Tag Archives: family

Best Girls Girl Time

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Best Girls Girl Time

Hello!! My nieces, Valerie and Raya, are two of the best things that have ever happened to me. They have been my little besties since day one and I love watching them grow, even though I’d prefer for them to stay little forever! Last Tuesday, I finally got to spend some quality time at my sister’s house for the ultimate girl’s night in. We play, play, played, danced, and ran around the house like crazy people! The best part, though, was playing dress up with my Val Gal:

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Valerie is so much like me and it never fails to warm my cold, bitter heart. She is so funny, sassy, and kind and I love her creativity. Val has taken to her dance classes like a fish to water and is eager for her TT to teach her how to ice skate. Like her ol’ T, she also has a passion for fashion. Val selects her own outfits every day and I am always excited to see what she comes up with. Future OOTD blogger in the making? I think YES!

On Tuesday, Val wanted to get fancy and I was so there for it. She proudly showed me her jewelry box filled with her Disney Princess nail polish, necklaces, bracelets, hair accessories, and random artifacts and TT got to work. First, we played nail salon and Val selected her favorite colors of polish and the pattern she wanted for her nails and toes. Like me, she insisted on nail touch ups if they smudged while drying. I was so proud. ❤

Once her nails were to her liking, she let me do her hair and I was thrilled about that because she never lets me put her hair up. I have wanted to do space buns for her for forever and they turned out as adorable as I pictured them! After her nails and hair were on fleek, it was time to accessorize and, in this case, more was more. Val put on every single bracelet she owns and I helped her clasp all of her necklaces. The look was completed with a butterfly clip and a bow in her hair and my girl was ready to work it!

I like to think of this day as when Val learned the power of the confidence boost you can get when you are wearing something that makes you happy. By the time her OOTD was done, she was not merely walking but strutting! We worked on our runway walks and poses and my heart melted when she summoned her parents to check out our handiwork by saying “Mommy, daddy! Look at me! I’m so fancy!” Haha, that’s my girl. 😀

While Val and I played dress up, my mind went into a montage of us shopping, getting our nails done, and having girl time. It made me so happy and proud and these are seriously the moments that I live for. Val is most excited for our next slumber party because we plan on playing dress up again in TT and Uncle Johnny’s closet. I think she is going to lose her mind seeing all of our scarves, hats, and jewelry at her disposal! I can’t wait. ❤

What was your favorite thing to play when you were little? What makes you feel “so fancy”? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Better Design Your Family Home With These Tips

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Better Design Your Family Home With These Tips

When it comes to designing a family home, you want to get it just right! There will be many different things that you need to take into consideration, one of them being the safety of your kids. You might have a plan in mind or you might need some inspiration. As you think about designing your home, it can help to look at others! You can check out Prince Edward Island family Homes or listings in your local area to get the designing wheels turning. For more on designing the perfect home for your family, this post will help get you started:

Add Plenty Of Textiles:

A family home won’t feel like home unless you add in some textiles. You should think about including curtains, cushions, and throws in most rooms in a range of materials so you can create a warm and inviting space. Steer clear of natural materials as these can soak up stains and that’s not what you want with children in the house. Try not to add expensive rugs or sentimental soft furnishing in the main rooms where the kids are because no matter how hard you try, something will always get spilled!

Think About The Maintenance:

One of the best ways you can look after your family home is to think about the maintenance that will be needed when you are designing it. For example, if you are adding an AC system, you need to remember that you will need to add AC maintenance to your yearly list of tasks to get done in order to look after your home. The same applies to things such as your outdoor space. Always think about what it will take to look after the features you are adding to your home before you commit to them.

The Ideal Furniture:

Finding furniture for your family home can be difficult. You want it to look great, however, you don’t really want to spend too much on it. As your family gets older, you will be able to upgrade and buy more expensive pieces, but there is no point while the kids are young. The same applies if you also have pets. Try to avoid any jagged edges and lighter colors. Young children are prone to walking into sharp edges and making a mess on light-colored furniture.

