How To Take The Perfect Christmas Or Holiday Card Family Photo

By: S. Dean: Believe it or not, it’s now the time of year when families across America are gearing up to send the perfect, personalized holiday photo card. Personalized photo holiday cards are hugely popular because the winter holidays are usually the one time per year when extended family and friends can catch up through a medium that is not electronic. Email and ecards are fine for other holidays or times of the year, but for the winter holidays most people expect and very much appreciate a heartfelt, good looking photo card that comes via snail mail.

You don’t have to shell out up the big bucks that many professional photographers require, with the following tips, you can create a memorable, professional looking holiday photo card that you can be very proud of:

1. Think About And Set The Stage Well In Advance: Think about how you’d like to portray your family. Do you want a formal or casual look? Outdoors or indoors? Whatever you chose, look for a colorful background with good symmetry - i.e. if there are pillars are plants on one side of the photo - make sure there is a matching item on the other side). Once you’ve decided on your background, set up furniture of lifts so that family members are staged at different levels. Some will be sitting or kneeling while others are elevated or standing.

2. Coordinate Clothing, But Keep It Simple: You will want your family’s clothing to coordinate with the background colors. Don’t chose clothing that is bold, distracting and clashing, and don’t dress adults in silly clothing just to match the children. Simply solids in white, black, blue, or red staples often show off skin tones best.

3. Make It Fast: Kids and pets have a short attention span. Have everything set up in advance and take the photos and quick succession while your kids are enthusiastic and relaxed.

4. Use Lighting To Your Advantage: Whether you are taking your photo inside or out, make sure the lighting source is behind the photographer or automatic camera. Day light gives a softer, more natural result. Bright mid day light is often too harsh. Shoot for morning or late afternoon. You can avoid red eyes by having the family members look directly at the light source before the photo is taken. (Another reason to avoid bright light). The pupils will shrink and red eye will be avoided.

5. Showcase Your Family's Smiling Faces: Most holiday card recipients respond the most favorably to photos where they can experience the emotions of the photo. People are more interested in you and your family rather than seeing your home interior or the background of your vacation.

6. Avoid Staged Smiles: You want to avoid a holiday photo that looks too posed. Either put your camera on a tripod and timer or have a close friend take the photo. Have a few jokes ready to elicit laughter. Avoid the tried and true “say cheese” because this will often produce a fake smile. Ensure that no one is allowing their hands to dangle awkwardly. Have hands on laps, fold them in front, or have them interact with other family members.

7. Use Smart Angles To Showcase Your Kids And Downplay Adult Flaws: Most adults are self conscious of wrinkles, double chins, or bags under eyes. Know that those closest to the camera appear the largest. This is where you want to place your kids or the youngest family members. Don’t look at the camera head on. Stand sideways and rotate your head slightly toward the camera and tilt your chin slightly down (think Paris Hilton on the red carpet). Also, make sure the camera is not below eye level. This is how double chins happen.

8. Sneak In At The End: Sometimes, the best, most candid shots happen when your family thinks they are off the hook and you’re done taking pictures. This is when you get people at their most natural and often the best photo will come from these interactions

9. Make Sure You Entrust Your Photos To A Trustworthy Vendor: Although even grocery stores today have put their hats in the photo developing pool, it doesn’t make sense to put so much work into the perfect shot and then entrust developing the photos to a discount or grocery store. Many professional developers are running deep discounts right now - as much as 50% off - so you can pay about the same right now for professional quality prints.

10. Have Fun With It: Family holiday card photos are becoming a holiday ritual. Make sure you’re creating the memories you’ll cherish by having fun and enjoying family time. Doing so will create wonderful holiday memories and will reward you with the picture you’ll cherish and want to remember for a lifetime.

Pediatricians Finally Recommend Routine Autism Screenings For Earlier Diagnosis And Treatment

The American Academy Of Pediatrics is finally recommending routine screenings for autism - 2 screenings before the age of 2. Although most physicians and members of the medical community believe there is no cure for autism, early detection and treatment can undeniably lesson the severity of the disorder. The sooner autism can be flagged and diagnosed, the sooner this important and vital treatment can begin.

