Per-fect

Kid Clay Arts

So cute ...

little mickey

emu & the truckie

An Aussie truckie walks into an outback cafe with a full-grown emu behind him. 

The waitress asks them for their orders.

The truckie says, 'A hamburger, chips and a coke,' and turns to the emu, 'What's yours?'
'Sounds great, I'll have the  same,' says the emu.

A short time later the waitress returns with the order 'That will be $9.40  please,' and he

reaches into his pocket and pulls out the exact change and pays.

The next day, the man and the emu come again and he says, 'A hamburger, chips

and a coke.'
The emu says, ' Sounds great, I'll have the same.'

Again the truckie reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change.

This becomes routine until the two enter again. 'The usual?' asks the waitress.

'No, it's Friday night, so I'll have a steak, baked potato and a salad,' says the man..
' Same for me,' says the emu. 

Shortly the waitress brings the order and says, 'That will be $32..62.'

Once again the man pulls the exact change out of his pocket and places it on the table.

The waitress cannot hold back her curiosity any longer. 'Excuse me mate, how do you

manage to always pull the exact change from your pocket every time?'

'Well, love' says  the  truckie, 'a few years ago, I was cleaning out the back shed,

and found an old lamp. When I cleaned it, a Genie appeared and offered me two wishes.

My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, I would just put my hand in my

pocket and the right amount of money would always be there.'

'That's brilliant!' says the waitress. 'Most people would ask for a million dollars or

something, but you'll always be as rich as you want, for as long as you live!' 

'That's right. Whether it's a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always

there.' says the man.

 Still curious the waitress asks, 'What's with the bloody emu?' 


The truckie pauses, sighs, and answers, 'My second wish was for a tall bird with a

big arse and long legs, who agrees with everything I say'. 

Effects of Bad Parenting

Effects of Bad Parenting

One of the effects of the bad parenting is that it allows, and at times encourages, disrespectful behavior in children. If this was only limited to these specific social situations it might be considered a trivial thing by all, instead of just the parents who allow or encourage it. Nothing in this world stops at a singular situation. Every action or inaction we choose affects the whole. In my opinion the one thing that is lacking in the world of parenting is the choice to teach one's children respect for the property and feelings of others.

Teaching Respect is Pretty Simple Really

Under mothers watchful eye

Teaching one's children to respect others is more than the mere instructions in proper manners. In requires instruction in the conceptual ideas behind those manners. Teaching our children to say “Thank You” and “Have a Nice Day” is a start, however if it ends at a simple instruction to preform those actions then the child is not really learning how this is showing respect for others.

For example if you instruct your child to say “Thank You” or “Have a Nice Day” because it means others will view them in a better light then that action becomes about them gaining respect and not giving respect.

Instead we should teach our children to say “Thank You” to show gratitude for something that another did for them because it will make that person feel good for having done that thing. Most children are intelligent and can understand this concept of gratitude. Even some parents of children with developmental disorders, such as Autism, are able to teach their children this concept of gratitude for the actions of others.

Teaching your children to say “Have a Nice Day” and meaning it from the core of their being should be a simple task as well. Instructing them that if they wish to “Have a Nice Day” they should have that wish for everyone else. Kids are not stupid and they can understand such abstract thinking.

Learning to respect the property of others should never be about avoiding getting into trouble for damaging or stealing the property of another. It should be about respecting the property of another because it is the right thing to do and because there is a sincere desire to respect the feelings of others.

Teaching this concept to children is be the simple but often mishandled. Most children have at least one toy they truly love. Simply talking to your child about how they would feel if someone damaged or stole their beloved toy can put a feeling within that child that will stick with them into adulthood. You can get a child to feel at a core level how others feel when their personal property is violated on an abstract conceptual far easier than you can an adult. Children have the gift of imagination. When you tell a child about a situation most of them automatically take themselves that situation in their mind. Getting children to feel what another would feel is easy.

You just have to take that action of directing them to that place of understanding, instead of bribing them with ice cream to not touch the property of another. I use this example because everyone who works in retail has surely heard a parent say "If you are good here, I will buy you an ice cream".

Be Fair to the Child Too

Some situations are just not appropriate for children. In these situations the parent must teach respect for others by not bringing their children into that situation until they are of an age when it is appropriate for them. One example of this are those parents who take babies to view films in movie theater that are intended for adults. I do not know of one person who enjoys hearing a baby cry during a dramatic film. If viewing the film is that important to you then you should get a babysitter.

