Chivalrous Habits of a True Gentleman

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In a world filled with late-night booty calls, infidelity and a general “hit it and split it” mentality, it’s easy to become jaded by today’s dating scene.


As women, we brace ourselves for the worst, proceeding with extreme caution during the first few months, for fear of falling victim to the aforementioned debauchery in which so many men partake.
It’s a welcome relief, then, when we stumble upon those few true gentlemen. They exude chivalry with even their smallest actions, and remind us that there are still good ones out there.





It doesn’t take a grand gesture or costly display of affection to win a girl over. Often, it just takes a little sincerity and display of genuine romantic interest.


Despite popular opinion, chivalry is not dead — here are 10 everyday gestures of men that prove it:

1. Opening doors

A guy who takes the time to come around and open the car door for you is a keeper, not to mention a commodity this winter.
With certain states getting up to five inches of snow an hour, do you want to be left standing outside in a blizzard while your date gets nice and toasty in the driver’s seat?
Recognize and appreciate a guy who puts your comfort and well-being first, even if it’s just for a few extra seconds.

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2. Saving the last bite of food

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So, when he saves the last bite for you, it’s basically him saying he likes you more than whatever meal is in front of him. Which, for the record, is a lot.

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3. Spending time with your family

A guy who shows an interest in your baby photos, coaches your little brother on how to throw a football and compliments your mother’s cooking is a guy who’s in it for the long haul. These are small gestures, but they speak volumes about his intentions.

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4. Suffering through a girly movie

When a man volunteers to endure a girly show or movie because he knows you’ll enjoy it, he earns major bonus points. (Even more if he does so without complaining or expecting something in return.)

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5. Sending flowers

I’m not talking about the R100 bouquet you get on Valentine’s Day. I’m talking about the grocery store assortment he picked up on a random Tuesday while thinking of you. There’s just something about unexpected flowers that makes a girl smile.

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6. Walking on the outside of the sidewalk

The first time someone does this, you will probably be confused. But then you’ll start to question how come other men in your life have never been concerned about positioning themselves in such a way that you’d be protected should curbside tragedy strike.
It’s not a must, but it’s certainly nice to have.

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7. Kissing your forehead

Sure, if you’re hoping to date someone and he does this, it can be a dreaded sign of sibling-like affection.
But, if you’re in a long-term relationship and your guy does this, it’s a small gesture that can make you feel adored.

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8. Filling up your gas tank

Much like walking on the outside of a sidewalk, this gesture will probably surprise you the first time it’s performed.
It’s indicative of a man who was raised right and is generally courteous, which is always a welcome surprise.

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9. Putting your jacket on

Women are fully capable of putting their own jackets on, but it’s not a question of ability. It’s gentlemanly and kind for someone to hold out your jacket for you or offer you theirs when it’s cold.
These are little ways men show they care, the same way women have instincts to nurture and protect loved ones.


Chivalry is not dead; men can be everyday knights in shining armor. You just have to learn to spot the subtle, more meaningful gestures.






Elite Daily                        Jen Ruiz in Dating

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Create A Nautical Nursery for your Little One

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With its stripes and sails, this fresh nursery is perfect for sweet boy dreams.

By: Joanita Cillié


First Published: Your Baby: March/April 2014 - Updated: 2012-07-09

 

 

 

 Stripe Away

• Combine striped fabrics and wallpaper in a fun way.
• Stick to white, light blue, navy and red to create a look that is uniform and traditionally nautical.

Tip:

• Layer the look by hanging decorative items including stars, fish and boats from hooks.

Ever so Tidy

• Beware of clutter in a nursery
• You may not have the luxury of time to keep things neat and tidy
• Make your life easy by having specific compartments for every item
• Store nappies, bum cream, powders and ear buds in a neat container on top of the changing area
• Use a piece of furniture with drawers or a traditional compactum as a changing station to have all the necessities on hand

Match & Match Don't underestimate the power of colour co-ordination. Try to do it throughout, with the toys you display, the bedding and the wall art and general decorations. You will be amazed at the results!  The room will automatically feel like a whole Using white furniture as a base means you can easily update or change the look in the future.

Extend the Theme

• Using a little boat in different ways- like painted on canvas and cut out of wood- extends the look and theme of the nursery.
• Wanting to brighten up the bathroom too, buy a packet of stickers and stick it onto the wall, transforming it into a cartoon heaven for any small child. 

It's in  the detail... Use interesting handles for your cupboards. These handles let the ligh

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Single Parent Dating

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Dating can be stressful for many people, add being a single parent to the equation, and it can be that much harder. After a divorce single parents need time to get used to their new routine, such as child-custody arrangements and spending quality time with their children, while juggling many other things.


Moreover, while the courts may dictate a custody arrangement, all too often one parent may choose to consistently deviate from the plan, making it challenging for the other to plan their time. Still, when enough time has passed and you are ready to embark on your dating journey, it’s important to gather your resources of family, friends and babysitters in order to carve out the time and energy for this process.

First, there are many ways to meet new potential dates. You may want to try online dating, meet ups, single parent groups or new activities, such as dance lessons. It’s at events like these that you can meet someone with common interests. However, before you go on that first date, you need to do a few things. I suggest a makeover—from the inside out!


This means, if you need professional help to move past your divorce, your ex or any other issue that would spill into a new relationship, don’t be afraid to get it. Next, work with a dating coach who can bring you up to date on the new dating landscape while reviewing with you the dos and don’ts of dating.

An image consultant will help you assess and recommend changes to your wardrobe, hairstyle, make-up, etc. They may even recommend having your teeth whitened. This may all sound superficial, but the fact is, looking your best has a direct correlation to feeling good about yourself, which makes for great first impressions.


When it comes to your kids, if they’re of an age where they can understand, let them know what you’re doing. Tell them you’re looking for a friend to have fun with. Reassure them of your love for them and that even when you’re out, they’re always in your heart and your thoughts.
Then, be sure to make appropriate childcare arrangements for peace of mind, so that you don’t feel guilty about going out and having a good time.


