How to Hide a User Account from the Welcome Screen in Windows

Windows operating systems like Windows 7, XP, and Vista are capable of creating multiple user accounts on one computer or machine. Aside from the administrator (usually the computer owner), other users can be named so they won’t have to log in to the computer as guests. 

When more than one user accounts have been created on the PC, the Welcome Screen will be displayed, in order to allow users to click on their names and login.

But did you know that there is a trick to make user accounts, which would normally be visible in the Welcome Screen, to be hidden from view?

To create a hidden account, or hide an existing user account, from the Welcome Screen in Windows 7, Win XP, and Vista, just go to Control Panel (START button --> Control Panel)

First, create an additional or a new user as normal:

Windows 7 and Windows Vista:

(Control Panel -> User Accounts and Family Safety -> User Accounts)

Windows XP:

      (Control Panel -> User Accounts)

After creating the new account:

After creating a new user account, you may hide this, make it invisible or have it disappeared from the Welcome Screen by doing the following steps:

1. Click on the START button, and then click on Run. Type in regedit to bring up the Registry Editor.
2. Look for the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList

3. Click on UserList, and right-click on any blank space in the right side of the window, and then choose New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. By default, you will get a New Value #1. Rename this to the exact same name of the user account you wish to make invisible or hidden.

For instance, if the user name of one account is John, the New Value #1 needs to be renamed as John.

5. Double click on the renamed New Value #1 (this should now be renamed to the user account you wish to hide), and set the value data to 0.

(right-click --> Modify --> Value Data: 0)

This will make the account hidden from the Welcome Screen. 

Tip: If you wish to make a hidden account visible to the Welcome screen again, just delete the renamed value (right-click --> DELETE) … or set the value data to 1 (right-click --> Modify --> Value Data: 1)

Exit Registry Editor.

6. Log off or restart your computer to apply the changes.

Tip: If you wish to login to Windows using an invisible or hidden user account, press on Ctrl+Alt+Delete all at the same time to bring up the Windows Logon dialog screen, after that type in your user name and password manually.

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Most Useful Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcuts

Working with a new operating system like Windows 7 can be challenging at times, but can be very rewarding once you've become comfortable with the navigation and controls. Here are a few of Windows 7 keyboard shortcut to help you perform efficiently with your tasks.

Activate Preview Pane:

Pressing on Alt + P when inside a directory (My Computer, Libraries, etc) will activate the preview pane in that directory to the right side of the window.

Activating the Magnifier:

By pressing on Windows + plus key (+)  /  minus key (-), you can activate the magnifier. This will allow you to zoom in or out of a page or image up to 1600% magnification. The magnifier can be customized to follow your keyboard or mouse pointer. 

Maximize - Restore - Minimize a Window

You can easily maximize, restore, or minimize a windows by pressing Windows + Up Arrow Key/ Down Arrow Key.

Case 1: Windows are maximized to full screen view

    Pressing on Windows + Up Arrow Key  -- no effect
    Pressing on Windows + Down Arrow Key (Once) -- window will be restored down
    Pressing on Windows + Down Arrow Key (Twice) -- window will be minimized to taskbar

Case 2: Windows are restored down
    Pressing on Windows + Up Arrow Key  -- window will be maximized to full screen view
    Pressing on Windows + Down Arrow Key (Once) -- window will be minimized to taskbar
    Pressing on Windows + Down Arrow Key (Twice) -- no effect

Case 3: Windows are already minimized to the taskbar
    Pressing on Windows + Up Arrow Key  -- no effect
    Pressing on Windows + Down Arrow Key (Once) -- no effect
    Pressing on Windows + Down Arrow Key (Twice) -- no effect

Activating Half Screen for Windows

By simultaneously pressing on Windows + Left or Windows + Right, you can choose to make a window resized to only half of your screen, aligning to the left or right side. This shortcut is most efficient when you extending windows across multiple monitors.

Managing Multiple Active Windows

• Alt + Tab

This will create a linear thumbnail view of all open windows, providing a quick preview of each (you need to hold down on Alt while tapping on Tab to switch preview)

• Windows + Tab

This will present a 3D version of all open windows. Just hold down on Windows key while tapping on Tab to switch windows.

• Windows + D

This will activate the "show desktop" command and minimize all open windows.

• Windows + T

Pressing on Windows + T will allow you to cycle through all peek preview of active taskbar applications.

• Ctrl + Click

This is useful when you have multiple instance of a program open and minimized. Just hold down Ctrl, choose the icon on the taskbar you wish to toggle, and repeatedly click on it with the left mouse button. (This shortcut will NOT let you toggle between browser tabs)

• Windows + Spacebar

If you have multiple active windows open and you wish to look at your desktop without minimizing all these windows, just press Windows + Spacebar. This will make all active windows transparent so you can view your desktop.

