Life as a first time parent

Tips for raising boys or girls

2009-11-06T12:11:00.003+01:00

if you are raising boys
1.Allow them cry
2.Talk to them and teach them to talk about things without them needing to be macho
3.let them express feelins(thats why women live longer)
4.show them affection consistently and openly
5.Domesticate them even if it is for simple things like putting their socks away after them

If you are raising girls
1.Tell them they can dream big and accomplish all they set their hearts to do e.gs abound -Hiliary Clinton,Condelezza Rice,Ndi Okereke Onyeuke,Mariam Makeba,Ngozi Okonjo Iweala,Dora Akinyuli etc
2.Show them affection and allow them to be affectionate as well
3.They must learn to be domestic
4.Teach them to be assertive and not mundane
5.They must learn in today's world to be safety consciuos
6.Teach them to value themselves

Taking care of african textured hair in kids

2009-09-29T20:53:00.002+01:00

To take care of african textured hair in kids it can be tough...because the texture is very tough.Always make sure you apply oil to the hair to avcoid breakage when combing.If the texture is tough and full a texturizer from Dark and Lovely or any uther trausted brand can also help.Back here in nigeria we make sure of black threads to make the texture easier to manage.Or for babies we use colorful bands to gently tie the hair from the roots to make it more manageable.

Lets return to a simpler life

2009-09-23T15:10:00.005+01:00

Lets return to a simple life thats my call today.Be there for your kids,pay attention,reduce the noise-T.V,Internet,Radio,Ipod,Magazine culture at least once or twice every week.Lets heal our world in the words of Micheal Jackson-Give your kids the gift of your time.If you ask me thats the best gift thatleaves a lasting legacy as well

The Making of a Great Kid

2009-09-17T21:03:00.002+01:00

Great kids are made and not born.
You as a parent must have a blueprint for how you want your kids to turn out and in your training your child,you keep going back to the master plan and that will help you even when things seem to go out of hand.
I will revisit this topic again.
Hmmm..how do you as a parent think you can make a great kid?
Comments welcome

Proud to be a Mom!

2009-08-04T13:18:00.002+01:00

Am proud to be a mom,its the lord's gift.
Ways that make me proud...
1.Am appointed as a care taker for my child!!
2.I can train my child to fulfill their purpose whether president or writer as diverse as there purpose is ,i help chart their course
3.I love being called mummy.etc

How to discipline your pre-schooler

2009-07-31T15:39:00.003+01:00

How do you discipline your pre-schooler?Mine I make sure am firm when i say "NO" with a stern face and my child gets it from my body language.
Lets all interact on this one.They are not too young for some home-grown discipline
Please drop your comments.

Being Thankful..for everything

2009-07-28T14:01:00.000+01:00

Its a cliche-"Being Thankful" but how many of us really are?
Thats a point for you tyo ponder on today.
The blessings in our lives are too numerous for us not to thank God for it.
If you don't think you have anything to thank God for think of war ravaged countries around us and thank God for the peace that reigns in your country!!!

Dedicating your children to the Lord

2009-07-14T14:55:00.003+01:00

Last Sunday ...we dedicated our baby to the Lord and I believe this is a very important task for today's parents to do.
The Benefits of doing this is to honour God that gave the child to you in the first place.Also it tells everyone watching that the baby will indeed serve the Lord while in your care.Have a blessed day

Low appetities in children.

2009-07-04T11:27:00.000+01:00

Low appetites in children what causes it?
I know sickness and symptoms of sickness is a big culprit.
Multivitamins at least once a day does the magic and will aid your child's appetite.
Colorful meals is also a good way of keeping them interested in meal times.
How have you aided your child's appetite?

Baby boomers most of your expenses go where?

2009-06-30T20:01:00.005+01:00

Hello Baby boomer what do you spend money mostly on for your young kids?
I spend much on buying diapers as there are no cheaper alternatives till they are well potty trained.ButI always buy them in bulk as they cut the costs as much as 20%.Others are clothes which are better bought during sales as they equally reduce the cost.
let me hear from you on these areas and what to do to save costs.

Am back and with my beauiful baby to show for it!

2009-06-27T17:43:00.003+01:00

Hello FANS!!I have really been through a whole lot but i will save the story for another write up.
Enclosed is the picture of my second baby...isn't she lovely lol.
I will get back with all my usual banter.nice weekend.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-23T16:58:00.002+01:00

I want to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas holiday!
Sorry I have been away for like 9 weeks.
Promise to keep up the blog...Happy Holiday!!!

Blog Action Day Article.

