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Archives for August 2016

August 25, 2016 by Richard Leave a Comment

Taga Bike & Stroller Review

The Taga Bike & Stroller Review

The last review I did was the Babybjorn Baby Carrier which expressed a big interest from Mums and Dads. The Taga Bike and Stroller got me going and I was hooked. The price is a bit steep but the benefits are rewarding. See what You think?

Tag bike

The Taga Bike & Stroller is truly one-of-a-kind: this is the only stroller that converts to a bike, and the only bike that converts to a stroller. So you can enjoy leisurely, fun, and safe bike rides with your child, and then convert your Taga to a stroller and hop right onto the bus or into the grocery store.

When you’re done shopping, convert your Taga back and pedal your groceries home! In bike mode, the Taga Bike & Stroller is a tall, sturdy tricycle, with a high-finish aluminum alloy frame, front, and rear brakes, and 16″ quick-release wheels. The child seat is right between your handlebars, so you can chat with your child as you roll along – riding on the Taga Bike is great for family bonding, and terrific fun for both parents and kids.

You can see your child  and your child can see all the fun scenery, instead of your back. Reviewers report that the Taga Bike is easy to turn, and the three gears help with small inclines. Plus, hey! It’s great exercise.

About the Product
  • Converts from Bike to Stroller with no tools in 30 seconds
  • Suitable for 1 or 2 kids (with the second seat) ages 6 months+
  • Rider weight capacity up to 220 pounds
  • Comes in 4 colors: red, blue, green, and orange
  • The child is up front between parent arms. There is no more craning their neck to make sure the baby’s safe behind them, and they can actually talk to their baby and enjoy the ride with kids
  • This Bike has a wide range of applications: It’s also a great workout way, like an exercise bike.

Read the Article  Is the innovative Taga Bike Stroller worth the price tag? Here’s the real scoop.

The Taga Bike and Stroller are available on Amazon

 

Filed Under: Dads

August 20, 2016 by Richard 4 Comments

Healthy Holidays with Your Family

Healthy holidays 

AP342J_healthy-holidays-hub_357x171

There was a time when travelling with children used to be a nightmare. Remember! all those  nappies in your suitcase with just enough space  for your razor and boxer shorts. I have fond memories  of my kids in those collapsible strollers and chocolate smudged all over their faces. I normally make my hotel bookings with Yeego as they have a great selection of hotels worldwide.

My kids travelled with us to Ireland to see family and also to Africa when they were little. We found them great travel companions. Today my daughter travels around the globe on a monthly basis for business and leisure. My two sons also love travelling with their children and have become very safety conscious especially near water.

Waves, Ocean, Ocean Wave, Sea, Water

Have You Booked Already?

I urge you to take the plunge the rewards will be amazing education wise, I was a globetrotter myself in my youth and travelled with my wife quite a lot but travelling with your tots is a whole new experience. Panic when you have lost sight of them for a split second , stressed because you are exhausted.But feel so loved when they put their arms around you and say, “Can we do it again tomorrow, please Dad”? Be warned the seeds have been planted.

Beach Safety

Every summer, lifeguards respond to thousands of incidents on UK beaches. To stay safe at the seaside, be informed about the dangers and follow these simple tips.

 In 2014, lifeguards from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) responded to 17,050 incidents, helping more than 19,350 people in difficulty on some of the UK’s busiest beaches.

Most of the people they helped were children and the most common type of incident, counting people of all ages, involved rip currents that can quickly take people out of their depth.

“Rip currents cause the most incidents and can occur at any beach with waves – so that’s most of the UK coast. This is why we encourage people to swim between the red and yellow flags at lifeguarded beaches. Lifeguards know their beaches and are experienced in spotting rips and other dangers. They place the flags to identify the safest areas to swim,” says JoJo Mains, RNLI’s beach safety manager.

Tips for beachgoers

To avoid getting into difficulty at the seaside, follow these safety tips from the RNLI.

1. Swim at a beach patrolled by lifeguards

“This is the single most important message from the RNLI,” says JoJo. “This is because you are far less likely to drown on a lifeguarded beach, plus first aid and other assistance are  immediately available from RNLI lifeguards.”

Find the red-and-yellow flags and always swim or bodyboard between them. This is the safest part of the beach because it’s where the lifeguard patrol. Lifeguards will move the flags to adjust for changing conditions during the course of the day, as rip currents and other dangers can come and go with the tide and varying weather conditions.

