by Dennis Townsend, Contributing Writer                                                                                                   During the holiday season we have a tendency to go all out in our attempts to make this holiday season better than the last one, even if it means going into debt to do so.  It is a time of family closeness, and we become far to aware that some relatives may not be here another year. So we are determined to create a lasting, happy memory for the seniors of the family. We see the television commercials showing families gathered around the perfect Christmas tree and a dining table overflowing with food, and all seems right in the world. These are treasured  moments indeed and we would do well to enjoy every bit of it because all is not right in the world, and we are headed for an uncertain future. And if you have young children, how did you explain the violence that’s happening in a world that was singing “Peace on Earth and Good Will Towards Men"?

How did you  tell your children that Santa would be safe as he flew across the skies with Rudolph and that nose shining bright?  How do you tell the children that they will be safe and that nothing bad will happen to them while they are attending an event at school? While those may be difficult questions to answer, there is no harder question to answer than the question, why don’t we have any food to eat? We have come to define the holiday season as being a happy time and it is for most, but there are millions who spent Christmas hungry, cold and alone. In a perfect world, there would be no hunger and everybody would have a giant Christmas tree with lots of presents underneath and the word terrorist would never be spoken.  But alas, the world is far from perfect and that’s why it’s so important that we make sure that during these troubling  times we endeavor  not to tarnish the hopes and the dreams of our youngest people. The message that we need to keep sending is yes Virginia, in spite of what you see, dreams still can come true.

Educating our children about the evils in the world is a job better left to parents, not social media. Molding and shaping young minds is a delicate task these days, and we all know what could happen with the wrong teachings. And we should remember that some children are smart enough to know that household circumstances make it impossible to get that new X-Box like the kid down the street. And since every  story has villains and heroes  it should be very easy to explain to your children that there are bad people everywhere in the world and that there are just as many heroes and that good always wins. Life is full of ups and downs and by taking time to explain this to your children they will understand the meaning of hard times and the values of having morals and knowing right from wrong. Best of all you show them that no matter how gloomy the picture, they may see you suffer, but it is important that they never see you give up hope. Teach the children well.

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Kids can get pretty hungry on a hike. But some foods are no good in such a situation. It can be a challenge trying to find the perfect balance. A good hiking snack should be healthy, energizing, and lightweight. With kids, it's very important for snacks to be tasty as well. Otherwise, they are just not going to eat them and there's no point. As a former nanny turned homeschool mom, I have found the best hiking snacks for kids are those we make ourselves.

Snack Bars

No, we're not talking those sugary concoctions they sell in the store. You can make your own snack bars for the kids. They'll taste better and be healthier too! That's a win-win for parents and kids both. First, spread about 2 cups of oats on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, until lightly toasted. Next, take another baking sheet and line it with recycled aluminum foil. Grease the pan.

Mix together (in a bowl) the oats, 2 eggs, a cup brown sugar, 1tbsp canola oil, ½ cup almonds, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 tbsp flour, and 1 cup chopped dried fruit of choice. Spread this mixture out flat onto the baking sheet and put in oven for 20-30 minutes (until lightly browned). Let it cool and cut into even bars. Pack them along for a lightweight, energizing, and tasty snack for the kids.

Trail Mix

Once again, this won't be a store-bought selection. Give your kids a tasty treat with less of the unhealthy stuff and more flavor and healthiness. Many foods can be used to create unique trail mix. Plain, cereals, such as Cheerios, are great for trail mix. Pretzels, nuts, and various dried fruits can also go into it. A healthy trail mix should include a variety of ingredients that balance together.

To make any of the below trail mix combinations, simply combine equal amounts of ingredients in a portable container. Be sure to use a container that is lightweight, easy to pack, and convenient to eat from. Let the kids help in making the trail mix. For fun, they can seal the container and shake it up. This blends the ingredients in a fun way. Hey, adults might like to loosen up and shake the trail mix, too! C'mon, it's fun! You know you want to!

