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Reviews for the Little Ones: How to Choose the Best Toddler Carrier for You

November 4, 2020 Leave a Comment

Babywearing has many benefits: it soothes your baby, promotes feelings of love and connection, and aids with baby’s cognitive development. It also allows you to have your hands free and get on with your daily activities while still keeping your baby close.

Now that your little bundle of joy is no longer a newborn, though, you might think that those babywearing days are over. We have some good news: you can continue to practice babywearing, if both you and your child are happy with it.

Read on to find out how to choose the best toddler carrier for you and your little one.

Baby crawling on wooden floor in diaper pants. Back view

Versatility is Key

Let’s take a step back. If you have a newborn baby and are considering babywearing through to toddlerhood, then you will need a carrier that’s versatile and long-lasting.

So, what does versatility look like in a toddler carrier? You’ll want a carrier that gives you the opportunity to carry your child in different ways: facing inwards, facing outwards, and perhaps even on your back.

Carriers that only offer parent-facing options will become unsuitable as soon as your little one is a few months old and are definitely not a good option for toddlers.

Children aged one to four can still be carried, but because they are more curious and keen to explore their surroundings, they will prefer an outward-facing position.

For example, check out this tula toddler carrier. It’s perfect if you want to carry your new baby, but remains a great option for when they grow up.

Comfort (and Safety) First

Of course, toddlers are a lot stronger, sturdier, and more mobile than newborns. This, though, doesn’t mean that you should skimp on safety or comfort when it comes to choosing the best toddler carrier.

Make sure your carrier is fully compliant with all the latest health and safety regulations, and that it’s designed to carry an older and heavier child.

As for comfort, you want to ensure that both you and your child are cozy and relaxed in order to make the most of your babywearing time. For this reason, you should look for a carrier that features padded and adjustable shoulder straps, as well as a hood to protect your little one from the sunshine.

Speaking of sunshine: if you live in warmer weathers, or are planning to use your carrier when on holiday, go for breathable fabrics and mesh features.

Don’t Give up on Style!

Toddler carriers don’t have to be dull or boring: they come in all sorts of colors and patterns, to please even the most fashion-savvy mom.

From leopard prints to star-studded carriers, there is something out there that is right for you.

Some of them even include a mini purse with handy pockets and zips, so you can bring your essentials with you while carrying your child.

Find the Best Toddler Carrier for You

Now that you know exactly what to look for, you can browse online and look for the best toddler carrier for you and your child.

If you’ve enjoyed reading our tips on how to choose the best toddler carrier, make sure you check out the rest of our blog for more inspiring content!

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Four Ways To Improve Your Child’s Development

May 14, 2020 Leave a Comment

Your child’s development is something to take seriously, and there is plenty that you can do to help gently ease them along in life. When it comes to improving your child’s development, here are four ways that might prove successful.

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Do Math With Toys

It can be difficult to keep your children occupied for a few seconds, let alone trying to each other and educate them on basics maths and English. One way that you can improve your chances is by doing math with toys. Get some toys and use them to count up to five, ten, or twenty. It’s better than using anything that you would normally use or writing it down on paper. They’ll love counting along and playing with their toys at the same time. If toys aren’t working, you can always use food, but then you are likely to find they’ll eat it quicker. Being able to make maths from toys and other fun objects can be great for boosting your child’s skills and will be noticeable when they come to attending school and going to lessons.

 

Make Every Opportunity A Learning One

Every opportunity that your child has can be a learning opportunity. There are plenty of things that you can be doing in and around your home to make it a learning opportunity for your child. Whether it’s doing a bit of baking together or painting some artwork outside in the garden. Take advantage of all the opportunities you can give your child because they can all positively influence your child’s development. The younger years of the child’s development are important to keep an eye on, and when it comes to their behavior, it’s important to keep an eye on that too. Behavioral therapy might be something that your child needs and can be most effective when they’re younger.

