McKenna Park – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com Here today, better tomorrow. Thu, 10 Sep 2020 02:35:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.3 https://wp-media.familytoday.com/2020/03/favicon.ico McKenna Park – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com 32 32 7 reasons why falling in love with a woman who loves to read is the best decision a man could ever make https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/7-reasons-why-falling-in-love-with-a-woman-who-loves-to-read-is-the-best-decision-a-man-could-ever-make/ Sat, 13 Jan 2018 00:02:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/7-reasons-why-falling-in-love-with-a-woman-who-loves-to-read-is-the-best-decision-a-man-could-ever-make/ The best women are the ones with their nose stuck in a book.

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There are lots of different types of women out in the world, but you should always keep your eye out for the ones who have their noses buried in a good book. Women who love reading are the best type of women to fall in love with - here's why.

1. Big books = big brains

There's no question about it - avid readers are smarter. And you don't want a simple wife with a simple life; you want to fall in love with big-brained woman who'll make life intriguing.

2. You'll never see anything more adorable than a book-lover in her element

Picture this: you walk into your living room to see her snuggled on a couch, deeply immersed into one of her favorite books. Or this: you take her to Barnes and Noble and she turns into a kid in a candy store, gliding through the aisles in a blissfully happy trance.

3. You'll learn a lot from her

Whether it's a new life perspective or a random-fun fact, she's got a lot packed into that brain of hers after reading thousands of pages. As a bonus, she'll be able to share a lot of that knowledge she's gained from books with you and your children.

4. You'll never struggle to get her a gift

You know that horrible anxiety you get trying to come up with a gift idea for someone you love, and nothing quite seems right? Well, you'll never, ever have that problem with her. Just make sure to check her bookshelf to see if she already has the book you're getting her before you wrap the present.

5. Your life will never be boring with her

There's something about literature that gives a person big ideas and big dreams. After expanding her mind by seeing through hundreds of other people's eyes, she's not going to settle for a plain old provincial life.

6. She's empathetic

According to a 2009 psychology study, the people who are capable of the most empathy are those who regularly read fiction. So, when you're in a relationship with a book-lover, she'll be more open to understanding and sharing the ideas and feelings of those around her, including you.

7. She has a deep soul

She's no shallow magazine scanner; she's a deep-souled, big-book delver. So get ready for having endless profound conversations and falling into a deep, intricate love.

Fall in love with a woman who loves more than anything to curl up with a good book - it will be the best decision you'll ever make.

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Try these 25 conversation starters to hit it off with ANYONE https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/try-these-25-conversation-starters-to-hit-it-off-with-anyone/ Thu, 11 Jan 2018 09:46:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/try-these-25-conversation-starters-to-hit-it-off-with-anyone/ Never get trapped again in those painfully awkward silences.

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Picture this: you're on a first date. You've already gone through the routine first date questions ("How are you?", "Where are you from?", "What do you do for work?"). Now the conversation has hit a painful lull, and you anxiously look around for the waiter to bring out your orders and break the pressing silence.

Everyone's been there, but with these 25 compelling conversation starters, you don't have to get caught in the awkwardness again. In fact, you'll be able to hit it off with anyone.

1. Have you read any books recently that made you see something in a new way?

2. What are your least favorite parts of a first date?

3. If you could go anywhere in this city tonight, where would you go? (Maybe even take them there later).

4. What's something people wouldn't guess about you?

5. If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

6. Who do you trust most? Why?

7. Who was your all time favorite school teacher growing up?

8. Do you have a bucket list?

9. What's the best show you've recently watched?

10. What's your favorite holiday?

11. If you could only watch three movies for the rest of your life, which three would you pick?

12. If all careers made the same amount of money, which one would you choose?

13. Would you rather have a relaxing Friday evening at home or an exciting one out?

14. When it comes to food, what's your guilty pleasure?

15. What was the last concert you went to?

16. Where do you fall in your sibling line-up?

17. Have you ever played any sports?

18. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

19. Do you have any random fears?

20. What's your favorite kind of food?

21. Tell me the story behind your name.

22. If you could hop on a plane going anywhere tonight, where would you go?

23. Were you ever sent to the principal's office?

24. What makes you laugh uncontrollably?

25. Did you ever have a movie you watched over and over again as a child?

Conversation Tips:

  • Lean more towards playful than serious.