2008-10-15T12:35:00.003+01:00

Hello readers today its "Blog action day"!

The topic is Poverty and how to eradicate it.
I will be writing from a different perspective
Poverty is not just the absence of money or things.Poverty can be from your spirit as well.Does this sound strange?Read on...
Your poverty can be from your spirit if you don't have insight into drawing from the streams of God's overflowing supplies.
Everything created on earth today from the internet to cell phones to radio to television all came from the mind.
So on earth God has blessed us with abundant resources to keep ourselves busy and also make wealth.Any body of a poor spirit?Hope my article helps on Blog action day today.
All you have to do is look inwards and draw from God's wisdom on how to make wealth on the earth.
Also the other type of poverty where nations are improvised can be greatly improved by making sure that people in those nations get basic education and are empowered with one skill or the other by which they can be able to take care of themselves.
They say teach a man to fish and he will never come begging for food.
In my country Nigeria we have lots of NGOs(Non governmental organizations)and the National directorate of employment that do this.
Currently their impact is felt to some limits but can still be greatly improved.
Thanks for your time!

Am Back to inform.

2008-10-10T09:23:00.002+01:00

Hello All!Been a while I wrote on my blog hope you all didn't miss me much.
Probably a case of a very busy schedule at work and writers block.
But am very much refreshed and recharged to inform all first time parents of things they need to know about taking care of their babies ,partners and homes.
Have a good friday!

Pampering your child.

2008-09-22T15:52:00.001+01:00

Today I want you to indulge you to participate with me on this topic

A little pampering is it good for your child?
Yes or No
Please Leave your comments and suggestions.
Thank You!

Water the best drink for your child and you

2008-09-12T10:05:00.003+01:00

Water is a God given drink.We are always rushing off to give our children sweet fizzy drinks but nature;'s own drink water is still the ultimate drink
Benefits of drinking water includes:

* Apart from the air we breathe, water is the next most important substance for life.
* Our body is approximately 70% water – factors such as age and the amount of body fat that is being carried by the body will affect this figure. However you can see that water makes up a substantial part of our body mass.
* Your body will absorb approximately 1 litre of water from the food that we eat – obviously this is influenced slightly by the type of diet you eat. The rest of your water intake is made up by what you drink.
* Most of the chemical reactions within the body’s cells require water.
* Water is used as a method of transport for all the nutrients within our body.
* The digestive system requires plenty of water to function, especially for solid foods and then also to aid good absorption once the foods are broken down.
* Water is required for the kidneys to function correctly, if the kidneys cannot complete their full workload then the work that is left over is forwarded to the liver. One of the main tasks for the liver is to metabolise stored fat – break down fat so that it can be used for energy by the body – if the kidneys are not functioning to their full potential the liver has to stop some of its own work to compensate for the kidneys. This will result in the liver metabolising less fat in the body and hence the body may not be able to lose weight or may even start to gain excess body fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in the water intake can cause fat deposits to increase, and an increase in water intake can reduce fat deposits.
* Water will help to suppress your hunger and appetite naturally. Have a drink of water if you start to feel slightly hungry, sometimes we confuse thirst as being hungry. A glass of water can take the hunger pangs away and you will be able to keep going through to your correct time for eating.
* Due to the body being made up of a high content of water, it requires plenty of water to flush through the stored fluid. If you do have enough fluid coming in, your body could think there is a threat to survival and hold onto as much fluid as possible – this is where fluid retention can occur. If you do not drink enough fluid your body will store what you do have in extra cellular spaces – that is outside the cells but in the skin – usual signs of this are swelling in the hands, feet and legs. Sometimes the fingers may feel tight when the fist is clenched; this is due to slight swelling that may not be obvious to the eye.

* Water is required for regulating the body temperature.
* Water helps to flush out impurities that build up, especially in the skin.
* Joints in the body require water to help with the lubrication process. Cartilage tissue needs to be well hydrated to protect the joints.
* Muscles require water to function.
* The Brain tissue is approximately 85% water. Both chronic fatigue and depression have been associated with the body not having enough water and hence causing dehydration.
# Benefits of drinking water - your skin will look radiant and youthful when hydrated rather than dull and tired when dehydrated

* Benefits of drinking water - your digestive system will function with ease.
* Benefits of drinking water - your body will feel alive and alert because there will not be a build of toxins within your system.
* Benefits of drinking water - both the kidneys and the liver will function to their best ability, this will help with the elimination of toxins as mentioned above but also with the break down and metabolisation of fat. Fat is a massive energy source for the body to use for fuel, if you are doing a sporting activity or something manual and need that energy supply to your muscles then you need to liver to do its job. If you are on a weigh loss program you definitely need your liver to be able to metabolise your fat.
* Benefits of drinking water - reduce the risk of water retention, avoid those swollen hands, feet and puffy ankles.

