Can you imagine meeting King Charles wearing a second-hand dress? That’s exactly what Caroline Jones did earlier this year. Her dress cost £8.50 (£ is the symbol for pounds in British money). I used an internet link and converted it to dollars. That day it equaled $11.49.

Caroline’s invitation came as recognition for her charity work for Cancer Research UK. Every day she finds a thrift store outfit, takes a picture, and puts it on her Instagram feed. Then it goes on sale at her local Cancer Research UK shop.
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Copy and paste in my Source link: https://www.msn.com/en-au/lifestyle/other/i- wore-an-8-50-dress-to-meet-the-king/ar-AA1IpLVy
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​Her Instagram Feed: https://www.instagram.com/knickers_models_own

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Part 1—The Story: Caroline’s story started when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Mary volunteered regularly at her local Cancer Research UK shop. When she was going through chemo, she asked her daughter to cover her shift. That’s when Caroline started doing the shop’s window displays. 

When her mother died, Carolyn did her first social media campaign in January 2015. How? She shared a year of photos of herself wearing thrift shop bargains. She came up with a name for her charity and then set up a JustGiving page. Her target, £1,000.

This year Caroline is repeating her campaign using her preloved outfits, and I have a feeling it’s already more successful. Afterall, it caught the attention of England’s King and Queen,

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​Are you ready for some bargain basement deals? Try your local thrift store! Think of it as a treasure hunt. When I looked at the original article, Caroline Jones had 11 tips to get you started…



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​​                   #1. Don’t be afraid to clash.

​OOH! I have trouble with this one, but I like Caroline’s suggestion. Pick a basic color and build from there using accessories and make-up. Use them to give your foundation a twist.
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One of her favorite designs, to pull a triple floral using your dress, bag, and earrings. She said if the dress pattern is too ditzy, go for a bigger one in your accessories. The trick, to balance the outfit so that you’re happy with it. If you aren’t, keep adjusting until you are.


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 Now Caroline’s talking my language! I love to use jewelry in my outfits. Caroline said she spends 70% of her time thinking about it. Not me. I keep trying things on until I’m happy. When you’re not feeling your best, keep accessorizing until you are. When I dress happy, I feel happy. 



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No, Caroline didn’t pick this image. I did; it’s from a 1913 ad.  I doubt Caroline gets her underwear from the thrift shop, and I won’t get mine pre-loved either. Wherever you get yours, she said to make sure they’re comfortable and give you good coverage. To quote her, “definitely spend some time on your underwear. It’s something we should all be doing. It makes you feel really good,” and who doesn’t love feeling good?!
 
 
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                                                                                                                                                4. Don’t get hung up on sizing. ​

​​Caroline doesn’t even look at it. She focuses on the cut of the cloth and how it looks. She tries on whatever appeals to her, whether it’s a men’s shirt or a maternity dress. PS—when she posted that dress on Instagram, people wanted to know where to find it. It looked that good on her!


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​                           5. Go for bold color. ​

​Remember the rainbow! Caroline loves color and rarely wears black. Why? It makes her unhappy. Check her Instagram account, and you’ll see color everywhere. Caroline starts an outfit with navies, grays and earth tones. Then she layers in those bright colors.
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Me, I love black. I only buy pieces when they catch my eye and convince me I’ve got to have them. Then I mix in elements from the store or my closet, until I’m happy with who’s in the mirror.


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I wonder if Caroline buys hers at a thrift shop. I’m not sure I would. She recommended 2 brands…Falke tights…with extra fabric to help them stay up, and they’re on Amazon too. YAY! The other, Heist Studios, in the UK. Sorry. And her tip that I’d never heard before, put moisturizer on your hands and legs first. It prevents snags. I’m dying to try it out!
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Caroline also likes ankle socks that match the color of her eye shadow or jewelry. She’s been known to pick up souvenir socks and fishnet pop socks. Fishnet pop socks, who knew?! Caroline says at 56, she’s allowed to play with color and messaging. Me, I think fun is priceless at any age.


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​                                                            7. Be playful. ​

​And yes, Caroline’s worn a Snoopy T-shirt on her Instagram page, but you’ll also find her in bowties, tiaras, pillbox hats, and fancy dresses. Thrift shops are a great place to play with your clothes. Where else would you find a cape? But if you think you need one, keep the lines under it simple and neat.
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                                                                                                                        ​8. Embrace the skirt. ​ 

​Caroline loves them, but she also knows a lot of ladies don’t. They’re afraid if they tuck in the top, their hips will look bigger, and no one wants that! Caroline says it’s all about the drape of the fabric, getting the proportions right for you, and drawing the eye up. In this photo, I’m drawn to the hat first, then the shoes. I see the skirt last. Caroline uses jewelry and make-up to get the same effect.
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PS—I think I should try the same strategy with pants.

If you’re experiencing temperature changes from the weather or menopause, light layers are wonderful! I found these two shots of Caroline on Instagram. Jackets are great! When you’re hot, you pull them off, and when you’re cold, put them back on again.
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And don’t forget, they look great draped over pants and skirts.


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                                                                          ​10. It’s all about proportions. ​

If you have curves, you might look away from a bias-cut dress. They’re cut diagonally and run across your body. If you have broad shoulders, spaghetti straps and halter necks might not be a good choice.

So what works? Nice wide straps, cap sleeves and boat necks. You’ll look better in them and feel better too.

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​I haven’t looked for a long time…I love leggings.

Caroline’s suggestions, first measure the zipper length with your hand. Caroline likes a long one, like the length of her hand. She wears anything from stonewashed to dark shades. She loves the cut of wide-leg button-fly Levi 501 ‘54s. Would you believe they’re based on a pair of jeans made back in 1954? And now, they’re back!
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Whether you pick wide-leg or boot cut, take a look in the mirror to see if you like the way you look.
After reading and sharing these tips, take a chance and walk through your local thrift shop. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a treasure! Me too!

I remember bringing my first child home some 38 years ago. It was easy…my husband drove. It took a couple weeks before I finally made MY first drive. I remember the fear and anxiety like it was yesterday. I hope sharing this post will make it easy for you to take that first trip together.

​This link came in an email from Morgan Coleman and The Barnes Firm. Please feel free to share this link/post with anyone who’s expecting. It would make my day, Morgan’s too. We both love being helpful?!
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                         And that link: thebarnesfirm.com/driving-with-infants-tips-for-new-parents/


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This is one of the most important choices you’ll make for your baby. Here’s the original checklist:
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• Rear-facing seats with a secure 5-point harness
• Easy-to-read level indicators
• Lightweight carriers with ergonomic handles (That are easy to use. Yes, please!)
• Models that click into a stroller base for convenience (I wish I’d had this!)
• Convertible seats, if you want a longer-term option (And this too!)