Children of any age can get attached to any partner you choose, so it’s important to avoid having a revolving door of men or women around your children. Only introduce someone to your kids when you feel there is potential for a long-term relationship, and after you’ve vetted them enough to know it’s safe to have them around your kids.

Dating is about getting to know each other, keeping things light and having fun. The key to balance when dating as a single parent is to always be present. When you’re with your children, be with your children. And, when you’re on a date, be with your date.

Share your time saving tips, blogs, recipes, and ideas for better living with Getting Balance’s community of women seeking happiness and wellbeing today.












Project Eve Moms

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5 Ways to Maximize Your Life, Starting This Morning

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Many of us have heard the adage, “How you spend your day, is how you spend your life.”  I believe it’s even more micro than that. How you spend the first two hours of your day will determine how you live your life and how productive that life will be.















Giving yourself time in the morning to put yourself in an optimal physical and mental state is equivalent to putting your oxygen mask on first. You can’t help others or thrive until your needs are met first. Here are five easy-but-can't-fail steps for the best start to the rest of your life, every day.


1. Choose not to “snooze.” Anytime you snooze, it’s a negative reaction. You’re losing out on your first commitment to yourself and that sets a bad tone for the rest of your day.


Place your alarm on the other side of the room and start your day off with a victory lap by waking-up when you promised yourself you would. While this may seem small, beginning your day with a victory rather than a loss will have a profound impact on the following 16 hours.


2. Read your affirmations. Affirmations are positive, powerful statements you make to put yourself in the right frame of mind. An example of an affirmation to you can use is: “I am reborn today – yesterday does not matter. I am as good as what I learn, what I create, who I influence and what I inspire today.”












Or, you can take an example from then 4-year-old Jessica whose morning affirmations went viral. We have between 45,000 and 51,000 thoughts a day. Choose to have your first thoughts, every morning, put you into the best frame of mind for a rewarding life.


3. Open your mind by opening a book. Reading in the morning is the most important step you can take to keep your mind open, observant and ready to learn.


As an individual, and especially as an entrepreneur, nothing is more important than learning and getting better, so don't wait until nighttime to focus on your most important objective.
Try a book that’s geared to helping you solve a personal or professional challenge. That will acclimate your mind to thinking through problems, which is a powerfully beneficial habit to form. It is especially useful right before you start your day (which will invariably have its share of challenges).


4. Exercise to thrive. It’s simply not true that exercise is the key to weight loss. Instead of relegating exercise to a means (for weight loss), think of it as the destination.


There are three key reasons regular exercise is a smart business strategy.


First, exercise brings oxygen to your brain, even if you exercise for only 20 minutes. Second, research shows that moderate aerobic exercise can improve your mood for up to 12 hours. Third, exercise is another great opportunity to learn. Listen to an enriching podcast or an educational audiotape while you’re working out.


5. Refuel to feel optimal. What you put into your body to start the day is integral to how you’re going to feel the rest of the day. While opting for a bagel or donut on occasion is something we’re all prone to do, you’ll be amazed how you feel when you switch it up for something that has a well-rounded mix of healthy fats, plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates.















Blending together a smoothie only takes about as much time toasting a slice of bread and slathering it with butter. Consider starting your day with a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil (brain booster) and, after your workout, try a smoothie or breakfast bowl. Need a recommendation? My favorite is red quinoa, almonds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds and ground flax seeds in a breakfast bowl.
For a smoothie, add brown rice protein powder, cinnamon, almond milk and fresh blueberries to Magic Bullet, Ninja, Vitamix (or whatever blender you have on hand). Mmmm, for the taste buds and the brain.


Try these strategies, or even just one at a time to begin. Jot down how they make you feel and affect the rest of your day. Implementing these strategies will benefit so much more than just your morning.
I believe self-care is social activism! It’s putting that oxygen mask on, first, so you can effect positive change within your workplace, with your family and throughout your community.

Sean Kelly

Contributor

Social Entreprenreur, CEO & Co-Founder, www.healthyvending.com

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#Packing a #Suitcase

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Packing well is an art: Frequent travelers know how to pack as little as possible while still toting everything they'll need.


We recently published a post on the best hacks for packing a suitcase. Since it's easier to visualize the suitcase, we've created an infographic that shows exactly where each item belongs.
This is what your suitcase should look like:

Skye Gould/Business Insider

Jennifer Polland and Skye Gould

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Ways to #Beat #Jetlag

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Traveling across time zones brings people to faraway destinations, but there's one huge downside: jet lag. 


Thomas Cook studied the phenomenon that leaves travelers exhausted and came up with an infographic that shows the best ways to beat jet lag.


Some useful tips include wearing sunglasses to trick your body into thinking it's night, drinking water to stay hydrated, and keeping active. They also give advice on how to time your activities to conform to the time in your destination. 


Here is the full infographic:

• Jennifer Polland
  
  Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/ways-to-beat-jet-lag-2014-7#ixzz37dtluhKT

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14 Powerful Natural Remedies For A Sinus Infection

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Treat the Symptoms

Though it is always more important to cure the underlying sickness rather than treat the symptoms, let’s face it: When you have a sinus infection, your number one concern is feeling better.  So before you try to focus on boosting your immune system and removing the causal factors of your sinus infection, let’s work on treating the symptoms.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water, no sugar added juices, clear broth, and hot tea.  These fluids will help to thin out mucus and help to drain it from irritated sinuses.  Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, and sugary beverages, as well as from smoking.  All of these substances will dehydrate your system causing mucus to thicken and clog already inflamed airways.

Dissolve Excess Mucus

Spicy foods such as cayenne pepper or horseradish can be mixed with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to create a mucus dissolving elixir.

