Do either of the grandfathers in your family have a favorite author? Pick up a book, in larger print if necessary, that you know they would enjoy. This may take a little bit of snooping, but the results will be worth it. Just imagine the look on his face when he opens the package with the latest novel from his favorite author.

Another gift no grandfather in his right mind would turn down is home-made treats, made especially for him with love. If he has health issues that preclude giving him too many sweets, that doesn’t mean he can’t have any. Do some research and find out what he can have, and then fix it in a way that will be delicious without adversely affecting his health.

Is Grandpa a sports enthusiast? Give him a certificate for a round of golf at the nearest golf course. If he likes to go fishing, perhaps some new fishing lures would be more to his liking. When it comes to sports you can’t go wrong, provided you pay attention and key into what he truly likes.

Finally, if your children’s grandfather already has everything he needs, you may be stumped as to the perfect gift. Try taking him out to his favorite restaurant to spend time with you. It will be a gift he will appreciate, especially if he complains that he doesn’t get to see you often enough.

The perfect Father’s Day gift for Grandpa may not be the same thing for every grandfather. But if you are observant, listen, and think about his likes, you’re sure to find the gift that’s perfect for him. And that’s what you want anyhow, isn’t it?

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Teenagers Becoming Car Owners

Owning a car is a serious responsibility. Not only are you responsible for the vehicle, but you are responsible for the lives of everyone in the vehicle and everyone that comes around the vehicle when it is moving. A license is not the best sign to determine if your teenager is ready for his own car. Here are some points to consider.

1. An understanding of finances can be invaluable when it comes to owning a car. Ideally, the teenager needs to have earned at least a portion of the purchase price. After the car has been bought, it is a good idea for the new driver to be financially obligated to purchase the gas, do regular maintenance and pay for the insurance - all with his own money. The need for income cannot replace the need for good grades in school. A responsible person will figure out how to balance the two needs in order to accomplish his goals.

2. Almost anyone can pass the driver’s test given locally. It is far more important that Mom or Dad give the new driver a passing grade. Not only should the teenager know the legal rules, but he should understand how to drive defensively and learn to see problems before they arise.

3. A teenager that is respectful to Mom and Dad and other adults is much more likely to be respectful to authority. Attitude is not a good thing on the road. If your teenager shows respect and a mild temperament then he may be ready to have his own vehicle.

4. One good turn deserves another. Let your teenager borrow your car for a few nights (or even a couple of weeks). Long enough for the novelty of driving to wear off. After that you will likely see how he is going to treat his own car if you ever decide he is ready for one.

5. It is extremely important that your teenager have plenty of time behind the wheel before she flies solo. It is just as important that she experience different driving situations. Take her on a road trip and let her do some driving on the interstate, in city traffic and other situations you think might arise. Give her the experience a little bit at a time and her sense of responsibility and confidence behind the wheel will continue to grow.

6. Each teenager will be different. It’s not a good idea to set a date deadline for getting a teenager his first car. Instead judge each individual on his (or her) attitudes and actions.

Giving a teenager a car is like providing her with a weapon that weighs over a ton and that goes 70 miles an hour. It can be dangerous and scary. Be sure that your teenager appreciates the severity of the situation, is willing to take financial responsibility and is determined to respect the rules and authority that govern the road.

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The Choking Game is Deadly Serious

Teenagers have not always been known for their wise decisions.  More often than not, teenagers make rash decisions that have very little conscious thought involved and are more likely spurred on by the crowd.  In the past, these "adventures" involved car races or some form of dare that might cause harm (or embarrassment).  Today the adventures have turned more deadly.  The trend is to play a game - only this game is one of life or death.

The Choking Game (also known as the Blackout Game or the Fainting Game) is when one person shuts off the oxygen to his brain (sometimes by strangulation) in order to get a high from the experience.  This intentional deprivation of oxygen to the brain can result in unconsciousness, temporary or even permanent brain damage, or death. 

It is important to talk to your teenager about who he (or she) is spending time with or what he is doing with his friends when he is out.  These recreational activities that teenagers are participating in are no games.  Not only can they cause problems in youth, but they can also lead to more dangerous scenarios as the teenager grows older.  Some teenagers who participate in the Choking Game eventually develop an unnatural fixation on erotic asphyxiation.

There are a variety of reasons that people say they participate in the Choking Game - none of which have ever been substantiated.  Some claim that it produces a brief high.  Others say that cutting off the oxygen produces a more enhanced sense of erotic feelings.  Some even suggest that it gives the same feeling of being intoxicated.  No matter what the reason, the truth is that no one can be sure just how much damage is being done neurologically each time the "game" is "played".

