http://www.minti.com/members/ozbinky/advice/ Most Recent Advice on Minti by OzBinky Copyright 2009 Minti en-uk OzBinky Over the years I have seen several homes which are far from being child friendly - mine included. What, with my children growing up and leaving home I didn’t have to worry so much about this. Then my Grandson came along and now the parent in me has had an awakening.Exposed plugs, power-points and heaters – poisons, pans on the ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8295/Accidents-Waiting-to-Happen-Zones-Be-smart-BE-SURE/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8295/Accidents-Waiting-to-Happen-Zones-Be-smart-BE-SURE/ Mon, 11 Feb 2008 06:53:59 -0800 OzBinky This 16 year old girl committed suicide as did this 13 year old boy. There are so many young people today that have done the same and because of bullying. However, the bullying they experienced was different from what you or I would have experienced at this age, they were cyberbullied. Bullying has often been seen as a typical part ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7930/Cyber-Bullying-/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7930/Cyber-Bullying-/ Fri, 23 Nov 2007 21:25:34 -0800 OzBinky Have you ever had a smear come back as abnormal? I have...One thing to remember is that almost all abnormal Pap Smear results are not due to cancer and can be treated easily and successfully (National Cervical Screening Program 2007). FactNo one knows  if we fall into the safe and treatable or the bad and unbeatable and the easiest way ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6754/Information-about-Pap-Smears-/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6754/Information-about-Pap-Smears-/ Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:07:02 -0700 OzBinky A part of good parenting is keeping yourself healthy and safe. How many of us neglect to do the simple things in life that need to be done to keep us healthy? I know I do.Keeping a reminder on the fridge to have a Pap smear, breast screening  or -and for men-- it could be having a blood test or ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6753/Are-you-being-responsible/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6753/Are-you-being-responsible/ Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:09:10 -0700 OzBinky Re: cat pissAsked by 5kidsQuestion:how in the world do u get rid of the smell of cat piss in the carpet.My Advice:I have two ‘male’ cats and I have had the ‘dreaded’ cat urine go though my home once or twice….three times maybe (breaking into that David Soul song ….ok, so you don’t know it….moving on then) anyways, what a ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6327/How-to-Get-Rid-of-the-Smell-of-Cat-Pee/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6327/How-to-Get-Rid-of-the-Smell-of-Cat-Pee/ Mon, 11 Jun 2007 00:41:42 -0700 OzBinky This is only a very short piece of advice as I think the article itself says enough as does the story itself.A three-year-old boy died around 2:30pm today, 5th April, after being accidently strangled by the strap of his bike helmet. Apparently after he had tried to climb through a window while wearing the helmet and became lodged between the ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5416/The-very-sad-death-of-a-3-year-old/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5416/The-very-sad-death-of-a-3-year-old/ Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:58:28 -0700 OzBinky Only yesterday I had my first child. Only yesterday I had my second child. Only yesterday I married my husband and as a result my 2 children grew to 4. Only yesterday my husband died and I began life as a single parent to four children. Only yesterday hey - well that’s how if feels anyway.Last night my home, for ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5018/Empty-nest-syndrome/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5018/Empty-nest-syndrome/ Thu, 08 Mar 2007 04:28:40 -0800 OzBinky When you’re a single mum to a boy, more so when there is no male figure in your life, there are a few things you have to educate yourself on so as you can teach them all the right and useful ‘life skills’ there is to know. One of the things I found I had to brush my knowledge up ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4830/First-time-Shaving/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4830/First-time-Shaving/ Thu, 22 Feb 2007 05:17:50 -0800 OzBinky Most teenagers believe that parents don’t have a clue. We do not understand, we are not in tune with them and that we, for the most, are too old and over the hill to get it - what ever ‘it’ maybe. They forget that we were teenagers once too and when they do remember, they think it was either too ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4771/Dealing-with-Teen-Behaviour/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4771/Dealing-with-Teen-Behaviour/ Tue, 20 Feb 2007 05:55:37 -0800 OzBinky Periods changing, hot flushes, bladder anxiousness, poor moods and sleep patterns and the lack of a sexual drive are all symptoms of menopause, however, until you actually have this diagnosed by a GP you can consider yourself perimenopause; also known as premenopausal. Something believed to be the worst stage for women experiencing symptoms.  