During the stages of recognizing they are their own person, they start to develop in leaps and bounds socially. Suddenly a smile is a gift bestowed on someone else, and a cry garners attention. They figure this out and use it to their advantage. Of course this happens gradually over time, but generally, your baby's sense of individuality first sets in around 6 or 7 months. It is at this time that your baby begins to realize that they are separate from you and that you can leave them alone, or with a stranger. This is when separation anxiety starts to kick in and when strangers become something they understand. Suddenly having Grandma hold them is not as appealing because it may mean that mom is leaving. This is normal social development. Your baby is going to align themselves with a set of people, usually its parents, and may be anxious around others. This can last for a few years.

• However, as your baby continues to develop socially they will be more confident and will realize that when you leave, you also come back. Once they get to this point, and the separation anxiety subsides some, they they can move forward and better forge their own identity.

At about a year and a half old or so you will see your child has start to grow socially enough to understand the concept of possessions. Soon words like "mine" will be frequent in their vocabulary, and you will find that concepts like sharing, and waiting turns are foreign to them and must be learned. This too is part of social development for a child. As they grow, you should give them opportunities to determine what their individual identity is, and learn to interact appropriately in social situations.

The following is a look at the average social development from birth to three years, and what you can do to help your child along:

• 1 to 6 months:Basically from birth until about half a year old your baby will completely identify with the primary care giver, whether that is mom or dad. At this time they are dependent on that person for support physically, emotionally, etc. and so it is no wonder their social extent is to them. However, as they learn some control over basic movements and reflexes, his focus can change from food, love, and attention, to forming his own identity and becoming an individual, a critical part of socialization.??Most parents notice when the first signs of socialization and independence start to bud, it is typically around four months or so that your baby realizes or discovers that when they cry it gets your attention. This is the first seeds of learning that how they act impacts how others act as well. This is a key step toward socialization.

Babies do not know they are their own person. If you were to put your baby in front of a mirror you would see that they try to touch the baby, and interact with the reflection in the mirror as if it were another baby.

• 7 to 12 months: It is usually at around 7 months that your baby will realize that they are independent of you. This is a great milestone cognitively, and is required for social development, but it can also cause anxiety and fear in your child. They suddenly become aware that you can leave them. What they often do not realize that you always come back. This means that when you leave them with a sitter they might be reduced to tears for a while. To help your child in this important step socially and cognitively, try not to sneak away when they are not looking, say goodbye when they are watching, and be sure to let them acknowledge your return. As their memory gets better, and their confidence improves they will be less concerned when you leave.


• 13 to 24 months:During this time period your baby is now making progress in differentiating themselves from you and from the world around them. It is at this point that social development is at its greatest peak, and socializing becomes a bigger part of their life; it is a good time to try and teach appropriate social interaction. Your child is aware that they have thoughts and feelings of their own, but sometimes they are unaware that others do not feel the same way, and that this is okay. As they offer their opinions, and those opinions differ from others, and from you, it is wise to point that out, and teach them that it is alright to have a different opinion, as long as your respect others. They are going to be at the point where they know that they are looking at themselves when they look in the mirror, which means they know who other people are as well. Teaching them that these other people do not have to always agree with them, and that they do not have to agree all of the time either, is wise.

At this point your child is learning to better interact with the world around them. This means that while they may still be upset when you leave them with a sitter, they get over it more quickly and are more excited about playing with others.

It is at this point that friendships can start to form because their cognitive skills and memory are developed enough that they remember faces and people, and past interactions. For example, they may remember that they played with a certain child at the park, and it was fun, thus that child is their friend. They start to develop trust and this gives them more confidence in themselves, which means they become even more independent, and better able to decide who they like, who they don't, and what they want to do. They might start holding grudges, or show favoritism, etc. This is all part of social development, and while it is not fun to see your two year old holding a grudge, it is nice to know that they are developing on track socially.

• 25 to 36 months: Between the ages of 2 and 3, your toddler will be in a struggle for independence, which often makes socialization difficult for you as the parent because they may not be that good at voicing their wants and desires, and thus use hitting, biting, and other sources to let out their emotions. This is a difficult age, but it is also an important time to teach them what is okay, and what is not okay in social bounds.

Your baby is starting to grow up, and they will exhibit more and more of their independence, both at home, and socially. You will hear comments like, "I can do it myself." This also translates over into, "I can make my own friends." They will think they need you less. They may not like the kids you set up for them to play with, or they might ignore you and your requests. All of these interactions are a part of their social development, and are normal and natural. As a parent your job is to take them in stride, and use them as teaching opportunities to demonstrate to your child how to behave.

You should not restrict your child's social development, as the better they are at it, the more confident and secure they will be in themselves later, and the easier life will be for them. It is key that you help them figure out their independence, and encourage their individuality instead of discouraging it. For proper social development your child needs to be aware of their own likes and dislikes, and should not fear voicing their opinions, thoughts, feelings, etc.

Being shy or wanting to stick to oneself is not a sign that your baby is under developed socially, or that they are lagging. It simply means that they are learning their preferences. Social development does not hinge on the need to constantly socialize, rather it hinges on needing to recognize that their opinions or feelings on the matter are real. If they do not like someone, or would prefer to be alone, that is independence, and is a sign of social development because it shows that they know what they want, and are unafraid to express it.

If you are at all concerned about your child's social development, and worry that they are behind, or not where they should be, then talk to your pediatrician. They will tell you what to watch for, and what signs indicated stunted growth, and what is normal.

Let's take a quick look at each to ensure you understand them.

Apnea monitor

This is for babies that have periodic interruptions of breathing. If they do not outgrow it at the hospital you will need a monitor. be sure you know what to do when the monitor alarm goes off, and when to call the doctor if you have this equipment, as sometimes the alarm goes off when there's nothing wrong with your baby. You'll learn how to recognize these false alarms and what to do to help avoid them.

Feeding tube

Some babies can't suck or swallow well enough to take in enough nutrients for healthy growth. It may take a few weeks for their heart, lungs, mouth, airways, or central nervous system to develop enough for them to feed on their own. If this is the case, your baby needs to be fed through a gavage tube.

The tube is inserted through the baby's nose or mouth, down the back of the throat, through the esophagus, and into the stomach. You do not remove it in between feedings, and the baby typically gets used to it.

If your baby isn't able to take in enough food by mouth for an extended period, they may need to be fed through an opening in their stomach (gastronomy). This opening has a small plastic feeding tube attached to it.

Oxygen

The most common reasons babies need oxygen at home is a lung disorder called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). If your baby needs oxygen you will have stationary tanks, for in their crib, and portable tanks for when you need to take them to the hospital, etc. You will also have the nasal cannula that goes in their nose.

Most babies need oxygen for less than six months. And, in most cases the lungs are completely healed in two years. Most of the time a nurse will be assigned to check in on your baby. However, if the hospital does not assign one, ask about it.

The following is a look at feeding concerns for preemie babies.

Breast feeding premature babies:

Breastfeeding is great for all newborns, but it's even more important if your baby arrives early. If your baby is premature, even if you intended to bottle feed, it may be wise to change your mind and try breast feeding, for at least a while. Your body is designed to function as perfectly as possible, and if your baby comes prematurely, your body will automatically produce milk that's specially designed to nourish your premature baby, with extra calories, vitamins, and protein. In addition to that, you get all of the other benefits of breast feeding such as the live cells in breast milk that protect babies from infection. These are extremely important for any baby, but are even more so for premature babies because the preemie babies are at higher risk for infection due to immature immune systems. The antibodies your baby will get from breast feeding can't be found in formula, even those artificially formulated just for preemie babies.

• In some cases premature babies are too small, and too fragile to actually nurse at the breast, and thus other options are pursued. Whether or not your baby is ready to nurse at your breast right away will depend on their gestational age and overall health. The colostrum in the first few days after giving birth is very beneficial for baby though, so at many hospitals it's standard practice to start off feeding very premature babies expressed breast milk and colostrum. This is done through a nasogastric (NG) tube (known as gavage). If they are too immature to suck at the breast, they will be fed this way or through a bottle so that they still get the nourishment and benefits of breast feeding, despite their inability to actually do so.


• Premature babies are kept in the hospital for a while after birth, and the nursing staff and lactation specialists at the hospital will likely work closely with you to create a plan to feed your baby pumped breast milk. In many cases the premature baby is simply not ready to breast feed right away, however, because your baby will not be released from the hospital until they start to gain weight from breast or bottle feeding, they are going to work with you to create a great plan. They will work with you and your baby on a daily basis to try and help your baby learn to suckle right at the breast.

Once your baby is able to start nursing at the breast your nurses and lactation specialists will help you to get your baby on a feeding schedule. When your baby is premature, you should be prepared to nurse frequently. Premature babies do not generally take in much milk at each feeding, at least not until they are closer to term. Because a premature baby does not eat as much, you will want to feed them often to help them grow, but also to help keep your milk supply up. If your baby is not eating much, you will want to express milk using a pump to keep your milk production up so that when they do reach term, and eat more, you have the milk to feed them.

In addition, with a premature baby you may need to experiment with different holds to see which one is best for them to latch on. Their mouths are often small, and the football hold, or side-by-side hold may produce better results then the cross over, for instance. Again, the lactation specialist at the hospital will help you to find the best way to feed your premature baby.

