Category Archives: Family

Mar31

They Raised You, Now You Raise Them: Looking After Aging Parents

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They Raised You, Now You Raise Them: Looking After Aging Parents

It’s one of those things in life that we all need to do at some point. As we get older we become more aware of our mortality and it’s when we end up looking after our parents that we can truly realize just how precious life is. But when we are looking after our parents it can take its toll on us. Whether you decide to put them into a nursing home or you try your best to push through without any professional help you need to understand what it takes to cope with looking after them. What are the best things to consider?

The Right Professional Help:

You may feel that to truly make the most of the situation so you don’t feel bound by various pressures that you put them in a care home. And many can do it thinking that it will be a better outcome for everyone concerned. However, this is not always the case. It all depends on the home. But you also need to be aware if there is something untoward going on.

There can be elderly abuse, something no one really likes to think about, but it’s definitely worth considering. There are websites like Chony.org that can help if you’ve got to the point where you put your parents in a home and there is something untoward going on. Professional help will always be beneficial because you are are able to make the most of a difficult situation. But you still have to do your homework. If the worst is happening, the immediate first step is to get your parents out of that situation. Then, you must find a lawyer for nursing home abuse or neglect to ensure that they get the justice they deserve. Pay close attention when you visit your loved ones for any signs of injury or emotional duress as this is a major warning sign.

If you are going the care home route or considering moving to an assisted living facility, it is so important to research different options extensively. Schedule tours, seek out excellent recommendations, and try to get a feel for the inner workings of each place. Is their Facilities Management staff trustworthy? Is the food served nutritious? Do they have friendly and responsible caregivers? This will all give you and your loved one peace of mind so don’t settle for anything less.

The Sibling Situation:

It can be incredibly stressful coping with looking after your parents so you may feel that if you’ve got siblings that they can help, but this can cause a lot of issues. It could be to do with the inheritance or it could just dig up old sibling rivalries. On Psychologytoday.com there are some pieces of information to consider when dealing with siblings. It’s never an easy thing to navigate when you are are looking out for the welfare of your parents especially if you’ve got a sibling that is just waiting for their slice of the inheritance. Do what you can for the benefit of the parent, not anybody else.

Looking After Yourself:

Having some “me” time is easier said than done in these situations but it’s crucial for your own sense of sanity. Whether you are looking after them yourself or you are feeling the stress because you put them in a home, you have to remember that life goes on for you, especially if you’ve got people dependent on you. You have got to make sure that you are looking after yourself properly. This means that it’s not just about the financial aspects but it’s about giving yourself that breathing space when you feel that it’s all too much. Take that opportunity to step back when necessary and assess the situation. It’s a very stressful situation for anybody. And feeling that you have to push through won’t do you any favors a few months down the line.

Coping with aging parents regardless of the situation is never easy but it’s something that we all will have to figure out at some point. Make sure that you are coping with the situation, not just for your benefit but for the benefit of those that really matter.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar22

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

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Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

Hello! Today is a happy, special, wonderful day because it is my mom’s birthday! My mom is my best friend and, although she deserves to be celebrated all day every day on and off the blog, I always look forward to bragging about her for her annual birthday post! With two new grandchildren being born in 2019, my mom had an exciting year and I can only hope that 2020 will continue to offer the best of all of life’s sweet surprises to her. Now, let’s take a look at this beauty:

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Jane is a loving mother and grandmother and she is also a bona fide, badass, cancer survivor. We are so thankful for her remission status and, whenever I am struggling with something, I always remember the positive outlook my mom kept during that difficult time and it instantly makes things easier. No matter what curveball has been thrown at my mom, her shine never manages to dull. In fact, it radiates even more strongly and I think everyone can learn from that.

My mom is amazing and she has this beautiful gift that makes everyone around her feel amazing too. It’s hard not to when we’re together, considering you can literally feel the pride that she has for her family, grandchildren, and dogs! My mom is proud of me but I am even more proud to be her daughter and I will always aspire to be half of the woman that she is someday.