The same goes for adult restaurants that are careless enough to allow couples, or individuals, to bring a young child to a place that is not appropriate for them. Your disregard for the feelings of others has a profound effect on your child regardless of age. When your child is old enough to go to such places with you it is possible to use the idea that respecting the feelings of others at the establishment, or event, as a part of a “grown-up” experience that you are sharing with them. Instruct them in how to behave properly in these situations and make them aware that concern for the experiences the other patrons are having is a part of being a “grown-up”.

The Right Age?

Teaching respect for others is something a parent must begin at an early age. Waiting until a child is a teenager is not a good idea. One may think that a teenager will understand the abstract concept of respect for others more than a 3 year old. That sadly is not the case. Not teaching respect to younger children makes for difficult teen years.

Teenagers are going through changes and trying to discover who they are. That is not an easy place to be in mentally. Adding to that teenage angst the idea of respecting the feelings of others when you have not in the past will go over like a lead balloon. However, if you have put down the ground work for respect of others at an early age those difficult teen years will have happy moments when you see glimpses of hope in your child.

Both my son and step-daughter have done some things as teenagers that have left all concerned frustrated, however, when I see how difficult some other teens make the lives of those around them, I am grateful for how they are turning out. In both of them I see that they do understand, at their core being, that others have a right to have a bit of happiness in their lives. Despite the mistakes that I personally have made as a parent with both of them, and there have been many, I do feel that the one thing that I did right was to at least attempt to have them understand that respect for the feelings of others is a good thing.

I am grateful to my parents for trying to instill that sense in me, however, I have come to realize that the process of learning to respect others is a life long journey. I wish the same for all parents who have read this article.

http://family.wikinut.com/How-Children-Learn-Respect/18cur08./#Why-Can-t-We-Spank-Bad-Parents

Types of child abuse

Types of child abuse

Physical abuse - Any non-accidental injury to a child. This includes hitting, kicking, slapping, shaking, burning, pinching, hair pulling, biting, choking, throwing, shoving, whipping, and paddling.
Sexual abuse - Any sexual act between an adult and child. This includes fondling, penetration, intercourse, exploitation, pornography, exhibitionism, child prostitution, group sex, oral sex, or forced observation of sexual acts.

Neglect - Failure to provide for a child's physical needs. This includes lack of supervision, inappropriate housing or shelter, inadequate provision of food, inappropriate clothing for season or weather, abandonment, denial of medical care, and inadequate hygiene.

Emotional abuse - Any attitude or behavior which interferes with a child's mental health or social development. This includes yelling, screaming, name-calling, shaming, negative comparisons to others, telling them they are "bad, no good, worthless" or "a mistake". It also includes the failure to provide the affection and support necessary for the development of a child's emotional, social, physical and intellectual well-being. This includes ignoring, lack of appropriate physical affection (hugs), not saying "I love you", withdrawal of attention, lack of praise, and lack of positive reinforcement. 

 

~SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE~~

PHYSICAL SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE:
1. Unexplained burns, cuts, bruises, or welts
2. Bite marks
3. Anti-social behavior
4. Problems in school
5. Fear of adults

EMOTIONAL SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE:
1. Apathy
2. Depression
3. Hostility or stress
4. Lack of concentration
5. Eating disorders

SEXUAL SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE:
1. Inappropriate interest or knowledge of sexual acts
2. Nightmares and bed wetting
3. Drastic changes in appetite
4. Overcompliance or excessive aggression
5. Fear of a particular person or family member

PHYSICAL SIGNS OF CHILD NEGLECT:
1. Unsuitable clothing for weather
2. Dirty or unbathed
3. Extreme hunger
4. Apparent lack of supervision

http://dreamcatchersforabusedchildren.webs.com/whatischildabuse.htm

Baby Pimples

Baby Pimples

Baby pimples generally appear within 3 or 4 weeks after a baby is born and is evidenced by small red bumps or whiteheads across the cheeks, forehead and chin. Milia, or hard white pimple like bumps are also typical appearances on about 40% of newborn's faces immediately after birth, but are not considered acne. Occurring in about 20% of all children, real acne on babies is a result of the mother's hormones coming in contact with the placenta just before birth. The sebaceous glands are activated in a newborn and an excessive amount of oil begins to be produced on the baby's skin. Until a natural oil balance is achieved, some infants may have recurring skin problems until around 6 months of age. This is consternation to many parents who want to have beautiful pictures of their little darlings. A word of advice...parents should take a lot of good pictures the first month!

While the appearance of acne on their sweet baby's face may be horrifying to proud parents, it really is generally of no serious health concern. "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." (Isaiah 54:13) As the oil glands become naturally balanced, most children are acne-free well before their first birthday. This type of baby pimples generally clears up on its own without the use of medications or special skin care products. Parents are recommended to gently wash their child's face with warm water and a very mild soap that is formulated for babies. Using lotions, creams and oil-based products do not help and may actually cause more bumps. If however, the problem persists after the six month mark, some pediatricians will prescribe a medication that can help clear the skin.