Unfortunately, it’s usually only after months of noticed delays that a parent or caregiver will mention concerns to their pediatricians. For example, language delays usually prompt parents to bring these delays to their pediatrician’s attention at around 18 months - too late for the earliest intervention. Experts say there are much earlier warning signs for which parents should be on the lookout - such as :

1. A baby not responding to a parent or caregiver calling his name;

2. A baby not directing parents or caregivers to look at or interact with an object that interests the baby;

3. Lack of a baby babbling to initiate a back and forth exchange between parent and caregiver and baby;

4. Failure of a baby to smile at or make contact with parents or caregivers;

5. A baby who shows a preference to hard “lovie” items like ballpoint pens, action figures, or flashlights rather than soft “lovies” typically associated with babies, like blankets, stuffed animals, or a special pillow.

There are also “red flags” the are indications for which a pediatrician should conduct an immediate evaluation for autism. These are:

1. No babbling, pointing or attempts at engaging gestures by 12 months of age;

2 No words attempted by 16 months of age;

3. No two word phrases by 24 months of age;

4. Loss of language, social skills, or a willingness or attempt to engage others at any age.

In addition to parent’s noticing developmental delays or issues that could indicate autism earlier, pediatricians can do their part by eliciting conversations that may help make an earlier diagnosis.
Pediatricians are now being encouraged to ask about any parental or caregiver observations of such behaviors at every well-baby visit. If any of the concerns raise a red flag toward autism, the pediatrician should use a standardized screening tool. Non withstanding any red flags, pediatricians are now encouraged to conduct an autism screening on all children between 18 and 24 months old, even if there have not been any parental or caregiver concerns.

These new guidelines are undoubtedly in response to the alarming and growing number of children diagnosed with autism each year and an attempt to diagnose much earlier to obtain better treatment options and results.




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Descriptions And Alternatives To The View's Elizabeth Hasselback's "Must Have" Baby Items

The View's Elizabeth Hasselback began her maternity leave this week. She's due to have her second baby in November. Before she left, she graced viewers with her must-have baby items, while giving audience members all of the items free. Most of the items are super-pricey but do offer the latest in baby convenience, safety and organization: Here's a description of Elizabeth's must have items, complete with the price tag. Some of the more expensive items have reasonably-priced alternatives which are every bit as cute as the original - at a fraction of the costs:

Storksak Bags (Link): These chic, mostly leather diaper bags run about $150-$300, depending on size and materials. No doubt they are beautiful bags that look nothing like a diaper bag. But, considering you will be putting dirty diapers and spit cloths in them, the price tag is hard to swallow. There are countless cute, inexpensive alternatives on ebay - most less than $50 Also, Nunzia's Fall Diaper Bag (Link): looks very similar to Storksak's version for only about $60.

Diaper bag organizer pouches from babycrazy.com: These are cute little diaper bag organizers run under $20. They are plastic, compact, washable and can be used to seal dirty diapers or used to keep snacks from spilling while keeping them fresh.

ERGO® Baby Carrier (Link): The ERGO Baby Carrier is supposed to feature an ergonomic design that encourages the baby to sit in a position that correctly supports baby's hips pelvis and spine while alleviating physical stress on the parent that is carrying the baby. This baby carrier costs about $90. Baby Basic's version is $15, while Infantino (Link) has a carrier that looks very similar to Ergo for only $20.

Snack-traps(Link): These cute little snack containers have a lid that allows the child to get the snack out easily, but closes when the child removes his hands so that the snack can't spill - no matter what. Very reasonable at around $15 for three containers.

Fisher-Price® Rainforest™ Swing and Bouncer (Link): This is bouncer is basically a kicked-up version of the old, classic basic baby bouncer that offers baby a chance to play while he's bouncing. The baby can turn 360 degrees so he can play with the electronic music and lights, the bobbling elephant, the swinging monkey, the hanging parrot, the hide and seek tiger, or the rattling lizard. This item retails for about $80. Baby Einstein's Water Rocker Seat (Link):is loved by parents at only $60.

Books by Robert Crowther (Link), Julie Appel (Link)), Amy Guglielmo (Link): These are amazing children's books that are actually little works of art in the pages of a book. These interactive, touch and feel and pop up books explore transportation and several different types of modern and classic art by famous artists. They are about $10 each.