Other symptoms may include: (NIH) mood ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4768/Get-it-right-Im-actually-premenopausal-thank-you/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4768/Get-it-right-Im-actually-premenopausal-thank-you/ Tue, 20 Feb 2007 02:31:46 -0800 OzBinky Fortunately my mother was a corsetiere and modelled bras, oh so very long ago. While growing up the girls in my family understood the importance of bras and we all have a sound knowledge of what to do, what to look for and what not to wear. You may be surprised with how many women are walking around, uncomfortable because ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4747/In-training--When-and-How-to-buy-Bras/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4747/In-training--When-and-How-to-buy-Bras/ Mon, 19 Feb 2007 04:15:52 -0800 OzBinky Children can be cruel sometimes with their taunting, name calling and sometimes honesty. It can also be caused by them echoing their parents - repeating what mum or dad has just said. So who is at fault? Mum, dad or child? If I had to point the finger I would be directing it towards the parents. Children listen closely to ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4743/Man-That-Is-One-Ugly-baby/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4743/Man-That-Is-One-Ugly-baby/ Mon, 19 Feb 2007 00:24:12 -0800 OzBinky thort Id wrt an RTcL bout txt lingo n d mor I read ^ on it, d mor I wz taken bac by hw clevA itz bt @ d same tym hw it hs iced thN en lang. txt lingo S somit wich hs nearly taken ovr d en lang. Tweens/teens r tlkN n codes we paretns fnd hrd 2 ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4723/Talking-the-Talk-with-Tweens-and-Teens/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4723/Talking-the-Talk-with-Tweens-and-Teens/ Sun, 18 Feb 2007 04:01:44 -0800 OzBinky Oh dear Lord, the vegetable wars that I went through with my daughter – peas and carrots turned into missiles and flew across the room, cauliflower was rejected and squashed into anything other than her mouth and corn…you don’t want to know what she did with corn. I am one of these parents who insisted that my kids eat veggies ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4718/Eat-your-vegetables/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4718/Eat-your-vegetables/ Sat, 17 Feb 2007 22:20:40 -0800 OzBinky I have been so inspired to write lately and simply because I found my baby books on my two oldest children. These two books are getting on in years now…one is like nearly 21 years old and the other is over 18 years old. How great it is to look back on these memories and remember times forgotten? - and ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4717/Remember-when/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4717/Remember-when/ Sat, 17 Feb 2007 21:26:10 -0800 OzBinky So many people, me included, use toxic cleaning products in an aim to clean and create a germ free environment for their children and in doing so, do not consider the consequences to their health or planet. If you haven’t read my ‘Toxic cleaners – what are they?’ article, it may pay to have a look and then consider the ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4672/Cleaning-Products--A-healthy-alternative-for-self-and-planet/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4672/Cleaning-Products--A-healthy-alternative-for-self-and-planet/ Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:06:57 -0800 OzBinky How much money do you spend on cleaning products for your home? I know I spend a fortune and most of it is trial and error when you do. I can’t begin to add up how much money I have waisted on products that claim to get rid of those stains you are begging to disappear and when you buy ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4671/Toxic-cleaners-What-are-they/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4671/Toxic-cleaners-What-are-they/ Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:09:00 -0800 OzBinky Like many of you are already aware, I lost my husband coming up 4 years in August. What many are not aware of is the actual cause of death. This is something I have been, for the most part, vague about and have been in order to protect him and in a way both of us and our relationship. God ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4664/Alcohol-and-the-family/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4664/Alcohol-and-the-family/ Fri, 16 Feb 2007 03:01:09 -0800 OzBinky There have been a few great articles recently on drugs two in particular by cookclan which are definitely worth reading. I have also provided the links to these articles at the bottom of this one.This article is written for someone who has privately asked specific questions surrounding the drug cocaine and the effects it has on the addict as well ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4639/Cocaine-no-longer-a-person-but-instead-a-drug/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4639/Cocaine-no-longer-a-person-but-instead-a-drug/ Fri, 16 Feb 2007 04:48:13 -0800 OzBinky We all have those toys which operate with batteries. The walking talking doll, the truck, the car, the toys like the glow worm, which my daughter adored and we all enjoy watching our children cuddle up to them, play with them and fall asleep with them by their side. But have you ever considered how safe they are? And how ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4636/The-Dangers-of-Battery-Operated-Toys/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4636/The-Dangers-of-Battery-Operated-Toys/ Thu, 15 Feb 2007 02:22:32 -0800 OzBinky As some of you are aware - last year I undertook a university bridging course at my local adult campus one of which I am proud to say I did extremely well in.  This course has opened doors and created new paths for me as well as preparing me for university this year. Something I had not thought possible.Returning to ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4633/Returning-to-School-as-an-Adult/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4633/Returning-to-School-as-an-Adult/ Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:33:39 -0800 OzBinky Years ago before I brought my home, I lived in an old semidetached housing trust house, or housing commission for some states, that was had terrible issues with mould. Being asthmatic, it caused several problems for me and my children, who I might add did not have any health issues what-so-ever. Moulds can create and exaggerate health issues and turn ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4625/Mould-in-homes/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4625/Mould-in-homes/ Wed, 14 Feb 2007 17:34:55 -0800 OzBinky Like we know - sleep is important and a time when we regain energy and help bodies heal. It’s the time in which our brain downloads and processes all the information it has collected throughout the day and a time for us to dream. If we lack sleep we become tired and irritable and feel full of energy when we ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4622/What-the-night-time-brings/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4622/What-the-night-time-brings/ Wed, 14 Feb 2007 15:25:53 -0800 OzBinky So often I will look into a stranger’s face and think, ‘My God you look so sad’ – So often I look into the faces of strangers and think ‘What do you do when you go home’ and so often I look into a mirror and think – ‘Hello stranger’ Some days bring about such an incredible sadness that I ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4579/Painting-a-sun-in-a-life-without-one/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4579/Painting-a-sun-in-a-life-without-one/ Mon, 12 Feb 2007 02:17:36 -0800 OzBinky Mummy, we don't want to go to daddy's anymore.......These words rang though my ears several years ago from my two eldest children after a visiting with their father for a weekend. I can’t say that I was shocked as my ex-husband was an extremely moody and nasty person back then, not that he would admit to it even now, but I was ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4527/I-dont-want-to-go-see-daddy-anymore/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4527/I-dont-want-to-go-see-daddy-anymore/ Mon, 12 Feb 2007 04:53:10 -0800 OzBinky I received a minti mail from someone tonight who was devastated at becoming that frustrated at their child that a comment was made that should have been - It was made out of pure frustration… Now if I was to be 100% honest, if we all were – we could sit down and think of moments ourselves when we have ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4420/Dealing-with-Frustration/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4420/Dealing-with-Frustration/ Mon, 05 Feb 2007 07:39:22 -0800 OzBinky So the kids are back at school again, some for the first time and some who have just started pre-school. I was one of the odd few that hated this time. I much preferred to have my kids stay home with me. Mind you, this soon changed as they developed teenage personalities – then I didn’t mind so much. One ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4375/Back-to-School-and-Lunches/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4375/Back-to-School-and-Lunches/ Mon, 05 Feb 2007 04:24:42 -0800 OzBinky Exposure to dust mites in the first year of life can trigger a lifelong allergy. There is no cure, only prevention…Recently lunaeclips5 wrote an extremely good article on childhood asthma, if you haven’t read it please do and by clicking on the blue link, oh…but read this first hey!! Anyway, after reading it myself I began to think about the things ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4349/Dust-Mites/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4349/Dust-Mites/ Thu, 01 Feb 2007 04:55:10 -0800 OzBinky K Tiana comes home from school today screaming at John and I was unable to understand her fully after I got to the bottom of it all it seems people were coming up to Tiana today and giving her their condolences for the death of her mother........John has told