Cereal Trail Mix Ingredients

Cheerios
pretzel sticks
dried cranberries
almonds
carob chips

Nutty Trail Mix Ingredients

almonds
pecans
peanuts
cashews
raisins
dried cranberries
carob chips

Hearty Trail Mix Ingredients

Cheerios
pretzel sticks
dried cranberries
carob chips
banana chips
dried apricots
almonds
cashews
pecans

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

My kids absolutely love the outdoors. If you'd like yours to do the same, perhaps some of our family habits will inspire you to get your kids out there. Raising kids who love the outdoors is not as hard as you may be thinking right now. It's best to start early. But it's never too late to get in on the outdoor fun and adventures.

Make the outdoors a part of your normal family routine. When the kids and I go to any nearby stores, we always walk. We found a walking trail in our area that leads to pretty much every destination we have nearby. Whenever possible, we walk on this trail. We are a green family and try not to use vehicles if we don't have to. If we can walk or use a city bus, we will. This involves a great deal of walking. But we turn it into an adventure by using the trails or whatever else is around us. If we aren't outdoors in that way, you'll catch us outside reading, playing in the garden, and more. I work at home and the kids are homeschooled. So you'll even catch us working and studying outdoors. What each family does will vary. But the point is to be outdoors as much as possible.

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

It's three o'clock in the morning and your baby is not happy. You check all the usual needs. It's not yet time for a feeding. The baby does not seem to have gas. The pacifier is not satisfying him. You then check to see if the diaper is soiled. Now you know why the baby is upset. He is uncomfortable, due to a diaper rash. But, you have a problem. You have no diaper rash ointments and the stores are all closed.

Having multiple children, I've been there a time or two (or more). Don't worry. Those over-the-counter products are not always the best for baby's skin anyhow. Many home diaper rash remedies are simple to prepare and very effective. Below are three of my favorite home diaper rash remedies. You likely have at least one of these home diaper rash remedies on hand already.

An oatmeal bath is one of my favorite home diaper rash remedies. This simple homemade diaper rash remedy takes away the itching and discomfort. It also helps to heal and soften the skin. To make an oatmeal bath suitable for home diaper rash remedies, you'll need an adult-sized tube sock and some old-fashioned oats. Generic brands work just as well as brand names.

Fill the tube sock about halfway with the old-fashioned oats. Then, tie the open end with a knot. Run the bathwater as usual. Swish the sock around in the water for about 30 seconds. Remove the sock from the water and squeeze the excess liquid into the water. Then, give the baby a bath as normal. This method works in a baby bathtub or regular bathtub. Use the appropriate bathtub for your baby, depending on his or her age.

Another of my favorite home diaper rash remedies, homemade baby powder, has been around for centuries. Home diaper rash remedies are often very simplistic in nature, but many are effective as well. For this homemade diaper rash remedy, it is no different. All that is need for homemade baby powder is flour and a saucepan. Heat a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat.

Add 1 cup of flour. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until lightly browned. Pour into a cup. Test the flour before applying to baby's diaper area. The flour should be warm to the touch, but should not be warm enough to irritate the skin. This should be applied after each diaper change. This home diaper rash remedy helps to soak up excess moisture. Excess moisture is a leading cause of many different types of diaper rash. While a common ingredient in over the counter baby powders, talc (or talcum) can be harmful when breathed into a baby's lungs.

Milk of Magnesia (commonly used as a treatment for heartburn) is also on my favorite list of home diaper rash remedies. This simple home diaper rash remedy only requires a bottle of milk of magnesia and a soft cloth. Simply apply milk of magnesia to the affected area with the soft cloth after each diaper change. Allow the area to fully dry before placing a clean diaper on baby.

Note: These home diaper rash remedies are for common diaper rashes. Diaper rashes due to a bacterial or viral infection must be examined by a licensed medical professional. If a baby's diaper rash is not improving, see a licensed medical professional. These tips are intended for informational purposes only.

RELATED:
How to Prevent Diaper Rash
Cure Baby Diaper Rash Quickly and Naturally
Diaper Rash Treatment

* I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

 Diaper rashes can be very uncomfortable for babies. Therefore, parents must learn about diaper rash treatment to keep an affected baby happy. There are many different causes for diaper rash in infants. Therefore, diaper rash treatment will vary, depending on the cause and symptoms.