Mabel's Sticky Labels: Mabel's sticky labels stand up to the dishwasher, the microwave,and active children. There are several different types - which stick on everything from toys, containers, clothes, backpacks, cups and more. They retail for about $20 for each set.

On-the-Go Potty (Link): This little portable potty would be great if you have a toddler and are stuck somewhere without a toilet. It has a tripod base to which you attach one of the disposable bags and pads. (The system comes with 5 bags and pads. You can use a garbage bag with any type of disposable pad (nursing or sanitary pad) once you run out.) It retails for about $30.

Britax Diplomat Car Seat (Link): This car seat is designed for use in smaller vehicles that are becoming popular today and is also great for use in airplanes. However, it's quite expensive with a $260 price tag. Safety First's All In One Car Seat (Link)is a very viable alternative at $150.

BéBé Au Lait™ Hooter Hiders (Link): This is a pretty, discrete nursing cover that allows a nursing mother to see and bond with her baby without revealing her breasts. It retails for about $35.

Here are Elizabeth's Must Haves:



My Picks For Reasonably-Priced Alternatives:

Helping Kids Cope With Natural Disasters, Tragedy Or Change (Like The California Wildfires)

The troubling exposure of wildfires destroying homes, lives and property in California can be devastating to both children and families directed effected by the fires and those witnessing the destruction on television and through print media.
Many parents and caregivers wonder how to best handle children’s questions and concerns about the wildfires (or other upsetting events that children might encounter in everyday life.) Children often ask questions because they are seeking reassurance about how the events are going to effect their day to day lives. Here are some ways to effectively provide the reassurance that children are seeking:

1. Give Immediate And Continued Reassurance: When tragedy like the wildfires strikes, a child's world view is temporarily shaken. The world is no longer a safe and predictable place. Immediately give careful, honest answers and reassurance. Gently offer limited explanations that contain only as much age-appropriate information that the child needs to know. Over explaining will often create more anxiety for a child. Give very simple explanations: “There are large fires in California but the firefighters are doing their very best to put them out.” A child’s greatest fear in stressful situations is being lost or left alone. Offer reassurances like “We’re together now and I’ll always do my best to protect you.”

2. Limit Your Family’s Exposure To Troubling Images: It’s natural to be concerned and curious about the latest turn of events during trying circumstances. But young children often do not understand that the images they see happened previously. Many assume that they are watching a live event and will assume that everything they see is happening in real time. They will assume the event is happening over and over again and will be reinjured each time. Reliving these emotions delay healing for both children and adults.

3. Provide Experiences That Connect People, Release Tension & Promote Healing After A Crisis: Aggression and angst are normal after periods of change or turmoil. Give your family creative outlets where they can release these feelings and frustrations, forge a connection with others, and help heal. Older children can help with community service activities and encourage younger children to draw get well cards or journal to express their feelings. Take some blankets or clothes to the Red Cross as a family or reach out to families who are going through tough situations to see how you can help.

4. Seek Out Additional Or Professional Help If Needed: After a crises, it can be normal for children to regress to past behaviors like bedwetting, thumb sucking or aggression. Watch for prolonged, severe concerns like school problems, extreme anger or listlessness, risky behavior, social withdrawal or repeatedly making the event a primary focus of life. Seeking professional help doesn’t mean your child is at fault or that you couldn’t help your child. It just means you’re a concerned parent who is getting your child the help he needs.

There are many books, resources and professionals that can help families transition tragedy or change like the California wildfires. Do not hesitate to use them if needed. That's why they are there.

Natural disasters and tragedy like the California wildfires can unsettle both the kids and families directly affected and those who only witness the events from afar. Parents can do a great deal to help reassure frightened or concerned children that there are caring individuals and helpful resources available that will help provide reassurance and relief.



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How Should Parents Answer Questions About Dumbledore Being Gay?

JK Rowling, author of the series of Harry Potter books, recently revealed that Albus Dumbledore, beloved head master of Harry Potters' Hogwarts, was, in her eyes, gay.