It might surprise you to find out that this game has been around for longer than most experts realize.  As long as thirty years ago, kids in the school yard were hyperventilating on purpose to get a high or dizzy feeling associated with intoxication.  Unfortunately, the teenagers of today have found more effective ways to play the game.  Even more unfortunate is that few parents realize it is going on.  There are very few documented cases of injury or death from this game.

Make time to talk to your teenager on a regular basis.  Talk about things in the news, hobbies and interests or whatever your teenager wants to discuss.  When things come up, talk about situations like the Choking Game and how deadly serious they can be.  The more open and honest you are with your teenager about little things, the more open he (or she) will be to your opinion about important issues.

Better Behavior Wheel Review

Product Name: Better Behavior Wheel
Rating: 10
Where to Buy: http://www.better-behavior.com/

Description: A device that will help you have children who are better behaved in a week.

Review: This little device takes all the shouting, arguing and frustration out of disciplining your children. Invented by parents who have been there (and what parent hasn't been to the point all they know to do is yell) this technique has worked wonders for their family and many other alike.

Discipline is a necessity in any home with children. How we do this can be the actual root of the problem. It seems like every time I turn around I have to holler at my children for some reason. The next thing I know we are in an argument that never seems to be solved. The yelling and stomping off is more than I could take.

This little wheel made a difference for us right from the beginning. I placed it on the family room wall for all to see. At first everyone bulked at it but once they realized it was also filed with some humor they began to check it out.

There are no charts, books or manuals with this wheel. It’s just the wheel, a spinner, 48 consequences and 16 rewards. You and your children decide what to place on the wheel together. When they break a rule they spin the wheel to see exactly what their consequence will be. If they are well behaved then they can spin the wheel to see what reward they have earned.

It’s pretty easy and a very simple idea. It shows your children that they are in charge of their destiny if they don’t behave. It also teaches them that good things come to those who behave well and follow the rules.

I really like this idea and the simplicity of it all. There is no more screaming, stomping around or feeling like I’m the bad guy day in and day out. The kids even enjoy it for the most part. If nothing else the stress level in our house has decreased so much that we all seem much happier. I’m proud to say I have some pretty well behaved children under my roof now. Thanks to the Better Beahvior Wheel for giving my children and I the opportunity to experience that.

The following product review was submitted by a fellow parent. If you would like to submit a parenting related product review leave a comment below of the product you have in mind and a way to get in touch with you.

Charissa Bear

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Caffeine and Breastfeeding

Doctors recommend that women stop drinking caffeine when they become pregnant because it can adversely affect the developing child. Caffeine is a diuretic which may cause the mother to not produce enough amniotic fluid. But is drinking caffeine and breastfeeding also a no-no? Here are some points to consider.

Is caffeine transported to the nursing child through breast milk?

According to the La Leche League, a woman should be able to safely drink up to five 5-ounce cups of coffee without affecting her child. Unfortunately, in this day and age, you generally can’t buy coffee in 5-ounce sized cups. Most are generally 8-ounces or more, so five cups of coffee at that size would be way too much caffeine.

Remember to consider all sources of caffeine when determining the amount of caffeine you can consume. Colas, tea, some cold medicines, and even chocolate contain caffeine, so include those amounts in your figures.

How does caffeine affect a nursing infant?

Caffeine has been found to accumulate in an infant’s system, so while one cup of coffee or glass of ice tea won’t cause your infant problems, additional servings could. In fact, caffeine can be found in a woman’s breast milk several days after it has been ingested. In a child less 6 months old, caffeine will remain in the system for up to 100 hours. It clears the adult system in less than 8 hours.

Babies affected by caffeine will be fussy, restless, may cry quite a bit, and will not be able to sleep. If you think your child is suffering from too much caffeine, begin cutting down on the amount of caffeine each day until you are no longer drinking it.

If you choose to drink a cup of coffee or tea each day while nursing, remember that the caffeine will enter the breast milk and will be at its highest level about 1 hour after you've drunk it. You may want to drink your coffee or tea right after nursing to give your body longer to process it through your system. You also want to ensure you have at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water to counteract the diuretic effect of caffeine and keep you from becoming dehydrated, which will definitely affect your milk.

What can you do if you just can’t give up caffeine?

1. Use moderation when drinking coffee or any other caffeinated drink.
2. Caffeine is the strongest in breast milk one hour after you've drunk it. If you know it will be a while before you nurse again, try drinking caffeine at that time.
3. Smoking increases the effects of caffeine, so don’t smoke if you drink caffeine. Of course, it would be best if you didn’t smoke at all, but that’s a decision to be made between you and your doctor.

So if you love coffee or tea and want to breastfeed your newborn, the news is better than you may have thought. Caffeine and breastfeeding do not have to be mutually exclusive. While it might be best to refrain from drinking many servings of caffeine, you can still enjoy a cup of coffee or a nice glass of iced tea while nursing. Use these tips and you’ll do just fine.

