Thursday, September 17, 2015

You Will Surprised What People Will Buy - Selling Children's Items On Ebay

I am still the biggest fan of trading clothes with other families you know that have children a little older (bigger) and younger (smaller) than your own to supplement the play-day clothes. But if you cannot find good trading families or someone in need check out E-Bay.

Selling for a profit on eBay is easy when you have kids. People are earning hundreds of dollars a month by selling kid related items. Here are some general ideas to help you get started.

Kids Items You Can Sell

Clothes, toys and videos are good money makers on eBay.

Go to eBay and look up a "lot" of size six girl's cloths. You will find they are expensive! The average price for a lot of 20 good conditioned clothes is about $35.00.

When your kids grow out of their seasonal clothes do not throw them out. Bundle them into different lots by category. For example bundle girls dresses separate from girls play clothes, but only do that if you have at least six of each different type.

Lots of any item sell better than single items unless the item is unique or high priced. For example, a hand embroidered dress that you paid a lot for would sell better by itself instead of bundled with other basic dresses.

The next item to lookup on eBay is toys. Most toys in good condition will sell for a lot of money. One idea that works well is to buy hot items in October at Wal-Mart or Toys-R-Us and sell them on eBay. Busy people are willing to pay extra for the convenience of getting the items delivered to their home.
For example, last year a Mega Power Ranger came out in stores around October and sold at Wal-Mart for about $45.00. The same item sold on eBay for up to $65.00 plus shipping. The Yellow Power Ranger is yet another example where the store price was about $6.00, while the same item was selling on eBay for about $20.00.

Have your children ever received duplicate birthday or Christmas presents? You can sell those on eBay also. Look at the eBay listings for items of interest to see if selling on eBay is worth more than returning the item to the store.

Kid's videos and DVDs are also good money-makers. Bundle about three of these together, and you can usually make about $7.00-$12.00 per bundle. Bundle more and the money goes up. Disney movies in hard cases can go for a higher amount. This also works for other types of movies as well.

Save those McDonalds toys. Some Kids Meals toys sell high. Take the new Star Wars toys from Burger King...very collectible. You will find them selling on eBay from $1.00 to $5.00, not including shipping.

Ebay has a whole section devoted to dolls and bears. If your daughter doesn't want her collectible dolls anymore sell them on eBay.

Baby Items You Can Sell

Used baby items are very profitable. Baby items cost a lot of money, especially in their first year. Any "gently" used items are generally good sellers on eBay.

If you have baby coupons that you will never use, sell them on eBay! Left over diapers and formula sell well also. A lot of 35 used cloth diapers usually sells for around $38.00 plus shipping. Four Fuzzi Bunz diapers (cloth diapers with hemp inserts) can sell for as much as $40.00.

There you have it. Plenty of ideas for selling those leftover kids items on eBay...and you can even make a nice profit while you are at it!

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Using Children to Stop Smoking Successfully

If you have attempted to quit smoking you no doubt realize just how easy it was to get started smoking compared to actually quitting.  Maybe the reason you are trying to quit is to set a good example for your children.  This is one reason why many parents find themselves struggling to quit.  They do not want their children to grow up thinking that it is okay to smoke, and it is necessary that they quit in order to set a great example.  If you find yourself in this position, there are several things you can do to help make the situation much better.

One such idea that you can use would be to actually invite your children to watch the struggle.  This means asking your child to be your help and strength when you are tempted to smoke.  Simply talking to them about your struggles to quit can be a great way to show how difficult it really is, while at the same time getting your issues out in the open.  Many times talking about problems can make them seem much smaller.  This is a great way to help fight the urges of cigarettes as well, after all many parents who have open and honest relationships with their children are able to talk about a lot of issues.  Use this opportunity to talk about things that are important, and encourage the extra support that you receive at the same time.

If you are focusing more on your child when you have an urge to smoke, and less on where exactly your pack of cigarettes is located it will be easier to reduce urges.  You should encourage your child to help you find out remedies to your urges.  For example, going with you to the store to pick out suitable candy to chew on when you get an urge, or even going with you to the store to purchase the stop smoking aid of your choice.

Allowing them to be a part of your decisions can help them to see the exact struggles that you are going through.  If you merely hide your problems behind a closed door, your children may grow up thinking that it is actually easy to smoke.  This could even lead them to being tempted to smoke.  However, just because you are trying to have an open relationship with your child does not mean that you should actually smoke around them.  The harm that second hand smoke can cause should be enough to keep you from lighting up around you; however, you could ask your child to help you maintain a smoking log.