  • Don't bombard them with questions; let the conversation flow.

  • Answer your own question after they've answered - they want to get to know you too!

  • Get to know them, but don't get too personal or private ("What was your darkest moment in life?", "Who was the last person you loved?").

  • Have your listening ears on and try to remember as much as you can. If things go well, you can take the things they told you and turn them into fun future dates or gifts.

  • Don't be nervous. With the right questions, the conversation won't get awkward. Plus, confidence is attractive.

Some of these conversation starters might sound random or forward, but don't be hesitant - people love it when others seem genuinely interested in getting to know them better. So don't let that conversation lull! Instead, hit it off instantly by asking the right questions.

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25 beautiful quotes on friendship that will make you call your bestie immediately https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/25-beautiful-quotes-on-friendship-that-will-make-you-call-your-bestie-immediately/ Sun, 07 Jan 2018 09:33:05 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/25-beautiful-quotes-on-friendship-that-will-make-you-call-your-bestie-immediately/ J.K. Rowling and Jane Austen both have beautiful things to say on friendship.

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25 mini-habits that will help with your anxiety https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/25-mini-habits-that-will-help-with-your-anxiety/ Sat, 06 Jan 2018 09:33:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/25-mini-habits-that-will-help-with-your-anxiety/ These easy and simple things can help with overwhelming anxiety.

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Anxiety can feel like a large, ominous obstacle, but maybe these small and simple habits can help. When anxiety hits and you start feeling overwhelmed, try out some of these 25 anxiety-helpers:

1. Go for walks

Light exercise, fresh air and a change of environment can help you calm yourself down. Even a quick walk around the block can work wonders.

2. Use calming scents

From candles to lotion, calming scents are a simple way to fight anxiety. Try out scents like lavender, vanilla and chamomile while you focus on your breathing.

3. Tidy up

A clean environment can make an enormous difference in your mood. You probably don't notice how clutter impacts your anxiety until after you've cleaned up.

4. Spend time with friends

Quality time with loved ones is (in my opinion) the very best anxiety-reducer. Those moments remind you that you're loved and everything will turn out alright.

5. Talk it out

While you're spending that time with friends or family, don't be afraid to vent a little. Keeping everything bottled up doesn't help.

6. Write it down

If you don't quite feel like talking, you can always write it down instead. Grab a pen and paper and write down the different things causing you to feel anxious. Having them on paper instead of in your head can be helpful.

7. Take a hot shower

Spend a little me-time in the calming hot water and with some yummy smelling shampoo.

8. Play with something furry

There's a reason people with anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses can register their pups as service dogs. If you don't have a kitty or puppy of your own, visit a friend who does or volunteer at an animal shelter.

9. Flip on a show that always makes you laugh

Sometimes you just need a good, deep laugh to help with your anxiety. So stream your favorite comedy, or, if you're short on time, watch a funny YouTube clip.

10. Limit Facebook

Social media can be great, but there are also several aspects of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter that can worsen anxiety. Limit your time on social media and see if it helps to make a difference.

11. Meditate

You don't have to sit on the ground cross-legged while saying "oooooohhmmm" to get the great anxiety-reducing benefits of meditation. Just a few minutes a day can significantly reduce the problem. Take five minutes and try out this guided meditation:

12. Hit the gym

Exercise is good for you physically and mentally - several studies have linked exercise to bettering mental health.

13. Get to bed

Sleep deprivation can worsen those anxious feelings (or even cause them). So, set a bedtime and prioritize it.

