The Legend and Charm of the Tooth Fairy
Apr 14, 2010 Baby Names
The legend and myth of the Tooth Fairy is a delightful part of our modern family culture. Kids dream about receiving a special gift or money from this charming, magical fairy. Adults fondly remember the Tooth Fairy as a wonderful childhood fantasy of their youth, and they pass on the mystery and charm to their own young children.
In most households, the Tooth Fairy operates under cover of darkness, coming to visit after a child loses what are commonly called baby teeth.
Parents help perpetuate the fantasy by showing their children how to place the lost tooth under their sleeping pillow or in a special holder or pillow made just for the Tooth Fairy. Then, the Tooth Fairy herself visits during the middle of the night, exchanging the tooth for a gift or monetary reward. The Tooth Fairy is a lovely fantasy, but how exactly did she originate?
FAIRIES, FAIRIES EVERYWHERE
The beginnings of the Tooth Fairy probably began many centuries ago in a culture that encouraged folklore, legend, literature and the arts. Historians believe that this would have been a culture where the concept and myth of fairies was widely accepted — possibly in Ireland or England. We do know that the word fairy is derived from the French spelling of faery. In a general sense, the mythical fairy dates back to medieval days and was quite widespread, especially among the Celtic peoples.
References about magical fairies — both good and evil — can be found in numerous paintings and literature that predates Christianity. Centuries later, the concept of the fairy became popular during Shakespeare’s day, as he and other writers of that time period gave them prominent roles in their plays, poems and other writings.
A MAGICAL MYTH BEGINS TO EVOLVE
So how did the Tooth Fairy as we know it today begin to take root? There are several theories. Among the Nordic people, it is widely believed that the Vikings had a “tooth fee,” that was paid to children when they lost a tooth. Once paid for, these teeth were probably strung together to make a necklace or some other type of adornment that the Viking warriors wore into battle.
In Medieval Europe, it was common to bury a child’s tooth in the ground, usually in a garden or a field close to home. Supposedly, the tooth was buried so that a new one would be free to grow in its place, and it discouraged the evil witches from finding the tooth and putting a curse on the child.
When Europeans and others began migrating to the New World in great numbers during the 17th century, they brought their superstitious beliefs with them. But as towns and cities took shape, people found that they sometimes didn’t have a place to bury the teeth. Instead, the lost tooth was often placed in a small planter, perhaps on a window sill or just outside a door.
No one really knows what prompted parents to begin putting the tooth under a child’s pillow or when the practice of leaving a gift became widespread. However, it probably began to be part of our American folklore sometime during the late 19th century.
YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS, THE TOOTH FAIRY HAS ANSWERS
While everyone seems to know about the Tooth Fairy, not everyone celebrates in exactly the same manner. And, parents often have questions. Following are some common questions concerning this fantasy fairy who visits in the night and leaves presents and money.
Why did a fairy become associated with losing a baby tooth? Many old cultures marked the loss of a child’s baby or milk teeth. Some ancient cultures placed the lost tooth in a tree or threw it to the sun. Other rituals involved having an adult swallow the tooth or burn it.
Why is the Tooth Fairy so popular? The Tooth Fairy is a whimsical concept that helps both parent and child mark the transition from infancy to childhood. It’s a rite of passage that is not attached to any religion or holiday, which accounts for its widespread celebration.
When does the Tooth Fairy come to visit? Although it varies, children generally lose their first baby tooth between the ages of 5 and 7 years.
Why is the Tooth Fairy traditionally female? As a popular culture figure of relatively modern times, the Tooth Fairy is usually depicted as a woman. However, some companies are now offering Tooth Fairy “Prince” style gifts for the boys to enjoy.
What does the Tooth Fairy exchange for the child’s tooth?
