Here are some useful pointers for first-time mothers as well as mothers with a new addition to the family:

Handling allergic reactions
If you child has an allergic reaction to certain types of food, it is most likely to show up as read itching skin, diarrhea and vomiting. In this case, avoiding the food is usually enough. If your child ever gets signs of serious allergy, like swollen lips or shortness of breath, you should seek medical help right away.

Chickenpox woes
If your child comes down with chickenpox, it will help if he/she wears loose, comfortable clothes. It will also help if he is free of clothes from time to time to allow the spots to dry quickly.

Comb the lice out
Most children will get headlice at some point of their life. To remove them, use a fine louse comb with some natural herbal powder or lotion and check their hair at least once a day for a week.

Soothe the itch
For skin rashes and itching due to chickenpox, try calamine and aqueous cream or Eurax cream – they are easier to apply than watery lotions and work straight away to cool down skin and prevent itching.

Keep the bed clean
Vacuuming your children’s mattresses to get rid of dead skin and dust mite debris whenever you change their sheets can help reduce night-time allergens that cause itching and a runny nose.

Damage control
Children are notoriously difficult to control, and it will be tiresome telling them they can’t touch this or that. Try to invest in surfaces and objects that don’t require constant upkeep – that way, you can keep the “don’ touch” orders to a minimum.

Rubber mat for tub
Place a rubber mat in your bathtub to prevent your child from slipping and hurting himself. This is particularly important if your child has to stand up and rinse himself.

Assign a job or chore
Try to get your child involved in what you are doing. Even older children do not find chores boring like adults do, so letting them help you will make them feel wanted and important. It also helps in family bonding.

“What is the difference between foster care and foster parenting?” Many people who are thinking about caring for a child that is not their own ask this question. In the past, foster carers were called foster parents, but it was an inappropriate title. Foster care refers to the short and medium term care of children who may still be returned to the care of their biological parents or parent. A foster parent or foster parents have adopted a child and become his or her legal parent, with all the rights and responsibilities of a natural parent.

Foster care givers take a child into their homes for a period of time. They have certain obligations towards the welfare of the child, but are not responsible for the cost of raising the child. This is provided by the institution that has removed the child from its parental home until circumstances change and it becomes possible for the child to return to his or her parents. While the parent or parents of the child are not able to care for their child fulltime, they are not denied visiting rights, nor are the care givers allowed to refuse the child the right to spend time with their parents. Visiting rights or refusal are dictated by the agency in charge of the child.

Foster care givers face a challenge when they take a child into their home, but they find it a welcome challenge, as they can make a real difference in a child’s life. No two children are alike, but children placed in care often have never really felt loved or nurtured. They are often from unstable backgrounds and have suffered accordingly. Remuneration for care givers is small, but the emotional rewards can be very large.

If you would like to know more about foster care, there are some excellent private services that have the legal authority to place children into foster homes. It is easy to apply to become a foster carer. There is a screening process for the protection of the child and you will be visited by a qualified social worker in your home and your application will be assessed by qualified child care providers. Following that, there is a training and education period before a child will be placed in your care.

Most foster carers welcome the opportunity to be fully screened and educated before they take on the responsibilities of foster care. It shows their commitment and the commitment of the agency to the well being of children.