 
Three additional things to consider…Make sure your seat is free from product recalls and that you don’t see any defects (if it’s been in an accident, walk away). Finally think about your routine, car size, and the number of times you’ll pull that seat in and out. Back in my day, we eyeballed ours and picked the one that looked best.

 
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#2. Installing that car seat
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Installing the seat correctly is as important as selecting it. Here’s the original list:
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• Follow both the car seat and vehicle manuals closely
• The seat should not move more than an inch in any direction when installed
• Do not use the LATCH system and seatbelt together (I’d check the manuals for this one.)
• Keep the harness snug and the chest clip at armpit level (This is the only tip I’ve used so far. I buckle my grandson in whenever I’m his chauffer. I have to make sure they’re in the right position every single time I drive him around😊)
• Check for expiration dates and never use a seat that has been in a crash (If you’re in one…get a new car seat too.)

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When a baby cries or needs a bottle, all you want to do is pick them up. Don’t. It’s super dangerous. You can’t protect them from harm in a car, even if you’re in a low-speed crash. I’m not going to imagine it at a higher speed.

It’s also illegal. Babies and small children must ride in the back seat, facing backwards, properly secured and buckled into that car seat. It’s the only way to keep them safe. But, there’s an option…I use it all the time…I buckle in beside baby!
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​Get ready for take-off! Here’s the original list from the website:
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• Confirm the car seat is still secure and anchored.
• Check that the harness is correctly positioned.
• Make sure the temperature inside the car is comfortable.
• Stock the diaper bag and emergency kit. (I’d stock the bag the night before. Then double check before I load baby into the car seat.)
• Adjust mirrors so you can check on your baby without turning around. (There’s a new camera/mirror that lets you see baby’s face while you drive. Amazing!)

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                                                                                                           #5. Never leave baby alone in the car
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Cars heat up quickly, and babies can’t hold their body temperature steady. If they’re left alone, baby could suffocate, have a heat stroke, or even be kidnapped. It’s also illegal in many states. You might think you’ll only be gone a few minutes, but it’s just not worth the consequences if something goes wrong.

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    #6. Minimize distractions so you can focus on driving
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When baby’s crying, it’s excruciating for anyone, especially a new parent.  Here’s the original list of tips:

• Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb.”
• Avoid eating, texting, or multitasking.
• Use a baby-safe mirror so you can glance back without turning. (I’ve watched my daughter use hers. It’s amazing!)
• Keep toys or pacifiers in reach, but only hand them to your baby while parked. (You can even attach both to the car seat. It’s great for older babies.)

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                                                                                                                        7. If your baby is crying, it’s OK to pull over
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​Having a baby screaming from the backseat can push any parent’s buttons. The simplest solution—look for a safe place to pull over and fix what’s bothering baby. There’s no shame in it; it’s what smart parents do for baby, for themselves, and for everyone’s safety.


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Tips for Reducing Stress While Driving as a New Parent​

Keeping the flame of curiosity burning in your child isn’t just about getting good grades or meeting school benchmarks—it’s about cultivating an environment where learning feels exciting, relevant, and personal. The real magic happens when learning doesn’t feel like a chore but instead feels like play, like discovery, like becoming more of who we are. That magic starts at home, where parents set the tone, lay the groundwork, and model the joy of discovery. If you’ve ever felt awe while reading about black holes, felt compelled to sketch a new idea, or stayed up late figuring out how something works, you’ve already tapped into that wellspring of learning—and you’re better equipped than you think to pass it on!


                                                                 #1. Infuse Your Home with Curiosity Triggers

Your home doesn’t have to resemble a science museum or a library to be a place of learning—it just has to invite wonder. Keep books in every room, not just the kids’ bedrooms. Rotate educational toys and puzzles so they stay fresh. Keep bins of LEGOs, building materials, old electronics to tinker with, paints, clay, or anything that lets your child make something with their hands. A magnifying glass near the windowsill or a world map over the dining room table can spark unexpected questions. The point isn’t to overwhelm, but to subtly infuse your home with quiet invitations to explore and investigate.


                                                             #2. Start Early, and Never Stop Reading
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​If there’s a single golden rule in nurturing a love of learning, it’s to read aloud to your child—often, and from the very beginning. Don’t wait for them to start school, and don’t stop once they can read on their own. Read picture books, poetry, myths, fairy tales, even nonfiction. Let them see you reading your own books, too. Make library visits a part of your weekly rhythm, not just a chore or a once-a-year field trip. As your child grows, help them find stories that challenge, comfort, and expand their world. Show them that books aren’t assignments—they’re keys to new realms.
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                                                                                           #3. Live What You Teach​
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​ Your child is always watching, and one of the most powerful ways to show that learning matters is by continuing your own education. Whether it’s picking up a new language, taking a creative writing workshop, or going back to school for a degree, your commitment sends a message louder than any pep talk. And thanks to flexible options like online degree programs, it’s easier than ever to juggle school alongside work and family life. By pursuing a psychology degree online, for instance, you can study how cognitive and emotional processes shape human behavior—and use that knowledge to help others, including your own children.
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                                                                       #4. Expose Them to the Unexpected

​ Children can’t love what they haven’t been introduced to, so be intentional about broadening their exposure. Visit your local museums, watch documentaries on nature or space, try beginner videos on sign language or coding. Go to concerts, cultural festivals, hiking trails, farmer’s markets, and historical landmarks. You don’t have to be an expert to introduce a subject—you just need to show up with enthusiasm and openness. Let your child see that there are more ways to be smart than just solving math problems or diagramming sentences. The broader the buffet of ideas and experiences, the more likely they are to find something that resonates deeply.


                                                                             #5. Turn Learning into Play

​Games and interactive experiences take the pressure off and reintroduce fun into the learning process. Turn spelling drills into scavenger hunts or trivia nights. Let your child help measure ingredients while cooking to sneak in math practice. Try hands-on science experiments with simple household materials, or explore ecosystems with augmented reality apps. For older kids, explore digital tools and websites that match their interests, from architecture simulation games to language learning apps. The goal is to integrate learning into the kinds of play they already enjoy, bridging the gap between structured education and self-directed fun.


                                                                      #6. Support Their Natural Interests

Children naturally gravitate toward certain subjects, and these preferences can shift over time. Pay attention to what excites them and try to build on it. If they’re into animals, visit a local wildlife reserve or volunteer at an animal shelter. If they love to draw, set up an art corner with different mediums. If your child starts asking a lot of “why” questions about space, bugs, or machines, find books and videos that dive deeper into those topics. Leaning into their interests doesn’t mean letting them dictate everything—it means helping them feel seen, validated, and encouraged to keep going.


