Meeting of the minds with a two year old can be challenging. They can be so very loving at one moment and in a total melt down the next. One thing for sure, they are so very alive and totally free to express all that comes with the package.

Below are amusing comments from Toddler’s Rules on Ownership that I like, and below it are some quotes from the great Biblical expositor, G. Campbell Morgan, from his booklet “The Music of Life”, worth finding and reading. My husband and I cried when we read it together, Morgan shares about the stages of life in musical terms, a beautiful parallel.

1. If I like it, it’s mine.
2. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it’s mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
5. If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it looks just like mine, it is mine.
8. If I saw it first, it’s mine.
9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.
10. If it’s broken, it’s yours.
11. If it’s broken, but you are having fun playing with the pieces, it’s mine again.
12. If there is ANY doubt, it’s mine.

Dolce-softly and sweetly

“…I am dealing with ideal humanity; and I affirm in every child born–properly or improperly it matters nothing–between that little baby and Jesus there is perfect harmony…that tremendous phrase of His–”Of such is the Kingdom of God.”  “

…from the pen of Ian Maclaren…on King Baby;..in a magazine in England…If you are in a omnibus or a trolley car, and baby comes in in a woman’s arms, his in king.

“The baby is always making music. What are the notes? Four–Mystery, Innocence, Dependence and Promise…in the presence of the baby you know, you are in the presence of mystery…you know the lines.

“where did you come from, baby dear?

Out of the everywhere into the here.”

“Mystery! You stand in the presence of mystery; and that is the first and fundamental note in the music of infant life.”

“Then at once, Innocence.  No sin–I am talking of volitional wrong-doing–no sin, no sorrow, no shame.”

Mystery, and then the charm of its innocence.

What then?  Dependence. What a music that makes, that this little life is absolutely dependent upon you.  Neglect it, and it fades, passes out; it dies.  Oh, the tragedy that there are children who fade because neglected, because not wanted, all over our lands. That this little life is dependent, is making music in the heart of mother all the time.

What else? The last note is that of promise. Again, to quote Mark Twain. When General Grant was Commander-in-Chief of the army of the Tennessee, a dinner was given in his honour at which Mark Twain was present and spoke in his own inimitable way. He said things sparkling with humour and profound in philosophy. He said among other things this, “In the land to-day there are perhaps twenty-thousand cradles rocking; and among them such, did we but know which they are, we would preserve and hold sacred for all the coming years.”  He said, “In one of those cradles the future astronomer is blinking at the Milky Way, wondering what has become of that other milky way! In yet another of those cradles a future historian is lying, which he will probably continue to do to the end of his life. In yet another the future commader-in-chief of the army of the Tennessee is engaged in no greater piece of strategy than that of attempting to get his great toe into his mouth; and if the boy be father to the man, when General Grant attempted, he was pre-eminently successful! And then, said he, “The babies in the cradles will soon be on board the ship of state. Let them be carefully trained, for the future depends upon them.”

Can you see a little child without dreaming dreams and seeing visions? Many a man has been rescued by looking into the face of his newborn child. …It is arresting to me in that remarkable fifth chapter of Genesis, I read that it was after Enoch begat Methuselah, after the first baby came, that “he walked with God.” …So the babies come into the world, and the notes merge of mystery, of innocence, of dependence, and promise; and there is music everywhere, where the babies are.

Hope you enjoyed the quotes, we have such an awesome priveledge to mold and model to our kids, instead of calling our little dependent ones terrible, someone has reclaimed the truth by calling them terrific…

For Healthy Kids and Families

Ms. Dawn, The Singing Nurse

]]> http://thesingingnurse.com/meeting-of-the-two-year-old-mind/feed/ 0 http://thesingingnurse.com/rhinovirus-how-to-prevent-it-2/ http://thesingingnurse.com/rhinovirus-how-to-prevent-it-2/#comments Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:58:00 +0000 admin http://thesingingnurse.com/?p=1026

Rhinovirus, another reason to wash hands, #2

I have gleaned some interesting tidbits about the rhinovirus from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), WebMD, KidsHealth and the nanobugs website. The common cold also known as the Rhinovirus is probably the number one reason for frequent hand washing.  I hope you will be encouraged, educated and awed as I was by the more recent discoveries of the Rhinovirus (rhino means “nose”). Please share this information with your families, friends and classroom.