Pressure Point Activation

For temporary relief of closed nasal passages when none of these other options are available to you, try a quick face massage.  These five quick steps take less than two minutes to perform and, when done correctly, will allow you to breath more easily.

Steam Inhalation

Break up thick mucus with a few drops of Eucalyptus or Peppermint oil in hot water.  With your face down over the water, drape a towel over the back of your head and inhale the steam.
This also works with a few drops of either oil added to the water in a humidifier.  Some of these machines actually have a small tank included for just such a thing.

Salt Water Rinse

If you are prone to sinus infections and you don’t have a Neti pot , you’ll want to get one.  This handy little device makes it easy to irrigate your nasal cavity, clearing out unwanted mucus and any inhaled contaminants that may be caught in there.  Use your Neti pot twice a day for optimum relief!

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a natural antibiotic made from grinding dried grapefruit seeds and pulp into a fine powder.  When administered in nasal spray form (such as this one), GSE helps to clear out mucus and may prevent other microbial contaminants from taking root in weakened and inflamed sinus tissues.

Turmeric / Ginger Root

Turmeric root is a wonderful, fragrant spice commonly found in Indian and some Middle eastern dishes.  Not only does Turmeric contain the natural anti-inflammatory curcumin, this spice is also an anti-oxidant.  When combined with spicy ginger root and brewed for hot tea, this combination can help loosen mucus from clogged nasal passages, alleviate sinus pressure, and make you feel better all around.  Ginger root also has the added bonus of calming an upset stomach – a frequent side-effect of excessive nighttime sinus drainage.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Two or three tablespoons of raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar added to a cup of hot water or tea taken three times daily will help thin out excessive mucus relieving congestion an sinus pressure.  Mix with lemon and honey or Stevia to taste.
Once you have alleviated some of the pain and congestion, you will want to focus on bolstering your immune system to help your body fight off the infection.

Part II: Boost Your Immune System

There are several natural methods you can use to fortify your immune system.

Vitamin C

Available as caplets, liquid, chewables (as well as some other forms),Vitamin C is perhaps the most popular over-the-counter immune booster.  Studies have shown us that Vitamin C helps the body to resist immune system deficiencies and improves overall health.  For the best vitamin absorption, choose a supplement containing Acerola.

Fermented Cod Liver Oil

Fermented Cod Liver Oil (FCLO) is rich in vitamins A and D, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids.  The fermentation process by which this oil is extracted from the cod livers does not damage the nutrients, making the health benefits of this super-supplement a long list, indeed.  Some of those include the ability to clarify skin conditions, balance mood and hormones, and remedy auto-immune disorders.  For more information on FCLO, check out this great article.

Oregano Oil

Just a few drops of oregano oil in a cup of juice, water, or tea each day can make a huge positive impact on your health.  Not only does Oregano oil have anti-biotic, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties when taken internally, it can also used topically to fight cold sores, nail fungus, and dandruff among other things.  Oregano oil may also be steam-inhaled as an alternative to ingestion (though some may not like the smell as much as peppermint or eucalyptus.)

Part III: Eliminate Possible Causes

If you experience frequent sinus infections or nasal irritation, there may be underlying environmental or dietary factors at work.  Here are a few possible culprits and the simple solutions to eliminate them.

Indoor Airborne Allergens

Animal dander, dust, mold spores, and pollen are the most common airborne irritants that cause sinus inflammation and congestion.  The easiest solution for this problem is to upgrade your air filter.  Also, make sure to change the filter at least once per month.  Mark your calendar on the day you change the filter or write the date somewhere on the out-facing side of your new filter before it is installed.
Keep your pets outside, or at least make sure that they are bathed and/or brushed often.  Vacuum at least once per week – more often if you have pets inside.
Sometimes indoor allergens hide in your air ducts.  Attach cheese cloth to the outside of air vents to act as a filter.  Not only will this prevent allergens from circulating through your home, it will also show you what might need to be cleaned out of your air system.
Get an air purifier for the room(s) where you spend the most time.  These devices circulate the air in a room through a HEPA filter and an ionizer to remove most common allergens.  Alternately, you can use an Activated Charcoal filter to clean the air in your home.

Outdoor Airborne Allergens

Pollen, smog, and car exhaust are some common outdoor irritants.  If you know you will be exposed to any of these allergens, consider wearing a mask to keep them out of your airways.  Drive with the windows up and set your car ventilation system to circulate so you don’t bring allergens from outside into the cab where you will inhale them.

Dietary Irritants

Food allergies and sensitivities such as those to gluten, dairy, and sugar can cause sinus infections.  Try eliminating these foods from your diet if you experience frequent sinus problems.
Of course, you don’t have to follow every part of each of the three steps.  Try one or two items from each list to see what works best for you.  When you find the right equation you will know as your headaches and stuffy nose fade away.  Then you can finally take the box of tissue off of the bedside table and say goodbye to sinus infections for good!

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25 Uses for #EPSOM SALT......

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1. Lawn and garden — Studies show that the magnesium and sulfur that comprise Epsom salt may help your plants grow greener, produce higher yields and have more blooms!

2. Pedicure — Combine 1/2 cup Epsom salt and warm soapy water, then soak your feet for 5 minutes to soften skin. Remove nail polish, push back cuticles, then cut and file your nails. Soak an additional ...5 minutes in a warm Epsom bath for super soft feet.

3. Hair volumizer — Combine equal parts conditioner and Epsom salt. Work the mixture through your hair and leave for 20 minutes. The result? Hair full of va-va-voom and volume!

4. Facial scrub — This is one of my favorite Epsom salt uses. Mix 1/2 tsp of Epsom salt with your favorite cleanser; massage into skin using small circles to give your pores a deep-cleaning. Rinse your face with cool water, pat dry. This is one of the most refreshing Epsom salt uses!

5. Relax — Add two cups of Epsom salt to your very-warm bath water and soak for 15 minutes. You can purchase Epsom salt with lavender or eucalyptus for an extra-soothing bath experience. Be careful when standing up, you’ll find that you are VERY relaxed after your Epsom salt bath.