Bottle:

A premature baby that is bottle fed is going to be missing out on some of the advantages of breast milk, but in many cases it is actually easier for them to eat, and thus gain weight when they are fed with a bottle. Your nursing staff at the hospital will be able to help you find the right bottles for your baby, and help you get them on a formula that meets their needs and agrees with their body.

Now that you know how to feed your premature baby, let's take a look at how you care for a premature baby:

A premature baby is often fussier, or more problematic then a full term baby. Often their gastrointestinal systems are not all the way formed and mature, so your baby is more colicky. Other times they need assistance breathing for a while. They may need to have the bili-suitcase to help their bodies process bilirubin, etc. Thus, they require a little more time and attention on your part, at least until they reach full term. Your doctor will tell you specifically what things you need to do for baby. In some cases, however, it is wise to keep your eyes open for additional problems, and know when to call your doctor. Some preemie parents worry that they are being overly concerned because their baby is a preemie. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry. The following is a look at when to call the doctor if you have a premature baby.

Call your premature baby's healthcare provider if your baby:

• Has a blue tint around the nose, lips, or on the skin. This is an indication of breathing problems, and your baby may need further assistance, an oxygen tank, etc. If you do not call your doctor right away your baby could suffer brain damage, etc.
• Is paler than usual. This may be an indication of poor circulation and blood flow.
• Refuses to eat. This might be an indication of infection or other problems. It may be a latching problem, or lethargic tendencies, but it may be something more serious.
• Is more irritable than usual. This can indicate any host of problems, and it is much smarter to check and see then to wait.
• Is less active than usual. If they start to sleep a lot more, or are showing lethargic tendencies, call your doctor immediately.
• Vomits. This is when it is not just spit up, but actual vomit.
• Has trouble breathing. This may be indicated by a wheezing or rasping sound.
• Diarrhea for more than one day.
• Does not seem right to you. You are the best judge of whether or not your baby is okay, so be sure that you listen to your best instincts and determine if your baby is okay and call the doctor if they are not.

What are growth charts?

Growth charts are tools that the doctor uses to evaluate and keep track of your baby's physical growth. At each checkup during their first year, the doctor or nurse will measure your baby's length, weight, and head circumference. After two years of age, generally they no longer measure head circumference.

Once the numbers are taken they will plot them on a chart of national averages for babies of the same age and sex. In the end, she'll tell you what percentile your child is in. The percentile is important as it indicates how many children of the same age and sex are the same or less than your child. For example, if at your baby's 2 month check up they weigh 10 lbs, putting them in the thirty third percentile, that means that in the US, thirty three percent of 2-month olds of the same gender weigh 10 pounds or less.

If your baby is premature, then they are plotted based on their gestational age, rather than their actual age, as it will give more accurate ratings. This means if your baby came 6 weeks early, their numbers will be plotted with babies that are six weeks younger than your baby. So, you do not have to worry about the physical development advice they give you being off because your baby is premature, doctors take those circumstances into account. Some will even use "preemie" growth charts.??So, does the percentile really matter? In some ways it matters a lot, in others it does not matter at all. You should not be overly concerned about where your child falls in the percentile as each child is an individual and will develop at their own pace, and in many cases your child is perfectly healthy, and growing fine, but is a little behind the curve. It is good to know that these percentiles are a general guide to help your doctor know if your baby's development physically is on track. As long as your baby progresses, then there is usually no need to worry. Also, unless your baby is significantly under the average, or significantly over the average, they typically will not do anything about your baby's physical development as long as it is progressing.

So, what is the point of the growth chart?

For one it gives you an idea of how your kid compares to others.

For another, it allows your doctor to plot their growth over time, (assuming you go to all the regular visits, and stick with the same doctor, or have your records transferred over), and assess if they are gaining appropriately each time (no big dips, for example). In addition, it allows your doctor to assess whether or not they are tall for their weight, or fat for their height, etc. This will help the doctor to see if your child is at risk for obesity or weight problems.

Current growth charts are very sophisticated these days. There are growth charts for preemies, ones for breastfed babies, and ones for formula fed babies as they all grow at different rates.

In addition to having different growth charts for different types of babies, there are also different growth charts for different age levels. For example, the first set of growth charts covers from birth to 36 months. To see the various growth charts you can visit the Center for Disease Prevention website, or ask your doctor for copies.

Does it matter if you are really accurate in the measurements, or are approximations okay? When it comes to assessing your baby's physical development, an inch or a pound can make a pretty significant difference in where your baby falls on the charts. This is why you take your baby into the doctor, and not check their physical growth yourself. The measurements should be taken very carefully. It can be tricky to get reliable and accurate numbers if your baby is moving, and your doctor and their nurses have a lot of practice, so it is good to leave the measuring to them.

Let's take a closer look at the measurements that your doctor is going to take, and how they will go about taking them:
Weight
When your doctor takes your baby's weight they do it with them only in a clean diaper. The difference of an ounce is a lot, so they will ask you to undress your baby down to their diaper, and ensure that the diaper is clean. They will then put your baby on the scale, and weight them. The scale will be set to zero before they are weighed, and is recorded in kilograms and recorded to the tenth of a kilo. Of course, because most people in the US do not use kilograms for measurement, they will likely tell you the weight in pounds and ounces as well.

At your baby's first appointment they will want your baby to be back to at least 90% of their birth weight. If they are, then their physical development is on track

Length
While your baby is lying down, the doctor or nurse will measure him from the top of his head to the bottom of his heel. Usually they will lay them on some sort of paper cover, and use a pen to mark where the top of their head is, then they will stretch the leg out and mark again, then let you pick up your baby, and they will measure the paper. That way they do not have to try and get the child to hold still for more than a second. Some practitioners use a special device with a headboard and a movable footboard for accurate results, and it works in much the same way.

Your baby may not grow in length much at their first appointment, but by the second at 2 months, they should have gotten longer.

Head circumference

• To measure your baby's head, a flexible measuring tape is used by the doctor or nurse. It is placed around the head, and tightened around the area where his head has the largest circumference. This is usually right above your baby's eyebrows and ears, around the back of his head where it slopes up prominently from his neck.

  If you are wondering why head circumference matters it is because your baby's brain growth is reflected in the size of their skull. Part of physical development is the growth of the brain. If your baby's brain is not growing like it should, their head circumference may not increase like it ought to. In addition to that, if your baby's head circumference grows too quickly, it may be a sign of a problem like hydrocephalus (the buildup of fluid in the brain). While these conditions are rare, measuring the head helps rule it out.



• As mentioned previously, an inch and an ounce makes a big difference, so you should not try and track their growth at home, but if you want to track their growth just for fun, not in place of the doctor doing it you can weigh your baby. The best way to do this at home is to weigh yourself with the baby, then weigh just yourself, and subtract to find your baby's weight.

To measure your baby, use butcher paper, and employ the same method mentioned previously of marking the head top, stretching the baby's leg out gently, and marking, then removing the baby and measuring. Or, you can get some help, and just measure, again it might not be as accurate as you would like.??To measure the head circumference, get a flexible measuring tape, and wrap it around the head at the widest part.

Then, if you want to see how your baby compares to other babies, find a growth percentile calculator online and plug in the numbers.

If you pay attention to your baby you will likely know whether or not their physical development is on track, and whether or not you should be worried.

If you want your children to be better behaved, and you want discipline to go over well, you need to teach your children from day one that your family is a team, and every one is expected to pitch in and do their part.

In addition to the team mentality, it is important that you teach them respect, that they should respect you, and that you respect them. To do this you need to listen to your child, focus on them, and stop what you are doing when they have something to say. If you want your kids to do this for you, you need to do it for them.

• You have to give your children responsibility and be consistent about it. Giving your child even one chore that you are insistent they do, and consistently enforce will teach them that they are loved enough that you entrust the responsibility to them. It also teaches them how to contribute. If you are not consistent, good luck getting your toddler to respond.
• Don't try and make life always rosy and perfect for your child. If they're never sad or disappointed, they won't develop psychological skills that are crucial for their future happiness. They have to learn to wait their turn, share a toy, or miss out on a party because their room is not clean. Life is not fair, and even though kids are often upset by this fact, hiding it does not help them grow, and will not help you to discipline any easier.

Okay, now that you understand the basic underlying principles to discipline for toddlers, it is time to look at some specific things you can do, an some specific instances where you might implement the discipline strategy.

Tip one: Substitution.

When your child does something you do not like, like making a big mess all over your newly mopped floor, it is often out of curiosity, not out of spite or to make you mad. Like the rest of us, young children learn by doing and much of the time their "poor" behaviors are actually more of a result of wanting to see what will happen if they do this or that, than actually misbehaving. At least the first time. So, a good way to teach and discipline the child is to take the object away or physically move your child away from it, giving them a safer, less messy, or better alternative. This is substitution. When making the substitution be sure to explain what you're doing to your child. This will teach your child that some actions and behaviors are not alright, and you will redirect them when necessary.

For example, if your two year old keeps chewing on their sleeve or clothes, you can't just keep taking it out of their mouth and nothing else. Instead, remove their shirt and explain to them that they are to be worn, not chewed on. Then, give them something else to chew on, and explain that they can wear their shirt and chew on a carrot stick, or an apple, etc.

Tip two: Right the wrongs together

There are times when substitution is just not going to work because your child is knowingly doing something wrong. For example, making a mess on the floor is normal behavior for a 10 month old, but by the time your child is 3 they should know better. If your child knowingly does something wrong, that is when you need to start teaching the concept of taking responsibility for their actions. This is when they look at you with a smirk as they drop their food on the floor. This means that with your help, they are going to correct the problem. So, if it is a mess on the floor, they will help you pick it up. If it is something else, like hitting, or kicking someone, they will apologize, etc.

