Category Archives: Family

Jan27

Curiosity Kills? No – Kids’ Curiosity Gives Them Skills

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Curiosity Kills? No – Kids’ Curiosity Gives Them Skills

A major part of ensuring your children grow up intelligent is encouraging curiosity. We learn more than anything by asking questions. A person could walk past an almost silent classroom and be tricked into assuming that learning was going ahead perfectly. But the classroom where pupils are asking questions is more likely to see a real transfer of knowledge. As long as they’re the right questions, of course!

That curiosity is often what separates the child who will get A and A+ in their exams from those who will get just pass marks. When it comes to excelling in history, it is useful to know that Henry VIII divorced Catherine of Aragon. It is better yet to know why he did it. This curiosity is a part of any subject. Quite early on in learning a language, we will learn full sentences (such as “Comment t’appelles-tu?”). It might then be months or even years until we understand all the parts of that sentence. But understanding what each word means will give a student more confidence in speaking the language.

As a parent, it is useful to be able to encourage this kind of curiosity in a child. Taking a full part in your kids’ education can help them perform better in the classroom and in exams. Here are some tips to making your child’s life as educationally fun as possible:

If You’re Going To Watch TV, Find Time For Brainy Viewing: A lot of people have the opinion that watching TV is bad for children, insisting that they should be studying textbooks and doing homework. Of course, those parts of education are important, but TV can play a part, too. Historical dramas and documentaries on a range of subjects and the evening news are all worth watching. So, too, are quiz shows. Kids of all ages are pleased to see their knowledge reinforced. They will also be keen to enhance it in areas where they’re less strong at the moment.

You’ll Learn More By Traveling: It’s fair to say that if your child went on every school trip, it could end up costing you a great deal of money. Prioritizing the best ones for them can work out well, though. If they show a flair for languages, then school trips to Berlin and similar cities can enhance that knowledge. It’s also worth bearing it in mind when planning family holidays.

You can show support and encouragement for your child’s curiosity by participating in field trips too. You could provide transportation or be a chaperone, which will let your kiddo know you want to be there and learn. After the different expert-led school trips you take part in, make a point to discuss it with your child. What they liked, what could have been better, the most interesting thing that they learned, etc. This is a win/win situation as your kiddo will gain new knowledge as well as quality time with you!

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 Family vaca, anyone?

Take The Chance To Learn More Yourself: Any parent will know how much joy there is in teaching their young ones something and seeing it stick. From the moment they potty-train successfully onwards, there will be chances to do so. It never stops being satisfying. What we often don’t realize is that kids enjoy this feeling too. When you ask them about what they’re studying, and they tell you something you didn’t know, show how impressed you are and ask more questions. This will encourage them to keep learning themselves.

And if there’s a subject that you find interesting, why not take a few lessons yourself, at a night class or online? Speaking French around the house or swapping books on art or history can fuse a common interest which will be useful to you both. Curiosity, at any age, is something we should encourage.

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Jan23

Adventurous Ways To Get Fit As A Family

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Getting fit as a family is a great way to ensure that you all stay healthy and happy in the long run. If you start while your kids are young, you’re going to be teaching them great habits. They’ll learn that exercise and staying active is not a chore and become healthier adults. If you want to make sure that your fitness sessions together are never boring, here are some adventurous ways to get fit as a family:

Skiing: Skiing can be an amazing way to get fit for the whole family AND it’s also a great excuse to take a vacation together to practice your new skills. You’ll need lessons first, but then you can practice to your heart’s content. It can take some getting used to, but this is usually a hobby that stays with people for life.

Hiking: Hiking far and wide gives you a chance to explore the areas around you. You can hike famous trails, mountains, or even lesser known trails just for the views. You should be able to see some amazing things, burn some calories, get the benefits of exercising outside, and bond as a family. If you want a treat, you could even pack a picnic to eat at a nice spot on your journey.