 

Sing Together

Singing together can be great fun for you to spend some time with your child and to help improve their memory. Singing can be so good for learning new words and for getting some exercise in through dancing. There are so many advantages to singing, and music can really have a positive impact. It doesn’t need to be children’s songs either, you could get timeless classics that you love too. It can be nice to share an older generation of music and keep that music alive through your children.

 

Let Your Child Lead Sometimes

Sometimes, it’s important to let your child lead in what they would like to do. There will be times where you need to take control as the parent but perhaps let them decide on what they want to do and what they want to play with or on throughout the day. It can all be great for your child’s independence and to help them find what they want to do in life and what they enjoy. It’s creating them into their own unique self.

 

Improving your child’s development is important to use these tips to help with your child’s.

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Parent Proofing Your Kids’ Busy After-School Schedules

March 17, 2020 Leave a Comment

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A child’s life is supposed to be easy. With no responsibilities, it should go without a hitch. As a parent, you know that this theory is a myth. Kids are busier than adults thanks to their hectic after-school schedules. Whether it’s playing soccer or music class, there’s a chance that your children are always on the go. And, this can cause more problems than you would imagine. From a parent’s perspective, you’ve got to get them to their extracurricular on time without exhausting them or harming their education.

 

It’s not a walk in the park, but with these parent-proofed hacks, it’s a lot simpler than it is now!

 

Ask Them To Choose

 

In the beginning, you would rather your children participated in as many activities as possible to ensure they stay active. With obesity levels at an all-time high, letting them play video games and watch TV is irresponsible. After a while, however, you realize that attending every class under the sun isn’t feasible, which is why you should ask them to choose. You might even find that they do certain hobbies to keep you happy and don’t get any enjoyment out of them. It’s about having fun, so if they aren’t, there’s nothing wrong with removing it from their schedule.

 

Carpool

 

Carpooling is an excellent method for parents. Still, there are only two of you, and you can’t continue to ferry them around if you want to live your life, too. Moms and dads deserve a break, you know?! The good news is that there are plenty of other parents in the same predicament, so everyone needs help. By teaming up with other moms and dads, you can share the load and make sure the kids get to practice or class on time without any hiccups. Create a carpooling schedule so that all the parents are doing an equal amount of work.

 

Hire A Tutor

 

Of course, the homework doesn’t stop because the kids are busy. Teachers ensure that their education comes first, and that’s imperative. Unfortunately, with multiple kids having similar busy schedules, finding time to help with homework is tricky. Do My Math Work has the answer as you can hire tutors to show your children the basics of math and statistics. Alternatively, they’ll complete tests for your kids, but this is the last resort. To make sure your children complete their homework and understand it, a tutor is a wiser solution.

 

Pick After-School Clubs Carefully

 

Top schools go the extra mile for their students. That means the teachers stay behind and organize after-school clubs, such as soccer practice or science tutoring. Therefore, if you choose the activity carefully, you can reduce your workload. For example, there is no need for them to play football if they already do it at school. Schools take it so seriously that they might not even be allowed to play for another team. This Science Explorers post should inspire you and your child if you don’t know which club to pick.

 

Good luck!

Filed Under: Children Tagged With: , , ,

Interesting Hobbies For Kids

February 10, 2020 Leave a Comment

In the world of technology, it’s not uncommon to see kids glued to their gadgets all day. This means that it becomes more important to encourage them to pick a hobby that encourages them to use their potential, explore their world and provide them with a way to spike their interests and creativity. 

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon from Pexels

 

Why Are Hobbies Important For Our Children? 

 

A hobby has the ability to shape the personality of a child in a  positive way by helping them become self-reliant, confident and independent. Choosing a hobby that also enhances the thinking skills of kids gets them ready for later on in life. A hobby not only instill good qualities like teamwork, patience and compassion but it also teaches them an array of life skills that will help them grow into healthy adults. 

 

Helping Them Choose

 

You will notice that children tend to imitate their parents, so, you can generate interest in a hobby by leading by example. Indulging in your own hobbies a great way to encourage curiosity and push them to find hobbies of their own. When they watch you taking part in something that is creative and fun they are more likely to join in. What starts off as a little interest can grow into a hobby for life. 