Using Non-Slip Mats:

If you have hard floors around your home, then you should really think about adding some non-slip mats. They will help to prevent slipping from your children. They run around a lot so you need to make sure you add some protection for them. If not, hard floors can spell disaster and they could seriously injure themselves. Make sure to try to cover as much of the floor as possible, non-slip mats aren’t overly expensive and they will make sure your kids are kept safe.

Bring In The Sunlight:

You really want to bring in as much sunlight as possible to your home. If you blackout your windows or dress them wrong you could be creating a dark home. Ideally, you want to create a bright and airy space to enjoy. It will not only create a more positive environment but will boost everyone’s moods. With energy prices continuously going up at the moment, letting in natural sunlight will also help to heat up your home. If you struggle to get more light into your home, think about adding blinds where you can control both the privacy and the light coming in. You could also think about changing the type of bulbs you are using so you can get the vitamin D that you need.

Creating More Privacy:

Your home is supposed to be the most private place that you can be. This means that you definitely don’t want anyone to be able to walk past and see inside. Think about adding some trees to your front garden, or even a fence or trellis. You are only going to feel comfortable in your home if it is private so make sure you put the steps in place to ensure that you get the privacy that you and your family need. If you are thinking about planting trees, make sure you use semi-mature trees so you don’t have to wait years for them to give you the privacy that you are looking for. Consider the point above, about letting in more sunlight to your home. You need to ensure that the trees or fences that you are putting in aren’t preventing the natural light from entering your home. It’s about the right balance.

When designing a family home, it is all about the steps you can take to keep your kids safe, cut costs, and keep upkeep and maintenance low key. These tips will all help steer you in the right direction!

Featured Image By: Paige Cody on Unsplash

Summertime Activity Goals

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Summertime Activity Goals

Hello! The weather in the good ol’ AK-Rowdy has been friggen abysmal and my life is in shambles lol and, for once, I find myself wishing for an extra dose of Vitamin D. Shocking, I know, since we all know that Johnny and I all but melt in the sun! Although the days are gloomy, it helps perk me up to think of activities that I would love to do this summer. I might not get to do everything I have in mind, but I know I can easily do at least a few of the following:

Hit the pool:

One of the best things about living in Timber Top, despite numerous fiascos this past year, is the outdoor pool! We actually have a really nice pool with a deep area, a children’s area, waterfall, and upper deck mini pool that I genuinely don’t understand why it’s not a hot tub! I always say that once the pool opens, I will go spend an hour or two swimming or lounging after work and I’m usually too tired by the time I get home to commit. This is not going to slide this summer, however, because this is one of the easiest things on my list; the pool is only a two minute drive away! If you don’t have a local swimming pool, then consider adding one to your property. They’re easier to maintain than you might think, especially if you use a pool cleaning service. There’s nothing like taking a summertime dip in your own yard.

Botanical gardens:

I would absolutely love to go to the botanical gardens in Cleveland or Mansfield with Johnny as a date day. I have never been to the one in Cleveland, but I adored a family trip to the Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield with my family a few years ago. It was so much fun to explore the grounds and bask in the glory of the flowers and landscaping. And, we all know that botanical gardens make a perfect backdrop for OOTDs! This summer, I think the one in Cleveland will be the move and maybe Johnny and I could have dinner at Pepper’s, my favorite restaurant afterwards. 🙂

Play, play, play:

My sweet niece, Val Gal, is a constantly on the move four year old and she keeps me young! I cannot wait for warm days spent in my parents’ beautiful backyard running around with Val, blowing bubbles, drawing with chalk, and searching for bunnies. Speaking of bunnies, I very much would like to get a playpen with a cover on top so Melvin and Penelope can experience being on the grass. I know Val would get a huge kick out of that and it would be a great learning experience for her. This past week, she proudly showed me a book about caring for bunnies that she got from the library because she desperately wants one of her own. My angel! ❤

Outdoor events:

There are always so many awesome events happening in my general vicinity that I always say that I want to go to, check “interested in” on Facebook, and never attend. This summer, I would like to go to at least one or two, whether it be a farmer’s market, food truck festival, or outdoor concerts and classes. Johnny and I have already been talking about going to a few baseball games for Akron’s minor league team, the RubberDucks (dumb name, I know!), and I can practically taste the Dippin’ Dots as I type this! 😀