​                                                  ​ #7. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection

Positive reinforcement is one of your most powerful tools as a parent. Recognize and celebrate effort, curiosity, and persistence more than just correct answers. When your child solves a tricky puzzle, learns a new word, or finishes a challenging project, take a moment to reflect and share that pride with them. Even setbacks are worthy of recognition if your child shows resilience. When learning becomes something worth celebrating, it creates positive emotional associations that stick with them. They begin to see themselves as capable, as learners, and that identity makes all the difference.


                                           #8. Conclusion
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​At the heart of it all, keeping the love of learning alive means creating a culture in your home where curiosity is valued and explored. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about being open, interested, and willing to learn alongside your child. You don’t need a formal curriculum to raise a lifelong learner. What you need is a home where questions are welcomed, creativity is encouraged, and the journey of learning is never over. If you can model that for your child, they’ll carry that spark with them—wherever life takes them.

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Thank you to Guest Blogger, Kylie Eckerd, for her two great tips. Kylie is the creator of Live Passive. She makes the most of her gig economy income by investing in developing passive income streams and loves helping others find ways to improve their lives. She created Live Passive because she believes that financial independence is key to true happiness. Kylie also enjoys dancing, spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and reading.
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Embark on a journey to live your dreams with Rinda Beach — explore inspiring books, schedule an author visit, and subscribe to her newsletter for endless adventures!

Catholics from the founding of our country on have faced discrimination. Think of the FBI targeting a Catholic Church that used a Latin service. Think Catholic presidents. I thought there was only one, JFK, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, but it turns out there was  a second…Joe Biden.

When I was growing up, it was common knowledge… don’t date Catholics. Why? If you married a Catholic, you’d be forced to raise your children that way too. BTW, I dated two.

But there’s a new first for US Catholics…a Catholic Pope from the US. The discrimination came from the Church itself. For decades, they feared too much American control of society, religion, and even politics, if an American was Pope. Read on, here’s a little background on the newest Pope, Leo XIV. 
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My sources:
Biography of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost - Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV - Wikipedia
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​Part 1 – The First US Pope – A Brief Biography: See the man in the middle? That’s our new pope, the Bishop of Rome, Robert Francis Provost. He was born in September 1955, near Chicago Illinois. He’s not a coastal elite. He’s a man from the heartland who’s only four years older than me. His parents had French, Italian, and Spanish roots. Mine had German, French, and English ones. He had 2 older brothers. I had a younger brother and sister. All of those things make him relatable to people like me. 

See the house? It’s tiny, but that’s where young Robert grew up. I wonder if his neighbors ever dreamed that they lived beside a future pope. I imagine not.

‘Bob’ grew up in Dolton, Illinois. It’s on Chicago’s South Side. As a kid he was part of the parish of St. Mary of the Assumption. That’s where he went to school, sang in the choir, and served as an altar boy. Would you believe he dreamed of becoming a priest? He even played Mass at home with his older brothers. Wow!

His first step, moving to Michigan for high school. It's where he studied at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers. For college he moved to Pennsylvania to study at Villanova, an Augustinian University. His first degree was in math, but he also studied philosophy.

Later in 1977, he moved to Missouri to become a novice/novitiate in the Order of Saint Augustine. Four years later he made his solemn vows. Think of it like graduation, but Bob wasn’t a priest. Not yet. The next school meant another move, back to Chicago for his theological education at the Catholic Theological Union. By 1982, his superiors sent him to Rome to study Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. By mid-June, he was officially ordained as a priest. Congratulations, Father Prevost!
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This is South America. That’s where Father Prevost moved next. He was a missionary in Chulucanas, Peru from 1985-1986.  Peru is on the western central coast of South America. It’s in olive green.  Prevost returned to Illinois in 1987 to finish his doctorate.

In 1988 Prevost flew back to Peru. This time he went to Trujillo to serve the Augustinians as a missionary. He also took on ten different roles over eleven years. In 1999 he returned to Chicago where he served in five different jobs. He stayed put until 2013.

In 2014 Pope Francis sent Prevost to Peru again. This time to Chiclayo. Within a month Prevost was ordained as a Titular Bishop of Sufar.  He picked an episcopal motto, ‘in the one Christ we are one.’ Less than a year later Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of   Chiclayo. As bishop, Provost served in six other positions from 2015-2023 too, until the Pope found him a new job. Did you know Prevost also has dual citizenship? From Peru and the US.
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Becoming a Cardinal! In 2023 the Pope called Provost to Rome. His job, to recommend new bishops to Pope Francis, who’d have to approve them of course. His last job was Cardinal. From 2023-2025, he served in fifteen other roles as well.

Pope Francis died on April 21, and Provost was elected on May 8. From what I’ve seen and heard, I believe our new pope will talk the talk and walk the walk as a servant of Christ. Robert will grow and change as he adjusts to his new job, as Pope Leo XIV, just like everyone else who gets a promotion.



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​Charley was born in September1737, in Annapolis, Maryland. He was the only son and heir to a wealthy family who suffered discrimination because they were Catholics. At age ten he and his cousin John were sent to study secretly at Bohemia Manor in Cecil County. At age twelve the cousins were sent to study publicly at St. Omers, a Jesuit school in France. He wouldn’t return home for sixteen years, until he was 26. In between Charley studied the classics in Paris; then law at the Inner Temple in London. This portrait was painted before he came home in 1765.
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When Charley returned, he found himself the owner of 10,000 acres. The property’s name, Carrollton, became part of his name too. Why? To make himself different from all the other Charles Carrolls in the family. Within three years Charley married. He had seven children, but he only watched three grow up.

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Politically Motivated! As a Catholic, Charley couldn’t run for office or serve as a lawyer, but he knew how to write. He entered politics in 1773 when he wrote some letters as ‘First Citizen’ for the Maryland Gazette. He became known as a citizen patriot. A year later his fellow citizens elected him to the 2nd Maryland Convention, and that ended the ban on Catholics in politics.

Charley’s next assignment, traveling to Canada with Samuel Chase, Ben Franklin, and his cousin John. Their job, to get Canadians to join us in fighting the British. They said no thanks. Charley and Chase returned home. They convinced hesitant Maryland delegates to vote for independence, and Charley became a delegate to the 2nd Continental Congress. He was the only Catholic to sign the Declaration.
Here’s his signature…
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Charley didn’t stop there. He helped write Maryland’s first state Constitution and Declaration of Rights. It was adopted in 1776. He went on to serve in the state Senate from 1776-1800. (Wikipedia said he started in 1781.)

