Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Choose a non-stressful time to start the weaning process. Remove the pacifier from sight while they are distracted. Distract them with a snack or toy when they become distressed. Isolate pacifier use to their bedroom. Warn the child before taking it away for day-time naps. Make a new bed routine when taking the pacifier away at night.

Answer: Weaning your child from their pacifier will be easier if it’s done at a time where you and your child are relaxed. Avoid choosing a busy time, such as when you are busy at work, or your child has just started pre-school.  Wait until your child is at least 6 months old. In the first 6 months of a child's life, a pacifier can help to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Try to wean your child before they turn 2. This decreases the likelihood of any dental issues related to pacifier use. Either wean the pacifier gradually or take it away completely. Communicate how you plan to wean to other caregivers. Your child has formed an attachment to their pacifier and giving it up may not be easy for them. Starting slowly can be an easier approach for some children. Take the pacifier away when the child is busy playing. When the child asks for the pacifier, tell them they can have it soon. If your child becomes distressed, reassure them that they are okay without it and continue playing with them. Distraction is a great tool to make the weaning process more peaceful. Give your child a snack to distract them if they are upset when they notice the pacifier is gone. This can also help recreate the feeling of putting something in their mouth. Food that your toddler can suck or chew on is a good idea as it will feel similar to a pacifier. Try frozen fruit or healthy ice-blocks. Try to slowly extend the length of time that your child doesn’t have the pacifier while they are awake. Tell your child that they can only use the pacifier while they are in bed   Try attaching the pacifier to their bed with a pacifier-clip. These can be purchased from baby stores. This will help your child to understand that they can only use their pacifier in their bedroom. If your child struggles with the extended periods, allow them to sit in their room with the pacifier. It is unlikely that they will want to stay alone in their room for prolonged periods. Tell your child that they won’t be having the pacifier for their nap. This can help children understand what is happening and mentally prepare for the change. Use positive affirmations, such as telling them that they’re a big kid now.  Replace pacifier use with a soothing activity, like reading a book, taking a bath, or rocking them until they fall asleep. Start this young so they grow accustomed to it. Consider buying your child a new soothing toy as an alternative. Communicate to your child that they have a new teddy or blanket instead of their pacifier. When your child stops asking about the pacifier during the day, start eliminating its bedtime usage. Leave it hidden when they go to bed and only give it to them when they ask about it. Add a story, song, or bath into your child’s routine as an alternative soothing method. This can distract them and help the child to feel more relaxed.  The first few nights can be difficult but it does get easier. Praise your child in the morning for not using the pacifier. If your child continues to ask for the pacifier each night, you will need to tell them that they can’t use it anymore.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Consider using passive mobilization. Decide how to position your dog. Lay your dog on his good side. Begin pushing the thigh backwards. Hold this extended position for around 40 seconds and then release.

Answer: Passive mobilization is similar to stretching. Passive mobilization of a hip joint involves gently stretching the affected hind leg backwards, away from the head. Passive mobilization uses gentle limb extensions with the aim of keeping muscles conditioned and joints mobile. The theory behind passive mobilization is that pain restricts the movement of the leg, but then the hip joint becomes stiff, and this leads to a further loss of movement, and the vicious cycle continues until the joint becomes chronically painful and stiff. You can use passive mobilization with the dog in a standing or lying down position. If both hips are sore it is better to have the dog lie down since he will be uncomfortable taking extra weight on the opposite hip when one leg is raised. Try placing a small pillow between your dog’s legs to make him even more comfortable. To use passive mobilization to stretch the left hip, lay the dog on his right side, with the left leg uppermost. For the right hip, lay the dog on his left side, with his right leg uppermost. This will likely be the position he's most comfortable in anyway. Laying on the opposite side takes the weight and pressure off the bad hip. Slide your left hand in front of the thigh halfway down the thigh bone, and cup the cranial muscles in your left palm. Apply gentle but firm pressure so as to push the thigh backwards so that the dog's paws moves backwards, too. Do not force the movement, and stop if the dog gets uncomfortable. You're not trying to improve his flexibility, you're trying to stretch the already taut, stiff muscle. Try to do this for two ten minute sessions a day.  This helps keep the joint supple and relieves pain. Mobilization is the action of passively extending a limb with the aim of keeping the muscle conditioned and the joint mobile. The theory behind mobilization is that pain restricts the movement of the leg, but then the hip joint becomes stiff, and this leads to a further loss of movement, and a downward cycle of under-use established.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Spread the mint leaves out on a dehydrator tray. Switch the dehydrator onto the lowest setting. Dehydrate until dry.

Answer:
Keep the mint in a single layer with as little overlap as possible. Mint leaves will dry more evenly if kept in a single layer since each leaf will receive the same amount of heat as the others. Leaves that are in stacks or piles will need to be stirred during the process, and some may finish drying out well before others. Place the dehydrator tray back into the dehydrator and turn the device onto the lowest temperature setting available.  A low amount of heat is all that you need to dry mint and similar herbs. If your dehydrator does not have a thermostat, you should check the device more often during the dehydrating process to prevent the leaves from burning. Remove any unnecessary trays before you begin. Doing so will clear more room for larger leaves and increase the overall amount of air circulation the mint leaves receive. Check the mint every five minutes or so. Remove the mint from the device as soon as it appears dry. The edges should begin curling up and the leaves should look crispy yet green.