Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Does Your Teen Suffer From Depression?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kelly_J_Miller]Kelly J Miller
There are several types of depression that are diagnosed by health care providers. Types of depression are determined by the duration of the symptoms and the severity of the symptoms. Depression in teens may look different than depression in adults, so it may be harder to discover. There appears to be a common thread in the disorders with teens. Teenagers are generally hiding their emotions and feelings and so they express these emotions through behavior. When your teenagers behavior has changed from communicative to no communication, from respectful to disrespect, from normal opposition to loss of judgment from being ok with the family to little or no involvement, a drastic change in clothing, friends, grades and/or attendance these are all signs of a disorder. Discovering which disorder it is can be the tricky part.
Some symptoms of depression are:
Sad or low mood, sleeping more or less than usual, eating more or less than usual, loss of interest in normal activities, irritability, aggression and hostility can also be signs of depression.
Some flags or warning signs for parents to look for: anger outbursts and explosiveness, running away, substance or alcohol abuse, isolating from family and friends, withdrawn, anxious or nervous, lack of eye contact, wearing dark clothing or a change in clothing style, hair in the face, hygiene is deteriorating, hyper-sensitive.
Some of the behaviors you may see are: self harming like cutting or burning skin, suicidal thoughts, threats, or attempts, new group of peers or maybe losing friends, school performance is declining or trouble even going to school, spending an abundant amount of time in their room; using internet or texting, easily angered and defensiveness, running away, staying out or not coming home, experimenting with drugs and alcohol, disengaged in activities they use to do.
Types of medication to ask your Dr. about: Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Luvox, Prozac are among a few of the anti-depressant medications available. Generally medication will ease the symptoms but they will not cure the issue. Talk to your health care provider to see which medication will work the best.
When do you intervene and what does the intervention process look like: parents need to begin intervening when you begin to notice grades falling, or your child isolating and avoiding family and friends. When they don't make eye contact or the eye contact has changed from how they were making eye contact. If they have changed their appearance like clothing or hair covering their face and eyes, or you notice a change in hygiene. If there is any changes in sleeping and eating patterns. If they are more defensive than normal or their anger has turned into tantrums. Interventions from parents can be anything from sitting down and talking one on one in a very clam manner. Letting your child know you are worried about them and ask them to tell you what is going on so you can help them is the best approach. If this is unsuccessful you may need to do something more severe like; getting them to a outdoor program for 45 - 60 days, or a short term residential program where they can learn to cope with their problems. Parents' may also try going to the family doctor to see if they will talk to them or a therapist, the most important thing is to get them talking.
What will insurance pay for: You will need to check with your health insurance for coverage but most insurance have some type of mental health benefit and drug and alcohol benefit. Insurances are very picky about what they cover. Generally, they will cover for Depression or a Mood Disorder. They will give so much percent to Individual Therapy and Group Therapy on an outpatient basis. If your teenager needs long term treatment you will need to jump through the hoops of your insurance carrier for them to help pay for a residential facility. They like to see that you have tried outpatient therapy first before jumping right into long term treatment. Insurance companies will not pay for an outdoor or wilderness program. There are instances where you can submit to your insurance the individual and group therapy your teenager receives in the wilderness/outdoor program you can also submit the same for a residential stay.
Who can you go to for help: Some schools and school counselors may be able to provide information to help your teen. You may also go to your local community mental health center, or your religions clergy. You may also find a family therapist or counselor that specializes in teens.
I have a web based consulting and counseling service, if you would like more information please contact me at http://www.repairnlife.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Does-Your-Teen-Suffer-From-Depression?&id=5898117] Does Your Teen Suffer From Depression?

