Sally Worsham
Breathable Crib Bumpers - Are They Safe?
Health & Safety, Kid Decor & Style, Alerts & Recalls
Some parents ignore this advice, which has made breathable bumpers -- bumpers created with breathable mesh that increases airflow and can reduce the potential of accidental suffocation -- a popular choice. The breathable bumpers' mesh keeps arms and legs from getting caught in the crib. Unlike traditional bumpers, the unsupportive mesh keeps older children from climbing up the sides of the crib.
Still, there are breathable bumper critics.
Consumer Reports experts in February 2009 stated that "bare is best," meaning that netting, sleep positioners or bumpers should not be used in cribs. The recommended that blankets, pillows or any other loose, soft bedding should be kept out of cribs, too.
Read about other Baby Essentials on ParentDish.
Popular Greek Baby Names and Their Meanings
Though you might never meet a Hercules or Aphrodite, the names of Greek gods, goddess, heroes and heroines are steeped in meaning and often inspire Greek parents when they are choosing baby names.
There are many names that come from a Greek root, but are transformed after being passed down through many languages over years. Three of the 10 most popular baby boys names in America in 2008 were Greek names: Alexander, which means defender of mankind; Anthony, which means worthy of praise; and Christopher, which means Christ-bearer.
Baby girls haven't been left out of the Greek-name craze. Three of the 10 most popular baby girl names in the U.S. last year had Greek origins: Ava, which means like a bird; Chloe, which means verdant and blooming; and Sophia, which means wisdom,.
Parents who are looking for lists of popular Greek names and their meanings have various resources available. In addition to combing through Greek mythology books, they can also check out Baby Names Country, which has a list of the most popular Greek names and their meanings.
Other popular Greek baby boy names and their meanings are: Andrew (manly and courageous), Damian (sweet and harmless), Jason (healer), Nicholas (victorious people) and Thomas (twin).
Popular Greek baby girls names include: Irene (peaceful), Phoebe (bright, shining one), Stacey (resurrection), Vanessa (butterfly) and Zoe (life).
Check out more ParentDish coverage of baby names.
Top Christmas Games
Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Teens & tweens, Fun & Activities, Holidays, Toys & Games
Give scavenger hunts a holiday twist by having kids find Santa's reindeer. Hide at least eight reindeer toy reindeer, or nine reindeer, which would include Rudolph. The person to find the most reindeer wins, and whoever finds Rudolph can win a special prize.
Santa's Christmas Puzzle Mystery, another treasure hunt, is based on the idea that Santa misplaced the presents he's supposed to give on Christmas morning. Children get clues that lead to their presents. Once they find their presents they can open them. Or, if you're playing on or they may place them under the tree to be opened in the morning.
Families that enjoy singing Christmas carols might enjoy Christmas Carol Pictionary Relay. In this game, children and adults get a Christmas carol clue and are asked to draw that carol. Their teammates try to guess which carol is being drawn. Once the carol has been correctly identified the person who is drawing the carol must sing the tune.
Young children can be kept entertained the Christmas Stocking Guessing Game. In this imagination-inspiring activity, parents put different holiday items -- like scotch tape, pine cones, holly or misletoe -- in a stocking. Children are then asked to feel the outside of the stocking to see if they can determine what is inside.
Find more Toys and Games for any occasion on ParentDish.
The Grinch: Dr. Seuss' Star Character
Holidays, That's Entertainment
The Grinch lives on snowy Mount Crumpit, a mountain north of friendly Whoville. The Grinch keeps to himself, living only with his dog, Max. Characterized as having a heart "two sizes too small," the Grinch becomes annoyed by and later jealous of the Whos, who are busy preparing for Christmas.
In an attempt to ruin the Whos' Christmas and their cheery mood, the Grinch steals all of the presents and decorations the Whos have painstakingly prepared. The Grinch is shocked when, even after the presents disappear, the Whos are excited to celebrate Christmas.
By the story's end, he's discovered the true meaning of Christmas and returned all of the presents. As a result, his heart has grown three sizes bigger.
The popularity of the book led to its adaptation to an animated film in 1966 which is still shown on television during Christmas season. Over the years, the Grinch has become synonymous with the Charles Dickens' character, Scrooge, as a word to describe someone who dislikes Christmas.
While the Grinch may be grouchy, that hasn't slowed his adoration by the American public.
Encouraged by fans, Dr. Seuss wrote "Halloween is Grinch Night," a 1977 TV special that describes Halloween as the Grinch's favorite night of the year because he is can terrorize Whoville residents once the "Sour-Sweet Wind" rolls in. Dr. Seuss also produced "The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat," uniting two of his most loved characters -- the Cat in the Hat and the Grinch. In this film, the Cat in the Hat persuades the Grinch to act kindly by reminding the Grinch that his mother would have wanted him to be nice to others.
