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	<title>BetterSmarterKids.com</title>
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	<link>http://bettersmarterkids.com</link>
	<description>Raise Them With Love</description>
	<pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:26:43 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Traveling With a Newborn to 10 Month Old Baby Trip Preparation is More Difficult than the Journey Itself</title>
		<link>http://bettersmarterkids.com/traveling-with-a-newborn-to-10-month-old-baby/2008/08/26/</link>
		<comments>http://bettersmarterkids.com/traveling-with-a-newborn-to-10-month-old-baby/2008/08/26/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:26:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vincent Yim</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Activities and Games]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Child Safety]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bettersmarterkids.com/?p=145</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Traveling with a newborn to 10 month old baby requires planning and preparation as a newborn baby needs non-stop attention for feeding, diaper changes and care. Fear of infection is another worry for parents. Generally, while planning a holiday with babies, parents prefer to travel short distance from their homes. 
Health and safety kits need [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Traveling with a newborn to 10 month old baby requires planning and preparation as a newborn baby needs non-stop attention for feeding, diaper changes and care. Fear of infection is another worry for parents. Generally, while planning a holiday with babies, parents prefer to travel short distance from their homes. </p>
<p>Health and safety kits need to be prepared for in-transit minor medical problems or emergencies. It is advisable to fill-out a medical sheet containing contact details, doctors’ references and child health information. A hat to act as a sunshade in warm weather or keep the child’s head bundled in cool weather is another prerequisite. </p>
<p>While traveling in car, the baby should ride in the backseat with seat belts correctly threaded to ensure complete security. Removable sunscreen for the car side windows need to be <span id="more-145"></span>installed to shield their eyes. While traveling in public transport such as train, bus or taxi, a car seat should be carried. </p>
<p>For air transport, an FAA approved car seat is the safest way for carrying babies. If babies experience ear pain from air pressure changes during take off and landing, it is advisable to breast feed or allow the baby suck on a bottle or pacifier. In case of long journeys where time zones are crossed, the baby’s sleeping and feeding schedule needs to be adjusted few days ahead of the planned departure. </p>
<p>In case the baby is not breast fed, ready to use formula is the most convenient alternative. For babies on solid food, a bib that is large enough to cover most of the outfit with a plastic water proofing should be packed. Diapers, diaper rash lotion and clothes are mandatory for babies. Diaper cover provides added insurance against leaks and disposable bags for dirty diapers must be carried. An extra set of clothes for mother and child should be kept in an accessible spot in a carry-on bag. </p>
<p>A few well chosen pieces of travel gear help to smoothen the journey. For young babies, a lightweight buggy and for newborn, a baby carrier would be useful. Lightweight folding strollers and car seats are extremely handy allowing sleeping babes to be moved. To keep hands free, front carriers or slings for carting small babes can be utilized while baby backpacks could be used for those who can sit up. If stays in hotels or motels are necessary, it is advisable to inform them to arrange for cribs and other baby necessities. However, the other option is to carry play yards or portable beds. </p>
<p>How to get your toddler to listen during long travels is a constant anxiety for parents. In such cases, a goody bag with few toys such as rattles, teething rings, soft animals or musical toys keep the child quiet, occupied and entertained. Traveling with a newborn to 10 month old baby becomes a great and pleasant challenge for parents.   </p>
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		<title>Bedtime Routine: The Importance of Establishing With Your Baby</title>
		<link>http://bettersmarterkids.com/bedtime-routine/2008/08/18/</link>
		<comments>http://bettersmarterkids.com/bedtime-routine/2008/08/18/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:53:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vincent Yim</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Child Health]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bettersmarterkids.com/?p=144</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The bedtime routine of a child should be consistent in the family as it is very important for his growth as well as the growth of the relationship of the parents and the time they spend together.