6. Sea salt texturizing hair spray — Combine 1 cup of hot water, 2 tablespoons Epsom salt, 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel and 1/2 tsp conditioner in a spray bottle. Spray salt mixture into hair and scrunch hair with your hand for pretty beachy-waves.

7. Fabric softener crystals — Mix 4 cups of Epsom salt and 20 drops of essential oil to make DIY fabric softener crystals. Use 1/4 cup per load and add at beginning of wash. What a clever way to use Epsom salt, and also a way to save money!

8. Splinter removal — Soak your finger in an Epsom salt bath for easy splinter extraction.

9. Body scrub — After showering, massage handfuls of Epsom salt over wet skin to exfoliate the body. Get a spa treatment at home! Get more facial scrub recipes here.











10. Exfoliation — For exfoliation, mix 2 cups of Epsom salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Gently massage into dry patches for smoother skin.

11. Mosquito bites — Epsom salt can ease the symptoms of mosquito bites. Make a compress by soaking a washcloth in cold water that has been mixed with Epsom salt (2 tablespoons per cup of water), then gently apply to the bite area. This is yet another one of my favorite Epsom salt uses.

12. Sore muscles and arthritis — If your muscles or joints ache, an Epsom salt bath is a great way to find relief. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to your very-warm bath water, agitate the water with your hands to dissolve it then soak for 15 minutes.

13. Tile cleaner — Mix equal parts of dish soap and Epsom salt for a super easy and effective tile cleaner. Rinse with clear water. This is one of the most frugal Epsom salt uses, a great way to save on cleaning supplies and to use a natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners!

14. Bedtime bath for kids — Add one cup of Epsom salt to your kids’ evening bath to help them sleep more peacefully.

15. Headache relief — Evidence shows that that soaking in an Epsom salt bath can relieve headache symptoms.

16. Acne — Epsom salt has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties making it a fantastic natural treatment for acne.

17. Remove odor on hands and feet — Add 3 Tablespoons of Epsom salt to 1 quart of warm water and soak your hands or feet for 15 minutes. This will makes your skin soft, your nails shine, and also help remove foul odors.

18. Relieve constipation — Pour 8 oz. of drinking water into a glass, mix with 1 to 2 tsp. of Epsom salt and drink the mixture for immediate relief of constipation. Mixing directions are also found on most Epsom salt packages, consult your physician before trying this.

19. Sunburn relief — Dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salt in 1 cups of water and spray on minor sunburns.

20. Draw out infection — For simple infections on hands or feet, soak in a hot Epsom salt bath for 10 minutes to help clear the area. Note, some staph infections are worsened by soaking in hot water, consult your physician.

21. Cure for common cold — Did you know that Epsom salt baths can speed healing by detoxifying your body and increasing your white blood cell count? Try an Epsom salt bath the next time you feel those first symptoms of a cold.

22. Reduce swelling — Epsom salt baths can help the appearance of bruises and reduce swelling.

23. Deter slugs — Sprinkle a trail of Epsom salt around the area you want to be free of slugs.

24. Blackhead removal — Mix a teaspoon of Epsom salt, 3 drops iodine and half a cup of boiling water. Dab this solution to your blackheads with a cotton ball to help naturally extract them.

25. Insecticide — Mix Epson salt with water, add to a spray bottle and spray on plants to naturally deter insects.
(Photo ©iStockphoto/AdrianaCahova)

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Best Advice For Breastfeeding in Public

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The advice on breastfeeding seems to flow thick and fast. Please forgive the pun. Some advice is often quite prescriptive; particularly to new mothers in the beginning, from well intentioned and busy midwives. Often the best advice comes from other Mums who have been there recently and learnt from their experience. Forums such as �mumsnet� are often invaluable sources of frank and honest advice. If you read just some of the posts, the main thread of advice that comes through is; relax, take the prescriptive advice with a pinch of salt, let baby take the lead a bit and don�t get stress about it! After all, the alternative is far from the end of the world!











It is important to know that babies are individuals. They may have slightly different feeding patterns, or yours may have a bigger appetite than others! Newborns can cluster feed in the evenings. Feeding all night for the first few weeks doesn't mean they've got night and day mixed up and is actually not to bad a situation, because night is when levels of hormones are higher and it helps get breastfeeding established. Also, wear a sleeping bra, but make sure it isn't too tight or you could end up with mastitis.

One of the main initial problems women encounter when breastfeeding is �latching on�. There are many sources of advice on this, not least your midwife, and it is wise to establish that the baby is latched on properly and is getting milk before you leave the hospital. If you are unsure what you are doing is working, don�t be afraid to get a second opinion. Another great source of advice about latching on is on the Dr Jack Newman website.

Then comes the issue of feeding in public. After all, baby does not know when you are meeting a friend for coffee or sat in the doctor�s waiting room waiting for a check up. This can be another substantial source of anxiety and another reason why mums choose to stop early on.

This need not be the case though. It is virtually impossible to organize your life around feeding times and therefore it is best to be more relaxed about it and just be prepared. There are many products available that can assist mums (and their babies) to gain confidence in the early days of breastfeeding in public. The breastfeeding cover (or apron) is one such product. These covers can work well throughout your days of breastfeeding in public, particularly as baby gets older and is more prone to distraction. The breastfeeding cover / apron creates a nice cocooned environment for you both. This way, if you do feel a little self conscious when breastfeeding in public, you can cover up using an apron. Many mothers use cloths but this tends to not be as comfortable for the baby, and as a mother, you lose eye contact with the baby and can�t check as easily whether they are feeding well.

Advice comes from all directions when you are a new mum, and much of it seems contradictory. It can be a great strain when you are worried about doing the right thing. Probably the best advice is to listen but in the end, judge what seems to be right for your baby.

