<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title></title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.mumsafari.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.mumsafari.com</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 14 Apr 2012 07:25:13 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>The Real Cause of Infertility</title>
		<link>http://www.mumsafari.com/the-real-cause-of-infertility/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mumsafari.com/the-real-cause-of-infertility/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Apr 2012 02:34:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Infertility]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mumsafari.com/?p=3581</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Infertility can be defined in two ways: as inability to conceive after a year of regular sexual intercourse without contraception, or as repeated ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages or perinatal loss. Male and female specific factors account for about 30% of the infertility causes (individually);the combination of male and female causation leads to an additional 20% and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: verdana,Courier New,Courier,mono;"><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2280"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-3582" title="sperm attack" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/sperm-attack.jpg" alt="Infertility, Difficulty conceiving" width="255" height="169" /></a>Infertility can be defined in two ways: as <a href="http://ccee4k4dfe9kfq4cu7jgla225a.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST08042012">inability to conceive after a year of regular sexual intercourse without contraception</a>, or as repeated ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages or perinatal loss. Male and female specific factors account for about 30% of the infertility causes (individually);the combination of male and female causation leads to an additional 20% and the remaining 20% are caused by uncertain origins.<span id="more-3581"></span></span></p>
<p>When one is dealing with infertility, as much as it is important to strictly follow the rules of the treatment, it is equally important to make sure that you have the correct diagnosis of the root cause of your condition. In this article you will find a broad outline, enumerating the various probable causes of infertility.</p>
<p><strong>Why it is important to determine the causes.</strong></p>
<p>Infertility may be caused due to a multitude of factors at a time, or it may be the result of perhaps the deviation of a certain single factor from its premeditated path. Since misdiagnosis can often lead to further fertility complications, the very first step of treating and curing infertility depends largely on identifying the root cause right in the beginning of treatment.</p>
<p>The broad causes of infertility in females may be listed as follows:</p>
<div id="attachment_3585" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 262px"><a href="http://ccee4k4dfe9kfq4cu7jgla225a.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST08042012"><img class="size-full wp-image-3585" title="Pregnancy Miracle" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Pregnancy-Miracle.jpg" alt="Pregnancy Miracle " width="252" height="324" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Pregnancy Miracle $39, Best Selling Infertility Cure eBook</p></div>
<p><strong>. Anovulation</strong>: In females, ovulatory problems are the most common causes of infertility. The failure to ovulate may be due to a number of factors:</p>
<p>o Hormonal imbalance is the most frequent cause of anovulation; when the ovaries produce immature eggs, pregnancy becomes impossible.</p>
<p>o Women with polycystic ovaries suffer from a decreased secretion of FSH and increased secretion of LH and testosterone; therefore polycystic ovarian syndrome may lead to anovulation in women.</p>
<p>o Approximately 20% of the cases of infertility occur due to the malfunctioning of the hypothalamus, the gland which controls hormonal stimuli, resulting in immature eggs. The pituitary gland is responsible for the regulation of LH and FSH, and its malfunctioning produces immature eggs.</p>
<p>o Damage to the ovaries caused by previous surgeries, ovarian cysts, tumors and infections may lead to production of immature eggs as well.</p>
<p>o Premature menopause and follicular problems are also responsible for anovulation.</p>
<p><strong>. Improper functioning of fallopian tubes</strong>: Viral and bacterial infections of the fallopian tubes are the primary cause of their malfunction.</p>
<p>Appendicitis and colitis are abdominal problems which lead to blockage of the fallopian tubes. Tubal damages may also be caused by previous surgeries, which render the tubes incapable of passing eggs. Ectopic pregnancy, which occurs within the tube, is a potential threat to life that also causes tubal damage. Congenital tubal defects are rare, but not impossible to come across as causes of infertility.</p>
<p><strong>. Use of drugs</strong>: Smoking, drinking and using other drugs have been known to decrease the chances of getting pregnant.</p>
<p><strong> . Problems in the Immune system</strong>: This problem includes autoimmune reactions in the body and the creation of antisperm antibodies which exterminate sperms. Natural killer cells, which when present in excess, can damage the embryo in the uterus. The antinuclear antibodies cause inflammation of the uterus when present in excess. The presence of antisperm antibodies in the female&#8217;s body kills off the sperms before they can fertilize the egg.</p>
<p>Although the causes of infertility are many, they are fairly easy to overcome, especially when diagnosed in the early stages. Using a holistic approach, comprising of the prescribed medicines, following a healthy diet, regular exercise, abstinence from alcohol, nicotine and other drugs, stress management, acupuncture etc. guarantees positive results. Due to the complex and multifactoral nature of infertility, the problem can be solved permanently only by dealing with it in the holistic way, which tackles all the root causes of this condition rather than focusing on specific triggering elements.</p>
<p><strong>This article is based on the book, &#8220;Pregnancy Miracle&#8221; by Lisa Olson. Lisa is an author, researcher, nutritionist and health consultant who dedicated her life to creating the ultimate pregnancy solution guaranteed to permanently reverse the root of infertility, help you get pregnant quickly and naturally and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life,  without the use prescription medication and without any surgical procedures. Learn more by visiting her website: <a href="http://ccee4k4dfe9kfq4cu7jgla225a.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST08042012">Pregnancy Miracle</a><br />
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><br />
</span></strong></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mumsafari.com/the-real-cause-of-infertility/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Timing Intercourse to Choose the Gender of Your Child</title>
		<link>http://www.mumsafari.com/timing-intercourse-to-choose-the-gender-of-your-child/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mumsafari.com/timing-intercourse-to-choose-the-gender-of-your-child/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Apr 2012 01:21:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Choose Baby Gender]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mumsafari.com/?p=3568</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While there are no guarantees when it comes to natural gender selection, there are a few things that can be done to increase the likelihood of having a little boy or a little girl. If you are specifically wanting a boy or girl, it certainly doesn’t hurt to try a few natural techniques. You may [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2280"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-3570" title="boy or girl clothing" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/boy-or-girl-clothing.jpg" alt="plan baby boy or girl, choose baby gender" width="244" height="162" /></a>While there are no guarantees when it comes to natural gender selection, there are a few things that can be done to increase the likelihood of having a little boy or a little girl. <a href="http://13bfde59g7xcdoagx2v1l61zdf.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST08042012">If you are specifically wanting a boy or girl,</a> it certainly doesn’t hurt to try a few natural techniques. You may not get the gender you want, but it sure is fun trying and the result is the same regardless – a happy and healthy baby, and that is what really matters.<span id="more-3568"></span></p>