people his mum is dead which is not true but when ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4330/Wishing-she-was-dead-instead-of-a-failure-as-a-mother/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4330/Wishing-she-was-dead-instead-of-a-failure-as-a-mother/ Wed, 31 Jan 2007 04:40:14 -0800 OzBinky As I sit here and write this, my mother lays in a hospital bed for the first time in over 25 years. Mum is doing fine but I couldn’t have said the same last night. After having tea together my mother collapsed in an area, I was unable to access and when I could, I was only able to reach ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4277/Aging-Parents-It-happens-to-us-all/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4277/Aging-Parents-It-happens-to-us-all/ Sun, 28 Jan 2007 03:28:52 -0800 OzBinky We live in a world full of ambiguity – where we communicate with one another via technology such as email and even sites such as minti. What a wonderful and exciting time to be apart of. Some of us remember when all we had to communicate with was pen and paper, telephones, faxes, telegrams and simply ‘person to person contact’. ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4224/So-what-are-you-really-trying-to-say/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4224/So-what-are-you-really-trying-to-say/ Thu, 25 Jan 2007 15:39:55 -0800 OzBinky What is in store for children if the adults in their life behave worst then they do? I have witnessed poor and childlike behaviour from adults while their child cringes next to them; whishing that the earth would open and swallow them up.Adult tantrums are not pretty, they’re not funny - they are damn right embarrassing and not just for ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4210/Adult-Tantrums/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4210/Adult-Tantrums/ Thu, 25 Jan 2007 02:34:23 -0800 OzBinky During the early hours of the night you wake up to a noise. You hear footsteps, careless whispering, you hear someone moving about either inside your house or just outside your window….your body freezes while you consider who and what is making this noise. You begin to construct an ‘action plan’ while fighting your body’s first reaction, a reminder that ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4207/Prevent-Break-in-Protect-your-Home/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4207/Prevent-Break-in-Protect-your-Home/ Thu, 25 Jan 2007 02:32:33 -0800 OzBinky Our children’s feet grow incredibly fast and you’ll find that buying shoes can be an ever changing process as well as extremely expensive. Its real easy buying a pair of cute looking shoes that look great…but are they really good for your child’s feet? I know when I first started buying shoes for my kidlings I did so for looks ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4160/Buying-Shoes-for-your-Children/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4160/Buying-Shoes-for-your-Children/ Mon, 22 Jan 2007 21:21:52 -0800 OzBinky I woke up one morning with a thirst that could not be tamed and regardless of how much I drank – it remained the same. My tongue was incredibly dry and the only thing to bring me any relief was sucking on an ice-cube. This continued over a few days and finally I managed to get it all under control, ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4127/Diabetes-made-me-do-it/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4127/Diabetes-made-me-do-it/ Sat, 20 Jan 2007 08:23:27 -0800 OzBinky When my son was only little, about 2 or so, I noticed a little rash on his face and upper thigh. It seemed to be aggravating him with each passing day. One morning I woke and the rash seemed to take a life of its own on. It had flared up so bad Luke had been scratching like crazy during the ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4123/Eczema/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4123/Eczema/ Fri, 19 Jan 2007 23:58:17 -0800 OzBinky As parents we teach our kids about being respected by others and what to look out for and what not to put up with in relationships. Say no to violence, speak out to violence all the appropriate and expected advice you would think of, we pass down to our children but we really don’t pay enough attention with teaching them ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4023/One-more-statistic-to-add-to-Domestic-Violence/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4023/One-more-statistic-to-add-to-Domestic-Violence/ Mon, 15 Jan 2007 06:01:10 -0800 OzBinky Years ago I weighed a mighty 130 kilos, well close enough to it….I didn’t realize how big I was until I was degraded by my ex-husband to the point that I stopped leaving my house. I lost a little weight and felt really good…that was until the day I was in a rush and tried to get dressed after a ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4015/YOUR-Body-Image-can-be-contagious/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4015/YOUR-Body-Image-can-be-contagious/ Sun, 14 Jan 2007 20:08:15 -0800 OzBinky During the early stages of parenthood we make plans and decide on how we are going