Biking: You never forget the bike rides you enjoy together as a family. There’s nothing quite like cycling through somewhere scenic on a warm day with your family in toe. Maybe stopping somewhere for a snack and then continuing later on. Biking is so much fun that your family will barely realize they’re exercising. Buying your own bikes can be pricey at first, so it could be a good idea to rent a few and see how you feel after a couple of rides.

If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you might want to hit more rugged trails to bike on. However, you will need the proper bike to do so. A bike like the Surron electric bike adapts from paved trails to tough terrain with ease and allows you to explore places you would never experience on a regular bike. No matter what kind of bike you are riding, please be sure to wear a helmet!

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So precious!

Scuba Diving: If you want to try out some water sports as a family and you want something truly different, then scuba diving could be an option. You can do this on many exciting holiday resorts if you’re going away, but there are centers where you can get some practice in at, too. You will of course need to ensure you have the right gear, such as the Octobermoon second generation mask. Read reviews to make sure you make the right choice for yourself and your family.

Trampolining: You don’t need any kind of skill or any lessons to start trampolining. Simply climb on and bounce away! Kids can do this for hours without getting bored, and it’s a great form of cardio exercise for adults, too. Doing it together is lots of fun! You don’t even need to buy one of those huge trampolines for your garden, as there are many centers that have whole rooms filled with trampolines so that you can bounce yourself crazy!

Try out these adventurous ways to get fit as a family and you’ll all have such a great time that you won’t even realize you’re getting fit and healthy in the process! Now that’s a win win if I’ve ever heard one.

Jan16

Teaching Them To Fly The Nest: How To Help Your Grown-Up Kids Become Independent

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It’s become a main trope in popular culture that parents can’t wait for their kids to leave home. Having the house to yourself, not needing to replace the shampoo in a hurry because someone used more than they needed to. Appreciating the peace and quiet that can only come from nobody under the age of “late thirties” living in a place. It sounds like bliss.

Of course, few parents think about it in so black and white. Though there are definite advantages, you’ll miss them when they’re gone, and there will be tears when they move out. So much so that you’ll be kind of glad when your phone goes and it’s them. Some kind of emergency in their new home that they haven’t the first clue how to deal with. Mom to the rescue!

And yet… when your kids move into a new home, you want them to be self-sufficient. Whether it’s a college house-share or their first apartment, you want them to have the knowledge you’ve accumulated. You know you made mistakes when you first lived outside your childhood home. You know they’ll make some too, but you can stop them from making the ones that you may have made in your youth.

Plumbing: Give Them The Basics, Save A Lot Of Money: When we are kids, we get used to things just showing up and a lot goes on that we don’t see. Food lands on the table in front of us or in the fridge, and we don’t worry about how it got there. We turn on the tap and there is water, flip a switch and there is light. So when we’ve moved into a new place, we can be shocked when the shower drain floods after a few months. Your grown-up child doesn’t need to be an expert plumber. But knowing how (and how often) to clear a shower drain and other blockages can make a big difference.

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Prepare Them For The Marketplace: There will be some issues that occur which you’re not able to fix yourself. The first few times, you may deal with them indirectly. Going round to their new home, seeing the extent of the damage and then calling the relevant trades person to fix the problem. Before too long, though, it is important that they know who to call and how to deal with repair companies. Give your kids a list of plumbers, exterminators, and licensed electricians. Advise them on the importance of getting three quotes before hiring anyone.

Become Skilled At Hinting: Of course you will never stop caring or worrying about your own progeny. You will always step in to make sure they are safe, comfortable, and well fed. So when they come back home because they’ve run out of money and just need to eat, take the chance to teach them some self-sufficiency.

Feed them, of course. Give them a good meal and listen to the problems that everyone has when they first move out. Then take them grocery shopping. Tell them why you go here, why you walk down this aisle, and where you get coupons. Don’t tell them straight out “this is what you need to do”. Let them realize that by teaching them. You are running your household by showing them and hopefully they will do the same – or, perhaps even better!

