http://www.minti.com/members/josierm/advice/ Most Recent Advice on Minti by josierm Copyright 2009 Minti en-uk josierm Separation and divorce: looking after yourself. Going through a separation and marriage breakdown can be one of the most stressful times in your life.  There are so many things to consider, living situations to organize, emotional distress and fear of the future.  You are no longer in your comfort zone.  It is essential that you take the time and thought to ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/12047/Separation-and-Divorce-Looking-After-Yourself/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/12047/Separation-and-Divorce-Looking-After-Yourself/ Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:25:11 -0700 josierm Practical tips for separation……what next? (Australia)  So for whatever reason, you have decided to separate from your partner.  When there are kids involved, this can be a complex and stressful process.  When I separated from my husband, whom I had been with for 11 years and had 3 children with, I found it all overwhelming.  There were many questions I ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/12046/Practical-Tips-for-SeparationWhat-Now-Australia/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/12046/Practical-Tips-for-SeparationWhat-Now-Australia/ Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:37:38 -0700 josierm The Concept of Supervision.We all know the importance of supervising our children and keeping them safe.  Some people do it better than others.  There are the mothers who are still in their PJ’s at lunch time and have managed to do not one scrap of housework- then there are the mothers that work with military precision and everything gets done ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11996/The-Concept-of-Supervision/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11996/The-Concept-of-Supervision/ Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:36:27 -0700 josierm 3- Accidents in and around the home: Part 3: Injuries, drowning, choking, electrocution and suffocation.  There are so many different ways a child can be injured and harmed in and around the house.  Working in a paediatric emergency department, medical and surgical wards, I have seen the outcomes of a few of these potentially preventable accidents.  Nothing replaces the role of ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11940/3-Safety-In-The-Home-Part-3-INJURIES-CHOKING-DROWNING-SUFFOCATION-ELECTROCUTION/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11940/3-Safety-In-The-Home-Part-3-INJURIES-CHOKING-DROWNING-SUFFOCATION-ELECTROCUTION/ Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:23:43 -0700 josierm 2- Accidents in and around the home: Part 2: Burns  There are so many different ways a child can be injured and harmed in and around the house.  Working in a paediatric emergency department, medical and surgical wards, I have seen the outcomes of a few of these potentially preventable accidents.  Nothing replaces the role of supervision by a responsible adult- ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11939/2-Safety-In-The-Home-part-2-BURNS/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11939/2-Safety-In-The-Home-part-2-BURNS/ Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:42:14 -0700 josierm 1-Accidents in and around the home: Part 1: poisonings There are so many different ways a child can be injured and harmed in and around the house.  Working in a paediatric emergency department, medical and surgical wards, I have seen the outcomes of a few of these potentially preventable accidents.  Nothing replaces the role of supervision by a responsible adult- but ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11938/1-Safety-in-the-Home-part-1-POISONINGS/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11938/1-Safety-in-the-Home-part-1-POISONINGS/ Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:09:36 -0700 josierm CPR: The NEW way: What every parent should know!!The recommendations for CPR changes frequently.  It seems that every year I do my CPR updates, there is a new way to do it.  As parents, we should ALL know how to do CPR.  Here is an overview of the latest recommendations (current JUNE 09).  I highly recommend all parents attend a ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11918/CPR-The-NEW-way-What-Every-Parent-Needs-To-Know/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11918/CPR-The-NEW-way-What-Every-Parent-Needs-To-Know/ Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:13:31 -0700 josierm Communicating with the literal child: promote understanding and prevent fear Do you feel that sometimes you just can’t understand what your young child is trying to tell you? OR you don’t understand why your child is over-reacting to a situation?  OR that your child doesn’t seem to comprehend what you are saying?An interpreter would be nice- the day might run a bit ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11876/Communicating-With-The-Literal-Child-Promote-Understanding-and-Prevent-Fear/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11876/Communicating-With-The-Literal-Child-Promote-Understanding-and-Prevent-Fear/ Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:08:59 -0700 josierm The OTHER side of depression  I am writing this whilst going through the lowest period of my life, more as advice for myself to follow, a self-affirmation and a therapeutic outlet than anything else.  