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Childcare Jobs - Create Your Own By Starting A Daycare Center

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lori_J_Mincey]Lori J Mincey
If you've been sifting through the want ads looking for childcare jobs, you might want to consider opening a daycare center out of your home. Assuming you have a home suitable for doing this, you can have the convenience of running your own business and working from home.
In today's economic crunch, many people are looking for ways to earn an income while dealing with the day to day stress of taking care of their families and minimizing monthly costs. A daycare center in your home will not only save you money but can give you additional income each month.
When working out of the home, your income is often offset by the cost of gas, cost of for your own children and the cost of eating out for lunch. When you start to deduct these figures from what you're actually taking home, you might be surprised to find that you're making a lot less than what you thought.
Any parent knows that raising children in today's world is often stressful and full of economic hardships. One of the most difficult decisions they can make is to put their child in the care of someone else while they work each day. This additional worry can put stress in other areas of their lives including their work performance. Most parents appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a quality   rel=nofollow [http://www.yourowndaycare.info]childcare provider. By establishing yourself as a qualified and reliable babysitter, you can grow your business to a successful and profitable one.
Once you make the decision that you could provide this service for others, you must check the local and state laws to see what is required to run a daycare facility out of your home. It is critical that you adhere to these laws to avoid problems later on. Many would be childcare centers are shut down because of lack of permits or other certifications that are required. This is not only financially devastating for you, but is also extremely difficult for families that have come to rely on you to take care of their kids when they're at work.
Additionally, you'll want to become certified in the areas of CPR and first aid. Having these important skills will insure that you're ready to handle any emergency situation that might arise. This not only helps the children, but also helps you in the event of any legal allegations. Being prepared ahead of time saves a lot of heartache later.
Running a home based daycare center has a lot of benefits but is not something that should be rushed into. Don't make the mistake of thinking that because you have children that you're qualified to open one. Do your research to find out what is legally required to operate in your state and follow through with the requirements.
You should do this before you take on any clients so that you are not in danger of being closed later.
Childcare jobs are out there, but you may find that you would prefer to be in charge of your own business and work out of your home. This gives you the ability to set the hours and standards that suit you and your lifestyle.
Please check out this [http://www.yourowndaycare.info]childcare page to get more info and help you'll need to get started.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Childcare-Jobs---Create-Your-Own-By-Starting-A-Daycare-Center&id=5932960] Childcare Jobs - Create Your Own By Starting A Daycare Center

Friday, March 9, 2012

Why Would We Give Our Kids Their Own Cell Phone Anyways?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Terry_Folawn]Terry Folawn
Is it just me, or does it seem that every day our kids come home from school asking us parents for a cell phone. It usually sounds something like "I Need A Cell Phone" It seems that when some kid at school gets their first phone, all the other kids want one too. Oops! I mean "Needs" one too. This is clearly just one of the many challenges we as parents seem destined to have go through, these days.
So if you decide to fall prey to their clever ways. Take heart! There are cell phones that are made specifically for children. These phones usefully do not have the bells and whistles and traditionally don't have cameras and or other expensive features. They are simplistic in nature and pretty easier to understand. Kids cell phones usually have buttons that are pre-programmed for emergencies and also buttons that will call their parents. Remember these phones are designed with children as their target market. These companies have done their homework. The whole concepts of these phones are "Ease and Simplicity" Not that all of our children need "Easy and Simple" but we as parents might!
There also cell phone software that you can down load that will help you track the cell phone's location via Google Maps, but it also sends you call history, and if you do get them more than the standard kids phones. The ones usually meant for an adult. ie. The ones that have text messages address book names, and so forth this history can also be sent to you.
So good luck deciding whether to allow your child have their own cell phone or not. My only words of wisdom are... Parenting has no known hand book, trust me I've looked. So we all make the best chooses we can for now. It's not till were grandparents that we get to say what we did right and what we did wrong. Only to make are on kids crazy all over again. Just saying...
Author: Terry Folawn
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Would-We-Give-Our-Kids-Their-Own-Cell-Phone-Anyways?&id=5945181] Why Would We Give Our Kids Their Own Cell Phone Anyways?

