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The Perfect Pet-a RAT! Yes, REALLY! July 17, 2008

Posted by artinshamrocks in Pets, active kids, summer fun.
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A domesticated rat can make a perfect pet.  They have been given many bad raps but in actuality they are very affectionate, clean and intelligent.  Rats love to be cuddled and held and can even be trained to come on command.  They are also very easy to care for.  I’m serious about this so read on to see some suggestions if your child is asking for a pet.

Cage-you will need a 2ftx2ftx2ft wire cage or larger.   A wire cage is preferable to a aquarium because it is healthier for your pet. Rats are crafty so be sure your cage has a good latch that they can’t learn to open.
 
Bedding-shredded recycled paper is good and also a product called Care Fresh which can be found at local pet stores.  Do not use pine or cedar because it will make them sick!
 
Diet-it is fun to feed your rat because it will enjoy small amounts of fresh fruits and veggies everyday. Try things like grapes, strawberries, apples, carrots, an occassional peanut or unsweetened whole grain cereal.  Rats like people food so even a little cooked pasta or cheese might make them happy.  The main diet should consist of  a quality pellet especially formulated for rodents.   
 
Water-fresh water in a bottle every day is absolutely necessary.  All rodents drink a lot of water.
 
General Care-your rat should be played with at least 1 hour a day or more.  The cage should be cleaned twice a week or more often if necessary.  Hold your rat supporting their bottom and their back and let them cuddle with you or ride on your shoulder.  Like all rodents, rats need to gnaw to wear down their teeth so a couple wood blocks or sticks are good in the cage.
 
Toys-rats are good problem solvers so the trickier the toy the better.  They like boxes, ropes and swings, tunnels, platforms and may play with a little ball with you. 
 
A pair of females can be put together at anytime but a pair of boys fight.  Spaed females can live with males but don’t keep a male and a female together unless you want a million babies a year!  Harmful food include corn, candy, sugar drinks, onions, sticky food or junk food.  They are also natural chewers so watch when you have them out of the cage because they will chew on electrics cords.
 
Rats are very curious and like to explore their surroundings.  Your rat should go to the vet if you ever think he/she is not acting like themselves.  Simple items like large cardboard paper towel tubes or a small cardboard box makes a wonderful toy for them to chew on.  Be sure to rotate the toys so your rat doesn’t get bored.  With good care a rat will live 2-4 years.
This was one of the pets we had when we were raising our daughter and after I got use to the idea it turned out to be one of our favorites.  We still talk about that rat and all the fun the entire family had with her. 
 

Protect Your Little Ones from Mosquitos July 17, 2008

Posted by artinshamrocks in Infants- Sleeping and Napping, Nursery, Toddlers, active kids, babies, health, safety, summer fun.
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Mosquitos are an unpleasant nuisance and can ruin an enjoyable summer evening but they also carry West Nile which could be deadly especially to am infant.   An ounce of prevention is much better than a infant howling with itchy red welts.        Understanding what attracts mosquitoes is as important as understanding what repels them.  Mosquitos like humidity such as perspiration and moist plants, dark clothing, carbon dioxide, floral scents, still air, early mornings or evenings and lactic acid which is released after exercising or eating salty or high-potassium foods.  People who eat garlic are often not bothered by insects as much.  Avoid taking your infant out at night and dump all old standing water such as rain barrels and items that have accumulated water. 

You might want to try several of the suggestions below.

 -  Dress your infant or small child in long sleeves and long pants-even if it’s really hot you can easily choose a light fabric which will help cover their bare legs and arms. Mosquitos are attracted to bright colors.
 
- If you have mosquitos in your house your children and infants should wear loose long-sleeved pajamas and sleep under a light sheet.
 
- A moving fan may prevent mosquitoes from landing near a crib but be sure it is not within reach of the baby or small child.
 
- Children should never use a DEET concentration over 10% since beyond this concentration they can get systemic absorption and be more susceptible to the effect of DEET.   Read labels carefully! There are repellents made specifically for infants for purchase in drug stores.
 