It has been seen that children who suffer from lack of concentration or certain behavioral problems is because they [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The bedtime routine of a child should be consistent in the family as it is very important for his growth as well as the growth of the relationship of the parents and the time they spend together.</p>
<p>It has been seen that children who suffer from lack of concentration or certain behavioral problems is because they are not getting enough sleep. So in order to make sure that the child is getting enough sleep a routine needs to be followed as well as certain things need to be catered to.</p>
<p>The time of about half an hour after dinner and before sleeping can be utilized to play sober games or <span id="more-144"></span>just talk about things that the child did that made you happy. This will help the child sleep peacefully with a calm note at the back of his mind. </p>
<p>The same routine should be followed each day as, if there is any sort of changes the children find it difficult to adjust and become upset. Soft music helps to relax the child and make him sleep but watching TV disturbs sleep so it should not be allowed.</p>
<p>Before leaving the room a hug or kiss and cuddling the child goodnight is a good habit after which a night-lamp can be switched on incase the child is scared of darkness .In order to form a regular habit of sleeping at the same time its not advisable to lie together with the child or rock the child to sleep .</p>
<p>Many times it is seen that children cry out for their parents as soon as they leave the room. In such a situation it’s advisable to be very calm and tell the child that you are nearby whenever he needs you so that the feeling of insecurity does not crop in.</p>
<p>When children are engrossed in playing they do not want to sleep, so in such situations if we impose a consequence which is reasonable enough it helps in putting them to bed. Like if he does not sleep at his usual time then his punishment might be he may not get the opportunity to watch his favorite cartoon show the next day.</p>
<p>Before winding up the baby should be given a bath as the warmth of the water helps to soothe the body and relax. While giving a bath talking to the child about the things that he will be doing next helps to prepare the child for the upcoming activity. Like telling the child that after the bath in two minutes, the child shall brush his teeth, after which he will change into his favorite night suit and then reading stories to the child from his favorite story book also helps to prepare the child a happy bedtime routine.</p>
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		<title>Tips on How to Talk to Your Child About Sex and the Changes That the Body Undergoes</title>
		<link>http://bettersmarterkids.com/tips-on-how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-sex-and-the-changes-that-the-body-undergoes/2008/08/01/</link>
		<comments>http://bettersmarterkids.com/tips-on-how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-sex-and-the-changes-that-the-body-undergoes/2008/08/01/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:04:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vincent Yim</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Moral Values]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bettersmarterkids.com/?p=143</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You may wonder How to talk to your child about sex because talking to a child about sex and sexuality becomes at times uncomfortable if your parents had not done with you. But reviews say children who are comfortable talking to their parents about such issues do not indulge in such high risk behavior, than [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You may wonder How to talk to your child about sex because talking to a child about sex and sexuality becomes at times uncomfortable if your parents had not done with you. But reviews say children who are comfortable talking to their parents about such issues do not indulge in such high risk behavior, than children who cannot talk to their parents. </p>
<p>At this age that is 20th century children know everything so it is best to guide the children with true facts so that they do not go in the wrong direction. If at times we do not know the answer there is no harm admitting it and saying we shall find out together.</p>
<p>Talking to a child about sex is a very sensitive issue and it needs proper information which should be delivered in a gentle way. The information should be imparted from <span id="more-143"></span>a very tender age.<br />
For example when teaching the child the names of different parts of the body the inclusion of the private parts of a boy and a girl should also be there. Teaching a child according to the age he or she is and adding more information as the child grows gradually helps to understand the matter well. </p>
<p>Like the changes that a body undergoes as we grow is because body have a very special chemical called the hormone which decides what the child will be. As a boy grows he gets hair on his body and his voice becomes gruff while the girls develop breasts and the hips gets rounder.</p>