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Pixabay Image

Jan11

Ensure Your Child Stays Warm And Toasty This Winter With These Unmissable Hacks

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As the weather gets worse outside, our mind is focusing on ensuring that our children stay healthy during the winter months. After all, it’s so easy for them to pick up a flu bug or a skin issue at this time of the year. And they are easily preventable if you make sure that your child stays a good temperature during winter. Here are some unmissable hacks to ensure that your child stays warm and toasty when it is freezing cold outside:

Get Them a Good Hat, Scarf, and Gloves Set: One way that you can make sure your little one stays warm is by investing in a good winter set for them. A hat, scarf, and pair of gloves are essential to keep your child toasty during the cold months. You need to make sure the hat fits comfortably so they aren’t tempted to take it off while they are out. And you can even get some gloves which have been designed to use with mobile phones. That way, they can still surf the net without taking their hands out of the gloves!

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Aw! :’)

Get Them a Good Winter Coat: Another essential which will keep your child at a good temperature during the winter is a coat. If they go out without this most important item, they are bound to end up feeling the chill while they are out and about. And it will put them at a higher risk of getting the flu during the winter months. So head out to the stores and find a good coat for your little one. Some brands like moncler kid do a range of coats which will be perfect for keeping your child warm in the winter. And remember to pick something which will last your little one the whole season. That way, you won’t have to head out to buy them a new coat any time soon.

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Pixabay Image

Keep the House Warm: While you can’t control the temperatures your child may face outside, you can warm thing up inside your home. If your house is nice and toasty, it will put your child at a lower risk of picking up bugs during the cold months. You might want to set the thermostat so that it comes on just before they get home from school. And if your home needs some extra heat, you might want to consider putting a fireplace, if you have one, to good use so your home can have some additional warmth and a nice atmosphere. It’s a win win!

Update Their Bedding: You should also make sure that your child has adequate bedding that will keep them from any drafty chills during the night. Shivering in the early hours can lower the immune system and your child could wake up with a bug in the morning. Break out the flannel sheets and a good quality duvet which will keep them extra snug at night. You should also get a throw or blanket which they can pull around themselves if they get extra chilly as they prepare for bed.

Jan9

The Tides Will Turn; Helping Elderly Parents Get The Best Life

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When you’re young, you rely on your parents for everything. Food, money, shelter, and love. As you get older you start to provide for yourself or you find other sources to provide these needs. You get your love from a husband or boyfriend, you find your own income, and you buy your house. But as your parents age, they may become less independent, and this can be difficult to deal with. It can be hard to see your parents lose who they used to be. They need your help now, they need you to, at least in some ways, look after them. If you don’t do this, as your parents get older, they might struggle to get the quality of life that they deserve. What can you do to ensure that they get the life you want them to have?

Pay Them Back: Over the past few years, you have probably found that your parents contributed a lot to your life, financially. They might have paid part of your college bills, helped you buy your first home, or put down the deposit on that new apartment. They may have acted as a guarantor and ensured that if you couldn’t pay your bills, you wouldn’t be left out on the street. It’s possible that they never asked for anything in return, they never requested that you pay them back.

However, one day they might need money from you, particularly after they retire. They might need to borrow from you to maintain their home. Or, they might need help moving to a different location. You should be willing to help them financially in this type of situation. You might be surprised how difficult this decision becomes as you get older. You might have your own financial commitments and needs. But, you just have to remember what they did for you and how much you really do owe them.

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Help Them Move Forward: At a certain age, it’s not practical or sensible to live in a home with two floors. You need to think about moving to a bungalow and before you make this decision for yourself, you’ll have to help your parents make the same choice. Many parents will push against this idea and keep a home they are used to for as long as possible. They don’t want to feel old and won’t tell you that it might actually even hurt to walk up and down the stairs. At that stage, you have two options. You can help them change the home to make it more suitable. Or, you can help them move, but they will need your support either way.

You might even find that the best option for them is a retirement home. This should be their choice unless they aren’t fit to make it. In that situation, you might have to step in. Be aware that there are plenty of nursing homes like Anglican Care that provide luxury accommodation to elderly parents. You just need to help them find the right place for them to live that will suit all their needs. Please keep in mind that this is a highly sensitive topic to bring up to your parents and should be handled with care. Look into tips for navigating the assisted living discussion as well as asking friends who have been in a similar situation for advice. This is something that should be talked about as lovingly and gracefully as possible.

