Tag Archives: parents

Mar22

The Power Of Focusing On Family Health

Posted on by
Standard
The Power Of Focusing On Family Health

Health is something that affects every family. Despite the numerous advantages of consistent exercise, a healthy diet, and other lifestyle behaviors, many families find it challenging to work these habits into their daily schedules. However, by emphasizing the value of family wellness, parents can foster a culture in which their kids can start developing healthy habits at an early age, preparing them for success as adults:

The Power of Healthy Habits:

Developing healthy habits from an early age is essential for promoting a lifetime of good health. Studies have shown that children learn best through example, so it’s important for parents to lead by example and demonstrate healthy behaviors throughout the day. This includes eating nutritious meals, staying active, and getting enough sleep each night. Parents can also set aside time for family activities like going for walks or playing sports together – activities which encourage physical activity as well as quality bonding time.

Creating a Healthy Environment in the Home:

Parents should work to establish a healthy environment in the home in addition to focusing on their own habits. This includes providing wholesome meals and snacks for the family as well as making sure that there are always healthy choices accessible. Parents can also set limits on screen time and encourage activities like reading or playing board games instead. Having a regular bedtime routine, including winding down before bed, is also important for helping children get enough quality sleep each night.

Benefits of Raising a Health-Conscious Family:

Raising a health-conscious family has numerous benefits for both parents and children. Start by setting clear expectations about healthy habits, such as regular physical activity, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough sleep each night. It will be simpler to remain motivated and incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine when everyone in the family is on the same page. Regularly discussing the importance of health with your children can also help them understand why these choices are beneficial in the long run.

Keeping Up With Medical Check-Ups and Exams:

It’s also important for parents to ensure that their children are up-to-date with all necessary medical check-ups and exams, such as hearing tests. Hearing loss can be a common issue in children, so it’s important to catch any hearing problems as early as possible. If hearing aids are needed, getting them fitted promptly is essential for reducing the risk of developing speech or language delays due to hearing loss. Having hearing aids fitted when recommended will ensure that your child can hear properly and participate fully in school and other activities.

By making family health and wellness a priority in the home, parents can help create an environment of healthy habits that will last well into adulthood. From leading by example to incorporating preventive care into your routine, there are many ways parents can promote overall well-being in their household. By taking these steps now, families have the opportunity to create a lifetime of good health for themselves.

Featured Image By: Terje Sollie

Advertisement
Mar22

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!!

Posted on by
Standard
Happy Birthday, Mom!!!!

Hello!!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my mom’s birthday!! My mom is my best friend in the whole world and, I hate to brag, but she’s the best mom in the whole world too. Every day she inspires me with her strength, bravery, and positivity and I am a better person because of it. People always seem to have a fear of turning into their parents as they age, but that is far from the case with me. As I get older and catch myself doing “mom-isms” of my own, I feel proud to be even an iota like her! Check out this stunning beauty:

image_50754561image_50746369image_67208193(1)

My mom fiercely loves her family, grandchildren, and pets and faces every single hardship with a smile on her face because of it. She radiates joy and it is impossible to be in a bad mood around her. And, if you are, you’ll forget about it after just a few minutes of being with her. Even at almost twenty-nine, a hug from my mom still serves as my favorite cure all and I always can’t wait to see her again as soon as our visits end. ❤

As I type this, Melvin and Penelope are out running around and I have my mom to thank for that. Watching her care for our family dogs and be an A+ pet parent all of my life makes me want to provide nothing less for my bunnies. As I type this, my watercolor flowers that we just painted together are still on my desk and I have my mom to thank for that too. By signing herself, me, and my sister up for a class this past summer, she gave me and her a brand new hobby to do together. I feel proud that she encouraged all of us to try something different and that we are still painting several months later.

Everything I love, I have my mom to thank for because she has been with me every step of the way with her endless support and unconditional love. Being her daughter is a gift and I love her so very, very much. Happy birthday to the best mom and I will see you later today!

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Mar3

Pet Bunnies For Easter: DON’T!!