I LOVE YOU, MOM! ❤

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Jan13

Making Learning Fun

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Making Learning Fun

Young kids love to learn. They are like sponges, soaking up any knowledge that they are offered. They are keen to learn and to practice new skills. Then, as they get older, things start to change. They might start to rebel against the idea of learning, avoiding studying, and complain about active learning. They might moan about going to school or hate the idea of sitting down to do their homework. As parents, we’re in a unique position to show them that learning can always be fun. That enjoyment of education isn’t something that gets left behind when school learning becomes more academically focused. Here are some of the things that you could try.

Create Puzzles:

Creating puzzles is a really easy way to learn but also to reinforce knowledge and help with knowledge retention. Use WordMint to create word searches and crosswords around subjects that they are studying or otherwise interested in. Alternatively, let them create puzzles, using their own knowledge, for you to complete. They’ll love being the teacher for a change.

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Pixabay Image

Use Your Imagination:

Very young children learn a lot through pretend play. They learn how a kitchen works by pretending to cook for you. They learn about dinosaurs by pretending to explore a Jurassic world. Not only is imaginative play plain fun but it also provides children with a plethora of benefits in language and cognitive development. Imaginative play can still be a valuable learning tool for older children, but you might want to bring in some tools, such as Lego, to help them to immerse themselves in a pretend world.

Manipulate Objects:

Playing with LEGO, building a fort, or even learning how to use a microscope are all fun ways to encourage learning by doing. Tactile play helps hone children’s social, emotional, and cognitive skills all while having fun! What’s great about these strategies is that they can be applied across various subjects and can be designed in many different ways so your options are limitless!

Read Stories:

Fiction is a great way to learn more about different worlds, times, and ways of life. Find stories set in times or places that they are learning about. Even big blockbuster films about topics of study can be an effective way to learn, as long as you take the time to sort fact from fiction and clue them in.

Make a Mess:

Messy play can be a great way to learn. Experiment with basic chemistry, use play-doh to craft volcanoes or mountain ranges. Paint seas and sea life. Getting messy is such fun, get some supplies, enjoy crafting, creating, and building together. Just try not to get stressed out about the mess!

Talk About What You’ve Seen:

Encourage learning by talking about what you have seen and done. Don’t just build a model or watch a film and then leave it at that. Speak about what you’ve seen or experienced. Encourage your child to ask questions and ask them your own. Spend time researching anything that they want to know more about and enjoy open debate.

Get Outdoors:

Getting outdoors is a great way to learn more about nature and the world around us and inspire conversation. Give them the freedom to explore and let them lead you on a trek through your local parks.

Learning never has to be boring. Use the tips above and watch your child’s interest in education grow!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec13

Puppy Love

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Puppy Love

Hello everyone! This past week, we welcomed a brand new tiny, furry member to our family and he goes by the name of Archie! My mom and dad adopted a new baby brother for our little terrier, Ollie, from One Of A Kind Pets in Akron and he is the sweetest ball of Golden Retriever fluff you will ever see in your life. Take a look and prepare accordingly for your heart to melt:

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We Mushenheims are a lover of all dogs big and small but we have a special place in our heart for Golden Retrievers. Sadly, our sweet golden, Gem, passed several months ago and we still mourn the loss of her and all of our fallen angel pets. However, we have always been a two dog family and, once we felt the time was appropriate and we were ready, we began to look into different pet rescue sites for a new pup to adopt.

After a handful of failed meet and greets with some of the dogs we were interested in because little Ollie straight up didn’t like them, we were beginning to lose hope. And, then, tiny Archie rolled into One Of A Kind Pets, an amazing rescue organization, and we decided to give it one more try.