A generation ago, the Tooth Fairy brought only a modest gift, perhaps a dime or a quarter. In very recent years, that amount has increased dramatically and children now receive Tooth Fairy gifts ranging from a dollar to five dollars to much more. Sometimes the monetary amount is considerably higher for the first tooth lost. Instead of cash, some parents opt for a gift. But money remains the most popular choice.
Is the Tooth Fairy celebrated around the world? Throughout English-speaking and many European countries, the Tooth Fairy tradition is widely known and practiced. Although in many cultures, the first lost tooth is the only one recognized by the Tooth Fairy.
THE END OF A MAGICAL CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE
Alas, a child’s belief in the Tooth Fairy is all too fleeting. By the age of nine or ten, most children have stopped believing in the Tooth Fairy. Many kids, however, continue to play along with their parents because they enjoy the tradition and they like collecting the money! The last baby teeth are usually gone by age 12, and the Tooth Fairy ceases her visits.
What happens to all the teeth collected over the years by the Tooth Fairy? Some parents tell their children that the teeth become the countless shimmering stars in the sky. Others say that the Tooth Fairy is building a fabulous castle for herself using all of the “donated” teeth. Today, there are numerous books available about the Tooth Fairy that offer their own version of what happens to the countless lost teeth.
In the end, the magic of the Tooth Fairy is perpetuated by parents who make up their own stories and create their own rituals. This only adds to the magical charm that we call the Tooth Fairy.
How Do Babies Learn?
Apr 13, 2010 Baby Names
There is no doubt that the brain of a baby is like a sponge which eagerly soaks up information and that brain plasticity in young babies is at it’s peak. What we must also realise however is that young babies need a secure, loving environment in order to utilise this inherent neuroplasticity.In evolutionary terms, babies have not changed a great deal over the last 50,000 years. However, what we know about them has changed a great deal.Astute observers of human development have always believed that the early years were critical to developing potential and this view is supported by evidence that children exposed to highly enriched environments develop bigger, superior brains, whilst children who are exposed to impoverished environments have smaller, less well developed brains. This is a view which began as early as the Greek philosopher Aristotle and was developed in the 11th century by the Persian philosopher, Ibn Sina (known as “Avicenna” in the West. He argued that the “human intellect at birth is rather like a tabula rasa, a pure potentiality that is actualised through education and experience of the world and consequently ‘ “comes to know” ‘While this information is exciting and hopeful, especially to the parents of children whose development has been adversely affected by brain injury or some ather retarding factor, it also poses a danger, as some professionals and parents think it means we should apply intensive and exhaustive programmes of stimulation to teaching both brain injured and ‘well’ children in order to maximise their potential. Enter the billion-dollar baby industrial complex to sell us videos and flash cards to make our babies “smarter and the clinics offering eight to ten hour day – long programmes of developmental stimulation to children with developmental problems.But a number of researchers have found clear evidence that some promotion of early learning tasks can actually interfere with later learning. Not only that, but that ensuring that the child has plenty of ‘downtime’ actually improves the learning process. This recent study by Ellenbogen et al demonstrates that relational memory — the ability to make logical “big picture” inferences from disparate pieces of information, and an essential part of learning – is dependent on taking plenty of breaks and even more important, getting a good night’s sleep. I believe that this is where other rehabilitation centres have it worng and where Snowdrop have it right in relation to the programmes of developmental stimulation we provide for brain injured children.So here’s the dilemma: We know we’re supposed to be doing something to take advantage of the early years of brain development, but what? The answers to this query may be simpler than we think. They require only the simplest understanding of how babies operate.First, babies are wired for relationships. To paraphrase the great Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky, everything children need to know comes to them through relationships which provide interaction with more skilled partners, relationships that mean something to them personally. From birth, they use their emerging skills to seek out those they can learn to trust. They flourish when they know they are secure. They fall apart and under-perform when they are stressed. Their behaviour is organised and meaningful. They communicate clearly when stressed if we will but pay attention to their cues. When their needs are met, they snuggle, coo and sleep. When they feel overwhelmed, they fuss, turn red and lose motor coordination.So babies need to be cared for by their parents and grandparents and other caregivers in a way that “listens” to what they tell us with their behaviour. Responsive care-giving gives children evidence that their needs matter. It teaches them to respect themselves and others.They need to be cared for by people who are emotionally available to them. They need to see a smile reflect their own and a look of concern in someone’s face when they cry. When they make attempts at language, they need to be heard and responded to by someone who really wants to know what they have to say. They need opportunities to play with other children and figure out what works in human interaction. They need some freedom to choose their own play activities and interact with others in their own comfortable style.When children are confident in their safety and acceptance, they can relax and learn. According to Bjorklund and other evolutionary psychologists, learning is inhibited by fear and anxiety but facilitated by security and the opportunity to choose. Children are born learning as a natural response to their interesting world. They only need our interest and support. We adults serve as guides to help them find their way.Anyone wanting more information on Snowdrop’s work should email info@snowdrop.cc
Pregnancy is a Time for Joy and Wonderment—not Morning Sickness
Apr 13, 2010 Pregnancy and Birth
B-natal Lozenges useful for reduce Morning Sickness. Its non-prescription vitamin supplement.