 

Another great way to do this is to take them out and about exploring, whilst trying new activities. Go to museums, art galleries, play football and go to concerts. They will not only learn new things, but they will also start to think about other things that they might like to try. 

 

Let’s have a look at some of the hobbies that you might want to think about: 

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon from Pexels

 

Arts And Crafts

 

Arts and crafts are normally one the first hobbies that people think about but they get caught up with just coloring and painting, there are some many other that fit into this category. Hobbies like this are a fantastic way to fuel a child’s imagination and give them a healthy channel for their creativity through fun activities. Some include : 

 

  • Origami
  • Hand print Crafts
  • Crochet, you could even create hats and scarves for the winter
  • Woodwork, kids love using real tools 
  • Felting
  • Paint
  • Tapestry
  • Quilting and Knitting
  • Pencil Sketching and Drawing
  • Comic Book Art, this is a good transition for comic mad kids

Photo by Andy Kuzma from Pexels

 

Nature-Related 

 

A great way to educate and get your kids in the outdoors is to get them involved in nature-related hobbies, some include: 

 

  • Animal Care, it can be a family pet or even voluntary work
  • Gardening, create their own space in the garden 
  • Organic Farming, growing their own veg can lead to cooking in the kitchen
  • Recycling Paper, making their own paper for their art and crafts 

Photo by bruce mars from Pexels

 

General Interest

 

Your children may already be showing signs of interest in hobbies that they might like to do, with your help they can be developed into a serious hobby. These can include but aren’t limited to: 

 

  • Photography, kids are now very gadget orientated, a great way to get them away from the screen is with photography 
  • Software Skills this is where kids can take part in things like coder kids and learn to build apps, games, websites or a blog
  • Cooking great for everyday life skills 
  • Scientific Experiments, there are plenty you can find on Pinterest
  • Magic
  • Reading will also develop their language skills
  • Flower Pressing
  • Learning Survival Skills is a great way to get them enjoying outdoors.
  • Sports, again a great way to get them outdoors

 

Hobbies are an important part of a kids development, they promote various social, creative, moral and academic skills in your children. This is why children who take up positive hobbies and are encouraged by their parents often do well in life in a positive and professional way. Finding hobbies that they’re interested in and also promote natural, essential life skills gives them the confidence to make solid decisions on their own and drives their creative energy. 

 

Hobbies are also a fantastic learning opportunity for your children, they are a positive and easy way for them to learn, work on creating something new, come up with unique and individual ideas all whilst having fun. Signing your children up to groups and activities where they need to play as team is also a brilliant way to promote a healthy view to teamwork and making friends. 

 

These are just a few of the many activities that your children may find interesting as a hobby, do you have any other hobbies that should be included on this list that you can share in the comments section below? 

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How To Choose Kids’ Toys

August 6, 2019 Leave a Comment

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Buying toys for your little ones can be an extremely exciting and fun process, yet a stressful and frustrating one at the same time. There is nothing better than seeing the smile on your precious children’s faces when they open their gifts, yet getting to the conclusion of that smile is a difficult procedure.

 

In order to ensure that the toy you buy is a success, this blog post will give you some help by providing you with some tips and guidance.

 

The first thing you need to think about is the overall appeal of the toy. Will it spark an instant reaction? Children have a short attention span and they need to be enthralled by something literally instantly if you want any hope of maintaining their interest. You may think that the toy you are considering is a good idea, but if you have to explain what it is or if it has a look which is unappealing then you will certainly have a battle on your hands. The key is too look for something eye-catching, think about different colours, patterns, movements and interactive elements, basically things that are going to make your child going ‘wow’ and attain all of their attention.

 

In addition to this, you also need to think about how often the toy you buy will be used. As mentioned, children have a short attention span and thus finding a gift which will be of interest to them for years to come is certainly a difficult challenge. Before buying something, ask yourself whether you think your child will still be playing with the toy a week later, and give yourself an honest answer. Toys such as bikes and dollhouses are usually the best when it comes to vast usage.