-  Lemon eucalyptus mosquito repellent smells nice and has no DEET but you should check the label for suggestions for infants and toddlers.  Organic eucalyptus and lemon balm oils are also both natural and effect.  Two ounces of chopped garlic mixed into a cup of warm water makes a fairly reliable organic spray but it does smell bad. Soybean oil has also been known to be effective. Many parents say that Avon Skin-so-Soft can repel the majority of mosquitoes. Mosquitos may land but not bite.
- Use insect screen with fine mesh on windows and doors in the house and tents.  Use a mosquito net over beds if mosquitos cannot be kept out but be sure the net is secure so that a baby cannot get tangled in it.  A small net is great for a stroller when you have outside events-just drape over stroller and tuck in the edges.  Some strollers even come with a bug net.

 -  Never allow children to apply their own mosquito repellent since they may inadvertently apply too much.

 -  Apply insect repellent to children’s clothing too.
 
-  Plant marigolds around your patio area and places where children play.  Marigolds are a natural insect repellent.  Lemon grass is also a natural repellent.  These plants help but do not completely repel pesky mosquitoes.  Light citronella candles on your porch or patio too in the evenings when the family is out. Citronella candles reduced mosquito bites by 42% and citronella incense reduced bites by 24%.
 
-  Make sure to trim your child’s nails.  If the child has a bite it will keep  it from becoming infected if he or she does scratch.  Cold vinegar helps relieve the itch and sting.
 
 -  Check on the label to see if the makers of the repellent say that it is safe for young children.  If they do not say it is safe, avoid using it on babies and toddlers. Make sure that the bug repellant is DEET free!  DEET has been shown to be harmful to young children. 
 

Summer Vacation is Half Over:( July 9, 2008

Posted by artinshamrocks in active kids, education, games, summer fun, technology.
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Summer vacation is half over and the natives might be getting a little restless.  I was shocked to see Back to School items in the stores already and the latest Lands End catalog is showing new packs, book bags and cool weather outfits for kids. 

Here’s a couple ideas if your child is complaining of boredom:

At Fun Brain Kid Center you child will find all sorts of activities and games that target science, music, geography, art and technology.  The games in each category are ranked by age appropriatness.

Gamequaruim offers dozens of free online videos.  There is everything from Berenstain Bears and Curious George to videos on the presidents and black history.  You can learn sign language or take a tour of the human body.

If the computer isn’t an option your child can read, read, read!  It doesn’t matter what they read really-the sports page, nonfiction on butterflies, a cookbook or a challenging novel.  The American Library Assoication has a list of suggested titles for 8-11 year olds and a list for 12-14 year olds.  Reading fills your brain with facts and expands your vocabulary AND there are so many good books!

New Old Games for Summer Fun June 15, 2008

Posted by artinshamrocks in active kids, fun products, games, summer fun, toys.
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Every year during the last couple weeks of school, my students would finally tire of each other and become bored with the playground and probably me.  That’s when I’d drag out the oldies but goodies of MY childhood and teach them hopscotch, marbles, jacks and silly jump rope rhymes.  There was something for everybody to get us smoothly to the last day of school. 

If you school aged child is spending way too much time at the computer or in front of T.V. or becoming bored with you, drag out these fun “ancient” childhood games.

Hopscotch-this game REALLY is ancient!   It was played by ancient Romans.  All you need is a stick of chalk and a rock.  Simply draw a grid on the sidewalk, toss your rock and hop.  It’s easy to find the rules and even watch a video demonstration.

Jacks-little metal objects and a small rubber ball and you’ve got yourself a game of jacksthat takes a little skill and practice.  Kids can play alone or with friends.  Play onesies, twosies or eggs in a basket.  And practice makes perfect. 

Marbles-this game really appeals to boys for some reason but my best player was a girl!  Her dad had taught her and she was queen of the marble ring.  There are various games of marbles but they are all fun for everyone.

Jump Rope-good exercise and a couple fun new (old) silly rhymes maake this a great activity for the shake of a big tree.

Have your kids give these a try but don’t forget drinking lots of water, the sunscreen and a big dose of fun!