<p>Knowing the biological facts about sex is as much important as knowing about the care, responsibility and concern that involves out of sex. It is very important to discuss the emotional aspect of a sexual relationship with children as through this way they get better informed and do not give in to pressure that is around them.</p>
<p>As the children begin to grow at times they get very scared as well as confused seeing the changes that their body goes through. At this stage it is important to talk to the girl child about all the things that the child shall undergo on the way to puberty like menstruation as well as body changes in case of a boy.</p>
<p>Some parents do not feel comfortable talking to their children about sex especially if the child is of the opposite sex. In such a situation it is best for both the parents to deal with the children. The father can explain everything to the son and the mother to the daughter.</p>
<p>Knowing all the answers to the queries of the child is not as important as the way we respond to the query. If our knowledge is less but we convey the message across that we can talk about anything under the sun freely at home, including sex the child feels confident and does not get misguided. These are few useful tips for the issue “How to talk to your child about sex”.</p>
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		<title>The Most Important Top 10 Ways to Become a Better Dad</title>
		<link>http://bettersmarterkids.com/top-10-ways-to-become-a-better-dad/2008/07/27/</link>
		<comments>http://bettersmarterkids.com/top-10-ways-to-become-a-better-dad/2008/07/27/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jul 2008 09:04:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vincent Yim</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bettersmarterkids.com/?p=142</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It has now become necessary that fathers understand a few top 10 ways to become a better dad because those days are gone when the mother was solely responsible for the overall upbringing of the child. 
The first way that comes to mind is to spend a greater amount of time with your kid. Either [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It has now become necessary that fathers understand a few top 10 ways to become a better dad because those days are gone when the mother was solely responsible for the overall upbringing of the child. </p>
<p>The first way that comes to mind is to spend a greater amount of time with your kid. Either you spend time with your kid now or watch him fly away as he grows up. Time comes first. Quality time comes next. Once you have planned the time to give to your child, then, look at ways to make the most and best of this time.</p>
<p>The second way to become a better dad is to take an interest in what the kid is doing. Kids are smart and <span id="more-142"></span>can tell when the dad is actually interested in what they are doing. They will respond to daddy once they understand that what they do is important to dad. If they can see that dad does not consider their activities and concerns as important, they will take it as a lack of support.</p>
<p>Third is to participate with the children in their activities. Just try and study, play and participate in their activities and see the difference. Any child would love to have the feeling that his day to day activities are as interesting to his dad as it is to him. He immediately gets a friend.</p>
<p>Fourth, trust the kid. He is one small guy, facing the whole wide world and the only person he feels safe with is you. Repose the same trust in him. When he makes a mistake, try and get to the bottom of the problem and resolve it.</p>
<p>Do not blame the kid without full investigation. In case the fault is with the child, try and understand the circumstances. Give the child the understanding so that he can cope with similar situations better.</p>
<p>Another way would be to eat at least one meal together everyday as this is the time when you are most relaxed and you can simply chat with your kid over a meal. </p>
<p>Next be with the kids at bed time. This is the time when they like to be calmed down after an active day. They need to be re-assured that their parents are there just before slipping off to sleep. </p>
<p>To become a loving father to your kids, making a habit of reading aloud to the child at bedtime everyday will give him a sense of steadiness as well as enjoyment.</p>
<p>Praying together is another way of bonding with the child. </p>
<p>Lay down basic rules and be firm, but not inflexible about them. </p>
<p>Get to know his friends and involve yourself in some activity together with them.</p>
<p>These are a few top 10 ways to become a better dad and following them will definitely bring your relationship with your child forward.</p>
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		<title>Preschool: “The First Step Into the World of Learning”</title>
		<link>http://bettersmarterkids.com/how-to-tell-if-your-child-is-happy-at-school/2008/07/20/</link>
		<comments>http://bettersmarterkids.com/how-to-tell-if-your-child-is-happy-at-school/2008/07/20/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:47:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vincent Yim</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bettersmarterkids.com/?p=141</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In order to how to tell if your child is happy at school the best way would be to talk to the child on a day to day basis. 