My parents brought Ollie into One Of A Kind to meet Archie and, thankfully, they got along swimmingly… Probably because they’re the exact same size for now! So, needless to say, the adoption was a go! We have never had a puppy before, as we’ve always opted for older pups and it is definitely a different change of pace. Archie is three months old and loves to chew on everything, sleep, and then continue to chew on everything. 😀

We are so in love with our new little baby and, although Ollie remains indifferent to everything, I think he likes him too. I can’t wait to watch Archie grow and play and I am obsessed with that uber soft puppy fur! He is already and irreplaceable part of our family and we are so thankful to One Of A Kind Pets for bringing him to us. ❤

Have you gotten a new pet recently? What animals do you have at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov9

Holiday Shopping Head Start: Baby Niece Edition

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Holiday Shopping Head Start: Baby Niece Edition

Hi! We are on a fast track to the holiday season and it is definitely that time of the year where I like to start getting my Christmas shopping in order. I always prefer to get my shopping done in November so that when December rolls around, all I have to do is sit back, relax, and be thankful that I beat the crazy rushes in the stores and ordered gifts online with ample time for them to arrive.

This year, there is a new addition in the family to shop for – my baby niece, Valerie Jane. Val was born in the beginning of March and she is the apple of everyone’s eye. This includes her two pups at home, Tydus and Winston! Valerie loves her big brothers and animals in general so when I saw this darling Fisher-Price Bounce and Spin Puppy at Walmart, I just had to get it for her. Check it out:

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^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to this video!

Valerie is a very active little lady and, nine times out of ten, you can find her crawling about and playing with her toys. I thought that the bounce and spin puppy combined the best of both worlds for her – her very own doggy friend to ride on as well as something that is very physical to help wear her out for nap time! This puppy dog teaches all kinds of cool stuff like numbers, colors, and letters and it also sings songs while improving the baby’s balance. At fifty bucks, I thought that it was a steal and it will be something that Val can enjoy for a long time.

Will baby V remember her puppy from her auntie when she’s older? Probably not. But, I will certainly remember watching her play on it and I cannot wait for her first Christmas! :*)

Are you an early or last minute holiday shopper? What do you like to gift for babies or children? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep20

Sweet Surprises: I LOVE YOU, MOM! Edition

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Sweet Surprises: I LOVE YOU, MOM! Edition

Salutations! I’m sure that all of you know by now that my parents are kind of amazing. And, by kind of, I mean very. In their own way, they are constantly doing for their children, even though we are all grown ass adults now. For example, when I was in college, my dad would always have coffee ready for me before class in the morning. It’s always the simple things that mean the most to me and that particularly touched me and I’ve been graduated for three years now.

My mom is also an excellent surpriser and recently treated me to this gorgeous headband from TJMaxx. She ordered it online while doing some shopping of her own and I am in love. Check it out:

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My mom is my shopping partner in crime and it has been that way for as long as I can remember. I wouldn’t want it any other way and it is so much fun enabling each other with our TJMaxx shopping hauls both in store and online. Because my mom has been with me during literally every shopping trip ever, she knows my style like the back of her hand so she is always picking things out for me that she knows I would like it.

This headband is no exception and my mom was spot on because she knows that I have developed a slight obsession with hair accessories. Clips, hats, veils, and ribbons I love it all and this headband just might be my new favorite. The thick woven texture and the perfect for fall color palette with the gold, cream, and olive green not only compliments my style, complexion, and hair to the T but will also be a fantastic add on to my autumn OOTDs.

I am so appreciative to my parents for their continued love and support for all I do in my life and Sweet Surprises like this make me feel even closer to them. So, thanks mom and dad for being you! ❤

What do your loved ones surprise you with? Who is your shopping partner in crime? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep10

The Importance Of After-School Activities For Kids

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The Importance Of After-School Activities For Kids

Being able to give your kids the best start in life is important to any parent and, with that, their education and the life experiences they have growing up is essential. Activities for your kids can help keep them engaged and on a successful path. There are plenty of reasons why after-school activities are important to take part in for your children, like the following:

New Experiences:

As a child, you remember everything, and that’s both the good times and the bad. The experiences you get through life help you become who you are when you reach adulthood and, even then, you’re still learning! After-school activities will provide your children with new experiences that they may not get in the school itself. Opening them up to more of this is only going to be better for creating the memories that will stay with them forever and that they may end up passing onto their children.

