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Parenting - The Female View

Expenses Accrued with a New Baby

October 14th 2011 20:04
If you're having your first child, you're probably super excited about what's to come. Hopefully, you have taken into account the expenses that you're going to accrue and the money that you're going to be using.

There is a lot entailed with having a new baby, whether you take into account doctor's visits, daycare, diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, clothes, etc.


If you're planning for yoru new baby, you should really consider yoru current bills and add an additional $1000 a month to your bills.

Your initial expenses will include a baby crib, changing table, dressor, pack-n-play, stroller, car seat and one base per vehicle you own, etc. You'll also have to deal with your own medical bills, check-ups, and the baby's check-ups and vaccinations. In some cases, you may have to pay your co-pay on a weekly basis toward the end of your pregnancy, not to mention the monthly co-pay toward the beginning and middle.

Also, consider any ultrasound costs, extra vitamins and medications, 3D ultrasound, and all other medical bills you'll have prior to giving birth. You'll also have to pay the hospital bill, anesthesiologist fees, hospital supplies, infant vaccinations, infant care, etc.

Once you have the baby, you'll have to pay for regular check-ups for you and the baby. You'll also be recommended to begin birth control, which is another expense.

You'll need to purchase baby clothes on a regular, as babies grow rather quickly. Toys, socks, bibs, cloth diapers, blankets, etc. Keep in mind that you'll go through diapers and wipes constantly. If you choose to feed formula, you'll find that will get expensive as well. When the baby is 4 months or so, you'll want to start introducing baby foods and cereal.


If you opt for daycare services, that's another $400 minimum a month. If you choose for these services, you'll want to consider that you'll have to double the shopping list for formula, baby food, diaper, and baby wipes.

As you can see, babies are not cheap. That cute bundle of joy that you're expecting, is going to create a HUGE hole in your wallet.


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Posted By: Whitney - Category: Parenting
   


No Kids Allowed Shopping, on Planes, in Restaurants, or at the Movies

July 27th 2011 16:37
I'm not sure if you've heard or not, but there's a new movement that is sweeping movie theaters, malls, planes, restaruants, and other means of transportation and shopping.

Children are not allowed.

Malaysia Airlines has banned babies, a restaurant in Pittsburg has banned children under 6, and there are more to come.

There are websites to help parents find vacations without the kids. Leavethembehind is one of the more popular websites that parents use to find the perfect get-away spot without their kids.

This new movement is a good thing for those of without children, as a peaceful movie can be enjoyed. Shopping without children during child-free hours will reduce the headache of the mom/dad with the screaming child or the child running rampant throughout the store.

The public just isn't as child-friendly as it used to be, which is why this new movement is set by the public.

For the parents who are being "punished," so to speak, they are outraged. Parents want to create a socialized child, not one bound by fast food and long car rides. Parents do not want to bind their children by the front door, but there are many people who are not tolerant to children running in the neighborhood or throughout the store.


What do you think? Should there be limits placed on parents and their children?

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Posted By: Whitney - Category: Parenting
   


Tips for a Stay at Home Mom

July 12th 2010 19:34
Being a stay at home mom can be great, as you can spend loads of time watching your children grow up, setting new traditions, and helping our children with every obstacle that they encounter. The problem is, being a stay at home mom is tough. You still have other things that you need to do, like laundry, meals, dusting, caring for pets, errands, and just about anything else that may be needed throughout the day and for the house.


Stay at moms must be a multi-tasking guru. You have tons to do and just a few hours to get it done. Below, are a few tips to keep in mind.

1. Create and implement a schedule of daily routines, whether it includes making meals, packing lunches, laundry, special activities with the kids, whatever. Write it down, and try to stick to it.
2. Outsource duties that you can't complete. If your children are old enough to help, have them help you out. Have duties that your husband can help you with when he's home from work and on weekends. You can't do everything.
3. Keep in contact with your friends. Try to find a local mom's group, so that you can have interaction with other adults. You'll be able to get out of the house, and you can even set up play-dates for your children.
4. Schedule time off. Granted, you can't take time off being a mother and a wife, but you can take time for yourself. Have your husband stay home Saturday afternoon twice a month so that you can go to the movies with your girls, hiking, art galleries, etc. Schedule time so that you can have a break.

You want to keep organized. Everything has a place. Just make sure to keep things light. You don't want to be known as a Nazi mom.

Also, keep in mind that some of the mother's groups can be competitive. You don't want to be a part of one of these. You want to be able to enjoy your children, not brag that you are able to have your house spotless, dinner on the table, children perfectly groomed and participating in 4 activities each, and 20 volunteer organizations that you help out. You can't do everything, and you don't want to push yourself over the limit. It's good to set goals and expectations of yourself, but don't overdo it. You have to sleep sometime...

