Bad Habits That Can Hurt Your Kids' Health

Parents as function Models
Kids discover how to feel about their bodies, abilities, everything -- from what you state and do. They are likely to imitate your activities. The most powerful way to educate your children healthy habits is not by rewarding or punishing them. rather than, proceed in a affirmative way and form wholesome behaviors.
Setting a good example will help them be happy and sustain a wholesome heaviness. Have alterations to make yourself? That's OK. You can do it simultaneously.
awful Habit # 1: admonishing Yourself
admonishing the way you gaze drives the note that self-esteem should be founded on how your jeans fit or how much you weigh.
Kids -- particularly young women -- can be influenced by what they discover their mothers say. It can make them not like what they see in the mirror -- premier to a lifetime of self-esteem issues and poor body likeness. Both can impel her toward unhealthy customs like yo-yo dieting or increase her risk of dangerous eating disorders.

awful custom # 2: Emotional Eating
If you use food to seem better when you're miserable or let down, you could be transient on unhealthy notes to your kids. You're showing them that food is the way to feel good about yourself.
rather than, work on other ways to get an emotional boost when you're reduced. Let them see you conversing to friends or going for a stroll to seem better. They'll pick up on wholesome and unwholesome customs alike.

Bad custom # 3: Too Much Texting, Emailing, Talking
It's not equitable to notify the children not to text at the evening meal table if you're there on your teletelephone. What you do sends a stronger note than what you state. Set family directions about electronics and every person, including parents, desires to attach to them.
Kids who spend too much time in front of screens often have troubles with sleepiness, school presentation, and weight issues. But kids who consume evening meal with the family have a smaller risk of fatness.

Bad Habit # 4: Emphasizing the Superficial and Material
Most little young women play dress-up. But experts say be very cautious about making pedi parties more important than other value time.
Use "girl time" to make wholesome customs appealing -- go for walks, educate her a sport. She'll learn that she can be strong, powerful, and a girl. in addition to, she'll glimpse that being active is a large stress reliever. furthermore be sure to notify her she's intelligent or kind as often as you praise her beauty.

awful custom # 5: consuming to Perk Up or seem Better
If you come dwelling after a awful day at work and say, "I need a drink," you show your child that alcoholic beverage is a good way to relieve stress and seem better about yourself. The same goes for relying on tons of coffee for energy.
rather than, find healthier ways to get tension respite or get energized. Try workout, meditation, or a resting hobby and get the whole family involved. Those are all are good ways to rest or recharge.

Bad custom # 6: Making Everything a affray
Pointing out to your child that other children (neighbors, classmates, siblings) are more athletic is rarely a good motivator.
rather than, try affirmative reinforcement. applaud him for doing his best. Help him focus on the fun of being out-of-doors or competing against himself and glimpsing improvements. You can furthermore offer to help find an undertaking he's fervent about and help him practice. Talk about how you need to move every day and how it makes you feel good.

awful Habit # 7: habitually Bickering, Arguing
If you and your spouse constantly snipe at each other, your kids are discovering that it's OK to proceed that way. Stress is often a initiate for contentions.
Handling your tension well? If not, try researching some tension management methods. contending may make you seem better at first but worse later. Plus, stress from arguments has a negative effect on children. contradictory stress has been shown to boost the risk of fatness.

Bad Habit # 8: Gossiping
admonishing the way somebody looks or actions can be a sign of poor self-esteem. About to blab? Stop. inquire yourself if there's good cause. possibilities are it's out of habit, so opt not to.
The identical moves for indulging in a alallotmentment of Hollywood gossip TV shows and magazines for a pick-me-up. rather than, turn off the TV, put down the mags, and display your kids how to unwind and re-energize in wholesome ways. Get everyone out-of-doors for a bike travel or game of hopscotch.

Catching Yourself
If you find yourself behaving in a negative way around your children, don't ignore it and wish they didn't observe. Point out your error. Use it as a teachable instant.
Get the children involved by asking them to help you stop. They'll likely be more than joyous to issue it out if you do it again and you'll all be more cognizant. investigations propose, families are more expected to find achievement if they support each other in their wholesome choices.

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8 Early Signs of Pregnancy

marvelling if you're with child? A pregnancy check is the way to understand for certain. But what if it's too soon for unquestionable outcomes? You may notice some subtle signals of pregnancy -- fatigue, nausea, frequent urination, and breast tenderness. Here's some professional recommendations on how to respond to these symptoms if you're endeavouring to get with child.
1. Fatigue
"Extreme, unexplainable fatigue is probably the most widespread sign of early pregnancy," says Gil Gross, MD, an aide lecturer of obstetrics and gynecology at the Washington University School of surgery in St. Louis.