<p>In order to understand how the timing of when you have sex can impact the gender of your child it is important to look at two different things – first, how ovulation works and second, how the differences in sperm affect this timing. Let&#8217;s look at ovulation first.<br />
Every month, there is a window of fertility that is approximately five days long. Three days prior to ovulation to one day following ovulation are the best times to conceive. Remember, the egg only has 24 hours of viability, and that sperm can live for up to five days in the reproductive tract. Each woman is different however, but this is the generally accepted &#8220;window of fertility&#8221; that occurs every month.</p>
<div id="attachment_3574" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 246px"><a href="http://13bfde59g7xcdoagx2v1l61zdf.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST08042012"><img class="wp-image-3574 " title="plan baby boy or girl" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/plan-baby-boy-or-girl1.jpg" alt="Prince or princess, Plan baby gender, choose baby boy or girl" width="236" height="306" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Prince or Princess $47, Over 94% Success Rate</p></div>
<p>So, now that you&#8217;ve narrowed it down to five days of the month where you are fertile, it&#8217;s time to figure out how to time your intercourse to choose the gender of your child. Let&#8217;s take a look at the differences in sperm that carry the chromosomes that decide gender.</p>
<p>A sperm carrying the Y chromosome will result in a boy if it successfully fertilizes the egg. A sperm carrying the X chromosome will result in a girl. There are some main differences in these sperm that are important to understand. The Y sperm are very small, but also very quick and agile. The main downside is that they don&#8217;t live very long. The X sperm are bigger and much slower, but on the flip side, they live a lot longer.</p>
<p>Keeping this in mind, now let&#8217;s move to timing. In order to have a boy, it is vital to allow the Y sperm the time they need to reach the egg as quickly as possible. This means that you need to time intercourse on the day that you ovulate. The Y sperm won&#8217;t live much longer than that 24 hour period that the egg is viable and you need to give them that chance to meet the egg before they expire.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if you want to have a girl, you should time intercourse to two to three days prior to ovulation. During this time, the Y sperm will have died out, leaving the slower but more durable X sperm behind. This greatly increases the chances that you will have a girl.</p>
<p>There are many other factors that can effect the gender of your child such as diet, and even the sexual position that you use, but timing it properly can help you naturally select your child&#8217;s gender.</p>
<p>For more information, refer to <a href="http://13bfde59g7xcdoagx2v1l61zdf.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST08042012">Prince or Princess</a>, the #1 baby gender guide with over 94% success rate.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mumsafari.com/timing-intercourse-to-choose-the-gender-of-your-child/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Want to Have a Girl? Try These Techniques</title>
		<link>http://www.mumsafari.com/want-to-have-a-girl-try-these-techniques/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mumsafari.com/want-to-have-a-girl-try-these-techniques/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:35:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Choose Baby Gender]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mumsafari.com/?p=3559</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Choosing the gender of your child may seem impossible, especially if you are not engaging in genetic manipulation. However, there are several techniques that can increase the likelihood of your conceiving the gender of your choice. While there is no 100% accurate way to naturally select the gender of your future child, you can increase [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=681"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3561" title="baby girl sunhat and shoes" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/baby-girl-sunhat-and-shoes.jpg" alt="Choose baby gender, baby girl" width="279" height="186" /></a>Choosing the gender of your child may seem impossible, especially if you are not engaging in genetic manipulation. However, there are <a href="http://55ff2e-959x7cv69v1p4b53z0w.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST28032012">several techniques that can increase the likelihood of your conceiving the gender of your choice</a>. While there is no 100% accurate way to naturally select the gender of your future child, you can increase the likelihood of having a boy or a girl by following some very easy steps.<span id="more-3559"></span></p>
<p>The sperm that are responsible for having a girl carry the X chromosome. These sperm are slower than their Y counterparts and require a few different techniques if you want to ensure that they successfully reach the egg to result in a girl.</p>
<p><strong>Eating the Right Foods</strong><br />
In order to have the right PH balance in your body to ensure that the X sperm can reach the egg successfully, you need to give them an environment that is acidic. This is considered to be ideal. Recommended foods include broccoli, apples, fish (as long as it is farm raised and contains no mercury), and dairy products. Focus on foods that are high in calcium and magnesium for the ultimate balance.</p>
<div id="attachment_3562" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 188px"><a href="http://55ff2e-959x7cv69v1p4b53z0w.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST28032012"><img class=" wp-image-3562" title="plan baby boy or girl" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/plan-baby-boy-or-girl1.jpg" alt="Prince or Princess, Plan Baby Gender, How to Conceive a Girl" width="178" height="231" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Prince or Princess $47</p></div>
<p><strong>Picking the Right Time</strong><br />
In order to give the X sperm the chance to reach the egg, you need to time intercourse so that by the time you ovulate, the Y sperm have already died off. This means that it is ideal to have intercourse two to three days before you ovulate. Sperm can remain viable within the body for up to five days and X sperm are the longest lived. By the time the egg drops from your ovary, the only ones left will most likely be the sperm that carry the X chromosome.</p>
<p><strong>Choosing the Perfect Position</strong><br />
In order to give the X sperm the edge they need to outlast the faster Y sperm, sexual positions that offer shallow penetration are ideal. Positions such as missionary are perfect for this, but any position where the man does not orgasm deep within the vagina will work. Once again, you are stacking the deck so that the longer lived X sperm can outlast the Y sperm before they reach their destination.</p>
<p><strong>Other Factors to Consider</strong><br />