Posted on by
Standard
Pet Bunnies For Easter: DON’T!!

Hello!! Johnny and I have had our sweet baby bunny angels, Melvin and Penelope, for almost four months already! I honestly can’t believe it has only been that short of a time because it feels like I have had them for forever. The more time I spend as a very active bunny mom, the more I truly can’t understand why small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are given to children as pets. They are way more work than you could ever expect and it’s not fair to expect a child to meet the needs of pets that require a lot of care.

With the Easter season approaching, I wanted to share my thoughts on this as bunnies are as common to give to kids as candy for the holiday. However, a majority of these rabbits will end up in shelters within the year. Here is a brief summary of all that having a bunny entails before you make the decision to incorporate a new pet:

image_50439169(3)image_50424321(8)

Bunnies Need Exercise:

If your plan is to get a rabbit and confine it to a hutch all day every day, then let me stop you right now. For both the mental and physical health of the rabbit, they need plenty of exercise outside of their cage. Because I work from home a lot, I allow my bunnies to roam for six plus hours a day. Your rabbit’s exercise space will need to be fully bunny-proofed to prevent them from getting hurt or chewing on anything that they shouldn’t. And chew, they will – one look at our windowsill will prove it!

Bunnies Are Expensive:

There are so many supplies that you will need to have constantly at home for your small animal; Pellet food, veggies, Timothy hay, bedding, toys, and litter to name just a few. Individually, these things aren’t the most expensive in the world but it adds up when you have to replenish supplies often. On average, Johnny and I probably spend between sixty to one hundred dollars on Chewy per month. If this is something that your budget won’t allow, then let me stop you right now as these are all essential items to your bunny’s care.

Bunnies Are Messy:

After the arrival of Melvin and Penelope, I had to push my wake up time back to 5 AM so that I could care for them and still start online work in time. Every morning, I have to thoroughly clean their potty area including three litter boxes. While Mel and P are pretty good about using their litter box, they still are subject to accidents. Bunnies deserve a clean space and if you can’t set aside adequate time every day to spot clean and empty litter boxes, then let me stop you right now.

Bunnies Are Social:

Bunnies are very social animals and having a bonded pair is ideal. Like humans, bunnies can get depressed too and need stimulation to keep them happy. This means lots of toys, taking the time to pet and groom them, and interacting with them throughout the day. If you can’t commit to the highly necessary extra socialization for your bunny, then let me stop you right now.

Bunnies Are Usually NOT Cuddly:

If you are imagining a fluffy little something that the kids can hold and snuggle, then let me stop you right now. Bunnies, traditionally, are prey animals and they despise being picked up. Kind of like a cat, you really need to let your bunny come to you on their own terms. Penelope is very shy and it took a decent amount of time for her to warm up to me. Melvin, on the other hand, is very adventurous and never minded me too much! It all depends on the temperament of your bunny and forcing cuddles is only going to terrorize them.

Bunnies Are Awesome:

Melvin and Penelope are the absolute best and I love them so much. Before committing to wanting pet bunnies in the first place, I researched their necessary care and felt like I could provide that and more. It makes me happy that I can and it’s important to me that people know what they are getting into before taking a small pet home. It is incredibly rewarding, but a lot of work!

If you or someone you know is considering an Easter bunny, please consider this post before making any decisions. If you can’t meet all of these daily tasks for their care, then a bunny isn’t the pet for you.

What kind of pet do you have? Have you had a small animal as a pet before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb27

New Guitar Shelf

Posted on by
Standard
New Guitar Shelf

Hello!! Johnny’s dad is an incredibly handy guy and has the gift of being able to fix and make seemingly anything. I love hearing Johnny’s memories of building Lego and pinewood derby cars with his dad when he was little and I love hearing his dad’s wisecracks about it even more!! For our housewarming/birthaversary party last year, we knew that we were going to receive a hand crafted gift from Johnny’s dad, but we didn’t know what. Until now!! Check it out:

image_50332161image_50373889(4)image_50372609(1)

For our gift, my father-in-law made us a shelf using one of Johnny’s numerous beat up guitars that are still tucked away at his parents. I couldn’t believe my eyes when Johnny brought it in the other day and, at first, I thought he treated himself to a new guitar! It is, hands down, one of the coolest and most thoughtful gifts that we have ever received and I can’t wait until Johnny hangs it up in his man cave/music room. The good lord knows that we have plenty of knick knacks to fill it up with!

