Tag Archives: family

Keeping Your Pet Fit & Healthy At Home

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Keeping Your Pet Fit & Healthy At Home

Pet ownership is a responsibility that must be taken seriously. It can be difficult to find the time and money to take care of your pet, but it’s important for their health and happiness. You should remember that taking care of a pet at home offers a lot of health benefits too. Pets require quality food, proper shelter, adequate exercise space, love, and care from you to live a long life.

Here are some tips to ensure your pets remain fit and healthy while at home:

Make sure your pet has a quality diet:

One of the most important things you can do for your pet is to make sure they have a quality diet. This means providing them with good quality food and plenty of water. Well fed pets are less likely to become overweight or develop health problems. A healthy diet is especially important for older pets, who are more prone to health problems. After adopting your new companion from a website like Pet Quick Start (or something similar in your local area), be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your pet’s age and lifestyle. This will ensure that you are providing the best for your pet as soon as they are home.

There are a variety of commercially available pet foods on the market, but it’s important to read the labels carefully to make sure you’re providing your pet with a nutritionally complete and balanced diet. You should also avoid giving your pet table scraps, which can lead to weight gain and other issues.

Provide your pet with a comfortable place to sleep and rest:

Pets need a comfortable place to sleep and rest, just like people do. A good bed or sleeping area will help keep your pet healthy and happy. Pets who don’t have a comfortable place to sleep may become restless and develop behavioral problems. They may also become overweight if they spend too much time sleeping.

A good sleeping area for your pet can be a simple bed, blanket, or cushion. You can also buy special pet beds or sleeping areas at most pet stores. Be sure to clean your pet’s bedding regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, and other allergens.

Exercise your pet regularly:

Exercise is an important part of your pet’s health and well being. Pets who don’t get enough exercise may become overweight or develop health problems. Regular exercise is especially important for older pets, who are more prone to health problems. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best exercise routine for your pet’s age and lifestyle.

There are a variety of ways to exercise your pet such as playing fetch, going for walks or runs, or visiting a dog park. You can also buy special pet exercise equipment, like treadmills or exercise balls. Setting up an artificial lawn in the backyard gives you a good place for your pets to run around without getting exposed to pesticides.

Take your pet to the veterinarian for regular checkups:

Like humans, regular checkups are an important part of your pet’s health care. These checkups can help your veterinarian identify potential health problems early and provide treatment before the problem becomes serious. Be sure to take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup at least once a year. You should also take your pet to the vet if they seem ill or are exhibiting unusual behavior.

Some pet insurance plans cover the cost of routine veterinary care, such as vaccinations and checkups. Check out Canine Journal’s comprehensive evaluation of pet insurers to find a plan that suits you and your pet. Then, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best pet insurance plans for your pet’s needs before making a decision.

Keep your pet groomed and free of parasites like fleas, ticks, and lice:

Pets who are not properly groomed may develop skin problems, become infested with parasites, or develop other health problems. Be sure to brush your pet’s fur regularly and trim their nails as needed. You should also bathe your pet regularly to keep their skin and fur clean and healthy.

Fleas, ticks, and lice are common parasites that can infest your pet’s skin and fur. If left untreated, these parasites can cause serious issues. Be sure to use a flea and tick prevention product regularly and check your pet for any evidence of parasites. The veterinarians from SoCal Vet Group (or a practitioner in your local area) will be able to recommend the best prevention products for your pet. They should also be contacted immediately if you are noticing a decline in your dog’s health after an infestation.

Having a pet is a life long commitment and they should be treated like family for the best quality of life!

Property Renovation Tips For Your Home

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Property Renovation Tips For Your Home

Are you considering renovating your home? Whether you want to update a few rooms or do a complete overhaul, it’s essential to make sure the whole family is on board. After all, they’re going to be living in the finished product! Here are some tips to help keep everyone happy during your property renovation:

Set a Budget:

Before you start any work, it’s crucial to have a realistic budget in place. This will help prevent arguments further down the line when unexpected costs crop up. Once you have a budget, it’s time to start planning your renovation. This is where things can start to get tricky if you’re not careful. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing new fixtures and fittings and forget about the practicalities. This is why it’s important to involve the whole family in the planning process, as they’ll be able to offer valuable input on what will work in your home.

