In the heat of summer, nothing is more refreshing then a dip in the pool. Check out these mommy must haves that will help you make the most of your outing.

	Baby Silk Sunscreen Towelettes. You know your little one needs it, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to get sunscreen on a wiggly child. These handy, babysafe wipes simplify the whole ordeal. They come saturated with a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen that is water resistant and sweat proof. $26 at mdmoms.com.
	Cabana Life Terry Cover Up. When you’re not splashing in the water, shield your child’s skin with sunscreen clothing. You may not realize it, but not all fabrics have UV protection. This cover up is made from a lightweight terry cloth made with a tight weave offering 50+ UV Protection. $50 at cabanalife.com
	Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Packpack. This diaper bag is the perfect place to stow away all the necessities for your outing. We love that you can wear it as a backpack, but it also doubles as a shoulder bag. The aqua color of the Coconut Roll fabric is perfectly reminiscent of the pool. $158 at.
	Oopa Baby Sling. Keeping tabs on multiple children at the pool can be a problem. While the older kids wade in the water, you can watch on the sidelines with baby tucked safely in a sling — you’ll be most grateful to have two free hands when it comes time to referee. We love the lightweight pique fabric of this sling, perfect for summertime. $150 at oopababy.com.
	101 Cool Pool Games for Children. Ever wonder why Marco Polo is so popular? Perhaps it is because it’s the only pool game people know. You’ll be the coolest mom at the pool when you share the knowledge found in this fun book — packed with ideas to keep your little fish entertained. There is also a bonus section on water exercises. $10 at amazon.com.

– Bettijo B. Hirschi

Q: How can I best prepare my child for beginning preschool?

The Mommy Panel’s Advice:

Beginning preschool or day care are major steps for every child, and each of us worries that our child may be the one facing a rocky transition. I have been there, seen this scenario first hand. When my daughter Kyle started her first year of preschool, the three 20-year veteran teachers Rita, Kay, and Irene assured us parents that they had the transition down pat. They ushered us into a separate classroom, welcomed us to hot coffee and donuts, and asked us to stay and chat for a half hour to get to know each other. They reassured us that over the past decade they never have had to come up and get a parent. That was, never until that morning. Kay popped her head into the parent coffee klatch well underway and asked in a soft voice, “Is Kyle’s Mom here?” read more

Even with our best efforts to teach our youngsters about life, there are bound to be a few blunders as kids apply their newfound “wisdom” to the world around them. If only children could understand tact before they learned to talk. The best thing to do in this kind of situation is laugh — laugh as hard as you can.

Gender Confusion. My three-year old had recently become interested in the differing anatomy of males and females and asking questions about what it was called and who had what. I tried to answer his questions as best as I could and hoped to let the topic rest for a while. A few weeks later we were attending church (a very large conservative church! with my in-laws and had him in the service with us. It came time for the children’s service down in front and they had a woman dressed up in crazy clothes with a wig to tell the story to the children that morning. My son was standing on the pew with us watching her very intently (I was so proud that he was quietly listening — haha!. All of a sudden he blurted out, “Mommy, does she have a penis?” The entire section around us turned their heads around so quickly or just started shaking with laughter in the pews. My husband grabbed my hand and tears were streaming down our cheeks from laughing so hard (and humilation!. We were just frozen and had no idea what to do — we didn’t even think to respond to the question and thankfully he did not ask it over and over again as he usually does. He made quite an impression on the congregation that day! –Arlington, VA   read more

With few peaceful moments left in a mother’s day, nap time becomes a most cherished time. Catching a little shut eye for yourself is always a fitting activity, but this self-massage relaxation exercise will leave you refreshed in minutes and then you can decide what to do with the remaining sacred seconds.

STEP 1. Begin by preparing a nurturing environment where you can relax. You’ll want to find somewhere quiet where you could dim the lights, if desired.

STEP 2. Take in three cleansing breaths by breathing deeply from the navel and then holding for a second before releasing. As you breathe, imagine that you are letting go of all your stress and cares from the day.

STEP 3. Place your right hand on the opposite shoulder reaching back as far as comfortable, using the pad of your fingers make strokes in a circular motion, moving upwards over the muscles between your spine and shoulder blade. Repeat three times and switch sides.

STEP 4. Place your hand near the base of your neck on the opposite shoulder using the whole hand squeeze the muscles starting here.
Continue squeezing the muscle working your way along the top of the shoulder continue all way down your upper arm to your elbow.
Hold and release varying pressure according to your comfort level.
Repeat three times and switch sides.

STEP 5. Place your right thumb in the hollow behind the collarbone of the left side, using your fingers pinch and release all along the top of your shoulder — breathe out as you pinch, breathe in as you release. This is wonderful for deep tension and stress release. Repeat three times and switch sides.

STEP 6. Place one hand on your forehead and one on the back of your neck. With the hand in back, start at the top and use a circular finger stroke to massage down the sides of your neck. Repeat this time using your entire hand to squeeze and release along the back of the neck.

STEP 7. With both hands clasp the back of your head with your thumbs at the base of your neck behind the ears. Working inward along the ridge of the scull, apply pressure with your finger tips and move over your head with circular strokes, stopping along the way to apply pressure and hold for a few seconds releasing deep stress and tension.

STEP 8. Finish by relaxing your arms into your lap and breathe in three more deep cleansing breaths releasing any lingering stress or worrying thoughts from the day.

– Frieda Bovine

Frieda is a licensed massage therapist, certified aromatherapist, actress, and mother of one. She lives in West Hollywood with her husband who plays tennis professionally. Frieda owns an organic bath and body care line called JK Soul Salts.