Johnny and I are so lucky because we both truly couldn’t ask for better parents and in-laws. We try to visit both sets as often as we can because we enjoy spending time with them so much. Ever since Johnny and I started dating, it was really special that we both essentially stepped into each other’s families without missing a beat. The guitar shelf that Johnny’s dad made is going to be perfect for housing trinkets from family vacations as well as hand me down decor from our fams. I can’t think of anything more appropriate to place in it and we will forever treasure this amazing gift. ❤

Huge shout out to both mine and Johnny’s parents for being awesome! Another shout out is also in order for my friend, Simon, for answering my Social Media Call To Action. Thank you so much and everyone please check out his page, Simon’s Space!

What is the best gift you have ever received? Do you play any instruments? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb15

How To Prepare Your Child For A New Dog

Posted on by
Standard
How To Prepare Your Child For A New Dog

A new pet can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to make sure your children are prepared for the responsibility that comes with it. Try these tips out to get everyone in your family fully prepared for the arrival of your four legged:

Teach them How to Look After It:

Before you get a dog, make sure your kids understand the basics of dog care, such as feeding, grooming, and exercise. For instance, explain to your kids what type of food the dog (such as using the best supplements for poodles) will need and how often they should be fed. You can also show them where the food and water bowls will be kept and how to measure out the appropriate amount of food. Take a trip to the pet store together and select some toys to keep your dog entertained and active. Your child will love picking out toys just for them to play with together!

Involve Them in Choosing It:

It always helps to take your kids along when you go to choose a dog. Let them help pick out the breed, color, and size of the dog they want. This will make them feel invested in the process and more connected to the dog. You can also research together. Before you go to choose a dog, look at different breeds and talk about which qualities would be a good fit for your family. This can help narrow down the options and give your kids an idea of what to expect from their pets.

Start with a Smaller Pet:

There are around 76 million domestic dogs in the USA alone. But if your kids have never had a pet before, consider starting with a smaller animal, such as a hamster or fish. This will help them learn the basics of pet care and they will feel more confident when it comes time to take care of a larger animal like a dog. This is because even with a small pet, it’s important to teach your child about the importance of caring for it by encouraging them to take an active role.

Teach the Kids Responsible Ownership:

It also goes a long way if you make sure your kids understand what is expected of them when it comes to caring for the dog. Together as a family, create a schedule for feeding, walking, and grooming and make sure your kids understand their responsibilities in pet care. However, this can be hard for younger kids to grasp. So, if your child is struggling to meet their responsibilities or if issues arise, take the time to address them in a calm and supportive manner as a caregiver.

Make Caring for the Dog Fun:

Getting a dog should be a fun and exciting experience for kids so encourage them to play with the dog. This can be as simple as walks or teaching them new tricks such as sitting, staying, and shaking paws. This will help them bond with the dog and create a lifelong friendship. Going for walks with the dog is not only good exercise, but it’s also a great way to bond with the dog. Encourage your child to come along on walks and get their exercise too.

Start your new adventure as a pet owner on the right foot with the tips above and encourage your kids to take an active role in the dog’s care. They will be inseparable soon enough!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb13

The Importance Of Taking Interest In Your Child’s Hobbies

Posted on by
Standard
The Importance Of Taking Interest In Your Child’s Hobbies

In a world where children are constantly glued to their electronic devices, it’s more important than ever for parents to take an interest in their children’s hobbies. Doing so can help foster a love of learning and exploration that will stay with them throughout their lives. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to take an interest in the subjects that are special to your child:

It shows them you care:

Taking an interest in what your children are passionate about demonstrates that you value their interests, hobbies, and opinions. This reinforces the bond between parent and child and lets them know they have the freedom to explore and pursue whatever interests them. In addition, it reminds them that you are always there to support them in their endeavors.

