Find info on your childrens health

The most important thing not to be forgotten at a baby shower party to make it a success is to remember the reason behind the get together and that being is baby.

What is a baby shower, well let me tell you it is an occasion to celebrate the newest edition to the family. Originally baby showers were intended for first-borns, but in the modern world baby shower parties are practised for every baby born into the family and why not every baby deserves just as much attention as any other.

Baby showers normally have close relatives at hand tending to all the planning alongside mum/dad to be. Remember there are some cultures and religious beliefs that believe certain things like parties or belongings to baby brought into the home before the birth is considered unlucky.

Alias names for Baby showers as such have come under titles like Daddys shower, Men-only party for dads-to-be, Diaper showers or baby sprinkles, whatever this is all about welcoming the new baby. Guests invited to babys party bestow and shower gifts, hence the name baby showers. Not forgetting Grandmas shower where party guests bring baby items such as collapsible cribs and changing pads these gifts stay at the home of the grandparents, need I say any more. This is most probably where the famous saying comes in left holding the baby, well thats what grandparents are for.

Parents love a theme behind there baby shower party and why not something to get excited over secondly to that of the birth of baby. Essential needs to get the party into full swing include games the feast and presents and last but not least the cake which at a baby showers party is considered not complete unless this bakers confection is present.

To make your babys day extra special why not bake your own cake, dont worry if you have no experience in this department ready made mixtures for cakes are available with recipe instructions made easy to follow. The hardest part about baking your own is choosing the flavour. Butter cake/ Chiffon cake/ Cupcake/Chocolate cake/ Cheesecake/ Fruit cake/ Carrot cakes are just a few to mention.

A good idea is to bake the main cake of your choice with a couple of others that differ in ingredients. Good and simple choices and inviting to the taste bud is the Butterfly cake/ Gingerbread/ Spice cake/ Sponge cake, the list is endless. Remember this is your babys shower party so you get to choose.

Specially selected baby shower cake ideas

1. Why not try the belly cake a cake designed to look like that of a pregnant belly You can do this by placing a round cake in front of a square cake then sprinkle icing sugar over them both thus resembling that of a rounded belly.

2. Then we have the popular Toy Blocks Cake. Another fabulous idea that goes down well at baby shower parties, bake the cake to look like childrens toy blocks (one large block accompanied by 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Enhance the Toy block cakes by surrounding them with candies or little novelty toys. Make sure these are removed when eating.

The cake centre piece will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be but never near as much as to why the reason behind why the cake stands there in the first place.
Congratulations.

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Allergies can cause reactions to anything from pollen to pet dander to peanut butter. While it’s not uncommon for children to be allergic to some foods, imagine being a child like 5-year-old Charlie Mays, who is allergic to most foods. Charlie has never even been able to enjoy his own birthday cake.

“At 2 months old, Charlie began vomiting regularly,” said Beth Mays, Charlie’s mother. “He got to a point where he was vomiting 10 to 20 times a day.”

Charlie suffers from an eosinophil-associated gastrointestinal disorder, commonly referred to as EGID. He and a growing number of children like him have life-altering allergic reactions when they eat certain foods.

According to Dr. Marc Rothenberg at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, there are tens of thousands of people in the United States who have EGID, but most probably have gone undiagnosed. Often, EGID is misdiagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Signs of EGID include nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, food sticking in the throat, and the failure to grow and thrive.

Children like Charlie who suffer from EGID rely on a special hypoallergenic elemental formula to keep them nourished, and some are fed through a tube that goes directly into their stomachs. Ross Pediatrics makes such a formula, called EleCare, which provides all of the proper nutrients children with EGID need to grow and thrive during their developmental years.

“When Charlie started on EleCare, I felt like I met my son for the first time,” Beth Mays said. “He was able to enjoy his life because he no longer lived in pain.”

Doctors continue to look for answers as to why EGID cases have increased in the past few years and how to treat and cure children with this disorder.

“In the year 2005, we really have established that this disease is not uncommon,” said Rothenberg.

In children, the most important impact is helping them to grow and develop normally.

