Daycare Dilemma

I have often heard parents say they don't think their child's daycare provider "likes" their kid. They are constantly getting notes sent home about "johnny's behavior." And sometimes kids tell parents things that happen at daycare that don't exactly sound appropriate. What do you do then? It's not like you can just switch daycares at the drop of a hat. There are only so many reputable daycares in each city and they don't always have openings. A mom emailed me her story this week. She isn't sure what to do and she wants your opinion. Should she ignore the comment or make other parents aware of a potential problem or find a new daycare?

Hi! I am a single mother of 3 boys ages 2.5, 2.5, and 3.5. I work full time and go to school so I have trusted daycare with my boys for about the last 7 months. Until last week I had never had a problem.

Last Thursday night my son informed me that his teacher slaps him in his head! I asked him why she does this and he said because he doesnt listen. I've address this with the daycare and they are refusing to do anything. Their only response is that it is a misinterpretation of a tap on the head. My sons behavior at home has changed drastically since he has been in this classroom with this particular teacher. Until he said that I just assumed it was him adjusting to his new class. Ive contacted DCFS and everyone.

Why is it that no one seems to find this as disturbing? Someone hurt my child and no one will do anything. How is that even possible? I just wanted to share this and make sure that other parents know not only that some daycares will chose their teachers over your child but also that the very system set up to protect our children has failed to protect mine. Thank you for your time in reading this.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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When Kids Should Learn Math

FROM NBC: How young is too young to learn math? A new report says even in the first year of life, babies are grasping basic concepts - and preschools need to build on that ... so kids aren't left behind when they hit kindergarten.

There's been a lot of concern about the US being behind other nations in math And science. President Obama has said he wants to make it a priority - and now This new report explains how. The National Research Council - a well-respected group of academics based in Washington - says we've spent a lot of time teaching preschoolers their ABC's, but not nearly enough teaching the 1-2-3's.

Four-year-old Jacob can count to 100 -- His classmates are writing and grouping numbers -- Basic concepts that experts say children need well before they enter Kindergarten. Michael Helling: Teacher "The longer you wait, the more chances you're gonna have that they're gonna fall through the cracks."

The National Research Council finds kids ages 3 to 6 are already learning numbers and geometry through everyday experiences: Anuschka Boekhoudt: Teacher "When we're going outside we're lining up and then we're all gonna count. Count how many friends we have." Michael Helling: teacher "They're learning addition and subtraction but they don't really realize it you know. It's just, it's fun for them." Kids are ready to learn - the report says. It's preschool teachers who need more math training.

I think I should help my almost kindergartner brush up on his skills. He did learn to count to 100 in preschool last year, but he would sometimes need help. I should probably go over the "sounds" of the letters too just in case he forgot some. I can't believe school starts in just a few weeks! This summer has flown by! When did your kids learn to count to 100?

Here are some links to the top 10 kid's math websites according to lovetoknow.com

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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Turning a Breech Baby

Another week has gone by and still baby "Robot" has not turned. I am getting nervous. I have a sono on Friday. I am hoping that will help show me which breech tilting position will work best. I have been trying them all since last week. I feel him scrunch up toward the top of my stomach and I think, "This is it!" However, an hour later I still feel his little feet kicking my cervix. I think my baby is picture A-complete breech.

My five-year-old and two-year-old both had their feet up on the couch and their heads on pillows on the floor this morning. It was quite a site. So I was laughing for part of it! That doesn't help! I wish someone had been there to take a picture!

Here are the recommendations for turning a breech baby naturally. If you had success, please let me know which method you tried. I am going to try the pelvic tilt tonight. I am curious about the chiropractor because my back is killing me.

15 ways to turn a breech baby and had a natural childbirth.

Visualization ~ as with most things visualization will work with this too. Just close your eyes, take some deep breaths, relax and visualize your baby turning. The clearer you can make this visualization the better.

Swimming ~ Swimming is awesome, it not only helps keep your hips and pelvis loose, but it is like a gravity free zone which helps the baby turn.

Headstands in the pool ~ An excellent way to turn a breech baby. Doing headstands in the pool takes advantage of the gravity free zone as well as letting the baby float/turn in the right direction.

