Check Your Kid’s Fever with Your Cell Phone?

Check Your Kid’s Fever with Your Cell Phone?

by | Nov 13, 2012

I don’t usually talk about technology or apps even though I love all things techie. But I had to share info about a new infrared thermometer invention for smartphones. Just the other day I wondered if that kind of technology would ever happen. You know like they do it in Star Trek.

Seems the inventor, Dr. Jacob Fraden, of the popular ThermoScan thermometers has done that. I can’t explain all the juicy details so here it is from Dr. Fraden:

“the Fraden Smartphone Sensing patented technology and IP (Intellectual Property) employs a non-contact infrared sensor built into a smartphone or tablet to instantly and accurately measure patient temperature in less than one second with absolutely no contact with the human body.  A priceless feature for parents with small children, nurses, doctors, caregivers or anyone that has ever had trouble taking a temperature, the sensor accurately detects infrared signals that naturally emanate from any surface.  Just aim the smartphone at the face and it automatically takes the internal body temperature.  A small infrared lens is positioned near the camera lens, with no protruding parts, making the device appear identical to existing smartphones. 

 

The sensor’s wide range, from -22 ºF to +400ºF, offers broad applications in taking temperatures of not only humans, but also of inanimate objects in the home environment, such as kitchen (cooking and refrigeration), bathroom (baby bath water temperature), school (science class), and industry (automotive and production machinery, chemical processes, energy management, and construction).

             

“Most smartphone models differ little from one another, with only small evolutionary changes.  The vendor with breakthrough functions for real world everyday use, like reading a child’s temperature, can distance themselves from their competitors.  We believe this new patent can be a significant competitive differentiator for a smartphone manufacturer,” said Dr. Jacob Fraden, President of Fraden Corporation, a co-inventor of the technology and expert in non-contact temperature measurements, a holder of over 50 patents and the inventor of the popular Thermoscan ear thermometer.”

I don’t know when it will become widely available so keep a look out for it. Pretty cool, huh?

Here are some basic and mom-friendly details:

Fraden Infrared Thermometer for Smartphone Technology Features:

·        Patented technology – U.S. issued and world pending patents.

·        No comparable products on the market – a great differentiator for the smartphone industry.

·        Minimal incremental cost.

·        Non-protruding, works with digital camera in smartphone.

·        Quick time to market.

·        Very easy to use.

·        Instant response, less than 1 second.

·        Computes the body’s inner temperature (medical mode).

·        Clinical accuracy meets ISO standards.

·        Measures temperatures of inanimate objects (food, water, buildings, machinery, circuit boards, etc.).

·        Small (2.5 mm) infrared (IR) lens is located next to the digital camera lens.

·        Technology is expandable to thermal imaging, UV and EMF pollution exposure and others.

Kids and Money

by | Oct 30, 2012

As kids grow older, it is essential that they know the value of a dollar. Usually when people say this they are referring to their kid getting their first job. But in retrospect, kids should be taught the value of a dollar and how to stretch it before their first job! Applying the following steps will ensure that your kids will learn how to become financial savvy.

Around the age that your kid becomes more aware of their surroundings and curious about everything, sit them down and have a chat with them about money and finances. First, involve your kids in creating and maintaining a budget. It’s a good idea to do this because the older they get the more money they will want. Second, kids should know how the money is spent. This will allow your kids to be more sensitive to money limitations, and maybe not ask for that really expensive toy in the window. And third, kids should know approximately how much money is coming in, and how much has to go out to maintain life. When kids know this information, they will be more sensitive to your role as the provider.

Knowledge about financial obligations might encourage kids to find ways to earn money on their own at a reasonable age. Not only will teaching your kids to become financial savvy be beneficial to them, but it will also encourage you to practice what you preach. In this economy, it’s always best to learn and save together as a family.

Dealing with Bedwetting Gracefully While Preserving Your Child’s Self Esteem

Dealing with Bedwetting Gracefully While Preserving Your Child’s Self Esteem

by | Aug 28, 2012

This is an issue I faced with my son for a while. It was frustrating and discouraging for us both but we finally got through it. There are many reasons why some children wet the bed. The thing to remember is they are not bad or lazy. In my son’s case, he developed slower, he had problems with constipation, and he was a hard sleeper. The following is information and advice brought to you by Good Nites Underwear. I used them a lot when my son was younger and happy with the results. I wish you the best in your journey.

Bedwetting is a natural childhood developmental phase that millions of children experience. While it’s quite common, parents still struggle with interrupted sleep and extra laundry loads, and some even wonder where they might have gone wrong in the potty-training process. If not handled properly, children can even lose confidence in themselves, especially when faced with potentially discouraging situations like a sleepover at a friend’s house.