Interesting observances

The average child will catch a cold 8-10 times by the age of 2 and more so if they hang around with other kids. Chances just increase by association for children and adults who care for them. Most of us catch 3 to 4 colds a year.

The number one reason for visits to the pediatrician and missing school is the common cold.

Experts say autumn and spring are common times of year to catch colds, while others say winter is the prime time because we are inside and the viruses stay inside as well.

The time it takes to become ill from the time you were exposed (incubation period) to a rhinovirus, is about 2 to 3 days.

The researchers used to believe we had about 100 different rhinoviruses to contend with, but more recently cold expert Owen Hendley, MD, a professor of medicine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville says “It’s beginning to look as if there may be as many as 200”. This is another reason colds are common.

Research has also shown that along with coughs and sneezes that send the virus droplets into the air, we are more likely to get the virus from things and surfaces. Think: phone, doorknob, remote control, shopping cart, desk and toys.  The virus can live up to 24 hours or more on a surface.

Droplets from coughs and sneezes can spread to a distance of 12 feet.

The entry points for the virus are the nose, eyes and mouth.  Less so by mouth as once thought, for Dr. Hendley says, “Substances in saliva quickly destroy the virus.”

Washing our hands is still the best practice; alcohol rinses are good for flu viruses but not as effective against the rhinovirus. Good old H20, soap and friction is best for preventing the spread of the cold virus.

Carnegie Mellon University researchers discovered those who were more rested (8 or more hrs of sleep) had less chances of catching a cold, while those with less than 7 hrs sleep were 3 times more likely to become ill from exposure to the rhinovirus.

The same research team discovered people who were happy, lively and calm fought off cold and flu viruses better than those who were anxious, hostile and depressed.  I guess the proverb it is still true “a merry heard does good like a medicine. “

Being in a dry environment, being a smoker or being around a smoker increases our chances of catching colds and also resulting in more complications like bronchitis and pneumonia.

Signs and Symptoms in multiple combinations:

Runny nose, cough, sneezing, headache, sore throat, mild fever, fatigue, muscle aches or loss of appetite are the most common signs of a cold.

Things to Remember

Cover your cough or sneeze, do it into your elbow, shoulder or tissue.

If you cough or sneeze into your hands, or blow your nose, wash your hands.

Don’t share items with others: towels, toothbrushes, drinks, fork, spoon etc.

When in doubt as to which medicines or products can be used on children, always consult your pediatrician. Try and get your pediatricians advice about caring for a child with a cold before they get one.

Drink plenty of fluids, do not drink caffeinated drinks as they cause frequent urination and may cause dehydration especially in children.

If you observe any severe symptoms of: coughing, breathing difficulty, turning blue, high fevers, severe pain of any kind, the safest practice is to; “when in doubt, check it out,” with your health care professional of course or call 911.

Be an example by washing hands as mentioned, covering your cough and sneezes to be kind to your neighbor.  And remember, to not put your hands in your nose, eyes or mouth without washing them first.

Have a ongoing matter of fact conversation with your children throughout your day like; “oops, I coughed in my hands, I’m going to go and wash these germs down the drain” or ” wow, so glad I sneezed in my should (right after you have done it) because I don’t want you to get my germs.” Or “I’m going to wash my hands because we just went shopping and we are touching things that lots of people touched, they could be sick and this will help keep us healthy.”

Make hand washing fun, kids love to play in water, make it a teachable moment, make up a song about washing those germs down the drain or sing a song you know about hand washing.