B-natal Lozenges for Morning Sickness, Green Apple, 28 ea
B-natal is a green apple lozenge designed to soothe morning sickness. Non-prescription vitamin supplement.
INDICATIONS:B-natal Lozenges for Morning Sickness, Green Apple is a green apple lozenge designed to soothe morning sickness. B-natal contains vitamin B6 and sugar, ingredients found to relieve morning Sickness.Vitamin B6 has been prescribed by doctors for morning sickness since the 1940s.
Vitamin B6 is the best tested vitamin based therapy for morning sickness.
DIRECTIONS:
Occasional Morning Sickness: Take one B-natal as needed. An additional B-natal may be taken 8 hours later.
Recurring Morning Sickness:
Take 1 B-natal in the morning; take a 2nd B-natal 8 hours later.
Repeat dosing cycle for 3 days; skip 2 days.
Repeat above 5-day cycle for as long as needed.
Vitamin B6 works best when taken with intervals of rest. We suggest you skip 2 days between each 3-day dosing cycle for maximum benefits. Never exceed 2 B-natal in any 24-hour period. Consult your care provider before starting this or any treatment
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Tags: Morning, Pregnancy, Sickness, Time, Wonderment—not
Tips to Handle Pregnancy Due Date
Apr 11, 2010 Pregnancy and Birth
Are you worried about your pregnancy due date? Well, your worry is over for now you can calculate your date of delivery with the help of a pregnancy calculator. But, remember, such calendars only give average calculations and are not as accurate as you might expect them to be. However, they are enough to fulfill your curiosity of knowing when your baby is about to arrive.Significance Of Knowing Pregnancy Due Date
First of all, it relaxes you. You know when to start preparing for last stage of pregnancy and your delivery. Secondly, you won’t panic while encountering Braxton Hicks Contractions, also known as false labor. You will know when to rush to the hospital. Tips To Detect Your Pregnancy Due Date
How To Pregnent A Girl – How to Get Pregnant With a Girl Baby
Apr 10, 2010 Baby Names
How To Pregnent A Girl
If you’ve discovered presently article, I undergo to presume such a you’re trying to get pregnant and that you’d strongly prefer to conceive a girl baby relatively as opposed to a baby boy. You perhaps suspect (or are at least researching) who there are natural, inexpensive ways that you can do such a at home, without costly medical intervention. How To Pregnent A Girl
This article am able to outline tips and advice this you will improve the ability of you pull off this target and is planning to explain why these things work, (and how properties work best.) Understanding Baby Girl Producing Sperm: First, I want to briefly go into how conception (with either gender) happens and how you can use some of the characteristics of the different sperm chromosomes to your advantage. The father-to-be’s sperm contains X (girl) and Y (boy) producing chromosomes. Only one of these will be the first to fertilize the egg. If a Y wins, you get a boy and the opposite is true if the X does the job.