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Keep Them In Your Life: Last but not least, your parents will need more than just emotional support. One day it will be up to you to ensure that they stay an important part of your life. You’ll decide when you see them and when they see their grandchildren. It’s crucial that they feel connected to your life and who you have become. Otherwise, you might find your parents suffering from depression and other emotional issues.

Something that can be really helpful is setting a schedule for visits. It will give both parties something to look forward to and establishes a routine. It could be a family lunch every Sunday. Or perhaps bringing the grandchildren by for some weekly Bingo if your parents or loved ones are residing in Assisted living and memory care facilities. That would surely be a treat for all and the residents too to see little ones joining the game! Set a schedule, commit to it fully, and see the emotional benefits before your eyes.

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Dec29

This Guide Will Help You To Create A Kid Friendly Kitchen

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If you have kids, allowing them to help you in the kitchen can have so many benefits. They’ll learn a ton of new skills, have fun, and you’ll both get to bond. However, if you’re going to do this, you need to make sure your kitchen is kid friendly. This guide will help you to create the perfect kid friendly kitchen:

Add A Bright Color: Adding a bright color to the kitchen will make it a lively and more fun place to be for kids. That doesn’t mean that they can’t have fun in a neutral kitchen. You could always use patterns and things to make it pop for them instead. Just remember, you can still have a classy kitchen suitable for adults while making it look fun for kids too. It doesn’t need to look like a play room!

Try Kid Sized Furniture: If you like, you could include a few pieces of child sized furniture. If you like having little helpers in the kitchen and they enjoy helping you, getting them a suitable work surface could actually be a great addition to your kitchen.

Consider Creating A ‘Kid’s Area’: If you do consider adding kid sized furniture, you could always think about making a complete ‘kid’s area’ if you have the room. This could include a blackboard and other accessories that they can use.

Include Fun Accessories: There are so many cool accessories that you can include in the kitchen to make it more fun for kids. How about bright coasters, chopping boards, and other chef kitchen decor? You could also include dress up aprons, tea towels, pastel colored utensils, and so much more!

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Keep Things Organized: Keeping things organized is key if you want to know where everything is, and this will teach your kids to be organized, too. There are lots of ways you can do this. Some people like to make extra use of their cabinets by sticking hooks and things to the inside of the door so that they can hang extra utensils. Not only will this help your kids to become more self sufficient in the kitchen, but it will also teach them the important skills of staying organized and putting things back where they belong.

Lock Away Dangerous Substances: Make sure that you lock away dangerous substances, either in a high up cabinet or with a sturdy lock. If they’re old enough, you should explain to them why they shouldn’t touch these products. It’s all too easy to mistake a colorful bleach bottle for a tasty drink when you’re a child. You should also make sure that it isn’t easy for them to get their hands on lighters, matches, sharp knives, and scissors.

Child Proof Sharp Corners: Make sure that you also take the steps to child proof any sharp corners in the room to avoid injuries. When kids are a certain height, they could very well cut their head open or damage their eyes on a sharp corner. Teach them not to climb up onto high surfaces either and that you don’t give them an easy way to do it!

Dec13

Become A Healthier Mom To Your Kids By Doing The Following 3 Things

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It’s so important for moms to follow good health habits because once you have a child, you are a role model to them. So everything you do, they will keep a note of. And unless you want your kids to fall into bad habits, you need to cut yours now. And being healthier is essential so that you can be around your child for longer. Here are three things you should do to become a healthier mom to your kids:

Follow a Healthy Diet: When you are busy looking after children, it’s easy to end up eating a poor diet. It could be a struggle to find a chance to make a healthy dinner for your family so you might opt for unhealthy meals which are full of fat. But if you are constantly eating bad food, you might end up putting on weight. And being overweight could cause you to have heart problems in the future. Also, if you are cooking unhealthy meals, you could end up putting your kids’ health at risk, too. It’s essential to follow a healthy diet to ensure you stay a yummy mummy. Have plenty of water a day and consume lots of fruit and vegetables. If you need help regarding your diet, there are plenty of books available online regarding healthy eating. Or your doctor can point you towards a good nutritionist who can advise you on meals.