Jim Carrey starred as The Grinch in a live-action film adaptation of the original book, "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas," which was released in 2000 and was d directed by Ron Howard.
Check out ParentDish for more great kids' books.
Sabrina Bryan: A Cheetah Girls Star
Life & Style, That's Entertainment
Sabrina Bryan was one of the original Cheetah Girls. Named Reba Sabrina Hinojos when she was born September 16, 1984, she is an American singer, actress, author, songwriter, dancer and fashion designer.
In August 2003, Bryan starred as Dorinda in the original Disney Channel movie "The Cheetah Girls," which broke ratings records as the most popular Disney Channel movie in history. The accompanying soundtrack sold two million copies and went double platinum.
In 2005, the Cheetah Girls released their first album, "Cheetah-licious Christmas," and toured the United States to promote the album.
The Disney Channel sequel, "The Cheetah Girls 2," was released in August 2006, breaking additional movie-rating records and beating premiere ratings of "High School Musical." The sequel's soundtrack and national tour were also wildly successful.
In September 2007, the Cheetah Girls released their official debut studio album, "TCG."
"The Cheetah Girls: One World," a third Disney Channel movie, came out in August 2008. The group's One World tour lasted from October 2008 to December 2008. Shortly after the tour, the Cheetah Girls disbanded so that the girls could pursue solo projects.
Bryan is also known for her appearance on the fifth season of "Dancing With the Stars." She and Mark Ballas, her dancing partner, were favored to win. However, the romantically linked couple was voted off the show in week six. She performed with the "Dancing with the Stars" U.S. tour in 2007.
Sabrina Bryan has also released an exercise DVD, "Byou," and is a Healthy Kids Challenge spokesperson. In November 2009, she was working with Kiely Williams, another former Cheetah Girl, on a talk show which has been described as "The View" for young people.
Check out ParentDish for more celebrity and entertainment coverage.
Top Toy Robots For Kids
Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Toys & Games
Toy robots have come a long way since Japanese creators built Robot Lilliput, the first robot. Robert the Robot, the first American robot, debuted in the Sears Christmas book of 1954, and toy robots continue to be a popular holiday gift. So, what are the hot toy robots this holiday season?
Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters have been flying off the shelves at retailers. The hamsters, which are recommended for kids ages 4 and up, crawl through mazes in their own playsets like real pets, but they can also drive toy cars that they park in their own garages.
Another popular toy is the D-REX Interactive Dinosaur. This dinosaur toy, recommended for ages 6 and up, comes with his own personality. Using robotics and proprietary software, the dinosaur is covered in leathery skin to look and act just like a real prehistoric reptile. The toy, which requires batteries, stands just more than 13-inches tall.
Another popular robotic pet is the FurReal Friends Lulu My Cuddlin' Kitty Cat. This robot, recommended for ages 4 and up, is the same size as a real cat and it can roll over, lick itself and even purr.
For kids craving a more typical robot, parents can check out the Transformers Robot Fighters Game. Thanks to the popular Transformers movie franchise, these toys are hotter than ever. The game comes with two robot Transformer action figures that are easy for little hands to hold and control. It's recommended for ages six and up.
When buying toys for small children, parents should remember that small parts can become choking hazards for children under age 3.
Check out more of ParentDish's favorite Toys & Games.
Hanukkah Games for Kids
Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Teens & tweens, Holidays, Toys & Games
Today, families celebrate the holiday through ceremonies, songs and games. One of the most popular Hanukkah games is the Dreidel Game. To play this game, each player gets 20 pennies at the beginning of the game. Before each turn, players put two pennies in a pot, and one player spins the dreidel, which is much like a die, except instead of numbers each side has a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Whatever letter is facing up when the dreidel stops determines what action will be taken.
If the dreidel lands on "nun," you do nothing. If it lands on "gimmel," that player takes all of the pennies in the pot. If it lands on "hey," that player receives half of what's in the pot. If it lands on "shin," that player must put one penny in the pot. Whoever has the most pennies at the end of the game is the winner. Instead of pennies, you can also play using chocolate gelt coins, which are a traditional Hanukkah food.
Pin the Candle on the Menorah is a variation of Pin the Tail on the Donkey. In this game, blindfolded children attempt to pin nine paper candles to a paper menorah (a nine-branched candle holder). Children who get the closest to each correct place for the candle win.