• Windows + E

This will open up a new Windows Explorer directory window.

• Windows + P

This is useful when managing multiple monitors. Windows + P will open a configuration overlay to let you choose whether to activate dual-display (mirror or extended) or projector only.

• Windows + Shift + Left  /  Windows + Shift + Right

This will let you move a window from one monitor to another, while maintaining its position and original size.

• Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Opens up Task Manager.

• Windows + L

Locks your computer and directs you the login screen.

• Windows + F

Shortcut for opening the search window.

• Windows + F1

When you're lost and no longer sure what to do, this is your best bet. A handy shortcut to launch Windows 7 Help and Support. Enjoy!

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How To Recover Firefox Bookmarks From Another Hard Drive in Win XP

Most of us just can't help browsing the web and dragging sites to our bookmarks list. But what if, say one day, your laptop stops working and the best you can do to save your files is connect your laptop hard drive to another computer. Will you be able to salvage your bookmarks too?

Yes, here is what you can do.

1. As soon as you connect your laptop hard drive to another machine (e.g. to another desktop computer), it will use acquire or use a drive letter. Since the operating system is normally installed to the C: drive, your connected laptop hard drive will use the next available letter of the alphabet (D, E, or F).
2. Double click on the laptop drive letter and look for the "Documents and Settings" folder. Open it.
3. Look for the profile name you normally use when logging in to your windows welcome screen. Open that folder.
4. Then click on "Tools" >> "Folder Options" >> Under Files and Folders --> Hidden Files and Folder, choose "Show Hidden Files and Folders". All hidden folders will now be visible to you, look for the folder named "Application Data". (see this image for reference)
5. Open "Application Data" folder and look for "Mozilla" >> "Firefox" >> "Profiles"
6. Open the folder with a name like this ---->    k3g7dcy.default
7. Look for a folder named "bookmarkbackups"
8. Find the most recent file (it has a date on its file name) -----> ex: bookmarks-2011-06-23
9. Copy and paste it to your desktop (for easy access) and rename it to bookmarks.html. 
10. Copy and paste it to \Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\3k3g7dcy.default and overwrite the existing bookmarks.html. 
11. Close your Mozilla Firefox (if it's running) and relaunch it. Your should now see your old bookmarks restored.
     

Of course there's an easier way to backup your bookmarks, that is if you were still able to access Firefox on that old hard drive before you had any issue. Here's how to do it:

 Open your Mozilla Firefox browser, click on BOOKMARKS -- Show All Bookmarks -- Import and Backup -- Backup

You'll get a pop-up window with a default file name like this bookmarks-2011-07-04 

Just click on SAVE and you're done!

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The World’s Most Expensive Egg

Gladly, this is not something you can cook and eat – something this expensive is better off displayed and admired by many.

Faberge eggs are considered the world's most costly and luxurious eggs.

It was the Easter of 1885, and Russia was having the most wonderful festivity of the Orthodox faith. In this same year, Czar Alexander III and Czarina Maria Fedorovna will be celebrating the arrival of their 20^th anniversary.

Eager to give his wife the most exceptional gift for their anniversary, Czar Alexander III made an appointment with a young jeweler, Peter Carl Fabergé. Faberge, known to have impressed Maria’s eye for his beautiful creations of jewelries, was ordered to present a special gift for the Czarina. He arrived at the palace on Easter morning carrying what seemed to be a plain, enameled egg. However, to the surprise of the Empress, the egg revealed a golden yolk. And inside of that is a golden hen; and veiled within is a diamond miniature of the Imperial crown holding a tiny ruby pendant.

Empress Maria was so charmed by the Czar’s gift, and so Fabergé was given a special order to create another Easter egg for the following year. The following year marked another impression to the royal palace, thus giving freedom to Fabergé to create more Imperial eggs in the future. Czar Alexander presented his requirement to Fabergé that each egg must be unique, and each must hold a surprise inside for the Empress Maria.

When Alexander III died in 1894, his son Nicholas continued the royal tradition and presented an Imperial egg both to his mother, the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna, and his wife Empress Alexandra Fedorovna.

The Imperial eggs became famous and Fabergé made other models for a few selected clients, though his first priority will always be to the Czar. 

Due to its popularity, the royal eggs were later called Faberge eggs. In the James Bond film, Octopussy, a Faberge egg was used by Bond. He took the original egg and replaced it with a replica egg with a recording tool.

As each egg were made of expensive metals and gemstones, only 57, out of 65 known Faberge eggs survived to the current day. The last auction sale in 2002 sold the famous 1913 Faberge Winter egg for $9.58 million.

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The World’s Longest Lizard

The longest known lizard is Varanus salvadorii. 