About The Author Dawn Callery is a mother who understands the pressure on mothers to breastfeed. As owner of Freedom Babe, she strives to offer innovative, tried and tested products designed to make life easier for new mothers. The is the first in a planned range of products available from Freedom Babe. TEL 0845 5438463 WEB www.freedombabe.co.uk The author invites you to visit: http://www.freedombabe.co.uk

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Why Some Pregnancy Books Cause More Harm Than Good

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With the rise in holistic medicine and alternative healing, it�s surprising Dr. Jennifer Barham-Floreani�s Well Adjusted Babies is one of the few pregnancy books available on the subject for mothers and babies. �Dr. Jen� as she is known, must be an overachiever type, because the book is over 700 pages!

The length also tells us that there was a huge untapped need for pregnancy books about holistic healing for babies and kids.

Well Adjusted Babies has been out a few years now. And yet nothing seems to have changed in the world of traditional pregnancy books. There is barely a whisper in most of them about anything holistic.

That�s like a 90-story skyscraper being built next to your house and you pretend you don�t see or hear anything!











A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention study said the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine has grown by leap and bounds from 2002 to 2009.

In Australia, the Alternative and Complementary Medicine industry is estimated to be worth over $1 billion and growing at over 30% per year.

And yet, traditional pregnancy books reflect the values of the larger world of mainstream medicine in general: treat the symptoms while avoiding or ignoring the root cause.

The only thing involving preventive care for most traditional medical practitioners is changing the oil every month in their luxury cars.

It�s funny they call it �traditional medicine� when over reliance on drugs and symptomology is fairly recent in history. Some so called �alternative� medical practices have been effective for 5,000 years!

So has Dr. Jen mellowed her message?

Let�s see�in recent years she�s published the 2nd edition of Well Adjusted Babies with new chapters, case studies, and the latest research; expanded her website and blog WellAdjustedBabies.com; and recently she completed a series of TV and radio appearances around Australia.

Looks like she�s in to win it.

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About Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani

Recently awarded �Woman of the Year� (WCWC) and �Australian Chiropractor of the Year�, Dr Jennifer is an accomplished pediatric chiropractor with four children of her own. Aside from pregnancy books, Dr Jennifer also regularly writes information for parents and chiropractors about holistic parenting in her blog.

If you would like to find out more information about Dr Jennifer, her books, or visit her free Pregnancy & Parenting resource blog, please take a look at http://www.welladjusted.me

About The Author Matt is an independent journalist and pregnancy books reviewer based in Melbourne. The author invites you to visit: http://www.welladjustedbabies.com

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The Importance of Play in a Child's Life

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It�s true that education is like a building block for a child�s future. All parents dream for a better career for their child�s life. Everybody wants their child to be doctor, engineer and wants to see them in high posts. In this cut throat competition children get pressurize with their activities to the extent that they don�t get spare time for their own entertainment. Teachers also keep the child busy during the holidays by giving them assignments and homework. Earlier children used to play with their siblings. So, the children easily got a play environment at the home. However, now the time spent by children in playing was very less as compared to the past two decades. Parents should understand that play is an important activity and they should not deprive their child from this opportunity.











Group games allow children to learn the values of team spirit. It also teaches them to cooperate with other members of the team and develop self discipline. This also enables them to face negative situation in life and make them strong when they get defeated. Many studies have proved that children playing games which have lots of violence are likely to be more short tempered and aggressive.

It is the duty of the parents to find out whether the child knows the difference between fantasy and reality. When this problem is not uprooted in the initial stages then it can take very ugly turn in child�s life and they will start presuming that real life is also like the games which they play. It will have a negative impact on children mind because inappropriate games will impart wrong set of values in them. Through play children develop essential life skills; they also learn how to interact with their peers and adults. It is through play that children develop essential life skills; they learn how to interact with their peers and with adults.

There are certain benefits that child get after playing. These benefits are given below:

1. Reduces fear, anxiety, stress, irritability

2. Creates joy, intimacy, self-esteem and mastery not based on other's loss of esteem

3. Improves emotional flexibility and openness

4. Increases calmness, resilience and adaptability and ability to deal with surprise and change

5. Decreases tactile defensiveness

6. Healing process for hurts

7. Enhances feelings of acceptance of difference

8. Increases empathy, compassion, and sharing

9. Creates options and choices

10. Models relationships based on inclusion rather than exclusion

11. Alternative to aggressor-victim model of relationships

12. Decreases revenge and need for self defense

13. Improves touch and nonverbal socialization skills

14. Increases attention and attachment capacities

15. Positive emotions increase the efficiency of immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems

16. Decreases stress, fatigue, injury, and depression

17. Integrates sensor motor, kinesthetic and emotional responses

In conclusion every child should be allowed to play as they learn so many skills from playing, and from defeating. Play is essential for every child�s development as it make them well balanced grown up and prepare with all the essential life skills needed.

About The Author This article has been written and posted by the team of OnlineSchoolAdmissions � a portal that provides free of cost consultancy to parents and schools for fast and easy online school admission process. Parents can locate best schools in bangalore or school admission form of their choice selected from the directory of schools listed on the site and applies to them. They can also search for carmel convent school bhopal as per their choice and fill up the school application forms online. Visit more details at:- http://www.onlineschooladmissions.com/

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Teach Your Children to Respect You

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The most important value you will ever teach your children is: to respect their parents. And since you cannot pass anything on that you don�t incorporate yourself, you will have to start by first respecting your children. If they don�t feel treated like a human being, worthy of respect and love, deserving of your attention, then their cooperation will be in short supply.



First, you show them respect. Second, you teach them to respect you.



So how to go about this in practice? What to do if your children complain about the food, insult you because you�re picking them up from the gym 10 minutes too late, or if they don�t want to clean up their own mess?