"Don't treat fatigue with unwarranted caffeine if there is a possibility you may be pregnant." rather than, "listen to your body, take it easy, and try to keep well-rested," states Donnica Moore, MD, a women's wellbeing professional in Far high grounds, N.J.

2. Food Aversions
If unfastening the frig makes you wince and you can't even stroll past the localizedized Chinese bistro without gagging, you could be with child. Many women report that such strong food aversions are one of the first signs of early pregnancy. These can be initiated by rising grades of beta-hCG hormone, Moore says. The best thing you can do to help yourself through this is to steer clear of initiates.
3. Sensitivity to stinks
Scents that were not ever pleasing (like cigarette fumes) and even ones that were satisfying (like your partner's cologne) can make you queasy throughout pregnancy's early phases. "For some women, this can be a tip-off that they are expecting," Moore says. This is expected a result of increasing hormone grades. Unfortunately, "there is actually nothing you can do except avoid them when you can," she says, "especially cigarette fumes, which is not good for you or the baby."
4. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can be some of the first indications that you're with child. accuse it on rising hormones grades in early pregnancy.
One of the things that can help expectant moms get through their first trimester is the reassurance that the nausea and vomiting will expected overtake by 19 weeks. "It also assists to understand that morning sickness can be a good thing," Moore says, because increasing levels of the beta-HCG hormone, which may cause morning sickness, show a growing pregnancy.
When you consume may make a distinction, too. "The key is not to let your stomach get too empty," Moore states. "Keep crackers by your bedside and have them before you get out of bed in the morning." It is also a good concept to consume little, more frequent repasts all through the day and a snack just before bed. Lemon and peppermint with added flavour candies can furthermore ease queasiness.
Prenatal vitamins can furthermore trigger nausea for some expectant moms. "Don't take your vitamins on an empty stomach," Moore states. "A lot of women feel better if they take them at nighttime or with dinner."
If you are vomiting often, talk with your medical practitioner about medication choices.
5. Breast enlarging and Tenderness
Breast changes may be another early sign of pregnancy. "The best thing to do about breast tenderness is to get a better bra," whole states. A sports bra, for instance, can give you more support.
6. Frequent Urination
"In early pregnancy, the uterus grows and pushes on the bladder, triggering the urge to urinate more often," states Xavier Pombar, DO, an obstetrician at hurry University Medical Center in Chicago.
There is no way to avoid this, but going to the bathroom right before bed may permit you to get a little more doze. "You will likely still have to get up at least one time in the evening to use the bathroom," Pombar states.
7. Shortness of Breath
Some women seem mildly short of wind when they first become pregnant and sometimes throughout pregnancy. "This is because you need additional oxygen due to the growing embryo," Pombar says. "The further along you are, the poorer this gets. Still, don't just brush this off as a usual' sign of pregnancy." converse to your doctor if you are worried or if any of the following are factual for you:
You have a rapid onset of shortness of wind that is not affiliated with workout.
respiring is at all painful.
The breathless feeling is worse when you are lying down.
These can be signs of something more grave.
8. Physical Changes
If you think that you may be with child because you've been related to sex hardworking without contraception, make an appointment with your doctor. There are alterations in the vagina's hue and the softness of the cervix that an experienced clinician can identify throughout a pelvic exam, Pombar states.
"Remember that while these are early signals of pregnancy, these are furthermore the symptoms of other things, encompassing premenstrual syndrome (PMS)," Moore says. "The most reliable early signal of pregnancy is your first missed period if you have normal periods."

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5 Serious Symptoms in Children to Never Ignore

High Fever in a Child Older Than 1

If your child is flushed and hot, your first instinct may be to see a doctor as quickly as possible, but this may not always be necessary.

“We constantly try to teach parents not to look at the thermometer, but what kids' symptoms are and what they look like,” says Schmitt, who created the KidsDoc app for smartphones from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a triage system that helps parents figure out how to treat kids' symptoms.

A fever is part of the body’s way of defending itself against an infection. If a child has a fever, it means that his immune system is working. A fever, by definition, is 100.4 F, taken rectally. You may want to take a toddler’s temperature under his arm, but be sure to add one degree to it, to get a more accurate number.