14. Listen to sleep meditation

If you have trouble getting to sleep, as many people with anxiety do, try out some sleep meditation (like this one).

15. Engage in physical comfort

Whether it's snuggling with your partner or hugging a friend, physical closeness is a great way to reduce anxiety.

16. Keep hydrated

There's a powerful connection between hydration and anxiety. Side effects of dehydration have a big influence on mood, so do your part to drink enough water each day.

17. Stretch

Even simple, beginner stretches can have a big impact on reducing stress and producing calm.

18. Spend time in nature

Take a hike, ski, longboard, drive to the mountains, walk along the beach - anything to get yourself outdoors and out in the world.

19. Stop comparing

When you're about to compare yourself to another who seems to have it "all together", stop. In her book, "Yes, Please", Amy Poehler said it best - "That is the motto women should constantly repeat over and over again. 'Good for her! Not for me.'"

20. Focus on your breathing

Focus on your breath. Be mindful. This helps clear your mind and take the deep breaths your body needs.

21. Give yourself breaks

Especially when your to-do list for the day feels overwhelming, you need to give yourself small breaks - trust me, you can make the time. Taking little breaks from your busy schedule can help keep anxiety at bay while still keeping yourself productive.

22. Add more yellow to your life

Colors impact your mood, and yellow is one of the happiest colors. Choose a soft yellow to paint your walls with, buy some yellow flowers or get a yellow bedspread.

23. Steam it up

Does your gym have a steam room? If not, find one and use it regularly to help reduce stress.

24. Get massages

Treat yourself to a massage every once in a while. There's nothing quite like a relaxing, calming massage to help the nerves and stress.

25. Express gratitude

Gratitude isn't just for the month of November. Frequently write down what you're thankful for, serve others and say thank you more.

Incorporating a variety of these mini-habits can help you with your anxiety long term. Give some a try now, and you'll start seeing a difference soon.

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4 foods that boost a woman’s fertility https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/4-foods-that-boost-a-womans-fertility/ Thu, 28 Dec 2017 11:48:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/4-foods-that-boost-a-womans-fertility/ Experts say eating these foods will significantly help women who are trying to get pregnant.

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When it comes to getting pregnant, there are a lot of factors a woman can't control. You're born with your genetics; but you do have control over your diet. And fortunately, more studies are revealing that diet has a significant effect on fertility. Eating these four types of food can help increase your chances of getting pregnant:

1. Complex carbs (for insulin control)

Experts recommend women trying to get pregnant eat less simple carbs (white bread, white rice, cake, soda, etc.) and eat more complex carbs (whole grains, legumes, fruits and veggies, etc.). This is a good rule of thumb for anyone, but it's especially important for fertility because of blood sugar, or insulin levels. Simple carbs generally cause higher insulin levels.

"Previous studies have found that high insulin levels appear to inhibit ovulation," Walter Willett, M.D., a professor of nutrition and epidemiology said. "In our study, women whose diets had the highest glycemic load (a measure of the amount of bad carbs eaten and how quickly they're turned into blood sugar) were 92 percent more likely to have ovulatory infertility than those whose diets had the lowest glycemic load."

2. Plant protein

A Harvard School of Public Health study of more than 18,000 women found that women who consumed high amounts of animal protein and trans fats were more likely to have an ovulatory disorder. Animal proteins are found in anything from beef to cheese to eggs.

By no means do women need to cut out their animal products altogether; simply replace some animal proteins for plant proteins to decrease your overall animal protein consumption in your diet. Some great sources of plant protein include beans, nuts (and nut butters), soybeans and whole grains.

3. Nuts and oats (for zinc)

One of the key nutrients needed to get pregnant is zinc, which can be found in most nuts and in oats.

"Zinc is just one component, but it works with more than 300 different enzymes in the body to keep things working well," Hethir Rodriguez, C.H., C.M.T. said. "Without it, your cells can not divide properly; your estrogen and progesterone levels can get out of balance and your reproductive system may not be fully functioning."