Not all beaches have lifeguards. To find beaches where there are lifeguards on duty during the summer months, use the search facility on the Good Beach Guide website.

2. Look for information and follow advice

Find out about the beach before you go there, and check the weather and tide times. Ask at the local tourist information office or use the Good Beach Guide to find out about facilities at more than 500 beaches around the UK. See the bottom of this page for more information on tides.

When you get to the beach, read the safety signs at the entrance. This will help you to identify and avoid hazards, and find out about the safest areas to swim. The signs will also have specific information that you can give emergency services to help them locate you quickly.

3. Never swim alone

4. If you get into trouble in the sea, stick your hand in the air and shout for help

5. If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard

If you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

6. Never use inflatables in strong winds or rough seas

“Even a slight breeze offshore can sweep you out to sea very quickly,” says JoJo.

When there is little or no wind, only use inflatables between the red-and-yellow flags, and make sure children are closely supervised.

7. Supervise children

Keep an eye on children at all times and agree on a meeting point when you arrive at the beach, in case you’re separated.

8. Don’t go into the sea after drinking alcohol

Alcohol slows your reactions and can impair your ability to judge distances.

9. Know your flags

On beaches patrolled by lifeguards, different flags tell you where it’s safest to swim and which areas are designated for watersports.

 The area between the red-and-yellow flags is patrolled by lifeguards. This is the safest place to swim, bodyboard and use inflatables.

The area between black-and-white chequered flags is a designated area for watersports such as surfing and kayaking. Never swim or bodyboard here.

The orange windsock means there are offshore winds. Never use an inflatable when you see the sock flying, as the wind could push you offshore very quickly.

The red flag indicates that it is dangerous to swim or get in the water. Never go in the water when the red flag is flying.

The dangers of the sea

Ada Gibson

Rip currents

Rips are strong currents that can quickly take swimmers from shallow water to water beyond their depth.

Signs of a rip include: discoloured, brown water (caused by sand being stirred up from the seabed), foam on the water’s surface and debris floating out to sea. 

If you’re caught in a rip, the RNLI’s advice is:

  • Stay calm.
  • If you can stand, wade. Don’t swim.
  • Keep hold of your board or inflatable to help you float.
  • Raise your hand and shout for help.
  • Never try to swim directly against the rip or you’ll get exhausted.
  • Swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, then make for shore.

Tides

The tide can come in surprisingly quickly. Many lifeboats and lifeguard rescues involve people being stranded by the tide. Find out about the tides from the local tourist information office or from BBC Weather’s tide tables.

When you’re on the beach, keep a lookout for the tide’s direction and be aware of how fast the water’s coming in, especially if you’re playing in rock pools.

Waves

Watch out for waves, especially if you have small children. Even a small wave can knock a child over. Dumping waves are particularly dangerous. These waves break with great force in shallow water and occur during low tide.

Tombstoning

Many people have been seriously hurt or killed by tombstoning (jumping from a height into water). Tombstoning is dangerous for several reasons: 

  • The water depth changes with the tide and the water may be more shallow than you think.
  • Rocks or other submerged objects may not be visible.
  • The water may be cold and the shock could make it difficult to swim.
  • There can be strong currents that could sweep you away.

Read about tombstoning and watch two short films about the dangers of tombstoning on the RNLI website.

Other beach hazards

 Sunburn

For tips on avoiding sunburn and protecting your skin and eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, see sun protection.

Dehydration

Make sure you have plenty of water to drink. Even on a cool day, the sun and wind can dehydrate you.

Avoid drinking alcohol at the beach. It contributes to dehydration, affects judgement and leads to greater risk-taking. Never enter the water when you’ve been drinking alcohol.

Weever fish and jellyfish stings

The weever fish is a small fish with venomous spines on its back. If you step on one, the sting can be very painful. For weever fish stings, the RNLI’s advice is to place the affected area in water as hot as is comfortable, making sure you test the water first, so you don’t scald the person who has been stung.

If someone has been stung by a jellyfish, do not rub the affected area, as this will make the pain worse. Lightly spray the area with seawater and apply a cold compress if it’s available.

Read more about the potential perils of open water swimming.

Insect stings

For information on how to treat stings and how to tell if a person needs urgent medical help, read about how to treat insect stings.   