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When youre a first time Mother, youre always worried about your babys development. Sometimes, we get downright obsessed with knowing when our child will sit up, crawl, walk and talk. And, if theyre one week later than we think they should be, were concerned that somethings wrong. Well, heres the scoop on approximately when the big milestones take place. Remember, each baby is different. If you think your baby is not progressing as he should, speak with your pediatrician.

First Smile The first real smile (meaning in response to your smile or some other external social stimulation) usually happens around four to six weeks. Babies do smile earlier than this, though. They often smile as they are falling asleep, and yes, when they have gas.

First Tooth- Timing of that first tooth can vary widely. If you can find out when you and your husband first popped a pearly white, youll have a better idea as to when to expect your babys, as it is largely hereditary. Teeth can show up as early as three months, and as late as after the first birthday, but the average is about seven months.

Sitting Up This one can happen as early as four months, though for most babies about six months is average. If your baby has not accomplished this milestone by seven or eight months, you might mention it to your doctor.

Standing Unsupported. Your baby will be able to bear weight on his legs with you holding his arms by age five or six months, usually. But standing unsupported may not happen until nearly a year old, though some babies accomplish this at around nine months. It takes a while for those legs to get strong, and for the balance to be there.

Saying Mama or Dada By this I mean actually using Mama to refer to you or Dada to refer to his father not just making the sound. This can happen as early as 10 months, but happens most often at around a year old. Get used to it, hes probably going to say Dada first its just easier for babies to say.

Crawling Some babies never crawl, which, by the way, is completely normal. But most babies who crawl do so between seven and nine months, with some starting as early as six months. Time to plug up those electrical outlets!

Walking Most babies walk between the ages of 13 and 15 months, though many start as early as nine months. Dont be in too much of a hurry for this one, as your whole life changes once that baby starts to walk!

Again, all of the times I mentioned above are estimates about when these milestones occur. If your baby is attending regular well baby checkups, your pediatrician will be monitoring his progress, and will alert you if there is any need to be concerned.

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Often I have heard that leaders are born, not made. Do you think this is true? How many times did you read a biography of a great leader, and discovered that as a child, he has been quiet, reserved and rather shy? Are those natural qualities of a leader? Of course not! These people have developed their leadership qualities later in life.

Would you like your child to be a leader?

What are the qualities of a leader? Here are some of the qualities required to be a leader, and how you can encourage the development of these qualities in your child.

Integrity – remember to be a good example, a role model for your child. Parents teach by example, and integrity is a quality kids learn from their parents. Talk with your child about integrity. One tool that is very helpful is story telling. Look for books that tell about the value of integrity.

Courage – always praise courage. When your child shows courage, notice it and praise it. Praise courage wherever you see an expression of it. Story telling is also very effective in this case.

Creative, independent thinking. In order to develop this quality, it is very helpful to ask questions. When you talk with your child about any subject at all, always ask open questions, that encourage creative thinking. Use the “One Step Farther” principle. After you have gotten all the obvious answers, ask one more question, to come up with a deeper, more creative idea. Questions like “why”, “what would happen if…”, “how do you think did it feel…”, encourage your child to think creatively. Talk to your child, encourage independent thinking.

In addition, it is also important to listen to your child. When your child has a creative, unusual suggestion, never negate it or laugh at it. Always treat your child’s ideas with respect.

Confidence – this is one of the most important qualities required for success in general. To develop confidence in your child, avoid criticizing your child, praise your child sincerely and often, develop a habit to talk about your child’s strengths and achievements with him every day. Remember to make it a point to bring up at least one good quality of your child every day. If you adopt it as a routine, over time it will do wonders for your child. It takes only a few minutes to mention an achievement or a strength (a good quality). Encourage your child, repeat the phrase “you can do it” often.