I don’t know if this will help anyone, but I felt the need to express my experiences as the person on the other side of depression ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11685/The-OTHER-side-of-depression/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11685/The-OTHER-side-of-depression/ Sun, 03 May 2009 05:22:36 -0700 josierm Re: flu vaccinationanonymousQuestion: I'm currently looking in to the use of the flu vaccination and wondering whether anyone knows some really good medical sources with pure facts.My Advice: Influenza and Flu Vax FactsThe effects of the Flu and Flu vax in adults pregnancy and childrenThe flu season is upon us yet again.  The infection control nurse at the children’s hospital I work ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11683/Influenza-and-Flu-Vax-Facts-for-Adults-Children-and-Pregnancy/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11683/Influenza-and-Flu-Vax-Facts-for-Adults-Children-and-Pregnancy/ Fri, 01 May 2009 21:04:21 -0700 josierm Critiquing Parenting Information CAUTION- this is heavy reading material- not suitable for sleep deprived or stressed parents unable to concentrate (LOL). We all know that there are so many issues worthy of writing about and having an opinion about when it comes to parenting.  We are also very aware of the amount of information available in various shapes and forms, whether it ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11593/Finding-Credible-Parenting-Information-and-Learning-to-Critique/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11593/Finding-Credible-Parenting-Information-and-Learning-to-Critique/ Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:29:24 -0700 josierm Re: EatingAsked by lons123Question: I have a eating problem with my son who is 6 years, It started from age 1. I have tried all tricks to get him to eat but am not winning. Food like Yoghurts, Ice Cream, Chocolate, Biscuits and sweets he will feed himself without any hussle but nutrition food I am forced to feed him every ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11568/Good-Nutrition-for-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11568/Good-Nutrition-for-Kids/ Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:20:30 -0700 josierm Saying Goodbye to Ripley: Helping kids Cope with the Death of a PetWe recently had to say goodbye to our much loved dog, Ripley.  She had been in our family for nearly 9 years and had been around for the entire lives of our 3 children.  One day she developed a limp.  We knew she had arthritis and an old ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11531/Saying-Goodbye-to-Ripley-Helping-Kids-Cope-with-the-Death-of-a-Pet/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11531/Saying-Goodbye-to-Ripley-Helping-Kids-Cope-with-the-Death-of-a-Pet/ Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:42:53 -0700 josierm What is the right parenting style?: A quest to support each others’ choicesHaving been a member of Minti for a few months now, I have come to realize that there are many differing opinions on the best way to raise a child.  And some opinions are certainly stronger than others. So……What is the right parenting style?Yours?  You probably think so! ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11528/Parenting-Style-A-Quest-To-Support-Each-Others-Choices/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11528/Parenting-Style-A-Quest-To-Support-Each-Others-Choices/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:47:14 -0700 josierm Promoting a positive first hospital experience for children.Visits to the emergency department for illness or injury, or even planned surgery can be very scary for a child (and the parent).  Often the experience is filled with painful and uncomfortable, but necessary procedures required for diagnosis and treatment.  The first hospital experience can determine how well a child copes with subsequent ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11406/Promoting-a-Positive-First-Hospital-Experience-for-Children/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11406/Promoting-a-Positive-First-Hospital-Experience-for-Children/ Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:48:24 -0800 josierm  “Oh, I’d love to have twins”: Reality CheckBeing a mum to twins, I have often heard the statement “I wish I had twins”, usually from those who are yet to be parents to just one baby, let alone 2.  Although I am very proud of my twins and wouldn’t swap my situation for anything, twins do have certain challenges that ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11393/Oh-Id-Love-to-Have-Twins-Reality-Check/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11393/Oh-Id-Love-to-Have-Twins-Reality-Check/ Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:04:21 -0800 josierm Considerations for returning to work after having a baby As a working mother of 3 I can tell you that balancing work and family life can be a juggling act.  