Whether or not a woman orgasms before a man does have some determination in the gender of the child that they will conceive. This is due to the fact that once you orgasm, the PH inside the vagina changes due to secretions. Before an orgasm, the environment within the vagina and around the cervix is acidic, which is perfect for sperm carrying the X chromosome. Once you do orgasm, the secretions change the PH to more alkalai in nature, allowing the Y sperm the chance to get through. It is recommended that a woman not orgasm first when trying for a girl.</p>
<p><strong>What to Remember</strong><br />
Although these techniques can increase the chances of conceiving a girl, as mentioned earlier, there is no foolproof method and there are no guarantees. However, you can have a lot of fun trying and no matter what gender you end up with, the result is the same – a happy and healthy baby and a brand new addition to your family.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mumsafari.com/want-to-have-a-girl-try-these-techniques/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Want to Have a Boy? Try These Techniques</title>
		<link>http://www.mumsafari.com/want-to-have-a-boy-try-these-techniques/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mumsafari.com/want-to-have-a-boy-try-these-techniques/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:10:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Choose Baby Gender]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mumsafari.com/?p=3550</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Natural gender selection has been practiced for centuries and while there are plenty of Old Wive&#8217;s Tales, some of them are actually grounded in scientific fact. Naturally, there is no 100% guarantee that following these techniques will result in having a child be the gender you want, they can increase the likelihood that you will. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=681"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-3552" title="baby boy sunhat and shoes" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/baby-boy-sunhat-and-shoes.jpg" alt="choose baby gender, baby boy" width="257" height="172" /></a>Natural gender selection has been practiced for centuries and while there are plenty of Old Wive&#8217;s Tales, some of them are actually grounded in scientific fact. Naturally, there is no 100% guarantee that following these techniques will result in having a child be the gender you want, they can increase the likelihood that you will.<span id="more-3550"></span><br />
If you are trying to have a boy, it is important to remember that the sperm that carry the Y chromosome, the one responsible for determining the male gender, are much different than the sperm that carry the X chromosome, or the one that is responsible for determining the female gender.</p>
<p>The Y sperm are smaller and more agile, and they can reach the egg much quicker. However, they don&#8217;t live as long as the X sperm do and they have some limitations when it comes to dealing with the PH of your body. Let&#8217;s look at the factors that can assist the Y sperm in reaching the egg first, resulting in a boy.<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>Your PH Balance and Your Diet</strong><br />
Y sperm require a PH balance that is more alkalai than acidic. This means that you will need to adjust your diet somewhat. Foods that are rich in potassium and sodium are ideal if you are trying to have a boy. This includes foods like red meat, bananas, peaches and sausage.</p>
<div id="attachment_3555" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 205px"><a href="http://6e7fe68kaj9c6s2br7zzp22r51.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST27032012"><img class=" wp-image-3555" title="plan baby boy or girl" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/plan-baby-boy-or-girl.jpg" alt="Plan Baby Gender, plan baby boy" width="195" height="253" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Prince or Princess $47</p></div>
<p><strong>Getting Your Timing Right</strong><br />
Timing is crucial if you want the Y sperm to reach the egg before the X sperm do. This means that you will need to schedule intercourse as closely as possible to the day that you ovulate. The egg is viable for a period of 24 hours, and this will give the Y sperm enough of a chance to reach the egg while they are still viable as well.</p>
<p><strong>Choosing the Right Position</strong><br />
The position that you choose also affects how quickly the Y sperm will reach the egg. It is important to use a position that will allow for deep penetration and the man must orgasm as closely to the neck of the cervix as possible. Positions that allow for this include woman dominant, or woman on top as well as doggy style or rear entry.</p>
<p><strong>Other Factors</strong><br />
Interestingly enough, if a woman orgasms before a man does, it increases the chances of having a boy. This is due to the fact of the secretions within the vagina that occur during an orgasm. They shift the balance of the PH to more alkaline, allowing the Y sperm the perfect environment they need to make it through the cervix.</p>
<p><strong>What to Remember</strong><br />
Again, there is no 100% guarantee that you will be able to conceive a boy using these methods, but it does increase your chances significantly. No matter what gender your child ends up being, the important thing is that they are healthy. It&#8217;s fun to try and naturally select the gender of your child, but at the end of the day there are many different factors that will ultimately decide their sex.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mumsafari.com/want-to-have-a-boy-try-these-techniques/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Signs of Infertility</title>
		<link>http://www.mumsafari.com/signs-of-infertility/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mumsafari.com/signs-of-infertility/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Mar 2012 01:59:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Infertility]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mumsafari.com/?p=3541</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What exactly is infertility? The problems with either conceiving a child, or with carrying out the pregnancy to its eventual fruitful end, fall under the definition of infertility. Infertility is the incapability of an individual to become pregnant, in case of females, or the incapability to induce pregnancy, in case of the males. The inability [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><span style="font-family: verdana,Courier New,Courier,mono;">What exactly is infertility?</span></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1152"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-3542" title="conceive" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/conceive.jpg" alt="Infertility Help by Pregnancy Miracle" width="239" height="179" /></a>The problems with either conceiving a child, or with carrying out the pregnancy to its eventual fruitful end, fall under the definition of infertility. Infertility is the incapability of an individual to become pregnant, in case of females, or the incapability to induce pregnancy, in case of the males. The inability of an individual to carry out a pregnancy to its full term is also dubbed infertility. How does one recognize infertility? What are the signs of infertility?<span id="more-3541"></span></p>
<p><strong>Signs of infertility</strong> are not always evident. Most people go through life without knowing there is a problem with their reproductive systems, attributing failed pregnancies to providence. In fact, miscarriages are the most common indicator of infertility. Signs of infertility in women:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_3543" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 207px"><a href="http://ba0d67wa9e27bo6mv-ukjhu01r.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST25032012"><img class=" wp-image-3543 " title="Pregnancy Miracle" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Pregnancy-Miracle1.jpg" alt="Infertility Help by Pregnancy Miracle $39" width="197" height="254" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Infertility Help by Pregnancy Miracle $39</p></div>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana,Courier New,Courier,mono;">In women, the signs of infertility are more readily recognized as compared to men. <strong>Endometriosi</strong>s causes the lining of the uterus to grow outside the uterus.</span></p>