Of course, each family has different ideas about what is acceptable to talk about, and even comfort levels.  If you feel that you are pushing the borders of what you are comfortable with you can always adjust this.  However, using your children to help encourage you to quit is great.  After all, kids are notorious for picking on people and pointing out flaws.  If you allow your child to help you with your smoking urges you may find that you really do not want to smoke anymore at all if your children are busy picking on you the entire time.  No matter what works best for you and your particular situation you need to grasp at any opportunity to encourage a bond and crush the urge to smoke.  Your child will be very proud of you after you have quit, and you will certainly have a much increased self-confidence.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Are the Flintstones out of style?- Children’s Vitamins


Many parents are concerned that their children do not consume the proper foods they need to stay strong and healthy. The truth is children can be picky eaters. Some children will go through stages where they will refuse to eat anything other than a favorite food, while other children will try new foods, but do not take to them.

Children’s vitamins are available to parents who want to ensure their children are receiving the necessary nutrients he or she needs to grow strong and healthy. Even parents who have children who eat well are supplementing their children’s diet with vitamins. The fact is the earth’s soil is rapidly being depleted of nutrients, and the rigors of food processing also leaves many foods deficient in vitamins and minerals.

Children’s vitamins are packaged in such a way that they are attractive to children. Most children’s vitamins come in colorful and fun shapes. Many manufacturers of children’s vitamins are packaging their vitamins in lollipop, gum ball and gummy bear varieties. Because these vitamins resemble candy, it is important that you keep them away from a child’s reach and that you monitor their intake. If you find your child has taken extra vitamins, you should consult their pediatrician or your local poison control center.

There are instances when a pediatrician will prescribe vitamins for a child. If a child has a vitamin deficiency, does not have access to fluoridated water, or has anemia or other illness or disease, vitamin supplements may be prescribed for a child. However, in general, many pediatricians believe that children do not need vitamin supplements if they are being fed properly. They feel that children can receive all the vitamins and minerals they need if they eat according to the Food Pyramid. Consult with your child’s pediatrician before starting them on a vitamin.

Vitamins are supplements and not replacements. Children’s vitamin supplements should never be looked upon as a replacement for healthy eating. Encourage your child to eat the foods they need, and do things to make nutrition fun and flavorful for them. For instance, letting children add grated cheese to their vegetables will make some children more interested in eating them. Allowing a child to drink calcium fortified orange juice over milk works well for a child who does not like milk. Let your child participate in making a vegetable pizza, or let them pick out fruit at a market and place it in their own special area at home. All of these tips can go a long way in helping a picky eaters overcome their fears so they consume the vitamins they need. Ask your doctor, chances are they have an opinion on the issue of vitamin supplements.

Monday, September 14, 2015

School and Bedtime Don't Mi -Successfully Get Your Children To Bed


Do you ever get the response " the show is almost over or the Kid's pull a Houdini and reappear just as you thought you had them in bed?

Many parents find trying to get their child to bed at night to be one big struggle. The child may play up, whinge and even cry. When in bed, the child may then repeatedly keep getting out of bed and coming downstairs. This article gives advice on how to successfully get your child into bed at night, without all of this fuss.

Some children even though they know that they are tired, do not want to miss out on any of the action or excitement. They want to spend as much time with mom and dad as possible. They can even see the fact that they have to go to bed before their parents as unjust and even cruel. These types of children will want to disrupt and even avoid going to bed at all cost.

I myself have two young children and have been through this experience myself. My daughter especially needs her sleep and can be very moody in the mornings, if she has not had a particular amount of hours of it. As a parent it can become very frustrating as well as upsetting when you see your child crying because they do not want to go to bed. Comments like, please dad just one more program on the television, were far too regular, and at times I felt like backing down.

I have now learnt via reading many books on parenting, how to best deal with this situation. Each child now has a set time when they have to be in bed by. This is a time that they have both agreed to!

They get changed into their pajamas around half an hour before this time, and then can either spend that period of time playing with their toys or watching the television. If they want to play, we ensure that the games are relaxing ones and not too energetic.

If there is a program that is on later than their agreed bedtimes, I agree to video it for them, this way they know that they are not missing out etc.