I choose to work outside the home for several personal reasons and I wish to put forward the pros and cons of returning to work with a young family to help ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11370/Considerations-for-Returning-to-Work-After-Having-a-Baby/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11370/Considerations-for-Returning-to-Work-After-Having-a-Baby/ Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:14:43 -0800 josierm Breastfeeding Problems: Milk SupplyI am not a lactation consultant.  One day I will get around to doing that course.  But I have advised many mums with low milk supply through my work as a nurse and have had to boost my own on occasions, having successfully breastfed twins and currently feeding my 3rd baby.Fluctuations in milk supply are perfectly normal.  It's ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11343/Breastfeeding-Problems-Milk-Supply/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11343/Breastfeeding-Problems-Milk-Supply/ Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:35:18 -0800 josierm Keeping a clean and organized family home- its psychological!There are quite a few ways to keep your house under control.  Time management is one of them, but I don’t believe that it’s the be all and end all solution to the never-ending mess that is life with a family.Over the years I have come to realize that, even though I ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11319/Keeping-a-Clean-and-Organised-Family-Home-Its-Psychological-/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11319/Keeping-a-Clean-and-Organised-Family-Home-Its-Psychological-/ Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:04:22 -0800 josierm **Firstly let me apologise for this being incredibly long winded**.A comprehensive analysis of teething symptomsThis is one thing that all babies experience, and all babies cope with teething differently.  My 3 kids have reacted differently to teething.  My son always made a big fuss with every tooth- pink cheeks, sleep disturbances, drooling, irritability, in every way he let us know ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11282/A-Comprehensive-Analysis-of-Teething-Symptoms/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11282/A-Comprehensive-Analysis-of-Teething-Symptoms/ Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:39:19 -0800 josierm Coping with miscarriageMiscarriage is extremely common.  This is an indicator of what a miracle new life really is.  Most women will miscarry at some time in their reproductive life and not even know it.  It takes billions of cells, splitting, grouping, forming, differentiating to make a perfect little human being and only the slightest error can make it all go ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11243/Coping-With-Early-Pregnancy-Miscarriage-Some-Thoughts-/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11243/Coping-With-Early-Pregnancy-Miscarriage-Some-Thoughts-/ Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:17:52 -0800 josierm Look at the permit, not the person.  Question for you: What would be your first thought if you saw 2 teenage boys parking in a disabled car park and heading into the shops, looking quite healthy?  Would you stereotype them, think they were lazy or defiant, breaking the rules?  Would you confront them? Would you check the car for a ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11129/Check-The-Permit-Not-The-Person-Chronically-Sick-teenagers-and-Their-Extra-Obstacles/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11129/Check-The-Permit-Not-The-Person-Chronically-Sick-teenagers-and-Their-Extra-Obstacles/ Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:28:55 -0800 josierm Re: chrones diseaseAsked by poohQuestion: Is there antone out there that has any idea about chrones disease in children?My Advice: Crohns disease is an inflammatory disease of the gastro-intestinal tract and may involve any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly affects the bowel.  This inflammation can cause ulcers, fibrosis, adhesions, stiffening of the bowel ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11122/Crohns-Disease/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11122/Crohns-Disease/ Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:32:49 -0800 josierm Yet ANOTHER discipline article. There are SO many discipline articles on this wonderful site, as there are so many different ideas on what works and what is acceptable.  I have written my own, from what I believe works and my opinion on what is right.  I want to look at discipline from a different perspective though- a MEMORY of childhood discipline ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11080/Yet-ANOTHER-discipline-atricle-/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11080/Yet-ANOTHER-discipline-atricle-/ Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:53:56 -0800 josierm Natural therapies In this day and age when everything seems to be turning synthetic and from a laboratory, more and more people are concerned about the effect that so called ‘unnatural’ treatments have on our bodies.  