Charley continued to serve in the Continental Congress until 1778. He left when his term ended so he could spend more time with family and join in state government. In 1789 Charley became one of Maryland’s first two US Senators. He left at the end of 1792 because he had to choose where to serve. Maryland made a law that its representatives could only serve one government—state or national. Charley chose Maryland, of course. 
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I’m not sure when this painting was done. The internet tour guide for Charley’s Annapolis house said it was painted for his granddaughters. They married English aristocrats and wanted a painting to remember him.
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Charley left the Maryland Senate in 1800. That’s the year Thomas Jefferson was elected President, and his party too. They swept to victory in Maryland and across the country. 

But don’t worry! Charley didn’t wither away. He invested in banks, canals, turnpikes, bridges and water companies. AND, he helped build the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Think B&O! Charley never wasted money—he used it to grow more.

Charley spent his final years on Lombard Street in Baltimore. It’s now the Carroll Mansion and museum. He also built St. Mary’s Catholic Church on his land in Annapolis. It became the city’s first official Catholic Church.

On July 4, 1826, Charley became the last living signer when both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the same day. Charley lived another six years, dying in November 1832. The country gave him a National Day of Mourning. He’s buried at his country home, Doughoregan Manor.

My Sources:
Charles Carroll of Carrollton – The Signer | Charles Carroll House
Charles Carroll of Carrollton - Wikipedia
 

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​Part 3 – The First Catholic Bishop – A Brief Biography: See the older man? At 71, he’s watched America grow from a colony into a country. John Carroll is a minor character in my middle grade novel… he’s Charley Carroll’s cousin. His claim to fame, he became the first Catholic Bishop in the US. Here’s his story…
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John was born in January 1735, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He was the third son of a wealthy Catholic family. His oldest brother died as a baby. Daniel was born second and became the family heir. He played a part in writing the Constitution. John was the youngest, but two years older than Charley Carroll. The cousins studied at Bohemia Manor; a grammar school run by Jesuit priests.
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A year later John and Charley traveled to St. Omer’s College in France. John stayed for six years. When he turned 18, he joined the Jesuits, the Society of Jesus. Within two years John began studying philosophy and theology at Liege, another Jesuit school. He joined the priesthood at 34. His first job, teaching his two favorite subjects at Liege and St. Omer’s. John’s path reminds me of Pope Leo’s.

Father John’s life changed when Pope Clement XIV disbanded the Jesuits in 1773. With his job gone, John left Europe for Maryland. There was no church, but Catholics could still worship at home. So John traveled through Maryland and Virginia serving as a Jesuit missionary.
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In the spring of 1776 Charley invited Father John on a trip to Canada. Why? The Continental Congress hoped the Jesuit priest could convince French Canadian Catholics to join the fight for independence. He didn’t change their minds. Charley stayed for the Battle of Quebec, and John traveled home with Ben Franklin. John said it was a fortunate experience. It was… Years later Ben recommended John as the first American Bishop.


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After the war Father Carroll met with five other Jesuits. They wanted to keep working as missionaries and hold onto their homes too. They asked the pope for someone, like a bishop, but without the title and all the power. The pope agreed. In 1784 he picked Father John as the Superior of the Missions in the United States.

John moved to Baltimore. He championed schools, Catholic or not. He also championed freedom of religion and played a role in shaping the first amendment, the one about religious freedom. He was lucky. His brother Daniel could pass John’s ideas onto the delegates writing the Constitution.

Problems within the church led Maryland priests to ask for a bishop. They even had a say on who it would be. Would you believe John got 24 out of 25 votes? In November 1789, Pope Pius VI made John the first American Bishop.
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​See John become a bishop at Lulworth Castle, England in August 1790. John arrived home in December and made St. Peter’s in Baltimore his home church. A year later he held a synod, a meeting of 22 priests from five countries. His biggest concern—training new priests. That was the reason St. Mary’s College and Seminary was established in 1791.

Not everything came easily. In 1798, Bishop John won an important lawsuit, the Fromm Case. Evidently a few Catholics were questioning his authority. The decision said, “The Bishop of Baltimore has the sole episcopal authority of the Catholic Church in the US.” It’s good to get moral support when others are questioning your judgement.

When John suggested a Catholic priest as a minister to the Indians, Washington not only agreed. He got Congress to hire and pay a small yearly salary for one. After his death, February 22 was set aside as a day to celebrate Washington’s life. Bishop John sent word to his clergymen that Catholics could participate too.

​See Bishop John build a cathedral. John laid the cornerstone in July 1806 after he paid $20,000 for the land. John wanted his church just right—B.H. Latrobe drew seven designs before John finally approved one. 
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Remember the painting of John? It’s from 1808. That’s when he became the Archbishop of Baltimore. John’s bishops lived in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Bardstown. Archbishop John was a beloved figure. Would you believe he was asked to lay the cornerstone for Washington’s Monument in Baltimore in the fall of 1815? He said no; he knew his end was near.

On November 22, he received the last sacraments. His funeral Mass was held at St. Peter’s, his home church. Archbishop John was laid to rest at St. Mary’s Seminary. Nine years later in 1824 his cathedral crypt was ready to receive him. My guess, Charley Carroll came to say goodbye to his cousin. They’d come a long way from grammar school at Bohemia Manor.
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My Sources:
John Carroll | Catholic Answers Encyclopedia
Baltimore-cornerstone - John Carroll (archbishop of Baltimore) - Wikipedia

​As I grow older, my faith grounds me in a way it didn’t when I was younger. It helps me take adversity in stride. It helps me navigate the highs and lows of life, but most of all, I have a sense of peace I didn’t have when I was younger.

​Part1 – The Faith of a Few Buckeyes: I was surprised to find this link a few days after  the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State players kneel in prayer on field before Cotton Bowl victory

Faith is a private thing for me. I usually don’t talk about mine, but I’m happy when people share theirs on TV. This article had links for three videos of OSU football players demonstrating their faith. I picked two of them to share.

1 – This image came from the first link in the article (second paragraph). I stopped the video and did a screen shot. It’s the moment when nearly every Ohio State player was on the field. They knelt and prayed before the Cotton Bowl pregame started.
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I love my Buckeyes, and I think this is one of their finest moments. Win or lose, to focus your head and heart in prayer before the first play of a big game, that’s a very good thing.
​

#2 – This is the second link (paragraph six). I didn’t see this video until I read the article. This is another screen shot, but it was taken after THE game, the one with that team up north. Yes, Michigan won, and some Wolverines tried to plant their flag in the middle of the stadium, the Shoe.