It is a monitor lizard that can be found in Papua New Guinea. With this given, Varanus salvadorii is known to exhibit the same behavior of rising up on its hind legs to check its surroundings. Similar to other monitors, V. salvadorii possesses an impressive anatomical attribute that facilitates easier breathing when running. However, it is thought to have better stamina than other monitors found on the island of New Guinea.

Crocodile Monitor: jdmpics.com

Physical Characteristics:

• It has a blunt, peglike, bulbous snout 
• It’s body is dark green with yellow spots 
• It’s tail is covered with bands of yellow and black
• It has long, fanglike, straight teeth adapted to hook into fast-moving preys,  such as carrion in the wild, rodents, and bats

 (image taken from jdmpics.com, visit the site for more interesting stuff)

This reptile likes to hang itself onto branches using its rear legs and occasionally uses its tail for grasping or holding. According to Herpetologist Robert Sprackland, the tail of the V. salvadorii is 210% of its body length. Not only does it serve as a perfect counterbalance when leaping from one tree branch to another, its tail is also used to whip attackers as part of its defense mechanism.

It is said that this reptile evades human contact, which is good, since its bite can be fatal due to infection. 

Other common names for Varanus salvadorii are the following:

• Crocodile Monitor 
• Papua(n) Monitor 
• Tree Crocodile 
• Salvadori’s Monitor, and 
• Artellia

The full length of Varanus salvadorii can reach up to 244 cm (8.01 ft), though it has been speculated that it may still increase its length.

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Why Do Certain Animals Glow?

 

By the time it gets dark, or say, deep under the ocean where there is no sunlight, certain animals glow naturally.

This ability to naturally glow in the dark is defined as bioluminescence. This happens when a creature capable of producing and emitting light as a result of a chemical reaction converts chemical energy to light energy. 

Bioluminescence can occur in two ways:

•  when a creature has a light-emitting organ called “photophore,” which can be simple or complex, capable of producing light after the digestion of a prey (example: cephalopods like the Sparkling Enope Squid)
• as a product of symbiosis with bacteria after it enters the animal’s body. These bacteria will reside and multiply, which will later result in a collection of very bright lights.

Normal luminescent reaction involves the oxidation of a pigment called “luciferin” to produce light:

luciferin + O₂ → oxyluciferin + light

Now, this process is extremely slow, until an enzyme called “luciferase” acts as a catalyst to the reaction, presenting cofactors such as ATP or calcium ions. Thus giving this much faster process reaction:

luciferin + ATP → luciferyl adenylate + PP_i

luciferyl adenylate + O₂ → oxyluciferin + AMP + light

Examples of bioluminescent creatures:

Angler Fish

Angler fishes are bony fishes that have at least one long fleshy filament growing from the middle of its head, used for predation. Most anglerfishes live in the deepest, darkest part of the ocean. The filament in the middle of its head is bioluminescent, and acts as a lure. When it glows, smaller fishes and other deep-sea creatures get attracted to the light. As soon as they swim towards it, the angler fish will strike and eat them up.

philpage3d.com

Flashlight Fish

The flashlight fish has a large bioluminescent organ beneath its eyes containing bright red bacteria. This fish uses its light to attract prey, find food, and communicate with other flashlight fishes. (image from philpage3d.com, visit the site for more interesting stuff)

Firefly

Fireflies belong in the beetle family of insects in the order Coleoptera. They are sometimes called lightning bugs because they produce light from the lower abdomen, varying from yellow, red, and green, with no ultraviolet or infrared frequencies.

Their bioluminescence is for attracting mate at night. Currently, there are 2,000 known species of fireflies living in the tropical environment. Their larvae also glow and are often called “glow worms.”

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Fun Ways to Open a Pickle Jar

I’m a real fan of pickles, but opening a pickle jar has given me nothing but frustration. Recently, I’ve been surfing the net for tried and tested methods for opening glass jars and lids, and here are the ones that enjoy the top positions in user rankings:

• You can easily open a pickle jar by running the top of the lid under hot water for a minute or so. As to avoid burning your palms or hands, use a towel to twist the cap off. (CAUTION: Make sure that the jar is not COLD. A sudden change in temperature will result the jar to break) 

• Using a sharp knife, very carefully pierce a hole on the pickle jar’s lid to release the contained pressure, and then slowly twist the cap off. (CAUTION: Be careful when using sharp objects such as knives or forks. For kids, always ask for an ADULT's assistance when opening a pickle jar)

• Use the palm of your hand to “gently” tap the bottom of the pickle jar. This will help release the “air pocket” at the top part of the jar, around the lid.

• Use a spoon or any hard object to tap the edge of the lid to help loosen it up. You may also “gently” bump the jar lid on a kitchen counter, around approximately half the lid. And then try to twist the cap off.

• Visit the nearest local store and look for a sheet of rubber. It’s thin, and can be easily applied around the lid to give you a firmer grip, without slipping your fingers, when twisting the metal cap.

image source: watch.discoverychannel.ca

OR, you may also watch this cool video and open the pickle jar with a dash of Physics!