<p><strong>Bacterial infections</strong> may begin around the uterus and spread to other reproductive organs, resulting in infertility. Fibroids in the uterus are indicative of infertility. Tumors in the cervix often cause stenosis, or narrowing of the cervix, which is a common indicator of infertility.</p>
<p>Ovulating before the tenth day and after the twentieth day of one&#8217;s monthly cycle, pre-menstrual spotting, menopausal symptoms, etc. are indicative of luteal phase defect, and thus in turn are signs too.</p>
<p><strong>Irregular menstrual cycles</strong> are the most common indication in females that they might have some problems with fertility. However, an irregular menstrual cycle is not conclusive in itself, but it is definitely one of the signs of infertility.</p>
<p>Issues regarding body <strong>weight are often indicators of being infertile</strong>. For a woman, being too thin, or anorexic, will definitely hinder pregnancy, since the body does not have the proper nutritional requirements, or the required strength.</p>
<p>Alternatively, <strong>obesity</strong> can also be a sign. Obesity is accompanied by hormonal imbalance, which affects the reproductive system and pregnancy. <strong>Signs of Infertility in Me</strong>n:</p>
<p>Like females, in males too, either obesity, or anorexia, is an indication that he is infertile. Apart from these, anatomical defects may also be signs of infertility. Undescended testicles, or damage to scrotum and the gonads, are possible indicators too. Wearing tight undergarments, or exposing the testicles to heat, may render the person unable to produce the required number of sperms, or unable to produce sperms altogether, resulting in infertility.</p>
<p><strong>Determining the signs of infertility:</strong></p>
<p>There are many medical procedures for detecting the signs that help to determine whether an individual is infertile or not. Doctors usually prescribe one or more of the following medical tests:</p>
<p>. Hysterosalpingography. A dye injected into the vagina is monitored to check for blockage in the fallopian tubes or uterus.</p>
<p>. Laparoscopy. If disease and other physical problems are present in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or in the uterus, infertility is suggested. This may be detected through laparoscopy.</p>
<p><strong>Infertility is a problem which can be solved</strong> if it is addressed in the holistic way, which is, using a multifaceted method of healing. Getting regular health checkups, taking supplements to combat existing problem, exercising and stress reduction techniques are only part of the holistic solution to infertility. The holistic approach is not only a surefire way to increase your chances of conception it also guarantees a safe and healthy pregnancy.</p>
<p><strong>This article is based on the book, &#8220;Pregnancy Miracle&#8221; by Lisa Olson. Lisa is an author, researcher, nutritionist and health consultant who dedicated her life to creating the ultimate pregnancy solution guaranteed to permanently reverse the root of infertility, help you get pregnant quickly and naturally and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life,  <span style="text-decoration: underline;">without the use prescription medication</span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">without any surgical procedures</span>. Learn more by visiting her website: <a href="http://ba0d67wa9e27bo6mv-ukjhu01r.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST25032012">Pregnancy Miracle</a></strong></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mumsafari.com/signs-of-infertility/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Sticky Situation Parenting: Who&#8217;s The Disciplinarian?</title>
		<link>http://www.mumsafari.com/who-is-the-disciplinarian/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mumsafari.com/who-is-the-disciplinarian/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:21:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parenting Kids]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mumsafari.com/?p=3378</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hey parents! I know it isn&#8217;t your hobby to look after the kids. You rather bring bacon home than to clean their ass &#8211; literally! Understandably, some kids are noisy, energetic, careless, messy, or naive. Others are naughty, defiant, lazy, nerve-wracking, or terrifying. So, we simply excuse ourselves by going to work and delegate the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=3062"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-3507" title="angry boy" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/angry-boy.jpg" alt="Angry boy, disciplinarian, parenting ebook, Democratic Parenting" width="177" height="117" /></a>Hey parents! I know it isn&#8217;t your hobby to look after the kids. You rather bring bacon home than to clean their ass &#8211; literally! Understandably, some kids are noisy, energetic, careless, messy, or naive. Others are naughty, defiant, lazy, nerve-wracking, or terrifying. So, we simply excuse ourselves by going to work and delegate the care-giving role to granny, nanny or Handy Manny (yes, some asks the TV to baby sit).<span id="more-3378"></span></p>
<p>But how did the kids turn into such horrid brats? They were so lovely when they were little infants, weren&#8217;t they? The story begins long long time ago when you were busy at work and your crawler started to pull the table cloth off the table by spilling all the food. Then, he saw grandma&#8217;s face turned blue by it cleaning up. She was such a nice granny that little monster didn&#8217;t have to &#8216;stand&#8217; at the naughty corner.</p>
<div style="float: left;"><script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[
 google_ad_client = "pub-2261025798973278"; /* 336x280, created 5/17/10 */ google_ad_slot = "9362463667"; google_ad_width = 336; google_ad_height = 280;
// ]]&gt;</script><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">// <![CDATA[</p>
<p>// ]]&gt;</script></div>
<p>Or the story might had begin long long time ago when your toddler saw some rainbow color crayons. He thought they were under utilized, so he started to draw his own master piece at your living room wall. What a disaster! He also colored the maids face purple but she was at lost on how to discipline him.</p>
<div id="attachment_3508" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 193px"><a href="http://7bfaba2i8j6c3mc0l5x0pdqh12.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST14022011"><img class="size-full wp-image-3508" title="Democratic Parenting Book Cover small" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Democratic-Parenting-Book-Cover-small.jpg" alt="Democratic Parenting" width="183" height="219" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Democratic Parenting $39.97</p></div>
<p>Now, isn&#8217;t the situation sticky? Kids are born by parents but some kids are not &#8216;parented&#8217;. It can happen once, twice or countless times. As long as kids are not taught right from wrong, misbehavior will continue. Where did the disciplinary action go?</p>
<p>It can happen in any family. Whether it is a complete family with nonchalant moms, soft-hearted grannies or single</p>
<p>parent family, if caregiver does not take up the parenting role, kids will test boundaries and break rules. So, let&#8217;s not blame the kids. Point fingers at caregivers who did not discipline them since young, agree?</p>
<p>If you think the kids can outgrow their misbehavior without being discipline, you are asking for miracle. Reconsider bacon-making by the day and parent-by-the night concept. Somebody has to take up disciplinarian role. Case close.<br />
<script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[