to raise our children. We evaluate how our parents brought us up and then selectively use what we believe are the better options. We watch others for clues of what we should and should not do and based on what our childhood reminds us ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3932/An-Unfortunately-Unprepared-Destiny/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3932/An-Unfortunately-Unprepared-Destiny/ Fri, 12 Jan 2007 06:56:01 -0800 OzBinky This article has been inspired by a courageous and wonderful grandmother here on minti who posted a question regarding child abuse. For those who are not aware of this story click here. Child abuse is a global problem and one that can not afford to be ignored. It isn’t a matter that families should avoid approaching so not to betray ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3901/Zero-Tolerance/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3901/Zero-Tolerance/ Thu, 11 Jan 2007 03:09:41 -0800 OzBinky Every parent would like to be their child’s best friend. Every parent wants a relationship with their child where they hear, my mum or dad is my best mate. Fact is, this does not always work and there are times when this should be the least of your concerns.  Parents need to be parents first and friends last. I hear ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3875/Parent-First-Friend-Last/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3875/Parent-First-Friend-Last/ Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:29:23 -0800 OzBinky With South Australia’s new water restrictions in place I am finding that I have to re-educate my children with what they can and can not do. Something I have been trying to do for years now. I have laid down the law now and said that if I catch another 40 minute shower its going to be a costly ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3749/Water-Audit/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3749/Water-Audit/ Fri, 05 Jan 2007 04:16:21 -0800 OzBinky So many times we have heard of babies being left in cars, left to die. So many times we have asked ourselves the same questions ‘Why?’ and ‘How?’ Tonight while watching the news I heard of yet another needless death of a baby, one who also had been left to die in a car. This is the 5th death I ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3676/Dont-leave-your-children-in-the-car/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3676/Dont-leave-your-children-in-the-car/ Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:14:41 -0800 OzBinky My son was one of the unfortunate ones who had a problem until he was about 9 to 10 years of age. One thing that I did was to keep a diary on my sons ‘nighttime behavior’.  I did it so that I was able to rule out some things and to see if there were any patterns to the ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3670/Bed-Wetting-Continued/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3670/Bed-Wetting-Continued/ Tue, 02 Jan 2007 22:08:45 -0800 OzBinky There have been so many questions posted about sleep problems on minti I thought that I would add a little more information to what has already been suggested. I suffered insomnia for some time and tried many remedies to over come it. It wasn’t until my eldest son began his road of sleeplessness that I considered food as a cause ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3627/Food-which-help-you-sleep/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3627/Food-which-help-you-sleep/ Mon, 01 Jan 2007 21:25:17 -0800 OzBinky A few years ago I received a phone call from my youngest son’s primary school. It was the most embarrassing call I had to take. Mic was being sent home because his feet stank so bad his teacher and class could not take the smell anymore. My heart sunk for Mic as I thought about how he would feel being ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3624/Foot-odor-can-cause-big-problems/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3624/Foot-odor-can-cause-big-problems/ Mon, 01 Jan 2007 18:05:15 -0800 OzBinky When I had my eldest, nearly 21 years ago, I was bullied, badgered and told off each week when visiting my local, ‘mothers and babies’ nurse, a woman who believed passionately that I should not have had my daughter. I was too young to understand the needs of a baby apparently. She once said to me, ‘Oh well, the damage ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3612/Mothers-misinformed-for-40-years/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3612/Mothers-misinformed-for-40-years/ Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:52:31 -0800 OzBinky Two teen girls 12 and 13. They have approached me today obviously after chatting with each other how they were going to do it and asked me if they can use meds for that time of the month. I have weighed up the pros and the cons but they are pretty even so I thought I would put it to ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3591/Information-on-Tampons/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3591/Information-on-Tampons/ Sun, 31 Dec 2006 07:23:46 -0800 OzBinky At some point