(image taken from a clip in The Daily Planet, visit the site for more interesting stuff)

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Puzzle Pieces: What is My Purpose in Life?

In this life, we often feel like we are part of something big.. something important. And so, we are taught to feel and act as if everything we do is a part of this great thing. This great plan. Sometimes, we would ask ourselves if we're still on track; to balance our heart, to inform our mind that we haven't lost our way. Because no matter how we think that life is a plan and our future has been mapped, there's still a part of us that notices that something is wrong, that something just doesn't feel right.

If there is a part of our mind that notices that inconsistency of things around us, could this also be a part of the great plan? To give us a chance to notice these loop holes, to think on our own as if there's something that we can do to change our future? To make us believe that we can escape what they have already prepared for us? If the higher beings have already got everything planted, did they also want us to somehow object? To somehow reflect that the plan wasn't that final after all. That humans can change their lives and avert their destiny?

I'm a young woman of twenty-four and I've carried these thoughts with me from the day I started to think. When I was a little girl, I would stare at the other kids through our bedroom window and I would ask myself, why is everyone so happy? Is it because they're playing? I'm also playing but I'm not that happy! When my parents decided to send me to school, I was never allowed to choose where I want to study. Maybe because kids aren't supposed to decide yet. It's always the adults that decide for them. And so I was sent to a public school. I asked my mom why I can't go to that school with a private school bus? I told her  that if she send me to that school instead, then she won't have to bring me to school because the bus could do it for her. And that was the first time I heard my mom call me "stupid". She slapped it to my face that we cannot afford to go to a private school because I was not born rich. My mom always gets mad at small things like that.

I grew up thinking that I cannot have the good things in life. I was 11 when my mom sent me to attend a catechism class. She told me that it would help me become a better kid who would obey and respect her parents. I was there early and the nun looked so happy to see me. She walked up to me and asked me "do you believe in God?". I said "Yes, but I think God doesn't love me". The nun was shocked to hear these words from a little girl and so she said "Why did you say so? God loves all of his children". I told her "because I'm a bad girl. God is punishing me that's why she gave me to the people who doesn't see my worth, people who doesn't love me like I love them. God doesn't love me that much that's why I can't have those nice things that the other kids have." The nun saw the other kids come in, and so she told me to listen very closely. She tapped me in the back and told me "God doesn't create those that does not please him. You were created not to be punished but to be a part of something else, something important. Somehow, somewhere you'll find your perfect spot. Just like in a puzzle, if there are 1000 puzzle pieces out there for a particular picture and there are other thousands of pieces for other types of pictures, then you may just be in the wrong picture. All puzzles are created to be solved. Your piece would be placed on its spot someday when the right time comes. All I'm asking is for you not to give up and to not lose your way on the process." I finished the class that day but decided not to continue attending the following classes. I told my mom that churches make me dizzy and that I almost lost consciousness. That wasn't so hard of a lie to make because when I was 8, i guess, i puked inside the church while singing "Lamb of God". My family called me an anti-Christ after that incident. And so my mom, judging me that I am indeed an anti-Christ decided to grant my wish and took me out of the catechism sessions.

I was never an anti-Christ. I was just giving God his space. I am distant, i guess but I never forgot those puzzle thingies that the nun told me about. I then devised a plan to rid myself of my misery. I need to change this part of my life or get out of it. I need to somehow try to avert my destiny, my part in this big theatrical play. If God still loves me like the nun told me, then he'll let me use that part of my mind that tells of this inconsistency, this "something is definitely wrong with my life". Somehow, that part that tackles my being part of a something important bugs me. My family needed someone to boss around and do their bidding. Is that my purpose? My friends would use me as a companion so they can have someone to be with. Is that my other purpose?

Let me tell you a story about a friend of mine who is very much in love with his girlfriend. This love makes him happy, makes him complete. It nourishes him and makes him a better person with  feelings and emotions. They were the perfect couple, she understands him and he understands her. That love made him commit to a life with her forever. He loves watching the stars with her and serenading her with a song he personally chose for her. And then one day, this great plan of the higher being carried out itself. The girl has to leave and go to a better place. But that special love they had made her go back to him every once in a while and become his guardian, his angel. Something that only she can do, something that only she is capable of. She would remind him every time he's down that she'll still be there for him and would guide him if he loses his way. And because this guy is a very special guy, he moved on with his life carrying the wish of his love to continue living his life, free of her memory.