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Drop-Side Cribs Recalled

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sonia_N._Robert]Sonia N. Robert
On February 3, 2011, The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a second recall of the Generation 2 Worldwide "SafetyCraft" brand drop-side cribs due to strangulation and suffocation deaths.
Three infants became asphyxiated when the drop-side or mattress support hardware failed creating a space where the babies became wedged.  The fittings supporting either the mattress or drop-side were broken or missing.  In one of these cases sited in Virginia, two screws were missing allowing the drop-side to detach from the headboard and create a space where the infant was entrapped.
In 20 other reports where the drop-side became detached and children experienced bruising when they became entrapped or even falling out of their crib.  One child received a broken arm as a result of the fall. This hardware appears to be identical to that used on the Generation 2 Worldwide ChildE SIGNS brand drop-side cribs recalled in February 2010.
A similar suffocation space has been created when mattress support fittings have failed or come loose causing the mattress to drop.  While these situations are less common, the potential for injury or death is just as great. Parents and caregivers should stop using these cribs immediately and replace them with safe cribs.  Do Not Attempt to Repair These Cribs! No matter what the brand or model, parents should periodically tighten screws and other attachment hardware to ensure that crib parts are in good condition and solidly attached.
It should be noted that when Generation 2 went out of business in 2005, the "SafetyCraft" trademark was purchased by Foundations Children's Products of Medina, OH.   SafetyCraft cribs made and sold by Foundations Children's Products are not the subject of this recall.  The Foundations brand can be identified by the name "Foundations" printed on the mattress support assembly instructions label under the crib mattress.
Sonia N. Roberts
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Drop-Side-Cribs-Recalled&id=5978545] Drop-Side Cribs Recalled

Monday, March 5, 2012

How to Choose the Best Daycare in Your Area

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Seth_Rahman]Seth Rahman
Get a Jump Start on it!
Start by looking around and talking to people in your community. Often times people are attracted to what they think childcare should be, in many cases in-home daycare. Really take a look to see what the pros and cons are in every situation. Never put yourself in a position where your rushing because this is one decision you do not want to mess up on. You can start by looking in some local ads, especially classified like craigslist or ads in the local papers. You dont have to go to the biggest commercial daycare, just focus on the providers who truly have a passion for what they do and not looking just for financial gains. Do your due diligence, take a look to see what the licensing requirements are and take a good hard looks at your providers papers. They should be easily located as soon as you walk into the door hanging on a near by wall. See what they are licensed to do and have, pay close attention and let them see you are an involved parent.
To go without mention make sure you actually visit the facility. Make a few random un-announced visits to see if there operation is consistent.
 * What is the adult to child ratio? See how many children the state allows to be in one particular group or class size and ask the provider how many they have. Dont be bashful or afraid to walk into the classroom and actually take a count on how many they have. In this case its ok to be somewhat invasive to ensure the quality and proper care of your child.
 * What Are the Qualifications of the Caregiver? Ask about the actually caregivers or teachers that will be in the classrooms. See what type of credentials they have and keep in mind what stage your child is in so what your childs needs my be. For example, if you have an infant you may not need a person with a masters degree taking care of him or her, more so just a loving nurturing person to comfort them and help them learn through play. However if your child is a little bit older you may want to see materials as to what educational materials is being shared. You want your child to develop in a development center.
 * Check to see what the Turnover rate is: See if other parents are happy with the service they have received and also check to see if the teachers at that facility have been there for a while. You want your child to get use to routine and a quality center should be able to maintain a good core staff at all times.
 * Is your center on the Stars or Food Program? Find out if the center of your choice is on the stars program. This is important because its symbolic of the structure of education the center provides. In addition is the center a sponsor of the food program? Why is this important? Because if indeed it is a sponsor you can rest assure your child is eating nutritiuos meals. The Food Program offers the centers a reinbursement for quality healthy meals so that the provider will not spare any expense in doing just that.
Remember and write down what you saw each visit and ultimately you have to make the right choice for you and your family.
Stay INVOLVED: Volunteer whenever you can, if your center offers xx amount of trips during the year try to make at least a quarter of them. If your daycare center is having birthday parties or anything group gathering again just try to free up some time so you can be a presence at the center. Your child will appreciate it and the providers will know about your level of interest. http://Daycaresinlouisvilleky-louisvillepreschools.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Choose-the-Best-Daycare-in-Your-Area&id=5992534] How to Choose the Best Daycare in Your Area

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Parenting a Special Needs Child: Things You Need to Know About "Respit Care"