A leader takes responsibility. When something goes wrong, sometimes it makes us feel better if we can blame something else or someone else. A leader takes responsibility. Make sure your child knows that he is the “boss” in his life. His success is his responsibility. We are not victims of our environment, we have control over our life. Teach your child to “come from a place of power”. When your child blames someone else or something else for a mishap, or comes up with excuses, you have an opportunity to encourage your child to assume responsibility. Make sure that your child knows that it is Ok to make mistakes. Mistakes are an opportunity to learn. You can help your child draw conclusions, without “making him wrong”, by asking: “what did you learn from this?”, “what do you think went wrong?”, “why do you think this happened?”, “how could you avoid this?” and again “what do you think would happen if…?”. Your child should understand that he has no control over other people, and is not expected to have control over other people’s actions, but he has full control over his own reaction. This will give your child the feeling of power, as opposed to “being a victim”.

The conversations that you hold with your child have a profound effect on your child’s future. Make sure you take the time to talk with your child every day, to be involved with what is happening in your child’s life. To support, encourage and inspire. By doing that, you are being a leader, and you are developing your child’s leadership skills.

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Baby showers are an exciting way to welcome a baby into the world and are great occasions for the parents-to-be to receive the blessings of all their well wishers. Generally given by friends and co-workers, baby showers are much more than just parties. They provide a chance for the guests to get together and maybe even meet the new baby if the baby is already born.

Baby shower cakes are also known as diaper cakes or just baby cakes. Unlike regular cakes, these are made of several baby items like diapers, bibs, pacifiers, bottles, shoes, socks, and toys that new parents will need for the baby. Baby shower cakes look just like conventional cakes but they are far from edible!

Baby shower cakes are decorated to suit the theme of the party. The size of the cake can also differ according to the kinds of gifts it contains. They can be one, two, three, or even four-tiered. They can be placed as a center piece at the party and later taken home by the mom-to-be as a gift.

Baby shower cakes can be based on several themes like, teddy bears, duckies, baby booties, baby bottles, storks, nursery rhymes, or fairy tales to make them look cute and adorable. The rest of the gifts can be based on the theme of the baby shower cake.

There are special stores that make and sell baby shower cakes. There are also several websites on the internet that offer advice for decorating baby shower cakes. These sites also make and sell baby cakes as per the personalized requirements of the customers. Another way to get ideas for baby shower cakes is to attend a few baby showers or to ask a few people who have had a baby shower or arranged one. Ideas are sure to shower.

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Develop A Family Sun Care Strategy This Summer. Simple Tips And Sunscreen Innovations To Help Protect. Your Kids From The Sun This Summer

Anyone who has ever taken kids to the beach knows that it’s fun for the kids, but can sometimes be a hassle for whoever is in charge. For parents it can mean the constant chore of sunscreen application and reapplication. To curb the sun care battle and make sun protection a routine part of outdoor play, parents can take a few simple steps now to help ensure sun safety all summer long.

Sun protection is an essential part of any outdoor activity because the sun produces invisible rays known as ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB), which cause sunburn and sun damage. Harmful UV rays are more intense in the summer, which makes right now the perfect time for parents to develop their summer sun care strategy.

“The more sun exposure children get, the greater their chances of long-term skin damage,” said Dr. David Leffell, Professor of Dermatology & Surgery at Yale School of Medicine. “When children are playing in the sun and surf, they have specific sun care needs.”

Here are some sun care tips to help create your family’s sun care strategy:

• Stage a coverup-Wear dark-colored, tightly woven clothing, along with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

• Cover all the bases-It’s easy to overlook spots like your ears, neck, shoulders and the back of your neck, but they need sunscreen, too. So does your scalp, if your child has thin or short hair.

• Reapply, reapply, reapply -Slap on another coat of sunscreen as needed–and be sure to reapply after swimming, perspiring, vigorous activity or toweling off.

• Select sunscreens that can keep up with kids-When children are playing in the sun and surf, they have specific sun care needs. Use waterproof sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher, and look for products that are quick and easy to apply to squirmy kids, like COPPERTONE KIDS CONTINUOUS SPRAY SPF 50. (Keep babies under 6 months of age out of the sun and consult a doctor before applying sunscreen.)

• Be a shade seeker-Duck the sun’s rays the obvious way: Stay in the shade whenever possible! Avoid outdoor activities when the sun’s rays are strongest (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.).

Families can enjoy the outdoors while staying safe by having a solid action plan in place that includes cover-up clothing, timely activities and the right sunscreen.