Years passed and this guy came to my life as a very special friend. We spent most of our time laughing, making fun of other people while eating in a fast food chain. We would play the same computer game and we would go out and eat dinner together. We were good friends, best friends and best friends aren't supposed to fall in love with each other, but we did. It was a very special love, something I've never felt before. It was so powerful that it made me realize that this is where I would like my perfect spot to be. With him, forever. And I still am. He is now my husband and we're about to have 2 kids. Our eldest is a very handsome boy who knows that he is deeply loved by his parents. Something that I failed to experience when I was his age. His life with me is very different from his life with her. Nothing can compare to what they used to have, but I know that what we have now is just as special and as unique. She'll always and forever be his angel and I'll always be his honeybuns. I don't care about the hierarchy, I don't care which one is more important. A person's life is composed of his past, his present and his future. You miss any of these and you're life won't be complete. That special girl is his past, but I am his present and will be his future. These two girls in his life make him complete and that is what really matters. I was wrong after all. God loves me and yes, I can have the good things in life. Not just good, but great things. I can have this great guy whom I wake up and smell the fresh air with in the morning and this great family we have built together. I can have a very good son and another child to make us more happy. Because good things aren't toys, and great food and going to private schools. Good things are those that money cannot buy and those things are just the ones that I can afford to have.

Somewhere, somehow, in a vast collection of puzzle pieces, one being is entitled to put these pieces together to create a perfect picture. No matter how hard a person tries to change his future, no matter how hard he tries to escape from his destiny, in the end, he'll still be a part of something big, something important. If the sole purpose for my creation is to fill that gap and make other people complete, then I'm happy. Being that piece that completes others spells I-M-P-O-R-T-A-N-C-E to me. That is a simple yet a very creative reason for my existence.

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Happiness Is Peace

What makes a life worth living?

What makes a person endure it all?

What propels us to believe regardless of all the lies?

Every day, we mingle with other people

Every day, we try to be a part of a whole

Every day, we live a life full of trials … and still try hard to make it worthwhile

Every day… we try to be happy

But what defines happiness?

Is it abundance in food? Or living a healthy life?

Being with the people we love the most and love us back?

Perhaps…that is happiness

After all, man was created to be a part of something

And that something sure is beautiful

Because the creator does not give life to those which do not please him

But, what about death?

What about sorrow?

Some would say, “There is goodness in everything”

Perhaps there is…

Behind every lonely curtain is a solemn crowd

Look beyond the surface and you’ll find peace

And happiness is peace

Peace of mind and fulfillness in the heart

Happiness is the ultimate treasure one seeks to find

It is buried deep within our soul

And it will stay there until we dig it out

If we keep on feeling lonely because our life feels empty

We will never find peace

If we keep on judging our lives based on wealth

We will never find solemness

Walk with faith my friend!

Live a happy life and be part of something great

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Enjoyable Summer Activities for Toddlers

(image info: Seth having fun)

Many parents find it hard to plan nice and enjoyable summer activities for their children. Now that school is out, this is basically the best time to engage in recreational activities and promote quality time within members of the family. 

Now, you must be thinking, “What could be perfect activity for my kids?”  One thing’s for sure. When it involves kids, it has to be fun or else they’ll just get bored and would prefer to spend more time in front of a computer or with their friends. While there is plenty of fun summer activities offered to school-age children, it can be hard to find some that our little ones can participate in. 

In my case, I have a 3-year old and a 1-year old boy, and I sure spend a lot of time planning which activity would be most appropriate for playtime.

It is important that toddlers get involved in fun family moments, such as summer activities. Sure you’ll get protective and nervous that they might hurt themselves, but they need to participate and we need to be there for them when they do. I believe that this will make them more confident of themselves and will also increase their awareness when it comes to their environment. So, let your tots have fun and try not to exclude them as much as possible. Here is a list of fun summer activities you could do with your toddlers.

Dance Lessons: Toddlers love to dance. My kids are addicted to it. Whenever they hear music, they sure move to the beat. It doesn’t need to be formal lessons. You could look for community or pre-school summer events that teach kids how to dance. In this way, they can improve their body kinetics and be more comfortable expressing their moves. Plus, this can be an asset to them especially if your kids like to perform in public or participate in school presentations.

Swimming Lessons: All kids love to swim and toddlers are no different. However, swimming can be dangerous for your tots when not supervised. Drowning incidents are probably one of the main causes of child death every year, from all over the world. Thus, it is extremely important to prep your child in water survival techniques and first aid. Not only are swimming trainings pleasurable for toddlers, it is also an important skill to invest in that your toddlers can use and master as they grow up.

Soccer: As young as 3 years old, your toddlers can participate in soccer. The good thing about sports is its ability to impose socialization among teammates and other players. Playing soccer will not only help your kids become more active, but will also teach them how to become a team player.

Scheduled Play Time: This may be hard for most working moms, but it is probably one the most essential items in the list. Even if it’s just an hour every 2-3 times a week, having a solo play time with your toddlers will do wonders to them. They will feel special and important. During this special bonding moment, it would be nice if you refrain from checking your phone (unless if it’s an emergency), or work at the same time. Consider this your relaxation moment to not think of any work-related thoughts and just focus on making your kid happy.

