Are you the parent of a child who has recently decided that they want to use internet chat rooms? Or, are you a parent who has just learned that your child has been using internet chat rooms? If you are, you may be unsure as to how you should proceed. Yes, internet chat rooms are a great way to make new friends online, but they can be dangerous. So, should you let your child use online chat rooms?

When it comes to determining if your child is ready to use online chat rooms, it is best to examine the pros and cons of them. For starters, there are chat rooms out there that are designed for children and teenagers. By visiting these chat rooms, your child should be paired with their peers. They may also be able to make new online friends and communicate with their friends from school easily online.

Meeting new friends online and communicating with current friends over the internet, by way of internet chat rooms, is nice. It, however, is also important to remember that there are dangers to doing so as well. For starters, it is important to remember that anyone can get into a chat room. Just because a chat room that your child uses is designed for kids between the ages of 8 and 15, it doesn’t mean that everyone in that chat room falls into that age range.

As for why it is easy for an adult to get into a chat room and pretend to be a child it is because not all internet chat rooms are monitored. With that said, you should be able to find a number of chat rooms for children and teens that are monitored. This means that an adult will be there watching all conversations to make sure that they are appropriate. Remember though that an adult pretending to be a child may be able to slide under the radar.

As previously stated, an adult could easily pretend to be a child, enter a chat room for children, and target those in the room. This is easy for many internet predators to do because the internet makes it very simple for children to be targeted. A whole new, false identity can be created and you and your child may never know until it is too late.

Despite the fact that there are a number of cons or downsides to letting children and teenagers use internet chat rooms, many parents still let their children do so. If you want to be one of those parents, that is fine, but be sure that both you and your child know the dangers that lurk. Make sure they know not to give out personal information in a chat room because the person on the other end of the computer may not be who they say they are.

Also, for your child’s protection, find internet chat rooms for them to use. Even if your child knows that dangers lurk, they may still opt for the most popular chat rooms, even if they aren’t very safe. When searching for safe chat rooms for your child to use, start with a standard internet search. Next, look for those that have staffed monitors, as well as those that do not have private messaging features.

For added safety and security, have your computer in a well trafficked location. This is likely to reduce the amount of time that they spend in a chat room, as they may feel like they are being watched. You can also limit the use of chat rooms unless you are home or in the same room. Of course, you can ban your child from visiting online chat rooms if you wish, as you do have the right to do so.

As a reminder, be sure to talk to your child or teenager about the dangers of communicating with strangers on the internet. Having online friends are nice, but make sure your child knows that they should stay just that “online,” friends.

Time stands still the moment your baby enters this world, and you’ll want to remember the moment for years to come. A newborn time capsule is a great way to commemorate your baby’s birth and to share with them a snapshot of that special period when they have grown up.

To create your time capsule, you need to gather several things that reflect the events of the day.

Newspapers make a great addition to any time capsule. Local papers tell the story of what was happening in your community on the day he was born, while national papers provide a glimpse of then-current events. Both offer the opportunity for you to stroll down memory lane, as well as give your child a brief history lesson when the capsule is finally opened.

Money and stamps provide fun signs of the times, too. Throw in a few different coin denominations and one or more sheets of stamps. If possible, make a list of prices for goods and services, like milk and bread or gasoline. Whether done on the computer or simply handwritten on a sheet of paper, this is a nice addition.

You can personalize the time capsule by adding things like baby’s first picture and the outfit he wears home from the hospital. Take time to write a special letter welcoming your child and sharing your hopes for his future to give the capsule even more meaning.

You are limited only by your imagination – and the size of your capsule container.

The container, however, is another important part of this project. Make it as simple or ornate as you like. Some online vendors carry special newborn time capsule kits, while others offer containers meant to stand the test of time. But you needn’t invest a lot of money to make a nice time capsule. Simply choose a can or box and decorate it to your taste. A seal with the date of its intended opening – perhaps baby’s 18th birthday -- adds a nice touch, as well.

On that special day, you and your child will make yet another special moment in time, as you enjoy the contents preserved in his newborn time capsule.

It’s that time of year again here in Australia: flu season. Each year, millions of people hunker down in the autumn to prepare for the annual onset of influenza outbreaks. With the season comes an onslaught of visits to, at best, pediatricians’ offices and, at worst, hospital emergency departments by worried parents and their ailing children. Now that you’ve got a newborn, you want to be prepared.

So how do you keep your new baby healthy this winter?

While you cannot inoculate your baby, there are steps you can take to keep them healthy during flu season – many of them common sense.

What is the flu?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the flu is a contagious respiratory ailment caused by a group of viruses known as influenza. It strikes an average of five to 20 percent of the U.S. population each year, causing symptoms that range from fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, and muscle aches to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Complications associated with the illness include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions. Here in Australia, the statistics are quite similar.

Young children, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions are at particular risk for serious flu-related complications.

How do I avoid getting the flu?

The CDC recommends getting a flu shot as the number one way to avoid getting the flu. If possible, get a flu shot in February or March here in Australia (October or November in the US), although you can still be vaccinated into April and May (December in the US).

Parents, siblings, and caretakers of young children should be vaccinated. The American Academy of Pediatrics revised its recommendation in 2006 to include flu shots for children as young as six months and up to age five years. The CDC also recommends that pregnant women be vaccinated. Studies suggest that maternal immunization may help prevent the flu in young infants. Breast feeding can also help by passing on some antibodies.

While your newborn is too young to safely receive the vaccine, and whether you were or weren’t vaccinated while pregnant, he can’t catch the flu, if he does not come into contact with the virus.