  google_ad_client = "pub-2261025798973278"; /* 468x15, created 5/23/10 */ google_ad_slot = "3475481153"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 15;
// ]]&gt;</script><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">// <![CDATA[</p>
<p>// ]]&gt;</script></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mumsafari.com/who-is-the-disciplinarian/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Working Moms: Why Not Be A Stay-At-Home-Mom Just for the Kids!?</title>
		<link>http://www.mumsafari.com/working-moms-why-not-be-a-stay-at-home-mom-just-for-the-kids/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mumsafari.com/working-moms-why-not-be-a-stay-at-home-mom-just-for-the-kids/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 2011 01:06:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motherhood]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mumsafari.com/?p=3338</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Would you believe if I say that is joyful to stay at home? It&#8217;s the pull factor totally. Seeing my kids grow day by day and having ample family time fulfills me. Have the kids ever exhaust me? Yes, of course! They are just like any other energetic kids and are attention seekers. They drain [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p title="Happy Stay At Home Mom"><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=3062"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-3510" title="Mom and daughter" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Mom-and-daughter.jpg" alt="Happy Stay At Home Mom, Democratic Parenting" width="205" height="136" /></a>Would you believe if I say that is joyful to stay at home? It&#8217;s the pull factor totally. Seeing my kids grow day by day and having ample family time fulfills me. Have the kids ever exhaust me? Yes, of course! They are just like any other energetic kids and are attention seekers. They drain me physically and mentally.<span id="more-3338"></span></p>
<p>But what turned me from a full time working mom to a stay at home mom is my strong desire to mold my kids&#8217; character before they turn 6. Yes, if you notice, that&#8217;s the parenting deadline. Kids&#8217; behavior and attitude is formed at their tender age. They absorb, copy, experiment and test boundaries when they are very young and they more or less develop their character by the time they turn 6. These characters are likely to follow them throughout their life.</p>
<div style="float: left;"><script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[
 google_ad_client = "pub-2261025798973278"; /* 336x280, created 5/17/10 */ google_ad_slot = "9362463667"; google_ad_width = 336; google_ad_height = 280;
// ]]&gt;</script><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">// <![CDATA[</p>
<p>// ]]&gt;</script></div>
<p>What does this mean to you? If you are a working mom, do consider full time parenting instead of delegating that crucial task away. What happens if your kid(s) whines unreasonably, does not listen or turns into a naughty brat? Would you work by the day and merely parent-by-the-night? Is that sufficient? Many parents I know work full time and send their kids to enrichment classes weekly and shower them with toys. Their kids have countless materials needs but when it comes to behavior, there is plenty of room for improvement.</p>
<p>Staying-at-home not only allows you to monitor the kids&#8217; behavior but also their health, emotional and physical needs. You will also have ample time to teach them every aspect of life from reading to money management and baking to morale values.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>&#8220;There&#8217;s no end to learning, unless you stop teaching&#8221;</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_3512" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 151px"><a href="http://0b73f87jcd0hcz60n8n1fng4sd.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST27012011"><img class=" wp-image-3512" title="Democratic Parenting Book Cover small" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Democratic-Parenting-Book-Cover-small.jpg" alt="Democratic parenting " width="141" height="169" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Democratic Parenting $39.97</p></div>
<p>As parenting is a journey, I had picked up some materials which I find it useful in upbringing bright and well-behaved kids. Be sure to equip yourself with <a href="http://2d2f2k2cgd688tc7jh-9ppb3zu.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">Democratic Parenting</a> which helps you to explore factors which contributes to great kids&#8217; behavior and what parents can do to achieve a healthy and happy family with wonderful kids. I specifically loved the part whereby Dr.Blaise Ryan pointed out about excessive screen time which affects kids&#8217; development and behavior.</p>
<p>Isn&#8217;t it ideal? Staying at home allows you to ample time to work on kids&#8217; behavior. Well, that doesn&#8217;t mean you must devote all your time and energy to your family being a stay at home mom. You too can find other interest, like myself, I love to blog and bake too! What&#8217;s your take?<br />
<script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[
 google_ad_client = "pub-2261025798973278"; /* 468x15, created 5/23/10 */ google_ad_slot = "3475481153"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 15;
// ]]&gt;</script><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">// <![CDATA[</p>
<p>// ]]&gt;</script></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mumsafari.com/working-moms-why-not-be-a-stay-at-home-mom-just-for-the-kids/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>&#8220;I&#8217;ll Do It Later!&#8221;6 Ways to Get Kids to Do Chores Now</title>
		<link>http://www.mumsafari.com/ways-to-get-kids-to-do-chores-now/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mumsafari.com/ways-to-get-kids-to-do-chores-now/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:41:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parenting Kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chores for Kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Total Transformation Program]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mumsafari.com/?p=3330</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by James Lehman, MSW Getting kids to do chores is one of the most common arguments families have. Who can’t relate to this picture? You’re yelling, “Why haven’t you cleaned your room yet?” while your child is on the couch watching TV, shouting back, “I’ll do it later!” The reason kids don&#8217;t like doing chores [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- .nobr br { display: none;}.articleContentBlack{color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-indent:0px; max-width: none ;}.articleAuthor{ color:#999999; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-size:12px; font-style:italic;}.articleContentTextBlack{ color:#000000; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:11px; padding-left:20px; padding-right:10px; text-indent:0px; max-width: none; line-height: 20px; }.dottedimagepadding { padding-top:4px; }.articleImage{	margin-top:5px; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; }H1 { font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:17px; line-height:20px; color:#000000; font-weight:bold;}H2 { color:#666666; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:11px; padding-left:20px; padding-right:10px; text-indent:0px; }.LeftPicture{	padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; }.right{ width: 160px;  font: bold 1.333em/1.125em "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 15px 0 0.4em 15px !important; padding: 0.6em 5px !important;  background: none !important; border: 3px double #ddd; border-width: 3px 0; text-align: center; float: right; }.left{ width: 160px; font: bold 1.333em/1.125em "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 15px 15px 0.4em 0 !important; padding: 0.6em 5px !important; background: none !important; border: 3px double #ddd; border-width: 3px 0; text-align: center; float: left; } --></p>