Breastfeeding On Demand Increases Milk Production

Over the last few years there has been a resurgence in the number of mothers that are breastfeeding their babies.  Research is showing that the natural way of breastfeeding is actually the best way.  Unfortunately, there are a number of misconceptions and confusion that causes many mothers to give up on breastfeeding before they even get started.  Milk supply is at the top of those issues.

Having a good milk supply is important to the new baby, but there is no real way to judge what that milk supply is when you are breastfeeding.  The size of the breast or the length of time the baby feeds is no real indication of the amount of milk available or ingested.  The only real measurement is the weight gained by the baby (and maybe the number of wet diapers each day). 

The best way to ensure that there is an adequate milk supply is to breastfeed every time from the first feeding on.  Breastfeeding on demand (or any time that the baby is HUNGRY) will not only keep the milk supply steady, but it will help to increase it as the baby needs more milk. 

It may also take a few weeks for the baby to settle into a normal pattern when first coming home. In the beginning, your baby may require up to twelve feeds in one day. Eventually she will settle into a pattern and you will be more comfortable about understanding her needs. After the initial period, it is not unusual to nurse your baby up to eight times a day (sometimes even more) with on-demand feeding.  Keep in mind that your baby will need more milk during growth spurts, so you may have periods where the on-demand feedings increase beyond the pattern that you and your baby have settled into. 

The key to settling in to a comfortable on-demand pattern is to learn how to recognize the cues your baby gives off (sucking on her hand, becoming more aware, squirming towards the breast) before she starts crying.  Crying can make it harder for her to latch on properly and can cause her to have more gas.

Feeding on demand can be supplemented with pumping if necessary.  Pump at times when your breasts feel engorged, start leaking or when you are feeding the baby on the other breast.  You will be able to produce more milk that can then be refrigerated or frozen for the times when your husband or children want the blessing of bonding with the new baby.  (Do not use bottled milk for at least six weeks so that the baby can settle in to the breastfeeding).

Some things that can hinder your milk production:

- Lack of sleep
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Dehydration
- Inadequate nutrition
- Supplementing breastfeed with formula feedings

No matter how long you stay with the on-demand breastfeeding, or even if you choose that direction for you and your baby, keep in mind that any time you spend breastfeeding your baby will be beneficial to her growth and development.

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Tips for Teaching Kids to Cook

What woman wouldn’t love having a sous chef to help her in the kitchen? Well, if you have children, you may have a sous chef in the making. These tips for teaching kids to cook may help you to help yourself by allowing them to take over some of the kitchen duties.

Before teaching your children anything about working in a kitchen, teach them about cleanliness above all else. Basic safety rules like washing your hands before you begin, not licking your fingers while preparing food, and keeping raw and cooked foods separate will go a long way toward keeping family members healthy. Teaching them to cook foods to the proper temperature is also important.

Read the entire recipe before you start so you’ll be sure that you understand the directions and know which utensils and ingredients you’ll need. Gather everything together. If you can, measure out the ingredients ahead of time. This will make the actual preparation go smoother. Follow the directions exactly to get the best results from your efforts.

Explain to them what each appliance is, how it works, and what it’s used for. If you have hand appliances, explain those as well. You don’t have to give them the theories behind electricity, but you do want them to know how to handle each appliance in a safe manner.

Always use hot pads to remove items from the stove, microwave, or oven. Don’t lick hot spoons or handle food while it is still hot. Doing so could result in a serious burn. Teach your child the proper way to remove hot items, what to do if they do burn themselves, and where the first aid is kept in the kitchen.

Sharp knives work better than dull ones, so keep your kitchen knives sharp. Teach your child the proper way to hold a knife, how to slice food without cutting themselves, and how to care for and store knives. Never put knives into soapy water; that way no one gets cut.

Don’t throw water onto a kitchen fire. It could make matters worse. Teach your child to call an adult immediately to see if they can extinguish the fire. If it gets out of control, make sure everyone leaves the house, go to your nearest neighbors, and call 911.

As much as you’re tempted, don’t taste food that hasn’t been cooked. While your parents may have been able to eat raw cookie dough, it isn’t recommended today. If you must taste food that is cooking, use a clean spoon and allow it to cool first. Refrain from using the same spoon to taste and cook; by doing so you’ll be less likely to contaminate the food.

Instead of leaving dishes until you’re finished, clean while you cook. Put ingredients away when you’re done with them. Run a sink of hot, soapy water and place dishes and utensils (except sharp knives) in the sink until you can get to them to wash them. Wipe up any spills you may have made. Turn off and unplug any hand appliances.

Allow your children to watch you cook from an early age, and then begin allowing them to help. When you feel confident that they understand the rules for your kitchen and can handle things on their own, let them do just that. You may be surprised to find that you have a little chef in the making.

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