“The most important thing for parents to understand about bedwetting is that it is different than potty training. If your child is able to successfully use the bathroom during the daytime without any accidents, they have matured past the potty training stage. But many children between the ages of 4 and 6 still have accidents at night,” says Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg, pediatrician. Forty percent of parents with children in this age group say their child wets the bed at least once a week, according to the June 2012 Bedwetting Study conducted by Strategy One Research. Nighttime wetness is completely normal and part of the developmental growing process.

There are many reasons why children wet the bed. The most important one to understand is that children develop at different rates. This development is something parents and their children will have to let happen at its own speed.

Also, part of that development centers around your child’s bladder. Young children still have developing and growing bladders. Because of this, they aren’t able to “hold it” for an entire night.

Finally, children are also very deep sleepers, which is great to help build energy for all the activities they do during the day. But it also prevents them from recognizing the signals that their bladder is full, leading to bedwetting situations.

According to the survey, 43 percent of parents believe they can train their child out of bedwetting. In reality, there is no training to make bedwetting go away, however parents can help their children maintain confidence by keeping the bed dry, even if the child goes to the bathroom in the middle of the night while asleep. You can help reduce the surprise of accidents by waking your child during the night for a trip to the bathroom. Also, GoodNites Underwear for boys and girls are specifically made to protect children while they’re lying down, and are 40 percent more absorbent than leading training pants. Your child’s pajamas and bed will stay dry, allowing for greater confidence and self-esteem as they grow out of this common childhood phase.

For more tips and the full infographic, visit www.goodnites.com/pdf/GoodNites_bedwetting.pdf.

5 Reasons Why Fighting for Child Support is a Lost Cause

5 Reasons Why Fighting for Child Support is a Lost Cause

by | Aug 27, 2012

Usher and Katie Holmes wins custody

So you are upset and angry that your ex is not paying child support. It happens, but you are probably a bigger part of the problem than he is. I’ll explain how this is true shortly.

I just learned about a Facebook page/group that is focused on exposing deadbeat dads. I will not link to it here because I am not interested in adding fuel to the fire. The amount of venom on that page is enough to kill an entire city. But it’s pointless because the women just make themselves look bad.

Haven’t we learned the lessons from seeing Usher’s ex-wife? She went for his jugular and still lost the kids. Contrast this to Katie Holmes who handled her business in private and came out on top with a fat child support settlement. Tom Cruise’s annual $400k payment is nothing to sneeze at; yet women are showing their fangs over $400 a month. I’m not sitting in judgement but simply cry out for a little common sense!

Ladies have you stopped to consider that fighting for child support is a lost cause? Who really wins in a fight? How many single moms have really won by fighting their child’s father for money? How many children have lost a great mom in the process because she’s angry all the time?

Here are 6 reasons why fighting for child support is a lost cause:

1. You will be the only idiot screaming like a banshee

Do you really want to be one of those women who spends all her time being angry at and trying to make your baby daddy’s life miserable? Those women are crazy and you will look like them when you put your stuff out there about how he isn’t paying child support. The reality is you are no longer in control of your own life when you behave this way. You place your will in his hands and give him control (on a silver platter) each time you use energy to be angry with him.

2. He will grow resentful and you will still get nothing

Men are delicate creatures with fragile egos. They do not respond well to threats and embarrassment. Back them up into a corner and they come out swinging or resort to passive-aggressive behavior. He will do the exact opposite of what you want him to do no matter how much he loves his kids.

3. Breaking him down makes you look bad to any future man you want to date

This is something most women aren’t thinking about. I’m talking about extreme behavior here. Calling him names, dragging him to court time and time again, bad-mouthing him to the entire world is something that will follow you. Do you think a real man will want to be with you after he hears about how you treated the father of your child(ren)? He will think you will do the same thing to him and run in the other direction.

4. You never get to the root of the problem…

… your failure to choose a good man; the deadbeat is a reflection of your character and bad choices. This is a biggie…it’s tough to look yourself in the mirror and see who you really are. The reality is the people in our lives are a reflection of ourselves. So if you are only see how low-down and dirty he is, consider you might be seeing those characteristics in your own life. We only recognize drama if we have drama. In the same way we only recognize a low-down dirty man if we are that kind of woman. Like the kids say…It takes one to know one.

5. The kids always get the raw deal…their dad is gone physically and you are gone emotionally

Finally, the people who are truly hurt by all of this are the kids. They didn’t ask to come into this world. They are innocent and have to deal with your mess. They have to deal with your bad choice in a father for them and now you are making them live in a negative emotionally environment. At some point you have to grow up, put on your big girl panties, and take responsibility for the choices you made.

What’s the Child Support Solution?

The million dollar question is how do you get child support from a deadbeat dad. You don’t get child support from someone you label deadbeat. You only get child support from a man you believe is a decent person who has a vested interest in your child’s well being. You get child support through rational discussion, negotiation, and compromise.

