The worst part of the first trimester for most pregnant women is morning sickness, or as many complain - all day sickness. Morning sickness affects almost every pregnant woman differently. Cases range from slight and general nausea to dehabilitating vomiting that even lands some moms in the hospital.

Morning Sickness

There is no universally accepted cause of morning sickness other than your body’s reactions to hormones created by the pregnancy. Thus far a cure has not been developed, although there are ways to try and help manage the symptoms. The vast majority of pregnant women are affected by some form of morning sickness with symptoms beginning around six to eight weeks and lasting through the beginning of the second trimester or week fourteen.

Some women are lucky and breeze through the first trimester without so much as gagging on a toothbrush. Others wind up in the hospital with severe weight loss and dehydration. This extreme morning sickness is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum or HG. It should not be taken lightly – consult with your doctor immediately if your morning sickness is interfering with your hydration level or preventing you from consuming adequate amounts of nutrition.

Handling the Symptoms

While there is no cure for morning sickness, there are ways to handle the symptoms. Just like many things about parenthood, finding the solution for you may be a matter of trial and error.

Rest – It’s hard to feel sick while you’re sleeping, and you need plenty of rest anyway. If you start feeling bad, climb in bed, lie down and stay there as long as possible.

Eat – It could be that you only feel sick when you’re hungry. If that’s the case, eat! If certain foods sound especially good and filling, eat those. So long as you’re getting all of your nutrients, there is no reason to not eat Macaroni and Cheese with dinner every night – although you do want to watch your overall calorie consumption as well.

Snack – If the thought of food makes you ill, you still need to eat. Find the foods that are the least undesirable and snack constantly all day. Some tummies tolerate only small amounts, so graze all day to help keep your stomach settled.

Drink – If you’re dehydrated you’re going to feel worse, so sip on tepid water during your sick periods and drink plenty of water the rest of the day to keep your hydration levels up.

Walk – Exercise can help keep nausea at bay, so go for a light stroll. Of if the first few steps make your head swim, stop and go climb back in bed for another rest.

Ah, the diaper bag. Nothing makes a bolder statement about parenthood than the giant bag slung over your shoulder stuffed with diapers, burp clothes and changes of clothing. Well, maybe the spit-up drying on your back makes a statement, too, but the diaper bag can at least be fashionable.

The Bag

There are many styles of diaper bags available, from totes to backpacks and everything in between. The style of diaper bag you select has more to do with your personality and preferences than anything else. But be sure to think about both parents when selecting the bag, and opt for something that meshes with your style as your baby could care less if her bottles are toted in a trim black tote or a giant Winnie the Pooh bag.

Backpacks or messenger bags are great for parents who are always on the go and looking for an extra hand. By wearing the bag on your back, you have both hands free, but it does complicate things for parents who wear their babies or who like to grab or drop items in the bag at any moment.

Totes have easy access which is nice for parents who like to reach in and grab the pacifier without stopping, but that easy access also means your diaper bag may spill easily. Some totes come with zippers or flaps which can solve this problem. Diaper bags with flaps, however, can be frustrating if the flap is constantly falling in the way or if items fall out of the flap compartments when it is being lifted.

The Contents

Just as every child is different, the contents of every diaper bag are different. But speaking in generalities, when you pack your diaper bag, you should include the following:

Diapers – What would a diaper bag be without them? Load up the bag so you don’t always have to think about adding more.

Wipes – Invest in a travel size wipes dispenser to keep yourself organized.

Diaper Rash Ointment – If you use it at home, you’ll want it on the road.

Burp Cloth – You know why you need it.

Light Blanket – This can double as a burp cloth or keep your baby cozy in air conditioning or cooler weather.

Emergency Rations – Carry a nonperishable snack or two in the bag and a single serving sized can of formula along with an extra bottle should you be caught unawares.

Bottle of Water – The water is great for breastfeeding moms or parents on the go, but it can also be used in your emergency bottle if your older baby needs a drink or if you’re trying to mix powdered formula.

Meals – Any meals you’ll be eating while you’re away from home can be packed neatly into the diaper bag.

Bib – Throw in a regular bib or invest in the disposable ones.

Change of Clothes – Young babies or those learning to self-feed may want more than a single change of clothes.

Pacifier – The pacifier tends to disappear out of the bag after each outing, so be sure it’s replaced so you’re not stranded without one.