Other simple preventatives include covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands with soap and water – often, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, and keeping your baby out of crowded public places. The flu is spread through contact with the respiratory droplets of an infect person, primarily from coughing and sneezing, so be alert and act accordingly.

What to do if you or your baby get sick?

If you think you have the flu, minimize contact with your baby as much as possible. Drink plenty of fluids and rest. Take fever-reducing medications, as necessary, and contact your physician if your condition worsens. You can try one of the many face masks now being sold, however, their is still doubts to their efficacy, besides, who wants to spend all day wearing a mask?

If your baby becomes ill, ensure that he continues to nurse often to prevent dehydration. Call your pediatrician immediately if your baby has trouble breathing, is not feeding adequately, seems less responsive than usual, or his rectal temperature rises above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

Influenza is a serious concern, especially for parents of newborns. But simple, common sense strategies can help you keep your baby healthy throughout the flu season.

Your newborn goes through a lot before, during and right after birth. Whether the birth was natural or assisted, he/she experiences a great deal of stress as they struggle to cope with the abrupt change in the world as they know it. No wonder he/she is a little out of sorts during those first few weeks.

The first few days at home with baby can be trying, especially for first time parents. Baby is adjusting, mom's adjusting and believe it or not, so to is dad. Everyone is a bundle of nerves. If mom and dad stay calm, however, these simple tips will ease the transition for everyone.

• Sing and talk to your baby. Babies can hear your voice while still growing in the womb. By the time they are born, the familiarity of that sound has a remarkable calming effect. Talk to them, sing to them your favorite lullaby, and start the process of reading books to them, especially stories that rhyme. This is an activity that fathers can either do to spend quality one-on-one time, or that mom and dad can do together.

• Make eye contact. While baby’s do not have 20/20 vision at birth, they can see you. By making eye contact with your baby when you talk to or massage them, you are communicating with them, and if you watch their cues, you’ll learn how they communicates with you - and from an early age, they do try to communicate.

• Touch your baby. It’s a natural and extremely powerful action. Stroke their arms, legs, head, back and tummy. The sensation relaxes both of you and enhances your bonding. If possible, learn about infant massage techniques and incorporate them into your daily routine. Research suggests that simple massage strokes relieve colic and constipation, as well as helping infants to establish regular sleep patterns and form stronger bonds with their parents.

• Hold your baby close, often. Research shows that keeping your baby close can be good for them. Wearing your baby in a baby sling or carrier keeps them right where they needs to be to thrive. Cuddled next to you, baby feels your warmth and the comforting beat of your heart. The familiar rhythm helps them relax and feel secure.

  Using a baby sling also frees your arms and hands so that you can do a few things around the house, while still enjoying the benefit of snuggling with your baby. And that might help you feel calmer, too.

• Respond to your baby. It’s that simple. Though crying can be nerve-wracking, it’s the only way your baby has to let you know they need something. They cry when they are hungry; they cry when they are wet; they cry when they hurt or don’t feel well; and they cry when they just don’t know what else to do.

  While this barrage of bawling might make you feel like crying, too, the best thing to do is simply to respond to their need. Pick them up, cuddle them, and try to figure out just what it is they need. Soon you’ll recognize their different cries; their cry for hunger over their pain cry; and be able to soothe them by quickly filling that need.

Worried that you may be spoiling them. Don’t be. Meeting your baby’s needs is not spoiling them. By regularly responding to your newborn, you’re forming a healthy bond that makes them feel secure.

It’s not uncommon for moms ans dads to feel out of sync with their baby in the first few weeks. But communicating your love to them through all their senses goes a long way toward calming those delicate newborn nerves - and it does wonders for mom and dad as well.

Complementary medical care has gained increasing popularity in recent years with more and more people seeking natural alternatives to healing. It’s no surprise, then, that families are also looking more often for natural therapies in areas such as skincare and digestive problems for their newborn.

Naturopathic medicine is one approach to holistic healthcare. Naturopathy focuses on helping people achieve optimum health through natural processes, patient education, prevention strategies, and noninvasive therapies. Naturopathic doctors attend several years of specialized medical training at accredited naturopathic medical colleges. The profession, however, is regulated in just twelve states --Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. In those states, NDs must also pass medical board exams to become licensed.

Naturopathic practitioners provide complementary care for their patients. They take a comprehensive approach to health and spend a lot of time listening to their patients and helping them to become active participants in their healthcare. When you visit naturopathic doctors, you’ll find they emphasize nutrition, dietary changes, and lifestyle modification in their treatment plans. Naturopathic doctors do not abandon or replace conventional medicine, though. Instead, they work cooperatively with other healthcare providers to provide a balanced approach to wellbeing.

Naturopathic treatment of babies can include homeopathy, herbal and physical medicine, and nutrition supplements. Practitioners seek the root cause of health problems and suggest natural, noninvasive therapies to promote healing. For newborns suffering from colic or irritability, they may introduce baby massage. Gentle herbal remedies may be used to heal conditions that affect baby’s delicate skin or digestive disorders. And osteopathic manipulation may be offered to correct musculoskeletal imbalances.

Whatever the technique, the naturopathic practitioner ultimately seeks to improve and enhance baby’s health naturally.

When looking for a naturopathic doctor, it’s important to ensure he or she is properly trained. Your ND should have graduated from an accredited naturopathic college; and if you live in a state that regulates the profession, make sure he or she is properly licensed. A brief consultation with any prospective healthcare provider is advisable, as well, to ensure you feel comfortable with his or her approach to your health.

If you’d like to find out more on what naturopathy can do for your newborn, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians will help you locate a naturopathic doctor in your area through the organization’s website www.naturopathic.org.