For example, if your two year old is eating breakfast cereal and intentionally dumps some on the floor, then when they are finished eating, you can have them assist you in cleaning up the cereal from the floor. They can get on their hands and knees and pick it up, or can hold the dust pan as you sweep it up, etc. Either way, they need to help. While they are helping, it is critical that you instill in them the idea of taking responsibility for the mess. You may say, "You made a mess with the cereal, so now we have to clean it up."??Tip three: Focus on and emphasize the good behavior.

This is a key part to good discipline for toddlers. It is critical that you remember to tell your child when you like how he's behaving, rather than speaking up only when he's doing something wrong. It is really effective to reward good behavior, far more so than only punishing the bad behavior. If you only focus on punishing bad, then they have little incentive to do good. For example, if you and your two year old are always fighting about them eating their food, then it is a good idea to focus on this. When they take that first bite, you can say, "I am so glad you ate some of your food, once it is gone we can have a fun treat." If they eat the majority of it, or at least try it all then continue praising each positive step. For example, if bedtime is a struggle, but they listen and stop playing, praise it. If they get their PJ's on, you can reward them with extra stories.

Tip four: Help them manage anger

Toddlers throw temper tantrums because they have not yet learned how to control their emotions. When they have tantrums, it is not something you should discipline, rather you should teach them how to manage those feelings better. To do this you want to first let them calm down, they will generally do this on their own. You may need to hug them, hold them, rock them, etc. Or, you may need to give them some space. Whatever they need to calm down, give it to them. Once the emotional storm has passed then you need to address it with them. Do not leave it unaddressed, but also, do not try to do so while they are still tantrum throwing. Both approaches are ineffective. Once you have talked about it, fix any problems that came as a result

• For example, if your child does not want to go to bed and so they rip the sheets and blankets off the bed, and throw the pillows all over the place, wait until they calm down, then take them back into their room, and have them clean up the mess they made. If this sets them off again, and they start to have a tantrum, then wait longer this time, and start again. It may take a few times, but ??Tip five: Get on their level.

When disciplining a toddler, you need to do it in a way that they understand. This means you have to talk on their level and in a way that they will understand. Even if you have a very bright toddler, there are ways you can get on their level to make discipline much easier.

When talking to your toddler be sure to repeat back what they say to you. Use short phrases with lots of repetition, gestures, and emotion to show your child that you get what's going on in their head, and that you are listening. If you do this they will respond much better.

For example, if your toddler takes a toy away from another child, you are faced with a choice. You can yank it out of their hands and stick them on time out. However, this is not wise. Instead, take a minute to repeat to them what they seem to be thinking and feeling. You would say, "You want the toy." This is going to help to validate your child's feelings, which will help them settle down. Once they are calm, you can give them the discipline message. You will want to do this in a simplified version, which might make you feel silly, but it will work. For example, "Not yours, Not yours, His turn." Soon they will learn to wait their turn.

• There are other things you can do, but make sure that you listen to your child, and show them respect so that they offer you the same courtesy.

Most babies spend the majority of their time asleep or eating. This means that you are not going to bond with them the way you would with a buddy: over a movie, at the bar, going out, etc. Instead, to bond with a baby you start by simply learning to enjoy them, not what you are doing with them. They can't do anything, so if you think you can bond over a game of pool, you are wrong. Instead, bonding should be done by learning to enjoy your baby just for the little miracle they are.

It can sound like a lot of work to bond with a baby, especially because there is such a big deal made out of it. The reason is that bonding is greatly important, but it does not have to be difficult, and it should be fun. You enjoy people who enjoy you, so to bond with baby, and to help them to bond with you as well, it is wise to focus on the enjoyment you get out of them. Watch them sleep, listen to them breathe, laugh at their stubborn cries, etc. If you find yourself getting stressed out by your baby, instead of simply enjoying them, it is time to take a step back, and start again. There are a lot of simple pleasures to be derived from a baby. They are so new to this world, and are experiencing reaching milestones each and every day. Rejoice in that. Learn to appreciate and enjoy when they look up at you, or when they smile back at your smile. Your baby may not be able to talk to you, but listening to their little sounds and noises can be very enjoyable. Learning to enjoy your baby is the first step to bonding to them.

If you are having a hard time enjoying your baby because of the many other demands on your time and life, it is time to ask for some help, take a break, and just sit and hold your baby for a while. It is okay to have someone else watch your other children for a day so you can just be with your baby. It is okay to order dinner out so that you can spend the time you would have spent preparing dinner talking to and playing with your baby.

Individuality:

When you start to think of your baby as a person with their own preferences, tastes, and characteristics, that is when true bonding can happen. If you look at your baby as a lump, then it is hard to bond with them. However, when you start to realize that they have real needs, social, emotional, etc. and that they get bored, hungry, ornery, or happy for no reason, just like you, then you can start to better bond with baby.

Look for the little aspects that make your baby their own person. If you have had other babies before you may notice how your baby differs from your past babies. Those traits and characteristics, and those little personality traits and quirks they have when they grow up start when they are a baby, so watch for them, and enjoy them. Thinking of your baby as a person will improve your ability to bond to them.
?Bonding while feeding:

One of the main reasons people say that it is easier to bond with your baby if you breast feed is because babies spend a significant amount of time during their first few weeks of life eating. If you breast feed, then you will find that this is one on one time that really can't be interrupted very well, that allows you to bond with baby. However, you do not have to breast feed to bond with your baby. If you bottle feed, it is still possible to bond with baby. However, there are some tricks to improve the bonding process. One, is be consistent about being the one to bottle feed your baby. The beauty of using a bottle is that you can let Dad or anyone else feed baby if you are too busy or too tired. However, if you are always passing that responsibility to someone else, then you do not get to take advantage of that time when they are awake, to bond with them. So, even if you want to share the load of feedings with your spouse, be sure to have set times each day that you are in charge of feeding, and take advantage of it.

Make feeding one on one time. Whether you breast or bottle feed your baby, it is a good idea to take your baby into a quiet room where the two of you can be alone, and you can talk to, sing to, rock, rub your baby's back, etc. while you feed them. It is important that if you are trying to bond with your baby that you are not trying to do other things while feeding them. Multi-tasking is great, and you will feel nice and productive, but if you are making your phone calls, or watching television while feeding your baby, you can't be bonding to them. Babies do not bond to the person that feeds them just because they feed them, but because during that time they snuggle them, talk to them, kiss them, play with them, and connect with them. If you are not doing those things while feeding your baby, breast or otherwise, you will not bond well with your baby.

Bonding through talking:

Your baby can't carry on a rational conversation with you, but that does not mean they can't talk with you. Talking to your baby, cooing at them, and babbling back to them will make for great bonding. Just because your baby cant respond to you the way a talking adult can, does not mean they won't respond to conversation. Babies love, and learn and grow from being talked to. Talking to your baby, about everything is a great way to bond to them. If they whimper or cry, ask them what is wrong. They can't tell you, but it will help to connect you, and strengthen your bond.

If you want to bond to your baby, set time aside each day for talking to your baby. Talk to them while you change their diaper, while you feed them, carry them to your car, etc. However, in addition to that, sing to them, babble and coo at them, and talk to them while they play, or lay or are awake. If your baby is awake and you are around, talk to them. This means talk to them while you bathe them etc.

Bonding as a dad:

Dad's often feel less bonded to baby then mom does. Many attribute this to the fact that mom had nine months to bond with baby before the baby ever got there, and mom is feeding the baby, etc. However, just because you are the dad does not mean you can't bond with baby as much as mom does. If you are concerned about being able to bond with your baby, make a point of being at the doctor appointments so you can listen to the heartbeat, and see the ultrasound pictures. Be at the delivery so you can feel the bonds that are forged when you see your baby for the first time, and hear their first cries, or see them take their first breath on their own. In addition to that, make a point of spending time with baby each day. This time spent is how you bond with baby. Even if you only get to see them an hour a day before they go to bed, you can use that time to bond to baby. However, if you want to bond with baby you can't just hand him or her off each time they fuss or need a diaper change. Bonding to baby when you are the dad requires that you immerse yourself in their life, all aspects, and that you learn how to soothe, comfort, and enjoy baby.

You can take turns feeding baby, changing baby, and waking up with baby. Sharing the basic responsibilities of caring for the baby will help you as a dad bond to your baby. So, even if your wife breast feeds, ask her to pump so that you can occasionally handle the feedings. Volunteer to change the baby when you are at home, and take turns getting baby when they wake up, cry, etc. If your wife is going to breast feed, and can't or doesn't pump, you can burp the baby after the feeding, which allows you time with baby.

There are many ways to bond with your baby, but the goal is to see your baby as an individual, and spend enough time with your baby in all states of happiness or sadness, offering comfort, socialization, and support so that they recognize your voice, your face, and your heartbeat and feel comfortable and secure when you are around.

The biggest key to improving your toddler's behavior is to be consistent with them. Consistency means that you need to react to their poor behavior the same way each time. This means that no matter what else is going on in your day, no matter how happy or how stressed you are, you need to be consistent with discipline, and with addressing behavior problems. So, to do this, you should take the time to determine how you are going to respond when certain behavioral problems arise.

