Point your affected ear down to the ground. Tug on your earlobe and the outer cartilage in different directions to open up your ear. You may feel the fluid drain out. Repeat if needed on the other ear. This is a good way to get rid of water after swimming or a shower. Place the palm of your hand tightly over your ear. Press down a few times before removing your hand. Tilt your ear down so that the water can drain out. Take a breath and hold it. Plug your nose with 2 fingers, and force air up the Eustachian tubes in your ears by blowing. You should feel a pop if it works. Tilt your head downward, with the affected ear facing toward the ground to let the fluid drain out.  Do not do this if you think you have an ear infection. Be gentle as you blow. If you blow too hard, you may cause a nosebleed. Hold your nostrils closed with your fingers. Take a few deep yawns in a row. This may cause the fluid to slide back down your throat, removing it from your ears. Rest on your side, with the affected ear down against a towel, pillow, or cloth. After a few minutes, the ear may start to drain. You can even take a nap or try this overnight as you sleep. Chewing often opens up the Eustachian tubes.   Tilt your head as you chew to encourage fluid to drain from your ears. If you don’t have any gum or food on you, try just pretending to chew. You can also try sucking on a hard candy to get the same effect. Sometimes, a long, hot shower is enough to loosen the fluid in your ear. However, if not, a simple steam treatment may thin the fluid, making it easier to drain. Pour hot water into a bowl. Lean over the bowl and drape a towel over your head. Inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes. Then tilt your affected ear to the side to let the fluid drain out.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Tug the outside of your ear while tilting your head. Create a vacuum with your hand to release the fluid. Relieve the pressure with a gentle Valsalva maneuver. Pinch your nose and yawn to force the fluid down your throat. Lie down with your affected ear turned downward. Chew on gum or food. Loosen the fluid with steam treatment.


This forms a roll of cloth, hiding the raw edges of both layers.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Insert the bag interior into the bag exterior. Clip the inner layer so that it’s 2 inches (5 cm) higher than the edge of your laptop (or box, in this case). Clip the outer layer two inches (5 cm) longer than the inner layer. Fold the outer layer twice – once in and over itself and once again over the inner layer – and pin for sewing.


Don't avoid the subject. Before you have the  talk, take some time to think about where you stand on the issues. For example, ask yourself if you are comfortable with teens having sex. If not, think about how you will encourage abstinence. You can also think about whether or not you believe in birth control for teens. Let your teen know that you are happy to talk to them about sex. In fact, you can even initiate a conversation. You could say something like, “Lauren, since you're heading to college, I wanted to talk about ways to practice safe sex. Is now a good time?” You want your teen to know that they can come to you for help and support. In order for communication to work, you need to be honest. That doesn't mean that you have to reveal your entire sexual history to your teen. It just means that you should be prepared to answer questions like, “Did you wait until you were married to have sex?” If you're honest, you're providing your teen with helpful information that can help them make good choices. Your teen might also ask things like, "What should I do if I'm feeling pressured to have sex?" or "Can I get pregnant from oral sex?" Your teen might not feel comfortable talking to you about sex. That's normal! Just make sure that you encourage them to get educated about safe sex. If there is an optional sex ed class at their school, encourage them to sign up. If their school doesn't offer that, check with your local community center or hospital. They might have some community classes. You might also need some more information yourself. You want to be informed when you answer questions. Check out Planned Parenthood's site, or ask your doctor for some current literature. And don't hesitate to head to the local library! Make a point to know who is in your teen's life. If they are dating, ask them to introduce you to their partner. You can also ask your teen questions like, “You and Katie seem to be getting serious. Have you two talked about sex?” If you have any concerns about the relationship, talk to the teen about them.  Try not to be judgmental. You don't want your teen to feel embarrassed to talk to you. For example, don't say, "Oh, you're not really in love. You're just a kid!" Share concerns instead of judgments. Say, "It worries me that Tom seems a little controlling. How do you feel?" instead of "I hate Tom."
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Examine your own values and attitudes about sex. Encourage open communication. Answer questions honestly. Emphasize education. Monitor your teen's relationships.


You need something to act as the drum body. If you want a temporary solution because you're making the drum for a small child, use something like a metal soup pot (two handles instead of a one handled saucepan). If you want a drum for an older child or something that your child can have for a longer period of time, you can use PVC pipe or a cardboard shipping tube (both will need to be cut to size). You'll need balloons in a few different sizes, because the opening of your drum body will be different and you don't know what will really make the best sound until you try it. Once you have the balloons, cut off the necks. Stretch the balloon over the opening of the pot or drum body. This will probably be challenging, but don't give up. Try different balloons to get different sounds during this part of the process. Using a strong tape, like duct tape, tape the edges of the balloon to the side of the drum, helping to hold it in place. Make sure there are no air leaks. Enjoy your new drum!
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --
Get a soup pot or other drum body. Get and prepare your balloons. Cover the opening. Secure the drum surface with tape. Done!