Following Dumbledore's outing, the Internet is full of parental comments indicating feelings of betrayal. How could Rowling, they say, allow their children to come to know, love and respect Dumbledore only to announce (after the fact) that he is gay - leaving unprepared parents to explain their children's questions about homosexuality? Here is advice on how to deal with the sudden Dumbledore dilemma:

1. Calmly Evaluate The Situation: First determine the reality of your situation. If your children have not heard the news themselves and are not asking questions, there is no reason to tell them right now unless you want to. Since there is absolutely no overt homosexual references in any of the books, there is very little possibility that a child would pick up on Dumbledore's "gayness." If you would rather not discuss homosexuality in the same discussion as Harry Potter, there is no reason why you can't act as if nothing has happened and allow your children to enjoy the books as written.

2. If You're Asked Questions About Dumbledore's Coming Out, Consider Your Child's Age And Respond Appropriately: If your child hears about Dumbledore's homosexuality and asks you about it, use this as an opportunity to speak openly and give your child the accurate information you want him to know. The truth is, sooner or later, your child will overhear references to homosexuality and will have questions. So make sure you're the one supplying the information rather than letting your child form an understanding or opinion about homosexuality from his young peers - who may not be giving him information you'd like him to internalize.

For Preschoolers And Young Children: Preschoolers aren't mature enough to process much information about homosexuality. Most children will usually be content with simplistic responses. Answer exactly what your child asked - nothing more. Often, parents will become nervous and try to over explain - leading to an over response to a question your child never asked. If asked, for example "what does gay mean?" you need only tell a preschooler "Gay if a phrase people sometimes use to describe a relationship." Most preschoolers are fine with this.

For Older Children And Preteens: Many parents worry that openly talking about sexual preference might sway their children's later sexual practices. There is a much evidence which suggests this just is not accurate. Children at this age are extremely curious about how relationships work. They are also usually exposed to homosexual concepts by this time. It's OK to tell them that sometimes when two people want to have a relationship, all that is required is they are two people - not necessarily a man or a woman. School aged children usually have a strong sense of right and wrong so this might be a good time to discuss discrimination.

3. Make Sure Your Children Know They Were Right To Ask And You Are Open To Their Questions: When you speak openly, honestly and from the heart about your children's questions, you are showing them that you are the right person to ask the tough questions. You want your children to remember this when they are faced with important choices or crossroads. Show your child you will give him accurate information and if you don't know the best answer, you will immediately find it out for him. Doing so will lay the foundation of openness and trust that you want to be the cornerstone of your home.

4. Believe It Or Not, Most Kids Will Not Care About Dumbledore's Sexuality: My son and I were watching a football game, when the announcer said "this game is more shocking than Dumbledore's coming out." My 8 year old gasped and sputtered "Dumbledore's gay?" I was a bit taken aback that he knew the term "coming out," but I immediately goggled the information and within 10 minutes, we knew about Rowling's view on Dumbledore's sexuality. My son merely shrugged and said "He's a good guy to me. He did most things right except always hiring the wrong Dark Arts teacher." I honestly don't think my son has given Dumbledore's coming out a second thought. He chooses to focus on Dumbledore's character, intelligence and loyalty, which I think is precisely the point Rowling intended to make when she thrust Dumbledore "out of the closet."

How To Squeeze A 10 Minute Workout Into Everyday (Even For Parents)

With several recent studies indicating that short 10 minute sporadic workouts offer significant benefits in cardiovascular health, fat distribution, blood pressure and mood, there's no longer any excuse not to get moving. The number one excuse people give for a lack of exercise is a lack of time, but you can easily add 10 minutes of exercise into a typical day by incorporating physical fitness into the activities you're already doing. Here are 5 ways to achieve a 10 minute workout with no additional time and minimal additional effort - worthwhile effort that virtually guarantees health and mental benefits.

Add Steps: Walk whenever you can. If your destination is less than a mile away, walk there. Doing so will help you obtain your 10 daily minutes of exercise effortlessly. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator at every opportunity. Walking behind a stroller is great exercise for you and your baby will enjoy the fresh air.

Make TV Time 10 minute Workout Time: Obtain your 10 minutes of exercise while watching your (or your child's) favorite television program. An hour long sitcom will typically have 20 minutes of commercials. That's double the 10 minutes of exercise required and much more daily exercise than most Americans get. Alternate between cardio (jogging in place, jumping jacks) with strength training (push ups, sit ups, bicep curls).

