Managing a Toddler Tantrum

If you have ever had a slumber party for little girls at your home then you know that the most of these end up being a very crabby affair. This is because there is always lots of whispering, giggling and telling ghost stories late into the night. Sometimes there is also a great deal of fighting, crying and tickling and pinching and you name it …
To make sure there’s actually slumber at your child’s next slumber party for you and the kids there are certain tacts you can take.
Shorten the guest list. Handling four kids at night is easier than ten kids. Tell your child that she can invite fewer friends than for a daytime party and then just make the most of it.
Make sure the house rules are laid out clearly and with great confidence. They may test you, but children feel insecure if the adult isn’t in charge — and the more secure kids feel, the more easily they’ll sleep at night.
You should also create a quiet zone in the house that is set up far way from the sleeping area with snacks. Put cereal, muffins and other foods on the table for early risers. This means that kids can sneak downstairs and eat without waking up anyone to be fed (and that includes you…
Make a firm rule that there should “lights-out” at the outset. I let the kids talk after that as long as they don’t make noise or get out of bed. Once they’re in their sleeping bags and it is really dark they tend to stop talking. You can leave a night light on if you have a kid in the crowd who is a bit squeamish.
It is also very important to make sure that each and every one of your young visitors knows where the bathroom is so nobody is stumbling around waking up everyone at night with noise. It might also be a very good idea to not to serve kids a lot of liquids just before bedtime to prevent frequent bathroom visits and even possible night time accidents.
It also helps if you slow down. Even after the best sleepover, everyone’s tired the next day. Plan a quiet afternoon so both you and your child can relax. You can also expect your kid to be a bit out of sorts the next day.

Parenting Tips
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What Moms Should Know About the Pill

When it comes to the birth control pill there are a few things you should probably know.
The big question has always been about whether or not you can be on the pill after breastfeeding? Will there be problems with breast feeding if you take hormones? Does breast milk loose quality or stop.
The main thing to avoid is contraceptives that contain estrogen, which can reduce your milk supply. So women who are breastfeeding need to stay clear of birth-control pills that contain estrogen and progestin, as well as the Patch (a bandage like square that delivers hormones into your bloodstream) and the Ring (which you insert into your vagina, where it releases hormones).
Instead, you could use a “mini-Pill” — a progestin-only contraceptive, such as Micronor, that won’t affect milk supply. (One caveat: It’s important to take the mini-Pill at the same time every day for optimal effectiveness.)
You can also safely use an intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) or try any barrier method, such as a diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, condom, and Leah’s Shield (a reusable rubber insert) if you do not want to get pregnant.
If you are not sure whether or not you are done having babies then the IUC is idea. There are two types.
The first, the Mirena IUC, releases a steady stream of progestin and is the most popular birth control with female ob-gyns.
This is because it is better at preventing pregnancy than tubal ligation if it stays in place, says Dr. Meckstroth. It changes the texture of cervical mucus so that it blocks sperm from reaching the eggs. It can also prevent ovulation. It’s approved for up to five years, and once it’s removed you can get pregnant right away.
There’s also ParaGard, an IUC that’s approved for up to ten years and doesn’t use hormones. It releases copper instead, which experts think creates an environment that’s toxic to sperm. It may also keep the egg from attaching to the uterus.
Another option is the Implanon, a matchstick-size rod that’s implanted under the skin of your arm to release progestin and lasts for up to three years. One downside to using this is that It often causes breakthrough bleeding, so you’d have to be willing to put up with that.
If you want to get pregnant soon the only option you should avoid is the Depo-Provera injection. That is because it can delay fertility for up to a year.
Of course for real advice about this matter you really do need to see a doctor.

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