Toys – A few small toys can help keep your baby busy while sitting in a waiting room or in line at the grocery store.

It’s truly an amazing phenomenon. Even before many parents begin trying for a second baby, they begin worrying about the impact of that unconceived child on their oldest child. After all, the first born has been smothered with attention his entire life, how could he possibly understand (or tolerate) losing that esteemed position?

The worry continues throughout the pregnancy, but at least conscientious parents can use that energy in a productive way - they can prepare their toddler as much as possible.

Encourage Independence

As your toddler ages, he should be getting increasingly independent in his play, eating, and daily routines. Naturally he will prefer to play with you, and you should spend as much time as is reasonable playing with your child. But be sure to let him play independently, too. Find him interesting, developmentally appropriate toys and keep an eye on him while washing the dishes or taking care of a few things around the house. That independence will come in handy when you’re simply unable to feed an infant and amuse a toddler at the same time.

Play-Up Being a Big Kid

Your toddler may still seem like a baby to you, but take that word out of your vocabulary. He’s a Big Boy now, and Big Boys get to do all kinds of things that babies can’t. Help him eat his food like a Big Boy and show him how interesting the Big Boy toys are. Take him places only Big Boys can go.

Keep up this Big Boy training after the baby comes. He’ll likely want to play with the baby items when they start showing up around the house, and that’s okay. Let him play, but be sure that the Big Boy novelties are much more exciting, and he’ll be more content to leave the baby things to the baby.

Make Special Connections

You most likely already have some, but find even more ways to develop a special connection with your toddler. Sing a special song together. Invent a rhyme that is especially his. Sing His Song when you’re driving in the car or putting him to bed. Then, when the baby arrives, you might be changing a diaper, but you can sing your toddler’s special song together while you do it. This helps keep the attention on him as much as possible, and the baby simply enjoys the singing.

Taking your first trip by air with a baby is intimidating. After all, you don’t want to be the parent with the screaming baby and you’re not sure what you can bring and if you can handle luggage, car seats and a stroller. Never fear – parents have been flying with babies for decades. It might not be easy, but it doesn’t need to be impossible either.

Airline Regulations

Since 9/11, airlines and airports have tightened security and added procedures that should help keep us safe. Of course these procedures also make travel more complicated – especially for parents trying to bring little ones through crowded airports.

Gear

Baby gear makes up most of what is stressful about traveling with babies. You usually bring a stroller, a pack-n-play, clothing, diapers, bottles, carriers, and a carseat. Fortunately, you are allowed extra baggage by major airlines for babies. In addition to the standard bags, babies are also allowed a checked carseat and another bag for diapers and gear. Checking the pack-n-play is permitted as well.

Check as much as possible upon arriving at the airport. The less you have to take through security the better. Take the stroller to the gate, even if you’re not using it at the moment. You’ll appreciate having it when the plan lands and they attendants will check it for you and have it set up when you exit the plane. Also be sure to wear shoes that slip on and off. There is nothing worse than trying to hurry and get your own shoes back on while your toddler races away.

Food

You are now allowed to bring stored breastmilk, juice and formula on the plane, even if your baby is not with you. You must present it right away at the security checkpoint, however. It is best to store the liquids in containers of less than three ounces if possible as this is the magic cutoff for the TSA. Bring enough for the plane ride (with a bit extra for security) and check the rest in your luggage. Consider feeding your baby during take off and landing to help with pressure in his ears.

Airplane Safety

Airlines allow children under two to fly free as lap babies. While this is economical, it is not as safe as paying for a child’s fare and bringing a carseat. The seat will keep your child comfortable and safe in case of turbulence. It will also allow you to have your hands free to make bottles, fix snacks and do all the entertaining you must do to survive the flight in one piece.

Parents with small children are allowed to board a flight early. This helps them get all of the gear stored and the children settled. Take advantage of this perk, but bring extra toys and snacks for the waiting you’ll be doing while everyone else is boarding. Buy your tickets far in advance to get the front seats with extra leg room. You will not be allowed to sit on the exit aisles. Pack your bag with exciting toys, snacks and maybe a portable DVD player to keep your little one distracted and entertained for the entire flight.

A trip to Grandmother’s house is fraught with treats, adventures and very real dangers. Grandparents love their grandchildren dearly, but often fail to prepare their homes for the exploring and destruction that children bring. If you’re on your way to Grandma’s house, be prepared to keep your children safe.