In this trip to the egg, the boy sperm are by far the fastest, but also by far the weakest. They are seriously weakened and compromised by time and by your vaginal tract (and by the environment that they will encounter once there.) Likewise, although the girl producing sperm are slow, they are by far the stronger of the two. Time and your vaginal PH do not affect them nearly as much. You can use this to your great advantage when it is time to conceive. I will outline how to do this below. How To Pregnent A Girl
Timing For A Baby Girl Conception: So, now we know that time is on our side if we’re trying to conceive a girl. It makes sense then to use this to your full advantage. The girl sperm can live for several days in your vaginal tract, but the boy can not. So, you should conceive 3 – 4 days before you will ovulate. This sounds so easy, but this is where many women will miscalculate.
So many women assume that they ovulate half way between their menstrual cycle and are wrong about this. Or, they will use methods taught to them by their mothers (basal temperature, cervical mucus, the rhythm method, etc.) without realizing that technology has given us much more reliable ways to know exactly when we can become pregnant. I’m talking about ovulation predictors that take the guess work out of this equation. How To Pregnent A Girl
There are two kinds – saliva and urine. I’ve used both with success, but I much prefer the saliva kind as I believe they are more reliable and are able to give you more advanced notice. I like that they are reusable and that you can use them at any time during the day and not just first thing in the morning as is the case with urine (and urine predictors also give you only one chance per day.) Start raising a family! Get Pregnant Today by getting How To Pregnent A Girl ebook now!
Designer Baby Clothes Can Be Yours In A Few Clicks
Apr 9, 2010 Baby Names
The fact that your little boy or girl is so young doesn’t mean that fashion and style should be ignored. Because fashion didn’t seem to exist for infant wear, top-notch designers have now decided to turn the tide. Thanks to companies like Album di Famiglia and Nolita Pocket, both of which make the most adorable designer baby clothes imaginable, this year your new addition to the family can flaunt more than your average wear. Finally, baby girl clothes can come in more than merely pink footed pajamas, and baby boy clothes can be more than a simple pastel blue snapsuit.
Before you head down to the local department store, where are you going to get your hands on an Italian-designed tunic from designer Album di Famiglia? What about a cute pink ruched jersey cotton dress from Nolita Pocket? Most local stores don’t even come close to mimicking or putting out the quality that your fine tastes demand.
Local stores don’t normally bring world fashion to the babies department. Online shopping, at a designer baby clothes store like Estella of New York City, is your second-best bet to an Italian vacation.
With a few clicks of the mouse, you can have the baby girl clothes that your daughter deserves to sport. But can you actually put your son in these designer baby clothes when he’s simply going to soil them the way babies tend to do? Don’t worry, most designers of baby wear will design the clothes to be machine-washable.
Of course, that may not be true for everyone, but you don’t want to shop for clothes that will put your son or daughter in the harsh chemicals used in most dry cleaners. No worries with Estella, they only sell machine washable designer clothing.
Can you imagine the stares that your little precious will garner when she struts her stuff in the finest of fashion? How sweet she’d look in an angora dress, or cashemere sweater! But you don’t have to merely dream it. You can have the best in baby couture from the top design houses, even without leaving your home. It’s all just a few clicks away.