It encourages exploration and creativity:

By taking an interest in your children’s interests, you can encourage exploration and creativity by suggesting ideas or activities related to their hobbies. You can also provide resources for further research or offer assistance as needed. This allows for a better understanding of the hobby and provides an outlet for creative expression and problem-solving skills.

It keep communication open:

When parents take an active interest in their children’s interests, it encourages conversation and dialogue between the two parties. It is important for the parents to stay connected with each other and for children to feel comfortable communicating any issues or concerns they may have.

It helps them develop their skills:

As the adult, you can help foster the development of their specific skills related to their interests and hobbies. This could involve providing additional training or instruction, offering advice or guidance, or providing a space for them to practice and hone their talents.

It builds confidence:

When parents take an active interest in their children, it often helps to build a sense of self-worth and confidence. This is especially important during adolescence, where identity formation is critical; showing your children that you believe in them and their passions makes them more likely to engage positively with their activities, boosting their overall confidence level.

It helps them stay focused:

When children are passionate about something like collecting Kevin Burge Sports Cards, painting, or a sport, it’s much easier for them to stay focused and engaged in the task at hand. This is because they’re more likely to be motivated by their own interests rather than outside influences or pressures. Taking an interest in your children’s hobbies can help keep them motivated and on track with their goals.

Taking an interest in your children’s hobbies will show that you care while also helping them develop confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and a passion for learning. It also provides opportunities for parents and children to bond over shared experiences and memories. Take some time out of your day today to talk with your children about what they’re passionate about and get involved in their hobbies. You’ll be glad you did!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb13

How To Encourage Your Child’s Creative Side

Posted on by
Standard
How To Encourage Your Child’s Creative Side

Children’s overall development depends on fostering creativity because it allows them to think critically, express themselves, and learn problem-solving techniques. A child’s imagination can be given a fun and interesting outlet through creativity, which enables them to enjoyably explore new ideas and concepts. Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the ways you can encourage your child’s creative side:

Provide Art Supplies:

Giving kids access to a variety of art supplies is among the simplest ways to encourage their creativity. Items like paints, markers, crayons, paper, and clay can be categorized under this. Children can explore their creativity and think outside of the box by being encouraged to experiment with various materials and methods.

Imaginative Play:

Being able to create their own characters, worlds, and stories allows children to engage in imaginative play, which is a crucial aspect of childhood. You can provide props like dress-up clothes, toy animals, and a designated play area in your home to encourage this kind of play.

Read Books and Tell Stories:

Children’s imaginations can be greatly sparked by reading books and sharing stories with them. While storytelling enables children to develop their own interpretations of the stories they hear, books can introduce them to new concepts and worlds. Books are a great way to stimulate imagination and grow vocabulary. As an added bonus, you can organize crafts and activities based around your child’s favorite book.

Create a Craft Corner:

Give your kids a dedicated area for creative endeavors by designating a space in your home for craft activities. An inviting craft space that kids will enjoy using can be easily made with the help of a small table and chairs and supply storage.

Encourage Exploration and Experimentation:

In order to foster creativity, it’s crucial to let kids experiment and explore with a variety of tools and methods. This can entail experimenting with new art materials, trying out various techniques, or discovering fresh approaches to creating.

Attend Art Classes or Workshops:

Children can benefit from structured opportunities to explore their creativity in a safe environment through art classes or workshops. Their confidence can be boosted and their artistic abilities can be encouraged by working with other kids and learning from qualified teachers. These kinds of activities might take place at daycares near you too.

Take Nature Walks:

Children who spend time in nature can be more creative because they can experience the sights, sounds, and textures of the natural world. Go on a nature walk or scavenger hunt together and encourage them to observe their surroundings, which can help them come up with new ideas and engage their imagination.