 

In addition to this, you obviously need to consider the safety of the toy you are buying, as you don’t want your child to experience a personal injury. This is especially important if your child is young. Make sure that you check out the age specification of the toy and if your child does not fit into the age range stated then simply do not buy it. Furthermore, make sure that you look out for sharp edges, small features and lose materials.

 

A good thing to think about when buying a toy is whether it provokes your child’s imagination. Quite often, a toy which requires the use of imagination will get further use because the possibilities involved are simply endless. This is not only good because it means that you will buy a value for money product but it also means that your child will be developing key skills and learning whilst playing.

 

One a final note, you should also think about the popularity of the toy at present. We live in a day and age where all things fashionable are a must. If the toy you are thinking about buying your little one was all the craze ten years ago, then forget it. 

 

If you follow the tips mentioned in this article then I am certain that you will be well equipped to find the best toy for your little one.

Filed Under: Children

How Can You Tell If Your Child Is A Genius?

July 24, 2019 Leave a Comment

We all like to think that our kids are geniuses. But how can you tell if your is or not? 

 

Genius club Mensa has now provided some pointers to parents who believe that their child might have a stonkingly high IQ. Check them out below. 

 

Your Child Knows About World Events

 

The average child doesn’t pay much attention to world events. And thank goodness: the things that happen in the world can be scary and confusion. But genius children have a burning desire to understand and master the world around them. They want to know what’s going on in the Gulf of Persia or the Straights of Gibraltar, and they’re not afraid to find out. 

 

Your Child Has Unusual Hobbies

 

Gifted students often have unusual hobbies. Whereas most children are content to play with dolls and trucks, your child might need something a little more stimulating for their gigantic brain. Unique hobbies include things like paleontology, crosswords, creating mazes or maps, or doing brainteasers. 

 

Your Child Asks Questions All The Time

 

Intelligent children have a vast cognitive reserve. Their brains are giant templates, waiting to be populated with all kinds of information about the world. Children with a lot of spare capacity want to fill it. And to do so, they’ll ask endless questions. 

 

 

Your Child Started Reading Early

 

Most children learn to read at some point between the ages of four and ten. But genius children might begin reading early, sometimes soon after they learn how to speak. Reading provides intelligent children with a gateway into a host of different experiences and worlds they never knew existing. It might be hard to get a brilliant child’s head out of their book. 

 

Your Child Sets High Standards For Themselves

Pixabay

 

Intelligent children tend to care a lot about their performance. They are smart enough not only to see that other people are good at doing particular tasks, but that they are not. 

 

A musical child, for instance, will see a grandmaster playing the piano and see the deficit in their own ability. Instead of accepting their limitations, a genius child might try to emulate the master player and set themselves the goal of doing so. 

 

Your Child Learns Early On

 

Genius children tend to be far ahead of their peers. While other children are struggling to master the basics of numeracy and literacy, a genius child has often moved on to more advanced topics. Sometimes, they do this without any input from the teacher at all. It’s just something that they want to do to become more advanced in particular topics. 

 

Your Child Creates Their Own Games

 

Children want to play. Most children will stick with the games that are already out there. Some, however, get bored quickly and would rather come up with their own version of games to explore. This is a common trait of highly intelligent children. 

 

Does your child do any of the things on this list? If so, they could become a member of Mensa. 

 

Filed Under: Children

4 Ways To Keep Your Children Entertained This Summer!

July 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

It’s the time of year which every child across the land looks forward to – the long summer holidays! Only Christmas rivals the delight of the school gates shutting for the next six weeks. Although summer is a fantastic way for families to spend quality time together, it is also a time which fills many a parents hearts with trepidation. Thoughts of “how will I cope?” springs to mind. There is also the inconvenience of work, most people in employment don’t have the luxury of taking six weeks off work, unless you are a teacher!