So then we are inclined to look for “natural remedies”, whether it be a supplement, herbal concoction, diet change, aromatherapy, to name a few.  Natural ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11052/Natural-Therapies-Remedies-and-SubstancesDid-You-Know/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11052/Natural-Therapies-Remedies-and-SubstancesDid-You-Know/ Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:41:00 -0800 josierm The weather is hot here in Adelaide, and I have been hearing some reports on the news lately about the increasing number of children needing to be treated for sunburn, which made me think- What do I do to stop my kids from getting sunburnt.  The SLIP SLOP SLAP SEEK and SLIDE ads are on TV, and with these constant ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11003/Sunsmart-Kids-/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/11003/Sunsmart-Kids-/ Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:22:47 -0800 josierm It’s a lovely day here: blue skies, warm, a little breezy, but seemingly perfect weather for going to the park.  In fact we have just returned (myself and the 3 kids) from the park, and I write this while the kids are resting from their busy morning.  While I was watching them play, I was reminded of a young boy ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10997/Playground-Safety-A-True-Story-of-a-Playground-Accident/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10997/Playground-Safety-A-True-Story-of-a-Playground-Accident/ Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:59:25 -0800 josierm Re: Freaking OutAsked by VampyQuestion: Ok this may seem completely ridiculous to some of you but oh well its worth a try. I am nearly 16 weeks pregnant with my 1st and recently i have been seriously freaking out about going into labour. Its almost like im telling myself i cant do it etc. Also i think part of it is ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10947/fear-of-the-first-childbirth-experience/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10947/fear-of-the-first-childbirth-experience/ Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:59:12 -0800 josierm Best buys for starting solidsAfter preparing baby food for my 3 kids, I have noticed that some products are more helpful than others.  Here are my top product picks that I wouldn’t be without, with a baby of solid eating age.Breville Mini-wizMy mum gave me a Mini-wiz and I use it all the time.  It’s a small bender/processor and the ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10886/Best-Buys-for-Starting-Solids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10886/Best-Buys-for-Starting-Solids/ Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:35:49 -0800 josierm Financial planning for maternity leave Having a baby can be draining on the finances, especially when you go from 2 incomes to 1.  My income prior to going on maternity leave, was a significant proportion of our household finances, even working part time.  As all our children were planned, this makes it easier to prepare for the financially tight times.  In ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10876/Financial-Planning-for-Maternity-Leave/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10876/Financial-Planning-for-Maternity-Leave/ Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:05:46 -0800 josierm The male circumcision debate: what, why, and why not.I am not a huge fan of starting conflict.  Although I have in the past, on occasion, I seriously regretted it afterwards.  However, this topic, although much debated, is one that is often argued about for the wrong reasons.  In 2007, I did a paper and a team debate on the topic, ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10856/Routine-Infant-Male-Circumcision-what-why-and-why-not/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10856/Routine-Infant-Male-Circumcision-what-why-and-why-not/ Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:57:56 -0800 josierm High intervention versus low intervention labor and birthI wanted to write this article to let any mum out there who is planning on having another baby that every labour and birth is different.  I have had 2 labours and 3 births and each birth was a completely different experience (even the 2 births that were included in the same labour ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10827/High-Intervention-vs-Low-Intervention-Labor-Birth/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10827/High-Intervention-vs-Low-Intervention-Labor-Birth/ Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:53:16 -0800 josierm I have mentioned “cues for sleep” in some of my previous advice about sleep and babies.  I thought I might elaborate on what this actually means.When I was preparing to get my twins to sleep through the night, I read a book by Dr Brian Symon (I think), who is a Dr who specializes in childrens sleep problems.  