Rodriguez said zinc plays a vital role in egg production, maintaining proper follicular fluid levels and hormone regulation. So chop up some almonds and toss them in a hot bowl of oatmeal.

4. Fruits and veggies (for vitamins and minerals)

When you're trying to get pregnant, vitamins and minerals are important — and nature's best source of vitamins and minerals is a wide range of fruits and vegetables.

Leafy greens, like spinach and lettuce, are high in the B vitamin folate. "Eating foods rich in folate during preconception and pregnancy can help prevent neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida," according to BabyCenter. Citrus and strawberries, which are high in vitamin C, help you absorb iron, which is another vital nutrient for getting pregnant. A good rule of thumb is to try to "eat the rainbow" when it comes to produce — different colors often signify different nutrients, and the wider range you eat, the better.

Your diet is in your control, so take advantage of it and eat the best foods you can for your fertility.

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4 ways to create a deep connection with your spouse https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/4-ways-to-create-a-deep-connection-with-your-spouse/ Fri, 22 Dec 2017 04:57:07 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/4-ways-to-create-a-deep-connection-with-your-spouse/ Relationships with these four elements are more meaningful and successful.

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There's always room to create an even deeper connection with your sweetheart. Successful, close marriages center around four things: emotional intimacy, passion, commitment and fun. Focus on these in your relationship, and your connection will definitely grow stronger.

1. Increase emotional intimacy

Generally speaking, men and women communicate intimacy differently. Women typically express intimacy through sharing personal thoughts and feelings, while men typically express intimacy through doing activities with others.

Emotional intimacy problems can crop up in marriages when couples only expect to share intimacy their way with their spouse. But you can create a deep connection with your spouse by engaging in intimacy the way your spouse expresses it, and have your spouse do the same with you.

For example, wives can plan fun activities to do with their husbands, like attending concerts or sporting events. And husbands can make an effort to share what they're thinking and feeling often with their wives and truly listening when she shares.

Finding a balance between feeling and expressing intimacy and sharing enjoyable activities is a superb way to strengthen your marriage.

2. Concentrate on passion

In many unfortunate cases, passion in marriages plateaus or sizzles out almost completely. There's a plethora of things that can get in the way: sweet but constantly needy kids, loads of stress, stretched-thin time and getting into routines. Sometimes it seems like everything is working against spouses to stop them from getting passionate.

It is imperative couples take a step back and evaluate their love lives to determine how to hone in on passion again. Set aside time in your week for time alone together by marking it on your calendar. Discuss with each other ways you can change your sex routine for the better. Arrange for someone else to watch your kids overnight, whether you book a nearby hotel or just have the house to yourself for the night.

After all, marital passion can be the best kind of passion because you're sharing it with the person you're closest with.

3. Express your commitment

Commitment is an assured attachment to another. While dating, couples express commitment by taking their relationship to further levels. But in marriage, your relationship is at the furthest technical level it can get.

Now that you've reached that highest level, you need to find ways to communicate your commitment to your spouse. Express to them that they're the only person you'll ever need. Tackle big and small problems together without letting your relationship falter. Reminisce on those days when you went from friends to dating to engagement.

4. Focus on fun

Every marriage could use a little more fun and excitement. Routines and daily tasks can easily turn your relationship dull, so purposefully put something fun back into it.

Hone in your inner child and do activities with each other you loved to do during your childhood. Plan a fun trip and make a big deal of saving up for it and counting down the days. Invite another couple or two over for a game night. Change up date night and do something you've never done before together.

Pick the one you feel your spouse and you can need the most work on, and start from there. Soon, your connection together will grow deeper and more loving.