Make a Plan:

When making your plan, be sure to consider how each room will be used. For example, if you’re renovating the kitchen, you’ll need to think about how much storage space you’ll need and whether there’s enough room for everyone to eat comfortably. The same goes for the bathroom – will everyone be able to get ready in the morning without getting in each other’s way? Once you’ve considered all of these things, you can start to put together a plan that works for everyone.

Get the Whole Family Involved:

One of the best ways to get everyone involved is to create a mood board for each room. This is where you can collect ideas for things like paint colors, furniture, and accessories. Then, everyone can participate by adding items to the mood board that they like. Once you’ve got all of your ideas collected in one place, it’ll be much easier to start putting together a plan that everyone agrees on.

Add air-conditioning:

Air conditioning is an absolute must if you live in a hot climate. No one wants to be stuck in a stuffy house during the summer months! When planning your renovation, be sure to factor in the cost of air-conditioning units and have them installed before the weather gets too hot. This way, everyone will enjoy the summer without feeling uncomfortable. In addition to keeping your family cool, air-conditioning can also help improve your home’s indoor air quality. This is especially important if anyone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma. By improving the air quality in your home, you’ll help create a healthier environment for everyone. To find experienced professionals to install your new air conditioning system, simply enter a search for “ducted air conditioning melbourne” (or your local area).

Consider the Lighting:

The lighting in your home can significantly impact how everyone feels. Poor lighting can make people feel tired and stressed, so it’s essential to get it right. When planning your renovation, be sure to consider both natural and artificial lighting. Natural light is always best so try to create rooms with plenty of windows. On the other hand, if you live in a wooded area or your home doesn’t get much natural light, you’ll need to focus on artificial lighting. This can be done with floor lamps, table lamps, and ceiling lights. Should you need new lighting installed, it is a good idea to find Residential Electrical Services near you to complete the job. This is not a task that should be left to DIY as it can be dangerous and costly mistakes can be made. And, be sure to choose energy efficient bulbs so that you can save money on your electricity bill each month.

Install new doors and windows:

One of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to install new doors and windows. If your home is old, then chances are the doors and windows are not very well insulated. This means that heat can escape in the winter and cool air can in the summer, making your home less comfortable and costing you more money each month. By installing new doors and windows, you’ll be able to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round while also saving money on your energy bill. When looking for the perfect doors for your home, it is always better to spend a little more and get something that is going to last. Retailers like Black Badge Doors specialize in doors and windows, designed to fit your home perfectly, while looking stylish and modern.

There are a few things to consider when choosing new doors and windows. First, you’ll need to decide what material you want them to be made from. Many options are available including wood, PVCu, aluminum, and composite. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages so be sure to do your research before deciding. Second, you’ll need to decide what style of door or window you want, like high quality picture windows.

Not only do better windows and doors help energy efficiency but they also give your home a huge face lift to boost its curb appeal. Consider windows with unique shapes, doors with bold colors, or adding window sills. A window sill gives you the opportunity to add planter boxes or potted plants and windowsills.com can help! It also will add a touch of greenery as discussed in the next section:

Add some green space:

Another great way to improve your home is to add some green space. This can be done in several ways, such as planting trees and shrubs, installing a garden, or even adding some potted plants. Not only will this make your home more beautiful but it can also help improve the air quality. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen so they help purify the air around them. In addition, they can also cool the air on hot days and provide insulation on cold days. If you don’t have much space for plants, consider adding a vertical garden or installing window boxes.

Finishing Touches:

A renovation freshens things up and can make your house feel brand new again. Keep with the fresh feeling by adding billowy curtains, optimizing natural light, and scenting your home with plugin fragrances. For the ultimate in freshness, however, you might want to consider having a whole home air purifier installed. Purifiers are wonderful for removing dust, allergens, and even bacteria and mold spores from the air. You will want the air your family is breathing to be as clean and fresh as possible and a purifier can really help post renovation. We’re sure a lot of dust was shaken up during your projects!

These are just a few of the many things that you can do to improve your home. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to create a space that the whole family will love. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your renovation today!

Featured Image By: Skitterphoto from Pexels

Happy Day!