It was ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10814/Cues-for-Sleep-teaching-your-baby-good-sleep-habits/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10814/Cues-for-Sleep-teaching-your-baby-good-sleep-habits/ Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:21:49 -0800 josierm Re: am i doing the right thing?anonymousQuestion: Ok so we have been trying since sept which coincided with my periods stopping. Im not pregnant as ive taken tests and i havent had a period since sept this year.I decided to go back on the pill to get my periods back then stop and try again.. is this ok to do? I conceived ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10773/Know-Your-Body-menstrual-cycles-and-fertility-trying-to-get-pregnant-with-irregular-cycles/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10773/Know-Your-Body-menstrual-cycles-and-fertility-trying-to-get-pregnant-with-irregular-cycles/ Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:39:39 -0800 josierm Smoking in pregnancy.My inspiration for this articleA family member of mine is about to start her first cycle of IVF, and is still smoking.  After having a discussion about the topic, she seemed unware of the extent that smoking could effect her fertility, pregnancy and unborn baby.  Although she plans to quit in the new year (after she starts IVF) I ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10771/The-Effects-of-Smoking-on-Fertility-and-the-Unborn-Child/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10771/The-Effects-of-Smoking-on-Fertility-and-the-Unborn-Child/ Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:43:32 -0800 josierm Bedtime routine for toddlers and preschoolers Is your toddler or preschooler difficult to settle into bed at night?  We have experienced difficulties in the past, for various reasons, but have seemed to have overcome them with a good bedtime routine.  I cannot stress enough the importance of routine and predictability in a child’s day.  A consistent routine helps children to know ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10757/Successful-Bedtime-Routine-for-Toddlers-and-Preschoolers/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10757/Successful-Bedtime-Routine-for-Toddlers-and-Preschoolers/ Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:57:16 -0800 josierm Advice for following adviceIt starts as soon you reveal that you are pregnant.  Everyone has an opinion and “helpful” advice on everything from what to eat, how to sleep, what you can and can’t do when pregnant……..Then when your baby is born, it continues…feeding, wrapping, holding, sleeping, prams, cots, crying, discipline…….The problem is, there is so much advice to choose ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10728/Good-parenting-advice-for-following-advice/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10728/Good-parenting-advice-for-following-advice/ Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:02:11 -0800 josierm Common pregnancy symptoms and how I dealt with them.  Here are some of the symptoms that I experienced during pregnancy and some methods of helping to cure them, tried and tested.NauseaI am pleased to say that I have not had to deal with much nausea and vomiting through my pregnancies, despite one of them being a multiple, so I consider ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10724/Common-Pregnancy-Symptoms-and-How-I-Dealt-With-Them/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10724/Common-Pregnancy-Symptoms-and-How-I-Dealt-With-Them/ Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:33:36 -0800 josierm Preparing a child for a new babyWhen I was pregnant with my 3rd baby, I felt I had to make the decision whether or not to let my twins (then aged 3 and ½) be present at the birth.  For most of the way through, I remained undecided, but in the end I made the decision that: if the baby ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10698/preparing-a-child-for-witnessing-childbirth-and-bring-home-a-new-baby/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10698/preparing-a-child-for-witnessing-childbirth-and-bring-home-a-new-baby/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:37:59 -0800 josierm Re: throwing up, fever. Asked by ambQuestion:  My son's caught this stomach flu that seems to be going around.  He has a fever and has puked a couple of times, and has chills. What do I do if he throws up abotu 20 minutes after he got tylenol?  Will it have been absorbed already?  Can I give him more?  I'm not sure ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10657/Gastroenteritis/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10657/Gastroenteritis/ Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:34:56 -0800 josierm Hey mums, don’t throw out your empty ice-cream containers.  They have many uses once the ice-cream is all gone.  Try these:  VOMITI keep an ice-cream container under each of my kids beds, ready to catch those middle of the night spews when they are not feeling well.  Take the container and the lid with you to the doctors, if you have ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10584/Mums-uses-for-icecream-containers/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10584/Mums-uses-for-icecream-containers/ Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:00:35 -0800 josierm A dying child: A nurses perspective, and what motherhood has taught meI had worked for a few years as a paediatric nurse prior to having my own children.  