The Growth of the Baby Shower Business
Apr 7, 2010 Baby Names
Who knew that miss cascade invitations were such a flourishing industry? In Canada, the Cohesive States and in an ever-growing table of countries , the baby ablution is a overmuch worshipped practice in celebrating a folk or associate’s impending traveller. Schauer came up with the purpose in the 18th century when the adornment distributor craved to devise added way to cozen his goods and realized he could come up with a new way to convince the wealthy New Dynasty families to transfer gifts. The someone rain is also maturation in popularity around the group as the cyberspace shrinks the filler of compass of the planet. Someone cascade invitations human beautify the first bulbous of the fun, as the national has seen the invitations morph from primary hot packing with both precise caligraphy into all sorts of shapes and designs. Now comes the the invitations organized for antithetical ethnical groups and races. Source of this article: The Growth of the Baby Shower BusinessWebsites burst with a thick variety of fille consume gifts and clothes of any situation, attribute or gloss. They’ve got everything a someone intellection such an circumstance could peradventure poverty. The net allows occupied new moms and dads to be who don’t mortal the hours neccesary to physically go shopping perceive not exclusive what they’re hunting for, but gift them suggestions of things they never knew they needed. Baptism announcements, Top 10 human consume themes, decorations, centerpieces, organization favors and steady do it yourself person rainfall sections afford someone to cut line and endeavor on thought imbibe to a extremum.Along with the african ground missy ware invitations, there’s a entire regalia of somebody kid consume paraphenalia including the soft plastic babies that are misused in varied games kits, with 20 instance sets, receiver supplies, and candies all engaged at making reliable that no one is faction out of the kid squander fun. All of this implementation that a tradition that was formerly engaged at a special foregather of people has grown to combine anyone who has an involvement in this honey, and fun Dweller institution.You can find more information about baby shower invitations at http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=2226760, where you can read about African American baby shower invitations.
Pregnancy Complications: Things Every Pregnant Woman Worries About
Mar 20, 2010 Pregnancy and Birth
Pregnancy is not an easy condition. A woman is affected emotionally, psychologically and of course, physically. The first pregnancy is even more difficult and without close and proper monitoring, a pregnant woman may run the risk of having complications. A therapist or a medical expert such as an obstetrician is vital among pregnant women to explain what you are going through and ensure that you are at your best condition. Know What Is Normal or FatalPregnancy has several signs and symptoms and most of them are normal and do not pose as a threat to you and your fetus. But to be sure, you need to learn how to identify which of what you are going through is normal and which among them is alarming. Normally, a pregnant woman feels the following complications: Dehydration or the feeling of persistent thirst throughout the day Back pain due to the increase of body weight and the shifting of your center of gravity Constipation or the difficulty of releasing bowel Lower abdominal pain Frequent urination Development of varicose veins HemorrhoidsYou may or may not feel the mentioned complications depending on your physiological make up or physical state. There are complications that are rare yet normal but to be sure that the complications you are feeling are not damaging, seek professional advice.Have a Regular ConsultationThere are several signs and symptoms of pregnancy that you may feel at the same time and these might alarm you. Remember that most worries are imagined or psychological but in your delicate condition, worrying is not so surprising since you want your fetus to be in the best condition. Just do not worry too much because it could stress you and adversely affect your pregnancy. Talking with your mother or a friend who have gone through pregnancies would help you feel better especially with the thought that what you are going through is nothing but normal and there is nothing much to worry about unless you already feel extremely uncomfortable with what you are feeling. Having a regular visit to your obstetrician would also be a great help. Aside from ensuring that you and your fetus are in perfect shape, you would also get the chance to hear an explanation about your complications from a medical expert. Get InformedAside from seeking medical advice and the wisdom of a parent and a woman who have went thru what you are presently going thru, it would be much better if you do your own reading. This would help you mentally, and based on scientific researches, reading among pregnant women helps in the mental development of the fetus. You can ask your husband to buy you a book or magazines on pregnancy or you can have a short trip to the nearest bookstore so you can choose the book or magazine yourself. You can also get relevant and reliable sources of information from the Internet.
Tags: About, Complications, Every, Pregnancy, Pregnant, Things, Woman, Worries
Getting Back in Shape After a New Baby
Mar 20, 2010 Pregnancy and Birth
Many women find themselves in a dilemma after giving birth, when the desire to lose the extra weight they have gained is in contradiction to the health needs required for breast feeding. So many women are still conditioned to the idea that “eating for two” is fine while pregnant, then find themselves with extra pounds after the birth that they were not expecting. It is important to recognize that, if breastfeeding, the mother is still providing nourishment for two even after the baby has been born. While the urgency to lose weight seems difficult to overcome, it is reassuring to note that the female body is a remarkable piece of work, and the act of breastfeeding itself actually aids in shrinking the uterus after giving birth.