This shot took place during the middle of that post-game chaos. Would you believe two Buckeyes and one Wolverine knelt in prayer? It’s one of the loveliest examples of faith I’ve ever seen.

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​ Part 2 – A Prayer Change : It all started for me when Olivia Newton John died. That was back in August of 2022. I read that she started saying the Lord’s Prayer each night during her final bout with cancer. She hoped it’d bring her closer to her daughter, and I read it worked.

​I thought if Olivia could pray the Lord’s Prayer, I could too. Now I pray it every night before I go to sleep. Three years later, it’s changed the way I pray. 

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#1 – I began to start with gratitude; then I’d end with the Lord’s Prayer. I never planned it. Gratitude just bubbled up in me each night, and I started thanking God for the blessings He sent my way. Big things, little ones. It didn’t matter. What did – expressing my attitude of gratitude to Him.

#2 – Over the years I stopped asking God for the things I need or want. They haven’t changed in years so I trusted God knew about them. That He’d grant them if/when it was time. Then a year ago, I read that we need to keep asking for those things. It gives me peace to know they’ll be granted in His time.

So now as I lay in bed, I begin my nightly prayers with gratitude, then my wish list. I end them with the Lord’s Prayer. Most nights I’m asleep in 10-15 minutes, and that’s a wonderful thing for someone who’s struggled with sleep issues.

  
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Meet The Imagination Library – You’ve probably heard of Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library. Did you know she gives books away to kids from zero to age five? Each child gets twelve specially selected books a year, without ever paying a dime, thanks to Dolly and her local partners.
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Dolly’s photo was taken in 1983. Did you know the imagination library started in 1995? Her inspiration came from her father. He couldn’t read or write so Dolly started with preschoolers from her home in Sevier County, Tennessee. Did you know Dolly sends books to kids in five countries today, including the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Republic of Ireland?

Did you know Dolly gives over two million books away each month? When she was growing up, she believed in dreams. Kids are still dreaming, and books have the seeds to help them grow.

Did you know according to their website Dolly registered 3,197,250 kids and counting? Or that she has given away 260,942,488 books so far? Impressive, and Dolly’s not done. Not yet!
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                   To learn more, check out: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library | USA, UK, IE, CA, AU
  
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How This Post Came to Be – A year ago I saw a post online from the Imagination Library with reading tips for families. I saved it because those tips, they were great.

They’re not just about literacy. They’re also about building oral language and vocabulary skills for preschoolers. If you’re curious about the kind of books Dolly and the Imagination Library picked, click on this link: United States Book List - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. And now the link has been updated . . .  for babies arriving in 2025!   

​                                                                                           And now, those tips . . .

​Pointing, naming, talking, playing games – they’re so natural. I’m glad Dolly highlighted them.
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They’re what my kids did, what my grandkids do now.
They’re also great tips to use beyond the book, in everyday life around the house. 

And now, two book picks . . .​
Note – These titles stayed the same in 2025.

I picked Good Morning because it had a + sign beside it. That means it has bilingual text
or Hispanic content. So does another book from Richard Scarry. I hope I found the
right covers for you; I only had the titles to go on.

I picked Madeline’s 1 2 3 because it had a dot, like an asterisk. That means it’s a new book.
Madeline has been around forever, but 1 2 3 is a new title. There are two other new ones on the list. Writers like me hope that someday . . . Dolly will pick one of our stories too.

The titles include shapes, homes, family, animals, body parts, and nursery rhymes.
You and your child will have lots of pages to turn, things to name, and questions to answer.
​Enjoy! Time flies!

Ask questions. Talk about words and pictures. Pick books. Set goals and rewards.

Your preschooler is growing into a reader! Just look at the skills they’re learning
​and the kinds of books they get from the Imagination Library.

And now, those book picks . . . 
Note – These titles stayed the same in 2025.

K is for Kindness, is about being nice. That’s a social skill. It’s also
 an ABC book; a literary skill, and littles need both.

Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night is more than a truck book. It’s also a bedtime story
with rhyming text and great illustrations. Plus, it’s a series of stories . . . with steam trains,
jet planes, and speed boats who need sleep too.

Animal stories are still in the library, along with a variety of others. Here’s the link if
​you’d like to check them out . . . United States Book List - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
​And now the link has been updated . . .  for babies arriving in 2025!

Tomorrow – Reading tips for toddlers ages 3-4 and 4-5

Point to letters and numbers. Find a story in the illustrations.
Talk about plot and characters. THESE are the skills that prepare kids to read!
 
And now, two more book picks . . .
Note – Both titles are gone in 2025.

Corduroy is a book my kids loved, at home and at school.
It’s the story of a teddy bear who only wants a home.

I got The Snowy Day in second grade. I was excited to see both books
on Dolly’s 2024 list. And so disappointed to see them leave.

But don’t worry! There are still twelve great titles to help your
child learn about the world around them.

Tell the story. Write and draw responses. Talk about words and story meaning.
It’s almost time for Kindergarten!

And now, two more book picks . . .

Note – These titles stayed the same in 2025.

Danbi’s Favorite Day comes from her home in Korea – Children’s Day. Kids
the world over will love how she finds a way to celebrate.

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! This is the custom book every child
gets when they turn five. Its job – to make them feel confident and excited about starting school.

And the other ten, they include titles about books, folk tales, and school.
One even started as a song, Dolly’s Coat of Many Colors.

No more tips. This used to be the last set of books for kids born in 2019. Now it’s for kids born in 2020.
And the last two books . . .
Note – These titles stayed the same in 2025.​

​Can you ever have too much snow? The animals in Rabbit’s Snow Dance
think so. . . especially in the summertime!

Are you ever as busy as a bee? Find out what they really do in You Are a Honey Bee.
It’s the first in a STEM nonfiction picture book series for young readers.

And the other titles, they’re as diverse as these two!

When you query an agent or publisher, you pitch your manuscript to them. Comp titles are part of that letter. Comps are books published in the last three years. They’re similar to your manuscript, and they give the agent/publisher an idea where your story could fit into the marketplace.

Part 1 - Why This Title? My middle grade novel is about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. The first ten chapters follow them to the end of the American Revolution. One Dead Spy is a graphic novel about Nathan Hale. It starts when he joins the Continental Army, and it ends with his death, September 22, 1776.
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My manuscript and this spy novel are both works of middle grade historical fiction. They’re both set during the Revolution. Charles Carroll of Carrollton is my main character, and you’ll meet the first nine dead signers through his eyes. Nathan Hale, the spy, tells his story to a British officer, and the hangman.
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Part 2 - The Real Nathan Hale: No, not the author/illustrator of this book. I’m talking the REAL dead spy. The one who died almost two months after the founders signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776. And no, only John Hancock and Congress’s secretary signed on the Fourth of July.

