Parents of Twins Have More Mental Health Problems

There’s a reason why they call twins “double trouble.” According to a study presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Barcelona, Spain, mothers and fathers of twins have more mental health symptoms following their babies’ delivery, as well as one year after birth, than do parents of single babies. Although we often hear about women suffering postpartum depression, especially due to elevated hormone levels following a multiple birth, the study also reported that fathers of twins had more anxiety, depression, sleep problems and social dysfunction than other fathers.

The study also compared parents who conceived twins spontaneously against parents who conceived twins through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Mothers of twins who conceived through ART had less symptoms of depression before the birth, probably because they had been better prepared for the likelihood of twins due to their procedures.

Dr. Unkila Kallio of Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland, one of the study’s researchers, says that her findings support the policy to try to reduce the number of twin pregnancies by encouraging single embryo transfers (implanting only one egg at a time) in order to improve the psychological health of expectant and new parents. Dr. Kallio also recommended better support for parents expecting twins, especially fathers, who usually receive less social support than mothers do. Fathers may also bear the increased responsibility to financially support their growing family, which can add stress to their lives.

If you’re an expectant or new parent of twins, it’s natural to feel tired, anxious and fearful about the monumental changes in your life. But if you find these feelings overwhelming, or they’re seriously affecting your performance as a parent or spouse, be sure to speak to your doctor about the types of support available. Having twins can certainly cause “double trouble” for many parents, but they are also “multiple blessings” when parents receive the proper information, guidance and support they need.

Source: European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (2008, July 8). Parents of Twins Report More Mental Health Symptoms Than Parents of Singletons. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 16, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707100159.htm.

A Sunday Brunch Delight

For a perfect Sunday morning bruch try this with some scrambled eggs and fried potatoes.

What You Need:

1 TBSP chili powder

1 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. light brown sugar

1/2 tsp cayenne

1/4 tsp pepper

1 2 1/2 lb center cut ham steak about 1 1/2 inches thick

1 TBSP unsalted butter, melted

How to Make It:

In a small bowl blend together the chili powder, oregano, brown sugar, cayenne and pepper.
Brush both sides of the ham steak with the melted butter. Sprinkle both sides with the chili powder mixture being sure to press into the meat.

Heat grill to medium temperature.

Grill 13 minutes turning once during cooking time. Always be sure when grilling a ham steak that it’s a least 1 inch thick. This will insure that the outside becomes crispy without drying out the center of the meat.

Homeschooling and the Law

Homeschooling is totally within the legal requirements for education.

One thing which parents considering homeschooling their children worry about is if there will be any legal impositions on this practice. They worry that homeschooling will require them to go through a lengthy certification process or that it is outright illegal. Depending on location, there may be some restrictions, but for the most part the worry is larger than the actual problem. Read more

Natural Baby Prize Pack Giveaway

Over at the Nature Moms Blog, Tiffany is giving away a great baby prize pack. It includes a Terra Tees T-shirt, a 100% cotton/fleece, stuffed Palomino Pony from Ezoetic. a Perlina clutching toy from Haba, and a Siliskin Glass baby bottle. The entire package is valued at nearly $75.

I’m sure you or someone you know would just love this prize so head on over to NatureMomsBlog learn more about and take a look at the prizes, leave a comment to enter. I did! Good Luck to you.

Nanette

Free Stress Relief Package

There are a few more weeks of summer left. Do you think if you hear: “I’m bored Mom”, “I’m Hungry” , “I’m still bored”, or “What’s for dinner?” one more time you are going to just go off the deep end?

We all feel like that at times, so don’t feel bad. I can certainly relate. But you know what? I’ve got the solutions for you.

Solution to “I’m Bored”: Kids Summer Activities

Solution to “I’m Hungry”: Family Friendly Summer Recipes

Solution to de-stressing: Summer Exercise for Mom

Free Summer Stress Package for Mom
Download one, two or all three of these great sections of the free Stress Relief Package.

What are you waiting for? Go grab your free copy of the Stress Relief Package
now before someone says, “I’m bored” or “I’m Hungry”.

Nanette

10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Rebate Check

10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Rebate Check

By Kristine McKinley

By now you’ve heard about the tax rebate check that will be mailed out beginning in May. While the purpose of the rebate is to get people to spend and to stimulate the economy, many people are planning on using this “found money” to pay down debts or to save. Read more

Craft Ideas for Older Children

Many people think that once a child gets older, it loses its interest in crafts.  That isn’t necessarily the case.  These craft ideas for older children can help bring the artist back out in your child.

Girls seem to love scrapbooks, and who can blame them?  It gives her a chance to create a personalized book for all her memories.  You purchase a small scrapbook and allow her to fill it up.  She may surprise you by adding some journaling in it, too.  Stickers and other embellishments make them more individual.  The sky is the limit on what she can do with a scrapbook.

Polar fleece blankets have been all the rage. Your older child, girl or boy, may like to create one of these.

• Decide how big they’d like the finished blanket to be, and then add 12 inches to the length of the fabric if they would like to create a fringe for it.  They may choose all one color, or use two contrasting colors for variety.
• Make sure each piece of fabric is the same size and shape.  Trim any excess fabric off where needed.
• Lay the fabric out in front of you, wrong side up, so that it is horizontal.
• Draw a vertical line on the fabric, going up 6 inches from the cut edge.  Do this with both ends.
• Now create horizontal lines going from the vertical line, ½ inch apart, on each end of the fabric.
• Cut along the horizontal lines to make the fringe.
• If you’re using two pieces of fabric, tie the corresponding fringes together to join the fabric and create one blanket.

