It’s important that your kids understand the value of bonding with their grandparents and having regular intergenerational interactions. Explain to your kids why it’s important to you and their grandparents. Make sure you talk about tangible benefits appropriate to their age and developmental stage. Try saying, “Bobby, I am excited you want to spend time with Grandpa. I used to go horseback riding with my Grandpa as a child and those were some of the best moments of my life.” Let your kids play a role in deciding how and when they will bond with their grandparents. Ask them to come up with a list of thing they love to do that they think Grandma would enjoy as well. You can also try asking your kids to write down things Grandpa might be able to teach them. Having a weekly meal where your children and their grandparents can get together and talk about the week’s highlights is a great way to encourage bonding between your children and their grandparents. If the grandparents are open to it, invite them to take turns hosting the weekly event. You can even encourage your children to help their grandparents prepare a dish for the occasion. If the idea of a weekly dinner seems overwhelming, try a monthly gathering where everyone brings a dish or two to share. This will relieve pressure on both guests and hosts. Chances are your children are involved in a host of afterschool and weekend activities. Whether it’s a football game, dance recital, or the school play, encourage your children to invite their grandparents to share in these important moments with them. You should also extend the invitation yourself to ensure the grandparents feel welcome at these events. If your kids are involved in sports, try giving their grandparents a copy of their game and practice schedule. This will allow the grandparents to plan ahead and participate more fully in such events. Many grandparents have busy schedules of their own. This often includes working full-time. It can be difficult for them to manage their own schedule as well as those of your children. This is why it’s important to keep inviting them to events and opportunities to get involved in your children’s lives. Just because Grandma couldn’t make it to the ballet recital last month doesn’t mean she won’t be excited to attend this week’s baton-twirling extravaganza. You will need to be clear about rules the children are expected to follow, and may need to ask the grandparents to childproof their home for younger children. Approach the topic in a friendly way by first thanking them for spending time with your kids. Let them know what your rules and expectations are, and listen to their responses while holding back your judgment.  Try saying, “Dad, I’m really excited that you will be watching the kids after school this fall. We have some rules the boys need to follow. Do you think we can work together to make sure they follow them at your house, too? Make suggestions for childproofing. Try saying, “Mom, would it be possible for you to put childproof locks on your kitchen cabinets? I’m more than happy to buy and install them for you.” If the grandparents do not have a close relationship with your children, knowing how to interact with the children may be awkward for them. Giving the grandparents some encouragement may help. Try saying something like, "Dad, thanks for putting that puzzle together with Jake. I know he really enjoys spending time with you." Or, "Mom, I know it's hard to connect with Jenna at her age, but you're doing a great job."
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One-sentence summary -- Talk to your kids about bonding with their grandparents. Encourage your kids to come up with bonding activities. Host a weekly dinner. Invite the grandparents to extracurricular activities. Give grandparents multiple and ongoing opportunities to get involved. Discuss guidelines with your kids’ grandparents. Facilitate interactions by offering encouragement.


Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can scrub plaque and surface stains off of your teeth. You can apply it to your teeth as a whitener in a number of ways:  Dip a dampened toothbrush directly into powdered baking soda. Brush your teeth as you normally would, spit out the baking soda, and rinse your mouth with water. Make a paste of baking soda and water. Put some baking soda in a small container that you can close (to store the paste). Slowly stir water a few drops at a time into the baking soda until a smooth paste forms. Apply to your toothbrush, then brush and rinse your teeth as normal. Baking soda might irritate the tissues of your mouth. If you notice any inflammation or soreness, use this treatment less frequently. Baking soda combined with hydrogen peroxide makes a very effective teeth whitener. This treatment, however, should not be used frequently. Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the tissues of your mouth, and prolonged use may cause serious problems. To make this whitener:  Pour a teaspoon of baking soda into a bowl or small dish. Stir five to seven drops of hydrogen peroxide into the baking soda until a smooth paste forms. You can also add a drop of peppermint extract to improve the flavor of the mixture.  Apply to your toothbrush, then brush and rinse your teeth as normal. Be sure to spit out all of the peroxide—do not swallow it. Rinse your mouth well afterwards. Since the citric acid found in lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, it can make a great whitening agent. You can make a paste by combining the two ingredients, and use it infrequently as a whitener.  Pour a teaspoon of baking soda into a bowl or small dish. Stir lemon juice a few drops at a time into the baking soda until a smooth paste is formed. Apply the paste to your teeth (using a finger is fine) and let it sit for two to three minutes. Rinse your teeth with water afterwards. Use this treatment no more than once a week, as citric acid can also damage the enamel of your teeth, and irritate the tissues of your mouth. Vinegar is acidic, like lemon, and so it can help to whiten your teeth, especially when combined with baking soda. A mixture of the two can be used as a paste to brush your teeth clean.  Pour a teaspoon of baking soda into a bowl or small dish. Stir vinegar a few drops at a time into the baking soda until a smooth paste is formed. Dip a dampened toothbrush in the paste and brush as normal. Rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
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One-sentence summary -- Use baking soda directly on your teeth. Make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Mix baking soda and lemon juice. Make a paste of baking soda and vinegar.


In order to achieve a smooth silk press, your hair needs to be free from residue. Wash your hair thoroughly using a clarifying shampoo, and rinse.  Clarifying shampoo is a powerful shampoo that removes buildup and residue from hair. Look for clarifying shampoo at your local beauty supply store.
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One-sentence summary --
Wash with a clarifying shampoo.