For example, if your two year old is calling people stupid, you can't ignore it one time, spank them another, and put them on time out another. This sends a mixed signal. Your toddler needs to see consistency from you so that they know what to expect when they misbehave. So, as a parent, you can decide that when your child calls names they will be removed from the room, and put on a time out. Then you have to be consistent about following through and actually doing just that.

Consistency does a few things to improve behavior. First, it helps your child feel safe and secure. It also helps them to feel loved. When a child feels secure, they are far more likely to behave appropriately. They are less likely to lash out and do things that come from feeling insecure. Another thing is that it allows them to grow and develop in a safe environment, one where they know the outcome of their actions, and can thus make informed decisions. For example, your toddler will know that when they hit they get a privilege taken away. While they may still choose to hit on occasion, they do so knowing that some privilege will be taken away from them as a result.

Rules:

The next thing you need to do to improve a toddler's behavior is have set rules. The rules need to be clear and simple so that your child can appropriately understand them. These rules should be regularly reviewed, and your child should be reminded of them often. Having rules means having some structure, and behavior is always better when it is guided with structure. So, consider having your toddler help you set the rules. When they help to set the rules for behavior, they are actively participating, and will be more responsive to the rules. It is a good idea to sit down with your toddler and have a short discussion about what appropriate behavior is, and what is not appropriate, and then ask them what kind of behavior rules you should have.

Your toddler may suggest some silly things, but gently get them back on track, and together come up with a list of simple rules. They may be something as follows:

• No hitting.
• If there is a problem, tell mom or dad.
• No biting.
• No snacks unless you eat your meals.

These are just some examples. However, if there is a set rule that is created before or distinctly separate from the behavioral problem, they will be more likely to adhere to it, and understand the consequences when they do not. For example, if you decide that snacks are a privilege you get only if you eat all of your food at meal times, then the next time your child wants a snack, and can't have one because they did not eat their lunch, you can simply remind them of the rule, and that they helped to create it.

Rules allow you to distance yourself some from the behavioral problem, that way your child will not blame you and lash out at you as much. Two, it is beneficial in that it provides a clear understanding for your child of what is expected. They are expected to finish their food. They are expected to interact well with other kids. They are expected to share.

Make rules clear so that it is clear when they are broken.

Consequences:

Along with a set of rules there needs to be a set of consequences, and these too need to be simple and easy for the child to understand. This will guide them in their decision making, and help them in their quest to self-fulfillment and individuality while keeping behavior in check.

Some rules have natural consequences, others require a defined consequence. Go through the rules with your child and tell them what will happen if these rules are broken. Most parents do this in a way as it is, however, often they do not follow through with the proposed consequences, or are not consistent about them, which actually leads to worse behavior. For example, if you tell your child when you are driving that if they do not stop fighting you will pull the car over, then you need to do so when they continue to fight.

Consequences need to be specific. If you hit, you get 5 minutes on time out. If you bite, you get your mouth washed out with soap. If you do not finish your food, you can't have a snack until it is eaten. If you get out of your bed you get a spank.

Consequences need to be enforced. If you want your child to behave appropriately, and you go to the trouble of setting rules, and consequences, it is critical that you also enforce what you say. You are going to teach your children that misbehavior is perfectly acceptable if you ignore it and do not follow through with the consequences promised.

Schedules:

Toddlers need structure, and having it is going to greatly improve behavior because they will know what to expect and when, and they will feel secure. Part of creating a good structure for improved behavior, you should create a schedule of sorts. With toddlers schedules should be less time oriented, and more activity and sequence oriented. This is important because your child is not going to wake at the same time each day, and may not have the same needs day to day. So, rather than having the schedule be like:

• 9:00 wake up, eat breakfast
• 10:00 color
• 12:00 lunch
• 12:30 nap

And on through the day, simply make it more like after breakfast you get a show, after your show you get to do arts, after arts is lunch, after lunch is nap or quiet time, after that you play outside, after that you take a bath and get ready for dinner, etc.

If you child knows that they are expected to take a nap after lunch, and it is part of their regular routine or schedule, they are less likely to fight you about it. Hence, improved behavior. If your child knows that they get to have a treat after they play outside, then they will not hound you for it earlier or at other times, because they will know when to expect it.

Creating a comfortable routine that fits your lifestyle is not difficult, but it does take consistency and patience.

If you can implement the above principles, and now allow your tiredness, laziness, or frustrations effect how you react when your child misbehaves, rather stick to the rules, consequences, and set out ideas, your child will learn what to expect, and will respond by showing you the kind of behavior you want to see in your toddler.

Remember, toddlers are individuals struggling with self expression, and resistance to you, and often other forms of misbehavior are common, and necessary for growth. So, do not try and suppress these incidences, rather work on creating a stable, comfortable, predictable environment so that your toddler knows what to expect, and can feel safe, even when they need to have a melt down or temper tantrum.

Some greetings are used frequently and others are reserved for more intimate situations, friends, family, etc. The reasons that some are more prevalent than others is because of culture, or religion.

There are a number of fun Christmas greetings people use during the Christmas season, and all of these greetings have fun potential for Christmas gifts and card ideas. The following are some creative ways to incorporate Christmas greetings into your gift giving:

Happy holidays is a traditional greeting used during the holiday season, not just for Christmas. It is a great greeting for non-religious, or non-Christian affiliations, and it has a lot of potential for making fun gifts. In the United States, the phrase "Happy Holidays" is often used as a simple way to refer to all of the winter holidays, most notably, the three major American holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

• Idea 1: Give a holly leaf wreath with a tag that reads "Happy Holly-days." Packaging is a lot of the fun with gift giving, and with using holiday greetings in fun ways for Christmas gifts. So, tie a big red bow around your gift and attach a cute handmade card with your greeting written or typed in. You can find holly berry printed paper, or use a stamp or hand drawing to embellish the card some.
• Idea 2: Give a gift of candied nuts, a nutcracker, and other nut themed goodies with a note that reads, "I'd be a "nut" not to wish you Happy holidays!" This is a great way to use a traditional greeting and add a little pizazz to it. You can get a Christmas colored basket, and fill it with goodies, and wrap it in cellophane with a big Christmas themed ribbon which you attach your creative note to.
• Idea 3: Use the idea of changing the words around, like "Hoppy Holidays" and give a fun gift of a bunny dressed in Christmas clothes, or some other rabbit themed gift. A great gift for a family with small children is a set of Peter Rabbit, Velveteen Rabbit, or some other rabbit books or movies, and use this tag on the outside of the package.

The greeting, "Have a very Merry Christmas" is a sweet way of well wishing your friends and family over the holidays. It expresses your hopes that their Christmas is good, and fun. You can use this greeting in a productive way to make fun Christmas gift tags with clever twists.

• Idea 1: For an inexpensive gift idea that makes a fun Christmas gift and utilizes this fun Christmas greeting is to bake loaves of bread, and wrap them in cellophane, and give them with a jar of your favorite berry jam. Attached to the gift you can include a fun tag that reads, "Have a berry Merry Christmas." You can use this same play on words for many other gifts, including berry pies, holly berry gifts, etc. Put it to use and see what you can come up with. If you are not into baked goods, consider buying Berry flavored candy, etc.
• Idea 2: For a quick and easy Christmas gift you can use for office co-workers or neighbors consider purchasing bags of Chocolate Candy Kisses, and including a tag that reads, "Have a very Merry Kiss-mas." You can use this same tag and give lip sticks or lip glosses to girlfriends.

Merry Christmas:

This is probably the most common Christmas greeting, and it expresses well wishes and love. It makes for a great greeting whether you are greeting strangers or friends. The word "Merry" was derived from the Old English word called myrige, which originally meant merely "pleasant" rather than joyous or jolly that it means now. The first known usage of it in a more jovial sense and as a Christmas or holiday greeting was in an informal letter written by an English admiral in 1699. Then the term combined with "Happy New Year" was used in the first Christmas card, produced in England in 1843, and in the popular carol "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

The following are some fun ways to incorporate this greeting into your gift giving.

• Idea 1: "Merry Kiss-mas" This is the same as the idea listed above, using this phrase attached to a bag of candy kisses or lip stick, lip gloss, or chapstick. It is a fun and inexpensive gift, and can be combined with several other things for a bigger gift if you want.
• Idea 2: "Mary Christ-mas" is another fun way to express this phrase and remind people about the religious side of the Christmas celebration. Attach this greeting to a boxes nativity set, a picture of the nativity scene, or any other religious genre gift and it makes the perfect witty card. You can often pick up nativity sets for very inexpensive, or even ornaments with painted scenes of the nativity or Christ. These are all fun gifts to attach this phrase to.

This popular Christmas greeting comes from a phrase of lyrics in a popular Christmas song. It was adapted and has now become a common way to part with friends and family from Christmas parties and events. Lucky for you, this traditional greeting has a lot of potential for unique gift tag ideas.

• Idea 1: "We whisk you a merry Kiss-mas" This is a really fun one, and can be used any number of ways, but the big idea is to get a wire whisk, large or small, and fill it with the yummy candy kisses, plain, almond, or whatever you want. You print this little saying out and attach it with ribbon. You can give just the whisk with treats, or you can make it a more elaborate gift and give it in a mixing bowl with cake mixes, cookie mixes, muffin mixes, etc. You do not have to bake anything yourself, and can make the gift as big or as small as you would like.
• Idea 2: Using the phrase, "We wish you a Merry Christmas" just as it is you can give a small wishing well with a dollar coin in the bottom of it, or a treat of some kind. This is a fairly informal gift, and can be a fun little way of letting someone know you are thinking of them at Christmas.