The Opportunity To Socialize:

Being in a group environment and meeting new people helps to build a child’s ability to socialize successfully. Being shy is nothing to be worried about as this is a personality trait, just like any other. However, it’s good that even someone who’s shy can still have a conversation with someone. Doing activities that involve sports or team communication are a great way to help speak to others and, more importantly, to find those friendship groups where they fit in. It’s often something we learn as we grow, but there’s no harm in finding those you know you’ll like sooner!

Helps Them Figure Out Their Passions:

With an afterschool stem class, there’s so much more that a child could be tapping into that they just don’t get in normal school timetables. This is where passions can be discovered, and it may end up helping them in figuring out what career they’d like to do when they’re older. Of course, as children grow up, their career aspirations dramatically change. However, there’s nothing wrong with encouraging that exploration into what brings them happiness and joy.

Builds Confidence:

Confidence is something that some are naturally gifted with and, for others, it’s something you gain and grow over time. Being confident can help push you to achieve what you want in life. As a child, being in a new environment can feel a little nerve-racking, but the more that they’re exposed to these activities, the more confidence you’ll see in them each time. As parents, it can be wonderful to see this confidence in your children. To see them be determined or to not let anything get in their way is one life lesson that’s certainly worth learning for everyone.

After-school activities contribute to giving the best start in life for your child. Find some classes or groups that they might have interest in and watch them grow!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Aug10

Tattoo You: Parent Appreciation Edition

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Tattoo You: Parent Appreciation Edition

Hellooo everyone! In case you haven’t noticed, body modifications are my thing and have been important to me for well over a decade now. I love piercings, tattoos, and dyeing my hair. All of my body mods make me feel confident and beautiful and I always seem to be planning which tattoos I want to get next. But, until I get some new ones, hopefully in the next few months, I thought that I would give you guys a run down on some of my older ones. Take a look at one of my favorites, that had my mom and dad rolling their eyes so hard:

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^^^ Don’t mind the fact that it needs touched up! 😀

I have always been a huge fan of the American Traditional style tattoos and knew that I wanted to give my parents a shout out with one of them. And, upon the grand reveal to my mom and dad at my birthday dinner this year, both of them said “oh god” at the exact same time – it was hilarious! My mom has since embraced my commemorative heart to them while my dad would prefer it if I didn’t have any tattoos at all, lol. But, I think that he loves it deep down. 😉

My mom and dad are my literal favorite people in the world and I wanted something to make it feel like they’re always with me. I love the contrasting red and yellow from the heart and the scroll and it looks so nice underneath my Pan’s Labyrinth half sleeve. As per ushe, my tattoo artist, Emily, knocks it out of the park every time and, although my parent appreciation tat is fairly simple, it is one of my all time favorites.

How many tattoos do you have? Which one is your favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul17

LGBT Parenting: Issues, Biases, And Solutions

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LGBT Parenting: Issues, Biases, And Solutions

LGBT parenting is no different from that of heterosexual parents. That is, except for the prejudice that they are subjected to from different sectors of society. Biases on sexual orientation that separates them from the rest can be so significant that it can hinder them from bearing children or becoming adoptive parents. LGBT issues can mar discussions in a way that denies an otherwise capable and qualified individual to custody and parental rights.

How LGBT people can become parents:

Adoption is not the only way LGBT people can become parents and raise a child as their own. A couple can apply for and qualify as foster parents. Other ways to assume parenting roles include surrogacy, kinship care, from becoming a donor for insemination, and by raising a child from a heterosexual union in the past. If you are considering a third-party reproductive journey, experts like those at Ally Escrow Management can help you every step of the way and can ease a lot of stress. While this is an exciting journey, it can be a daunting one and you will want the right team in your corner.

A gay or lesbian person may want to be a parent as a single individual. The stresses and complications of single parenthood may be expected and should be dealt with accordingly. Couples may be thinking about exploring these options on how they can have children together.

Hurdles along the way:

Members of the LGBT community may be allowed shared parenting duties from a custody agreement between the birth parents. These days, LGBT adults are consulting with divorce lawyers in Albuquerque and family law practitioners to learn about their rights, and to determine how to overcome hurdles preventing them from raising a family of their own. There are many variables to consider, and members of the LGBT community should consider carefully the potential issues that may arise if they embrace the role of parenting a child.