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 Yummm

Give Up Smoking: It’s a brave and great thing to give up smoking since doing it around the kids is never good. Second-hand smoke has the great potential to harm their lungs. And by smoking, you could end up with a higher risk of lung cancer and heart disease. Unfortunately for a lot of people, the path is never easy to a smoke-free life. Make sure you find some way that you can come off slowly to ensure it’s something you maintain. You might want to opt for nicotine patches or vapor using e liquid to help you cut out the bad habit. And remember to work out why you are smoking. It might mean that you need to cut some stress out of your life to ensure that you don’t pick up the habit again.

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 Wikimedia Image

Exercise Daily: Of course, it can be a challenge to fit in exercise in your everyday life. With childcare being the number one priority, exercise is probably at the bottom of your list. But if you want to stay healthy, it’s a must that you work in some working out. Try and find a work out that you can include your child in, like a walk to the park or swimming at the pool. You can also read our previous blog for other ways to fit exercise into your life.

 And remember to try and cut stress out of your life if you want to be a healthy mommy!

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    Pixabay Image

 

Nov24

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Hello everyone and happy happy Thanksgiving to everyone!! I’ll keep this post short and sweet because I am sure all of you have some driving, cooking, and HELLA eating to do! I just wanted to wish everyone the happiest of Thanksgivings today and a most wonderful holiday season. All of my readers and blogging friends already know how thankful I am for each and every one of you but I will say it again: I’M THANKFUL FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. Thank you for always offering me your support, kind words, and friendship!

Have an amazing day and don’t get too down on yourself if you have to unbutton your pants button or add a few more notches to your belt! As always, I plan on going hard this Thanksgiving and hope everyone does the same! What is your favorite Thanksgiving food? What is your favorite holiday tradition? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct26

Turn The TV Off And Spend Some Time As A Family

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Turn The TV Off And Spend Some Time As A Family

TV and movie time as a family is great but getting out and being active together is even better! Here are some tips for creating some fun new memories sans the telly!

Turn The TV Off And Spend Some Time As A Family:

There’s no point shying away from the fact that technology has had a big impact on ours’ and our children’s lives. Gone are the days when kids would spend their time bike riding, climbing trees, and playing outside. Nowadays, most children prefer to spend their time watching movies or playing computer games. Of course, technology is highly beneficial and has improved our lives in a lot of ways.

However, in many ways, it has impacted family time. Making it just a little bit harder to get the quality time that as families, we need. That being said, just because technology makes it harder to have quality family time, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It’s just a case of coming up with ideas for spending time as a family that don’t include the TV or games consoles but are still fun and appealing to the kids.

Take a Camping Trip: One of the most exciting parts of any childhood is going on a camping trip. Kids love adventure, which is why taking a family camping trip is a great idea. The kids will be excited to spend some time out in the wilderness, a campsite, or even your own backyard; and you can look forward to spending some quality time together.

It doesn’t matter whether you go for one night or several nights, all that matters is that you’re doing something as a family. You can build campfires, roast marshmallows, and play games together. If you’re not keen on sleeping under the stars, how about going glamping instead? (My kind of camping!!) To keep the good times rolling, it is a smart idea to invest in Easy install kits for your camper so you can be connected in case of an emergency during your trip.

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 Cheese!

Start a New Family Hobby: Another way to spend some time together as a family is to start a new hobby together. This doesn’t have to be anything too time-consuming, just something that you can all do and enjoy together. Think about what yours’ and your children’s likes and dislikes are and then go from there.

