EZ Kids

Your Daily Guide to Easy Parenting

Stay Away from China’s Sanlu Milk Formula 0

Sanlu Scandal

Baby milk formulas are an essential need and depending on the recommendation of your family pediatrician, it would be best to be careful as well such as asking how long or what effects could possibly be watched out if and when the infant is not keen on the baby formula.

Normally as parents, we would trust our pediatrician. But sad to say, these days you also have to be aware of the current crop of milk formulas that are in the market. We have a mixture of local and foreign brands and while we look highly of imported milk formulas, this Chinese formula scandal is something that should serve as a warning for building better awareness on the milk our babies feed on.

Nearly 160 babies are suffering from acute kidney failure and more than 1,300 are still in hospital, Chen said. Free medical care is being offered to all of the sick babies and officials are setting up an information hotline.

Officials believe that suppliers to China’s dairy companies have added melamine, a banned substance used in the manufacture of plastic products, to watered-down milk so it would appear to have a higher protein content.

Of the dairy companies tested so far, investigators have found that 20 per cent have sold products tainted with the chemical.

Tests have confirmed that all of the sick babies consumed milk powder produced by Sanlu Group Co., Chen said.

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One thing about baby formulas is that they are essential for a child’s overall need as far as food and nutrient is concerned. But perhaps an additional responsibility is to check out the history and of course the ingredients that come with it. We are after healthy babies that grow normally and wisely. Staying away from added things to keep our babies in top shape would be a good recourse.

Avoid Shouting at Your Child 0

How not to scold your child

We all know that children lack the proper understanding on the things around them but surely, they know when a parent or sister will be angry at them. Giving bad looks and perhaps shouting at them would be easy ways to understand this but the fact remains, should we as parents shout at younger children?

Shouting is a form of showing power and also striking fear in the hearts of others. But for babies who are still in their developing stages, should shouting be included among the forces of instilling discipline?

It is true that if you fail to discipline your child while they are young may result into making them grow-up like brats. But disciplining them can be done in several ways. Some use the traditional disciplinarian practices like:

1. Being sent to a corner until he is told to move from there
2. Kneeling
3. Squatting
4. Belt or hangers showing

We all remember these things from our parents but that is the key point. We remember them and as babies before, who knows what happened or if we were punished in such a way!

Remember, that even if babies cannot understand it for now, it remains that it will have a baring on their overall development into maturity. Consider that thought before even pitching your voice. It can be a critical point against you.

Should We Pass Judgment on Palin as a Mother? 1

Sarah Palin

By now, we are all aware that Sarah Palin has been chosen by presidential hopeful John McCain as her running mate. While it seems that there is not much to know about Palin, there is one glaring mark on her right now and that is the presence of her pregnant teenage daughter which has captured the attention of most media and people as far as finding waterloo marks on aspiring political figures today.

At the moment she is the governor of Alaska and apparently she has gained further exposure as far as vying for the Vice President seat of the U.S. But many are divided on her current status, using her daughter as an excuse to question her standing as a responsible parent.

But the real question is on whether we should pass judgment on her. Sarah is a parent and just like us, it is not different from going to work although politics is more on the high side of things. Questioning the capacity of a parent on choosing between career and parenting should not be made as an excuse towards hitting the people running for public office. If people were mature and rational, for sure they would know that Sarah Palin knows how to handle her career and her role as a mother to her children.

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Pry your Kids Away from Crimes and Gangs 0

Once your child reaches his teens, chances are he or she will spend more time with his or her friends. Among the things to watch out include:

1. Late Night Outs
2. Frequently Absent from Home
3. Mannerisms
4. Extensive Time Spent on the Phone or Texting

The youth of today are indeed a different breed and while we as parents would be tagged as enjoying the same privilege, we still have to watch out for them and make sure that they grow up as rational as we have been. We have had our share of mischief but at the way that society is projected today, the youth may find itself having run-ins with the law and that is something you would want to avoid.

For one, it is a dent in the image you want your kids want to have especially when they grow up. To some, it may also tarnish their image as respected people in society. But there are things today you cannot avoid and the best you can do is turn to provisions to avoid these things from escalating to unmanageable levels.

Even if it means handling them with an iron hand, do it. Kids today are totally aware of how to take care of their future. Hard as it may be for them to understand, we just have to play our part as their parents.

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Think Twice Before Buying Pets for Your Kids 1

Kids with Pets

It is only normal to hear that most kids would ask for a pet at some point in time of their age. It normally comes from culture or from seeing other kids who have their own dogs or cats. But while that is a need that can really be passed up, perhaps this new discovery as far as health and potential snoring problems in kids can convince parents to refrain from buying kids these traditional pets.

Snoring is something you don’t expect to hear from kids. But these days, advanced studies and technology has helped us identify and sum up causes of heart diseases or respiratory problems. Kids may not sleep with these animals but normally the exposure that they get can be entirely dangerous. Worst, it can lead to complications and put your child in danger if you are not careful.

“These factors may enhance inflammatory processes and thereby alter upper airway anatomy early in life, causing an increased susceptibility for adult snoring,” the study conjectured.

The harsh, occasionally nerve-wracking sounds associated with snoring are caused the vibrating of the soft palate.

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Managing Kids after Divorce 0

Divorce

If there is one thing that kids hate seeing it is mom and dad fighting often. Due to misunderstandings, a normal family cannot see parents quarreling a lot due to work, time and finances. While that is a familiar site, one thing you have to worry about is the impact it will have on the siblings.

We have seen the sharp rise of juvenile delinquents and psychologically affected kids these days and most of them come from broken homes. Some are products of failed marriages which often lead to divorce. Once this happens, kids are forced to grow up with only one of their parents in sight although they can go with the other at times like weekends.