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Happy Day!

Hello! This past Sunday was a wonderful, happy day with my family because we celebrated my niece’s third birthday. It seems like just yesterday that my sister brought her home from the hospital and I was in all of the feels. I didn’t think I would be so emotional but then I found myself crying not once or twice but THREE times when we took Val to her first movie at the theaters to see Sing 2.

Prior to seeing the movie, Val enjoyed a huge present haul from her TT and Uncle “Ohnny”. She loved all of her new Mini Mouse gear, pop up books, and a ukulele from Johnny. He got her a purple one and a black one for himself so they can have lessons together. How sweet is that?!

After lunch and lots of playing, we headed to the movie theater for Sing 2. None of us have seen the first one but that didn’t matter much because what is there to know about animals singing? I must admit that Johnny and I weren’t chomping at the bit to see this movie. We were definitely more excited about Val’s first movie theater experience. However, by the end of the flick we were eating our words because it was pretty much the cutest movie ever.

Long story short, a musical theater group are putting on an intergalactic themed show for a not so nice entertainment bigwig. The songs in the movie are mostly current popular hits including songs by Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, and Shawn Mendes. Not to mention that Bono of U2 (our family favorite band) does a voice in the movie which we were all stoked about.

Sing 2 opened with “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince and we were all hooked from there. I was getting super invested in this movie and when Bono’s reclusive character had some struggles, I couldn’t help but shed a few tears. THEN, Johnny and I were surprised to hear one of the characters singing “Could Have Been Me” by The Struts. We absolutely love them and I started crying again not because it was sad but I was just so happy lol.

Finally, I cried three times a lady at the end when the space themed musical wrapped up with “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2. We were all singing along, including my little niece and it just melted my heart. My dad even shed a tear or two! Meanwhile, Johnny just laughed at me because I literally cry during ninety percent of the movies we watch. It truly doesn’t take much!

We all had the best day celebrating my best girl and I have been looking back on it fondly all week because it was such a Beautiful Day… See what I did there, U2 fans? By the way, if you are looking for a fun family movie, I can’t recommend Sing 2 enough. Just have some tissues at the ready because you may or may not cry too!

What is the first movie you saw in theaters? What is your favorite animated movie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Making The Most Of Your Garden This Spring

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Making The Most Of Your Garden This Spring

There is nothing better than lovely, spring weather after a long and cold winter. Those with green thumbs or just eager to get outside will, surely, be spending lots of time in their own yards once the sun is out. Here’s how to make the most of your garden once spring is fully upon us:

Protection from the Weather:

Roofing comes in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Your roof helps with drainage and keeps you safe from the weather. It must be maintained (see this roof replacement guide) for adequate protection. Yet, while patios and decking are popular these days, they don’t come with a roof. So, sitting outside depends on the weather. Fortunately, you can get a variety of extendable canopies to keep the rain off while you relax outdoors. You will no longer require a clear sky and sunny day to get the most from your backyard sitting area.

Make it a Pet-Friendly Area:

One way to improve your garden for the better is to make it a pet-friendly environment. This can involve things like researching an invisible fence buying guide, so your four legged friend can run freely and safely. You could also add a kiddie pool or two so the pup and kids can cool off during a hot day. Lawn sprinklers are also tons of fun for splashing about in for pets and humans alike!

Clean Up:

Not only does a tidy garden look good, but it’s also more inviting. Plus, keeping plants healthy is easier when you have fewer weeds and debris to fight off pests and diseases. You can also help protect the soil from erosion and runoff by keeping your yard clean and free of build-up.

As you’re cleaning up, remove any dead or dying plants from the ground. And include some pressure washing to really spruce up the outside area. Another thing that you can do is rake or mow your lawn so that any leaves left behind will decompose into the soil. When this happens, it will break down organic matter that helps hold nutrients in the ground, making them more available to growing plants. And you’ll have a beautiful garden for longer this spring.

Cozy Heating Solutions:

There’s a noticeable increase in temperature during early spring; however, it is still cold. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the outdoors in comfort. Near the end of spring, it’s warm enough to sit outside in shorts and a shirt as summer approaches. But at the start of the season, you may need a heater. Outdoor heating is easy to install and will make your outdoor space more usable. From simple fire pits to gas and electric patio heaters, there are excellent outdoor heaters in almost every home improvement store.