In my work, I care for some very sick children, and some, unfortunately, do not make it through.  Before having children of my own, I thought the loss of a child was ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10569/A-dying-child-a-nurses-perspective-and-what-motherhood-has-taught-me/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10569/A-dying-child-a-nurses-perspective-and-what-motherhood-has-taught-me/ Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:14:54 -0800 josierm Medication storageWell, its obvious isn’t it? Common sense tells you to store your medications up out of reach.  It’s what we all do, but poisonings happen easier than you may think.  The following are scenarios that I have seen in the paediatric emergency dept. (one of the departments where I work).  All had smart, responsible parents and all were avoidable ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10519/medication-safety-preventing-poisonings-more-than-the-obvious/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10519/medication-safety-preventing-poisonings-more-than-the-obvious/ Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:08:45 -0800 josierm The idea for this piece of advice came to me this morning, after waking up with blocked milk ducts.  Any breastfeeding mums out there who have experienced this problem, will know that it can be excruciatingly painful.  I had this problem when breastfeeding my twins and i have had it a few times with my current breastfed baby.Blocked milk ducts present ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10467/breastfeeding-problems-dealing-with-blocked-milk-ducts/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10467/breastfeeding-problems-dealing-with-blocked-milk-ducts/ Sat, 29 Nov 2008 02:15:20 -0800 josierm Re: DisciplineAsked by VickyBQuestion: What is a good age to start punishing bad behaviour? My 18 mo old daughter is into everything, and gives me a "cheesy smile" when she goes near something she's been told not to touch or go near. What is a suitable punishment for a child her age? She seems to understand the word "No" but only ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10406/Tips-for-disciplining-your-toddler/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10406/Tips-for-disciplining-your-toddler/ Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:33:08 -0800 josierm Re: To smack or not to smack?Asked by inquisitive-creaturesQuestion: Hi all, I was just wondering how others dicipline their children. My son (who is 21 months old) plays up whenever I am trying to change his nappy after he's pooed. I change him on a change mat on a single bed and it has gotten to the point where he crawls ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10403/Why-do-we-smack/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10403/Why-do-we-smack/ Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:43:27 -0800 josierm Tips for getting your child to take medicationIn my work, as a paediatric nurse, I need to give medication to children several times per day.  How they cope with this is mostly dependent on how parents manage the situation.  I have seen a broad spectrum of reactions to taking medication- from complete compliance to major tantrums to the silent treatment ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10385/Tips-for-getting-your-child-to-take-medication-revised/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10385/Tips-for-getting-your-child-to-take-medication-revised/ Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:24:43 -0800 josierm Shopping for baby- part 3: Car seats, capsules, prams, strollers and carriers (travel)So you are pregnant.  A very big congratulations to you.  Now you’ve got some shopping to do.  Don’t go out and start buying as soon as the wee stick is positive.  Wait until your first scan, see how many babies you are having and make sure your baby ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10372/shopping-for-baby-part-3-car-seats-capsules-prams-strollers-and-carriers-travel/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10372/shopping-for-baby-part-3-car-seats-capsules-prams-strollers-and-carriers-travel/ Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:22:01 -0800 josierm Shopping for baby- part 2: bassinets, cots, change tables and baths (home)So you are pregnant.  A very big congratulations to you.  Now you’ve got some shopping to do.  Don’t go out and start buying as soon as the wee stick is positive.  Wait until your first scan, see how many babies you are having and make sure your baby looks ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10371/shopping-for-baby-part-2-bassinets-cots-change-tables-and-baths-home/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10371/shopping-for-baby-part-2-bassinets-cots-change-tables-and-baths-home/ Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:16:56 -0800 josierm Shopping for baby- part 1: baby clothesSo you are pregnant.  A very big congratulations to you.  