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There are 5 different kinds of domestic abuse: do you know all of them? https://www.familytoday.com/family/there-are-5-different-kinds-of-domestic-abuse-do-you-know-all-of-them/ Wed, 13 Dec 2017 10:04:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/there-are-5-different-kinds-of-domestic-abuse-do-you-know-all-of-them/ It's SO important to be able to recognize all five kinds.

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When you hear the term "domestic abuse," what do you picture? A husband hitting his wife, perhaps, or a wife humiliating her husband in public. Most people don't know that there are several distinct kinds of domestic abuse, and they're all incredibly hurtful and damaging. Some aren't as obvious as others, so it's incredibly important to be able to distinguish and recognize each one.

1. Economic abuse

Economic abuse is coercive, controlling behavior of another without their consent in a way that denies them economic or financial autonomy. Though forcing a spouse to give up control of their income is an alarming relationship behavior, many would not associate it with domestic violence. Yet family and relationship experts, in addition to courts of law, include it as one type.

Economic abuse can be carried out in many ways, including coercing a person to sign a loan or contract. It can also include taking or disposing of valuable possessions without consent or preventing someone from seeking or keeping employment. In essence, the abuser forces the victim to become financially dependent by taking away their financial freedom.

2. Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is any act involving confinement, isolation, verbal assault, humiliation, intimidation or other treatment that belittles a person's sense of identity, dignity and self-worth. It's also known as psychological abuse or chronic verbal aggression.

It's important to know the signs of emotional abuse. These can include (but are not limited to):

  • Yelling or swearing

  • Name calling, insults or mocking

  • Threats and intimidation

  • Ignoring or excluding

  • Isolating

  • Humiliating

  • Being in denial of the abuse and blaming of the victim

It's also important to know what emotional abuse is not. It is not emotionally abusive to speak one's mind bluntly, break up with a partner or argue with a partner. There's a blurry line when it comes to yelling, most psychologists agree.

Many times, emotional abuse is not as obvious as other forms of abuse. This can lead to both the abuser and the victim being unaware that abuse is taking place.

3. Physical abuse

Physical abuse involves a person using physical force against another, causing or potentially causing bodily harm. This can include scratching or biting, pushing or shoving, slapping, kicking, choking, throwing objects, force feeding or denying food, using weapons, physically restraining and reckless driving.

This type of abuse is probably the most commonly acknowledged and easiest to spot. It typically starts with smaller things, such as slapping or pushing, and escalates over time to more harmful forms.

4. Psychological abuse

Psychological abuse is a form of mistreatment with the intent to cause mental or emotional pain or injury. Signs of psychological abuse include:

  • Name calling

  • Yelling

  • Insulting the person

  • Threatening the person or threatening to take away something that is important to them

  • Imitating or mocking the person

  • Swearing at them

  • Ignoring

  • Isolating the person

  • Excluding them from meaningful events or activities

There's a bit of a grey area differentiating between psychological and emotional abuse - they sometimes overlap. This type of abuse is often manifested in snide comments such as "Let me do the talking; people don't listen to you," "Keep your stupid thoughts to yourself" or "You'll never understand."

5. Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is unwanted sexual activity that involves force, making threats or taking advantage of victims that aren't able to give consent.

Sexual abuse is often lumped in with physical abuse, but it's unique harm warrants a separate category. When we hear "sexual abuse," we often picture a woman being abused by a surprise stranger, but it also occurs often within the walls of people's homes with their own partner.

It's important for partners to remember that an agreement to a relationship does not mean a complete handover of sexual rights. Romantic partners should remember to respect each other, especially when it comes to sexual activity, and not do anything involving force or taking advantage of each other.

If any of these forms of abuse sound familiar to you personally, please seek help. Talk to trusted friends and family and contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1−800−799−7233). You deserve to be in a relationship that makes you feel happy and healthy.

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15 ways to grab the attention of the man you love https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/15-ways-to-grab-the-attention-of-the-man-you-love/ Wed, 06 Dec 2017 02:52:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/15-ways-to-grab-the-attention-of-the-man-you-love/ He won't be able to resist you.