Inside

Inside your parent’s home, there are the kinds of dangers you very carefully removed from your own. Grandparents are unlikely to crawl on the floor in search of enticing wires or dropped coins. They may be completely unaware of the mothballs on the floor of a closet or the cleaning supplies casually stored under the sink.

Your parents might be unaware, but you aren’t. When you arrive with your children, make a sweep of the house. Open cabinets and peek in closets. If you see something dangerous, either shut the door and declare the room off limits or resolve the situation. Pick up and move small items and breakables. Hide cords and unplug unnecessary items. Block the stairs with a baby gate you brought specifically for that purpose.

And while you are doing your baby proofing, explain to your parents what you are doing and why. It’s been many years since they have had a baby or toddler who enjoy eating the flies off the windowsills or throwing handfuls of dirt from the potted plants. As a final resort bring a play pen or enclosure of baby gates to keep your little one away from temptation when you’re not able to watch him like a hawk.

Outside

Outside of the home can be just as dangerous as the inside. Unprotected swimming pools, flower beds, porches and unfamiliar pets present potentially serious problems. If your parents have a swimming pool without a gate, keep your children inside or allow them outside only when you are present. Don’t assume your parents can move as well as you can if there was some sort of emergency.

Help your child meet any animals, and stress that she not pet the dog or give him hugs. In fact, leaving the dog in a room away from your child is probably the safest option. Animals that live with grandparents are often spoiled and will see no harm in hopping in your toddler’s lap or jumping up for attention. They are also unfamiliar with little ones and might snap if cornered or “petted” too enthusiastically.

Educate

Be sure to educate your parents on things that have changed or they might have forgotten since their own days of child rearing. You know your child best, and your parents should respect your knowledge and preference. Spoiling is not the same as endangering. Let your child lavish in her grandparent’s attention and affection, but keep a close eye on her to be sure she does so safely.

A great deal of attention is paid to the working mom. She is given special status for working and raising children. It is the mom who gets accolades for her hard work and dedication to too many activities and commitments. But she is not the only one working and raising children in a home. It’s time to pay a little respect to the working dad.

The Working Man

As long as stereotypes have ruled our lives, men have had the important job of leaving the house everyday and bringing home a nice paycheck. According to the stereotype, he’s supposed to bring in enough paycheck to pay all the bills, keep everyone fed and comfortable and allow the mommy to be at home raising the kids without having to even think about an office or commute.

Women didn’t like the stereotype, so they changed it. Now men leave the house every day and head to work to bring home a decent paycheck and women have the option to leave, too. Sometimes women stay home, and on very rare occasions the father will stay at home with children, but this is most definitely the exception. In this country, men work. And that work and the paycheck it brings are a special kind of loving gift to a family.

Finding Balance

Some men buy into the Working Man theory so strongly they forget to balance their work with their families. After all they are working to support and show their love for their families, so they keep at it for long hours. But most children and wives will agree that while money and the security it brings are essential, they are not the means of loving expression they seek.

A family includes the dad. And if that dad is spending all of his time at work, he is missing out on the pleasure of his wife and children, and they are missing out on his company. A family is not complete and is not as fulfilling without all of the members.

Take Time…

So working dads must make a conscious effort to take time away from work. Leave the office at a certain time. Declare weekends work-free days. Turn off the laptop and phones until after the children are in bed. Take the family on a weekend getaway. Even if you just take an hour after dinner to play outside with your children and visit with your wife, not only will your life be richer, their lives will be more positively impacted as well.

Dressing up your baby for Halloween is a great deal of fun for parents and most babies are mostly tolerant of their parents’ glee. After all, it’s unlikely someone who can’t yet walk will have a strong opinion about being a ladybug versus a monkey. So enjoy Halloween and find exactly the costume you want – this may be the only year you get your way.

Safety

The most important consideration when finding a Halloween costume for your baby is to find one that is safe. Masks, capes, and even face paints might not be the best choice for little ones who can’t keep their hands away from their mouths. They might knock the mask askew blocking their airway or smear paint into their eyes or mouths. If your baby is closer to a toddler, be sure you keep the costume streamlined. Bulky fabrics and trailing material can trip up even the most surefooted little one.