You should aim to drink on average about 8 full glasses of water per day, which is approximately 2 litres – this is for an average sized person. If you are quite overweight and trying to lose weight then I would suggest drinking slightly more perhaps 2.5 – 3lts per day.

Your body will use more water while exercising – this is due to the energy systems that are working and also because you lose excess fluid through sweating and breathing. Always have water available while exercising.

The benefits of drinking water are huge and far exceed the disadvantages of not drinking it. It is very easy to drink plenty of water and the cost is minimal compared to buying cans and bottles of sugary drinks that are on the market.
So please don't overload your children with sugar but offer water instead the majority of the time.
Comments are most welcome!

A Praying Child

2008-09-12T09:55:00.002+01:00

A praying child can be achieved.How do you get your child to be prayerful?Child learn by observation and repeat.
The best tip is to be the leader in this matter.Imbibe a family tradition that inculcates praying always.Allow your child to participate always praying for their parents,siblings,uncles,aunties,friends,teacher,their country etc Let them learn to be conversational and speak to God as their friend which he is.

Child Kidnap and what to do about it.

2008-09-12T09:27:00.002+01:00

If your child is kidnapped(we don't pray for such)what can you do about it?
First:Be emotionally intelligent,don't panic and fret.Reason out with your partner/husband on all possible circumstances that lead to the kidnap incident happening.
Second:Talk to the police /law enforcement agents,people in the neighborhood where the kidnap took place.Be as diplomatic as possible.
Third:Publish fliers and newspaper articles,radio and television jingles with your child's image
Fourth:Pray
Fifth:If the kidnappers contact you .Provide the Police with ALL INFORMATION on the discussion.If they ask for a ransom that you cannot give try and negotiate diplomatically.If your child speaks to you on the phone.Reassure the child that all will be alright.
Sixth:On the day of paying the ransom the Police can then quickly come into the scene after the ransom is paid.
In the Niger Delta region of my country Nigeria incidences of Kidnap is so rampant.Hope this tip saves a child's life.
You can leave your comments and suggestions.

Man with 86 Wives

2008-09-04T11:04:00.000+01:00

Man with 86 Wives Dares Etsu Nupe
culled from thisday newspapers nigeria

Twenty four hours after the expiration of the two-day deadline given to the man with 86 wives in Bida, Niger state, Pa Abubakar Bello Masaba, to divorce 82 women from his harem or be banished from Nupeland, the embattled man has said he has not contravened any law that would warrant such orders by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, and some Islamic leaders.
Masaba’s resolve to dare the state’s royalty yesterday got a boost as the police said nobody or organisation has the power to banish any citizen of Nigeria from any part of the country.
Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, Mr. Richard Oguche, in an interview with THISDAY said the police had detailed a team of its patrol men to mount surveillance and provide adequate security for Pa Masaba.
Expressing shock and surprise at the decision of the Etsu Nupe, who is also Chairman of Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, in a telephone interview yesterday, Pa Bello, who is still in Bida, insisted that he has not contravened any established law of the land that would warrant such pronouncement on him.
On Thursday, the Etsu Nupe handed down a verdict against Masaba, ordering him to either sack 82 of his wives leaving only four in line with Islamic injunction to enable him remain in Bida and the entire Nupeland or leave the community within two days.
Reacting on telephone, Pa Masaba said, “I have not contravened any established law that would warrant my being banished from the land. I am not a criminal as there is no law that says one must not marry more than four wives. All my wives are with children and some of these are people I have married and stayed with for over 30 years, how can they expect me to leave them within two days?"
Abubakar expressed the need for all Muslims to be tolerant and realised that the ways of God are different from that of man.
“Islam is the same throughout the whole world. Allah is unchangeable and He is a just God. In the History of Islam, I am not the only Muslim that will marry more than four wives. It is on record that the popular Sheikh Ibrahim Niyas Kaolak married 75 wives when he was alive and his people never drove him out of town. His followers were with him and they abound in all parts of the world even till today”, he said.
He also denied allegation of not co-operating with government over the polio immunisation, describing himself as a law abiding citizen. He explained that when the state government in 2002 came up with the campaign against polio through immunisation of children, he sought for Allah’s permission for the children under his care to be immunised, “and since Allah graciously approved the request I have since been cooperating with government officials concerning the immunisation exercise.”
He also allayed fears being expressed in some quarters that his followers could metamorphose into the dreaded Maitasine group.
According to him, “Maitasine is of the devil both front and back. I am of God and there is no way my group or I could metamorphose into such. I am for peace and mutual co-existence among all, irrespective of tribe, race or religion. I was one of those who assisted the nation with prayer to destroy the activities of the Maitasine. So people should not link me with Maitasine.”
Oguche, the police spokesman, corroborated the position of Pa Masaba, arguing that he has not contravened any established law that should warrant a threat to his life and advised the people against taking laws into their hands.
“He is covered by the nation’s constitution to marry as many wives as he chooses to and there is no private individual or group that has the right to terminate anybody’s life,” said the police spokesman.
Meanwhile, in order to forestall any crisis situation that the royal order may generate after the expiration of the deadline given to Pa Masaba to vacate the land or divorce 82 of the wives, a detachment of Police men have been put in place by the Niger State Police Command to provide adequate security for lives and properties of the embattled cleric.