In simple terms, diaper rash is an irritation to baby's diaper area. Diaper rash does not always appear the same, due to the variety of causes. No matter the type of diaper rash, it can be uncomfortable to a bay, so prompt treatment is necessary.

The most common symptom of diaper rash is obviously a rash in the diaper area. Diaper rash may also be accompanied by pain, itchiness, or discomfort by baby. In some cases, the skin also may become raw, which is painful.

The first and best treatment for diaper rash is prevention. Because diaper rash can be caused by many things, preventing diaper rash lies in understanding the main causes. The most common cause of diaper rash is diaper chafing. Diaper chafing can occur for various reasons, many of which link to excess moisture or skin irritants.

To prevent diaper rash from diaper chafing, keep the baby's diaper clean with frequent changes. Also, make sure the diaper is not too tight or too loose. The materials should be 100% natural and if they are cloth diapers, should be cleaned only in mild detergents that do not contain chemicals, dyes, or fragrances. All natural detergents are best.

Never use bleach on cloth diapers or baby clothing and always use an extra rinse cycle. Other causes for diaper rash include infection and allergic reactions (from detergents, diaper fibers, clothing fibers, elastic, baby wipes, foods, etc...).

Treatment of diaper rash will depend on the cause. Aside from keeping baby changed frequently, heated, unbleached flour can be used to keep moisture away from the affected area. An oatmeal bath can also be given to baby. This will moisturize the skin and ease the discomfort from the itching and pain. Allow baby to air dry after each change, as well as after the oatmeal bath. Fresh air can help the healing. Also, keeping the skin dry can prevent excess moisture in the diaper area.

If the diaper rash is due to a yeast infection or other infection, the doctor will likely prescribe a topical treatment in an ointment form. Follow those guidelines as directed by a licensed medical professional. It is normal for babies to get a yeast infection in the diaper area, due to the possibility of excess moisture.

Any diaper rash that does not show improvement after a day or so should be followed up with an appointment at the pediatrician's office. Only a licensed medical professional can diagnose an infection and make the recommended treatment. It is better to go and find out that it is a normal diaper rash than to avoid going and learn through your baby's discomfort that you should have gone sooner.

Note: The author is not a licensed medical professional. She simply is an experienced parent, sharing knowledge she has gained through years of parenting and research. This guide is meant for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed medical professional for medical advice.

RELATED:
How to Prevent Diaper Rash
Cure Baby Diaper Rash Quickly and Naturally

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

Most babies will get diaper rash at some point. As a mother to multiple children, I have dealt with diaper rash more than once, for sure. According to pediatricians I've talked to, as well as through personal experience, I learned that prevention techniques can make those occurrences minimal. To prevent diaper rash, it is important to know the main underlying causes and what can be done to avoid them.

This hopefully goes without saying, but a baby should always be kept clean. This means that a baby should be cleaned during diaper changing, but it also means regular baths. Before a fresh diaper is put back on, baby's skin should be completely dry. This can prevent diaper rash that occurs due to moisture.

Diaper chafing is likely the number one cause for diaper rash. This type of rash can be very uncomfortable. To prevent diaper rash due to diaper chafing, be sure that the baby is changed frequently. Being in a soiled diaper for too long can irritate (or chafe) the skin.

Another type of diaper rash can actually be caused by the diaper itself. Some babies have sensitive skin. Thus, to prevent diaper rash caused by diapers, it is important to note what materials they are made of prior to using them on the baby. For instance, diapers that contained too much elastic or were made with fibers other than 100% cotton would irritate the skin of a couple of my children as babies.

Another cause for diaper rash can actually lie in the products labeled for use during diapering. For instance, many baby wipes contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate a baby's sensitive skin. This can be confusing, especially to first-time parents. These companies are likely not out to intentionally harm anyone. It just is common practice to add scents to cleansing products. However, in order to prevent diaper rash, it probably is a good idea to avoid diapering products containing these.

The baby wipes are not the only diapering products to look out for. Chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that may irritate baby's skin and cause a diaper rash can be contained in baby wash, baby powder, diaper rash cream, lotion, and just about any other product that may come in contact with a baby's skin. To prevent diaper rash due to these sensitive ingredients, check all ingredients listed.

Diaper rash cream itself is one of the products that surprised me by irritating the skin of my first child. Apparently, some babies can be sensitive to the zinc oxide, the main ingredient in most diaper rash creams. In addition to that, it also contains fragrance and other chemicals. To prevent diaper rash, it is better to use nothing on baby's skin than to use baby powder and diaper rash cream. If you are unable to prevent diaper rash, natural air and frequent diaper changes are the best treatments, unless a bacterial or other infection is involved. In which case, a doctor should be consulted for the best treatment.

RELATED:

Cure Baby Diaper Rash Quickly and Naturally

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Socks on the floor
Shoes by the door
Pants in the hamper
Shirt's getting damper

Getting ready to go
But the toddler says no
Then soils himself
Mischievous like an elf

Teenager's on the phone
Baby starts to moan
You all rush out
In a crying bout

Just like any other morning


*I originally published this parenting poetry via Yahoo Contributor Network

Love may not be the first thing some envision when they hear how many kids are in my house. How in the world do you avoid chaos with four kids? That must be a nightmare! No, I can honestly say that I love it. I am not saying every day and every moment is perfect. But I truly enjoy being a single work-at-home mom with a house full of kids and I wouldn't reduce the number for anything in the world.

Boring is overrated.
With four kids around, I never have to worry about getting bored. There's always plenty to do and I love that. Don't know how to sit still? Have some kids and they'll keep you entertained, for sure. Whether it's a game of hide and seek, having family movie night, or even chasing around the mischievous one, there's always something to keep me going.

Ditch the eery silence!
Some people might like a quiet house but I find that quite unnerving. I love the fact that my house will never ever be quiet during waking hours. My kids see to that for me without even trying. There's no such thing as calling the Ghostbusters around here. It's too loud for that. What ghost in its right mind would even dare to take a step in this house?

More kids means less money on clothing.
Say what? Kids grow so fast that one barely has time to wear an outfit before it gets handed to the next. Sure, each kid does get their own new things. But it's nice to know that most items will get their fair use in before donating them to the local shelter.

I don't need the T.V. for background noise.
I've never been a fan of television, unless the NBA is on. So it's a good thing I have lots of kids. They provide plenty of background noise during my day-to-day tasks and I love it because it helps me get my work done.

I can have a fancy dinner every night.
Who needs to go out to eat when you have a bunch of little chefs-in-training around? My kids and I take turns cooking and sometimes we all cook together. Every night is gourmet when the food is made with love.

No one wants to come disturb me while I'm working.
I work at home, which means I prefer no company during certain hours. Having a house full of kids remedies that situation. Everyone knows that if they come over, I am not going to ditch my kids. So, many just avoid me altogether. We love it because it means I have more time to work and the kids have extra time to learn.

In-house hair stylists keep me well-groomed.
There's no need to go to a fancy salon when I have three girls in the house. OK, so I let my son in on the fun, too. Shh, don't tell their dad! I think my kids have more fashion sense than the 'professionals' these days, anyway.

Last-minute parties are all the rage!
We have enough people to throw a decent party without even making a phone call. We can just throw together some homemade pizza, pop some popcorn, pop in some music, pull out the board games, and we're good to go. We do of course invite others sometimes too. But it's so cool that we don't have to.

Everything I do is amazing!
At least that's how the younger kids see it, anyway. Mommy is a magic miracle worker who can make anything happen. When's the last time your boss thought you were as awesome as Santa?....never? Yeah, I thought so. I love having lots of people in my house who think I'm the most amazing creation ever - and guess what? I think they are too!

There's never a shortage of love.
Having a bad day? Try hugging a kid and watch how quickly those troubles melt away. Each time I see one of the kids smile or hand me one of their latest crafty creations, the worries I have disappear in a flash. Love is the cure for everything and when you have four kids around, there's plenty of it.

Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi

*I originally published this on Yahoo! Contributor Network (some words were changed here, due to outdated info)