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Raleigh_Sanderson]Raleigh Sanderson
A "typical" child develops independence progressively and quickly. A child with a birth defect or other challenges takes longer (if ever) to develop even simple skills like getting themselves a drink. Allowing your child to exercise their independence also requires great patience and support. Any way you slice it, taking care of a special needs child is challenging and draining. As a parent of a child with Special Needs, you still have needs of your own. It is very important for you to satisfy the NEED to have some "me time" for yourself and some "us time" for you and your spouse. The Need to "get away" every once in a while is well-recognized, so consider these things:
Don't feel guilty about Needing some "time off" from parenting a special needs child.
As a parent caring for a special needs child, you are involved in a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself a chance to NOT worry about things every once in a while.
What is "Respit Care" and how can it help?
It may have other names, but in general, "Respit Care" is a program which is designed to have a Caregiver come to your home and care for your child while you get a chance to take a break from the challenges of taking care of everything.
Look for funding for "Respit Care."
State sponsored programs are available in most states. These programs require the Care Giver to be trained and approved. If your child qualifies for other programs or services for medical reasons, or if your child is considered "disabled", then you should also qualify for the "Respit Care" programs.
Who would be a good choice for a "Respit Care" Caregiver?
-A warm-hearted person who thinks of others as well as themselves.
-A relative that is not around too much otherwise. Don't get them burnt out as well.
-A teenager who could use a little side job and who would make a good "baby sitter".
Who NOT to use as a "Respit Care" Caregiver.
-Your other children (give them a chance to be kids).
-Any one who doesn't deserve your COMPLETE confidence and trust.
What are the best ways to use Respit Care?
-A date night.
-Someone to be at your home when your child arrives from school on the bus.
-A "night away" - save up a few hours per week and use them in a "lump sum" to have a full night away. If you save up 2 hrs per week you can get away for 24 hrs every 3 months.
Raleigh Sanderson
Father of four children, one with spina bifida (born in 2001).
Being a Parent (or an expecting Parent) of a special needs child is challenging.
Get the support and 'cut to the chase' information that will bring you relief and help you sleep at night.
For more information, please visit: http://www.findjoyinspecialneeds.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Parenting-a-Special-Needs-Child:-Things-You-Need-to-Know-About-Respit-Care&id=6030808] Parenting a Special Needs Child: Things You Need to Know About "Respit Care"

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Selecting a Bean Bag Chair for Your Son

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Yvette_Bertolet]Yvette Bertolet
You want to make your child's room as inviting and comfortable as possible for him. Consider his room to be his domain - the only real thing that he can control and consider his personal space where he can express himself. Well, when purchasing a piece of furniture for the bedroom, you want to make sure it suits his style, room color and his needs. A bean bag chair is a most beloved piece of furniture, and when chosen well, your son could keep this for a very long time. So here are a few suggestions for bean bag selection that I had to consider when making my purchase that you may find useful.
You want to select a fabric type that is very easy to clean, yet is comfortable. Would you prefer to have a vinyl bag that cleans easily by wiping with a wet cloth or would you prefer to be able to remove the entire cover and throw it in the washing machine? Many of the fabric covers are removable - make sure of this, and make sure that they have a liner that holds the filling so that the cover can be removed. Selections for fabric types include micro fiber, denim, cotton (plain and prints) and fun fur. The chairs that have logos or team logos are usually vinyl. Note that some people don't like the feel of vinyl, sometimes feeling that it is too sticky or cold. Despite your selection, please make sure that your bag is equipped with child safety lock zippers.
You will want to select a size appropriate for your son - keep in mind that your son may have this for a long time and will grow into it. They come in a great range of sizes.
Decide the type based on the activities that your son likes to do. My son is a gamer and loves his video games. He spends a lot of time during the weekends playing video games online with his friends. He should be comfortable, since this is an activity that is sustained over a long period, and therefore should provide full body support for whatever position you are in. With the stuffing of bean bags, this allows ultimate comfort especially for the lower back.
Does your son read? Watch TV? These chairs will be a place where they would gravitate to do such activities also.
It is a friend magnet - friends will visit and stay longer when there is comfy furniture to chill in. I love having my son's friends over because I enjoy knowing who his friends are and I know what they are doing and where they are doing it when they are at my house.
This may sound like a big list to consider when deciding on a bean bag chair or relax sack to purchase for your son. But the better ones aren't necessarily the cheapest ones, so invest some time and thought into your purchase and you will have a piece of furniture that your son may carry with him not only to college but beyond.
Find the perfect bean bag chair for a boy at [http://www.beanbagcomforts.com]http://www.beanbagcomforts.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Selecting-a-Bean-Bag-Chair-for-Your-Son&id=6030342] Selecting a Bean Bag Chair for Your Son