Seasons greetings

This is a fun phrase that appeared in the late nineteenth century and has become a popular phrase for Christmas cards and cordial greetings with friends and family ever since. The phrase sort of incorporates all of the winter holidays to be a rather vague, but encompassing greeting. It has a lot of potential for fun Christmas tags and ideas.

• Idea 1: Use a play on words by giving a spice rack of seasonings with a fun gift tag using the popular phrase. You can use the same play on words using all sorts of other things, such as a packet of hot cider tied with cinnamon sticks and a bow; seasoned popcorn or other seasoned and spiced foods, etc. You can make this as inexpensive or as costly as you want by purchasing whole sets of seasonings, or by making your own treats and attaching a greeting. You can use grilling seasonings for your BBQ lover, baking seasonings for the person who loves to bake, or a combination of seasonings for the person you do not know how to buy for.

Hoping your Christmas is sweet:

This one has unlimited potential as you can give any number of sweets and attach this greeting. If you want to go with the budget friendly option you can bake cookies at home, or cakes, or any number of sweets, and put them on paper plates with plastic wrap and a ribbon. Or, you can with a more expensive option and buy boxes chocolates, gourmet treats, or specialty baked goods from a bakery or restaurant.

With many of these gifts the packaging and presentation are half the battle. The phrases are catchy and fun, and add a little pizazz to the gift, but a bright bow, fun printed cellophane, and the extra special touch of a handmade card makes people realize how much you care, and make your gift that much more special. Use these unique ways to use Christmas greetings in gift ideas for a fun, and memorable Christmas gift giving experience.

Despite the origin of the term, or the popularity of its usage, it is a good sentiment to have a happy Christmas. Why wouldn't you want to have a happy Christmas? While it makes sense to strive for this as your goal, what can you do to achieve it?

Some would say the answer to this question is to get drunk. At least that is why people started using the phrase in the UK. However, most people would say that being drunk on Christmas is an indicator of being unhappy. Instead of turning to mood alternators, or alcohol to gain happiness over the holidays, consider some of the following ideas:

1. Spend time with family and friends.

   One of the things people tend to love most about the holiday season, and in particular Christmas, is the excuse it gives them to gather with friends, family, neighbors, and even co-workers to celebrate. Often these gathering are loud and festive, and can put you in high spirits, however, you do not have to have a party to be happy at Christmas. Christmas is a time where you are supposed to reconnect with those you love, share your joys with them. There once was a time when spending time with family and friends was the highlights of Christmas. These days, however, more people use Christmas as a chance to move in social circles, and to buy lavish gifts then to reconnect with family and friends. If you want to have a happy Christmas, it is time to change that cycle. Really since its beginning Christmas has been the season of spreading good cheer, of spending time with your family. It is a time for sharing, caring and giving, as well as the perfect stage to express love and compassion and work on family bonding.

   If you truly want to be happy this year at Christmas, stop treating this holiday as a time to fill your social calendar with parties, and instead, make sure that you take time out from your busy work schedules and social schedules to have a long Christmas at home. This Christmas should be spent with your close friends, and family, immediate as well as extended, although the immediate is the most important.

   Invite family like parents, children and their spouses and your brothers and sisters with their families for Christmas, but do not make a big deal out of it. If you are overly worried about the meal being perfect, the décor looking like it came out of a magazine, and the gifts being popular, you will miss out on the opportunity to bond and connect with your family.

   Make a point to spend quality time with your kids, parents, and your extended family. Greet each person with a smile, hug, and a heart full of love.

   In addition to seeing and reconnecting with family, Christmas is a good time to teach your family values and show them through example how to put those values, like love, compassion, giving and sharing into practice. Sometimes expressing these values is a perfect way to bond with your family. Together you can show compassion by volunteering at a shelter, show love by including everyone in the cooking, decorating the house and the tree, and wrapping up gifts. You can make it an extra special holiday for everyone involved.

2. Give a little.

   One of the reasons people generally are unhappy during the holidays is that they let the pressures of spending money, and giving and receiving gifts get them down. You are worried you will forget someone, or that someone might forget you. This is especially common amongst teens, they are more worried about what will be under the tree for them Christmas morning then what is under the tree from them. If you want to be happy at Christmas it is time to flip the mind set and get excited about giving rather than receiving. Take the time to put thoughts into your gifts and make them something extra special that the recipient will enjoy. You do not have to do things that are lavish, or even expensive, but give from the heart, with no expectations of something in return. If you can do this you will find your joy will overflow, and you will enjoy the delight on the face of those who open your tokens more than what you get yourself.

3. Don't worry about doing it all.

   This is a concept that can apply to anyone, but is most commonly an ailment for mothers. They get so caught up in baking all the right Christmas goodies, wrapping all the gifts perfectly, meeting and exceeding everyone's wish lists, and of course preparing the perfect meal, set on the perfect table, in a perfectly clean house. If you spend all of your time and energy worrying about all of that, what will you have left to use to just enjoy the time spent with family, and the holiday spirit? Nothing. This is exactly the point. Instead of trying to do it all, do what you can and be happy to give that much. If you know you won't be happy until you do it all, get jump start on things. Start your baking early and stick things in the freezer, watch for Christmas gifts throughout the year to help chip away at the endless list, make your hand-made cards in July, or let one of those wonderful online services take care of your Christmas cards for you (Shutterfly is a great one), hire someone to help you get your house ready for parties and gatherings, they could probably use the money, and you could certainly use the extra time (budget for it early if money is a concern), but most importantly, if things do not go perfectly, let it go.

4. Relax.

   The key to a happy Christmas is not to get too involved in planning the feast and the party, but to give yourself a break and to spend maximum time with your family. You are not supposed to leave the holidays exhausted, instead you are supposed to leave them feeling refreshed and reconnected to friends and family. The only way to do this is to relax and let yourself enjoy your friends and family. So, ask for help, buy rolls if you do not have time to bake them (apply this idea to many other things as well), you do not have to be Martha Stewart, and what you do not realize is she has someone else cleaning up the mess and doing her shopping, so you really can't be. When it is all said and done, whether you buy your Christmas cards or hand-make them, it is all the same. So, cut out the unnecessary things, and just relax and enjoy the holiday.

5. Remember the reasons.

   Last, but not least, to be infinitely more happy at Christmas you have to get away from the secular mindset and commercialization that is so prevalent and remember why Christmas is celebrated in the first place. Christmas is a time to celebrate and commemorate the birth of the Christian Savior, Jesus Christ. If you take the time to remember and focus on why the date is important, and reacquaint yourself with the life and deeds of Christ you will feel the peace and joy that Christmas is supposed to bring rather than the stress of shopping, baking, and decorating for the holiday. Those parts are fun and important as well, but should not take priority over the religious aspect of the holiday.

Try these five great tips for having a happier Christmas, and if all else fails, go ahead and get drunk, but remember, there are consequences to finding happiness in a bottle, the least of which is likely to be a splitting headache the next day, the worst of which could be infinitely worse. Seek your happiness elsewhere.

For some, Christmas is a time of stress, where fighting holiday crowds, spending money they don't have, and trying to fit the endless engagements into an already stuffed schedule really starts to take its toll. Often the spirit and true meaning of Christmas are lost in the rush and hubbub to meet the expectations and demands of the season. If you ever feel that the spirit of Christmas is getting lost, and you are succumbing to the pressures of finding the perfect gifts, hosting the most elaborate party, or finding a way to buy something for everyone that is on your list, it is time to sit back and remember the spirit of Christmas and how the season is supposed to be. The following are some tips to help you get into the spirit of Christmas and remember the true meaning.

Christmas is a Christian holiday to commemorate the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. While it is not actually believed he was born on December 25th, it is the day set aside to celebrate that birth. Over the years, as Western culture became more prominent, the holiday was fraught with commercialization. Now, Christmas is celebrated worldwide by many Christians, but also by many non-Christians. The focus of the holiday has drifted from the religious aspects and the gift of the birth of a Savior for mankind to the folklore and merchandising possibilities of Santa, gift giving, and all of the hype that goes with it. In order to help yourself get into the spirit of Christmas it is a good idea to do something to help yourself remember the religious side of Christmas. Some simple ways to take time to remember the religious reasons for Christmas include purchasing a nativity scene to add to your decorations; attending a reenactment or pageant about the birth of Christ; attending a mass held for Christmas; reading the accounts of the Savior's birth out of the scriptures; playing religious Christmas music in your home and car in addition to the fun jingles and tunes that focus on Santa. There are many other ways to help you remember the religious aspect of Christmas, but taking a little bit of time to readjust your focus can make a big difference in how much you feel the spirit of Christmas.