I couldn’t find a painting of the real Nathan Hale, but I found his statue from City Hall Park in New York City. I also found a sketch from the day the British hung him. That’s where my comp title begins, with the hanging. Now, the facts from a link attributed to the CIA . . .
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Nathan came from a prominent Connecticut family. He attended and graduated with honors from Yale in 1773. He got a job right away teaching in New London, Connecticut. When the War began in 1775, pre-Declaration, he immediately joined the militia. Within five months he was promoted to First Lieutenant. That’s how far Nathan goes to tell his real back story. It goes into his bad luck, which I didn’t find, but remember, my source was a CIA file. Maybe it’s still top secret, LOL!
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Part 3: Who Was Henry Knox? I’ve heard of Fort Knox in Kentucky and Knoxville in Tennessee, but lately I’ve wondered how they got their names. Then I read One Dead Spy, and they were named after Henry Knox.

So who was he? One Dead Spy said he owned a bookstore, and that he was in charge of artillery during the American Revolution. Bookstore and artillery, they just don’t match, so I looked him up. His story is fascinating!

Henry’s dad died when he was nine, so he worked as a clerk in a bookstore to support the family. The owner inspired his love of books and learning. Between shifts, Henry taught himself French, philosophy, and math. Would you believe he even studied the wars of ancient Greece and Rome? 
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Knox didn’t just read about war. He joined a Boston street gang and learned to fight. Then a local artillery company. He turned his knowledge and experience against the British.

By 1771 Knox owned his own shop. Its titles included books about military history and strategy. He loved chatting with the soldiers who stopped by. A year later he started the Boston Grenadier Corps and joined the local Sons of Liberty. He was on guard duty for the Boston Tea Party and joined the militia in time for the Battle of Bunker Hill. He set up the fortifications and directed his cannons at the British.

The battle turned into a siege. That’s when Knox got a brilliant, but crazy idea. He’d make the 300-mile trek to Fort Ticonderoga, New York, then return with the cannons and supplies the Americans captured. The crazy part – Knox reached the Fort on December 5 and returned with 60 tons of cannon, plus other munitions. For bonus points, he hauled them through the icy Berkshire Mountains and across a frozen lake. Knox delivered them on January 27, 1776. After his cannons started firing, the British army and navy decided to retreat to Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

Knox continued on as the artillery chief for the New York and New Jersey campaigns. By the winter of 1778-79, he had a new job, head of the first artillery and officer training school. He drilled over 1000 soldiers during that horrible winter. His school inspired the military academy at West Point.

In 1780 he served on the military tribunal that sentenced John Andre to death by hanging. Andre was the spy who got Benedict Arnold to turn traitor. A year later Knox and his French counterpart helped end the war. They positioned the cannons at Yorktown. BTW, this is a portrait of Henry painted in 1806, long after the American Revolution ended.

​                                                     Source: National Museum of the United States Army
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                              PS – Nathan Hale, the real dead spy, made the trip to Fort Ticonderoga
                                                  and back with 60 tons of artillery, in the dead of winter 
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Part 4: Meet The Ohio Digital Library: It’s where I find the books for Saturday Reads. But I picked it for One Dead Spy because I can read it online, on my computer screen. That means I can make the page bigger. Much, Much BIGGER than my kindle screen. And that’s an amazing tool when you’re trying to read the cartoons in a graphic novel!
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​                                                                           The Ohio Library’s Description:

​Experience the New York Times bestselling graphic novel—now as a deluxe, oversized edition featuring 15 brand-new pages of mini-comics

The Bigger & Badder editions of Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales continues! Nathan Hale (the author's namesake) was America's first spy, a Revolutionary War hero who famously said "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country" before being hanged by the British. In Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales, author Hale channels his historical döppelganger to present history's roughest, toughest, strangest stories. This book tackles the story of Nathan Hale himself, who was an officer for the American rebels in the Revolutionary War and was eventually hanged for spying. This special edition of One Dead Spy features a larger trim size, a deluxe package, and 16 pages of bonus material, including research photos, sketches, and mini-comics from the author.

Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales are graphic novels that tell the thrilling, shocking, gruesome, and TRUE stories of American history. Read them all—if you dare!

Does your map of the United States look like this? Mine too! That’s why when I found some really eye-opening ones, I had to share a few of them with you.

To see a few more, click this link:
​                                            19 Eye-Opening Maps Of America That May Surprise You (onlyinyourstate.com)
​

Map #1 – The Fifty States of Television: I’m from Ohio. Can you find it on the map? It’s labeled Family Ties, the most popular TV show ever set in the Buckeye state. It ran on NBC from 1982-1989. I watched it at the height of its popularity but never knew it was about an Ohio family who lived in Columbus, the state capital.
​

Can you find your state on the map? If not, look up at the regular one, then scan back down and find it on this one. Good luck!


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Map #2 – The Most Popular NFL Teams Across the USA: Can you find Ohio on this map? It has four colors and four favorite teams. That’s because popularity is broken down by county.

Can you name all four teams? A yellow one’s on the eastern edge of the state. They’re the Pittsburgh Steelers from Pennsylvania. There’s a brown one whose fans are found only in northern Ohio. Its name, its perfect! The Cleveland Browns!

The Cincinnati Bengals own the southern part of the state, but they also have fans in Indiana and Kentucky. You’ll have to look for  the fourth team on Ohio’s western border. It’s a teeny tiny bit of blue that’s surrounded by three other colors. It stands for the Indianapolis Colts from Indiana, of course!

What about your state? Does it have one favorite team, or does it have to share? Here’s to fall football, the NFL, and yours!
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Map #3 – The Most Popular Boy’s Names of 2013: Can you tell from a glance what name Americans picked for their baby boys in 2013? If you guessed Liam, you’re right! Ohio picked it too.

Did your state pick Liam, or did they pick one of the other favorites? There are eight other names that were popular in 2013. Can you find all of them too?

PS – Are you curious what the Top Ten names for 2024could be? Or do you wonder if any of the names are the same? I hope so. . .  because I’m always curious, and I looked them up!