You can give your child medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if the child is more than 6 months old) to reduce his fever. But be sure that it's truly necessary, and keep close tabs on the dosage of this or any medication in children, whether it's from a prescription or not. Remember, fever reducers don’t fight the infection that's causing the fever.

Bad Headache

How can you tell whether your child's headache is serious enough to warrant immediate medical attention, or if letting her skip school and sleep it off would help?

“Minor headaches go away with over-the-counter pain relievers or rest,” Brown says. “Major headaches do not.”

If your child's headache endures for several hours - or if the pain is so intense that she can't eat, play, or even enjoy her favorite TV show - call the pediatrician.

“If it's severe enough to incapacitate the child, it needs to be evaluated now,” Schmitt says. “They cannot do any normal activities. All they can do is think about their pain.”

Headaches can be commonly caused by tight muscles in the scalp, rather than a problem related to the brain, but a headache with neurological symptoms (such as confusion, blurred vision and trouble walking) should be evaluated by an emergency room doctor.

Headaches combined with fever, vomiting, confusion or stiff neck should also be evaluated quickly as the child could have a serious infection or illness, such asmeningitis, which is a medical emergency.

If a child gets headaches often, that needs to be evaluated. Children generally should not get headaches.

Widespread Rash

Don't be too concerned about a rash on your child's arm or feet; they're generally harmless. If the rash covers her entire body, though, examine it to see whether you should get medical attention.

“If you touch the red rash and it blanches or turns white, then you let go and it turns red again, you usually don't have to worry about it,” Sacchetti says. “Most of the virus rashes and allergic reactions, including hives, will do that.”

A non-blanching rash -small red or purple spots on the skin that don't change color when you press on them - can indicate a medical emergency such as meningitis orsepsis, particularly when accompanied by a fever. This type of rash can also appear on the face after violent bouts of coughing or vomiting, so it's not always a sign of something serious.

To be safe, any time your child has small red or purple non-blanching dots appear on a widespread area, it's best to seek emergency care at once, to rule out a more serious condition.

Another widespread rash which can be a medical emergency are hives which appear with lip swelling. Hives should be immediately treated with diphenyhadramine (Benadryl). If there is lip or facial swelling, the child must see a doctor. If your child's breathing is labored or your child complains about breathing, call 911 -- the symptoms suggest anaphylactic reaction, which is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction.

Severe Stomach Bug

When your child has food poisoning or gastroenteritis (the so-called “stomach flu," though it has nothing to do with influenza), monitor how often they're throwing up or having diarrhea.

Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If it is mild dehydration, your doctor may recommend giving electrolyte solutions at home, though treatment depends in part on the child's age. If your child seems to be getting worse (not voiding enough or acting sick), you should see your doctor.

Vomiting three times in an afternoon may not lead to dehydration, but eight bouts of diarrhea in eight hours probably will, as will a combination of vomiting with diarrhea. Dehydration needs to be closely monitored and sometimes needs emergency treatment.         

“If they're losing it below and not able to retain the ideal fluid from above, they may need some IV fluids or prescription medication to stop the vomiting,” Schmitt says. “The younger kids are at the greatest risk of dehydration.”

Stiff Neck

A stiff neck can indicate meningitis, a true medical emergency, so parents may panic if they see their child standing rigidly, refusing to look left or right. But a stiff neck by itself is rarely anything more than sore muscles.

“Look at a constellation of symptoms, not just one in isolation,” Brown says. “A stiff neck alone might mean you slept funny. Meningitis is a combination of fever with a stiff neck, light sensitivity and headache.”

A stiff neck with a fever might be tonsil inflammation, not meningitis; calling the pediatrician could ease your fears. Of course, if trauma caused a hurt neck, that's a clear reason to head to the ER.

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10 Reasons He Isn't Sleeping with You

Has your husband been saying "not tonight, dear" a little too often? It's hard not to feel rejected, but it doesn't necessarily mean he's lost that lovin' feelin' for you. Learn about the most common reasons he may not be in the mood and what you can do about it.

1. He wants to relax after a long day.
If he's retreating to his man cave each night, that could create a pattern of disconnection, says Debra Castaldo, PhD, a relationship expert and director of the Center for Couples and Family Solutions in Midland Park, NJ. He may not realize you're missing him, though, so tell him. Try: "It seems like we're spending most of our evening time apart. I know you want to chill out, but I miss being with you. Maybe we can do something relaxing together," suggests Dr. Castaldo. Find something soothing you both enjoy, whether it's drinking wine, reading side by side in bed or finding a new favorite TV show. Once there's togetherness, there's an opportunity for intimacy, says Dr. Castaldo.