Forget the selfish side by serving others:

One of the best ways to get into the spirit of Christmas is to not just remind yourself what the spirit of Christmas is, but actively involve yourself in it. There are many ways you can get past the selfish, commercialized side of Christmas by focusing on other's needs and wants rather than your own. The following are a few easy ways to move past the selfish aspect of wondering what people will give you, or what parties you will be invited to, and instead serve others and be grateful for what you have: consider having your family take a trip to a local food bank, soup kitchen, or homeless shelter and volunteer some of your time and talents. Often times seeing people who cannot even provide their own meals can put the gift receiving and giving side of Christmas into perspective and make it less of the focus, especially for children. If this frightens you, or you are not sure how to do this consider other options. A fun, safe option that is always appreciated and welcome is visits to nursing and old folk's homes. You can call the director of a nursing home and they will tell you when the best time to come visit is. You can perform a Christmas song, sit and talk to the tenants, or even just go and help to serve a meal. The elderly people always enjoy the company and visits, and appreciate your time and efforts. Other things you can do include sponsoring a less fortunate family for Christmas, either by providing a meal, or their Christmas gifts. You can donate to programs like Sub-for-Santa, or you may even want to get your children involved by having them choose some of their Christmas gifts to give to less fortunate. This may be hard for them at first, but they will feel proud of themselves later, and it will help them understand the real meaning of the holiday.

Think what role you can play in "peace on earth, and goodwill toward men":

Many people understand the scriptural reference to the spirit of Christmas and the idea that it is supposed to be a time when generosity abounds and we share love and kindness with family, neighbors, and strangers alike, but they really do not have a grasp of what they can do personally to promote peace on earth and goodwill toward men. The following are some fun ideas to help you get in the spirit of Christmas: Make efforts at home to have less contention in your home. One fun way to do this is to have a passable service instrument. For example, use a decoration like a star or a Santa hat, then do random, anonymous acts of kindness in your home and for your family. For example, make your sister's bed, or change the laundry over without being asked. When you do something for someone you leave the service instrument in their room, and then they do an act of kindness and pass it on. This is an especially good idea if you have small children as it helps them recognize their role and ability in promoting love and peace, as well as kindness and service not only to others, but within the family. Some people use the same idea, and instead have a manger and straws. Anytime someone does something thoughtful or kind to them they place a straw in the manger in the hopes that by Christmas Eve it will have enough straw to be a comfortable bed for the baby Jesus. These ideas do not have to remain in the home, promote this idea in your neighborhood, office, etc. You can also just keep your eyes open for small acts of service and kindness you can show others. For example, hold open a door for someone with lots of shopping bags at the mall, shovel your neighbor's walk when you are out shoveling your own, let someone with small children take your closer parking spot, and you walk extra, etc. If everyone was a little kinder and a little more thoughtful the idea of "peace on earth and goodwill toward men" would not seem as far fetched.

Play holiday music:

If you want to get into the spirit of Christmas, set the mood in your home, or wherever you are. Make an effort to have a good, happy feeling in your home. Play peaceful seasonal music, but do not start too early. Have a good mix of religious and festive tunes.

Decorate your home:

If you want to get into the spirit of Christmas you should decorate your home. Nothing helps set the tone more than a change in your surroundings. Until you have garland, twinkle lights, a Christmas tree, and other decorations it just won't feel like Christmas.

Do not over-schedule:

If you want to get into the spirit of Christmas you need to do your best to focus on Christmas and not let yourself get too stressed out. The best way to do this is simply keep things simple. If you have a different Christmas party to be at every night, or a crowded holiday schedule, instead of enjoying spending time as a family and as friends you will be worried about having things done, and getting to the next thing quickly enough. Try to limit yourself to one activity a week, and be sure to have some nights that are just for your family to have fun together.

Simplify your gift list:

One of the biggest reasons people lose the spirit of Christmas is they forget the reasons for Christmas in their stress of finding all the right gifts, fighting the crowds at the malls, and finding enough money to finance the expensive time of year. The best way to make this better is to simplify your gift list. This means cut out the people that you really do not need to do something for. You do not have to give gifts to everyone in your office, or everyone in your neighborhood, reserve gift giving for your closest friends and family. If you have a lot of people to buy for, or a limited budget, leave the adults out, they will understand. You can always give gifts of service, or home made gifts. Do not go overboard, and do not make it a necessity to get the latest and greatest gadgets, often they are hard to find at Christmas, as everyone wants them, or they are really expensive, so a better idea is to get simple gifts. If money is the issue, start saving early.

These are just a few ways to get into the spirit of Christmas. Just remember, it is not about what you give or what you receive, it is about showing love, generosity, and gratitude, as well as remembering the birth of Christ.

The Christmas tree has been a part of our indoor celebration of the Christmas holiday since the 16th Century. It is hard to say exactly when it was that the Christmas tree originated but the history of the use of a cut and decorated fir tree is certainly a long one. According to some scholars the origins of the Christmas tree date back longer than even Christianity itself, while others argue that it was during the American Revolution that the Christmas tree was born. Records of trees being decorated as part of a celebration span the globe. The Egyptians were said to have treasured and worshipped evergreens, while the Romans used evergreens in their celebration and worship of the god of agriculture. Centuries ago in Great Britain the branches of evergreen trees were placed over doors to keep evil spirits away. It wasn't until the late middle ages that evergreen trees found their way indoors when the Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope in the forthcoming spring. Some say that it wasn't until the fifteen hundreds that the tradition to decorate trees as a way to celebrate the birth of Christ begun.

The history of the Christmas tree was born in America sometime during the Revolutionary war but did not begin to become widely accepted until 1851 when a farmer sold six ox sleds full of trees in New York City. By the year 1900 about 20% of Americans celebrated Christmas with an evergreen tree in their home. By 1920 the custom spread not only throughout much of the country but to other countries as well. There are several species of Christmas trees that are traditionally used. Scots pines and Douglas firs are the most popular species of evergreen trees used for Christmas trees. But other trees cut down and used for the Christmas holiday include the noble fir, white pine, balsam fir and white spruce.

The evergreen tree has long had symbolic importance that carries a purpose with it as well.
The Christmas tree is a symbol of a living Christmas spirit and, to some, a living Christ. The pleasant aroma of the tree reminds us of the forest, nature and natural beauty. Balsam fir twigs have long been thought to resemble crosses, explaining why Balsam fir trees were among the first to be used as Christmas trees.

One of the concerns that many people have with live trees is whether or not they are safe to have in your home. On from the year 2002 to 2005, an average of 24 people per year were killed in the United States when their live Christmas tree caught fire. On average every year $13.3 million dollars is lost due to property damage because of a Christmas tree fire. And on average 1 of every 9 reported Christmas tree fires result in death. No one imagines their Christmas tree could be the source of such sorrow until the unfortunate happens to them. Fortunately, these sad statistics can help live Christmas tree lovers to take precautionary steps and hopefully prevent themselves from becoming a victim of a holiday fire. As 64% of Christmas tree fires are caused by some kind of electronic or heating element (i.e. overheated lights, space heaters, etc.), the first step that can be taken to prevent these fires is to make sure that any equipment that you put on or near your tree that has a power source is well maintained or at a proper distance from the tree. Open flames are never safe to have around a tree as they alone account for 15% of home Christmas tree fires. If you are not sure whether or not the lights you are using on your tree are safe, you should only buy lights that have been tested by a laboratory and which have been designed for indoor use. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use the lights. The general rule of thumb when it comes to Christmas tree light safety is that any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulb connections should not be used. Connect no more than three strands of push-in bulbs and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. And one last warning that owners of live trees may not realize is that as soon as the tree begins to drop needles, it is an indication that the tree is drying out and dried out trees are highly flammable. Make sure that dried out trees are properly disposed of and not left in a house, garage or propped up against any structure. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, "Well-watered trees are not a problem. Dry and neglected trees can be."

Decorating your Christmas tree

Decorating the Christmas tree is a tradition that many families hold dear. Whether you like to decorate your tree with homemade decorations or like to have a more elegant and regal looking tree, these tips are sure to make the job more enjoyable by allowing your tree to stay beautiful longer and for less work.

• Keep your fresh tree watered - Aside from the dangers of havign a dried out tree, you want to make sure that you keep your cut tree watered so that you can benefit from its color and fragrance for as long as possible. A freshly cut tree will start drying out as soon as it is cut so it is important to get it into the water and keep it well watered from the very start.
• Order - Although there is no right or wrong way to decorate a tree, there is some logic behind what order you place your decorations in. When you are decorating your Christmas tree, you will find that it usually works best to first string the lights, then add garland, and hang the ornaments last.
• Hanging lights - Hanging lights on the tree can become a tangled and disorganized mess. Generally this task is done most successfully when you start by stringing the lights on the inside of the tree first and work your way out to the outer branches.
• Ornament suggestions - To add depth to your Christmas tree avoid hanging ornaments on the tips of the branches and instead place them closer to the inside of the tree. If you plan on filling your tree with ornaments keep in mind that it generally takes 20 ornaments to cover every 2 feet of tree. If you are using more themed or collectible ornaments you can reduce the number of ornaments being used to about 10 per 2 feet.

Artificial Christmas trees

Artificial trees are an economical alternative to purchasing a live tree year after year. There has long been a stigma associated with artificial trees that has lead many to believe that they are somehow inferior to the freshly cut tree. While artificial Christmas tree design and construction has had to come a long way, nowadays you can purchase artificial trees that very much resemble the real thing. One of the most significant changes that have been made to improve the look of the artificial Christmas tree is to increase the number of tree "tips." Eliminating the possibility of being able to see the center pole of an artificial tree significantly improves the perceived realism of that tree. The stand is another feature that you should pay careful attention to if you are in the market for an artificial tree. Metal stands with rubber feet are more sturdy (and thus safer) than plastic or cheap metal stands. As you shop around for an artificial Christmas tree it is best to do so in person so that you can get a close-up view of the branches for yourself. If you cannot tell in person that an artificial tree is in fact artificial, you may consider saving yourself a lot of money (and mess) in the long run by buying a re-usable artificial tree.