Sunscreen manufacturers offer a variety of products to protect children’s skin from the harmful effects of the sun. The makers of Coppertone, America’s original sunscreen, recently launched COPPERTONE KIDS CONTINUOUS SPRAY SPF 50, a sunscreen that offers quick and even coverage at the touch of a button. The clear, no-rub formula and twist-lock cap eliminate spills and messy hands and make reapplication a breeze-especially when dealing with on-the-go kids. This SPF 50 formulation contains the sunscreen ingredient avobenzone for broad-spectrum protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

“The convenience offered through continuous-spray sunscreens is especially helpful in protecting children from the harmful effects of the sun because parents will be more willing to apply and reapply, which is a critical factor in better sun protection,” said Dr. Leffell.

Being strategic about sun exposure combined with proper sunscreen use will help decrease the chance of sunburn and the potential of some types of skin cancer down the road. By planning their sun care strategy in advance, parents can enjoy outdoor family activities such as playing in the waves and watching the sun set.

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Becoming a parent is a life changing event, and while bringing up children certainly can be a joyful experience there’s no denying that it can also place huge stresses on you as a mother or father. Commonly recommended ways of dealing with stress in other areas of life tend to involve ‘getting away from it all’, such as visits to the gym or a game of squash to release the tension. However, being a parent is a full time job and it’s not always possible to take time out in this way.

Luckily, there are several ways of dealing with your stress that actively involve your children, and so are much easier to apply to your day to day life. You’ll also probably find that enjoying time with your children while simultaneously lowering your stress levels will deepen your mutual bonds and strengthen your relationship – which sounds like a good thing all round!

Once your child is old enough to walk, you’ll likely find yourself constantly watching out for them as they use their seemingly unlimited energy to explore both their environment and their own physical skills and potentials. This can sometimes be draining of the parents’ energy and a factor of stress, but why not use the situation to your advantage? Harness their energy and curiosity by taking them to a safe place such as a park or the open country, and join in with their games in the sunshine and fresh air. Exercise is a proven stress-buster, and outdoor fun with your kids is probably more enjoyable than a gym workout, and almost certainly less expensive!

Artistic expression is good for your child’s development, and also good for the parent’s soul. Join in with your child’s painting sessions, let yourself go, and get as covered in paint as she does. You might not create a masterpiece, but you’ll have fun together and this small reversion to your own childhood can provide relief from your stressed adult world.

In a similar vein, music can be another great aid in the battle against stress. Maybe the most obvious way of using music is to choose something mellow and relaxing, but this is unlikely to appeal to your child as much as it does to you, and so is perhaps best left until after they’re in bed and you can listen in peace. A better choice is a piece of music that has energy and encourages dancing. Your child will need no encouragement to get down and boogie, but maybe you will – try it, let yourself go a little, jump around a bit, and you can both laugh with each other and at yourselves.

If you’re still feeling stressed, then head for your child’s toybox and choose the noisiest toy you can find. Something like a drum is ideal. Let out your pent up frustrations by making a total racket – your child may be bemused at first but should soon enter into the spirit of things. One thing to bear in mind though, is that this last activity is perhaps best conducted in the safety of your own home, and away from the eyes of non-parent adults who may not quite understand!

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Chores Can Help your Child Learn about Teamwork and a Strong Work Ethic
Chores can help develop a sense of responsibility and self worth in your child. It should be understood by all family members they are expected and necessary to a household running successfully and efficiently. They can help create a sense of unity and family and is a great place for your child to learn about teamwork. Parents should take special care to handle the delegation of chores to children so they don’t become a source of frustration or create arguments.
Allow your child to have an active say in the delegation of chores. Give them choices. We all have household chores that we don’t like to do, but if it’s a chore the child enjoys doing then there’s less likelihood it will create a battle in the end. The child will most likely appreciate having the chance to be heard and having a choice.
It’s imperative that you set parameters early on for the successful completion of a chore. They may not perform up to snuff when they first start performing the chore, but show them where improvement is needed and praise them for a strong effort. Also make sure the child understands there will be repercussions if they only put forth a minimal effort. Ensure the child understands the need for the chore’s effective and efficient completion. Set consequences for substandard completion as a team. Make sure they see that if they don’t perform their chores, it affects the other members of the team. Spouses must work together and be a strong example for their children by completing their own chores each day. And don’t allow a child to undermine your authority by battling with you over a designated chore. Stand your ground and don’t give in, and emphasize the consequence and negative effect an uncompleted chore has on the family.
And keep an open mind when a child wants to discuss their thoughts or express their opinions about chores. Make sure the conversation stays positive and on target.