Preschool is the place where the child first goes to leaving his mother. Here he learns to interact with other children and make friends. It is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In order to how to tell if your child is happy at school the best way would be to talk to the child on a day to day basis. </p>
<p>Preschool is the place where the child first goes to leaving his mother. Here he learns to interact with other children and make friends. It is also a place where the parent and the teacher have to work as a team whose main aim is to make the experience of the child a happy and constructive one.</p>
<p>Choosing a preschool is not an easy task as many things are involved like the general curriculum, the fees structure, hygiene, security and its location. The child at times do not want to share what had happened in class so the best way would be to <span id="more-141"></span>encourage general discussions that would give out his feelings.</p>
<p>The questions that we put up for the child to answer should be such that the child has no option but give a detailed report. Like who are your friends in school you mostly mix up with during lunch time. Which period is your favorite one? What do u like best about your teacher etc?</p>
<p>Many times the school wants volunteer parents to spend some time with the children in school. This sort of an opportunity helps to give a feel about what the child feels about the school as well as we get an opportunity to see how the class teacher handles the class.</p>
<p>As the class teacher is the only person with whom the child spends almost 5 days so it’s understood that if there is any problem the teacher is the only one who is the best help, in dealing with it as she knows more about the situation then the parents.</p>
<p>The teacher of a preschool plays a very important role in forming the early days of the child into a lovely experience or a sad one. Meeting the teacher and seeing how the teacher deals with the children and how the children react to the directions given by the teacher proves a great help in evaluating how good the teacher is at handling the day to day troubles of the class. The answer that the teacher gives is very helpful for understanding if the child will be happy in the class or not.</p>
<p>Communication with the teacher is very important before deciding on any sort of compliant by the child. As it is the first time that the child is introduced to such an environment it will take him some time to get accustomed to it. Solving the problem by taking the teacher into confidence is much better than changing the school as by doing so we pass on the message to the children that problems should be worked out rather than avoided. This is the solution to “how to tell if your child is happy at school”</p>
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		<title>There are Self-Explanatory Measures on How to Get Your Toddler to Listen</title>
		<link>http://bettersmarterkids.com/how-to-get-your-toddler-to-listen/2008/07/14/</link>
		<comments>http://bettersmarterkids.com/how-to-get-your-toddler-to-listen/2008/07/14/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:43:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vincent Yim</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Moral Values]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bettersmarterkids.com/?p=140</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How to get your toddler to listen is a pressing issue for parents. Babies don’t always listen and at their age require parental teaching on how to pay attention. Parents have a tendency to repeat and later when they lose patience they start bellowing. This condition the child not to listen till the punishment time [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How to get your toddler to listen is a pressing issue for parents. Babies don’t always listen and at their age require parental teaching on how to pay attention. Parents have a tendency to repeat and later when they lose patience they start bellowing. This condition the child not to listen till the punishment time draws close. </p>
<p>Though the child is not listening yet getting constant attention from parent leads to negative effects. On the contrary, if the parents are good listeners they can improve the toddler’s concentration enabling them to be more attentive to elders and mix freely with friends. Many strategies have evolved to keep the interest level of toddlers high that teaches them the skill necessary to become good listeners. </p>
<p>Parents should realize that reprimanding the child does not always have the desired effect. It is always better to squat down to the child’s height or <span id="more-140"></span>pick up the toddler in arms and look into their eyes for better contact. This method teaches them to focus. They listen more attentively when the parents sit next to them while teaching or communicating. </p>
<p>The primary objective should be on the opening sentence being short and crispy. It is always better for parents to call their child by name and state messages simply. Before giving the directive, the child’s equilibrium should be restored as nothing sinks when the toddler is emotionally upset. As the kids are attuned to their atmosphere, it is necessary for the parents not to undermine each others authority. The follow through should be speedy to eliminate repetition of directive. </p>