Cover Your Furniture:

Spring weather can be unpredictable. One minute there’s a glowing sun and a gentle breeze, the next, there’s a thunderstorm. Fluctuating temperatures and rain can cause permanent damage to your lawn furniture. So, when you’re not using your outdoor rattan or wicker loungers, you should protect them. A tarp or a heavy duty plastic sheet will keep your valuables safe, but be aware that a strong wind will blow them away so make sure you adequately tie them down.

Grow Spring Vegetables:

Spring is an excellent time for seasonal growth. If you are a foodie type, there is nothing better than growing your own food. This is because you can grow what you know you will eat, reduce waste, and understand what is in your food when grown organically. Other benefits include:

  • Making it a new family activity.
  • Reduced food bills.
  • An abundance of healthy fruit and vegetables.
  • The freshest foods of the season.
  • Greatly reduced household carbon footprint.

Growing vegetables is season dependent and you should learn as much as you can about growing seasonal food before you begin your gardening.

Set Some Ambiance:

Watching the sunset from your garden is one of life’s greatest moments. And when it’s dark, it’s time to create some magical ambiance outside. Lights designed for your garden can be installed via your main electricity and timers can be set to match the sunset. You can easily do this with smart lighting via apps. For a more sustainable option, you can install solar auto lights that store energy in the day and self illuminate when it’s darker.

Get Ready for the Easter Holiday:

You can decorate your home and garden for Easter as you would for autumn and Christmas. Being close to nature, your garden is the perfect setting for an Easter egg hunt and outdoor dining. Easter egg hunts are such a fun activity if you have little ones. You can also dye eggs, paint pictures, and watch for bunnies in the yard for holiday fun with the kiddos.

Your garden comes alive in the spring and the tips above can help you enjoy it even more after hibernating all winter!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Small Things That Are Unsafe In Your Home

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Small Things That Are Unsafe In Your Home

Most of us like to think of our homes as being our safe space. But, the reality is that many of our homes are not quite as safe as we believe them to be. Every day, millions of us are putting ourselves and our families at risk by doing lots of little things that make our homes more dangerous. Check out these small ways that you could be making your home more unsafe:

Not cleaning the lint trap regularly:

If you have a dryer at home, then you need to clean the lint traps after every use. If you fail to do this, not only will your dryer not work as efficiently, but you could be putting your home at risk of fire, bacteria, and even carbon monoxide poisoning, all of which can happen when the dryer vent is blocked by lint. If you haven’t been regularly cleaning your lint traps, then calling a dryer vent cleaning service might be in order. After the experts have tended to the vents, it will put you in a better position to make cleaning them a part of your routine.

If you think your appliance is in need of dryer vent cleaning, don’t hesitate to call an expert near you. This is something that can be fixed easily and will prevent any major misfortunes from happening.

Not repairing your roof:

If your roof is old or damaged, then it could pose a very real safety risk. It will be more likely to let in water which causes mold and dampness. Tiles could also fall off and hit you on the head! If your roof is damaged, you really do need to call in a company like Bison Roofing to repair it as soon as possible. Leaving it in a poor state is not worth the risk.

Not getting your A/C serviced regularly:

If you don’t get your A/C serviced regularly and it develops a fault, it could be a serious fire risk. Thousands of fires are caused by faulty A/C units every year so this is a very real threat.

Hiding your extension cords with a rug:

If you have a lot of extension cords, it is fair to say that they can be unsightly. It can be tempting to cover them over with a pretty rug to keep them out of sight but that is a really bad idea. Not only is your family more likely to trip over the cords when they are hidden, but there is a chance that they could set fire to the rug and that would not be good news!

unsafe1^^^ Pixabay Image

Plugging extension cords together:

While we’re on the subject of extension cords, it is also worth saying that you should never plug two extensions cords together. It can be tempting to plug one into another when you have an appliance that doesn’t quite reach a wall socket, but this is a major fire risk so it’s a definite no no.

