Mother’s Day: Gift Traditions
Mother’s Day began as early as the Middle Ages, when children in Europe would travel back home from their training as apprentices at various jobs. The reunion of mother and child was rare, with children as young as ten seeing their mothers only twice a year. This early separation led to the creation of “”Mothering Sunday,”" a term that referred to the Sunday before Lent. Mother’s Day gifts have certainly changed, with modern choices including mother’s jewelry and other gifts of value.
Early Mother’s Day Gifts
In the Middle Ages, it was common for children to bring their mothers presents that were small but thoughtful. Bunches of flowers and small gifts from the region they were apprenticed to were common gifts. Apprenticed children did not earn a salary (only room and board), so the gifts were simple and inexpensive tokens. Handmade gifts such as food were very popular. These early traditions led to the inception of Mother’s Day, which was made an official holiday in 1914.
The Mother’s Day that we know today is nothing like that of tradition. Initially, Mother’s Day was a day of thanks for all the love and work mothers do, and although gifts were not uncommon they were small and inexpensive. Mother’s Day is celebrated by families around the world today, with common gifts being personalized jewelry, such as mother’s rings and necklaces.
Modern Gifts for Mom
Some of the modern gifts for Mother’s Day are very creative, and can be nearly anything that you think you mom will appreciate. From flowers to dinner to jewelry, there are many different options available. There are endless ways to create personalized jewelry that is truly personal and unique for your mothers. Add children’s names, birth dates or birthstones. Add a phrase that has meaning or even Chinese Symbols for a special word or phrase. Mother’s jewelry is an excellent choice if you and your sibling want to give mom something special.
Mother’s jewelry that indicates the birthstones of her children is also very popular. Whether you choose a mother’s birthstone ring that has a stone for each child or a personalized necklace for mom, the choices are endless. The jewelry can be created in sterling silver, gold, or platinum, depending upon your budget. There are also other gifts that are meaningful and appreciated, such as dinner out (especially thoughtful if your mom cooks a lot!), or anything you know your mother will use and love.
Filed under Family | Comment (0)Prevent Head Lice at Summer Camps
Head Lice Treatment
Summer is quickly approaching in most parts of the U.S. Children are starting to get excited about summer camps and all the fun they will have with their friends. Parents are aware of all the potential issues and risks involved with summer camps. Accidents, skinned knees and other small issues are taken care of by camp staff. But what about things like head lice? Parents may not be aware that there are indeed ways to decrease the chances their child will come home with extra visitors. Products that may prevent head lice include daily shampoos, conditioners, leave-in spray, bunk spray, fabric spray and helmet spray.
Head Lice Treatment
The best way to prevent spreading head lice to other children is to not let your child attend summer camp if they have head lice. Some people feel it is an embarrassing subject and would rather not have to explain why their child can’t go to summer camp this year. Instead, they ignore the problem and let their child have fun.
Unfortunately, this causes other children to become infested and take the little unwanted visitors home to their own families. In this case, take the initiative and buy special shampoo, conditioner and sprays that your child can take with them to summer camp. Do not send your child to summer camp with harmful insecticides. Opt to use sprays that are formulated for daily use and do not include harsh chemicals. It is very important to understand and educate your child on head lice prevention practices.
Head Lice Treatment
Educate Children about Head Lice
Children are often too trusting or do not understand the risks involved in sharing something as harmless as a hair brush or helmet. You don’t want your child to become obsessed or afraid of certain things, but they do need to understand that sometimes it’s not ok to share their things. Here are a few things your child should know in order to help prevent head lice infestations:
* Don’t play head-to-head, even for critical thinking or strategic planning against the opposing team. Head-to-head or hair-to-hair contact can spread head lice.
* Avoid sharing items that touch other children’s heads. Hats, helmets, scarves, towels, hair brushes, combs and hair barrettes are primary ways head lice are transported from person to person.
* Do not share a pillow or bunk with someone who has head lice.
* Keep their belongings in an area away from others. Hang their coat and hat on a separate hook instead of overlapping someone else’s.
* If you choose to purchase a bunk spray, fabric spray or helmet spray, teach your child how to properly use the products. Check with the camp director to be sure it is ok for your child to bring such sprays with them.
* Explain the importance of using their lice prevention shampoo and conditioner. In the event that your child does bring extra visitors home from summer camp, be prepared ahead of time. Wash
all clothing, brushes, combs and bedding in hot water; water temperature needs to be at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Products that cannot be washed in hot water can be stored in an airtight plastic bag for two weeks to ensure any live adult head lice are dead and eggs that may have hatched into nymphs are also dead. Just because your child may contract head lice from summer camp doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be allowed to attend.
Liz and Adrian Solovay write about lice prevention and lice removal for the Lice Treatment Center. They promote
Jolis Cheveux, a line of 100% natural head lice treatment
products. Find out more by visiting the Lice Treatment Center at: www.licetreatmentcenter.net
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