Let�s have a look at these situations one by one:



1. Are the kids complaining about the food? Do you hear a �bwerk� when they see what�s in the casserole? Well, you are no fool, are you? You just spent one hour in the kitchen preparing that meal. Before cooking, you spent one hour at the grocery store buying the food. Before that, you spent many hours on the job, earning the money to pay for that food. So you now start asking yourself, �Did I not give enough of myself for this meal?� Yes, you did! You do not owe it to them to prepare a warm meal every day. But you do owe it to yourself to get some respect from those for whom you make all these efforts. Enough is enough! You did your part of the deal, now it�s up to them. Teach your children to say �thank you� for every meal. If they have no �thank you� on offer but only muster a �bwerk,� then you are not making dinner for at least two days! Soon they�ll be begging you for a warm dinner, and God knows they will be very grateful when they finally get one on the third day! Never continue delivering a service that is not appreciated. You�d be a fool to do that! How does it feel to be toiling away behind the stove, all the while fearing your efforts and goodwill won�t be appreciated? This is no way to live! If they appreciate neither your efforts nor your cooking, then make them go without for 2 or 3 days, and see what happens.



2. Are the kids insulting you just because you�re ten minutes late when picking them up from the gym? Then stop picking them up from the gym for a few times! Make it clear to them that they have to appreciate your effort of taking them and picking them up. Don�t start an argument with them, for that doesn�t work. Don�t keep explaining time and time again that they should respect you, but rather show them by taking action. If they are unable to see the difference between the important facts (you are there to pick them up) and the unimportant facts (being ten minutes too late), then let them feel the difference. Next time around, simply don�t take them to the gym, so they will become aware of the difference and learn to appreciate what you are doing for them. Don�t settle for being treated like a slave. You are worthy of respect! Show them what it means to be a person who respects himself. Respect yourself and others will respect you.



3. Are the kids complaining that �there is nothing to eat� in the house, while the kitchen cupboards are bulging with food? What they mean, of course, is that THEIR favorite food is not available in large enough a quantity. Do your kids have this kind of complaints? Okay, here�s what you do: stop going to the grocery store for a while. That way the kids will have to first finish all the food in the fridge and in the cupboards (or go do some household shopping themselves, also an enlightening exercise). This also makes for an economical cleaning up of all those half-finished packs of crackers, biscuits, cheese, and the like. Then comes the next phase where there really is �nothing� left in the cupboards. Now is the time to go to the grocery store, and you can bet on it that they will appreciate the new arrivals! They will feel like there�s �so much to eat,� while in fact there�s less food than when they were complaining there was �nothing to eat.�



4. Are the kids putting tons of ketchup on their food, continuously ignoring your warnings to be more economical and eat healthier? Stop arguing about it, for that doesn�t work. Instead, stop buying ketchup all the time! For example, buy one bottle of ketchup per month and clearly tell your children that they�ll have to do with this one bottle for the whole month. When the bottle is done, it�s done, till next month comes around. If necessary, buy a bottle for each child and label it. That way your children will learn to regulate their �ketchup behavior.�



5. Are the kids ignoring your orders to put their shoes in the designated place? Do they go on leaving their shoes all around the house? Tell them this will be the last warning, and that from now on, any shoes found scattered around will be �launched� into the back yard. And then, stick to your promise! I had to do this once with my sun�s basketball shoes: I launched them outside. As it happened, that night it was raining cats and dogs. The next morning he cried, �What do I do now? My shoes are all wet!� I said to him, �Sun, this is your problem.� Believe me, I had to do this only once! Once your children know that you will do as you say, then you won�t have to do it. They will respect your word!













6. Are your children�s rooms a mess? You want the mess to be cleaned up? Don�t do it yourself! Your teenagers should clean up their own mess! So instead of arguing about it, tell them that they have to clean up their room before dinner on Saturday. That way you are giving them plenty of freedom to chose their own timing. Come Saturday evening dinnertime, go check if the room is tidy. If not, then there is no dinner for that child. After all, this was the deal: room to be cleaned BEFORE dinner. They can still clean their room right there and then, and have dinner when they�re done, but as long as the room is not clean there is no dinner. You could also say, �You clean your room and after that you can go out with your friends.� Be consistent and do as you say.


This is where many parents stumble when dealing with their children: they argue too much. They go on explaining the same thing dozens of times. Do you really think the kids didn�t understand what you were saying? If you have said something two times, then that�s enough. After the second time, you should ACT and not TALK.



Don�t argue with them! Never argue with a child. You are the parent, you are the one who decides. You can negotiate with your child, but don�t feel you need to explain yourself. Kids have much more energy than you do, and sooner or later you will give up (or give in) because your energy is spent while theirs is not. They know that and they will win the battle! Don�t get tempted to go into endless discussions with your child. Learn to act after the second warning. Be consistent! That�s the only way to get respect.

About The Author Written by Ineke Van Lint, psychologist. My goal is to help you achieve success and happiness. Accomplish your mission on earth and love yourself. Two free e-courses at http://www.theenthusiasm.com.

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Health Insurance for the Recent College Graduate

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As you graduate college and head into the great, big, scary world, there are probably a lot of things on your mind. First and foremost is finding a good job, then finding a place to live, and then maybe figuring out how to pay back those student loans. One thing that might not cross your mind is health insurance. All of your life, you�ve most likely been a dependent on your parents� coverage, but that ship is about to sail�if it hasn�t already.



We know what you�re thinking, �Why do I need health insurance? I�m young, I�m healthy, and doctor visits are few and far between. So why pay for something I�ll never use?� Hey, we understand where you�re coming from. But accidents and illnesses happen without warning, even to the strapping young adults such as you. Sure, health insurance is expensive, but not having it will cost you dearly.



First things to know



Let�s get one thing straight, health care in the United States is a nightmare, few will argue that. There are thousands of options when it comes to receiving care and paying for it, some of them good, some of them not so much. When it comes to choosing an insurance policy that�s right for you, confusion abounds. So let�s learn a little more about your options.