Breech Tilt ~ Get an ironing board or another flat surface. Rest the edge on a stable surface (couch, chair, bed) 12 to 18 inches off the ground. Lay with your head near the floor and your feet at the high end. Prop some pillows under your pelvis. Do this for 15 minutes 2 or 3 times a day until the breech baby turns.(I did this one in the opposite direction-same idea but your head is on the floor face first.)

Pelvic Tilt ~ much like the Breech Tilt but on the floor ~ Put some ice or frozen peas at the top of your tummy (you’re creating an aversion for the baby) Then prop pillows under your pelvis so it is tilted in the air.

Circular Massage ~ while you are in either of the tilt positions you can gently ~ like applying lotion ~ massage your tummy in circular motion. Use both hands. Start with one on the top of your belly the other on the bottom, move your bottom hand up toward the other and then move the second hand back down.

Light ~ Kind of like a cat chasing a laser pointer ~ take a strong flashlight and start at the top of your tummy, run the light around your belly toward your pelvis. The baby will follow the light thereby turning. (This is best done in conjunction with the Breech Tilt of Pelvic Tilt)

Music ~ This may sound crazy ~ but I’ve heard it works well for some. Take headphones and put them next to your pelvis. The baby will hear the music and turn toward it. Classical is best for this technique.

Feet up the Wall ~ this is similar to the tilts ~ you will lay on your back, walk your feet up the wall and then prop your pelvis up with some pillows. Do this 3x/day for 15 minutes.

Flower Essences ~ Bach Flower Essences can be a life saver for many issues. For turning a Breech Baby you will want to use Bach’s Bougainvilla Essence. Follow the instructions on then bottle.

Pulsatilla ~ A homeopathic frequently used to help turn breech babies. You can start using Pulsatilla as soon as you find out your baby is breech, but do not continue past 4 weeks from your due date. Your doula or midwife should be able to assist you in the use of Pulsatilla.

Chiropractic ~ There is a chiropractic maneuver called Webster’s Breech Technique. You will need to find a qualified and experienced chiropractor for this technique. Make sure to ask your chiropractor if they have experience in this technique before allowing them to work on you. Regular chiropractic care will help your pelvis stay open also allowing the baby more room to turn.

This is my favorite and the one that worked for my incredibly stubborn baby when nothing else did.

Moxibustion ~ This is an acupressure technique used with heat on a pressure point on your toe. My chiropractor showed me how to do it and gave me the moxa sticks. I then was able to do it home regularly until she turned. Here is a great article with pictures on Moxibustion. Placement of the heat is important that’s why I really like this article. You can also use the pressure point used in Moxibustion for regular acupressure whether with your fingers or a clothespin.

Acupressure ~ There are many pressure points in the body that will assist you not only with turning a breech baby but during labor and delivery. They can help open your pelvis, keep calm, help get labor started again if your labor stalls. All in all acupressure is a great thing to know during your pregnancy because you can do it yourself, and it can help with so many different things. If you are interested in using accupressure to turn your breech baby and use during labor and delivery you can download this guide right now and have it in your hands in a couple of minutes. (From Jackie at Natural Pregnancy Project.com)

If any of you know a doctor in Central Illinois who has experience delivering breech babies, please email me. I only have one name so far and the mom isn't fond of the doctor's attitude. Yikes!

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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Soderstrom Skin Institute is positioned to be a comprehensive, full service skin care facility. Visit www.soderstromskininstitute.com to learn what Soderstrom Skin Institute can do for you.

Cursing during Labor

I couldn't help but post this one! With our first child we had all these plans on what I would do to manage the pain-like massage, music, etc. I found out when the contractions started to hurt, I didn't want anyone to talk to me or touch me! To think, I could have gotten the longest, best massage ever! I did labor in the tub until I was about 5 centimeters. I think I just focused on breathing until transition. Then I thought I was going to die. I really did. The nurses said, "Wait, we have to prepare." I don't know if I said anything or just screamed. Then my mom said, "She is ready to push. Hurry up!" So I finally didn't care if they were ready and started pushing. Three minutes later and he was in my arms. My mom says it was so painful because it was so fast. I don't know if I cussed or not and I can't imagine that would have helped! However, it's worth a shot this time!