Watercolor painting:

It has been a while since I painted watercolor due to lack of time and I miss it terribly! Like going to the pool, this is also a no excuse activity that I know I can accomplish. I would like to set up my supplies in my parents’ backyard and paint the many gorgeous flowers my dad tends to. I can picture sitting on the deck right now, painting, and sipping iced tea with my mom and it would, truly, be the best afternoon ever. ❤

Weekend trip:

A weekend trip might be a bit difficult due to the current craziness in my life, but it needs to be added to this list anyway because it’s something Johnny and I want to do so badly! I would really like to get a cabin in Hocking Hills for a long weekend to hike, relax, and soak in a hot tub. It would be so nice to have a little getaway together, as we haven’t even been on our honeymoon! Although Hocking Hills isn’t Europe, it’s still as good a place as any to start our travels together.

I have grand plans for this summer, and I hope to accomplish at least a few of the activities on this list. It will take a bit of motivation on my part to shake off my general exhaustion, but I know that having fun is sometimes the best medicine of all!

What are your summertime activity goals? What is your favorite warm weather activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

5 Ways To Treat Your Dad This Father’s Day

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5 Ways To Treat Your Dad This Father’s Day

Switch up Father’s Day this year by creating an unforgettable day geared specifically toward your dad’s preferences, likes, and wants. From exclusive experiences and thoughtful gifts to delicious meals and heartwarming moments – here are five ideas to ensure it stands the test of time:

Take Him On An Adventure:

How about organizing a day trip to one of your nearest national parks for a leisurely hike and picnic lunch? Alternatively, you could book him an adrenaline-inducing activity such as skydiving or bungee jumping for him to experience! Indulging in activities that excite him, and treating him to a day all about his favorite hobbies, will help create a memorable experience he’ll never forget.

Not only is an experience gift a great way to go, but you can also incorporate additional gifts based around your adventure. If you’re hiking, customize a canteen or backpack. Or, if you are going golfing, treat your dad to some ball markers with your logo or anything you see fit to commemorate the day. These gifts can be used time and time again and will be a lovely reminder of your outing together.

Get Him Something Unique:

Father’s Day is an opportunity to show your father just how much you value him, and one way is by getting him something unique. From jewelry and watches to tech gadgets and lifestyle accessories like a drone, there’s sure to be an item or two out there that would bring a smile and add excitement to his everyday life! Giving something you think your dad wouldn’t buy for himself will always be an awesome Father’s Day surprise. You could even try to find a Rolex for sale that he has been ogling since forever!

Plan A Special Meal:

Enjoying a wonderful meal together is one of the easiest yet most meaningful ways you can show your dad just how much he means to you. Try planning breakfast-in-bed, dinner at his favorite spot, or even something truly original, like making him something yourself that honors his heritage or favorite cuisine. Spending time enjoying meals together will bring great pleasure on all sides!

Spend Quality Time Together:

Sometimes the greatest gifts don’t come wrapped up neatly – show your father just how much he means to you by setting aside quality time just between the two of you. Plan an afternoon of golf together or invite him over for homemade treats and old classic family movies at your place; whatever it may be, both of you can relax while reconnecting.

Write Him A Letter:

Father’s Day provides the ideal opportunity to show your dad how much he means to you by writing him an emotional, heartfelt letter. Express how proud of him you are; recall fond memories together and express how important he is to you; even include photos as an extra special gesture! Your letter can become something lasting which will always remind him how special the love you share is! A thoughtful letter makes an everlasting keepsake that can be looked back upon with fondness for years afterward.