Holidays present a unique challenge for most sets of new parents. The new baby is greatly admired by both sides of the family, and their vying for your time and attention that began as a married couple accelerates into overdrive as everyone tries to make you commit to their house for each respective holiday. If this is your first set of holidays as new parents, set the standard right away to save you headaches for years to come.

Alternating Houses

A popular method of celebrating to get all of the mandatory visits in is to alternate houses. You attend one side of the family’s celebration for Thanksgiving and the other side for Christmas. Every year you switch off, and this is as fair as possible. It does involve a lot of travel and planning in advance, but not as much as trying to hit both places both times.

Dual Houses

Another popular method of celebrating is to cram two of each holiday into the time frame. You eat Thanksgiving lunch at one house and truck over to another for Thanksgiving dinner. You spend Christmas Eve at one house and Christmas day at another. Some very brave souls hit both houses on both days.

While this might appease everyone for a little while, eventually squabbles will begin and feelings will get hurt if you don’t manage to share Christmas day with both sides or make a benign comment about too much turkey on Thanksgiving. The other downside is dragging your kids all over town on two of the most fun-filled holidays of the year. As your children get older, they will begin to enjoy Santa’s visit and Santa’s toys more. They will be hard-pressed to leave the goodies after only an hour or two. This leaves you with only one option.

Your House

You can celebrate holidays at your house. It is up for debate as to which is easier – dragging your family (and their mess) to your parent’s home or having everyone (and their mess) come to yours. Most parents eventually realize that certain parts of the holiday, such as present opening and Santa Clause should be done at home. Other family members are welcome to come over bright and early, but you are not leaving until close to lunchtime – if then.

Thanksgiving is easier to handle – perhaps alternate the holiday every year. Christmas, on the other hand, is most fun with children. And you’ve got the kids. If everyone wants to share in their joy and enthusiasm, they can simply come over to your house and revel in it.

Well, 

I’ve been away from you, my friends, because it’s happened. Exactly a month after conception I became nauseous, and started vomiting. What are you gonna do? That’s the way the cookie crumbles. 

So, I’ve been suffering, and the symptoms may have been a tiny bit easier this time around, but the fact that I now have a toddler to take care of and a full time job, made it seem so much harder than the last. Last time I could lie around and play “dead”, tread my path to the bathroom and back, and wallow in my misery. So I looked around if I could find anything to soothe my symptoms. I found something on the internet (they didn’t have it in any of my local pharmacies) called Morning Sickness Magic, by Mommy’s Bliss. It is an over-the-counter supplement which contains Ginger, Vitamin B complex, Folic Acid, and Red Raspberry Leaf. All of these ingredients are supposed to ease the symptoms. The toughie of it was that you’re supposed to take it up to 4 times per day, and the relief of symptoms may take up to five days. What do you know, it took exactly five days (and not a moment sooner) for me to feel better. And as soon as that happened I got a cold. 

In the midst of all this I had called my doctor and begged them to prescribe something. My doctor prescribed Zofran, but to be honest with you, I still haven’t picked it up from the pharmacy since I got sick. 

So I’m getting over a cold, and toughing out the “All-Day” Sickness, and my son is throwing nightly tantrums. Seth has finally had it with Elija’s nightly “sing-me-bye-bye” at 3 a.m. So last night, I was “Ferberizing” Elija. I did it once before, and it was great, it was much easier last time, because he wasn’t speaking yet and didn’t comment everything I said. Last night it was plain torture. 

My husband grabbed his pillow and went to sleep on the couch, while I battles with my 22-month-old son. After an hour of my refusing to sing to him, cover him with a blankie, find his pacifier, or just generally listen to his hysterical sobs, I laid down in my bed (his crib is in our bedroom, since we have a one bedroom apartment), and he stopped crying and went to sleep. I’m reluctant to say that it worked, and I am dreading tonight will bring another battle. But It has to be done. 

The last time Elijah was able to fall asleep on his own. It was magic. But Seth and I went away on a Weekend Getaway and my son panicked. He would let go of us for a long time. I’ve tried to get him to sleep the “nice way”, staying with him till he falls asleep. But he’s crossed all borders, and he’s old enough to do it all by himself. 

Well, that’s the way it’s been since my last note. Please drop any suggestions possible regarding easing Morning Sickness or teaching kids to fall asleep on their own. All suggestions are welcome. 

