While all you really need to paint your nails is a bottle of polish, your nails will look more beautiful if you use a few extra products to ensure a neat, even manicure. Here's what you need: Clear base coat Nail polish Clear top coat Cotton swabs This will be a clear polish or hardener that protects the nail and helps the manicure last longer. Let the base coat dry completely before moving on. Some base coats are a little tacky, making it easier for the colorful polish to stick. Roll the bottle between your hands for a few seconds to warm it up and mix the polish. Open the bottle and dip the brush into the pain, then swirl it against the rim to remove excess polish. To paint nails evenly, start with a vertical stripe down the center of the nail, then a stripe on either side. Allow the polish to completely dry. Try to paint all the way to the edge of the nails without getting polish on your skin. It helps to angle the brush forward and press gently to make the bristles spread out. If you get polish on your skin, use a cotton swab to wipe it off while it's still wet. This will ensure that the color looks rich and even. After the first coat is completely dry, apply a second in the same manner: do a stripe down the center of each nail, then stripes on either side. Again, let it completely dry. This seals in the polish and adds a little extra shine. Top coat will help your nails stay beautiful for several extra days before chipping. Once your top coat is dry, the manicure is complete. Once you get the hang of painting your nails, you might want to try your hand at nail art. You could keep it simple by doing a simple two-tone look, or create mini works of art by using extra colors to paint detailed designs. Here are a few ideas: Do a French manicure Do ombre nails Create a marble effect Paint flowers on your nails Paint pandas on your nails

Summary: Gather your supplies. Apply the base coat to your nails. Apply nail polish to your nails. Apply a second coat of polish. Apply clear top coat. Consider fun designs.

Don't wait to ask her on the day of the dance. She might already have a date by then, and there's a chance that she'll think she wasn't your first choice. Ask her around two to three weeks before the dance. This also gives her time to figure out what to wear. Spend a few minutes going over what you want to say so you don't trip over your words when the time comes. You can even practice in front of the mirror until your question sounds casual and sincere. Make sure you have a go-with-the-flow attitude. . You don't have to go all out and wear something like a suit; save that for the dance. Just make sure you've showered, your hair looks nice, and that you're wearing an outfit that doesn't look sloppy. Use deodorant and brush your teeth beforehand. Don't overdo it on the cologne, as this might push her away. If she says she doesn't like you in that way or just says "no," then back off. Nothing ticks a girl off more than an annoying guy that doesn't leave her alone. Not only is it rude, but it can make her dislike you more. If she says "no," do not ask why. Say something like, "Oh, all right. No problem." If she says, "I'll think about it," don't call her for a confirmed response. Wait until she calls you back. If she doesn't call back three days before the date of the dance, take it as a no.

Summary: Ask her a few weeks before the dance. Practice what you'll say. Dress nicely Remember, no means no.

Child abuse can take on many different forms, and it's important to know how to recognize each of them. Not all sexual abuse is physical, so even if your child isn't being molested, they could be in harm's way. Here are examples of the types of abuse that can occur: Touching a child's genitals for sexual pleasure Making a child touch someone else's genitals (an adult's or another child's) Showing pornography to a child Taking inappropriate pictures of a child Showing a child an adult's genitals or encouraging a child to watch sexual acts From a very early age, teach your child that certain body parts should never be touched by someone other than the child. Many parents define these body parts as everything that would be covered by a bathing suit. Teach your child that if someone attempts to touch them in a private area, they should say "no" and tell you as soon as possible. Some parents use the "good touch, bad touch, secret touch" method to teach their children about touching. A good touch is one that is welcome, like a high five. A bad touch is one that hurts, like a kick or punch. A secret touch is one that a child is told to keep a secret. Tell your child to let you know right away if a bad or secret touch happens. Kids are a lot more likely to confide in their parents if they aren't afraid they'll get in trouble. They must also feel that their parents will believe what they say. Start fostering a trusting and positive relationship with your child so that they know that no matter what, you're there to help. If your child brings up a problem - even a problem unrelated to potential abuse - never be dismissive. Always take your child seriously and help your child find a way to solve the problem. One important way to create open lines of communication with your child is to have regular conversations. Maybe your schedule is packed and you're always on the go, but make time every day to ask your child about their life. Stay on top of your child's activities, who they spend time with, and how they are feeling every single day. That way, if something out of the ordinary occurs, you'll know right away. Make sure your child is feeling emotionally supported, too. Children who don't feel they are getting enough attention at home are more vulnerable to predators. Sexual predators tend to target kids who don't seem like they have much adult supervision. Be there for your child's games, practices, rehearsals and field trips. If you plan to leave your child in the care of someone else, make sure you know and trust them - from extended family members to teachers to coaches and family friends. If your child tells you they are being molested, do not dismiss it - even if the news is completely shocking. Remember that most perpetrators of sexual abuse are people the child knows and trusts. Just 10% are strangers to the child. If you have reason to believe someone is abusing your child, take these steps: Keep your child away from the abuser. Call the Emergency Services and report the abuser to the local authorities. Call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.4.A.CHILD for more information about reporting the abuse. Get medical attention for your child. It's important to take your child to the doctor to find out if they were physically harmed. Take your child to counseling. The psychological trauma of abuse often outlasts the physical trauma. Therapy can help your child find ways to cope.
Summary: Know what constitutes abuse. Teach your child that certain body parts are private. Build a trusting relationship with your child. Get in the habit of talking every day. Get involved at your child's school and be present at their activities. Act on what your child tells you.