No matter how you spend Father’s Day, enjoy yourselves! Whether you’re out for an adventure or a low key day, the time spent together is the most important thing!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Common Mistakes People Make When Getting A Pet

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Common Mistakes People Make When Getting A Pet

Whether you are living alone, with a partner, or with a family, something that many people wish to do is get a pet of some kind. There is a lot more to being a pet owner than most people think, and unfortunately, some people find out they are not ready for a dog or a cat after it is too late. Here are a few common mistakes that people make when getting a pet for you to consider:

Not considering if your children are ready for pets:

If you have children (especially young ones) who have not yet lived with a pet of any kind, then something that you should consider before getting one is how the child will react to living with a pet. This is a mistake that many people make as all they want to do is find a pet and bring it home. It is not until they bring the new family member home that they realize, or start to see, potential issues between the new pet and the child. It may be that your child is scared of particular animals, that they do not have the right temperament to be around them, or simply that the child’s age is not compatible with the type of pet that has been brought. So, before you buy one, make sure that you prepare your child for getting a pet.

Not thinking about the end of life care and pet loss:

When getting a pet, it is often a fun experience that is full of excitement, making memories, and love. However, a mistake that a lot of people make is not considering the other end of their pet’s life, and if they will be able to handle all of the extra responsibilities and care that come with the end of life. Not only that but how the loss of a pet will affect them, losing a pet is just as painful as losing any other member of the family. To make sure you don’t make this mistake and are prepared for this, just consider the steps you will potentially and inevitably have to take. For example, more frequent vet trips, medications, alterations to your pet’s lifestyle, and the things that come after, such as pet cremation and grief.

Not preparing your home adequately:

Some pets will have specific requirements or living conditions that need to be met, others could have some form of disability that needs to be considered, or they might even just be a certain size that will require alterations to a home for them to live there safely and comfortably. This is another mistake that people can make, or not realize until the pet is already at home with them. To avoid putting yourself in this situation, take some time to think whether or not you need to prepare your home for a pet that you plan on getting.

One important aspect often overlooked is establishing clear boundaries for your new pet, particularly if they will spend time outdoors. A practical solution like DogWatch Invisible Dog Fences can securely keep your pet within the confines of your property without the need for visible barriers. Beyond just setting boundaries, it’s crucial to pet-proof your home – ensure trash bins are secure, remove toxic plants, and keep small objects out of reach. These steps not only prevent potential accidents but also create a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone in the home.

Regardless of what kind of pet you want to bring home, make sure that you are ready to look after it correctly, and take into consideration these common mistakes that people make!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Belated Easter Egg Hunt

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Belated Easter Egg Hunt

Hello! With the craziness going on in Lil Red’s world, my family didn’t do anything for Easter and Johnny and I enjoyed a much needed day of rest. I still had grand plans for an Easter egg hunt for my sweet niece, Val Gal, and this past Thursday we spent the afternoon outside together in the summertime temps. Prior to the arrival of my sister, Raya, and Val, I filled up the eggs with prizes and placed them throughout the backyard to be found. I would say that it was a raging success; Val loved it!

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This was Val’s very first Easter egg hunt and my girl came to WIN! She was finding eggs left and right and it was so fun to watch her scurrying around the yard and filling up her bag. Almost every single egg was found without a hitch and the only one she needed help finding was one directly in front of her lol. Once the hunt was over, we went back inside to evaluate the spoils which included money, chocolate, and Sweet Tarts. Some of the chocolate did melt so it was lucky we had backup supplies and Val was so sweet to offer the first Hershey Kiss in one of her eggs to me. Angel! ❤

After the eggs were all opened, we just had to go back outside and soak up the sunshine. My dad, Kristen, Val, Raya in the stroller, and Archie the dog went for a nice, long walk around the neighborhood. We taught Val about the different flowers that were blooming and, although every yellow flower was a sunflower, I think she learned a thing or two haha. To end our day, Val and I stayed outside and played with our favorites; Chalk and bubbles! We colored rainbows and the flowers we saw on our walk and, I hate to brag, but we popped a very impressive amount of bubbles. 😀

When my sister arrived back home with the kiddos, she sent me a picture of Val fast asleep in the car after our activity filled afternoon. The sure sign of the best Easter egg hunt ever and Val is already eager to do another one again soon!

What was your favorite thing to play outside with when you were little? Did you or your kids attend an Easter egg hunt this year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Chair, Who Dis?

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New Chair, Who Dis?