 

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The summer holiday gives everyone the chance to rest and recuperate. It is well documented that the pressure children are under at school is immense, they are tested at every opportunity and the early mornings and after school activities can take their toll, resulting in grumpiness and tiredness. Lazy mornings during the summer gives children the opportunity to get their full allocation of sleep, how much sleep kids should get depends on their age, activity levels and the child as an individual. There are guidelines according to age, but there are considerable variants. Children need varying amounts of sleep according to life stages. If they are entering a growth spurt, more sleep is necessary which is one of the reasons why teenagers appear to want to sleep 24/7!

 

Unlike older people, to relax children do need activity. It is good to be bored on occasions as long as there is lots of opportunity and stimulation around them. Being bored actually stimulates the creative nature in children.

 

Most people book a holiday during the summer holidays, which will break up the weeks, but you still have a few weeks to fill. The remainder of this article will look at ways of entertaining your children through the summer break.

 

Free activities in your local area

Often local towns and villages put on free festivals and activities during the summer holidays. Try to look for a programme of events and book your days around them. Perhaps your town has a free puppet show at 2pm in the market square, you could pack up a lunch to eat in your local park, followed by the show, an icecream on the way home and that’s one day ticked off the calendar!

 

Visit your local library and see what events they have over summer. Often libraries have storytelling sessions followed by a craft session, visits by local authors and summer read schemes.

 

Some country parks and stately homes are run by the council allowing free access in the summer. Privately owned visitor attractions also have a couple of days allowing free access.

 

Arts and crafts

Before the summer break starts, try to collect a stash of items that can be used for arts and crafts. Cardboard boxes, scraps of wool, silver foil, paper, pens and paints can all inspire creations. Don’t forget plenty of glue and sticky tape!

 

Some art and crafts ideas could include creating homes for dolls, making pom pom creatures, painting and drawing. Your child will probably make their own plans as they have a tendency to have oodles of imagination.

 

Games and jigsaws

Remember all those games and jigsaws your child got for Christmas, only to be played with once? Summer is the ideal time to dust them down and get playing with them. Long lazy days mean that jigsaws are likely to be completed in time before bed and the extra long game of Monopoly can be accommodated!

 

Games and jigsaws are perfect for rainy days.

 

Go to the beach

 

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If you live fairly close to the beach – fantastic! If not get the train and make it part of the fun. Lakes are also lovely to visit in the summer. A trip to the beach can be as expensive or cheap as you like. Head to a more deserted spot, well away from the amusements to do some beach combing and sculptures. Pack all your loose change and divide it between your children for a fun hour or two in the amusements – making it clear that once the money is spent it’s gone!

 

A packed lunch will make the trip more affordable and pack a big picnic rug to prevent sand in the sandwiches!

 

Try to create fabulous memories for your children’s summer holidays. If you try to get out of the house once a day, even for just a short walk the summer will be less likely to be filled with squabbles and grumpiness. Children are naturally inquisitive and they love to learn and experience new things.

 

Have fun and have a wonderful summer!

 

Filed Under: Children, Family, Kids, Summer, Vacation

Injured? Here’s How to Make The Most Out of Your Free Time

May 16, 2018 Leave a Comment

When we get injured or suffer a road accident, it is easy to focus on the negatives and get depressed. What if you focused on the opportunity that this time off gives you to sort out your finances, learn new skills, improve your relationships, or do what you always wanted to. Below you’ll find a few tips on what to do with your free time and better yourself while recovering from an injury.

Image via Austin Chan

 

Reconnect with Friends and Family Members

Image via Jon Ly

 

A sudden break from your daily rush lifestyle might come as a shock. If you failed to give your parents a call or sit down with your kids after school due to work, now this is the time to improve your relationships. If you have been wondering about how your old classmates and friends are doing, it might be time to look them up on Facebook and reconnect with them. List everyone you want to get in touch with, and make the most out of your time.

Take on a Course

Whether you always wanted to learn meditation or have been dreaming of a career change for a long time, but had no time to study, this is your chance. There are plenty of accredited online courses that will help you secure a promotion or pay rise, even lead to a career change after you have fully recovered. Do your research and dig deep to find out what you really want to learn.