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Do you want to grab your love's notice? There are so many little things you can do to rekindle the spark in your relationship and catch his loving attention again. Try out these 15 ways, and he won't be able to resist you.

1. Do his favorite hobby with him

Whether he likes art, outdoor activities, sports or cooking, give it a go with him. He'll absolutely love spending time with you doing the thing he loves, and he'll recognize your effort.

2. Kiss him extra long

Do you usually part with a little peck? Make it more of a kiss. Whenever you feel him going in for a quick kiss, happily surprise him by making it longer.

3. Tell him you love him at times you normally wouldn't

We all have our normal times we say "love ya" to each other in our relationships. Sometimes, those repetitious timings lose a bit of the meaning. So add in a few sporadic, meaningful "Hey, I love you's" over breakfast, in the car, etc.

4. Bring up favorite memories together

Start a conversation saying "Remember when..." He'll love reminiscing about the good times you've shared.

5. Unplug

To really grab your lover's attention, you need to shut that laptop and put down that phone. Be 100 percent present in each moment and conversation with him.

6. Do a chore he usually does

Think about a chore he usually takes on and surprise him by beating him to it once in a while.

7. Tasteful PDA

Yes, there is such a thing. Don't get gross, but hugs and kisses and hand-holding can work wonders. He'll love the extra romance and affection you'll display.

8. Text him in the middle of the day

A thoughtful, fun or flirty text can make his day. It's such a small thing that can mean so much to the receiver.

9. Turn up the flirting

Remember those earlier dating times when there were high levels of flirting between the two of you? He won't be able to resist you when you go back to that flirting mode.

10. Ask him "Is there anything I can do to make your day better?"

Wake up, roll over and ask him. It'll really make a difference to him.

11. Ask him a meaningful question, and then REALLY listen

Even a question as routine as "How was your day?" can really be meaningful if you put in the effort to show him you're truly listening and you truly care.

12. Wear his favorite

Remember that time he commented he especially loved one of your outfits? Wear it again on your next date night.

13. Make a list of reasons you love him

Whether you write it down and give the list to him or just make a list in your head and tell him, you'll absolutely grab his loving attention.

14. Pay a visit to Victoria's Secret

Enough said.

15. Show extra enthusiasm when he shares good news

The next time he shares good news with you, big or small, show genuine enthusiasm and interest. Whether he just got a promotion or he found a new favorite restaurant, celebrate.

Do these 15 things and you'll be sure to grab the attention of the man you love. Not only will he give you his attention - he won't be able to stop thinking about you.

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7 medicines you should NEVER give your baby https://www.familytoday.com/family/7-medicines-you-should-never-give-your-baby/ Fri, 01 Dec 2017 00:19:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/7-medicines-you-should-never-give-your-baby/ These common medicines might sound harmless, but they're actually terribly dangerous for babies.

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What medicines are OK to give your baby, and which ones are dangerous? It's a critical question every parent faces. Trying to figure out what options are safe among the plethora of pharmaceutical choices can be scary, to say the least. Whatever you do, never give a baby these seven medicines:

1. Aspirin

Links have been discovered between aspirin use in children and the rare, potentially fatal illness called Reye's Syndrome. The risk is especially high when children already have a viral illness, such as a cold, flu or chickenpox. Make sure to also watch out for any off-brand of aspirin as well, as well as any medicine containing the ingredients salicylate, acetylsalicylate, acetylsalicylic acid, salicylamide and phenyl salicylate (these may be used as substitutes for the word 'aspirin').

Unless a doctor prescribes it, never give your child aspirin.

2. Anti-nausea medicine

Babies should never be given anti-nausea medicine simply because of what baby throw up signifies. Spitting up and throwing up are very common and natural for babies most of the time, and they do not warrant a need for medicine. If your baby seems abnormaly sick (they are throwing up often and becoming dehydrated) then medicine is not the way to go - you should bring your child to a hospital immediately.