Hello!!! My grandparents ran a funeral home in Cleveland and it was my favorite place in the world. So much so, that I have several pieces of furniture and art from the home in my apartment. While a majority of the home decor I have is in excellent condition, one of the chairs that resided in my living room has definitely seen better days. The fabric was torn, the springs were shot, the cushions were worn, and it was basically a hot mess. So much so, that my in laws and aunt in law decided to have it reupholstered as mine and Johnny’s Christmas gift. Unfortunately, I didn’t think to take “before” pictures, but here is the end result:

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When Johnny’s mom came to pick up our chair last month, she also brought along at least thirty books of fabric swatches from the person she hired for the job. Johnny and I were hoping for some awesome spooky prints like bats or ghosts and found nothing that came even close. We were basically flipping through swatches that would have been more appropriate for a carpet for several evenings in a row. By the time we got to the very last book, we had resigned ourselves to choosing the least bad option and calling it a day. Then, we got to the last page and found the fabric that you see above. I am so happy that we kept on trucking through all of the books or we never would have found it!

The original fabric on the chair had a deep navy background with light pink and white flowers and green leaves. This chair dates back to 1969 and while it was gorgeous in its prime, it needed an update badly! I am in love with the new fabric featuring red pagodas, blooming cherry blossoms, twisting bonsai, and flowing rivers. As soon as we saw the swatch, we knew it was the one and were confident that it was going to turn out amazing. And, when we finally saw it in its completion, I couldn’t believe that it was better than we ever could have imagined.

The person who brought this chair to life is truly a master of their craft. The chair is much more sturdy and comfortable with fresh padding and the fabric is nice and soft but it feels so durable. We got two throw pillows that were made with leftover fabric too! Johnny’s dad also played a part in getting this chair back up to snuff by removing and replacing the rotted wood at the base. He is so handy and the effort from both of them gave us a chair that will surely last for another almost fifty-five years!

This belated Christmas gift is one of the best ones that Johnny and I have ever received and we are so thankful to our family for making it happen. I think that my grandparents would love it too!

Has any of your furniture gotten a makeover before? What is your favorite piece of furniture at your house? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Birthday, Sister!!!

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Happy Birthday, Sister!!!

Hello!!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my big sister, Kristen’s, birthday!! Kristen and I are barely over two years apart in age and she was and will always be my first best friend. She is such an amazing sister, daughter, and mother and I am so indescribably proud of her. Thanks to Kristen and her equally awesome husband, Ramon, I have two precious nieces who are my world. They are the happiest, most loved little girls and I can’t sing praises of their parents enough. A sister is a gift and I am so thankful for mine:

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Kristen is my A1 and despite having drastically different schedules, we still make time for each other as much as we can. We are always trying to cook up fun plans for us and the kiddos and I live for our trips to the park, zoo, and story time at the library. My favorite hang out is when Kristen, Ramon, and the girls come over to my apartment for dinner. I love to host and cook and it brings me so much joy to make a big meal and then enjoy Johnny’s guitar playing or watching a movie or show all together. It isn’t a day at the zoo, but it sure is the absolute best. ❤

My sister is one of the kindest, empathetic, funniest people I have ever met. She is a fierce warrior for animals and is such a great pet parent to her two rescue dogs and two rescue cats too. Whenever she can, Kristen still manages to find time to volunteer at shelters and lends her voice to the animals that have none. I thought I was good at making schedules, but I truly pale in comparison to her. Between family life, work, and volunteering, I genuinely have no idea how she does it all and with a smile on her face to boot!

Throughout my childhood, Kristen has been my role model and she still is every single day as adults. I just love her to pieces and can’t wait to celebrate her special day together! ❤

Happy birthday, Kristen!!!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Happy Birthday, Dad!!!!!

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Happy Birthday, Dad!!!!!

Hello!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my dad’s birthday!!! I am a huge mommy and daddy’s girl and I am so beyond proud to be the daughter of such amazing parents. Times have been very trying in Lil Red’s world and my dad has been my rock, confidant, and shoulder to cry on. His strength is unparalleled, his love for his family is fierce, and his devotion to my mom is a prime example of true and pure love. He is, simply, the best.