<p><span class="articleAuthor">by James Lehman, MSW</span></p>
<p class="articleContentBlack"><img class="articleImage" title="Ill Do It Later!6 Ways to Get Kids to Do Chores Now" src="http://www.empoweringparents.com/files/articles/photo/chores_article2.jpg" border="0" alt="Ill Do It Later!6 Ways to Get Kids to Do Chores Now" width="200" height="168" align="left" />Getting kids to do chores is one of the most common arguments families have. Who can’t relate to this picture? You’re yelling, “Why haven’t you cleaned your room yet?” while your child is on the couch watching TV, shouting back, “I’ll do it later!” The reason kids don&#8217;t like doing chores is the same reason adults don&#8217;t like doing chores: household tasks are generally boring. <span id="more-3330"></span>Let’s face it; the satisfaction of getting the dishes done is not a very big reward in this day and age of video games and instant gratification. While that doesn&#8217;t mean kids shouldn&#8217;t do chores, it does help to partly explain why they resist them.</p>
<p class="articleContentBlack">
<blockquote class="right"><p>The choice shouldn&#8217;t be “excitement or chore.” The choice should be “boredom or chore.”</p></blockquote>
<div style="float: left;"><script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[
    google_ad_client = "pub-2261025798973278"; /* 336x280, created 5/17/10 */ google_ad_slot = "9362463667"; google_ad_width = 336; google_ad_height = 280;
// ]]&gt;</script><br />
<script src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>
<p class="articleContentBlack">Another big reason is because children feel like they&#8217;re being taken away from something they’d <em>like</em> to do in order to do something that’s not exciting or stimulating. And most kids don&#8217;t solve that problem by using their time more efficiently to complete tasks quickly. Instead, you’ll see them showing disinterest and dragging their feet. I think it’s also important to understand that children don&#8217;t have the same value structure as adults. Most parents feel it&#8217;s their child&#8217;s responsibility to get their chores done, not only to help out around the house, but also to share in tasks and responsibilities as part of their role as members of the family. Certainly, kids understand on some level that they should do chores simply because they are part of the family. But as every parent knows, children have a difficult time relating that concept to action.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.empoweringparents.com/files/articles/photo/second/chores_article.jpg" alt="" align="left" />In my opinion, getting your child to do chores becomes a battle when you allow it to grow into one.<strong> </strong>If you’re standing over your kids telling them over and over again to “empty the dishwasher, mow the lawn, clean the kitchen”—and they’re digging their heels in and still not complying—you are in that battle, make no mistake about it.</p>
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>Nag, Nag, Nag—All I Ever Do is Nag My Kids!</strong></p>
<p>Frankly, I don&#8217;t like the term nagging because I think it puts a negative spin on what parents are doing—when in reality, it’s not negative at all. When we’re “nagging” our kids, we’re prompting, reminding, and encouraging them to fulfill their responsibilities. And as a parent, it&#8217;s well within our responsibilities to make sure our children do tasks around the house. In fact, I believe that part of the chore system in your home should include the rule that your child <em>doesn</em>’<em>t </em>need to be nagged. (I’ll explain more about that later.)</p>
<p><script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[
    google_ad_client = "pub-2261025798973278"; /* 468x15, created 5/23/10 */ google_ad_slot = "3475481153"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 15;
// ]]&gt;</script><br />
<script src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" type="text/javascript">
</script></p>
<p class="articleContentBlack">
<div id="attachment_3351" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://www.mumsafari.com/total-transformation-program"><img class="size-medium wp-image-3351" title="TTP" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/TTP5-300x169.jpg" alt="Total Transformation Program" width="300" height="169" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Award-Winning Parenting Program</p></div>
<p>Parents generally get caught in a nagging cycle out of habit; we get stuck in repetitive behaviors just like kids do. Personally, I think giving a general reminder is fine. It&#8217;s perfectly okay for parents to say, “All right guys, let&#8217;s get to work now.” But after that, they need to get started. The problem with nagging, of course, is that it doesn&#8217;t work. Far too often, parents continue to do things that don’t work because they don’t have any other options. Once you turn your back on your child, they stop doing their chores—and then you have to get back on top of them, and the whole cycle repeats itself.</p>
<p class="articleContentBlack"><a href="http://www.thetotaltransformation.com/child-attitude.aspx?pcode=affiliate1485&amp;utm_medium=webaffl&amp;utm_source=affiliate1485&amp;dsource=sas&amp;utm_campaign=154">Related: How to disconnect from your child’s attitude</a></p>
<p class="articleContentBlack">If you feel like you’re constantly on top of your kids, trying to get them to do their household chores, here are some effective things you can do to give yourself—and them—a break.</p>
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>6 Ways to Get Your Kids to Do Their Chores (Without Going Crazy)</strong></p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="94%" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="4%" align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>1)</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="90%" align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>Stop the Show:</strong> I believe that parents really have to learn how to stop the show. What does this mean? If your child is not doing his chores, you simply stop everything, tell him to have a seat and talk to him about it. Ask him what <em>he</em> thinks is going on and what&#8217;s getting in his way of doing his assigned tasks. Find out what his plans are after he’s finished and try to motivate him toward getting the work done so he move onto what he really wants to do. Appealing to a child’s self-interests—rather than explaining the abstract concept of responsibility or duty—is generally much more effective for kids.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>2)</strong></p>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>Time Your Child’s Performance:</strong> Timing is a good way to get your child to comply with doing chores. You can say, “All right, the dishes have to be done in 20 minutes.” If they&#8217;re not done in 20 minutes, then your child’s bedtime is earlier. Now there’s a cost associated with his foot-dragging. The beauty of this system is that you&#8217;re not constantly nagging anymore, you&#8217;re just keeping time. The next night, you can say, “Let&#8217;s not repeat what happened last night—because remember, you didn&#8217;t enjoy going to bed earlier.”</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack">Another timing strategy parents can use is a technique where you motivate kids to compete with themselves. You can say, “Let&#8217;s see if you can get it done in 15 minutes tonight. But remember, you have to do it right. I&#8217;m going to check.” You can even give them an incentive: “If you get it done within 15 minutes, you can stay up 15 minutes later. Or you can stay online 15 minutes more.” So then it becomes more exciting and stimulating for the child. And while your child won’t lose anything if he or she doesn’t get it done, they’ll gain something if they do. That kind of reward system is always preferable to one in which the kid loses something, because it’s more motivational and less punitive—you’re giving your child an incentive to do better.