Which vaccinations do I need to travel abroad?

Link to Nathnac website

I make all my hotel bookings with Yeego as they have a great selection of hotels at affordable prices for families

 

Filed Under: Dads

August 15, 2016 by Richard 2 Comments

Giving back to the Community

 It’s better Giving than to Receive

The most rewarding thing any human can do for another being is give something of value that will enhance his or her life without asking for a reward. I did volunteer work at a homeless shelter in Cape Town with three teenagers.

I not only used all my skills as a parent but also used my coaching skills to get them into mainstream schooling. I worked on their self-esteem issues and encouraged them to read and talk on a daily basis. It’s amazing what encouragement and positive words can do for a person’s self-esteem.

That was ten years ago.The last time I heard from the Homeless Shelter was a year ago.The teenagers were now flourishing adults and were qualified as artisans.

We should  teach our children to do unselfish acts. There are so many ways we can give back to a community eg  your local church. Setting up a food kitchen, giving money, giving your time. We can give back in different ways. It does have an impact on the community.

Should I volunteer?

There’s good evidence that volunteering brings benefits to both the person volunteering and the people and organisations they support.

Volunteering involves spending unpaid time doing something to help other people or groups, other than (or as well as) close relatives. Evidence suggests that volunteering brings health benefits to both the volunteers and the people they help.

According to the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), during the period August 2012 to April 2013, 44% of adults in England said they had volunteered at least once in the previous year.

In an attempt to measure the benefits on volunteers, Volunteering England commissioned the University of Wales to undertake a review of research on the subject. Dr. Rachel Casiday, a lecturer at the Department of Voluntary Sector Studies at the University of Wales, Lampeter, led the review. She describes its findings below.

“Peer support doesn’t just work one way,” says Dr Casiday. “Even if you’re in a mentoring role, simply talking to someone else who is struggling with the same issue can support you as well. It’s not just an act of charity. In a lot of cases, the volunteer is helped as much as the patient.”

Health benefits

“Volunteering can yield as many benefits, if not more, for the volunteers themselves,” says Dr Casiday. Benefits can include:

             Quality of life

A May 2012 study by the Royal Voluntary Service (formerly the WRVS)found that volunteering in later life decreased depression and social isolation. It was also found to boost the quality of life and life satisfaction. 

Ability to cope with ill health

Volunteering can help people come to terms with their own illness and help take their mind off their own problems. One study found that it helped them perform better in their own daily lives.

A healthier lifestyle

“The research looked at smokers volunteering in stop-smoking services, who then gave up themselves,” says Dr. Casiday. “It also studied binge drinking on university campuses, and found that when students were volunteering, they drank much less.”

Improved family relationships

A study comparing older volunteers with older non-volunteers showed that the volunteers had better relationships with their family. “This may be because their caregiving role carries over into personal relationships and makes older volunteers more independent and less reliant on their family,” says Dr. Casiday.

Meeting new people

Volunteering is a good way to meet people. This can be vital for older volunteers and people who might be isolated or not particularly integrated into society.

Improved self-esteem and sense of purpose

“This can be really important in getting someone back to work,” says Dr. Casiday. “Volunteering can bring back your self-esteem and motivate you. Improved self-esteem can have an effect on other areas of your health and life.” 

Patient health

The report by Dr.Casiday concluded that it is difficult to accurately measure the effect of volunteering on people who use the NHS because the range of volunteering roles is so varied. The report did reveal the following results for patients:

Increased self-esteem and confidence

When someone has a long-term condition, their self-esteem is often affected, making it difficult for them to talk to doctors. “Having a volunteer to act as a mediator can really make the patient feel supported,” says Dr. Casiday. Volunteers can improve the relationship between staff and patient.

Better social interaction, integration, and support 

A volunteer is more likely to be seen as someone who’s on the same level as the patient (a peer) and is, therefore, easier to relate to than a doctor. The volunteer is also likely to have more time to listen and chat to the patient. One study showed that volunteers could even reduce depression in patients.

Reduced burden on carers

Having somebody to support carers can be of huge value to them. It reduces the strain on the carer and helps them to carry on effectively with their caring duties.

Decreased anxiety

One study showed that patients who were about to go through a medical procedure were less anxious when they could talk to a volunteer who had been through the same procedure themselves.