2. He's reminded of the kids.
Plenty of parents have scintillating sex lives, but some husbands have trouble seeing their wives as sexual beings once they become moms, says Laurie J. Watson, sex therapist and author of Wanting Sex Again: How to Rediscover Your Desire and Heal a Sexless Marriage. Another libido killer: putting children-and not your spouse-in the center of the family unit, says Charles J. Orlando, relationship expert and author of the series The Problem With Women… is Men. Clear out kiddie cues in your bedroom: toys, photos, even their laundry, suggests Watson. And if your children are hanging in your room when you want time alone with your hubby, tell them, "This is Mommy and Daddy time," advises Orlando.

3. He wants to play video games or watch sports.
"Talking face-to-face, as women want, isn't husbands' natural mode," explains Watson. So they get hooked on World of Warcraft or watching the Yankees with the guys because there's no emotional investment. To peel him away from the screen, strike a deal about which nights you'll tune into each other, says Dr. Castaldo. "It's not the weekends away and date nights that make a marriage. It's the agreements you have about what's acceptable in your relationship's everyday life."

Related: 9 Fights You Should Have With Your Husband.

4. It's that time of the month.
Some men have an ick factor about periods, says Orlando; others assume you won't engage in potentially messy sex. But if rising hormones during menstruation send your sex drive soaring, let him know. "It can end up being a great experience," says Watson (even if you have to sacrifice a towel or two!). If he's still leery, suggest using a condom or sticking with non-intercourse activities.

5. He wishes sex were more spontaneous.
Remember when you'd have sex in the kitchen just because? While it's hard to sustain that impulsiveness as more responsibilities arise, avoid turning sex into a to-do list item. Instead, "schedule sex in your mind," recommends Watson. "Looking forward to it adds to the whole experience for women." But don't let him in on your seduction plan. "When he gets home from work, be dressed like when you were dating, and watch how fast that spontaneity returns," says Orlando. Other things to try: Send the kids to grandma's for the night, or swap dinner-and-a-movie night for some hotel sex.

6. He has performance anxiety.
Having sex relies on his ability to rise to the occasion. That's a lot of pressure! Plus, previous less-than-stellar sexual encounters can add to the unease and make him turn off, says Watson. If you think that's the case, ask him to do something pleasurable just for you, like oral sex or manual stimulation. "Odds are if she asks and gets excited, her arousal will arouse him," says Watson.

7. He's having 'Magic Mike' envy.
Newsflash: Women aren't the only ones worried about waning attractiveness. "There's enormous pressure from our culture to have flat bellies," says Watson. And men feel that. So let him know that he still sets your heart racing. "Also, structure your lifestyle so you're active together," she adds. A bit of exercise-like walking together-can help you both regain confidence and energy. If all else fails, do something that shifts the spotlight off him, like asking for a massage. "You being face down and naked means he's not being watched or judged, and natural lust takes its course," says Watson.

8. He's watching too much porn.
Spending lots of time online doesn't mean he's less attracted to you, says Watson. But the sheer volume and variety of images "can lower male desire and cause erectile dysfunction," she says. If his appetite for X-rated material is growing while your sexual activity declines, have an honest, straightforward discussion and ask if there's an underlying issue, says Orlando. "The symptom is using porn; the issue is something larger between the couple." The smartest course of action might be seeking the advice of a therapist.

9. He's worried about work.
It's a good idea to agree on a time to turn off the phone and stop checking work emails so you can focus on each other. Still, be flexible when duty actually calls and he has to answer. "Being indispensable gives him a sense of value," says Watson. And feeling valued can boost his self-esteem-in all areas. He also has a natural instinct to protect and provide, says Orlando. That's why being his sounding board and his biggest cheerleader when work worries arise can help him feel confident enough to clock out to enjoy some couple time.

10. He'd rather sleep.
"When given the choice between changing gears/creating a romantic environment and sleeping, he might decide he's too tired," says Orlando. If one or both of you are exhausted at the end of the day, aim for morning sex. Or just let your hubby know when you're OK with a quickie. If he understands you're not anticipating a marathon lovemaking session, he may be more apt to delay bedtime a bit.

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