Environmental issues

Environmentalists debate as to whether artificial or real trees are better for the natural environment. The argument against artificial trees is that they are usually made out of non-biodegradable materials and some trees have a warning that dust or leaves from the tree should not be eaten or inhaled. On the other end of the argument real trees are used only for a short time, but can be recycled and used as mulch. But in nature real trees help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, once they are cut down they no longer serve this much needed function. Even crops of evergreens specifically grown for use during the Christmas season may not interfere as much with wildlife but in many cases the management of Christmas tree crops involves the use of pesticides and makes for a poor natural habitat. And so it is up to the individual consumer to weigh the different issues and decide which decision best agrees with their beliefs and budget.

Christmas is a very important time of year for families everywhere. It helps them celebrate religious beliefs as well as spend time with family and friends in a setting that doesn't happen but a few times each year. There are many reasons why Christmas is important to so many people.

Christmas is an annual holiday that is meant to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It refers to the day of his birth as well as the season which it begins called the Christmastide which then ends with the feast of Epiphany. The date is only traditional and is not actually considered to be the birth date of Jesus but only a celebration of his birth. Christmas also combines this celebration with other winter festivals like the Nativity. Christmas is normally a Christian holiday, which can be deduced from the name, but is also celebrated by people of other faiths too. There are also some Christian faiths that don't celebrate Christmas. The date of Christmas in most places all over the world is December 25. Christmas Eve is also celebrated in many places and some places like Germany begin the celebrations on the 24th of December. The day after Christmas, the 26th, is called Boxing Day in the UK and many other places celebrate St. Stephen's Day in primarily Catholic countries. Some churches observe Christmas on other days. For example, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates it on January 6th each year and the Eastern Orthodox Church, who still uses the Julian calendar, celebrates it on January 7th.

Christmas has long been an important holiday, but its prominence came about after the rule of Charlemagne, who was crowned on Christmas Day in the year 800. Christmas has evolved over the years and different things have become important in the celebration of it. Modern tradition is more focused on the Nativity scenes of Christmas and other important symbols like hilly, Christmas trees, exchanging gifts and Santa Claus. The general theme of Christmas has become a time to celebrate friends and family and to promote goodwill and peace.

Santa is one of the most iconic and recognizable figures for most people who celebrate Christmas today. Santa Claus or Father Christmas stems from the holiday season where the exchange of gifts is very important to many people. He has many names depending on what part of the world you are considering and some of the gifts that are given are said to come from Santa. Some of his other notable names are Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas or St. Nikolaus, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Père Noël, Babbo Natale, Weihnachtsmann, Saint Basil and Father Frost. He is celebrated in many languages and many cultures all over the world and has different appearances and histories in each place to adapt him to the cultural differences that are the most pronounces and most important to each country.

Most people will recognize the appearance of Santa Claus because of the standardization of his image by and artist named Thomas Nast. He began creating images of Santa in the mid-1800s and continued drawing a new image each year. Father Christmas predates the actual name of Santa Claus and was first mentioned in the 15th century. He used to be associated with merrymaking and drunkenness but his image evolved over time to become who he is today. Other figures, like France's Père Noël, have seen similar transformations over the years. He is traditionally married to Mrs. Claus and has elves working for him to be able to bring gifts to all the children in the world. Many people around the world still use the guise of Santa Claus and his foreign counterparts to give gifts, but some people are abandoning this practice saying that it is deceptive and teaches principles they don't want their children to learn.

The Christmas tree and other decorations

The Christmas tree is a symbol for Christians and represents Christmas in many different ways. Some say that is comes from a pagan tradition revolving around the winter solstice that involved the use of evergreen trees and is adapted from pagan tree worship. The modern tradition of the Christmas tree is believed to have begun in Germany in the 1700's, but some say that Martin Luther began the tradition almost a century earlier. It was introduced to England by Queen Charlotte who was the wife of George III. It also became a tradition in the United States about the same time. The Tree is traditionally decorated with lights and ornaments. They used to be covered with candles that would be lit and give light to the tree inside, but these have been replaced by safer electric lights since. Modern Christmas trees often incorporate themes and are decorated very lavishly.

The poinsettia is also a very popular symbol of Christmas and the holiday season. It's red and green leaves are the traditional colors of Christmas and many people believe that they have special properties together. Other plants like holly, mistletoe, amaryllis and Christmas cactus are also popular Christmas plants. Homes are decorates with these plants and sometimes with garlands and evergreen foliage as well. It is also a tradition in many places to decorate the outside of the house with lights and other decorations that commemorate the Christmas and holiday season. Some neighborhoods and cities sponsor lighting competitions and award the most extravagantly decorated homes with recognition or monetary awards. People go to extremes to decorate their homes for the Christmas season. Brightly colored wrapping paper has also become a tradition in the Western culture for decorating the gifts that are given at Christmas. Some other decorations that people use are bells, candles, stockings, pinecones, wreaths, angels, and candy canes. Each of these has a different symbolic value and representation. Traditionally, Christmas decorations are taken down the twelfth night after Christmas or on January 5th (although some people have a tendency to leave them up much longer into the spring and summer months).

Christmas and economics

Christmas is a very important time of year for businesses in Western cultures. It is the largest economic stimulus for many countries all year and they depend on it for stability and continued prosperity. Sales increase sharply in almost all retail establishments and areas and new businesses are formed just to take advantage of the money that is spent on giving gifts at Christmastime. Many businesses and companies introduce new products and release the most important new items because they will likely be more successful and popular during this season. In the U.S. the Christmas shopping season begins on what is called black Friday, which is the Day after Thanksgiving and many stores have the best sales all year on this day to get people in the door and to spend money at their establishment. But many stores begin selling decorations and gifts much earlier in the year, sometimes right after the summer holidays. In most places, Christmas day is the least active day all year for purchasing because people want to stay at home and spend time with family. Christmas is a very important time for other businesses like the film industry and many studios release some of their biggest films during the season, sometimes after Thanksgiving. In the eyes of many economists, the Christmas season is the most important time of year for businesses and they will make as much as 75% of their annual revenues during the holiday season. Christmas sales often determine if a business will be able to endure the rest of the year and remain in business.

The holiday shopping season has been extended in a clever effort by many stores and sales now go into the middle or end of January. The offer "so you didn't really get what you wanted for Christmas" sales and ideas spurring many people to spend even more after the hype and excitement of Christmas is over and people have returned to normal schedules. They also entice people to spend the gift cards that they got for Christmas and to buy accessories for other items that they received for Christmas gifts. January sales are not clearance sales so much any more but also include winter close-out sales and follow up sales to Christmas giving. Some say that the January shopping season is just as important as December and is even a continuation of the Christmas shopping season. In the 2004-2005 season it was said that January sales matched those in December. So the holiday season is getting longer and is becoming more important to the success of businesses all over the world.

Many people are concerned about the commercialization of Christmas and are concerned that it is becoming more important to many people to give the most expensive gifts rather than to have fun and enjoy the company of family and friends. Some are concerned about the drama that is associated with Black Friday sales and the serious fights that have resulted in injuries and even deaths. Some also argue that children are more concerned about receiving the coolest gift whether they really want it or would actually even use it. Many are distressed by the replacement of Christmas with X-mas that replaces the very important underlying theme of Christ in the holiday season.

Start by replacing the lighting in your formal living room. Tall lamps are a beautiful way to accent the corners in your formal living room. Two tall floor lamps will run you $110 each at the Home Depot. You can opt for cheaper lamps, but a formal living room lamp should be a bit fancier. If you have ceiling lighting, you should consider new light fixtures or new lights altogether. Recessed lighting creates a dramatic effect; however it may run out your entire budget, especially if you hire an electrician to install the lights. Fancy lighting fixtures can be picked up for $75 each at the Home Depot. You can always opt for more expensive lighting fixtures if your budget permits it.

To create a fresh new look, you should consider painting your formal living room. A formal living room should create a soft, warm feeling so the paint color you select should be soft instead of harsh. Light yellows, tans and off-whites are a great way to create a feeling of warmth to your formal living room. A professional painter can come in and do the formal living room for an average cost of $300. If you choose to paint the room yourself, the total cost with all the necessary supplies will run you about $100. If your formal living room has baseboards and other moldings, you should consider painting two different colors. A darker color can be used to accent the above color, just be sure the colors don't clash. A dark burgundy goes well with white and a dark blue looks just as stunning with a white or off-white accent.

The flooring in your formal living room is another area that is of importance. For a small budget, you probably won't be able to replace the carpet or install wood floors. Instead, rent a carpet scrubber for $25 and scrub that carpet until it looks new again. For a wood floor, give it a nice re-finish. You can pick up a wood floor refinisher and polish for about $50. After you have cleaned up the floor, you need to purchase rugs that match the overall look of the room. A nice rug will run you anywhere from $50-$500.

The walls are another area of importance in the formal living room remodel. Your furniture in a formal living room should never touch the walls, though it can be close. The way you place your couches, piano, and lighting will have a different impact on the complete living room remodel. A piano in a corner looks much better than one in the middle of the room. Couches should also be placed near the wall to create a feeling of openness.