Regards, 

Amy

So, 

I am all in anticipation of the queasy, nauseous self I remember being when I was pregnant with Elijah. My morning sickness began exactly one month after conception last time, and it lasted for almost five months. It was severe to the extent that my best friend The Toilet would get more hugs from me than my husband. All I wanted to do was give up my dinner (the little food that my stomach would allow me) and sleep. It was plain ridiculous when my husband showed up for our second month anniversary with a new toilet bowl brush wrapped as a bouquet of flowers, and I was ecstatic! 

Although we are reaching the one month mark, I am beyond the “due time” when it comes to sleeping. I doubt, however, that it’s the pregnancy, and I am very sure that it is the sleepless nights I am spending with Elijah. He wakes up several times at night and occasionally I (or sometimes my husband) must stay by his bedside for 30-40 minutes until he falls back to sleep. But that is a whole another discussion, one that is begging for advice. 

I am extremely hungry. As typical of me for sweets and dough (cake, bread, cookies, you name it, I want it). And I’ve been wanting butter. This is crazy, I haven’t had any cravings during my first pregnancy, just major aversions to food in general (although I never gave up the sweets). 

No one in the family (either mine or Seth’s) knows anything yet. His family will start jumping for joy, as his mother has been nagging me ever since Elijah was born to have another one, and they are all wanting a girl, since there almost all boys in Seth’s family. And Seth and I are almost sure that it will be a girl this time. We haven’t told my family, because they have all been dying for me to get back to work, and this means that I will be home for at least another year. The will surely be glad to have another baby in the family, but my mom is real big on The Profession, and according to her (and my two older sisters) I have a great one (and I agree), and I may lose my qualifications the longer I stay home (I don’t agree). 

Regardless, my first Ob/Gyn appointment is at the end of September and we won’t be telling anyone until at least then. 

Well, I’ve babbled long enough. I hope you guys have something to say about this. All comments and suggestions are welcome. 

Regards, 

Amy

Years ago education began in kindergarten. Now, most children are enrolled in some sort of preschool prior to kindergarten in order to adequately prepare them for the current level of expected academics. There are many kinds of preschool programs, but preparing your child for any of them has more to do with life skills than learning shapes or colors.

To prepare your child adequately for preschool, enjoy teaching them the alphabet or counting, but don’t forget other important skills. The social and developmental skills are much more critical to preschool success than anything else.

Potty Training

The most fundamental thing many preschools require is that your child be out of diapers. Some children are ready for underpants around age two but many others aren’t ready until closer to three or four. If your desired preschool requires fully potty trained students, you might have a bit of work to do – if your child is willing to learn.

Following Instructions

Preschools are more about learning basic methods of behavior such as following a schedule and minding instructions. To prepare your child for this, be sure you have guidelines at home. Children with few or no limits at home have a very hard time adjusting to a more structured setting.

Patience

Young children are not born with patience. Waiting for attention is a learned skill that many toddlers don’t possess, but it is especially important in a school setting where a single teacher might be dealing with eight or more children. Teach patience at home to help ease the transition.

Playing Nice

Basic social skills and manners must also be taught. Sharing does not come naturally to children or to many adults. Children used to having their own way or with limited social skills may struggle when they are suddenly expected to share with five other children. Play dates and Mommy and Me classes as well as lessons in manners and politeness help establish these foundations.

Preparing to Learn

Finally, a preschool is a setting where children learn how to learn. They may “graduate” reading simple sentences or counting to twenty, but more importantly they will know how to sit at a table, listen to a story and will have basic alphanumeric concepts. To give them an even better head start, encourage quiet time and structured activities at home in addition to basic and fun playtime.

Parents are busy people. They are constantly pulled in many directions trying to meet the needs of their children, their home and their jobs. Too often they fail to meet their own needs or those of their marriage. Maybe it’s time for you to take a time-out, too.

Relax

Taking time away from the family and pressures of the home allows parents to relax and work off stress. Taking care of children is innately stressful with so many constant worries and demands. It is also a job that you can’t drive away from at the end of the work day. Parenting combined with the stress of the office means that parents rarely have a chance to kick back and relax.

Taking a break from the family, even for one afternoon or evening if not a full vacation can have a tremendous impact on your stress level and outlook. Exercise or being completely away from distractions like the computer or phone can help you reach a state of well-being much faster.

Reconnect

The two partners in a relationship often spend the days and nights passing each other heading in opposite directions. There is little time to sit down together for a long conversation or a bit of romance. Marriages become more functional than romantic and this can lead to a loss of communication and affection.

