Science and Myths: How hard it is to stay informed, stay balanced

Various things have delayed my blogging lately, even though I've had lots to think about and want to write down so I'm having a catch up at last. First thing to mention is the ever noticeable puzzling presentation of science in the media and how vulnerable we are to misinterpretation, thanks to the previous misinterpretation of those who present news summaries (which may have been previously misinterpreted by someone before them). Confused? well... no surprise. Keywords I've scribbled to put this blog together include "homebirth study, creationism, engineering C4 and daytime TV" These all tell a similar tale.

Toddler teeth and keeping them safe - Advice from our dentist

We had a family six month check up at the dentist on Friday. NHS dentist. Fantastic. B remembered to ask advice about drinks for Abbie, as it is something we've been wondering about lately, as I've started allowing her to have sips of my squash and offering her watered down squash and orange juice, in addition to the usual tap water, whole milk or 'tea' (1 part hot water from the kettle, to 2 or 3 parts whole milk). The advice has clarified things so thought should pass it on.

Working out boundaries is hard work

For my own reasons, I've wanted to avoid introducing any discipline to Abigail as she progresses through her baby and toddler years, while she's beginning to figure out her place in the world and how she fits in amongst those around her. I expect her to be focussed on her own needs above anybody else's, so understand that she doesn't understand concepts of sharing, for example. This is mostly because of the introduction to child development during my first degree, e.g., the developmental stages from Freud's Id to Ego then Super-Ego (see also). I don't want to set adult expectations on a small child - although I recognise the need for boundaries, I want to do it in a sensitive manner. My focus (in case you hadn't guessed already) is on wanting her to feel secure and loved, but am now unsure about how to keep that up alongside managing her ever more noticeable (and normal) unruly toddler behaviour, as my techniques so far are not always sufficient. 

Parabens et al.,: What's the point in eco toiletries?

I've always tried to err towards eco products if I can - the more natural, less synthetic the better (on offer is good too). This is especially so for what I'm putting on Abigail's skin, in her bath and so on. But I'm afraid I went with instinct rather than actually finding the time to investigate the reasons why avoiding ingredients such as parabens was a good idea. A recent article in the Daily Mail provides a quick and useful summary though, so take a look. It is describing chemicals found in women's beauty products but can be applied to other toiletries as well:

Revealed: 515 chemicals women use everyday

Cooking with love

I don't want to risk overstepping blog territories (see The cat that got the cream), but food has definitely been an important factor lately and I have a feeling being pregnant is doing it.

My friend told me when she was pregnant how she loved cooking good meals for her hubby and now I'm doing the same. That feeling of wanting the nurture and care for your loved ones.

Snack bags to encourage the fruit and veg

Quick tip from Granny T: While Abigail was on her hols she came back with snack bags like these baco ones filled with grapes and carrot sticks. Although fruits are fine, salad veg have been a bit harder to convince Abigail to eat. However, she ate a bag of carrot sticks out of the bag on her first day back! I use these alot now when out and about and they seem to help encourage more eating of raw vegetables. They're also very practical, and reusable, so economical. I bought mine from Morrisons but I'm sure you can get them in most supermarkets.

That holiday feeling

Yey! I'm back from holiday. I spent a week away in San Francisco with my husband while our daughter spent her own holiday down in the Westcountry with her grandparents, aunties and cousins. I feel revived and refreshed. It was a bit daunting preparing for the trip and wondering if Abigail would be OK but it all worked out really well and I'd really recommend it if you can! I've realised how important the break is for all of us and will try to make sure we get away at least once a year, doesn't really matter where as it's the time off that's so good.