THERE'S A TYPE OF PAIN MANAGEMENT THAT WOMEN IN LABOR HAVE BEEN USING FOR YEARS... CURSING! A NEW STUDY SUGGESTS SWEARING DISTRACTS YOUR BRAIN FROM PAIN BY FOCUSING IT ON ANGER OR BY GIVING YOU A SENSE OF CONTROL. RESEARCHERS IN THE U-K HAD COLLEGE STUDENTS PUT THEIR HAND IN A BUCKET OF FREEZING COLD WATER. STUDENTS WHO WERE TOLD THEY COULD SWEAR WERE ABLE TO TOLERATE THE PAIN -- AND KEEP THEIR HANDS IN THE WATER LONGER -- THAN THOSE WHO DID NOT UTTER ANY 4-LETTER WORDS. Cursing didn't have the same pain relief effect in men who tended to "think the worst."

published in: NeuroReport. Researchers at Keele University's School of Psychology

Here's another version of the article from WebMD.
Did you curse during labor?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Afraid to wear shorts? Do you have unwanted hair? Embarrassed by unsightly varicose or spider veins? You don't have to be afraid to wear shorts because you are embarrassed by unwanted hair or unsightly varicose veins. Call 674-Skin to schedule your FREE leg vein or hair removal consultation at Soderstrom Skin Institute.

Soderstrom Skin Institute is positioned to be a comprehensive, full service skin care facility. Visit www.soderstromskininstitute.com to learn what Soderstrom Skin Institute can do for you.

When to stop using Booster Seats

Viewer Question:

I noticed on HOI 19 news it said one time that if there was a story we would like to see as parents to email you and so I am doing so now. I am a single mom of 2 children 9.5 and 7yrs. My 7yr old and 9.5 yr old use booster seats. Although it's a big argument between daddy and mommy on whether our 9.5yr old is legally required to be in a booster seat or not. Where the controversy comes in is that some police in our police department say that it goes according to weight and being 8yrs old, others say that its 80lbs. Health Dept officials say it's by age or weight and I no longer KNOW officially and legally which is the legal standard as I don't want to be pulled over and find out my son isn't being protected enough. No matter who I call I get a conflicting story and I'm tired of arguing with daddy and my son cuz he has to use a booster seat with me but he doesn't with daddy.

I only want my son to be safe!!

Hi Nikki,
Here's the advice from the AAP: You are not going to get ticketed for having a nine year old in a car without a booster, but it might not be what's best for your child.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents, "Keep your child in a car safety seat for as long as possible. When your child is big enough, make sure the seat belts in your vehicle fit your child correctly. The shoulder belt should lie across the chest, not the neck or throat. The lap belt must be low and snug across the thighs, not the stomach. In addition, the child should be tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her legs bent at the knees and feet hanging down. Seat belts are made for adults. If the seat belt does not fit your child correctly, she should stay in a booster seat until the adult seat belt fits. This is usually when the child reaches about 4' 9" in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age."

Illinois' new "Booster Law" went into effect January 1st, 2004. In most cases, it is now illegal to transport an unrestrained child in Illinois. The Child Passenger Protection Act requires that all children up to their 8th birthday must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system (a carseat or booster that meets NHTSA safety standards). Children between 8 and 16 years old must be seated in a seatbelt, according to the previous law that went into effect January 1, 2002. As these are primary moving violations, you can be stopped and ticketed if a child is observed to be improperly restrained in your vehicle.

I think it's more about what is the safest scenario for your child as opposed to the "law." I hope this helps settle your argument!

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Afraid to wear shorts? Do you have unwanted hair? Embarrassed by unsightly varicose or spider veins? You don't have to be afraid to wear shorts because you are embarrassed by unwanted hair or unsightly varicose veins. Call 674-Skin to schedule your FREE leg vein or hair removal consultation at Soderstrom Skin Institute.

Soderstrom Skin Institute is positioned to be a comprehensive, full service skin care facility. Visit www.soderstromskininstitute.com to learn what Soderstrom Skin Institute can do for you.