I have agreed that I will read them a story at bedtime. This is something they both love and helps them to wind down and relax. They are also given a drink to go to bed with, therefore there is no need for them to keep coming downstairs. This drink is always a juice and should not be fizzy.

I have explained to each child the importance of sleep and that it should be something to enjoy and not to see as some sort of punishment. I have even gone as far as saying that I would love to go to bed at the time that they do, unfortunately their mother does not allow it.

I have tried to make their bedrooms their own little palace. A place that they want to spend time, a place which they find fun, relaxing and comfortable.

My son likes to hear music and therefore we play a tape of his favourite songs in his room. The volume is set quite low and this certainly helps him to get to sleep quite quickly.

These tips have helped to make our childrens bedtimes a pleasant experience, where it once was quite fraught. The children themselves are now into a routine, a routine they are happy with. I hope this advice proves useful to you as well. Good luck.

Friday, September 11, 2015

How To Motivate Your Children- couple weeks in school now

There is no manual or guide that can tell you the proper way to be a parent, because every child is different and should be treated as such. Although that is true, there are some great tips you can employ to make parenting a much easier job than it has been.

A key parenting tip is to become active in your child's school environment and activities. Becoming acquainted with the instructional staff and their curriculum goals can greatly help your child fulfill their true potential. This will enable you to work alongside your son or daughter and assist them when needed.

Know your child's friends. Your child is learning a lot from their friends. They are also spending a significant amount of time engaging in the same activities that their friends are. If you know their friends, you are more likely to know your child. Stay informed and be involved.

A great parenting tip is to be aware of how your actions can influence your child. If you curse a lot at home, don't be surprised if your child gets suspended or sent home from school for bad behavior. Always try to set a good example for your child.

One of the most important tips that can be offered when it comes to parenting is to be consistent. Never say you are going to do something then not carry through with it. This will lead your children to believe that you are not serious which could be very harmful when it comes to serious matters.

Drugs and drinking are two of the greatest fears for their teenagers. Sometimes they even overreach stress and emotional stability. Parents should look to keep their kids aware of the dangers, because there certainly are dangers for people who are easily influenced or swayed. That being said, parents should take precautionary measures of talking to their kids in depth, that is, to explain the problems rather than instituting baseless restrictions.

Getting involved at your child's school is a great way to improve your child's performance in school. Volunteering at school can send your child a positive message about how much you care about their education. It will also give you a first hand look into your child's environment away from home.

Although it is a widely debated topic, it is highly recommended that your child get all necessary vaccinations. Some of the diseases that your child can get if they do not get vaccinated could make them sick or worse, even kill them. This holds especially true for children who go to school, where diseases are spread more rapidly.

Stand your ground when it comes to your child's bedtime. If it's past their bedtime and they're begging you for just one more TV show or book, stand your ground. An hour less sleep per night reduces a child's ability to function the next day, affecting their concentration at school. Teenagers need eight to nine hours of sleep per night, whereas younger school-age children should get a minimum of ten to twelve hours.

While this is all great advice, some of these methods may not work with your children. That does not mean to give up. It just means that you should switch gears and try to find the methods that will help you to be the best parent your child could possibly have.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Children in need - and back to school

We all have our pet charities that we love, and we find time to give them what we can in the way of help and donations. One popular type of charity is one that helps children in need. Children are innocent, and often born into situations that are not the best, but their parents do what they can. This means that the kindness of strangers can mean the difference between starving and having a good meal, or may mean that Christmas is a happy time instead of filled with disappointment.

Most are touched by children in need because they know the child did nothing to get themselves into their predicament. They can’t help how they were born, or who they were born to. Not all parents are bad, some just have bad luck, and they do the best they can with what they have. Sometimes, that is just not enough. Children in need are always grateful, and perhaps that is why so many support those causes as well. Most communities have many programs for children, and they make up the majority of charities that most give to each year.

One popular charity for kids in need is Toys For Tots. Each year, stores and volunteers collect unopened toys to give to children in need in the immediate area. I always try to buy some stuff to throw in the box. No child should be without presents during the holidays, and this is one that always touches me. It might not be as important as putting food on the table, but giving a child joy is something that should be special to everyone. They are always so grateful, even when they have little to be grateful for.