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>3)</strong></p>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>Consider Giving Kids an Allowance:</strong> I think if parents are financially able to give kids an allowance, they should do it. Your child’s allowance should also be hooked into their chores—and to the times when your child fails to complete his tasks or has to be reminded to do them. So for example, if your child has to be told more than once to do his chore, he would lose a certain part of his allowance—let’s say a dollar. And each time you remind him, he loses another dollar. It is also appropriate to give that part of his allowance to a sibling who does the chore instead. This way, you&#8217;re not working on the chore, you&#8217;re working on the communications process, as well as your child’s motivation.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>4)</strong></p>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>Use Structure:</strong> Structure is very important when it comes to completing household tasks. I believe there should be a time to do chores in the evening or in the morning. Personally, I think that evenings are best during the school year, because doing chores in the morning just adds to the stress and intensity of the schedule. Summertime is easier in some ways because you’re not contending with homework. So in the summer, chores should be done first, before anything else gets done. For example, before the video games or any electronics go on, make it a rule that your child’s bed has to be made, his clothes should be in the hamper and his room is tidy. This way, he’s starting to learn that before he can have free time, his responsibilities have to be met. Again, you never want to be pulling your child back from something exciting in order to do something mundane and boring. Rather, you want to get them to work through the mundane and boring things to <em>get </em>to something exciting.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack">Sometimes as a parent you have to ask yourself, if my child isn’t doing his chores, what <em>is</em> he doing? You really have to be aware of how your child is using his time. If he’s not doing his chores because he’s playing on the computer or reading a comic book, you&#8217;ve got to stop that pattern. The choice shouldn&#8217;t be “excitement or chore.” The choice should be “boredom or chore.” What I mean is that kids have to understand that they can&#8217;t go listen to music in their rooms or just hang out <em>until their chores are finished.</em></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack">I also think it’s a good idea to set aside time during the day when all the kids in your family are doing their chores at once. So your 15 year old might be unloading the dishwasher while your 11 year old is taking out the garbage. That way, no one feels as if they’re missing out or being punished by having to complete their tasks. It’s just chore time.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>5)</strong></p>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>Don’t Turn Chores into Punishment:</strong> I tell parents not to use chores as punishment. If somebody misbehaves and does something wrong, don&#8217;t give them a consequence of doing the dishes, for example. The only time that&#8217;s appropriate is if your child does something wrong to another sibling. And so in order to make amends—in order to right the wrong—they do that person&#8217;s chore for them. That&#8217;s a physical way of saying, “I was wrong to do that and I&#8217;m doing your chore to show you that I&#8217;m sincere.” That’s the only time when I advocate that parents use chores as something more than an assigned task.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>6)</strong></p>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentBlack"><strong>Use a Reward System: </strong>It’s pretty simple: If you want kids to take responsibility for their chores, integrate their tasks with some reward system that has to do with allowance, as we mentioned, or in some other observable way. I recommend that parents have a chart on the refrigerator with each child’s name on it, with their chores listed next to their names. If they make their bed promptly and do it right, they get a check. When they get five checks, they get some reward. Maybe it&#8217;s staying up an hour later. Maybe it&#8217;s having more computer time one night. In my opinion, the computer, video games and television don’t have to be on every waking hour. Just because the computer is there doesn’t mean the child has to be using it—especially if your kids argue about it. Each child should get an hour of computer time, and then computer time is over. If they want more than that hour, they should have to earn it. This allows you to use computer time, TV time, and video game time as a reward. Of course, this doesn’t apply to schoolwork or projects that they have to do on the computer.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="articleContentBlack"><a href="http://www.thetotaltransformation.com/?pcode=affiliate1485&amp;utm_medium=webaffl&amp;utm_source=affiliate1485&amp;dsource=sas&amp;utm_campaign=154">Related: Learn how to set limits with your child.</a></p>
<p class="articleContentBlack">
<div id="attachment_3352" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://www.mumsafari.com/total-transformation-program"><img class="size-medium wp-image-3352" title="TTP" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/TTP6-300x169.jpg" alt="Total Transformation Program" width="300" height="169" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Award-winning Parenting Program</p></div>
<p>Kids might understand that doing the dishes is part of their role in the family but they&#8217;re not going to feel it in some significant way. Chores are work, and in that sense very few of us like to work unless we&#8217;re getting rewarded for it. And the reward has to be something we like. If my boss had paid me in carrots I wouldn&#8217;t have worked much at all—because one or two carrots and I&#8217;m all set. Kids have the same motivating principle. They want a reward that&#8217;s in currency they like. The idea that they should learn to do chores for some abstract reason—like duty or responsibility—sounds good on paper, but has very little practical application in a child’s life.</p>
<p class="articleContentBlack">
<div class="articleContentTextBlack">
<hr style="border: 1px dotted #0099cc;" /><em><a class="mailidlinks" href="http://www.empoweringparents.com/How-to-Get-Kids-to-Do-Chores.php?pcode=affiliate1485&amp;utm_medium=webaffl&amp;utm_source=affiliate1485&amp;dsource=sas&amp;utm_campaign=154" target="_blank">&#8220;I&#8217;ll Do It Later!&#8221;6 Ways to Get Kids to Do Chores Now</a></em> reprinted with permission from Empowering Parents. For more information, visit  <a class="mailidlinks" href="http://www.empoweringparents.com/?pcode=affiliate1485&amp;utm_medium=webaffl&amp;utm_source=affiliate1485&amp;dsource=sas&amp;utm_campaign=154" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.empoweringparents.com</span></a></div>
<div class="articleContentTextBlack">
<hr style="border: 1px dotted #0099cc;" /></div>
<div class="articleContentTextBlack">
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="80" align="center" valign="top"><img class="LeftPicture" title="Author" src="http://www.empoweringparents.com/files/articles/photo/article_author_james.gif" alt="" align="middle" /></td>
<td width="465" align="left" valign="top">
<p class="articleContentTextBlack">James Lehman, MSW was a renowned child behavioral therapist who worked with <a href="http://www.thetotaltransformation.com/struggling-teen-help.aspx?pcode=affiliate1485&amp;utm_medium=webaffl&amp;utm_source=affiliate1485&amp;dsource=sas&amp;utm_campaign=154" target="_blank">struggling teens</a> and children for three decades. He created the Total Transformation Program to help people parent more effectively. James&#8217; foremost goal was to help kids and to &#8220;empower parents.&#8221;</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mumsafari.com/ways-to-get-kids-to-do-chores-now/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Child Independence: Don&#8217;t Carry Their Schoolbag!</title>