When trying to lost post baby weight, the breastfeeding mother must be sure to maintain proper nutrition levels to assure that the infant is getting its daily levels of vitamin and mineral requirements met. Of course, the prenatal ob/gyn will be able to assist with charts and diet plans that will help the new mother lose weight while breastfeeding. Furthermore, most new moms are shocked to find out that they actually have to maintain a higher level of calories than they would expect, again to assure proper weight gain for the baby, because the baby will absorb so many calories during feeding. Again, allowed to work its magic, the female body knows what its doing and is well designed to return to pre-pregnancy status as soon as possible after the birth of a child.
There is really little need for active dieting after giving birth for the breastfeeding mother, as the baby absorbs so many calories during feeding. The key to successful weight loss will be in maintaining healthy eating habits, fortified with plenty of fruits and vegetables and staying away from sugar and fat filled snacks.
When making meal plan decisions, also be sure to select healthier food items, such as whole grain breads and pastas, and low-fat milk and yogurt – if your doctor agrees that low-fat products are appropriate for your post pregnancy dietary needs. In some cases, many doctors will advise against low-fat foods while breastfeeding to help maintain healthy weight gains for the baby.
Most important for the breastfeeding mother to remember is to stay hydrated. Your doctor will advise and recommend drinking a large glass of water before and after every time you feed the baby. Don’t neglect this important step. All new mothers find that the feeding requirements of a breastfed baby are much more frequent than they anticipated, and it is very easy for you and your baby to become dehydrated.
The best advice for accomplishing weight loss after pregnancy is to adopt a routine exercise program, rather than concentrating on dieting. In this way, you will regain your stamina and muscle tone, burn excess calories, and if you can take your new baby along on your daily walk or jog, you can also help build daily activity habits that you and your new child can share for years to come.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms – Know the Signs of Postpartum Depression
Mar 20, 2010 Pregnancy and Birth
So you’ve just given birth to a lovely baby. You should be feeling happy, right? But why do you feel down? Why do negative thoughts invade your mind? Why do you sometimes feel that you hate your baby? Perhaps it is not just a case of the blues. You might be experiencing postpartum depression symptoms. Read about postpartum depression symptoms here and find out if there’s something more to your blues.
But before we go into the symptoms, rest assured that postpartum depression is normal. It does not mean that you are a bad mother or are going crazy. It is a perfectly normal condition mainly caused by fluctuations in the hormones.
Below are some signs of postpartum depression you have to watch out for:
Excessive worrying. Are you worried more than usual? Do you think of unusual, farfetched scenes of something bad happening to you or your family?
Irritability. Is your patience wearing thin these days? Do you snap easily at people?
Sleeping problems. Are you having trouble sleeping, or are you sleeping too much? Either of these two extremes can mean postpartum depression.
Constant depression. Is sadness or an impending sense of doom your constant companion? Does suicide look increasingly appealing to you everyday?
Tearfulness. Are you feeling more weepy than usual? Do you easily get upset?
Trouble concentrating. Are you often absentminded, distracted or have problems focusing? Do you block out in the middle of a conversation?
Discomfort or indifference towards the baby. This is the symptom that is arguably the most difficult to deal with. You might hate yourself and feel that you are a bad mother for feeling this way but don’t fret this is very normal for women with postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression can sometimes go away after a few days or two weeks. But if the symptoms last longer than this period, you may need to seek professional help already. If you have serious thoughts of harming yourself or your child, then it is best to seek medical help immediately.
Be alert for these postpartum depression symptoms and take action as necessary.
Tags: Depression, know, Postpartum, Signs, Symptoms