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As I continue to get older, I am constantly blown away by how selflessly my parents give without ever expecting anything for themselves. This has molded me into the person I am today and I see it reflected in my work as a provider for people with developmental disabilities every day. One of my favorite things that my dad has ever done for me goes back to my college days when I had a really early winter class at Tri-C. Every single morning, without fail, my dad would get up and prepare a travel mug of coffee for me to drive to Cleveland with. The first day of class, I tried to make coffee for myself and it sucked. When I told my dad about it, he took it upon himself to do it for me all in the name of me waking up enough to drive to school safely. I think about this often and my heart feels just as warm as my hands were as I cradled a hot travel mug in the bitter winter cold.

Watching my parents’ relationship continue to bloom after almost forty-three years of marriage also was a major assist in my own love life. After dating a lot of assholes, I threw up my hands, gave up, and waited for the real thing. Then, I met Johnny and, well, you know the rest. He was the first guy who my dad ever approved of and that honestly told me everything that I need to know. I am so lucky to have the parents that I have, whose opinions I value, whose company I cherish, and who still continue to push me to be my best self at almost twenty-nine years old.

My dad isn’t the biggest fan of birthdays so I will wrap things up by saying that I love him so very much and he is the best dad that a gal could ever ask for. ❤

Happy birthday, Dad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Four Tips For A Healthier Family

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Four Tips For A Healthier Family

Our health is the most important thing we have. How can you guarantee your family’s health and make your children aware of its significance? Let’s take a look at some of the ways to focus your energy:

Show Them How Important Nutrition Is:

Making water the go-to beverage in your household should be a top priority. While it’s tempting to give in to a child’s desire for juice or pop, it’s better to offer them water first. Try stressing the significance of staying hydrated and modeling good water-drinking habits for children. Also, consider what you now feed your loved ones. When you prepare meals for your family, give thought to serving a variety of nutritious foods. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, nutritious grains, nuts, and seeds. Indulge in takeaway or dining at restaurants occasionally, but don’t make it a regular habit. If your family enjoys dining out frequently, it’s important to instill solid decision-making skills in your children. Instead of letting young children get everything they want, provide them with a limited selection of options from which to choose.

Be An Active Family:

You should spend time together exploring the outdoors, learning about each other’s interests, and visiting new locations. Get your kids moving and teach them the value of fitness. Make plans for the weekend, even if it’s only to go to the park and play some soccer. Children are more likely to follow their parent’s example and lead an active lifestyle if they see it modeled at home. Take them on outdoor hikes and keep an eye out for animals and animal footprints if they have an interest in wildlife. Talking to youngsters and seeing what they’re interested in trying is a great way to get them excited about outdoor activities.

Go To Regular Check-Ups:

As an adult, you are aware of the importance of routine visits to the doctor, dentist, and eye doctor. It’s important to start sharing what you learn about health with your kids when you see the doctor, whether it’s for a problem or a routine exam. Children often express anxiety about medical visits due to their lack of knowledge and experience. If they see you visiting these places when they aren’t there, they may feel more comfortable and confident in going to such experts. Including the kids as soon as possible is the greatest option.

Even if you’re anxious, taking a proactive stance and reassuring them that they have nothing to worry about might help them develop a heightened awareness and, perhaps, a reduced level of fear. Show your kids where you’re going to appointments instead of just saying you have them. This is especially helpful for younger children who are venturing into the unknown for the first time. One poor encounter is all it takes to put them off coming again so make sure that you involve them in anything you may be having done such as same day teeth treatments.

Be A Good Example:

No one is flawless, therefore there’s no pressure to be. Nonetheless, parents can better influence their children’s behavior by leading through example rather than lecturing them. Be mindful of your words and actions. Many unhealthy parents raise unhealthy children, which in turn increases the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles. It has the potential to become a vicious cycle. It’s important to set an example for others by talking about your efforts to eat well, exercise regularly, spend time with your family, and maintain a positive mental and physical state. Provide unambiguous, truthful responses wherever possible.

Focus your energy on these four steps for a healthier family and lifestyle!

Featured Image By: Jason Briscoe on Unsplash