		<link>http://www.mumsafari.com/child-independence-dont-carry-their-schoolbag/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mumsafari.com/child-independence-dont-carry-their-schoolbag/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 01:54:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parenting Kids]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mumsafari.com/?p=3307</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I was on the train. The sight of a domestic helper carrying the kids&#8217; schoolbags caught my eyes. The two kids looked like they&#8217;re 7-9 years old and totally capable of carrying their own schoolbags. This is probably a culture created from home and the most common sight in the society. Call me strict but [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2125"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-3514" title="boy carrying school bag" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/boy-carrying-school-bag1.jpg" alt="Boy Carry School Bag, Democratic Parenting" width="190" height="138" /></a>I was on the train. The sight of a domestic helper carrying the kids&#8217; schoolbags caught my eyes. The two kids looked like they&#8217;re 7-9 years old and totally capable of carrying their own schoolbags. This is probably a culture created from home and the most common sight in the society.<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1058"><span id="more-3307"></span></a><br />
<script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[
  google_ad_client = "pub-2261025798973278"; /* 468x15, created 5/23/10 */ google_ad_slot = "3475481153"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 15;
// ]]&gt;</script><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">// <![CDATA[</p>
<p>// ]]&gt;</script></p>
<div style="float: right;"><script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[
  google_ad_client = "pub-2261025798973278"; /* 336x280, created 5/17/10 */ google_ad_slot = "9362463667"; google_ad_width = 336; google_ad_height = 280;
// ]]&gt;</script><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">// <![CDATA[</p>
<p>// ]]&gt;</script></div>
<p>Call me strict but I never carry my daughter&#8217;s school bag. Never. She does it herself on the way to school since 2.5 years old. After all, it super light and little kids are totally capable of doing it. What happens when it gets heavier? Oh, kids grow! They have an hour of energy at the playground, I don&#8217;t see why they can&#8217;t carry their own school bag.</p>
<p>What&#8217;s the persistence all about? My fellow friends, it&#8217;s about child independence. It must start young or otherwise they will never grow up.I believe children who achieve independence at a younger age are more discipline, well-behaved and mature sooner than their peers.</p>
<p>This reminded me of a show that I watched recently. A university school girl got mad at her mom for not waking her up on time. It was her first day her industrial training and she was late! Looks like she has no sense of independence even at 21!</p>
<p>If you are for child independence, what else you can do to encourage the good habit? Every age is capable of different tasks.</p>
<div id="attachment_3515" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 163px"><a href="http://52f1dh5fbaxf5lc1x6v8gpmdx9.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=POST20012011"><img class=" wp-image-3515" title="Democratic Parenting Book Cover small" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Democratic-Parenting-Book-Cover-small1.jpg" alt="Democratic Parenting" width="153" height="184" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Democratic Parenting $39.97</p></div>
<p>Three year olds can drop their dirty clothes in the laundry bag, keep away toys, pull down their pants and help you to get a piece of tissue.</p>
<p>Five year olds can do the above plus wipe the table, push in the stools, keep away more toys and even neater, dress and undress themselves and prepare the cutlery at mealtimes.</p>
<p>Seven year olds can do the above plus turn off the lights and TV when they are not in use, bring the garbage out, fold the clothes and wash their own dishes.</p>
<p>If you have more than one kid at home, you may also encourage older siblings to read to her younger sibling. Whatever child independence skills you teach them at home, there are two words to success: <strong>Guidance and Consistency!</strong></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mumsafari.com/child-independence-dont-carry-their-schoolbag/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Parenting Miracle Tool: When Hugs Do Wonders</title>
		<link>http://www.mumsafari.com/parenting-miracle-when-hugs-do-wonders/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mumsafari.com/parenting-miracle-when-hugs-do-wonders/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jan 2011 01:02:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parenting Kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hugs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mumsafari.com/?p=3294</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;ve never been hugged by my parents since young until I turned 23 and I was about to leave Malaysia for Singapore, my parents gave me a big hug. Words can&#8217;t explain how I feel but tears seems to be forming from my throat as i recall this. Ever since, I told myself when I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=851"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-3517" title="mother hugging daughter" src="http://www.mumsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/mother-hugging-daughter1.jpg" alt="Mother hugs daughter" width="185" height="135" /></a>I&#8217;ve never been hugged by my parents since young until I turned 23 and I was about to leave Malaysia for Singapore, my parents gave me a big hug. Words can&#8217;t explain how I feel but tears seems to be forming from my throat as i recall this.</p>
<p>Ever since, I told myself when I have kids one day, I&#8217;ll never miss out this bonding miracle action. I&#8217;m serious about this. Hugs are real natural medicine. Whether your kid is 3months or 30 years old, hugging is an exceptionally good way to bond.<a href=" http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=851"><span id="more-3294"></span></a></p>
<p>If you&#8217;ve been too busy running errands and had forgotten to bond with their kids, start immediately! Whichever way you use to bond, do not forget about daily hugs!</p>
<p>The miracle is that this close proximity body contact shows great sincerity, care and love.</p>
<p>If you had a bad day at work or you&#8217;ve got a parking ticket, the first thing you do when you reach home is to invite anyone to hug. Always invite hugs by opening your arms wide and say things like &#8216;Gimme a hug&#8217;.</p>
<p>I do this every time I discipline my kids. After I talk to them about right and wrong or put them at the naughty corner, a tight hug completes the the session. It releases tension and relaxes the environment!</p>
<div style="float: left;"></div>
<p>So why not we do this, hug your family every morning.</p>
<p>Hug them every night.</p>
<p>Hug them every time you leave for work.</p>
<p>Hug them every time they get a knock and a boo-boo on the head.</p>
<p>Hug them when they did well in school or work.</p>
<p>Hug them if they didn&#8217;t do well in school or work.</p>
<p>Oh just hug even if you have no reasons to!!</p>
<p><script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[
google_ad_client = "pub-2261025798973278";
/* 468x15, created 5/23/10 */
google_ad_slot = "3475481153";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
// ]]&gt;</script><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">// <![CDATA[</p>
<p>// ]]&gt;</script></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mumsafari.com/parenting-miracle-when-hugs-do-wonders/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