Start a Blog

In case you have always wanted to connect with like minded people, but had no time, you can start your own blog. This will give you a new routine and a purpose in life, so you become more positive about your abilities and talk to people who might be facing similar issues as you. If you are facing disability forever or just for a few months, you can use your blog to write about your emotions and release stress and frustration.

Explore Your Legal Options

You can also use the time on your hands to explore your legal options and get the compensation you deserve from the person or business that caused your injury. Whether it was a road accident caused by a careless driver or a work injury due to the negligence of your employer, you can start building your legal case while recovering. You can also get in touch with an attorney to help you with your personal injury so you don’t have to do everything alone.

Plan Your Life

When you can take a step back from your regular busy life, take the opportunity to plan your life. Whether you would like to sort out your finances and get a better mortgage rate or deal with your home improvements, make a decision whether to move or not, you will now have the time and focus to get these pressing issues out of the way.

Suffering an injury is never great. You can, however, focus on the positives and make the most out of the free time to better your life.

Filed Under: Children, Family, Health, Lifestyle, Wellness

Is It Time To Give Your Teen The Independence They Need?

April 19, 2018 2 Comments

 

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Being a parent is tough. Sometimes, you won’t have a clue what you’re doing, and you’ll often doubt yourself. Sometimes, you’ll really feel like you’ve got this thing down, and you’ll enjoy the journey. But one thing’s for sure, when your children suddenly start to get older, you’ll find that you get a little scared. Because children are one thing, but teenagers are something totally different altogether. And to make sure that you can enjoy being a parent to a teenager, you really do have to adapt your parenting. As hard as it may be, you have to realize that your children are growing up and they need a little more independence.

 

While you may not want to change too much about your style of parenting or loosen the reigns too much, you do have to approach things differently. It’s not healthy to wrap your children in cotton wool all of the time. You do have to be able to let them breathe and learn for themselves. When this isn’t something that you’re necessarily used to, you may think that you just can’t do it. However, as with anything in life, you can. You just have to put your mind to it, pick up a few ideas and techniques, and be persistent. So let’s take a look at what will help you to be a parent to teenagers.

 

Support From Afar

 

Of course, you’re always going to want to make sure that your kids are doing as well as possible in school, but this really does have to be about them and what they can do. It’s always okay to help out and try and support your children with their schooling, but you’re definitely not going to want to do it for them. Make sure that you support from afar. Guide them, check work, and give feedback, but make sure they do what they can themselves.

 

Help Them Move Forward

 

When your child hits their teens, they definitely start to adapt to what their lives will be like as an adult. So you’ll find that they need to move on with their skills and life experiences. This includes driving. So make sure they take their learners permit test and get practicing. When they do get their driver’s license, you’re then going to want to ensure that they can be a responsible road user and take care of their car.

 

Give Them Space

 

Next, you’re going to want to make sure that you can give your children a bit of space and privacy. This isn’t always something that they want when they’re small, but as soon as they hit their teens they will definitely want some time to adjust to the way their lives are changing. So make sure that you respect this and give them a little more independence.

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Trust Them More

 

It may seem scary at first, but you also have to be okay with them doing things on their own. Whether you ease yourself in or dive in at the deep end, letting them head out without adult supervision is something that will need to happen at some point or another. To test the waters and make sure they’re responsible enough to stay safe.

 

Let Them Make Decisions

 

So far, you’ve made all of their decisions for them in life. Well, most of the time. But now that they’re a teen, it’s time that they had a lot more say. Starting off with their clothing or taste in music can help. But this is all part of the process of letting them grow.

 

Guide Don’t Drive

 

From here, you’re then going to want to make sure that you take a bit of a backseat on what you want for them. Of course, it’s always okay to steer them in the right direction, particularly with their college decision, but don’t necessarily choose for them. It is important that they can figure out for themselves what their future will look like.