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The Building Blocks of Learning

Today, we will discuss the key areas of childhood development. What are the most important aspects of our kid's growth?

It may seem fast, but it’s really happening. Our kids are growing, and as they move towards the next stage of development they undergo dramatic transformations in every aspect of maturity.

During this phase, adequate nutrition, environment exposure, and personal experiences help influence the following areas of learning:

Mind: language, problem-solving, concepts and thinking

Body: health, weight gain, motor coordination

Persona: emotions, feeling, social relationships

These interrelated areas are so important that they highly affect a child’s advancement in early learning. It requires great commitment from parents and guardians to keep children safe from physical danger, to provide loving and warm relationships, and to promote confidence when facing challenges. 

To ensure optimal development, it is best to create opportunities for growth in the following aspects of learning:

Cognitive

Cognitive development covers the approaches that children exhibit to better understand and explore the world around them. It explains the ability of a child to solve problems, understand concepts, and develop intuition and nonverbal reasoning.

Language

Language development covers two areas of learning. The first area is called “receptive language,” where a child learns to listen and understand the idea he is being told. The other area is called “expressive language,” where a child learns to not only listen, but to also react by speaking or using sign language. In this domain of learning, children learn to communicate and express their demands, opinions, and feelings the best way possible.

Motor Coordination

Motor coordination pertains to the development and refinement of the large muscles in the body. With this, children learn to move their body effectively to perform motor actions such as walking, sitting, running, and transferring from one body stance to another while maintaining correct posture and pace.

Fine Motor

Fine motor coordination involves the development and refinement of minor or small muscles in the body. An example of this would be the hand.  Fine motor development improves the dexterity of the hand to perform abilities such as eating, writing, picking up objects, and playing.

Personal

Personal development pertains to the improvement of a child’s health and well-being through daily monitoring. It is the ability to complete daily tasks such as brushing their teeth, bathing, feeding, and dressing/undressing.

Social and Emotional

Emotional and communal development refers to the child’s acquisition of trust and security within a relationship, like in families and friends. It is the capability to relate and interact with groups by working together, as well as the ability to maintain close relationships with parents, siblings, and play mates.

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The Best Online Learning Program for Kids!

Prepare your child for BIG KID SCHOOL. Help him get ahead of others with Nick Jr. Boost.

My 3 year-old son Seth spends most of his time playing Nick Jr. games in his computer. I'm referring to the old Dora games that you can install individually. These are just mini games that teaches my son how to distinguish one color from the other, count from 1 to 10, speak basic Spanish, etc. As a mom, I enjoy playing these Nick Jr. games with him. Of course there are other game characters like Blue and the Backyardigans, but Seth prefers to play with Dora, and so most of the games I installed were from that group.

Just recently, while I was checking for HOT products that I can buy for Seth, I came across the latest release from Nick -- Nick Jr. Boost!

It's an online educational service tailored to guide preschoolers and provide adventure-based learning based on core curriculum covering over 250+ key skills.


The good thing about Nick Jr. Boost is that it comes with personalized games covering Math, Computer Skills, Creativity, Literacy, Science, and of course Spanish.



I signed-up for the $4.95 per month (billed annually) because it comes with a FREE DVD. My son would love that and he would definitely watch it over and over.

Other subscription packages feature:

• a 7 Day Free Trial for Monthly Subscriptions

• Free Nick Jr. Boost gift with a Quarterly or Annual Subscription

• virtual rewards that your kids can exchange for digital prizes

Here is the video tour for Nick Jr Boost:

With Nick Jr. Boost, children can take part in exciting educational games with their favorite Nick Jr. characters: Dora, Blue and more!

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Doing a Pregnancy Test: It All Begins With A Positive Outcome

The moment you notice a delay in your monthly period, given that you recently had a romantic (you know what I mean) night with your boyfriend or husband, you might want to do a pregnancy test. 

For this, you will need a test kit that you can buy at a drugstore or convenient store, which is very affordable. The procedure involves placing drops of your urine into the sample area of the pregnancy kit and waiting for several minutes for the result. For a more accurate reading, it’s advisable to perform the test early in the morning, since the urine is more concentrated during this time. 

I remember the first time I held a pregnancy kit. I was only 23. My parents were living in another town and I was staying at an apartment. My long time boyfriend was the one who bought the pregnancy test kit for me since I was so scared and ashamed to buy it myself. It was a favor I had to ask. I knew that it would also be hard for him to buy it himself but he agreed to do it anyway. 

Most of you may say “What’s the matter? It’s normal to get pregnant; you’re a woman… nothing to be ashamed of. “ Indeed it’s true. However, I was feeling really different that time. Perhaps what common is the way a girl starts to act the moment she learns there a possibility that she’s pregnant. It’s like having a tag on your forehead saying: I THINK I’M PREGNANT, and I’m not sure if I’m ready to become a mom. 