There are other kinds of acne that can develop on a newborn after a few months. One type is called infantile acne which develops after 3 or 4 months. These baby pimples are yellow and usually are found on the cheeks and nose. Some babies also have blackheads and whiteheads as well. This type of skin condition usually goes away when a child is a year old, but sometimes may last as long as up to 3 years. The cause is related to original traces of the mothers hormones still present. Most of these conditions clear up on their own without any special treatment protocols.

Of course, a pediatrician should be consulted if a condition seems to be severe and shows no signs of resolving. Milia are common on children and are sometimes mistaken for acne. Milia are in the form of bumps and each blemish is a hard white pimple that is generally found on the nose, cheeks and chin. Bumps that are very similar can be found on some infant's gums or in the roof of their mouths. These types of bumps are called Epstein's Pearls and are quite common. Babies can have varying amounts of Milia, but the bumps are not harmful and will generally resolve without any treatment. These types of skin eruptions are the result of dead skin cells that get trapped just below the surface of the skin. Pockets are formed and the cells harden, causing the bumps.

Generally, the eruptions disappear when the skin sheds away. Since the bumps are near the surface of the skin, it doesn't take long for the skin to rejuvenate itself with a new surface. Parents should only gently wash an infant's face with warm water and baby soap. The bumps should not be squeezed or scrubbed in an attempt to make them go away. This may only cause future scarring on the infants skin. While newborns are obviously the only age group that develops acne caused by maternal hormones, babies are not the only age group to have Milia. Hard white pimple like bumps are commonly found on adult facial skin and can be more difficult to deal with than for children.

Adults can develop the condition when oil and dead skin accumulates in pockets under the skin. A hard white pimple is filled with protein that has hardened into a granule. Unlike typical acne, the blemishes are not in the pores but in pockets under the skin. In order to get rid of these blemishes, a lengthy process of exfoliation and cleansing is needed to assist layers of the skin to slough off. Eventually, some of the bumps will disappear. Sometimes, they will need to be removed. It is generally best to see a dermatologist who can gently remove these cyst-like bumps with the appropriate tools. As in any type of skin condition, from baby pimples to adult Milia, seeking the advice of a health professional is always helpful in alleviating concerns as well as finding new treatment options.

For more information: http://www.christianet.com/acne

 

http://www.christianet.com/acne/babypimples.htm

Michelle Obama: Most Powerful Mom?

Michelle Obama: Most Powerful Mom?

According to Working Mother’s Top Ten Moms of 2011, Michelle Obama ranks as one of the ten most powerful moms in the world. 
 
As much as I respect Working Mother magazine, and delight in Michelle Obama (along with most of the world), I beg to differ. 
 
Michelle Obama IS popular, with approval ratings close to seventy percent. But popular flies a different flag than powerful.  Of all the women in the world I admire, Michelle Obama is the one from whom I’d like to see a little more power-flexing -- and a whole lot less bicep-flexing.
 
The last interesting quote from Michelle Obama was her now-infamous February 2008 campaign cutline that America’s support of a black presidential candidate made her proud of her country for the first time in her adult life. I was intrigued by her heartfelt words. As an educationally and economically privileged white American woman, I wanted more on the subject from her.  Of course it’s harder to be proud of this country if you are black, given our history of slavery, economic discrimination and voter intimidation  -- but as a white woman, I’d rarely thought about patriotism in that vein. 
 
Obama opened my eyes to the still-prevalent prejudice black moms face in the workforce, in the polling booth, and in raising children.  She made me think long and hard about what it would be like to be a black mom, holding a child’s hand on the first day of kindergarten at an underfunded and overcrowded public school, or driving with kids in the backseat through a predominately not-black neighborhood, or taking a gravely sick black child to a hospital staffed mostly by white doctors and nurses.
 
But instead of praising her candor, conservative media and rival politicians portrayed Obama as the stereotypical “angry black woman.” These howls effectively silenced Michelle Obama for the rest of the campaign and the first four years of her husband’s presidency.  She’s hardly spoken up since - in public, at least.  Probably to the satisfaction of her husband’s press office, but to our collective loss.
 
We see Michelle Obama plenty.  She’s regularly smiling and pumping her arms on the cover of Vogue, People, Ladies Home Journal and Reader’s Digest. We know the contents of her closet and where she shops. We know her height, her weight and her shoe size.
 