When checking out other charities for children in need, do a little research. If it is a well known charity, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Your money, however, is best spent going to a charity that does not take a lot off the top for administrative purposes. Some money has to go to this, but it should not be a lot of it. If you aren’t happy with the percentages, you are free to give your money to someone else. There are plenty of children in need out there, and plenty of charities that will help them. You can feel free to find the right one so you know the money is going where it should be going.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

It is still summer hot -Children Hydrating While Playing In Sun

Children can get dehydrated very easily under normal circumstances but children hydrating while playing in sun and heat is especially important.

Having a readily accessible source of water for your kids to drink whenever they pass by is essential. Kids do not want to have to work at doing what is best for them, they are only interested in having fun especially if a pool and friends are involved.

Even if you have water readily available they may not even think about taking a drink unless you prompt them to. So, when your kids are playing outside make sure they take a drink at least every 30 minutes or so so they stay hydrated.

Sometimes if it is especially hot and they are outside, water may not be enough. Essential electrolytes are lost in sweat and need to be replaced. A nice low sugar sports drink is the best way to accomplish this. They taste good and are good for you and your children hydrating while playing in sun.

If for some reason they do not like the sports drinks then juices with no added sugar will also do nicely to keep them from becoming dehydrated.

I know that it can be hard sometimes to get your kids to stop doing something they love to do like playing in the pool on a hot summer day but you should also encourage them to take a break from being in full sun and find some nice shade where they can rest their little bodies.

A good way to do this is to plan out a picnic lunch and when they time comes find a nice shady spot to get them out of the sun. Encourage them to lie down after they eat and just rest.

If they are young enough or have played hard enough you might just get lucky and they will find they need a nap after lunch.

Have healthy food prepared for them and include some fruits that are high in water content like watermelon or grapes. Things that are easy for them to eat and will help with their hydration as well.

The heat of the day will drain them and they should either go inside and rest or enjoy some indoor activities or play in the shade for a while during the hours of 10am to 4pm. These are the hours when the sun is at it's peak and your children should be protected.

Do not forget to put sun screen on them at least thirty minutes before they go outside and then reapply it every two hours. Swimming and sweating deplete the effectiveness of the sun screen over time so reapplying every two hours they are outside is a must.

Parenting can be tough and getting your children to do what is best for them can be a challenge but if you carefully explain to them why they need to take frequent drinks then you should really not have a problem with your children hydrating while playing in sun this summer.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Back to school and the dreaded Head Lice




Children are especially susceptible to head lice for a few different reasons. Children tend to have closer physical contact with other children, more so than adults have with each other; in addition, they also have a habit of sharing personal items with each other, such as brushes and hats.
Aside from these reasons, children also congregate in large groups, such as in childcare centers, schools and playgrounds. As a result of these factors, head lice tends to spread more readily among children. Children at a typical public school come from all different backgrounds and areas of the country, head lice is very common so do not freak out out if this happens!

Head lice cannot fly or jump, but they do cling to the hair and other items, attaching themselves to humans as soon as they come in contact. Some of the most common means in which head lice spread, is through personal clothing items, such as hats, shirts, coats, scarves, etc. They may also spread when someone shares items such as brushes and hair accessories.

Another means in which a child can catch head lice is by using pillows, blankets and bed linen that an infested person has used. Couches and chairs are addition culprits in spreading lice. Head lice can live off of the human host for at least three days.
To determine if your child has head lice, you have to use a comb to part the hair and examine the hair shafts and scalp with a magnifying glass while under a bright light.
Head lice move very quickly, sometimes making detection very difficult, because of this you should always look for the little brown or tan lice eggs that will be attached to the shaft of the hair; usually near the scalp.
Examine the scalp closely, as well as the area behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. These areas may contain more lice, than the top of the head. Because head lice is so common there are many combing services in most cities to remove the lice as soon as the are noticed. Check on the internet you will find a head lice combing near you which greatly reduces the use of harsh shampoo.

Though frequently scratching the scalp may be a sign that your child has head lice, itching does not always begin right away. It may take a few weeks before the infestation is bad enough to cause your child’s head to begin itching, depending on how sensitive they are to the lice.
If your child has head lice they may develop small, red bumps on the scalp due to scratching. If the scalp lacerations become infect they may be crusted over or oozing a clear or yellowish liquid. It is a good idea to contact your child’s doctor if it appears that your child has red bumps or sores on the scalp.
Because some of these symptoms of head lice may not be obvious right away, it is important that you examine your child for head lice on a frequent basis, especially during the school year, or if they go to a daycare.