Never washing your pillows:

If you don’t wash your pillows very often or if you do not wash them at all, then you could be exposing yourself and your family to a whole host of bacteria, fungus, and allergens. If you’re sick a lot and you don’t wash your pillows very often, there could well be a link.

Not covering your pool:

If you have kids and you leave your pool uncovered, even if just for a short amount of time, there is a risk that they could fall in and get into trouble. If you can’t keep it covered, then installing a fence is a good way to keep the kids out and prevent any potential disasters from happening. The safety of your family is what really matters.

As you can see, there are lots of little things that we do every day without thinking, which could potentially harm us or our family. The good thing is, now that you know what you could be doing wrong, you can stop doing it!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Super Happy Great Day!

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Super Happy Great Day!

Hello! After a long week, I was SO ready for some time off over the weekend. This past Saturday was a wonderful one and it was such a treat – it was a low key day but it was spent with the best company and that’s what made it fabulous!

I was so happy to be able to treat my sister, her boyfriend, and my sweet niece to lunch at Chipotle. I am constantly craving it and it was delicious! It’s also one of my niece’s favorite eateries and she was so excited about “me beans and rice”, which I am still cracking up about. 😀

After lunch, we went back to my parents’ house to hang out before Kristen and Ramon had to go to work and I stuck around for some extra time with my Val Gal. We read books, played hide and seek, and watched some of the new Space Jam movie. We loved it! And, of course, it was so fun to see our hometown hero, LeBron James, in it.

My day was already great but it was even better once I got home because one of mine and Johnny’s best friends, Shannon, stayed the weekend with us. He lives in Marietta so we don’t get to see him too often but he was photographing a concert in Cleveland and we were more than happy to provide him with a place to crash.

lovee

Once he returned back to our place from the show, we spent hours catching up and laughing hysterically about anything and everything. He is an absolute delight and we can’t wait for the weather to warm up so that we can spend the weekend at his place. A fun time was definitely had by all. ❤

I was working hard for this past weekend and it was so worth it because it was a hoot. Good company and good food makes for a very happy me!

How was your weekend? What is one of your favorite restaurants? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

How To Create A More Social Home

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How To Create A More Social Home

Your home is primarily a space for you and your family to relax and unwind. But it can also be more than that. It can be a space that your friends and extended family enjoy, too. Is there anything better than inviting your loved ones around for a few hours of fun? Not in our book. Of course, while you might want this to be the case, it’s not as if it will always just happen. You normally have to work to make your home social ready.

Fortunately, this isn’t overly difficult! In this post, we’ll run through some useful tips that will make your house the place to be for all of your guests:

Guest Rooms:

One of the issues surrounding inviting people over is that sometimes they come from a long way away. And once they’re over, they’ll be thinking about how they’re going to get home. You can get around this issue by creating a guest room in your house. This will allow your friends and family to spend the night whenever they want. Everyone relaxes and enjoys themselves much more if they’re not worrying about how they’re going to get back.

Conversation Spaces:

If you’re going to invite friends and family around, then you’ll want to create a space where conversation can flow. After all, that’s why you’ll be together! The issue is that many people’s homes aren’t all that conducive to conversation. For example, if your living room furniture is all pointing towards a television, then you’ll have inadvertently created a space that doesn’t lend itself to communication, rather entertainment. Instead, look at arranging your furniture so that they face each other. You’ll find that the conversation flows much more naturally.

Social Kitchens:

There will be times when you and your guests are in your living room. But if you’ve invited more than a couple of people over, then you’ll want to look elsewhere. In this day and age, the kitchen is the most popular social space in the house, and especially so if it’s an open plan kitchen. If you want to change your kitchen so that it’s more social ready, then take a look at the top rated remodelers near you. Open plan kitchens are perfect for those small casual gatherings, where people can stand and mingle.

In the Yard:

You’ll likely use your open plan kitchen for gatherings during the winter months. But in the summertime, it’s best to look at your yard. If you have some outdoor furniture, a BBQ, and a speaker, then you’ll have everything you need to spend many hours under the shining sun. You can go the extra mile by adding a fire pit (perfect for those slightly chilly evenings) and putting some outdoor children’s games, so that the whole family can get together to have a good time at your property!