Longer survival times for hospice patients

“Hospice patients who have a volunteer making social visits live a month longer on average than those who don’t,” says Dr Casiday. “This is amazing considering how unwell people are in a hospice setting.”

An increase in breastfeeding and childhood immunisation

Studies of young or disadvantaged mothers show that volunteers, either through telephone hotlines or home visits, provide peer support and help to educate them about breastfeeding and vaccinations. Volunteers could also have an influence on how often the children are taken for their standard health checks.

Improved clinic attendance and taking of medicines

Having someone there who can help and be a mediator with the doctors can improve the chances of a patient following their treatments and attending their appointments. 

How can I volunteer?

There are volunteering opportunities all over the UK, in a range of different settings. To find one near you, visit any of the sites below:

  • Volunteering England
  • Volunteering Matters (formerly CSV) 
  • Do-it Be More 

Give for mental well-being

Most people would agree that giving to others is a good thing. On top of this, it can also improve your mental well-being.

Small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones – such as volunteering in your local community – can give you a sense of purpose. It can make you feel happier and more satisfied with life.

Sometimes, we think of wellbeing in terms of what we have: our income, our home or car, or our job. But evidence shows that what we do and the way we think have the biggest impact on mental wellbeing.

Positive mental wellbeing means feeling good – about yourself and the world around you – and being able to get on with life in the way you want.

Helping and supporting other people, and working with others towards a shared goal, is good for our mental well-being.

 How giving helps your mental well being

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness – small and large – are associated with positive mental well-being.

Giving to others and co-operating with them can stimulate the reward areas in the brain, creating positive feelings.

Helping and working with others can also give us a sense of purpose and feelings of self-worth.

Giving our time to others in a constructive way helps us strengthen our relationships and build new ones. Relationships with others also help mental wellbeing.

How you can give more

Giving can take lots of different forms, from small everyday acts to larger commitments.

Today, you could:

  • Say thank you to someone, for something they’ve done for you.
  • Phone a relative or friend who needs support or company.
  • Ask a colleague how they are and really listen to the answer.
  • Offer to lend a hand if you see a stranger struggling with bags or a pushchair.

This week, you could:

  • Arrange a day out for you and a friend or relative.
  • Offer to help a relative with DIY or a colleague with a work project.
  • Sign up to a mentoring project, in which you give time and support to someone who will benefit from it.
  • Volunteer in your local community, such as helping out at a local school, hospital or care home. Find out how to volunteer.

More steps for wellbeing

Giving is one of five evidence-based steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing.

Learn more about the other four:

  • Connecting for mental wellbeing
  • Getting active for mental wellbeing
  • Learning for mental wellbeing
  • Mindfulness for mental wellbeing

 

Filed Under: Dads

August 12, 2016 by Richard 6 Comments

AGGRESSIVE TEENS

Parents

Courtesy Daily Mail

I am a keen fan of Dr Phils Program on Family Issues. This week I watched an episode of a teenager out of control threatening to kill his mother.

The teenage years was the most challenging stage for me and my wife. We were very disciplined with our teenage children. Their  friends thought we were tyrants. I would say no!  to everything if I suspected they were going to find themselves in compromising situations. No amount of plea bargaining would change my mind.

How does one cope if your teenager uses threatening behaviour or becomes aggressive? The NHS report explains how to use coping mechanisms when your teenager gets argumentative or even violent.

Teen aggression and arguments

Image result for Teenagers no respect for parents daily mail

Courtesy Daily Mail

Many parents find that when their child becomes a teenager, their behaviour becomes more challenging. But how do you cope if they become aggressive or even violent towards you?

Find out how to cope with heated arguments with your teen, and what to do if they become violent.

If you’re experiencing aggression or violence from your teen, you’re not alone. A recent Parentline Plus survey found that 60% of calls (between October 2007 and June 2008) included verbal aggression from a teenager, and 30% involved physical aggression, much of it aimed at the parent themselves.

It is common to keep this kind of abuse behind closed doors and not confide in anyone. Many parents feel  that they have failed to control their child, or that they are responsible for the behaviour in some way. In addition, they may not know where to turn.

However, any kind of aggression can be stressful, and can cause an atmosphere of tension and fear for the entire family, not to mention the possibility of physical harm if their teen becomes violent.