The game Hide the Chocolate Gelt is a twist on a scavenger hunt. Parents hide chocolate gelt coins around the house and kids then look for them. Try customizing the game by giving kids clues as to where to find the coins.
Find more activities for the holidays and more games for any occasion on ParentDish.
Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts For Family Fun
Preschoolers, Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Teens & tweens, Fun & Activities, Holidays
Move beyond the trace-your-hand turkeys with ideas like the Thanksgiving Tree from Preschool Education. To create the tree's base, you insert a tree branch into plaster of paris. Next, using construction paper, make red, yellow, and orange autumn leaves. Throughout the month, ask your child to write things he or she is thankful to have onto the leaves. Hang them on the tree. Once Thanksgiving arrives, you will have a beautiful symbol of gratitude for your family. The tree doesn't have to be a holiday-only craft. -- you and your family can use the tree to give thanks at any time of the year.
Preschool Education also has Stained Glass Turkeys that kids can create. Kids attach red, brown and orange tissue paper to the birds' paper-plate bodies to create beaks, feet and feathers.
Another fun craft is Fingerprint Turkeys from DLTK. Place brown, red and orange paint in separate containers and give your child a piece of paper. Have your child place her thumb in the brown paint to make the turkey's body. If her thumb isn't big enough, use a paintbrush to draw a large, oval body for your turkey. Once the body has been created, have your child dip her index finger in orange paint. Place a finger print around the turkey body to create feathers. Repeat with the red paint. Once the paint dries, use a black marker to add in details like a beak, eyes and feet.
Your child might be too young to cook, but get her involved in Thanksgiving preparations by making tabletop decorations. Make a Mayflower centerpiece from Disney Family Fun for the dinner table with a milk carton, a paper bag, skewers and white paper. Tape the empty, clean milk carton shut. Then parents should cut a hole in the side of the carton. Next, kids can glue strips of paper, cut from the paper bag, to the carton to create the ship. Place skewers with flags cut from white paper in the boat. Gluing items to the bottom of the carton that you can stab the skewers into should help your flags stick. Once the boat has been created, your family can write the things they are thankful for on slips of paper and place them in the milk carton.
Corn Candles from Moms Today are another great addition to your Thanksgiving table. To make these candles purchase several 4- to 5-inch candles in various colors. Help your child find ornamental corn cob kernels or other small items to decorate the candles. Glue the ornamental corn cob kernels to the candles.
Read more ParentDish coverage of Holidays and Fun & Activities to get you through the holidays.
Keep Your Child Safe from Kidnapping
Babies, In The News, Resources
Though Shannon was returned unharmed, the statistics surrounding the discovery of missing children are grim.
The U.S. Department of Justice reported that 2,185 children were reported missing each day in 2002, or 797,500 children in a year. The majority of those children were victims of family abduction, but 115 children were victims of a "stereotypical," which means the it involved "someone the child does not know or a slight acquaintance who holds the child overnight, transports the child 50 miles or more, kills the child, demands ransom, or intends to keep the child permanently," according to the Department of Justice.
How do you help prevent your child from becoming a kidnapping victim? The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers parents these safety tips:
1. Encourage children to check with a parent, guardian or other adult before going anywhere with a stranger.
2. Remind kids to take friends with them when playing outside, walking to school or going to the library.
3. Tell children to speak up if someone treats them in a way that makes them scared or uncomfortable. Kids should also be reminded to get out of the situation quickly. They don't need to worry about upsetting others.
4. Communicate with your children regularly to build an open and caring relationship. Children must understand that there is always someone available to help them.
5. Address these issues with teens and preteens as well as with younger children, as all kids are potential victims.
ParentDish has additional resources to keep your kids safe.
Fertility Calendar: Get Help With Conception
Fertility calendars or calculators can help couples who would like to increase their chances of getting pregnant by helping the couple determine if and when the woman ovulates.
By charting the woman's basal body temperature, also known as the temperature of the body at rest, the couple can learn more about their fertility. Women have slightly lower temperatures before ovulation and slightly higher temperatures after ovulation.
During ovulation, which last for about 14 days before the menstrual period, women are most fertile. That's why women who want to become pregnant should focus on trying to conceive during this period.
Most online fertility calculators determine when women will be most fertile based on the date of their last menstrual cycle, the number of days their cycle usually lasts and some site-dependent additional information. Once you have supplied this information, the fertility calculator will tell you when you're most likely to conceive.
As women age, fertility calendars can help women understand her chances of conception. At 30, a woman's chance of conceiving each month are approximately 20 percent. By the time she's 40, her chances of conceiving drop to five percent.

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