3. Pills and chewables

No matter the medicine type, if it comes in the form of pills or chewables, steer them clear of your baby. They present a high risk for choking. Don't assume that a half tablet of a chewable will just dissolve in your babe's mouth - there's a risk your child could choke on the tablet before it dissolves.

4. Over-the-counter cough/cold medicine

Research findings show OTC medicines for coughs and colds have little to offer for children under the age of four. In fact, they can have potentially serious side effects, and their longer ingredient list puts children at a higher risk for accidental overdose than other medicines.

5. Over-the-counter medicine combined with prescription

Just because an over-the-counter medicine (like ibuprofen) seems to check out as safe for your little one doesn't mean you can give it without considering what you're combining it with. Check with your child's doctor first before giving your baby multiple medicines.

6. Antihistamines

Antihistaminesare used in medicines that block symptoms of allergies and should not be given to any child under the age of two. Antihistamines typically cause drowsiness, and drowsiness-inducing medicine is potentially harmful for babes.

7. Medicine prescribed for another person

This should be a no-brainer, but it's amazing how reasonable it can sound once you're in a certain situation. Giving a baby even a small dose of any prescription medicine (other than those prescribed to them, of course) is highly dangerous. Sharing prescribed medicines with others should never be done under any circumstances.

Of course, when it comes to your baby's health, you should always consult medical professionals. Doctors can further help you understand what the best medicine options are for your little one.

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6 important deal breakers if you are looking for the one https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/6-important-deal-breakers-if-you-are-looking-for-the-one/ Fri, 17 Nov 2017 02:55:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/6-important-deal-breakers-if-you-are-looking-for-the-one/ Don't make the big decision until you've considered these.

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So, you're wondering if your current love is "the one." The one you want to move forward with. The one you cherish more than anyone else. The one you'll always have by your side.

But how can you tell for sure? Afterall, love isn't necessarily the single deciding factor. You can definitely love a person who isn't the right match for you long-term.

Luckily, you can consider these six important deal breakers before sealing the deal. If you find that your relationship contains even one of these deal breakers, you know that he's not the one for you:

1. They dominate over you

Of course, some people are naturally more dominant than others. That's OK, unless it's getting to the point where you feel they're dominating over you in a controlling or mean way. Do they demand things from you? Are they making you feel weak and powerless? While it's fine if he has a strong personality, you should never feel like you are being overshadowed or controlled.

2. You can't really imagine growing old with them

If this person is "the one," you should actually be excited to grow old with them. You should look forward to that day when you sit outside on the porch all wrinkly in your rocking chairs, reminiscing on all the good times you spent together. If you can't imagine a good long distance future with them, they're probably not fit for a lasting relationship with you.

3. You don't feel safe or secure with them

Risks and danger are for flings, not long-term relationships. They should make you feel completely, one hundred percent secure. You shouldn't have any doubts about how they'll treat you in the future. You shouldn't ever wonder if they'll end up hurting you or changing their mind about being with you.

4. You feel much more committed than they are

The two of you should have the same committment level to this relationship. Don't tell yourself you'll wait around and eventually they'll catch up to you. More times than not, you'll be lying to yourself.

5. You can remember times when your life was better than it is now

If you're not happier now than you were before you met your love, your relationship is probably not meant to last. They should make your life wonderful, not just OK.

6. Your gut tells you if you choose them, you'll be settling

Listen to your gut (or your heart, your natural instinct ... whatever you call it). If it tells you that choosing them will be an act of settling, you should treat that as a red flag. Don't settle. When it comes to your forever partner, "alright" just won't cut it.

This is one of the biggest decisions of your life, if not the biggest. Pay attention to whether any of these deal breakers describe your relationship, and remember - don't settle. If a deal breaker is present, you should accept they aren't the one for you and move on. Choose wisely.

The post 6 important deal breakers if you are looking for the one appeared first on FamilyToday.

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