<p>It often helps to follow the verbal statement with other kinds of messages. A visual or physical cue or demonstrating makes the child more responsive and attentive than verbal statements. If a child is happily involved with toys or friends, it often becomes difficult for parents to remove the child from that absorbing activity. In such cases, gentle guidance and some prior advance notice gives the child time for adjustment. </p>
<p>Motivating the child through humor, trust and affection produces better results. The child responds best when parents demonstrate their love by hugging and smiling to make the child feel special and highly wanted. Even when firmness is required, authoritative instructions do not mean that parents should be cranky. Such messages become powerful when accompanied by hug or a smile. Such activities make the child realize that paying attention is worthwhile.</p>
<p>Pre-school children are better listeners when they see that parents are listening respectfully and politely to whatever they are saying. It is always better to allow them to finish without interruption. This teaches them the value of listening and by constant display of affection, the parents understand the magic of how to raise a child who loves to write.</p>
<p> How to get your toddler to listen should not be much of a problem for parents who are good listeners and who realize that a child responds most to love and affection.</p>
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		<title>Play Car Racing Games: Fun or Frowns?</title>
		<link>http://bettersmarterkids.com/play-car-racing-games/2008/05/31/</link>
		<comments>http://bettersmarterkids.com/play-car-racing-games/2008/05/31/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 31 May 2008 07:02:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vincent Yim</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Activities and Games]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bettersmarterkids.com/?p=139</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To play car racing games has always been one of the favorites around the world and has millions of fans either emulating it or idolizing the same sport that it has originated from. 
Michael Schumacher, Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard and others have gained super-human status because of this sport. Speed and motor vehicles are two [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>To play car racing games has always been one of the favorites around the world and has millions of fans either emulating it or idolizing the same sport that it has originated from. </p>
<p>Michael Schumacher, Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard and others have gained super-human status because of this sport. Speed and motor vehicles are two objects that excite and initiate an adrenaline rush in every kid’s as well as adult’s mind. And a combination of these make for a route into their hearts.. And as tradition goes, every popular thing has been shaped into a video game, and car racing cannot miss the key.  </p>
<p>As car racing games have evolved from the usual hand-held block shaped games that had fixed obstacles and other block-shaped cars as rivals to the real-life spark-spitting, horn-blaring automobile-gods that race in <span id="more-139"></span>virtual collosseums today. Kids today prefer to play car race games much more than the usual shooting or strategy games available in the games arena. </p>
<p>The energy and the thrills that is evident from playing driving games online is a major plus to the kids of this age who seek thrill beyond any horizon. From the simple simulation driving games available to the more sexed up sleek car races with gyrating cheerleaders and even better tune-up strategies, to play car race games today is experiencing heaven. </p>
<p>Even though parents have yielded to this habit of the Y-Generation, to play driving games is to indulge the evil, say a few parents. According to them these games are nothing more than mere tools for the gaming companies to train the little docile minds for more adult-oriented and heavily priced games in the future. </p>
<p>To get them addicted to these racing games is the easiest possible move to help them succumb to the gaming habit and thus increase their business prospects. These companies even offer kids and game addicts to play free driving games as a trial but actually use these as bait to the innocuous gamers. But all said and done, do these kids play driving games online just for the sake of thrill and trivial racy feelings? Not really.</p>
<p>Surveys have termed that to play free driving games or rather driving games is a great boost to people who suffer from nervous problems during actual driving or are devoid of sharper driving genius. Playing car racing games lends maturity and subtlety to the teenagers who are overtly eager to start driving and yet do not have the required skill to do the same. </p>
<p>Car racing games often increases concentration levels and the spirit of healthy competition and rivalry among the gamers. Addiction to games, as experts say, is a better option for teenagers and the young to indulge in than to have a penchant for drugs. </p>
<p>While the debate rages on, we find game cafes and gaming competitions on the rise and hundreds practice and play car racing games and grab the pole position, a la Michael Schumacher, the hero for all – real life as well as gaming racers!  </p>
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