- Earlier this summer, the Centers for Disease Control reported that cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, are soaring: 18,000 infections have been reported so far in 2012, which is twice the number seen by this time in 2011. Dr. Anne Schuchat, a director at the CDC, said recently in a briefing: "We may need to go back to 1959 to find a year with as many cases reported by this time."
Should You Vaccinate?
In general, about half of infected children under the age of one are hospitalized, and so far this year, nine babies have died. Outbreaks are often blamed on unvaccinated kids. But scientists and public health officials say that in this case, part of the problem may be that the current vaccine (on the market since 1997) doesn't work as well long-term, since many cases are being seen in vaccinated kids. In Washington state, for example (where an epidemic was declared this spring), over 75 percent of pertussis patients were up-to-date on immunizations. In a letter in the Journal of the American Medical ...Read More » Kids love to snack, but choosing healthy, nutritious options (that they'll actually eat) can be a challenge. Here are our suggestions for fun and easy ideas that the little ones can take to school.
Chocolate-Zucchini Cakes with Walnuts
Zucchini makes these treats nice and moist. You can substitute pecans for the walnuts.
• Prep Time 15 minutes
• Total Time 30 minutes
• Serves 24
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely grated zucchini (from 1 medium zucchini)
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (3 ounces) bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 24 walnut halves
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, stir together butter, sugar, salt, and egg until combined. Add vanilla, zucchini, and sour cream and stir until incorpor...Read More »Preschool is a wonderful learning time for your toddler. So many new friends will be made and a host of new skills will be acquired. But what exactly will they be doing in the classroom? And how can you as a parent encourage their learning from home? Based on my experience as a social worker and mom, I've rounded up 10 important things your child will learn and have included tips for encouraging them. - By Mary Weimer
MORE ON BABBLE
7 expert tips for preparing your child for preschool
10 toddler types your kid will meet on the playground
...Read More »
28 ways to make your kid's teacher like you- Source: Fun Activities to Encourage Going Back to School
LilSugar
Make heading back to the classroom tons of fun with activities that will ease anxieties and encourage organization. Along with picking up all those must-have school supplies, make some time for enjoying activities with back-to-school as the main theme. This gives kids a chance to share concerns and revel in the last days of Summer. From arts and crafts to exciting charts, these fun activities will have your little one ready to grab his backpack and head back to the classroom.
- Back-to-School Countdown Chain: If you've got a few days left before heading back to the classroom, make a countdown chain with this fun printable. Simply print, cut, loop together, and glue to create the chain with your little one. Each day before heading back to school, your child can pull off a chain and do the activity.
- Bravery Badges: Boost lil one's self-esteem with fun and simple bravery badges that are perfect to make before heading back t
...Read More »If you're a parent, within the next few weeks, you will begin back-to-school shopping for your children. As you spend money on the latest sneakers, clothes and school supplies, stop for a minute and think about all of the money you just spent on materialistic items. Then, evaluate how much time you spent on sending your child back to school with renewed self-esteem for the upcoming year.
Does Your Child Need a Confidence Boost?
As parents, we invest thousands upon thousands of dollars on providing our children with the latest video games, toys and computers. This year, why not take steps toward investing time into your child's emotional development? In today's world, with instances of bullying occurring at all ages, healthy emotional development is critical to seeing our children become successful as preschool, elementary, middle school and high school students.
More From YourTango: How To Triumph As a "Supermom"
As a parent, I am guilty of buying my children materialistic items. After all, I am human and I want to give my