Spot Train For 10 minutes While You're Idle: Waiting and idle time are unavoidable parts of life. From the school car line to being placed on hold to waiting at appointments, waiting and idle time eat up valuable minutes in your day - minutes during which you could be exercising. You can squeeze in a 10 minute spot and strength training workout during this otherwise wasted time. Do calf raises while waiting in the grocery line. Do butt squeezes in the car line, waiting for appointments or even at red lights. Sprint up and down the stairs while waiting on hold or playing telephone tag.

Put Muscle And Speed Into Everyday Chores: Errands, chores and housecleaning do burn some calories, but if you put some muscle and speed behind them, you'll burn significantly more, get your heart rate up, and complete tasks in much less time. You can work up quite a sweat moving a lawn, washing a car or moping a floor if you move fast enough. Put some real speed and muscle into these activities and you've completed your ten minutes of exercise and then some.

Include Your Family: Including children, partners and friends in your 10 minute workout is a great way to create quality time with those you love, make the the time go faster, and make exercising more enjoyable. Unfortunately, most children don't get enough exercise either, so go swimming, bike riding or roller-skating as a family. Play a rigorous game of tag. Enjoying high energy activities together brings you closer as a family while it strengthens all of you physically. Dancing with (or even having sex) with your partner is a fun way to burn calories and share intimacy. Taking a quick power walk with a friend is a more productive way to catch up than grabbing a cup of coffee.

Besides reducing your risk of heart disease, regular and yes even short 10 minute stints of exercise expands your lung capacity, strengthens your body, helps control your weight, alleviates depression, and improves your overall health. So get moving, if only for 10 minutes. Take small steps to incorporate your 10 minute workout into the activities you're already doing. You'll find yourself healthier and happier for only 10 minutes a day.

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How To Reclaim Your Day After Waking Up On The Wrong Side Of The Bed

It can happen to anyone. It has happened to us all. The alarm goes off and you put your feet on the floor with a little more force. You're going about your daily activities under a dark cloud. You don't know how or why, but you're in a funk. You woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but if you don't quickly reset, the whole day (for both you and your family) is ruined and you certainly don't want to model morning grumpy behavior to your kids. Here are ways that you can reset your day after waking up on the wrong side of the bed:

Immediately Take Mental Note Of Blessings And Plan More: Spend the first fifteen minutes before your feet hit the floor taking inventory of what you have to be grateful for. Journaling is a great way to do this. Once you've gotten into the habit of recalling your blessings it will become second nature. You'll look forward to it daily and it will instantly boost your morning mood. After you've inventoried your blessings, make plans for at least one nice thing to do for yourself that day. Whether it's buying a single rose during your lunch hour or giving yourself permission to fall asleep to sitcom TV, determine what would bring a little happiness to your day and give yourself permission to just do it.

Get Moving: After you've counted your blessings and made fun plans, get up and busy yourself. Don't dwell on your bad feelings. The faster you move, the less time you will have to think about your mood. If you can squeeze in a quick jog or power walk on your way to work or school, you'll relieve tension, raise your energy levels, boost your mood and later feel a great sense of accomplishment for taking care of yourself and leaving the wrong side of the bed behind.

Take Inventory: Sometimes there is absolutely no rhyme or reason whatsoever for being greeted by the wrong side of the bed. But often if you are honest, introspective, and willing to dig deeper, you can pinpoint the reason for your morning mood. Did you wake up to see the house a mess? Are you dreading an activity you must accomplish today? Be honest because identifying the problem is the first, vital step toward solving it. Once you've identified the reason, take small steps to remedy it. Doing so will give you a sense of control and immediately lighten your mood.

Laugh At Something - Especially Yourself: Laughter is one of the best yet easiest ways to lighten any situation. Turn on a funny morning show, plug in just one scene from a funny movie or best of all step back and see the humor in the wrong side of the bed scenario. Think about it. Some of the best comedians in the world make their livings off of poking fun at life's mundane gone wrong - the bad haircuts, the missteps, and the struggles in relationships or parenting. The lack of control over these things makes it necessary that you be able to laugh at them. Doing so will immediately diminish their power.

We all wake up on the wrong side of the bed sometimes. But there is no reason to allow it to ruin our entire day and taint every activity we try to accomplish. Immediately take action as soon as you sense something is off. Count your blessings, make fun plans, get moving, take a quick inventory of your life and make small, meaningful changes. Then have a good belly laugh and reclaim your day on the other side of the bed.

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