If you happen to be dealing with a truly disinterested guy, you find a way to move on. You forgive yourself for getting involved with him in the first place and you turn your attention to the child you have to raise.

It’s hard and it feels like he owes you something for taking part in making a human life. Unfortunately, he doesn’t owe you anything but he is depriving himself of the opportunity to help raise and support a beautiful child.

Now it’s your turn. Do you think I’m wrong? Explain your answer. How has fighting for child support benefited you? Do you know anyone who has won child support and ultimately ended up happy?

Smart Solutions for Busy Single Moms

Smart Solutions for Busy Single Moms

by | Aug 26, 2012

Many parents are busy these days juggling everything from work, car pools, soccer practice, and cooking dinner. But a hectic schedule doesn’t have to mean poor food choices. Here are a few time-saving tricks to make mealtime easier and nutritious for the whole family.

Create a family calendar

Whether you prefer the old fashioned calendar posted on the refrigerator or smartphone apps that sync your schedules, a key to reducing stress is to find an organizational system that works for you. By tracking everyone’s daily activities in a central place, you are less likely to forget any important work or family events and minimize the chance of double bookings.

Shop for groceries on a schedule

Schedule a regular time each week for grocery shopping. Create a list so you stay focused when you shop, helping to save time and money. Post the list in the kitchen where the whole family can see it and everyone can easily add in a variety of their favorite items as soon as you run out.

Make a meal in a minute

Ready-to-go meals are a smart choice for working parents. For example, family-owned pasta company Barilla offers microwaveable meals made from 100 percent natural ingredients. These palate-pleasing favorites like Mezze Penne with Tomato and Basil Sauce or Whole Grain Fusilli with Vegetable Marinara Sauce don’t require refrigeration, so they can be easily stored in the kitchen pantry or a desk drawer for lunch at work. Better yet, they are ready in just 60 seconds in the microwave so you can have a wholesome lunch or dinner – no cooking required.

Engage the whole family in menu planning

Ask everyone in the family – especially the kids – to plan a balanced dinner menu for one night of the week. Encourage them to think of creative themes like Italian night. Menu planning eliminates the last-minute scramble for something to eat, saves money on takeout and ensures healthier meals.

It doesn’t have to be a daunting task to maintain a wholesome lifestyle for the family. If everyone chips in, it can be easy and fun. (ARA)

Tips for Teaching Kids Finance Management

Tips for Teaching Kids Finance Management

by | Aug 6, 2012

Kids who learn about finance management early in life are more likely to be financially responsible as adults. Young children might not need to know about mutual funds and mortgages, but they are smart enough to start learning about the value of money. Teaching your child about the importance of saving money and working hard to get it will give him a solid foundation for making the right financial decisions in the future. Kids learn best when they have no idea that they are learning, so it’s important to come up with fun ways to teach them about serious subjects like finance. Depending on your child’s age and interests, there are a few effective and exciting ideas you can try to get him interested in learning the basics of money management.

Since it’s a little too early for your child to keep track of savings at your bank’s local branch, get him started with a piggy bank. To a child, a piggy bank is essentially the same thing as a savings account. Encouraging a child how to use one is a great way to teach him how banks work and why saving money is important. Ask your child to put some of the money he earns into the piggy bank instead of spending it. After he collects a good amount, take him to the toy or candy store for a reward. Let him pick out whatever he wants to buy because he earned it. It’s a good idea to give your child some extra money as an interest on his savings. It’s an easy way to teach your kid that saving pays off in the long run and leads to better rewards than spending a little money at a time on smaller things.

Make sure that you are giving your child money for a job well done and not just to fill up his piggy bank. Have your child do light household chores to teach him the value of money. It’s important to show young kids that every little bit of money requires hard work. You can have your child clean his room or help you out in the kitchen. Give him age-appropriate tasks that won’t be too overwhelming. Make sure that your child connects the work he is doing with money by giving him a small payment immediately after he is done. Try to use change, so it’s easier for your kid to put a portion of his reward into the piggy bank. Older children can get money in bills as long as you use small denominations.

It’s important to let your child spend a little money after he earns it instead of putting everything into the piggy bank to keep him interested in making more. If you are teaching your child finance management, chances are that he is old enough to count. Spend some time counting money together, and come up with financial goals. Setting objectives will give your kid a chance to practice both math and financial responsibility. Most importantly, always set a good example by taking control of your own finances and slowly teaching your child how to make the right financial decisions as he gets older.

Naomi Esterly believes that it’s never too early to teach kids the value of money. In this guest post she provides practical lessons on how to get them started with finance management. These are the very same things she’s taught her kids and she hopes that you’d find it useful too. When she’s not penny-pinching she is a freelance writer.