 
                 1. Liam                   2. Noah                     3. Oliver                      4. James                      5. Elijah
 
                6. Mateo               7. Theodore            8. Henry                      9. Lucas                      10, William
 
                                                 Source: Top 1,000 Baby Boy Names in the U.S. 2024


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Map #4 – The Most Popular Girl’s Names of 2013: How about baby girl names? What was America’s favorite? If you guessed Emma, you’re right, and Ohio picked it too! Woohoo!
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Did your state pick Emma, or one of the other names? This time there were only five. Can you find all of them too?
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​PS – Are you curious about the Top Ten names for 2024, or  if some of the names stayed the same? I was too!
 
                   1. Olivia                  2. Emma                   3. Charlotte                   4. Amelia                   5. Sophia
    
                   6. Mia                       7. Isabella               8. Ava                                 9. Evelyn                   10, Luna
 
                                                         Source: Top 1,000 Baby Girl Names in the U.S. 2024


                                                              
Map #5 – Dogs vs Cats: Did the data bar throw you off? I love how it makes it easy to see where dog lovers and cat lovers live, but I wish I knew what the > 1.25x meant.

But, if I understand the key correctly, Ohio is a deep green state, so we have more cats per household than dogs. How many more, I have no idea.
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Did you catch that cat lovers live in the north and dog lovers in the south? Except for Florida. There’s always an exception to every rule! What about your state, who rules? Cats, or dogs?


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Map #6 – Your State’s Most Iconic Fast Food Chain: Look at all those great places! Each one represents something special about each state. I’m glad I can find so many of them in Ohio . . .  It is the heart of it all!

Speaking of Ohio, did you find our iconic food chain, Wendy’s? Dave Thomas founded the first one in 1969 in Columbus, and he named it after his daughter, Wendy. Almost sixty years later, it still has the freshest burgers in the country! That’s because they never use frozen meat. Ever!
Can you find your state’s iconic fast-food chain on the map? Here’s hoping I can check it out in Ohio too!

                                                                     Next up – one last eye-opening map!
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Map #7 – A Distorted Look at the USA: What? How? Why? This is what the US would look like, if the country was divided up according to each state’s population.

Look at New Jersey/NJ – It’s HUGE! It grew, and it grew, and it pushed New York off to the side. But don’t worry! New York/NY pushed Pennsylvania/PA, Ohio/OH, and Michigan/MI out of the way too. 

I found this image in one of my Facebook groups. Its name is Maslow Before Bloom, and it’s led by Bryan Pearlman. I saved it for almost a year, but after last week I knew its time had come.

Former President Trump was shot on Saturday, July 13, and we still don’t have answers from the Secret Service about what happened. Its leader refuses to answer questions. I hope she’ll change her mind.

The Republican Convention started on Monday, July 15, and the Democratic one is in August. In November we’ll be asked to pick leaders at the national, state, and local levels. It’s important to pick ones that are just right, and that’s why I’m doing this post.

​#1. Why do they serve?

A traditional leader sees leadership as a rank to obtain.
VS
A servant leader sees as an opportunity to serve others.
​
When you’re voting, who would you choose? ​

Personally, I’d want someone who believes they’re serving their community at the local, state, or national level.

If that’s true, how do you know if a candidate’s there for the rank or to serve you? Talk is cheap. Actions are precious, and there you go! Look at what they’ve achieved in the jobs they’ve held. If you like/dislike their actions, then you know what to do with your vote.

Achievement isn’t a bad thing, especially if it’s tempered by service. Look at Olympic athletes and how they’re driven for gold. A fireman might strive for a promotion, but that doesn’t matter – as long as he does his job to the best of his ability.

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​ #2. How do they use power?
​
A traditional leader uses power and control to drive performance.
VS
A servant leader shares power and control to drive engagement.
​
When you’re voting, who would you choose?
Or, if you could pick a boss, who would you rather work for?
​

When I vote for someone, I want them to keep their promises, but I don’t want performance at all cost. Mine or anyone else’s. Sometimes on the way to a goal, things change. Sometimes we discover there’s an unexpected outcome that’s better than anything we imagined. I want a leader who can also drive engagement, but I don’t want performance to get lost in that engagement. It’s a pity when leaders forget about the target.

If I could pick my own boss, I’d pick someone who could do both. When the principals had us teachers engaged, we performed at a higher level, and our kids did too.

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​​

​#3. How do they measure success?

A traditional leader measures success through output.
VS
A servant leader measures success through growth and development.

When you’re voting, who would you choose?
Or, if you could pick a boss, who would you rather work for?

​Whether I’m voting or picking a boss, I want output, growth, and development. A good leader can encourage all three. And if they manage that, they ARE serving their community.

Now that I’m my own boss, sometimes I focus TOO much on output. Then it comes at a price, and I must remember to pace myself. I need to look at my own growth and development. I need to nurture and build my own skills. If I do those things, I’LL reach my target, and perhaps, it will come out in a totally unexpected, and even better way!

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​​#4. How do they communicate?

A traditional leader speaks.
VS
A servant leader listens.

When you vote, who gets it? If you’re picking the boss, who do you want to work for?
And if you are the boss, who do you want to be? 

​Frankly, I want a leader who can talk, and listen. It should be a conversation between people who can share ideas and find the best way to get things done. Communication is the key to success. When it breaks down, so does everything else.

It’s true in stories too. I listen to my characters. They tell me when I’m going wrong. How? I get stuck and can’t write the next line. I put myself in my character’s head. Then I think about how they’d answer or how they’d act, the story moves forward again. 

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This post was born when Jazmin Regist emailed and asked if I’d share a pair of links with you. I took one look and said absolutely! I also asked if I could let you peek at the site, and she said absolutely too!
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                           Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/
                                          Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/


I focused on the first link with its 9 places to babyproof. You’ll have to check out the second link for more child safety tips, but Consumer Notice has so much great information that Jazmin sent the link to their home page to help you find it.  That link: consumernotice.org
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​#1. Sleep:  Did you know new babies sleep 16 hours a day? Or 14 the rest of that first year? Picking the right crib is HUGE for babyproofing your house. Take a look at these two cribs. Which is safer. Do you know why?

It’s the 2nd, with nothing inside the crib except a sheet. Forget the bumper pads and pillows and lovies.
Baby is better with just a sheet and a pacifier. BTW – Did you know sleeping with a pacifier reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)?

        Click on the link to learn how to pick the safest crib, and find 6 tips to reduce the risk of SIDS.
                          Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/

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​#2. Furniture: Did you know every 30 minutes a TV or piece of furniture tips over and injures a child? Or that every 10 days a child dies from that injury? Take a look at this baby’s bedroom. Do you know which two pieces of furniture are the most dangerous? Think ‘tippable.’

​It’s the little table and the big chest of drawers. When kids see something interesting, they’ll try to get it. Consumer Notice.org said they’ll even pull out dresser drawers to make their own ladder. Kids ARE creative! The best solution – clear the clutter and save your child from temptation.