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A baby shower is a good way to welcome an expecting woman to motherhood. It doesnt even matter whether the baby shower that is being celebrated is the mothers first or not. Baby showers are fun events especially for women, and women no matter the age love girl parties.

Baby shower events are not as stiff today as tradition dictated. Anyone can participate in a baby shower unlike before when only non-relatives can. What is important is someone cared enough to initiate the shower except of course the mother.

A baby shower is a celebration of motherhood as well as celebrating birth and fertility. And so a baby shower should pose no restrictions. Anyone can initiate it. Close friends, a sister or even a group of people so long as they want to share the fun and responsibilities in hosting the event.

The best people to be invited to baby shower parties are those that are in the expectant mothers list. The best way to kick the invitations off is through the good old-fashioned hand written messages. E-mails and other electronic devices can be used invite guests but handwritten messages are the best medium to set the tone of the party. If the celebration were not for a first born, it would be safer to invite only the soon-to-be-mothers and those that havent attended a baby shower yet.

Traditionally, males are not invited to baby shower parties but in todays more open interaction, there could be males who would genuinely want to experience what baby showers are. If so, have them in but prepare food for them other than the traditional artsy cutesy food. There are just tastes that males would always prefer. The games also have to be designed so that the male guests do not remain spectators and observers during the entire celebration.

The ideal date to hold a baby shower is about one to two months before the baby arrives. This is also a good lead-time for the expecting mother to shop around for items for the infant that has been missed in the gift giving. Baby showers are best held in the mothers house or backyard but it can also be just as fine in any function hall and the churchs fellowship area.

One of the most lively and exciting parts in the baby shower party is during gift giving. This can be made more exciting if each guest has a theme for her present. Gift baskets are popular and can easily be themed. Bathtubs, linen, infant accessory baskets, toy bins, hampers, name it, theming can easily be done and in a more creative way. While baby showers are dedicated to motherhood, it would also be a good idea to give gifts to the baby that fathers would appreciate like bibs and linen with an I love my dad on it.

It will be presumed that second time mothers would require less baby gear. If that is so, gifts for the mother will also be appropriate like gift checks, and nursing accessories.

Baby showers are great ways to express affinity and friendship. Everyone appreciates kind and well-intentioned thoughts. Parents all over the world are flattered when their children are appreciated. Baby showers are one of the events that anyone can use to rekindle bonds and relationships.

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Dear Daughter,

I love you so much. I wish that I could always protect you from all dangers, but I know that I cant. You are growing up and you will have to face dangers and make some decisions on your own. However, I am always here and I can always be a pretty good coach. Please talk to me anytime about any problem you may have, even if you have messed up. I have messed up a few times myself.

I was thinking about my last letter on dating. I would like to continue those thoughts. As I think about the potential dangers to avoid, drugs and alcohol are at the top of the list.

The moment you learn that a boyfriend is using any type of illegal drug, begin choosing the location for the break up. Never let the relationship continue thinking that he will give up the drugs for you. I know this sounds cruel, but it is true. People who are using drugs will look you in the eye and convincingly lie about the drug use. The drug use actually alters their personality. They will lie and do things that they wouldnt normally do.

When you break up with someone over drug use, its a little different situation. As described before, choose a semi-private but public location, such as a restaurant. Take your own transportation and enough one dollar bills to pay for whatever you order, if you are meeting in a restaurant.

Get straight to the issue. If you like him, tell him so. If he has some good points, compliment him. Then tell him that you cannot continue dating him because he uses drugs. Tell him that this is something you decided long ago and that you are sticking to it. If it is true, tell him that you still consider him to be a friend, but you will not date him.