No parent should feel obliged to put up with an unruly teen, and as with any type of domestic abuse, help and support are available. You can find appropriate organisations and helpline numbers in ‘Help and support’ below. There are also a number of techniques and tips that you might find helpful.

Defusing heated arguments

It’s useful to remember that your own behaviour can improve or worsen an aggressive situation, so it’s important to be a good role model for your teen. Image result for Teenagers no respect for parents daily mail

Linda Blair, a clinical psychologist working with families, advises: “Bear in mind that you are their principal role model. If you act aggressively but tell them not to, they won’t listen. It’s also helpful to remember that their anger is often based on fear – fear that they’re losing control.”

With that in mind, it is worth trying to maintain a calm and peaceful presence. You need to be strong without being threatening. Remember that your body language, as well as what you say and how you say it, should also reflect this.

Avoid staring them in the eye, and give them personal space. Allow them the opportunity to express their point of view, then respond in a reasoned way.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Breathing exercises to control anger

If an argument becomes very heated, Linda suggests that you “stop for a moment”. Take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds and then exhale. Repeat five times. This technique is very useful in intense situations.

If your teen is becoming aggressive during arguments, suggest this technique to them when they’re calm, so they too have a way of controlling their anger.

If an argument feels out of control, you can also try explaining to them that you are going to walk away and that you’ll come back again in half an hour. Given the chance to reflect and calm down, you and your teen will both be more reasonable when you resume your discussion.

As with toddlers, if you give into teenagers because their shouting and screaming intimidates or baffles you, you are in effect encouraging them to repeat the unreasonable behaviour as a way of getting what they want.

Counselling for teenagers

Family Lives is a charity dedicated to helping families. They suggest that if very heated arguments happen frequently, it may be worth suggesting counselling to your teen. They’ll benefit from talking to someone new and unbiased, someone who isn’t in their family and who won’t judge them.

                                                                                                                   Courtesy Daily Mail

Read more about the benefits of talking treatments.

Remember they may not know how to handle their anger, and this can leave them frustrated and even frightened. Some guidance from an outsider can be very helpful.

Dealing with violent behaviour

Sometimes, teen aggression can turn into violence. If they lash out at you, or someone or something else, put safety first.

Let your teenager know that violence is unacceptable and you will walk away from them until they’ve calmed down. If leaving the room or house isn’t helping, call the police – after all, if you feel threatened or scared, then you have the right to protect yourself.

Family Lives offer this advice for coping with, and helping, a violent teen:

  • Give them space – once they have calmed down, you may want to talk to them about what has happened and suggest that they let you find them some help.
  • Be clear – teenagers need to know that you will stand by the boundaries you set. They need to know that any kind of violence is unacceptable.
  • Talk to their school and find out if their aggressive behaviour is happening there as well. Some schools offer to counseling.
  • Arrange counseling – if your teen admits they have a problem and is willing to get help, book an appointment with a counsellor or psychologist as soon as possible. Speak to your GP or their school about what help is available.

Help and support

There are many organisations that offer emotional support and practical advice. Getting some support can help you and your child. At such an important development stage, it’s important that they learn how to communicate well and express anger in a healthy way.

  • You can call Family Lives’ Parentline on 0808 800 2222 any time, or email parentsupport@parentlineplus.org.uk for a personalised reply within three days. They also offer i-parent modules to help you learn more about communicating better with your teen.
  • You can call the Samaritans on 08457 909090 any time to talk about any type of distress and to get confidential support and advice.
  • Youth Access has details about youth organisations and services offering teens counselling, advice and support.
  • Young Minds is a charitable organisation supporting children and young people with mental health issues, and their parents. They provide information to help young people with anger issues. If you discuss your child’s behaviour with them and they are open to getting help, you might like to direct them to the information on theYoung Minds website.

Concerned about mental health issues?

 If you’re worried that your teen has a mental health problem such as depression, talk to your GP. He or she can refer them to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, who in turn can refer all or some of you for Family Therapy. Or contact the Young Minds Parents’ Helpline 0808 802 5544 for advice and support concerning mental health issues in young people.

If you are having trouble coping with your teenager, and you suspect you may have symptoms of depression or other mental health problems, discuss this with your GP. He or she can then suggest suitable treatment. You may, for example, be referred for counselling, or directed to support groups or other services in your area.

 
Read;  Antisocial personality disorder 

 

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