Heading out on a date every few weeks, or even scheduling a date night at home after the kids are in bed can make a world of difference. Parents should be a team, but it can be challenging to present a unified parenting front and enjoy your family as a whole if your marriage is suffering or you don’t have time or energy to demonstrate affection for the person who helped create those wonderful children.

Appreciation

It’s hard to appreciate something that you are constantly working on. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” is an apt clique for parenting. Taking a walk or heading out for an evening makes you miss your children a bit and that absence may help you focus on the great qualities your child processes and, at least temporarily, forget about the tantrums and colic you deal with throughout the rest of the day.

Hello Everyone, 

It’s been a long time since I’ve wanted to start writing about my parenting experiences and gather advice and parental knowledge from anyone who is willing to share. My name is Amy. My husband Seth and I have been married for almost three years. I am a 26-year-old stay-at-home mom to our one-year-and-nine-month-old son Elijah. We both love him to death and treasure every moment we get to spend with him. 

My husband is a workaholic entrepreneur, who wants to conquer the business world before he gets too old and runs out of energy. I am a licensed Physical Therapist. However, since Elijah was born, I’ve been staying at home. To make sure that I do not become bored to death, my husband suggested that we open some sort of a business that I can do from home. So he put my Photoshop and designer skills to use, and I work from home as a Graphics Designer. My passion and Full time job remains being a mother to my wonderful little boy. 

What had prompted me to begin writing was the fact that last week Seth and I found out that we are expecting our second child. It wasn’t a surprise, since we’ve been planning to conceive, but it was pleasant news, nonetheless. So this time around, I figured I’ll share with the “world” my experiences, in hope to gather some advice from other parents who’ve “been there, done that.” It seems to me that with my son approaching “the terrible two’s” I will be in need of all advice I can get. 

Thank you all and I will speak to you soon. 

Regards, 

Amy

Those tiny Mary Janes and sneakers are adorable, but are they necessary yet? Here we help you understand when to buy and what to look for when shopping around for your baby’s first shoes.
Many parents and gift givers ask: “When to buy shoes?” Well, babies younger than 9 months don’t need them at all. Keep those little feet barefoot or in nonskid socks until your baby starts pulling up and cruising at mach 3.
Another popular question is: “Where to wear them?” Your baby doesn’t need shoes indoors — in fact, bare feet grip the floor better and help him learn to walk faster. Outside, of course, they help protect his feet. Also you probably want to look for flexible, nonskid soles which are essential, whereas ankle or arch supports aren’t yet. Make sure you visit our Spiffy shoes collection for best results.

When its time to leave your baby, who better to trust with your precious little one than your own parents? Grandparents love your children in a way similar to your own love. They enjoy the company of their grandchildren and you know exactly how experienced they are in child rearing. So why would a grandparent not be the ideal babysitting solution?

They Don’t Take Instructions

A lot has changed since you were a child. Babies now sleep on their backs, and we know that breastfeeding is best. Your parents lovingly raised you, and some may not see why they have to change their ways just to conform to the times – no matter how scientifically based the rationale.

A neighborhood teenager, however, presumably has taken a babysitting class and is certified in first aid. They might have a better understanding of current methods and, if nothing else, are working for you. They are receptive to instructions and might be more likely to do as you ask than your own parents who still consider you their little one rather than an informed parent in your own right.

They Aren’t Convenient

Many grandparents don’t live in the same town as their grandchildren. This poses an obvious problem to babysitting. Even those grandparents who live nearby might not be as convenient as bringing in a babysitter from the neighborhood.

Most grandparents prefer to stay in their own homes. You might feel a bit uncomfortable with your mother alone in your house checking up on your cleaning and laundry skills. You either have to drive your children over to your parents’ home or scrub in anticipation of their visit to yours. The trouble moving sleeping little ones from one house to another might be another reason to simply keep them at home.

They Aren’t Up for the Challenge

As much as they would love to spend time with their grandchildren, some adults of the previous generation are no longer physically able to keep up with a toddler or heft around an infant.

You might not feel confident that your parents can move fast enough to catch your running toddler or be strong enough to lift a sleeping baby in and out of the crib. If this is the case, visit your parents frequently, but leave the heavy duty child care to someone a bit younger and more physically capable.