Another danger – unanchored TVs that fall off dressers. Would you believe they can hit with  10 times the force of two NFL lineman running into each other? YIKES! Don’t take a chance – when in doubt, anchor that TV or anything else that could tip over and land on your child.

Click on the link and scan past cribs to find 5 tip-over prevention ideas. If you keep going, you’ll see the next one, on falls.          Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/
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​#3.Falls: Did you know falls are the leading cause of death for children and young adults? They’re at the top for injuries too. I was surprised that over 2.8 million children wind up in the emergency room every year after a fall. AND that falls cause more than half of the nonfatal injuries for babies who haven’t had a birthday yet. So what are the dangerous areas you should baby/childproof in your house?

​Stairs – I have them and a grandson who just learned to crawl. We need a gate to keep him safe.
But that’s not all – think changing tables, highchairs, beds, and couches. Basically, anyplace that’s high☹ The best safety tip – keep an eye on those toddlers! It’s amazing how fast they can get themselves into danger.

Don’t forget your favorite senior citizen! Did you know that falls are dangerous for them too? If your grandma or grandpa falls 3 times within 6-8 weeks, they’re in danger. The best tip for any age – secure rugs and wires, and keep clutter off the floor.

                      Here’s that link again. Just keep scanning until you find the 7 safety tips for falling.
                            Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/
 
                                            

​#4. Windows: Did you know about 5200 children fall out the window every year, or that kids under 4 are more likely to have head injuries, be hospitalized, and die than their older siblings? So what can you do to make your windows safer?

Make sure your windows have either stops or guards. Stops keep the windows shut or let them open only a few inches. Guards let the windows open, but they won’t let your child fall out.

Watch out for blinds for babies and young kids. They can get tangled up in the cords. Accidents, even death can happen if kids are left alone in a room to sleep, play or watch TV with cords nearby. Check out the link below. Scan down to find 3 tips on how to handle those cords. The next set of tips focus on electrical outlets.           Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/

​#5. Electricity: Think outlets. I have a grandson who’s fascinated with them. Did you know about 2400 kids get severe shocks or burns from sticking things into them or from biting cords? Or that about 12 children a year die from electricity? It’s so sad when there’s a simple way to fix the problem.

The solution – head to the hardware store/department for outlet caps and covers, but keep your eye on your child. Would you believe kids can even pull out tamper-resistant ones? Check the link  for 3 more tips to protect your child from electricity.
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                              Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/
                                    ​

​#6. Choking: Have you ever noticed babies love to stick things in their mouths? Food, toys, anything that fits, but it’s risky – they could choke. 
​

If you have a guest who’s not yet one, don’t let them have: hot dogs, chunks of meat, grapes, peanut butter, popcorn, hard candies, marshmallows and gummies. It’s a long list, but it’s not complete – some raw fruits and vegetables can cause problems too.

Did you know something as tiny as ground cinnamon can make babies choke? When they inhale the powder, they stop breathing. No wonder baby food is so plain.
Consumer Notice didn’t have any tips, but I recommend constant vigilance. I’m always watching my grandboy and what he’s putting in his mouth.

Babies aren’t the only ones who can choke. If you see someone with hands on their throat, they’re choking. (It’s the international symbol.) I hope someone nearby knows the Heimlich Maneuver. It could save a life. 

     Link for more Information: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/

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​7. Batteries/Magnets: Did you ever think they could be dangerous to babies? I didn’t. Take a guess . . . What makes batteries and magnets super-dangerous for toddlers? Is it choking, or swallowing?

Swallowing! If batteries get stuck in the esophagus on the way down, they can burn through the tissue in 2 short hours. YIKES! If swallowed, babies may need surgery, hopefully without any complications. Would you believe just putting them in an ear or nose is dangerous?! Or that you should rush immediately to the emergency room?

Swallowing magnets can cause trouble too. Imagine them breaking apart inside baby’s body. They will still attract each other. That can rip or tear the intestines and bowels. Babies shouldn’t play with magnets until they’re old enough to use them safely.

As for batteries in hearing aids, remote controls, even greeting cards, tape their compartments closed with something strong like mailing tape. Even better,  buy ones that need a screwdriver to get inside, and never forget –  constant vigilance.

            That Link Again: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/
                                                                 Next Up: Water. Poison, and Staying Safe

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#8. Poison: Did you know more than 300 children are treated every day for accidental poisoning? Or that two of them will die? Two is too many. So how do you protect your kids?

Consumer Notice suggests getting on your hands and knees to look through every room in your house. Anything a child can reach, move it up where they can’t get to it. And even better – lock them up.

Here are a few rooms and the things inside them that are poisonous.

- Kitchen: dishwasher soaps, pods, and powders                   - Living Room: houseplants
- Bathroom: medications                                                                      - Garage: car products

Don’t forget recreational drugs, e-cigarettes and their refill cartridges. Did you know liquid nicotine is so concentrated that a small amount swallowed or touching the skin can kill a child? Lock those up too!
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Click on the link and scan down to read about the poisons you can find at home, plus 4 prevention tips.                              Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/

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#9. Bath Water: Don’t leave babies unattended in the tub, or let an older child watch them. Did you know in the time it takes you to cross the bathroom and grab a towel, they can slip underwater? Or that in the two minutes it takes to answer the phone or text someone back, your child can lose consciousness. Irreversible brain damage can happen in 4-6 minutes, so how do you protect your child in the tub?

Gather all your supplies together before you put baby in the tub. If you have to answer the phone or leave for a few seconds, take your baby with you. Constant vigilance!

Don’t forget the water temperature! Keep it under 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns. You can set your water heater, or put anti-scald devices on faucets and shower heads.

You can also use spout covers to protect baby’s head. Some even have built in thermometers that will keep that temperature just right.

                                   Click on the link and scan past poisons to find 5 more bath safety tips.               
                             Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/

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#10. Pools: Did you know that more than 300 kids under age 5 drown in swimming pools every year, or that 2000 are treated for injuries that happen when they’re underwater? Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for kids ages 1-4, and 57% of them happen in backyard pools.

​​So how do you protect your child? Fences or safety barriers! They should be at least 4 feet tall with gates that self-close and self- latch. Five feet is even better, and so are pool alarms.

Swimming lessons are great, but it doesn’t make babies and toddlers safe. Life jackets do. Swimming with an adult around will too. 

                                                                               The Link for more Information:
                                     https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/

  If you’d like to read more about safety barriers, click on this link Consumer Notice and CPSC shared.
                                                                                        Link: pool safety guidelines