in time we have, or will be, approached by our children questioning why some people look different. This was something I experienced with my eldest daughter on her first day at kindergarten. While placing Kat's kindy bag in her allocated spot she tugged on my top and whispered, "Mummy, that little boy is broken, his eyes wont open". Looking ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3588/Racism-and-Childrenhelp-them-understand/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3588/Racism-and-Childrenhelp-them-understand/ Sat, 30 Dec 2006 23:33:11 -0800 OzBinky Last year my youngest son, who was 11 at the time, needed to be circumcised. The foreskin had closed over nearly completely over, leaving a gap the size of a pin head to try and urinate through. Because it had closed over it made hygiene an issue, as he was unable to clean himself and when he when to the toilet ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3544/Information-on-circumcision/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3544/Information-on-circumcision/ Thu, 28 Dec 2006 21:57:09 -0800 OzBinky Parenting is the biggest challenge a person will ever face and it is far from an easy job. The journey from childhood to adulthood, in my opinion, is the toughest part of parenting and can be the most difficult transition of your child's life and yours as a parent. Most parents with teenagers feel as if they have lost their ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3521/Help-my-Baby-is-a-Teenager/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3521/Help-my-Baby-is-a-Teenager/ Wed, 27 Dec 2006 21:31:46 -0800 OzBinky Has anyone had this happen? I have been breastfeeding my 2 month old since she was born. The doctor said she has colic and acid reflux. We have been giving her a bottle of formula, not anything special just the similac advance, and she is happier. Back to her usual self like before the colic set in. Could it be ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3513/Colic-and-Acid-Reflux/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3513/Colic-and-Acid-Reflux/ Wed, 27 Dec 2006 12:35:34 -0800 OzBinky I took a friends daughter to the playground the other day so that I could take photo's of her playing for the parents ever growing family album. While there I watched two parents argue over the slippery-dip, a piece of equipment built for taking turns, having fun and for children. I couldn't believe what was said, I couldn't believe that these two adults were ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3497/Playground-Safety/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3497/Playground-Safety/ Tue, 26 Dec 2006 19:49:49 -0800 OzBinky  My sisters young son, some years ago now, was burned by grabbing an extremely hot freshly brewed tea. He is scarred to this day and will be for the rest of his life. Although prevention is better than cure accidents happen and despite how careful we try to be kids move fast and we are not always there to protect. ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3483/Basic-First-Aid-for-Minor-Burns/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3483/Basic-First-Aid-for-Minor-Burns/ Tue, 26 Dec 2006 01:48:18 -0800 OzBinky Banking Baby's Cord Blood stem cellsI didn't know a great deal about Cord Blood Stem Cell Banking so I thought that I would do a little search on the topic and post it here for those who are just as 'out of touch' as what I am. Over the years science has introduced many things to help increase a persons ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3480/Banking-Babys-Cord-Blood-Stem-Cells/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3480/Banking-Babys-Cord-Blood-Stem-Cells/ Mon, 25 Dec 2006 23:03:44 -0800 OzBinky My neice and I had an argument about 16 months ago. What could have been fixed quite easily, got blown way out of proportion. As a result, our relationship has dissolved and our family has been divided. At one time we were really close...I was her maid of honor and her daughter's Godmother. I feel bad for the loss, but ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3465/Is-a-little-division-ok-in-a-family/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3465/Is-a-little-division-ok-in-a-family/ Sun, 24 Dec 2006 14:25:37 -0800 OzBinky I found out last night that my stepson (who has just gone to live with his mother) is in hospital and on a drip due to dehydration. I think Mic was feeling the freedom of not having me on his back over drinking lots of water during hot weather and stuck to drinking soft and milk drinks. I have suffered ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3411/Dehydration/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3411/Dehydration/ Wed, 20 Dec 2006 21:45:57 -0800 OzBinky I could really do with some advice, I have been with my partner for 2 years and he has an adorable 11 year old boy, Ever since the begining of our relationship we have all been open, very loving and sharing, He seems to treat me almost like a sister or best friend which is awsome, I teach him to ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3361/How-can-I-help-my-step-son/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3361/How-can-I-help-my-step-son/ Mon, 18 Dec 2006 22:39:11 -0800 OzBinky My youngest son (Michael) moved to live with his biological mother yesterday morning. His move was a decision that was hard for both of us. One thing I have reflected upon since the plane took off was the process that took place between discovering he wanted to live with his mother and him leaving. This process, although hard, has worked ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3210/When-step-children-move-to-the-other-parent/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3210/When-step-children-move-to-the-other-parent/ Fri, 15 Dec 2006 17:09:16 -0800 OzBinky A recent article in a family magazine has reported that praising a child for their actions is not they way to go. When your child has brought a painting home from kindergarten you shouldn't say 'Thats a beautiful painting' but rather 'What do you think of that?'. The article  continues by stating that praise requires children to do things 'your ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3199/To-Praise-or-not-to-praise-a-child-this-is-the-question/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3199/To-Praise-or-not-to-praise-a-child-this-is-the-question/ Fri, 15 Dec 2006 15:19:33 -0800 OzBinky We all know the slip, slop, slap routine for summer. We know about wearing and putting hats and t-shirts on us and our children but despite all efforts taken to prevent sunburn, it still can happen. Wind burn, reflection burning from water and so on can leave a person wishing they had spent the day inside. So what happens if, ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3120/Home-remedies-for-sunburn/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3120/Home-remedies-for-sunburn/ Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:48:26 -0800 OzBinky When considering a data base listing pedophiles and when posting this article for the first time, I did so in anger and frustration. It was only because of a post from an honest and upfront minti member that made me to re-consider what I truly believed to be the only option to consider….I was wrong!I am a parent of a ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3117/Paedophiles-Listings-revisited-and-re-thought/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3117/Paedophiles-Listings-revisited-and-re-thought/ Mon, 19 Feb 2007 07:25:14 -0800 OzBinky Sometimes the only thing a parent can do is walk away. We focus on protecting our children as they grow up. We vow to love and protect them always, they are our life...  But fact is when they grow up you loose that ability more and more. When they reach different ages and stages, when they begin along the road of ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3095/Dont-be-too-quick-to-judge-other-parents-decisions-edited/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3095/Dont-be-too-quick-to-judge-other-parents-decisions-edited/ Fri, 29 Dec 2006 14:42:40 -0800 OzBinky  With my recent encounter with a young child, who I did not know, asking me to take him to a different set of shops it sparked a thought for me. Stranger Danger for children also applies to adults. What are the risks of allowing a child you do not know and without parental consent into your car and taking him/her home. If ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3061/Stranger-Danger/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3061/Stranger-Danger/ Sun, 10 Dec 2006 20:13:41 -0800 OzBinky How well do your children know their phone number and address??  While accessing my local supermarket a little boy, about the age of 5, came up to me and asked if I could take him to a different set of shops. I asked him where is Mum or Dad was and he informed me, that they were at home in bed ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3058/How-well-do-your-children-know-their-phone-number-and-address/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3058/How-well-do-your-children-know-their-phone-number-and-address/ Sat, 03 Feb 2007 19:24:32 -0800 OzBinky Death must be one of the hardest things to deal with and my family has faced loosing loved ones in the last few years far too much. In 1999 my 18 year old nephew, who had lived with me, was killed in a car accident, in March 2003 (the day before my birthday) my sister died of cancer then five months ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3040/Grieving-as-a-Parent/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3040/Grieving-as-a-Parent/ Sat, 09 Dec 2006 22:06:40 -0800 OzBinky My husbands son, who was 3 at the time, would suffer from nightmares throughout the night. It was incredibly sad to watch this little boy wake up to these dreams and it made bed time something he would dread and try to avoid. The nightmares were the result of a traumatic experience and despite the age, they were real memories. After several unsuccessful ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3036/Toddler-Nightmares/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3036/Toddler-Nightmares/ Sat, 09 Dec 2006 19:01:45 -0800