Let your older child create their own “treasure” box by decorating an old cigar box.

• Find a wooden or heavy cardboard cigar box, with the hinge intact.
• Using craft glue called “Modge Podge”, paint a thin layer of the glue onto the surface they are working on.
• They can decorate the box with photos from magazines, handwritten notes, or whatever they like.  Then paint at least three coats of the glue over the paper, allowing it to dry thoroughly before adding the next coat.
• When it’s dry, they can add other embellishments to make it entirely theirs.

Painted flower pots have been popular for years. This could lead your child into a new business, or just allow them to release their artistic nature.

• Purchase small terracotta flower pots and the dishes that go with them.
• With an acrylic paint, decorate the outside of the pot however they like.
• Decorate the dish in a similar fashion so they obviously go together.
• Your older child can plant something in the pot after it has dried, or fill it with something else. The choice is theirs.

Just because your child is growing older, doesn’t mean that they cease enjoying crafts.  These are just a few of the many crafts an older child may enjoy.  There is also cross-stitch, painting, drawing, and a myriad of others.  Encourage them to spend some time creating; they’ll probably be glad to have the creative outlet.

Peachy Keen Spicy Pork Strips

The combination of the spicy marinade and the sweet taste of the peach salsa make this a great meal for any taste bud. Oranges, pineapple or even apricots will work with this salsa as long as they are sweet to act in combination of the spices.

What You Need:

2 TBSP apple cider vinegar

1 jalapeno pepper, minced

1 tsp garlic, minced

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

2 bone in 1 inch thick pork steaks

2 1/2 C fresh peaches, peeled and diced

2 plum tomatoes, chopped fine

2 green onions, remove green and slice thin

2 TBSP cilantro, chopped fine

2 TBSP lime juice

How to Make It:

In a small bowl stir the vinegar, jalapeno pepper, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper together well.
Place the mixture into a shallow container with a lid.

Add the pork steaks and cover. Marinate in the refrigerator 4 hours.

Place the peaches, tomatoes, green onion and cilantro in a mixing bowl. Add the lime juice and toss to cover.

Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Remove the steaks from the marinade and discard the marinade. Allow the steaks to sit at room temperature about 20 minutes.

Heat grill to medium temperature.

Cook steaks 10 minutes, turning once, until juices run clear.

Remove steaks and cover with aluminum foil. Allow steaks to stand in the foil 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes unwrap the steaks and cut into strips.

Remove the peach salsa from the refrigerator.

Serve the steak strips over the salsa.

Keeping Yourself Physically and Emotionally Healthy for Dating

How specific is your wish list for the ideal man? Tall, dark and handsome? Six pack abs and glistening suntan skin? Strong silent type? You have in mind a guy who looks great and has a solid sense of self respect. Read more

Emergency “Must Have” Craft Supplies

photo credit: amy_b

Wise parents and child care givers know the power of a well stocked craft closet.  Rainy days, sick days, and those extra long school breaks can wreak havoc on even the most patient parents.  A well stocked craft closet can save babysitters, grandparents, and even parents when those two little words are uttered, “I’m Bored.”  The words are enough to send children and parents alike into tears.  Imagine having the ability to reach into your magic craft supply box and pull out a craft to keep your children busy and to entertain them when they’re seemingly incapable of entertaining themselves.

Here’s a list of the super handy craft supplies for those moments when having an activity is an absolute must!

o Tempera paint
o Glue – clear or white glue is best.
o Construction paper
o Tape (Lots and lots of tape)
o Crayons
o Markers
o Glitter and or glitter glue.
o Hole punch
o Safe scissors
o Pipe cleaners
o Ruler
o Clay - the kind that doesn’t dry out is ideal.
o Cookie cutters
o Felt or foam sheets and shapes
o Paint brushes

It also helps to keep a folder full of easy to make crafts.  That way all you have to do is pull out the craft instructions and supplies and an afternoon will pass quickly by.

Of course, all of those supplies can take up a ton of space.  A plastic organizer, cart with drawers or even an organizer designed specifically for crafting are a great way to store supplies without having them take over the home.

On top of the staples of a good craft supply kit, there are a few around the home supplies families can begin collecting.  It’s a great way to be environmentally conscious and to inspire your child’s imagination. Collect and reuse:

o Bottle caps
o Buttons
o Cereal boxes
o Straws
o Egg Cartons
o Scraps of fabric
o Old magazines for collages
o Popsicle sticks
o Paper towel and toilet paper rolls
o Wrapping paper
o Bows and yarn
o Tin cans
o Newspaper
o Sponges

Rainy days, cold weather days, sick days and good ol hang around the house days are brightened when children are engaged and creating fabulous works of art.  A well stocked craft supply kit will make it much easier to have those moments and to make it easy for children to avoid those two dreaded words.  Make sure you have plenty of space to store their artwork and don’t forget to leave room on you refrigerator!

KEEP YOUR CRAFT CLOSET FULL OF THE NECESSARY CRAFT RESOURCES TO MAKE ANY DAY RAIN OR SHINE A FUN FILLED ONE.

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