Most girls would not want to give out a hint that they’re pregnant. Girls within the 21- to- 24 age range just graduated from college, just trying to lay out a plan for a great job, just started to pay for their own rent and bills, etc. Thus, it’s really hard to imagine how to take a responsibility leap from being an independent single woman to becoming a mom. 

BUT, you still did it. You had a great time doing it. In fact, that was the best night of my life. And the moment it crosses your mind that you may be pregnant, you would definitely remember that night. Yes, it’s going to hurt because if it turns out to be positive, then you’ll be a mom… just like that. Your career plans, your carefree lifestyle, your I-can-do-whatever-I want-to-do-now --- these will all change. 

I was having a great run in my career at 23 and things were just starting to materialize for me. And I can’t help but wonder, “What am I going to do now?” And then I realize nothing has to change. If I get a positive result, I’ll create a new life plan. I will lay out a different career path, a new lifestyle; and this time I will design a life with my little baby on it.

Sure it’s scary at first. But I strongly suggest you buy that kit and have that pregnancy test. It will save you the pressure of endless thinking and worrying, not to mention waiting for your monthly period to come. Try to do the test and if it’s negative, take that as a warning sign. If you think you’re not yet ready to have a baby then take precautions. However, if it returns a positive result, breathe first. You may cry if you want but after that try to get a hold of yourself. You may also want to talk to someone – your closest friend, or your mom. You’ll need all the support you can get. You don’t have to undergo this stage alone. Don’t think of it as a pain; rather think of it as a detour. You can still fix your career, your dreams, your life – but these will have to wait. For now, just try to think of your baby and the things you can do to raise him well. After all, a positive result on your pregnancy test is just the beginning of parenthood.

My son is 3 years old now and he is such an intelligent boy. He loves solving puzzles and playing LEGO. Sometimes he would look at me and smile, and I can’t help but stop my work and play with him. I am proud to be his mom and I hope that you are too with your kids.

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Understanding Your Toddler - Part 1

This is the first part of a 3-article discussion on toddler development. As a parent, it's a wonderful habit to listen to our toddlers and understand their thoughts and emotions. Toddler years are probably one of the most crucial stages of a child's development, thus understanding what your child needs will help him become more expressive and confident throughout the toddler years.


PART I: Understanding Your 1 Year-Old Toddler

•  At this stage, what is my 1 year-old learning? 

At this stage, your 1 year-old baby will begin to speak. Studies show that 1 year-old babies can normally say around 6 words, but can understand close to 65-70 words. Findings also show that baby girls tend to learn more words at an earlier age than boys. Furthermore, advanced toddlers usually acquire language skills faster. 

1. Your baby's first words will normally refer to parts of his body, people, and familiar possessions like toys and other objects. 
2. As his vocabulary increases, your baby will likely add actions to accompany or support his words. Examples of these would be performing hand gestures when saying "come" and "go," or directive movements such as "up" and "down."
3. Now, as your child moves on from being a 12 month-old to becoming an 18 month-toddler, he will learn new words slowly. Studies say that the average rate is around 4-6 new words per month. Your child will then use these new words regularly or drop them as he tries move on and learn new ones. If you notice your child is no longer using those words he previously learned, don't panic! This is perfectly normal. Even if your child chooses to use newer words in his speech, older words remain in his memory and are not forgotten. 

•  As a parent, how I can best help my 1 year-old become more advanced in learning?
  
  

  1. Encourage your child to play puzzles. A simple 2- to 6-piece puzzles can help improve your toddler's sequencing ability.
  2. Inspire your child to assist you in performing household chores.
  3. Stir your toddler's creativity by helping him build towers of blocks.
  4. Offer them toys that can be emptied and filled.
  5. Encourage your child to draw and scribble by giving him paper and large crayons.
  6. When talking to your toddler, use the proper names of words. Do not approach your child in a "baby talk" manner, as this won't help in his speech development. When your child says "blankie," it's proper for you to say "Blanket, that is right."
  7. Help your toddler in expanding his sentences. When he says "Want water," you say "Do you want to drink water?"
  8. Make it a habit to read storybooks with pictures to your child. It will help him improve his speech and is a great bonding moment too! 

•  How much will my 1 year-old grow? 

Studies indicate that 1 year-old babies gain an average of 8 ounces and grow an average of 1/4  to 1/2 inch every month. During this stage, his growth rate will begin to bog down. Your toddler will start to develop his muscles and lose baby fat. Help him progress ahead of the rest by giving him the best care and nutrition.

• What is my 1 year-old feeling?