Foster creativity in your children with the tips above and watch their imagination soar to new heights!

Featured Image By: PXHere

Jan30

How To Keep Your Aging Loved One Happy & Healthy

Posted on by
Standard
How To Keep Your Aging Loved One Happy & Healthy

When it comes to aging loved ones, they tend to be the ones that face the most loneliness. It’s quite sad, but there is something that you can do about it. More specifically, there are ways that you can keep your aging loved one happy and healthy throughout the rest of their life. It’s not nearly as challenging as you may think so here is everything you need to know:

Encourage physical activities:

If your aging loved one is not getting adequate exercise, you should encourage them to be more active. Exercise helps strengthen muscles, improves balance, and helps reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It also promotes healthy aging. Many seniors are afraid of exercising, but they need to stay active to protect their health. Encourage your senior loved one to keep up with their physical activity by showing them the benefits of doing so.

Set boundaries around your caregiving relationship:

It can be challenging having to take care of your aging loved ones and it is important to set boundaries. This can sometimes be easier said than done! Some people find it difficult to say no to their parents. They may feel guilty and want to say yes to everything. The most important thing to remember when setting boundaries is to be clear. You do not want to be perceived as being a doormat or rude. Instead, be thoughtful and respectful. If you want to ensure your aging loved ones are happy and doing well, then you need to know it starts with you and how you feel. Boundaries will help keep both parties happy.

Encourage meaningful conversations:

Having those heart-to-heart conversations means a lot. Seniors’ minds are often a source of wisdom and experience. Sharing memories can be a fun and uplifting way to connect with them. You can ask them how they’re feeling or even try to take a trip down memory lane with them. Overall, it’s just so important to engage in these sorts of conversations; they’re very powerful and can help combat loneliness.

Make them feel safe:

Using the latest technologies, such as wireless alarm systems and sensors to detect falls, can give seniors the peace of mind they deserve. Other less obvious solutions include installing an intelligent alarm system, putting a lock on the front door, and removing items in the home that could be considered hazardous. If they’re living in a nursing home, you’re going to want to ensure that they’re staying safe there too. In cases like this, inform them of a nearby  Nursing Home Abuse Center for additional help.

Find a hobby or activity that they may enjoy:

Some common hobbies for seniors include bird watching, art, music, or even genealogy. These activities can provide a relaxing way for your senior to connect with the outdoors and enjoy nature. You can also consider joining a book club. The books in a book club can range from serious to light-hearted, but the club’s goal is to bring people together to discuss a topic. Another idea for a new hobby for your senior is to look online. Many online gaming communities and websites exist to offer people a wide variety of games and activities. There are also a number of apps available to help you get started.

Form a care team:

A family member like yourself may need extra help taking care of an aging parent or loved one. You shouldn’t do it all alone, which is why you need to have a care team. The best way to find a good fit is to talk to your family. You want to know what your aging parent’s wants and needs are. Your own goals are also important. This includes keeping your loved one safe and comfortable and providing emotional support. If you have the means, you can even hire a financial planner to protect your loved one’s assets, as this tends to be needed too. Overall, a care team and a large support system will definitely help out your aging loved one.

Help keep your loved one safe and happy with the tips above and continue to nurture your relationship every day!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan27

Help Your Aging Parents Stay Healthy With These Tips

Posted on by
Standard
Help Your Aging Parents Stay Healthy With These Tips

As parents age, they may need more assistance with their daily activities and health care. To ensure good health for aging parents, several options must be considered. From diet and exercise to mental health, here are five tips to help you support your aging parents as they transition into this new stage of their lives:

Pay Attention To Diet & Nutrition:

Eating a balanced diet is essential at any age, especially during the senior years. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain energy levels and improve overall health. Reducing sugar intake and limiting red meat consumption are also essential, as these can increase cholesterol levels. Additionally, make sure your parents are taking any necessary vitamins or supplements that would benefit their health. If cost is an issue, many stores offer discounted vitamins specifically tailored to seniors’ needs.