The Singing Nurse uses “Rubba Dub Dub and Don’t Spread Your Germs Around” to teach families about hand washing, not spreading germs and health living.

Other resources: Hand Washing Lesson Plan and Animated Handwashing Song, Music

For Healthy Families,

Ms. Dawn, The Singing Nurse

To contact The Singing Nurse: click contact

other articles about handwashing, H1N1 a reason to wash hands

]]> http://thesingingnurse.com/rhinovirus-how-to-prevent-it-2/feed/ 1 http://thesingingnurse.com/five-dollar-friday-download-tsn-songs/ http://thesingingnurse.com/five-dollar-friday-download-tsn-songs/#comments Fri, 28 May 2010 13:29:53 +0000 admin http://thesingingnurse.com/?p=1007

Five Dollar Friday with The Singing Nurse health songs for healthy living.

Hi,

Thanks for your curiosity about The Singing Nurse music. I’m trying to get the word out about my fun upbeat songs for kids, young children, preschoolers, teachers, health care workers and parents.

Twitter has follow fridays so I thought I would have a Five Dollar Friday to make my whole downloadable album available @ that price of course.

Most of my songs on this CD are health related but there are a couple inspirational songs.

Parents, children and professionals who work with children enjoy my songs and I hope you will take advantage of one of my occassion Five Dollar Friday.  If you like what you hear, please get the word out to your friends and contacts.

Most people don’t know this, but you can also embed my bandbox player on your website so all your visitors can check out and purchase TSN songs.

Appreciate You, Have a Great Week-End and Stay Healthy.

Healthy Living for the Whole Family,

Ms. Dawn, The Singing Nurse

Go to Music

Only available as download @ that price

a lot more goes into the full CD production.

“If I Could Say It.”

♥ If I could say it, I would say I love you Mom.  You know how to handle me and care for me the very best of anyone.  You are ever learning about kids like me and teach my nurses how to help me.

♥ You always try different things to care for me because I can’t talk and tell you what I want or need. I don’t talk but I vocalize with my sighs, and you listen. You read the expression of my eyes, I like when you look in my eyes.

♥ Mom you always get me what I need. I need a wheelchair, so I can go for walks and enjoy the sunshine outside during the warmer months. I’m too big now for my stroller, you are making sure the right people are working on it. When we needed a big tub you rallied all the workers and got things moving. You always speak for me.

♥ Even though you work hard all day, thanks for sleeping close by on the couch when I’m having a rough night so you can be ready if the nurses and I need you. When I’m upset or something is hurting in my body, you give the best massages and comfort. I love your kisses too.

♥ Thanks for hoping and keeping that sparkle in your eye. Mom you brighten my day. Thanks for loving me the way you do.

Happy Mother’s Day,

Kian

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More information on Spinal Muscular Atrophy to come.  Click contact if you would like to be placed on our e-mail list when this post is updated.

For Nurturing Children, Ms. Dawn, The Singing Nurse

Do You Matter?

some thoughts…

How many have felt overlooked, left behind, or ignored? My suspicion is that this is a common human emotion we all feel from time to time. Emotions are strong forces to be reckoned with and can be valuable and affirming in good instances and be totally deceiving in other instances. Whatever instance they may come, they are feelings none the less and need to be evaluated and measure against what is the truth.

I’ve come to learn that tears may be a sign of deep feelings, but not necessarily the truth about it all. Some of our deepest feelings may be reactions to our own make-up of unfounded fears and apprehensions. Feelings may lead our actions in thought and deed and totally miss the mark. Pride will also play a part when we “feel” someone may be thinking ill of us or question our motives. It is difficult to sift through it all and we may need an outside mind to help us pull the pieces together.

Feelings can also warn us of danger and eminent harm and the sensing of what is not right about an event or word. Feelings in this situation are there to help protect us. The descript word “feeling” in this instance may be better named “discernment”. We have to be open, non reactionary and mature enough to know the difference which comes with time, experience, learning, and surrendering our own ideas.