Now that your toddler uncovered the use of his legs, he will try to walk around more often and explore things on his own. This can both be very exciting and frustrating to your toddler as he will sometimes fall down while trying to discover things around him. He may feel joy, sadness, or anger during this stage. Don't worry, this is perfectly normal. Just let your toddler know that you're there for him to support and guide him in every way. Encourage your toddler to express his feelings and emotions, however do not allow negative behavior such as biting or hitting. 

1. Your 1 year old will start to develop a sense of self. Words like "me," "my" and "mine" become a common term. 
2.  If you tell them not to swat the dog, slam his hands on your glass window, or pull his clothes out of the drawer, he may not always listen. Mommies, do not be alarmed! This is just your toddlers way of saying "I'm independent." 
3. Alongside this increasing sense of self comes his fear of abandonment. Your child will feel very scared when he gets separated from you, and when you disappear, he will lose his self-confidence. This is the stage where separation anxiety on toddlers tend to come into being. This separation anxiety will soon wane during the whole of  toddler years, typically at around 18 months.

             

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Your Child's Tooth Eruption: All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth!

My youngest son Liam has turned 1 year old, and he still doesn't have his two front teeth. Actually, I remember seeing him toothless during his 6-month phase and I was so worried because that was the perfect time to start him on solid food and being toothless made him choke on mashed food, leading to further frustration on his part.

At first I thought, "Is something wrong with my baby's gums"? Whenever I get the chance, I would run my finger through his gum line and feel if any tooth is erupting. He hates me for doing that, but I needed to feel assured that he'll have his teeth soon.

After several months, his two lower teeth came out, and then a few months after that, his two upper incisors erupted. But he still can't eat his food properly. Not having his front teeth makes the food go straight to his tongue. He really looks funny when he tries to push his food back to his teeth, so he could at least bite them. My son has a very cute habit of making faces when he's irritated or frustrated.

So, what's really the deal about our kids tooth eruption? Which tooth comes out first, and which one comes after?

As your child's tooth erupts, a watery sac may develop. This eruption cyst is usually harmless and is best left alone. As your child's tooth comes out, it pushes through the gum and eventually ruptures the sac.

Here is an average tooth eruption sequence of Baby Teeth/Primary Teeth in months after birth:

A teething child may experience the following symptoms:

• Fussiness or irritability
• Sleep problems
• Urge to bite on hard objects
• Refusing to eat food or drink milk
• Excessive drooling, causing the appearance of a rash on the area of his/her face or chest
• Sensitive and swelling gums
• Rubbing of cheeks and ears
• In rare cases, a low-grade fever

Symptoms that may develop during teething usually occur 3-4 days before the tooth erupts and up to three days after the tooth comes out. When in doubt, you may always consult your child's pediatrician or dentist to help determine whether your child's symptoms are still normal, or require an immediate attention.

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Guide to Toddler Milestones

Becoming a toddler is one of the biggest changes your child will undergo after his first year. Big advancements will come his way and so, you should be on the lookout for your child's milestones. Now, as a parent, you need to understand that these milestones do not follow a specific timeline in which they will appear.

Toddlers develop differently and depending on your child, these milestones may be exhibited earlier or at a later time.

Here are some the milestones your child may exhibit during his toddler years:

From 12 Months

•  stands up alone
• says his first word
•  responds to certain requests like "sit"
• prefers certain toys and books

From 13 Months

• stands alone
• uses two words fluently, like "hi" and "bye"
• walks with support (with one hand held)
• says 2-3 words
• bends over to pick up toys or objects

From 14 Months

• matches objects in pairs (like pots and pans with their lids)
• knows to point to a certain body part
• pulls and pushes toys while playing or walking

From 15 Months

• says up to 5 words
• identifies names of body parts
• is able to walk backwards
• kneels
• plays with ball

From 16 months 

• increases vocabulary to around 10 words
• likes climbing very much
• starts to get finicky about food
• takes shorter naps
• enter another room to get stuff or toys
• exhibits tantrums when frustrated

From 17 months

• enjoys dancing to music
• likes to play pretend games
• arranges toys and objects by shape, color, or size
• likes riding toys

From 18 Months

• identifies the names of some animals
• plays with bricks, and other stack toys
• walks upstairs
• increases vocabulary to around 50 words
• joins two words to form a sentence
• imitates actions
• enjoys observing other people

From 2 Years

• talks a lot
• starts to tell a lot of stories
• opens doors 
• sings his favorite song
• helps when you dress him
• is able to identify some colors

From 2.5 Years

• enjoys jumping
• counts to ten
• throws and catches a ball
• rides a bicycle with training wheels support
• starts to ask questions
• answers the phone and talks to the person on the other line

From 3 Years

• uses potty chair 
• draws a straight line and copies a circle
• loves to doodle and draw shapes
• stands on tiptoes
• feeds himself with spoon and fork
• dresses and undresses self (except for buttons)
• can concentrate on a task for 8-10 minutes

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