Natural Oil Insect Repellent

If you have concerns about mosquito bites and mosquito borne diseases like the West Nile Virus then you are probably considering using a chemical based insect repellent. These insect repellants contain the chemical DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide). 

However you don't absolutely have to resort to using this type of insect repellent if you don't want to or if you are concerned that your kids might be developing environmental sensitivities as a result.  Try making your own insect repellent out of natural essential oils. T

here are several essential oils that can be used as insect repellents. Clove oil and citronella also known as (rose geranium) are the most effective against mosquitoes.  However you need to use clove oil carefully and sparsely as it can irritate delicate skin.

Other essential oils that can be used as insect repellents include peppermint, castor oil, lemon grass, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, cedar and lavender. You can buy cedar oil in spray-on bottles at your local pet store for spraying on furniture and pets to keep them away. Both citronella and garlic oil are supposed to be the most effective for keeping bugs away. Unfortunately garlic oil really smells awful so it is not used in these preparations. When using essential oils be sure to store them safely away.  They come in blue and brown bottles that kids might find attractive. These oils must not be used internally. They are only effective when used on garments, skins or furniture.

You should not apply the oils directly onto your pet as that is toxic. If you are worried about an allergic reaction you can test the oil on a small patch of your skin or your child's skin to see what happens before you make the decision to use it widely on your body. You can make your own insect repellant sprays by combining rubbing alcohol (or witch hazel, vodka, or olive oil) any of ht essential oils listed in this blog. The ratios should be about ten drops of alcohol to one drop of essential oil. Be sure to shake this homemade concoction well before each use. 

You can also concoct your own lotion out of two ounces olive oil, two ounces distilled water and about 120 drops of essential oil. You put the water in a bowl and using a wire whip beat the olive oil into it.  After the oil is mixed thoroughly with the distilled water stir in your choice of essential oil. You can also add a few drops of your choice of insect- repelling essential oils to your shampoo or liquid soap for added protection.  Keep in mind that on hot days that these oils will evaporate fast so you will need to apply it more often then a chemical DEET based insect repellent. Sweat, rain, wind and jumping into a pool for a swim can also emanate the protective essential oil from your skin.

Parenting Tips
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When Mom Needs a Time Out

Its not just kids that are bad. Sometimes mom gets cranky so she needs a time out. Kids do not tell Mom to take a time out. She tells herself it is time to go. However she does not sit in the corner. Instead she treats herself to a time out in spa or overnight at a hotel.

The reason time outs are so important for moms is that if she is not happy then nothing can go smoothly. Sometimes the pressure of being a mom is too much and for the good of everybody she needs to a bit of escaping. She does not have to do it often. Maybe a time out is only necessary every three to six months. It really does depend on the individual and how much is going on in life. After all it is extremely important for Mom not to neglect to take care of herself. That is because it is her role to provide a safe stable home environment. If you have sole custody and your ex-husband lives far away, you play both roles of Mom and Dad. It can be very draining financially and physically.

Mom desperately needs a separate identity and life from her children or she will talk in baby talk all day. When your children are adolescents it is not as hard as they don't want as much to do with you anyway. They may even spend a lot of time avoiding you.

Although having children is a blessing you also need a break from them every now and then. If you can't take a big break then you might want to make sure you have a hobby you would like to be involved in. You might also want to make sure you link up regularly with friends. It also helps to get a babysitter or get your mom to watch the kids and go on a day trip every now and then. Visit places that you have always wanted to go to.

You have to put yourself first every once and a while as that is really essential, to remaining a healthy, stable person.

Personally I like to get a sitter for a night and a day and check into a nearby hotel. It is just downtown and the hotel has a spa. If something happens to the kids I am only about twenty minutes away. I try to time my escapes during times in my life when other people, like their Dad, are around to take care of the children. I never take a time out when a c held is sick or in a crisis. That is not the point.

If I am really stressed but can't get away I lock my bedroom door and take a nap. Or I take a long relaxing bath with the door locked. Taking just a few hours every now and then to myself does wonders fro my mood which of course always results in better behavior from the children.

Parenting Tips
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