Now you’ve got some shopping to do.  Don’t go out and start buying as soon as the wee stick is positive.  Wait until your first scan, see how many babies you are having and make sure your baby looks healthy before you decide on ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10369/Shopping-for-baby-part-1-baby-clothes/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10369/Shopping-for-baby-part-1-baby-clothes/ Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:13:34 -0800 josierm My infertility experience I married when I was 21.  My husband and I had already bought our first home.  I had finished my nursing degree and had a year of post graduate work experience and decided that the time was right to start a family. I thought it would happen in about 3 to 6 months.  I was wrong. I wondered why- I ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10337/my-infertility-experience/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10337/my-infertility-experience/ Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:26:25 -0800 josierm Rainy day indoor play ideas for toddlers and pre-schoolers Kids climbing the walls?  Can’t go outside to play?  Try these cheap and easy ideas to entertain your kids on rainy days. Some are quiet play to wind down and some are energy burners. Paper plane racesGet kids to decorate a piece of coloured paper each, then fold it into a origami plane.  ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10332/rainy-day-indoor-play-ideas-for-toddlers-and-pre-schoolers/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10332/rainy-day-indoor-play-ideas-for-toddlers-and-pre-schoolers/ Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:59:17 -0800 josierm I recently had a friend who had twins.  I still remember her quietly mouthing the words "its twins....HELP", as she didn't want anyone else to know at that stage.  She wanted to know everything i knew and so i started writing a list of things that helped me survive, and i thought i would share this with you too.I have so ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10325/surviving-twins-tips-for-the-first-year/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10325/surviving-twins-tips-for-the-first-year/ Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:13:10 -0800 josierm Re: my son thinks "NO" is a fun gameAsked by dominicsmomQuestion: how do i stop him from thinking its a game. i dont know why he thinks its a game. and im being told its my fault cos he doesnt know what "NO" means. im trying to be a great mother for my son.My Advice: Children are learning all the time, and ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10312/getting-your-child-from-no-to-yes/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10312/getting-your-child-from-no-to-yes/ Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:36:33 -0800 josierm HI thereI have noticed a few questions on minti lately about baby poos, diarrhoea and constipation.  So i thought i might add some advice.What is normal?The definition of normal for baby poo can vary greatly.  The first bowel action after birth is dark greenish black and sticky, called meconium.  Over the first few days after birth, the bowel actions will become lighter in ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10195/constipation-in-babies/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10195/constipation-in-babies/ Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:57:15 -0800 josierm Re: NIGHT FEEDSAsked by tinymumQuestion: My daughter is 9 months old and still wakes atleast once or twice every night for a feed,  that is the only thing that gets her to sleep again.  i have tried a few things to comfort her instead but she gets hysterical. I am still nursing and think that maybe she just wants comfort and ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9909/night-feeds-sleeping-through-the-night/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9909/night-feeds-sleeping-through-the-night/ Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:18:16 -0700 josierm Re: dry red skinAsked by manda2005Question: my 14mth old son has dry red skin all over him is this ecxma i dont know. i am curently using sorbeline cream but as soon as i am finishined puting it all over him he still needs more what can i use to stop his skin from being so dryMy Advice:  as a paediatric ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9906/eczema/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9906/eczema/ Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:03:11 -0700 josierm Re: Sprined wrist from carrying babyAsked by BabykissQuestion: Help!Has anyone sprained their wrist from carrying their baby?I've had my right wirst sprained (I think) for a couple of months now. I tried the bandage thing but it didn't work. What to do?Thanks.My Advice:it is more likely to be a repetitive strain injury (RSI) rather than a sprain.  i would recommend carrying ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9905/re-sprained-wrist-from-carrying-baby/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9905/re-sprained-wrist-from-carrying-baby/ Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:51:19 -0700