Say, for example; your kids love treasure hunts and you love walking. If this is the case, Geocaching could be the ideal hobby to take up. Geocaching is where you use an app to direct you to the hidden treasure – AKA little things that other people have hidden. This may not be 100 percent technology-free but the app only acts as a map and gives you clues, it’s not the main part of the hobby. The fun part is trying to find the things that have been hidden. For kids, it’s a ton of fun and encourages them to get out of the house and be active.

Or maybe, you’re pretty handy at sewing. Why not make teaching your kids to sew your family hobby? Get your children a sewing book. Look online at the best beginner sewing machine for kids to ensure that you pick the right one. Spend some time teaching them how to sew. Sewing might be a slightly outdated hobby, but it can still be a lot of fun. Whether you’re making new clothes for dolls, Halloween costumes, or just putting some fun patches on a pair of jeans, the main idea is that you’re creating something together!

Cook Together: Reserving one night a week for a family cooking night is another possibility. Each week, spend one night cooking together as a family. This could be trying something new or it could be making simple things like pizza. It’s not about what you cook but about having some fun, getting a little messy, and teaching your kids some new culinary skills. To vamp up this idea even more, you could dedicate each week to creating a meal from a different culture. This will encourage your children to try new things as well as cultivate a sense of adventure when it comes to different foods.

Live Shows: For a change of pace in your entertainment, how about seeing a live show? From plays and musicals to concerts and magicians, it is so exciting to break away from the screen and see something in real life. Whether you are enjoying Christmas tunes like those performed in this Pigeon Forge Show or laughing away at a comedian, it is sure to create lasting memories. Perhaps every few months a member of your family could pick the entertainment outing so everyone gets a say in an event.

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What are some of your favorite TV free activities to do as a family? How about your favorite meal to cook together? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct19

The Golden Rules Of Keeping Your Family In Great Shape

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The Golden Rules Of Keeping Your Family In Great Shape

It seems health crises are popping up all over the place these days. It might be obesity one day; a rise in diabetes the next – it’s clear there is an ongoing concern for the state of the nation’s health. It made me think of what we should all be doing to protect our families and loved ones.

We are all responsible, of course – particularly if you have children. With this in mind, I have been scouring the web and have developed my golden rules for excellent family health. Read on to find out more about my choices:

Immunize: Are you immunizing your children – or yourselves – against nasty diseases and conditions? So many parents are failing to take their responsibilities seriously by avoiding them and it’s such a shame. We could have left plenty of serious illnesses like polio and diphtheria in the past. But instead, some people’s failure to take baby immunizations seriously means that there could be a lot of problems in the future.

Diet: Head to your local park and you will see people of all shapes and sizes. Each to their own, I say – but I do take exception when I see so many overweight kids. It’s nothing short of scary – it just wasn’t like this even a decade ago. Now, kids run around – a lot. So when you see so many larger children, it’s clear there is a problem in society with diet. Too much sugary or fatty foods and an inability to teach basic nutrition are going to cost us all in the future. Great nutrition should be the building block of a healthy family. Parents – it’s time to step up the plate.

Exercise: Are you setting your kids a good example when it comes to fitness? Getting plenty of exercise will help you keep a healthy body and mind, but it also benefits your children. They will learn to enjoy exercise at an early age and will love doing things with you. Get your family more active and you will reap the rewards. I know not all children are sporty, but you don’t have to be to keep fit. Even going out for regular adventures in the woods can have a positive impact on the health of your kids.

Relationships: Keeping your relationships strong is another way to keep your family in great condition. Communication is key and it’s always a good idea to help your kids learn to speak well and let their thoughts out. Also, be careful about how you feel about your partners and children. Cultivating positive thoughts about everyone is a great way to strengthen relationships between everyone.

Challenges: Creating weekly challenges for your family is a great way to help children gain confidence in trying new things that are outside of their comfort zone. Doing challenges together as a family is also an awesome way to teach children the value of exploration. Even going to a different play park or swimming pool once in awhile can help. And, it also gives you that sense of adventure that can make your family bonds even stronger.

Are there any other golden rules of keeping your family in great shape? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pexels