He will try to minimize the drug use. He may say that he doesnt use drugs that often, and that its no big deal, everyone does it. He may say that he can quit anytime he wants to quit. He may try to make you feel guilty for treating him so badly. Dont believe any of this. Tell him that only he can decide what he wants to do, you wish him the best and that you hope, for his sake, he does decide to give up the drugs. Get up and leave.

In about a week or so he may call to tell you that he is off all drugs and doing great. Congratulate him and tell him that you will not consider dating him until he has been drug free for at least a year. He will then try to make you feel bad for being so unreasonable. He may even try to make you feel guilty for not helping him stay off drugs by continuing the relationship. Without you he may start using drugs again. Dont buy any of this. Tell him that it is up to him to quit the drugs, not you. You are not responsible for his behavior. By the way, if you are thinking that everyone does some drugs so there is no one left to date, you are hanging around the wrong people.

While we are on the subject, do we need to talk about drug use? I dont think that we do, but if we do, please, please, lets talk. You need to know that there is a lot of false information out there, most of which comes from the people who are using the drugs. They make it sound really good. Its not. I have seen many people lose their family, friends, their productive lifestyle, and sometimes their life, because the drug became number one in their life.

Do you know what upsets me the most? Not a single one of those people set out to destroy their life. I am certain that if these people had known what destruction lay ahead, they would have never taken that first drug that seemed so harmless. In reality, the most dangerous illegal drug is the first one taken. It seems so harmless in the beginning.

In spite of the seriousness of drug use there is a simple solution; simply dont do it. Dont take that first drug. No matter how harmless it may seem or how good other people make it sound, dont do it. Make that decision now, before you find yourself faced with friends who are encouraging you to just try it. Make the decision now so that you will not have to decide when under pressure. There comes a time when you have to make some decisions about yourself. Make good decisions.

By the way, what would you do if you were with a group of friends and suddenly alcohol or an illegal drug turns up? You may be thinking Dont take it. Thats a good answer, but you must do more in this situation. You must leave the group immediately. If the individual with the drugs or alcohol is caught and arrested, the whole group will be arrested. It is important that you choose wisely when it comes to friends. I will have more to say about this in a future letter.

Let me also mention a few things about alcohol. Alcohol is probably the most dangerous drug available in terms of destruction to individuals and families. The reason it is so destructive is because it is legal, socially accepted and readily available.

For those who have trouble with alcohol, the onset of problems is slow and not even noticeable to the victim. Victims of both drug and alcohol dependence often have their world falling apart all around them, and they are in total denial of the problem and the consequences.

You are under age. It is illegal for you to drink alcohol. This makes my advice simple for now. Dont do it. Its that simple. No doubt you will find yourself at a party and there will be alcohol present. Dont do it, leave immediately. Its illegal and you could be arrested.

When you become an adult and are living on your own, you will have to decide what you will do about alcohol. Some people can drink socially and never have a problem with alcohol abuse or dependence. Other people begin with social drinking and the use slowly increases until it becomes abuse with the entire range of social, and eventually, physical problems. Which group are you in? I dont know either.

I want you to know that there is a danger involved. To avoid the danger, the best thing to do is choose to not drink alcohol. This is the safest route and the one that I recommend to you.

As far as dating someone who is using alcohol, it is similar to the drug issue. You are under age. If your date brings alcohol around you, he is putting you in danger. You could be arrested. He is being irresponsible and this is your cue to plan the break up. What if he is older and is of legal age to use alcohol? It doesnt matter. He is still endangering you. Plan the break up.

What will you do later on, when you are of legal age to drink alcohol, and your boyfriend drinks alcohol? This is not a black and white situation. If you have chosen the safe route and you do not drink alcohol, you may have decided that you will only date people who, like you, do not drink alcohol. If so, this simplifies things.

On the other hand, if you wish to continue dating the person, there may or may not be danger. As discussed earlier, some people have trouble with alcohol and some dont. If the relationship becomes serious, discuss your concerns with him. If you have a good relationship, an in-depth discussion should not be a problem. Remember that you always have access to professional drug and alcohol counselors who can help you evaluate your situation. Be sure you are comfortable with the situation up front rather than after the marriage.

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