Encourage Them To Exercise:

Regular exercise plays an essential role in maintaining physical health for older adults. Exercise helps strengthen muscles and bones, improves endurance, boosts immunity, and increases the production of endorphins, which can positively affect mood. Be sure to consult with a doctor before beginning any new exercises or activities as there are some that may not be appropriate depending on your parent’s current state of health or mobility level.

Nurture Good Mental Health & Socialization:

Seniors often experience feelings of isolation due to reduced mobility or social outlets. It’s essential that they still feel connected to family members and friends and stay engaged in activities that bring them joy, such as reading books or watching movies online with family members who live far away! Check in regularly with your parents about how they’re feeling – not just physically but mentally and look out for signs of depression, such as changes in sleep patterns or lack of motivation which may require professional assistance from a counselor or therapist, if needed.

Consider A Nursing Home:

It’s important to talk openly with your parents about their long-term care preferences and discuss if a nursing home would be beneficial for them. Nursing homes can provide professional medical care, companionship, and help with activities of daily living that they may not be able to do on their own. Make sure you thoroughly research the facility before making any decisions, as some may not have the best reputation or offer adequate medical care to seniors. You don’t want to have to contact a Nursing Home Justice Center after discovering your parents are victims of nursing home abuse.

Safety Management:

As people age, their risk for falls increases due to weakened muscles and/or reduced vision. Safety measures should be put into place in order to prevent falls from occurring inside the home, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom or installing motion sensor lights throughout hallways/stairs if possible. Establishing a contact list of family members or close friends who can be called in case of an emergency is also recommended. Alternatively, you can consider investing in a medical alert system that will allow your parents access to 24-hour medical assistance if needed.

Aging is not easy, and your parents may need support to maintain their physical and mental health. Keep these five tips in mind as you help them navigate this new life stage!

Featured Image By: Yan Krukau

Jan18

Homeschool More Effectively With These Tips

Posted on by
Standard
Homeschool More Effectively With These Tips

If you are a homeschool parent, you want to make sure that you are teaching your children effectively. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this because each child is different. However, there are some general tips that can help you get started. This blog post will discuss four of the most important things to keep in mind when teaching your children at home:

Get organized:

It’s easy for materials to pile up and become overwhelming so it’s important to keep organized. Start by designating specific areas for studying and doing work, like a desk or table. Have all of your materials easily accessible and labeled properly so both you and your children can find what they need quickly. Take the time to plan out your lessons and activities beforehand to save yourself stress later on. Having a set routine can help keep everyone on track and make things run more smoothly.

It’s also important to have an organized system in place for keeping track of grades, tests, and other educational milestones. Create a folder or binder specifically for each child which should include assignment instructions, worksheets, quizzes, graded papers, etc., as well as notes about topics covered in class or any additional resources that you may need throughout the year. Set aside time each week to review the progress of each student – this will help you to identify any areas where improvement is needed and adjust accordingly.

Allow flexibility:

Flexibility is key when it comes to homeschooling. You should give your children the freedom to explore their own interests and learn in different ways. Try incorporating activities that appeal to each child’s unique learning style like hands-on projects or field trips for more tactile learners. Consider allowing independent study time where your kids can pursue topics of interest on their own – this will help them stay engaged and motivated in their studies.

Make lessons engaging:

When teaching at home, make sure to keep things interesting! Use a variety of teaching methods such as videos, games, books, and even music to liven up traditional lectures and make learning more enjoyable. You can also incorporate real-world experiences and visits to museums or other educational sites as this will help your children make connections between what they are learning and the world around them.

Utilize technology:

Technology has made homeschooling much easier! There are so many great educational apps like ABCmouse as well as websites and online tools that you can use to supplement lessons and make teaching more efficient. Take advantage of these resources because they can provide a wealth of information while making learning fun.

Homeschooling is a unique and rewarding experience. With the right strategies and resources, you can teach your children effectively while also creating an enjoyable learning environment!

Featured Image By: Pexels