Turn your home into a social hub with the tips above so that you are always in good company!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Establishing An Effective Bedtime Routine For Kids

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Establishing An Effective Bedtime Routine For Kids

Kids can be enormous bundles of energy. But like all people, they still need to recharge their batteries. The appropriate hours of sleep for a child depends on their age, with younger children needing more sleep to help their bodies grow. For example, kids between the age of 3 to 6 years old need between 10 to even 12 hours of sleep. Not all this sleep is done at night, with parents heavily encouraged to put them down for afternoon nap times.

However, for the main event at night, it can be difficult to get your kids to settle down, especially if they are excited. One of the best ways to get your kids to sleep better and quickly is through an efficient bedtime routine. If you are struggling to get your kids enough hours of sleep, try these tips for an effective bedtime routine:

Limit the Sugar:

Unless you want to start rooting around your medicine cabinet for expired melatonin, you do not want to feed your children anything overly sugary after dinner. Not only can they become hyperactive from too many sweets, but the resulting sugar crash can also make their night’s sleep uncomfortable. This means you need to regulate the kind of dinner you give your children.

First, avoid sodas and sugary drinks and instead serve fruit juices or even just plain water if possible. If your kids still want to eat dessert, you may opt to give them only a small amount of something. Or you can choose to give them fresh fruit.

Bath time:

After they’ve eaten, it is now time for them to have a bath. Research has shown that taking a bath about 90 minutes before going to bed can be helpful in cooling down the body and getting you into a more restful state.

Remember to use bathing products that are appropriate for their age. For example, some facial foam brands are formulated to clean skin that experiences heavy exposure. Although this is great for adults who routinely spend time outdoors, it can be strong for children. Make sure to temper their bathwater as well, making it warmer if it’s chilly or a little cooler if the summer air is too hot.

Some Screens:

Your kids may want to use the internet or some form of digital device to watch their favorite cartoons or play some games. After dinner, it may help them wind down to have about a half hour to an hour of screen time. This can mean playing with a smartphone or some time in front of the television screen. Just make sure to supervise the content that they are viewing.

Read to Them:

Reading to children at bedtime has been a custom with children for centuries and it is a great way to bond with them. You can also expect them to develop vivid imaginations and enjoy reading, a useful hobby to instill early on. Let your kids select their own reading material from a selection of books and be sure to ask them frequently if they have any questions.

Kids take time to comprehend what’s happening and you may need to read something slowly or repeatedly. Picture books will be a sure hit with kids since they allow children to visualize what they’re reading with you.

Careful with the Light:

A final consideration that many parents have to face is whether to use a nightlight. These devices are used to comfort children with illumination when they are still afraid of the dark. However, some parents may feel that a nightlight only keeps kids awake due to the illumination. You can avoid this by buying a nightlight with adjustable brightness and placing them close to the floor rather than high up, where the glare can wake your kids. Finally, you may wish to employ some strategies to slowly wean your kids away from using them.

A successful bedtime routine can help your kids settle down at night and get the rest they need. Fine tune these tips to accommodate your their needs and you can look forward to restful evenings and healthy children.

Body Positivity: Why Kids Should Learn It In School

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Body Positivity: Why Kids Should Learn It In School

In school, the overweight kid is often bullied and outcast. Their torment may last until high school ends, but the impact can endure for a lifetime. To many, bullying or being bullied may seem like a phase. But in reality, it’s more serious than that. Bullying can cause lasting trauma that time alone cannot heal.

Sadly, society normalizes heavier kids being bullied. Even the media romanticizes it. Movies and books with the overweight protagonist being bullied and losing weight in revenge are far too common. As a result, kids who struggle with weight believe that they’d never be good enough until they become skinny.

Only one thing can change this: teaching body positivity in school. Body positivity is the assertion that all people deserve to have a positive body image. Whatever their weight, height, shape, or size is, every person should feel beautiful. Likewise, persons with disabilities or deformities should also be body positive.

Thankfully, some institutions really do prize fairness, teaching equality and empathy, and being able to put yourself in the shoes of others. You need only see the Alpine Academy reviews to see how that’s the case. Teaching kids to be body positive can change an entire society or culture. Overweight or underweight kids won’t be mocked anymore and trauma can be avoided, allowing kids to thrive and be kind to others when they grow up.