Our own ideas, is that what we want, can they always be trusted? We shall look into the “matter” no pun intended, or maybe it does make sense that what I really want to say is that you and I do matter. It is comforting to know there is a measuring stick to evaluate what is true, what is true about the world, what is true about us and people in general.

I live my life from a biblical world view and the scriptures are my template.  I strive to “listen and do”, a statement I reiterated and reminded my children as they grew.  Don’t be just a hearer of the word, but a doer as well. The Bible has a lot to say about human behavior, what is true about our hearts and what is in them. The scriptures talk a lot about living our daily lives and looking to and seeing hope in our futures, which is our hope in His future for us.

Psalm 139 talks about how we are wonderfully and fearfully made, I’m sure you have heard those words before. In the same Psalm it says He was there watching as we were coming together, as He was putting us together in our mother’s womb. How awesome is that, like an artist painting a picture, He adds color, shading, blends it all, and stands back to see how His masterpiece is coming together. Do you think you matter? I’d say you are pretty special and of course none of us are prints, we are all the original deal.

You were created for and by God. Wow, what a revolutionary and life giving and life changing thought. In the book of Ephesians (a book in the New Testament of the Bible) it says God has His good works ready for us to deliver on. Awesome! We are part of the plans of God; we get to work together with the creator of the universe. Do you matter? Take the time to read all of Ephesians 2, it is wonderful.

Here is the part that talks about how He has created us to do His good works.

⁸ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. ¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2: 8-10 New Living Translation

When we come to God and say oh my, I’m wrong, I’ve blown it, ask Him to forgive us and set us on a new path, He does just that. We knowingly and miraculously become part of His team. God helps us discover our gifts and talents “and then”, we learn and long to, with His help, “do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Do you matter? Yes!

Dawn Ginese

Below is a young child’s version of Psalm 139

Psalm 139 paraphrased:

1. Lord you know all about me.

2. You know when I sit and when I wake-up, You know my thoughts.

3. You know when I go places and when I go to sleep. You know what I do every day.

4. Before I speak, You know what I’m going to say.

5. Your hands care for me.

6. It is hard to understand how you know me so well.

7. I can’t run away from You. I can’t hide from you.

8. Wherever I go You are there.

9-10. If I try to fly like a bird or swim like a fish, Your hands lead me and Your hands hold me.

11-12.When I’m afraid of the dark, the black night is like daytime to You and You are not afraid.

13. You made and formed every little part of me. You put me together in my mom’s tummy.

14. I thank You, because you made me. What You do is wonderful.

15. You watched as You made me.

16. You saw me before my body was complete. Everything about me was planned in Your book before I was born.

17. You have so many thoughts about me, I can’t count them all.

18. If I were to count all Your thoughts about me, they would be more that the grains of sand. When I wake up I am still with You.

Psalm 139: 1-18 TSN version

To make comments, click here.

]]> http://thesingingnurse.com/do-you-matter/feed/ 0 http://thesingingnurse.com/babie-411-agrees-babies-are-beautiful/ http://thesingingnurse.com/babie-411-agrees-babies-are-beautiful/#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:22:26 +0000 admin http://thesingingnurse.com/?p=803

Babies Are Beautiful

I discovered a delightful YouTube channel yesterday dedicated to babies and how to care for them. Well actually, Babies411 contacted me because Diba the owner Stumbledupon The Singing Nurse and found my YouTube channel.  Diba said “Your site is great, really cute songs.” thanks Diba.

Diba is a fellow registered nurse and has created the informational hands on baby care vids for the Babies411 channel.  Babies411 has created an array of vids to watch that will help you with all your “how to care for baby” needs.

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There are videos about changing, feeding, burping, taking a temp and breast feeding which are great for the first time mom and those who need a refresher course. One vid I particularly enjoyed was the demonstration on how to make homemade baby wipes, who doesn’t want to save money and have the peace of mind that the finest ingredient are wiping our babies little bottom. I have included the baby wipe video below.