The total cost for a new paint job, new lighting, cleaned flooring, and drapes will cost about $620 and that is to have a professional painter come to your home. Feel free to splurge a little on the lighting or the new rugs, this price is just for the bare minimum.

How to remodel your formal living room for under $2500

Here are some tips to help your remodel your formal living room for under $2500. Start by looking at the walls. Can you expand the size of your formal living room a few feet? If you cannot expand the total room, try taking out a closet that comes back to back with the formal living room. If you can get rid of a closet in your hallway, you can turn it into a nice shelf or nook in your formal living room. To do this you are looking at spending $250 if you do it yourself or $500 to have a professional builder do it.

New paint is a must-have in any formal living room remodel. Take a few paint samples from the Home Depot and decide which colors look the best with your carpet or wood floor, furniture and the style you are going for. If you have a molding, consider using two different colors, one for the top and one for the bottom. Feng Shui is a popular method used in many formal living rooms. It is the Chinese art of correct placement. One wall in your formal living room should be a warm color such as light green, light blue or pale yellow. Dark colors are thought to be too harsh and are only for outdoor use, however with molding dark colors are ok for only the bottom half of the formal living room. The other walls in your formal living room should be white or a lighter shade from the wall you painted. The ceiling in your room will also be white. You can purchase a 5 gallon bucket of paint from Lowes for $25.00 for basic white. Take a look at their miss-tint section; you may be able to get pretty decent colors for a cheap rate. The total cost to re-paint your master bedroom with paint and supplies will be $150.00. If you opt to hire a professional painter, you are looking at a cost of about $400.

Lighting is one of the biggest features in a formal living room. Take a good look at your existing lighting fixtures and replace them with recessed lighting. Recessed lighting is a great way to accent certain pictures on your walls and provides a dramatic effect to your entire formal living room. To have an electrician come and install the recessed lighting, you will be spending roughly $400 - $600, depending upon the size of the room and the complexity of the job. Even with recessed lighting, you should consider purchasing a couple tall lamps. The Home Depot has a wide variety of floor lamps and a nice matching set will run you about $220.

Replace the current picture frames with shadow boxes. Many formal living rooms have too many pictures cluttering the walls, decide on 3 or 4 nice pictures and hang them in shadow boxes with lights inside or positioned under one of the new recessed lighting spotlights. Shadow boxes with lights can run from $100-$500, depending upon the size of the shadow box.

The furniture in your formal living room should create a feeling of warmth or a romantic atmosphere. If you have a piano and nice bookcase or china hutch, re-stain and re-seal the wood. You can do this yourself for $50 or you can hire a professional to come and do this for about $200.

To have all of the above remodeling done to your formal living room, you are looking at a total cost of $2400. That is to have the professionals come and do many of the projects. The extra money you have should be invested in nice furniture or rugs for the formal living room.

How to remodel your formal living room for under $3000

Here are some ways to remodel your formal living room for under $3000. Start by taking a good look at the flooring in your formal living room. If you prefer carpet, you can install new carpet for around $2000. A nice change to a formal living room is hardwood flooring. For a 20x20 foot room, the cost to have a professionally installed wood floor will run you about $2500. You can install wood floors yourself for around $1800, but you need to know how to prepare the floor, glue it, and finish it when completed. It is much easier to hire a professional for your hardwood flooring project.

Every room can be given a fresh new look with a nice coat of paint. You can paint your formal living room on your own for about $150. A professional can come in and paint for around $400. For a formal living room, you should be focused on creating a relaxing environment that is open and warm. Softer colors will help you achieve this goal. Stick with the whites, pales, and avoid the dark, harsher colors.

Molding is another addition you should include in your formal living room remodel. You will need to obtain all the proper measurements and cut the molding to the appropriate sizes. The molding should run along the baseboards, ceiling and directly in the middle or ¼ the way up the wall. The molding preparation and installation will cost you about $300 if you do it yourself. If you hire a professional to take care of your molding project, you will spend roughly $500.

The windows are another area that needs attention in your formal living room remodel. A professional window installer can replace the old window with a nice, fancier window for about $500. If you opt to keep the same windows, paint around the trim and give them a good clean up job. Your goal should be to include as much sunlight into the room as possible. New windows with a design will only add to the warmth of the room. Decorate the windows with nice sheer drapes instead of blinds because they will allow more sunlight to enter the room. Sheer drapes can be purchased at Target for about $50.

If you have a barren wall, consider building a bookcase to it. A bookcase can be built on your own for about $500 or you can again, hire a professional to do this for $800. The bookcase can be used not only for books, but to place decorations in. The walls in your formal living room should be kept simple. If you selected one wall to be a different color from the other walls, that wall should have one picture on it only, while the other walls can include 2 or 3 different pictures. Try and keep the pictures all in the same frames and avoid overkill by adding too many pictures to the wall.

If you haven't purchased a piano, now is the time. A formal living room remodel is not complete without the installation of a piano. Pianos often complete the overall look of your formal living room and are used by many decorators to set the decorating tone for the rest of the room. A nice piano can charge you thousands of dollars, but you are able to pick up one for about $1500. Keep an eye out for garage sales too. If you happen to find an older piano, be sure to have it refinished. You can refinish the piano yourself for about $50.

It has been said that the best time to fertilize gardens in the northern United States is in the fall, after there has been a very hard freeze. This would probably be in October. You need to make sure that you do so before the soil actualy freezes later in the year.

Another good time, although certainly not as good would be in early spring, probably around February and April. If you miss this time you can still fertilize right up until the beginning of July. Any fertilization after this time will be problematic as it could confuse the plants and make it difficult for them to adjust to the winter weather. Naturally this is all for the northern United States.

If you live in another part of the country you should consult a local expert and have them take a look at your soil. Soil can actually vary a great deal from lot to lot. Some areas are sandy and require different types of fertilizer or more fertilization. There are all sorts of different conditions that you might face depending on your land.

Good fertilization will drastically change the quality of your garden, and fertilizing at the right time gets your garden off to the right start. You need to fertilize appropriately. If you do then you will certainly have wonderful gardens every year for as long as you live. Check with your local expert and enjoy gardens for the rest of your life. Good luck with your garden and its fertilization!

Instead of buying new seeds each year, some people like to save the seeds from their previous garden to plant them in the spring. After a person has harvested the last of their produce and they want to save seeds to plant in the spring there are a few thing they need to do. A person should make sure that the seeds that they want to plant in the spring are dried out and that there is not plant debris still connected to the seed. They should store the seeds in small labeled envelops. The envelops should be stored in a container that is airtight and that is located in a cool and dark place.

After a person has harvested the last of their produce they need to winterize their garden. Winterizing a garden is getting the garden ready for winter. Winterizing a garden is very important. A person needs to get their garden ready for the winter which in turn will also help when they are trying to get the garden ready for planting in the spring. There are several things a person needs to do to get their garden ready for winter.

Clean up

First a person needs to clean up their garden. Cleaning up the dead plants, especially the diseased plants can help eliminate some of the pests and diseases that could otherwise survive the winter on the rotting plants.

Another thing a person needs to do to clean up their garden is to remove the rotting vegetables from their garden that they did not harvest. They can add disease free vegetables to their compost pile.

Make compost

To get their garden ready for winter they should also make compost. Compost is very helpful to make the soil richer and help the future plants to thrive in the soil. After a person harvests the last of their produce they can take the left over plants that are disease free and mix them into the compost pile.

Removing weeds and leaves

A person should also remove the weeds and leaves form their garden. Just as with other diseased plants, pests and diseases can also live throughout the winter on weeds and leaves that are left in the garden. By removing these, a person can help their garden to stay healthy and get it ready for the spring planting.

Trim

If a person has any perennial plants in their garden they should take the time to trim them back after they have harvested the last of the produce from their garden. This is also a great way to get the garden ready for winter and help the plant grow better in the spring.

New plants

Some people live in areas that allow them to plant new plants once they have harvested the last of their produce. Sometimes they can start their garden over and plant new vegetables. Some people decide to plant other annuals such as flowers in their garden. Even if people do decide to plant new plants in their garden if the climate allows, they should clean up the plants that they are finished with as well as add them to their compost pile. Their soil still needs compost to help make and keep it healthy. Trimming annuals is also a good thing for them to do.

1. Roundup. There are various forms of roundup but all of them do the same basic things. Roundup works well on weeds and unwanted grasses. Some forms of roundup are waterproof, so that when it rains the weed killer is not washed off of the plant you are trying to kill. When used in small amounts this product should not harm other parts of the garden.
2. Another one to look at is Burnout Weed. This product should work quite quickly to eliminate all sorts of weeds and other unwanted grasses. A similar product is Grass Killer. There are various other products that have a varying degree of success. These products are things such as Pramitol, K-77 Root Killer, Sahara DG, and many others. You will need to read these products carefully so that you know that you are using the right thing for you particular garden situation.
3. Another important thing to learn about is organic weed killers. These can be much easier on the environment, so you should look into them. A few good weed killers are rock salt and vinegar. You need to be careful, however, because these can kill just about anything else they come into contact with. An all natural weed killer is Concern Weed Prevention Plus, which is fairly effective but takes some time to work. Organic weed killers are nice because you know that you are not destroying the environment or the water supply when you use them.

So if you get the feeling that `the weeds are winning' you should consider using one of these top products to eliminate them. Carefully select a product depending on where you live and what types of plants are in your garden. Continue to use weed prevention methods and experiment with different products until you find what works best for your garden area. Good luck with all of those weeds!