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Posted By: Whitney - Category: Parenting
   


Parenting Tips for a Divorced Mom

July 6th 2010 19:00
Divorce is hard, and it can be hard to cope as an adult, but when there are children involved, you can't think about yourself. You have to think about the kids.

First off, when in the middle of your divorce, you want to keep your children out of it. There's no, 'daddy's is a bad man, you want to live me me" kind of talk. You want your children to love and respect their father. Now, each situation is different, but in general, you don't want to bad-mouth your children's father.

You want to make sure that when you and your soon to be ex-husband are setting up the divorce agreement, you keep in mind the children. You want to consider who's home will be best and how you will set up partial custody. Keep in mind insurance, college tuition, college housing, cars, cell phone bills, and any other future expense. Even if the children are very young, you don't want to exclude potential expenses based on the current age of the children. You will have them eventually, and you can't be expected to pay for everything.

Try to keep civil when your children are around. They see and hear everything. Call your ex when you're going to be late, and expect the same in return. Have everything ready when they're going to be picked up. It's easier on the kids if you are more calm and collect.

If you are the one paying the child support, make sure that you pay regularly and on time. You are punishing your children, not your ex, when you don't pay. If you don't have the money at the moment, explain the situation to your ex, and try to pay what you can. Don't neglect your children, as it's no longer a fight between you and your ex.

Be honest with your ex. Keep them informed as to what is happening with the children in school, with friends, etc. You want everything to be open and honest.

Try to make sure that you and your ex keep the same rules, bed time, allowances, etc. You don't want it to be, "Dad pays more for less chores" or "I can stay up all night and eat cookies before dinner over there." It is not a competition between you and your ex; it is a duty for you to raise your children to the best of your ability, which can't be properly done if you are constantly fighting and scheming to get your kids to like you better, so to speak. Everything needs to be equal and the same at both houses.


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Tips for a Single Mom

June 17th 2010 23:28
It's hard enough being a parent, but it's even harder to be a single parent. For women, sometimes it comes natural, but it's always going ot be work without having the extra hands and eyes.

If you have the perfect child, you probably won't need any of the following tips and advice that I'm about to share for raising children as a single mom. Otherwise, keep reading.

* Create traditions with your children and spend time with them.
* Always keep your child's best interest in mind.
* Trust your instincts. (No one can tell you how to raise your children, but yourself)
* Keep organized.
* Watch your budget, especially when it comes to healthcare, food, and supplies.
* Talk to your children. You don't want to be a friend and not a mom, but you want to have an open relationship.
* Never badmouth their father (whether the dad is in the child's life or not).

The most important thing to remember is that you need to trust yourself. You want to remember that these are your kids. Love them. Spend time with them. Raise them to be good people. Single moms can raise children to be healthy, well-rounded adults, just like couples can.



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Posted By: Whitney - Category: Parenting
   


Side Effects of Internal Uterine Devices

October 7th 2009 15:07
Internal Uterine Devices, or IUD, is an internal birth control option. There are only a few brands of IUDs, and you'll find that more women and doctors will prefer oral contraceptive over internal due to the slightly elevated risks and side effects associated with intraunterine devices.

When you go in for your placement appointment, your cervix will be dilated in order to properly measure the uterus in order to insert the IUD, which can be very uncomfortable and in some cases painful


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Posted By: Whitney - Category: Health, Parenting
   


Raising a Child is Expensive

August 17th 2009 18:33
It's always been expensive to raise a child, but have you ever sat down and really looked at what all you've spent or will have to spend? Well, studies show that the average middle-income family spends about $221,000 to raise a child through age 17, which means that doesn't count college expenses.

Families that earn more, spend more


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Prevent SIDS in Sleeping Babies

May 20th 2009 13:15
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is probably one of the scariest concerns with new moms because it's not 100% understood, but over the past 15 years, SIDS has been reduced by at least 50%. New moms should highly consider following as many of the practices that can reduce the risk of SIDS as possible. Just keep in mind that about one in every five SIDS cases occurs when the child is in the care of someone other than the parent, so keep in mind that you give your child's caregivers all the important tips and risk reducers that you can in order to keep your baby safe when you are not around.

Buy a Good Mattress By using an extra firm or super firm crib mattress, the risk of SIDS is 5 times lower than if you use a soft mattress. A baby's airways can be easily blocked if his face sinks into a soft surface. Also remember to remove any pillows, stuffed animals, crib bumpers, or any other soft objects which could block the baby's face while he sleeps


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