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Since all of these vids are about caring for beautiful babies, I have included my own “Babies are Beautiful” vid that features my first grandbaby, who is singing with grandma by the way, really, he is singing, you will hear him loud and clear. Listen how he jabbers while I touch his face, point to various body parts and pat his tummy.

Babies love and thrive on the interaction with the adults in their lives. Remember the study that claimed how much babies depend on our touch, cooing and care. Some of the babies in the study died who only received the basic care of changing and feeding. Babies have died without adult affection and nurturing.

We have such an awesome and important job of caring for our most “fragile” and “helpless” little ones. Raising my own three children have been some of the best years of my life for certain.

Moms (and dads too) please be encouraged, you and the adult care givers you choose are unbelievably important and valuable in your baby’s life. Thanks to Babies411, there is a knowledgeable resource to help us give our babies, our best care.

“Babies are fragile, we have to treat them gently, babies are helpless, we have to treat them kind.”

The Singing Nurse and Babie411 are now connected via twitter and our YouTube channels. Check us out @

www.YouTube.com/TheSingingNurse www.twitter.com/TheSingingNurse

www.YouTube.com/Babies411 www.twitter.com/Babies411

to download “Babies Are Beautiful” song

Father reads with son...

♥ Nothing creates a love for reading more than sitting with our child and doing just that, reading.

♥ Start as soon as they will sit still, which of course starts as an infant right from the crib.

♥ Our children love hearing our voices, the rhythm and the tones.

♥ We  spark our toddlers curiosity when we read to them, let them turn the pages and allow the anticipation of what’s to come, remember not to rush. They will ask for the same book again and again.

♥ Start with board books which you can pick up cheep from your local thrift store.

♥ Visit your local library and participate in a story hour for young children. Story hour is a nice break for moms and expands your child’s exposure to new stories.

♥ Make sure and sign up for a library card and let your child be part of checking out the books.

♥ It is helpful to use a book bag to keep books organized and accounted for.

♥ Remember to borrow more books than DVDs.

♥ When the children get older it is fun to create a chart to keep track of the titles and the amount of books read.

♥ Good books are windows to explore the world in which we live.

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Young children love to move about their world to learn, explore, create, make believe and trust, and that is what The Singing Nurse loves about babies, preschooler and older kids too.

Children are special creations, unique in all aspects and have been gifted in their own peculiar and extraordinary way.
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————–—–Healthy Living

Children will take our lead when it comes to life and healthy living. Give a child a choice between apple and orange slice and they will pick a healthy snack each time.

It is an awesome privilege to guide these little ones through the maze of  the “good and bad” things for us.  Kids are so very impressionable and eager to copy our actions.

Guiding children through good health habits like; hand washing, coughing or sneezing in our shoulder, not spreading our germs around, brushing our teeth, going to the dentist regularly, resting our bodies and the overall monitoring and care of our amazing bodies is a distinctive task of parenting. It is draining and demanding as well as an unexpected joy to be part of.

———–——–Music/Movement

Young children blossom and thrive in the presence of melody, rhythms,  instruments and voice. Kids are just free to express what ever is in their being.

Who among us has not observed a small child bee bopping to the beat, and you yourself being ignited by this show of innocence and freedom. Here we can follow the children’s lead.

It plainly puts a smile on your face. “A merry heart does good like a medicine”.

Provide a child with simple percussion instruments, simple wind instruments and they will derive great pleasure in the music they make. Encourage this!

——————–——–Art

Give a child paper and writing utensils from a colorful palette and they will express themselves with utter abandon.

Give them watercolors and they will paint to your amazement for long periods of time.

Give them clay and they will relish the opportunity to manipulate it by smooshing it, squeezing it and pounding it with delight to their own identifiable creation. You’ll say,”Tell me about what you have made”, and they will know and tell you exactly what it is.

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We as the adults in our children’s world must provide the basic raw materials and tools to foster creativity, curiosity and expression. They will take our lead, what a privilege.