Feeding plans for the entire family

2008-09-03T14:01:00.012+01:00

I have found out that having a feeding planner saves us a lot of stress running around and trying to think of what the entire family will eat.
A feeding planner for the family will certainly help you organize your shopping list so that you don't go shopping and keep buying on impulse.
Get one today by listing various foods the entire family loves then rule in your days of the week as in Monday to Friday.Then slot in these menus in there.Try to be creative with certain foods you have to repeat during the week.Make that meal in a different way.Make the meals in large portions so that the rest can be stored up in a fridge or freezer.
For working mothers this is the way to go.
Any comments on strategies to feeding the entire family?

Post Birthday Celebration!!

2008-09-02T17:23:00.005+01:00

Its been exciting to watch pictures and look at baby's gifts.
Someone even asked whether I had a party planner but no I can proudly say I did it by myself and it all turned out well by God's help.

Happy Birthday to my son.

2008-08-31T19:37:00.003+01:00

Happy Birthday!!Happy Birthday!!

Waoh 1 year has come and gone since I had my son.
We give God thanks.This blog came because of him and its being rewarding researching and using my first hand experience to help other parents.These are some pictures from his birthday party.Enjoy!!

Personal Hygiene in Children

2008-08-29T10:03:00.004+01:00

Personal Hygiene in children can prevent some disease from occuring in your child like-dysentery,Diarrhea,Dental Carriers etc

Hygiene in children is easily achieved by carrying out the following:

1.Make sure before they eat they wash their hands.
2.They clean their teeth first thing in the morning and last thing before they go to bed
3.They have their bath twice in the day morning and night
4.They wash their hands anything they use the bathroom
5. They wash any fruits or vegetables before they eat it

We can expand this list.Please leave a comment.
Happy Weekend!

Nigerian Dish:Akara Balls aka Beans Cake

2008-08-29T09:40:00.004+01:00

Origin:
Nigerian

This is enjoyed as a breakfast dish in Nigeria.Also called the Beans Cake or Akara Balls .Its contains lots of proteins and children love it.Its also low fat so it can be enjoyed by all and sundry

Ingredients:
Black eyed Beans 3cups
Pepper According to taste
Salt According to Taste
Onions 1 small sized one
Groundnut Oil

How to make it:
Soak the Beans first thing in the morning and allow it to stand in water for at least 3hrs.Wash with your palms to peel off the skin which by now comes off easily.
Wash properly to remove the skin as much as you can.
Grind it twice in a blender.Add ground pepper,onions and salt.Mix all together.
Put your frying pan to the fire.Add a sufficient amount to aid your deep frying.Allow to heat up for at least 5mins.

Put in the mixed up paste in spoons into the hot oil.
Turn as soon as the color changes to golden brown.
Bring them out once both sides are golden brown in color and place on a drip bowl to remove excess oil.

Serve Hot with Custard or Akamu(Made from Corn).
Enjoy!!

Naming your child

2008-08-28T11:45:00.002+01:00

Naming your child
what you will need:Inspiration,History,Name book,your Husband's agreement.

To name a child is not an easy task but can be simplified by having your husband participate with you and drawing inspiration from your creativity.

Most times we women name our children ahead of time and when the time comes we notice the name doesn't fit either because of the sex or any other reasons best known to us.
Have a selection of 3 names and meditate well on them with your partner or husband and the rightful name will come.

Note:

Names are magical they led an individual all through their lives.

Hope this has been helpful.You can leave your comments and suggest further ways of naming your child right.

Happy Parenting!!!