But do we know the contents of her mind?  We rarely hear her opinions on any subjects of substance.  I for one have seen enough of her upper appendages and her designer clothes, and read enough bland dogma on home-grown vegetables and aerobic exercise, to last me several lifetimes.  Are fashion and body-toning tips all we can expect from one of the most highly educated First Ladies in history?
Please don’t interpret this as criticism of Ms. Michelle.  I don’t imagine she has a lot of leeway.  I’m sure there is immense pressure - from political advisors, the black community, her husband, the watching world - to play her role as First Black Lady on the safe side.  First, do no harm is a critical political and societal goal for the only black couple to head the White House.  Maybe she’s just presenting an image palatable to Americans squeamish about a smart, powerful black woman running the White House - just as many celebrities craft an image to sell records, win elections, or raise capital.
 
Hands down, Michelle Obama has won the nation’s popularity contest.  But one of the primal lessons of feminism is that power outranks popularity.  I’m willing to be Michelle Obama has realized that, too.
 
I’d like to get past the image Michelle Obama projects - and to hear more of her opinions.  Particularly on the subjects she knows firsthand, the thorny topics that bedevil women today.  The importance of education in leveling the gender and racial playing fields (Michelle Obama went to Princeton and Harvard Law School).  What it’s like to be the major breadwinner (she out-earned her husband financially until she became First Mom in the White House).  How to juggle career and kids gracefully and without resentment.  The value of live-in childcare help (her mom moved to DC along with Malia and Sasha).  What it is really like to be the first black First Lady in America  -- something I, and the rest of the white women in America, know zilch about.
 
However pragmatic her strategy, I fear we’ve all lost something invaluable - the opportunity to hear from a black career woman, equal rights advocate, and mom with plenty of moxie and mind capital to share with our country.  Perhaps, whether President Obama is re-elected or not, the freedom from popularity polls will mean more straight talk from his wife.  I, for one, will be listening assiduously.

http://www.mommytracked.com/19939?page=0%2C1

Babyfaceness

On the left: image of the supermodel Kate Moss, on the right: example of a photographed 4-year-old girl that took part in our experiment regarding the "babyfaceness hypothesis". The face of Kate Moss clearly shows characteristic features of babyfaces, but at the same time it also includes mature female features like high, prominent cheek bones and concave cheeks which are accentuated evenly by using make-up. Cunningham (1986) claims that the presence of both characteristic features makes faces very attractive.
Research on facial attractiveness has pointed out that the presence of childlike facial features increases attractiveness. These are: 

• Large head 
• Large curved forehead 
• Facial elements (eyes, nose, mouth) located relatively low 
• Large, round eyes 
• Small, short nose 
• Round cheeks 
• Small chin  

 
The prototype for a "child woman" is Brigitte Bardot. The reason why childlike women are perceived as being more attractive, is a biological one: Evolutionary biologists argue that men have an reproductive advantage when preferring young women as mating partners since they are likely to be healthy and still having a long period of fertility ahead of them. Thus, he can have many children with young women which means that he can successfully pass on his genes to his descendants. 
However, this idea is more than debatable. But why? Well, we mentioned above that characteristics of mature females contribute to facial attractiveness, too. These are, for instance, high and pronounced cheekbones and concave cheeks (note: this is the opposite of the childlike, round cheeks!). The biological reason for this is that these characteristics signal the man to have found a sexually mature and fertile woman. Some researchers on attractiveness (e.g. Karl Grammer) are convinced that childlike facial characteristics just make female faces look younger, but not more attractive. 
In order to examine the so-called "babyfaceness hypothesis", we produced several variants of selected female faces. The variants all had different levels of childlike facial proportions and were judged for attractiveness by test subjects. 

On the left: four children aged of 4 to 6.5 years; on the right: derived scheme of childlike characteristics.
This is how we went about: we computed an "average child face" using the four original images. Subsequently, we selected several attractive woman faces. By using the morphing technique we gradually warped the facial shape of the female faces into the shape of the scheme of childlike characteristics. Only the proportions of the faces were manipulated, not the faces itself! http://www.uni-regensburg.de/Fakultaeten/phil_Fak_II/Psychologie/Psy_II/beautycheck/english/kindchenschema/kindchenschema.htm

Baby in cupcake

Top 10 baby toys

Playskool Explore and Grow Busy Ball Popper

Lamaze Jacques the Peacock

Yookidoo Flow 'N' Fill Spout

Tiny Love Sunny Stroll Arch for Car Seats and Strollers

 Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube

Lamaze Freddie the Firefly

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes

Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Baby's First Blocks

LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table

http://www.100bestselling.com/toys/top-10-baby-toys-upto-1-year.html