It is too much to ask for some parents to try and get along for the sake of the children. There are occasions that it has work. But along the line, there is bound to be a pop in the line which leads to arguments and totally giving up on the family relationship. The next thing you know, they are filing for divorce which will have bearing on what a simple child wants.

This is perhaps something kids have to deal with. Even though they don’t want to, some have adopted the understanding that this would be the best alternative rather than seeing their parents fighting often. There is no guarantee that being a single parent will likewise be good for the child. But one thing every parent must do is to make sure that misunderstandings with the partner should not be the case with their kids. They are not to blame for any of it and in fact should be the reason for you to mature and work hard to ensure them a better outlook in life.

Why is the Youngest Child always the Favorite? 0

Notice in families that most of the time, it is the youngest child that is the favorite and most over-protected offspring in the mix. Why is this so?

It has been a tradition that has been passed for some years now. The youngest will always be the spoiled one and the hardest to let go. One reason here is that he or she will always be the baby of the family no matter what age he or she may be. She is the last descendant of a clan and apparently she is the baby of the family.

Now it may seem unfair for most, especially if you are in a large family. The youngest may seem to be the one with the least drive to be responsible and be on their own not because they don’t want to but because they are closely monitored by their parents. As much as possible, parents don’t want them to get their hands dirty or see them suffering. It would be safe to say that parents do not want their youngest child having a hard time. They will do as much as they can to please them.

So where does this lead the youngest children as far as personal development is concerned? Well some have become rebellious while others have had a different outlook in life. They are most likely to have an easier time to evolve and live life according to how it should be.

Normally they would have a hard time trying to discover their true selves. But as far as life is concerned, just look around and you will see why the baby of the family will always be their baby forever.

A Crazy Law on Parenting Laws in India 0

Manji Yamada

No disrespect meant to the various traditions that each country or region would have as far as the scope of their governing laws are concerned but when you put the life of a child on the line and make it complicated because of one stupid law, that is bound to draw the ire of any parent from anywhere in the world.

Take India for instance. We are all aware of the age of test tube and surrogate reproduction. While it is apparent that the real father and mother would be the sperm and the eggs donated by a man and a woman the absence of a surrogate law deprives Indian babies of a normal life. In short, innocent offsprings are put in a bind just because of legal complications.

Manji Yamada was born last month after eggs from an Indian donor were fertilised using the Japanese man’s sperm and implanted in the womb of the surrogate Indian mother.

Her biological father split from his wife after the fertilisation process, and his former spouse no longer wants the baby.

In the absence of a surrogacy law in India, the child — who is an Indian citizen — will have to be adopted by her Japanese father Ikufumi Yamada, 45.

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If you think that is enough, it only gets worse. Under Indian laws, a single father cannot adopt a baby girl. So imagine this case, even the biological father cannot adopt his own flesh and blood.

Just like most governing systems, there is bound to be a loophole. But as far as placing parenting and kids in the fray, this is too much. What proof can still be needed when in fact that this child and father are obviously biologically related? So much for democracy! They seem to make this issue from good to bad.

Giving the Fatherly Love to Children 0

Fatherhoodw

Many would call it strange but while we are all familiar with the usual motherly love and care given to children, fathers provide the same care as well if given the choice. Especially at the rate that women need to work to help in the financial burdens of families today, fathers have to step up and provide attention during their free time as well.

Ideally, it seems that fathers are least capable of providing the wanted care of children today. But there are exceptions. At first it may seem difficult but with patience and some tips coming from the seasoned mothers, fathers can likewise be at par on how to take care of children.

But perhaps one thing that should be put in check would be the manner of care that would place children under the borderline cases of potential spoiling. Spoiling children as we all know is treating them like kings or queens, disregarding mistakes so that they can feel great all the time. While some parents just want the best for their child, this type of approach may be good for now but can be risky later on when their kids grow up.

Fathers may be prone to this considering that a father’s wrath is something that child will perceive as fear. That is perhaps if there is one thing that fathers should instill in themselves is self-control and patience.

Tantrums and hard-headedness of children is only normal. But to handle them should not be to give in to making them think that they can get away with it. Set a bar on it and know when to scold them and when not to. They are in the developmental stages and it would be best to straighten them out during these stages.

Single Parenting in the Modern Age 0

Parenting

We may not necessarily like it but we see a lot of single parents in the form of unwed mothers or divorced couples who have to fill up the slack of taking care of their child alone. To most, it seems like a daunting task while for others, it is a challenge that only life can give.

Parenting is a joy if you use the proper approach. It is not a burden as some would say. Remember, you are part of brining that child to life and for sure the rewards will be heartfelt in the end. Your mission is to ensure that this child grows up to be responsible and sane, taking on life in the way that a mature adult should approach it.

Filling in Big Shoes
Ideally, taking the place of both a mother and a father is indeed big shoes to fill. But just like anything, hard work and sacrifices return large rewards. This is not in the form of money but in the form of security and lighter feeling. It is an expression only a parent can feel and once you get there, see the appreciation and tender loving care reciprocated unto you, you are sure to feel that it was worth every effort to bring up a child single-handedly.

Being a Role Model
Seeing that you are the only one who is bringing up your kid will surely be something that a child will appreciate. In fact, do not be surprised if they idolize you, follow your footsteps in making sure that they have a good life ahead. This is common and once that happens, tears of joy are sure to fall down your eyes.

As a whole, do not be surprised on how it is to be a single parent. Depending on your approach, it can be the best thing that happened to you. Always think positive.