Body Positivity Cures “Fatphobia”:

Fatphobia is the pop culture term for the stigma of obesity. It’s fear or hatred toward overweight or obese people. People can have it without realizing it because society has ingrained into them that being overweight is undesirable or shameful.

Fatphobia manifests itself in different ways. It can appear as though coming from a good place. For example, if you constantly remind overweight people that they’re at risk of serious diseases, that’s fatphobic. It appears as an unsolicited suggestion to lose weight.

Praising someone’s looks but commenting badly about their body is a fatphobic habit, too. Telling someone that they’re pretty but they’d look so much better if they lost weight helps no one. It implies that only skinny people can be attractive and extra pounds are automatically undesirable. This harms many children, overweight or not. Children who aren’t innately skinny will always believe that they’re unattractive, while skinny kids can develop a superiority complex.

While obesity in kids should be addressed, it should be focused on their health alone, not their looks. Schools or parents can provide healthier lunch meals for the kids without saying that it’s for weight loss. All children should feel safe gaining or losing weight, not coerced.

It Prevents Body Dysmorphia:

Poor body image can lead to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). It’s a mental health condition that causes “imagined ugliness”. A person with BDD always finds something “wrong” with their bodies and claims that they need it fixed.

In kids, BDD can cause anxiety in going to school. They feel ashamed at being seen or are scared that their flaws will show, and their classmates would laugh at it. If they do come to school, they may cover up their bodies even if it’s the middle of summer. They constantly worry about their bodies, even if you reassure them that nothing is wrong.

BDD can stem from toxic societal and cultural norms about body types. Continuously teasing or shaming overweight people can cause anxiety among children. This anxiety will create a fear of being overweight because they would be bullied.

With body positivity classes, boys and girls will learn to accept their bodies for how it is. Young boys will learn that they don’t need bulky muscles to look desirable. Young girls will realize that they don’t need to be a certain shape to be beautiful. Underweight kids will benefit from it, too. They would no longer be told that they look “anorexic” or should eat more to look prettier or more handsome.

It Removes the Stigma Toward Cosmetic Enhancements:

Body positivity can help remove the stigma toward people who get cosmetic enhancements done. After all, the core of body positivity is for everyone to have a positive body image. Therefore, those who get liposuction, non-invasive weight loss procedures, lip fillers, etc., should also feel accepted and safe in their environment.

Kids shouldn’t be taught that enhancing or changing their looks is sinful. Instead, they should be taught that they are in charge of their own bodies. As such, they can choose what to do with it. They can get tattoos, piercings, cosmetic surgery, or bold hair colors as long as it makes them feel confident. This also includes hormone replacement therapy too.

If we raise children who consider all body shapes and sizes to be beautiful, it will help improve their quality of life from the jump. Tolerance and understanding are important skills that kids are never too young to learn.

Happy Haulidays: Parents Edition

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Happy Haulidays: Parents Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to the last edition of my holiday haul compliments of my parents! The one thing that I asked for for Christmas was a new set of pots and pans and they definitely delivered. I can’t wait to use the beautiful set that they got me and it will be nice to not have to do dishes immediately after cooking dinner as I originally only had a handful of pots and pans before! Check it out:

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Thanks to my husband’s family graciously giving us a new air fryer for Christmas and the new cookware from mine, we have everything that we need in our kitchen now. I am so happy! I try to cook an “actual” dinner instead of air fried foods several times per week so these pots and pans will certainly come in handy. My old cookware is also, admittedly, not the best so using quality cookware for the first time is something that I’m really looking forward to.

While some might consider cooking to be a chore, it is one of my favorite things to do. Serving food for someone is an act of love, and I always enjoy whipping up mine and Johnny’s favorite meals. Our middle class fancy conversation after dinner usually is something along these lines…

Me: I love cooking you dinner.

Johnny: And I love eating it!

Lol, there is nothing more satisfying than that to me!

After a much needed curbside grocery order, I have a feeling that I will be cooking up a storm. Thanks to my parents, I have all of the tools I need to make my time spent cooking an even more joyful experience. ❤

What are some of your favorite vegetarian recipes? How do you show love to someone? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah