Daughter of mine
You're growing so fast

Daughter of mine
We always have a blast

Daughter of mine
You light up my life

Daughter of mine
You cause me no strife

Daughter of mine
I'll love you forever

Daughter of mine
Forget this never

*I originally published a version of this parenting poetry about my oldest daughter 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

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Diaper rash is a very common ailment among babies. There are so many different remedies out there. But there’s no need to waste time researching and buying any of them. As an experienced nanny and mom of many, I found the most effective cure for diaper rash was also the simplest one.

Step One: Bath Time with Specific Soap

As soon as you notice a sign of diaper rash, give your baby a lukewarm bath with a very mild, fragrance-free moisturizing soap. I prefer homemade soaps. But of course, not everyone feels like making homemade soaps. Health food stores usually have similar choices. Look for those with the least amount of ingredients, that have no fragrance, and that contain mostly moisturizers.

Step Two: Air Dry

Once your baby is done with the bath, pat the skin dry gently, with no rubbing.  Then, place him or her on a towel to air dry with an open diaper underneath, in case of an accident. If your baby can play, provide some toys for entertainment. Leave the baby like this as often as possible until the rash is gone. The air helps keep moisture away from the affected area and should feel good on the rash. You will likely notice your baby is much happier without the diaper, for this reason.

Step Three: Homemade Powdering

If the simple air dry technique isn’t working, try making a homemade powder. Never use over-the-counter powders, as they contain talcum, fragrance, and other ingredients that can cause or worsen diaper rash. Talcum is also bad for your baby’s lungs. To make the homemade powder, simply heat up some plain, unbleached flour in a saucepan. Test the temperature and when it’s warm, but not too hot for baby, sprinkle the flour onto the baby’s skin and on the open diaper. Be careful not to allow the baby to inhale the flour. While it is less harmful than talcum powder, it is still not ideal for your baby to inhale it.

Extra Tips

I recommend never using the over-the-counter diaper rash treatments. With many babies, these can cause more problems than they resolve and are full of harsh chemicals.

If the above advice isn’t working, it’s possible your baby may have a yeast infection, rather than diaper rash. It causes similar symptoms and looks similar. Yeast infections are extremely common in baby girls, due to the moisture from the diapers. Your pediatrician can prescribe medication safe for your baby, if this is the case.

Switching from disposable to cloth diapers can help alleviate diaper rashes, especially frequent ones. The cloth helps your baby’s skin breathe easier. Disposable diapers also have chemicals and other harmful materials that may be causing your baby’s skin to get irritated.

*I originally published a version of this elsewhere (no longer published there).

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Our family walks frequently, even during the summer months. It is essential that everyone stay energized, hydrated and cool during a walk. Dehydration and fatigue is common in the summertime, and can be especially dangerous for children. A walk should not be tiring to the kids, but refreshing. It should be a form of exercise, but also a form of enjoyment, relaxation and entertainment. Bearing that in mind, there are things one can do to avoid common problems that may arise in children during a walk.

Dress For the Sunny Weather

Wearing appropriate clothing for the temperature will help keep the kids cool, as well as relaxed during a summer walk. Thin, all-natural fibers, such as cotton, are the best for hot weather. Sun protection clothing is also a good idea. Sunscreen should be worn on all unprotected skin areas. Sun hats should also be worn. An alternative to sun hats is applying sunscreen to the hair and scalp.

Wear Shoes Appropriate for Walking

Any kids or babies who will not be riding in a stroller need to have on comfortable shoes. Yes, kids are more lightweight than adults, but that doesn't mean their feet can't get tired from holding them up. Good walking shoes should be lightweight, durable, have shock absorption, and provide ample cushioning and support.

Bring Plenty of Water on Summer Walks

We happened to live in Texas for four years, where it is blazing hot during the summer. Now we're in Denver, where it can be hot and dry. Even for those in less scorching climates, water is an essential part of a summertime walk with the kids. Water gives energy and keeps everyone cool and hydrated. There should be at least one water bottle per person - more for longer walks.

Snack on Nuts & Fruits as Needed

Nuts and fruits are a great source of energy. Combined with the water, this type of snack will keep kids and parents walking with energy. You don't want everyone getting too tired to return home. Plus, many kids love nuts and fruits, so this is a win-win situation. Apples and grapes are great for this. If the walk is long, you may want to opt for dried fruits (such as banana chips), rather than fresh ones.

Cool Off With A Mister to Avoid Overheating

I like to bring along spray bottles equipped with a misting nozzle. Filling them with lukewarm water beforehand keeps everyone cool on the extremely hot days. We simply spray each other at certain intervals. It can also be made into a fun game. Do NOT fill the bottles with cold water. If someone is too hot or suffering from heat exhaustion, cold water is a bad idea. It can put a person into shock. Kids especially are vulnerable to this.

Use Clip-On Mini Fans for Hot Walks

Clip-on mini fans also are a great idea for summer walks with the kids. Give each person their own. They can clip it onto the stroller or clothing when not in use. For babies inside the stroller, clip the fan out of reach of the baby at an angle where it will keep them cool.

Play Fun Games While Walking

Playing games with the kids such as "I Spy" can help keep the kids entertained and less focused on how long the walk is. Also try pointing out interesting things along the way (plants, animals, people, etc). Bring a camera and some pocket notebooks and pencils. Allow the kids to take pictures and write down things they observe. My kids like to do the above, as well as play trivia. Think about things the kids have recently learned and form questions surrounding that. Allow kids to come up with their own questions for each other as well. Just be creative and have fun. You can even sing silly songs. Basically, you want to make the walk fun, not a chore.

*Note: The author is not a licensed medical professional. Always consult a physician before starting or stopping any physical activity.

**I originally published this on the Yahoo! Contributor Network

(I slightly edited the text to be current with info.)