Kids eating salt at adult-sized amounts

Why is your kid so salty? They are what they eat.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfVT3o-p6Xs&feature=youtube_gdata_player


-Ben Pin It Now!

Toys "R" Us is getting into the tablet market - get your iPad back

Toys "R" Us has announced the release of Tabeo. A Wi-Fi tablet for kids with dozens of free and kid rated apps for entertainment and education. It will sell only at Toys "R" Us and be about $150. Also vying for your upcoming holiday frenzy, Amazon is releasing a new Kindle Fire for about the same price and Apple is rumored to have a smaller iPad set to release in October.

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5 Reasons Bedtime Might Be a Pain in the Ass

You would love to go to bed and get some extra sleep, but your kids probably fuss and want to stay up with the grown ups. If only they knew that after they go to sleep all you do is clean, pay bills, fix whatever they broke, and scourer the internet for what you are doing wrong as a parent and how to fix it-they might not be so sad to go to sleep. Find splice in that someday your revenge will come when they become parents and you get a chance to slip your grandkids chocolate chips before bedtime.

Here are five causes of bedtime frustration and what you can do about it.

1. Eating too much before dinner. While a midnight snack might help get you down, kids systems are quick to turn Mac and cheese into monster fuel. Have dinner a few hours before bedtime and avoid snacks just before bedtime.

+ A recent study indicates earlier mandated bedtimes can lower your child's chances of depression.

2. They want control. It is a normal stage in their development, but unfortunately for you it can turn into a power struggle for any parent with less than Yoda like Jedi mind control powers. The best way to deal with an assertive little one is to integrate choices into the bedtime routine. Do you want the "Dukes of Hazzard" pajamas or the "All in the Family" PJs? Would you like to go to bed at 7:30 or 7:31? This will make them feel in control and get you closer your Jedi certificate.

+ Mike Adamick's five Force moments. My favorite is number 5.

3. They are scared. While you may have spent a small fortune on those black out shades so you could get a good nights sleep, it's helping your kids imagination run wild with what might be lurking in their closet. A night light can help calm their imaginations, as well as reassuring words that you will keep them safe. Remember that this is your opportunity to he build confidence and security in your little one and that it may take a little time to help them master their fears.

+ Monsters are not scaring the piss out of your kid at night. They are wetting the bed for other reasons.

4. Caffeine. You may think that chocolate milk after a nap was ok, but experts suggest no caffeine 6 to 8 hours before bedtime. So if your kid is still napping, that means no caffeine ever.

+ The Impact of Caffeine on Children

5. Bedtime might not be early enough. While your child may seem very awake and full of energy it may be the result of being overtired. When a child is up too long their body releases a stress hormone called cortisone. So if their bedtime is continually a battle, try moving it up 30 minutes and see if things go a little soother.

+ One third of Americans are sleep deprived.

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Free Daily Schedule Templates

It's a challenge to herd little ones all day, get them to eat their meals, brush their teeth, clean their rooms and go to bed. But I have found that if they know what to expect and have a way to visually see their day, then they put up much less of a fuss. That's what encouraged me to Google "Daily kid schedule templates" and eureka! Search and you shall find. For a wealth of free scheduling templates check out freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com

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Timing is everything...and a great way to save cash

Someone just shared this article with me from cheapest.com. Want to know the best time to buy a boat? March. Towels for said boat? January. Used car to get you to your second job needed to pay for said boat? April.

Check out cheapism.com for more on the timing of saving money.

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Finally - technology makes spelling fun and physical

A new iPhone/Android app called "Seek and Spell" turns spelling into an interactive and active game in which an open park becomes your board. You run around the park to gather letters and then spell words for points. It's a great way to get the kids outside and practice their spelling! Read more on Forbes. Pin It Now!

Reading and writing is OK, but can your kid code?

Microsoft and NASA have a released a new version of KODU in which kids learn to code and in turn can control a Mars robot to explore the planet. Microsoft says it has a million users already which makes me wonder if instead of teaching kids Spanish or Mandarin as a second language, should we signing them up for PHP, JavaScript or .NET?

Read more on KODU... Pin It Now!

One more reason not to smoke

A recent study had shown that kids admitted to the hospital with the flu have more difficulties and complications if exposed to second hand smoke at home. For parents, it is one more reason not to smoke. Read more from Reuters Pin It Now!