There are two essential categories of health insurance: managed care and indemnity plans. Though you�ll pay more for indemnity coverage, it offers much more flexibility than does a managed care plan. Through indemnity coverage, you�ll have your choice of doctor, lab, hospital or specialty clinic. When you seek medical care, you�ll have to pay an out of pocket expense�called a deductible�before your coverage will kick in. Deductibles range from a few hundred dollars up to $1,000 or more, depending on your policy. Also, indemnity plans require a co-payment on medical care

About The Author Joseph Kenny writes for the UK Loan Store, with some great loan offers and more information on bad credit loans available on site. Visit Today: http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk/

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#Apps Great Pregnancy Apps..

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These apps help you to connect with baby in the womb and stay on top of its development with great health tips too.

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	What to Expect: Pregnancy Tracker The popular American pregnancy book's mobile app features a due-date calculator, weekly updates on your baby's development and your changing body, daily tips, photo album, due-date countdown and size estimates. Read more about it here. Cost: free. Get it on Android and iTunes.
	BabyCenter: My Pregnancy Today Track your baby's development with daily updates and health tips, illustrations and videos. Read more about it here. Cost: free. Get it on Google Play and iTunes.
	Mediclinic baby: Pregnancy App This app takes you through your pregnancy week by week, features a weight gain tracker, contraction timer, calendar for you to mark special dates, photo album for your bump pics and list of what to pack for hospital. It also offers more information about the Mediclinic baby programme. Read more about it here. Cost: free. Get it on iTunes.

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School Readiness for Boys

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Is He Ready for School?

Parents of 4, 5 and 6 year olds begin to wonder about first grade readiness: Is he ready for school? How is he ever going to be able to behave in school? He can�t sit still!

It is important to think about what schools are asking of children. The pace of education has increased. However, our brain structure and development has not changed since our brains evolved when we were hunters and gatherers.

What are we asking our children to do that they don�t actually have the brain structure and development yet to do?


When you observe kindergartners or first graders, the boys are typically 1 to 1.5 years behind the girls in their fine motor development, their ability to sit still, and their ability to follow directions.
Send him to school as late as possible! That way, he�ll be the oldest in his class. This will benefit him through all the years of school


An extra year of kindergarten is advisable. A rising trend in America, and more established in Europe, are outdoor kindergartens. This gives boys, especially, an opportunity to be outside, to be physical, learning in a way that suits him much more. It is better than teacher (93% chance she is female) saying, Here you are in the classroom, it�s time to sit still and learn.�

Another part of development is the language areas of his brain. They are slower to develop than girls. So, while there are girls in first grade who can write complete stories, follow sequences, and read, your boy may not be ready to read until second or third grade.


Of course, there are boys that read when they are 3 or 4, each child is different. But overall, trying to teach a 5 year-old boy to read is like teaching a 3.5 year-old to read! Can you image?! Developmentally his brain is not yet ready to process language, track words across a page, and be able to match sounds and symbols.

In school, we�re asking too much, too early, of many of our boys.


Having boys enter school before they are developmentally ready and attempting to teach them to read before they are ready, sets them up for failure from the beginning. In first grade, they feel school isn�t for them, they see the girls succeeding where they can�t - yet.

What are their alternatives to this stress? They become withdrawn. Or they get even more rambunctious, perhaps becoming the class clown because somehow they have to act out, to process what they�re feeling.
We see this pattern of failure manifest at the other end of school, too. Fewer males are graduating from high school than ever before. And even in college, here in America, only about 44% of the college population is male. The males that do go to college are less likely than their female counterparts to finish their degree program.
We�re setting them up for failure by putting them in school too soon.


10 Ways to Bring out his Best at School:


- Boys need to move. If he travels in a car or rides the bus to school, he needs to move before he enters the classroom.
- Arrive early and jump rope, play basketball, run around the block.
- Recess. While schools are shortening recess, it�s being shown that academic performance actually increases with more movement.










- Active learning. Lessons designed with an active learning component builds social relationships and increases memory retention.
- Water. Frequent sips of water reduce stress and hydrate the body and brain.
- Relevance. Boys want their learning to matter and they want to know how to apply it and how it will impact the world.
- Allow gross. Boys express themselves with different subject matter. We need to make blood and guts as acceptable as unicorns and flowers.
- Free time. The kind of free time you remember when summer days seemed to stretch endlessly because there was nothing on the schedule. Be sure to schedule in some quiet, free play time every day. He needs time to process his day.
- Nature. Nature is the antidote to all the stress of school, media, family dynamics, and just simply growing up. Time in nature is essential to healthy bodies and minds.
- Teachers. Gently bring them on board. Let them know about resources such as Boys Alive Bring Out Their Best! by Janet Allison and Boys and Girls Learn Differently by Michael Gurian. Both available at Amazon.

About The Author Janet Allison is an author, educator, family coach and speaker who interprets gender intelligence and brain based differences for parents and teachers. Find more videos with parenting and communication skills insights and practical strategies at http://www.boysalive.com

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All about vaccination and immunisation

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Vaccinations are important. Before they were available, many children died or became very sick. Although babies and children can still contract diseases and die, vaccination programs have been effective in controlling this.

By: Di Peacock
  

 

 

 

    

The human body has a natural immune system, which is acquired by the unborn child from its mother. Further immunity from various diseases is acquired either from exposure to, and recovery from these infections, or through immunisation.
The body produces antibodies to that infection, which remain in the tissues as part of the body’s immune system, which is able to “remember” these infectious organisms. These anti-bodies combat subsequent invasions of the same disease.
Immunisation by vaccine is produced by the introduction of a dead or weakened form of this organism into the body. The immune system is simulated to respond by producing antibodies to thwart any future infections of the same disease.

In the past

Before vaccinations were available many children died or developed severe complications after suffering from infectious diseases. Even with modern medical care, a child contracting any of these diseases would suffer dangerous complications or die.