If you have a shared custody arrangement, it is important to turn to reputable sources of information amidst the pandemic and read a few of their recent reports on seeing children who do not live with you all of the time to help keep everyone healthy.

Relevant issues associated with raising children:

The biases associated with preconceived gender roles can mark the experience of children growing up in an LGBT household. Parents who are members of the LGBT community want their children to be happy and healthy. Unfortunately, pervading beliefs circulate, and children who are otherwise living in harmony at home may encounter prejudice elsewhere. Contrary to popular belief, children being raised by LGBT parents do not experience sexual identity issues.

These children undergo expected patterns and are no different from children of similar age raised by heterosexual parents. Some studies reveal clearly that children in same-sex households do not necessarily suffer gender identity confusion. Also, gender-role behaviors observed in children with LGBT parents are still within convention and conformity by typical limits.

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LGBT parenting in America:

In the United States, the number of LGBT couples raising children has increased in the past two years. Raising a child together is a dream of couples who have pledged their lives to each other. Without a progressive point of view, and due to a lack of acceptance, members of the LGBT community who have the potential to become great parents miss out.

There are no significant differences between heterosexual couples and same-sex couples who have chosen to become parents. A child would grow up to be healthy in mind and body if he or she grows up in a supportive, loving, and nurturing environment.

Jun25

“Elderspeak” Done Right

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“Elderspeak” Done Right

The elderly population of America is growing these days. The Population Reference Bureau (PRB) report entitled “Aging in the United States” revealed that the number of Americans aged 65 and above will more than double from 46 million today to over 98 million by 2060. The group’s share of the country’s total population will rise to nearly 24 percent. Which means, it’s time everyone learns how to talk better to the elderly, particularly to their aging loved ones.

Elderspeak: A New Trend?

In an article, The Chicago Tribune talked about the proliferation of “elderspeak,” defined as a specialized type of speech younger adults use to communicate easily with their elders. According to the writer, Cindy Dampier, describes it as a “sugary tone” that mimics how people talk to pets or small children. It might seem like a harmless form of personal communication. After all, you’re trying to help aging loved ones by adjusting to their communication levels. On the contrary, it’s not always a good idea.

They’re Still Adults:

If you’re trying to open a conversation about Wichita hospice care or other important matters, refrain from talking to them in elderspeak. Keep in mind that the person you’re talking to is an adult who has more experience in life. They’ve raised kids, served their country, directed board meetings, and more. They are still adults who deserve to be treated (and talked to) like adults.

Words Can Have Consequences:

The popular children’s rhyme “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is untrue, especially with older adults (particularly those who are emotionally sensitive). A number of researches reveal that elderspeak can affect an elder’s mental and emotional welfare.

A study from the Yale School of Public Health reported that elders who experienced negative stereotypes associated with aging were more likely to have balance and memory problems. While the researchers didn’t study elderspeak in particular, the participants of the study encountered condescending communication styles from family, doctors, nurses, and other people in the community.

Kristin Willams, RN, Ph.D., of the University of Kansas also conducted a study on the effect of elderspeak on an elder’s health. She reported that aging individuals with Alzheimer’s disease became more resistant to care when people use elderspeak around them.

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There’s a Better Way to Talk:

Communication with aging loved ones can be challenging, especially if they are experiencing physical and mental problems. Still, there are better ways to talk without switching to baby talk for adults. First, be mindful of your tendency to speak down to elders and make a conscious effort to use a tone and words that echo dignity and encouragement.

Second, speak calmly and clearly without raising your voice. Always use a gentle and relaxed tone but talk at a slightly slower pace so that your loved one will understand you. Finally, exercise patience. It’s easier said than done because how the elderly respond to you is out of your control. How you respond to them, however, is in your hands.

There are always better ways to talk to your elderly loved ones. Instead of getting frustrated or subjecting them to elderspeak, a good rule of thumb is to interact with them in a way you would want them to treat you if the tables were turned.