The benefits of vaccination

Vaccination programmes have been extremely effective in controlling some dangerous diseases and it is hoped by health authorities that once certain diseases are completely killed off there will be no need for vaccination.

The downside of immunisation

The downside of immunisation is that adverse events or problems have been reported after their administration.
For example, vaccines cause a change to the immune-response system, which may result in an alteration to the body’s natural immunity, particularly in those families that have a history of autoimmune disorders. However, these cases appear to be unusual in the vast majority of children and occur in about one child for about 2 million doses of vaccines administered.

About the additives in vaccines

Many parents are concerned about the safety of vaccinations. Some claim that it’s the additives in the vaccines, for example, gelatine or formaldehyde, rather than the vaccine itself that causes the problems.
Thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative found in certain vaccines) has also caused some concern that its use can result in developmental problems such as autism. Despite exhaustive studies this has been found not to be the case.
A dramatic increase in diagnosed cases of the autism-spectrum disorders have been noted by researchers globally, but this has not been linked to any vaccination.

In support of vaccinations

The majority of medical professionals worldwide seem to be of the opinion that the benefits of vaccination to the whole community and the prevention of the appalling consequences of the outbreak of infectious disease far outweigh any risks, which are minimal and affect only a few.
In deciding whether to have your child immunised you need to weigh up the risks of the vaccine against those from the disease.
Most vaccines have no side effects or only mild side effects, such as swelling and redness at the site of the injection or a mild fever. Some crying and irritability is fairly common. A dose of paracetemol 30 minutes before the vaccination and 4-6 hourly thereafter for a day should alleviate these effects, which should disappear within 24 hours. No child should receive any vaccine when ill.

Allergies

Any child who is known to be allergic to the antibiotics streptomycin, neomycin or polymyxin B should not receive the oral polio vaccine.
Certain vaccines, such as the influenza (flu) vaccine, contain egg proteins and gelatine. These may provoke a reaction in children allergic to these substances
The pertussis vaccine is never given to children who suffer from convulsions (fits) or any active (ongoing) central nervous system disorder, other than febrile convulsions (those suffered as a result of a high fever.)

About the MMR vaccine

The MMR vaccine has received a lot of bad press as it is rumoured to be linked to autism. No sound evidence has been found to substantiate this claim. Children who have experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatine, the antibiotic neomycin or to a previous dose of the MMR vaccine should not have it.
South Africa’s recommended Childhood Vaccination Schedule is adopted from the World Health Organisation. These vaccines are available free of charge at local clinics and community health centres.

Vaccinations

• Birth: OPV 0 and BCG

• 6 weeks: OPV 1 and DPT 1 and HepB 1 and Hib 1

• 10 weeks: OPV 2 and DPT 2 and HepB 2 and Hib 2

• 14 weeks: OPV 3 and DPT 3 and HepB 3 and Hib 3

• 9 months: Measles 1

• 18 months: OPV 4 and DPT 4 and Measles 2

• 5 years: OPV 5 and DT

Abbreviations

• BCG: Bacillus Calmette Guerin vaccine
• OPV Oral polio vaccine
• DPT: Diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccine
• HepB: Hepatitis B vaccine
• Hib: haemophilus influenzae B vaccine

Additional vaccines that you can opt to buy at your own cost include Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and Varicella (chicken pox).

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Teen Dating Violences

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Teens are frequently verbally, physically, and sexually abused in their dating relationships in attempts by their partners to gain power and maintain control. The victims sometimes cannot recognize the abuse because the examples from their homes, peers, and the media have been abusive as well, and they think it is normal behaviour.


At the beginning of a relationship, controlling behaviour and jealousy can be incorrectly interpreted as commitment and love by a vulnerable teen. The mistreatment leads to depression, anxiety, and hopelessness and can develop into destructive behaviour.


Verbal or emotional abuse involves name calling, yelling, public embarrassment, intimidation, and rumors. It leads to fear and a reduced sense of self worth for the victim. The physical abuse of hitting, pushing, and kicking commonly occurs when girls refuse sexual advances. Sometime the abuser knows how to physically batter someone without leaving a mark, so it is not obvious. Date rape and unwanted sexual activity are experiences of sexual dating abuse. A new type of abuse is technology based, and includes text messaging, email, and social networking. The control that an abuser craves can be gained easily by bullying on these technologies.


There is a three stage pattern of abuse that repeats: tension building, explosion, and honeymoon. There is a build up of pressure during the tension building stage when emotions are escalating, and then there is the explosion of verbal, physical, and/or sexual abuse. After the behaviour, the abuser is remorseful and profusely apologizes, promising never to hurt their partner again. The behaviour is then repeated, despite the regret expressed.


There are factors that influence dating violence in a young person�s world. Unfortunately, if a child has been brought up in a home where men are violent toward women, and the women accept the abuse, they believe this is normal. Peers also influence behaviour, and if adolescents have friends who tell them that it is acceptable to abuse dating partners, then they will. With these unhealthy influences in place, the mass media influence also contributes poorly to the perception of a healthy relationship.

The emotional impact of abuse for a young woman is devastating, and it leads to harmful coping strategies including substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behaviours, and suicide.
 

When a young woman is experiencing abuse, it is almost impossible for them to seek help and end the abusive relationship. Many feel that they would rather be in the cruel relationship than in no relationship at all. They also fear that their peers will take sides with the abuser. Victims are reluctant to seek help from adults because of previous mistrust of parents or people of authority. A victim may also have a misconception of what is normal and remain in the relationship.












School based prevention programs can be implemented to address teen dating violence. This offers the opportunity to change attitudes and teach alternatives to violence. These programs are providing evidence that they can reduce the chances of abuse developing.

About The Author Grace Enderlein is a freelance writer and editor." Teen Dating Violence" notes the emotional, physical, and sexual abuse that the victims of teen dating violence experience, and what influences the abuse.abuse. Visit the author's web site at: http://www.soroptimist.org

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