 

Set Boundaries

 

Finally, you’re also going to want to make sure that you’re really cautious with how you give them their independence. You don’t want to be relaxed and discover that they’re kind of running away with things. At the same time, you do want to ensure that they can still rely on you for support. This is often where boundaries can come in. Make sure that you still enforce your rules. Things like a curfew or getting a job can be a good way to balance things out and to ensure that they’re responsible, trustworthy, and on the right track.

Filed Under: Children, Family

Fun Ways To Teach Your Kids

April 10, 2018 Leave a Comment

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Children develop from a. Dry early age, and their first 10 years of life and crucial for their development and educational later on in life. Teachers, of course, provide most of the teaching a child needs in their weekday, however, they aren’t the only ones who should be teaching valuable lessons to your child.

 

As a parent, you should try every day to teach your child different subjects and get them interested in science, nature, and maths. There are plenty of early learning centers which you can send them to, but you can also do your bit by teaching them in a fun way at home and out and about. Here are some of the ways you can teach your child today.

 

Go Outside

Children love nothing more than to be outside and active. Take this as the percent advantage to teach your child about nature and science. For example, you can buy a Collins bird book online for your child and when you are out and about in the countryside they will be able to identify different species. If you have a pond in your back garden or there is one near your home you can go and investigate the species of frog, newt and insects in there too. Children learn best by getting their hands dirty so this method is a brilliant way to get them interested in nature.

 

Play a Game

When you are teaching your child it doesn’t have to be a chore. When you are at home you can make learning into a fun game between you and your child. For example, you can teach them maths with marbles or balls. You can even teach them square roots by using a Connect 4 Board. When your child puts together a square which has 4 counters down and 4 across: as them to count the number of counters in total. 16 is 4 squared, so this will teach your child in a simple way what a squared value really means.

 

Get Crafty

Children love to be creative and this is a fact you can exploit to teach your child about maths and even about art. You can cut out shapes to teach your child about the different shapes for maths, you can write things down on colorful paper to make them feel as if they are playing while learning: and you can even make a playhouse out of cardboard with them and this will actually help them learn how to measure. You can use great resources online such as with pandaparents to give you inspiration and make your children learn lots of amazing things.

 

Visit a Museum

If you want to have a fun day trip as well as teach your child about science and history then going to a local museum is the perfect option. Museum,s are filled with amazing artifices, interactive displays, and information which will get your child completely immersed in the subject and make them interested in different things. Once the trip is over you could by them a book about what they have seen to encourage them to do their own further reading afterward. A lot of children are fascinated by history and science so this could be a great way to teach.

 

To The Stars

 

One of the most magical things you can teach your children about is space and everything in it. Taking the time to teach your child about planets and the solar system will be a great way to open their eyes and make them want to learn even more. For example, you can show them some NASA learning resources which will help your children understand more about the planet. And as a fun evening trip, you can take your child into the country and let them watch the stars in the sky. You can even bring a sky map so you can show them the constellations too. It will be a great way to teach because children find stars magical.

 

Play Science

 

Interactive learning is the most fun way to learn for your children, and also a fun way for you to teach them. There are tons of different experiments you can perform for your child to get them into science, and one of the things you could do is make your own putty. Children love playing with putty so if you show them how to make it, it can be really fun for them. You can teach them about chemical reactions with baking powder and vinegar, and you can teach them about

Filed Under: Children, Family Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Signs You Should Work with Children

January 5, 2018 Leave a Comment

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Working with children is not for everyone. In most cases, it requires a lot more than love for kids. It can be an incredibly trying and difficult career at times, but one that is also exceptionally rewarding. If you are thinking about a career working with children, be it as a teacher or a child-minder, read on to discover some key signs that this is right for you.

  • You are dedicated – To work with children, you need to be dedicated to your career. This is not the sort of thing you can go into half-heartedly. Children need undivided love and attention. This begins from the moment you start your training until the day you retire. After all, the training itself can be lengthy, although you can do a Master Degree in School Counselling online, as well as other childcare related areas, so you can do a general degree at university and then move into your specialism online, which makes things a lot easier.
  • You embrace your silly side – If you are the type of person that knows when to be serious, but can also embrace their silly side when appropriate, this a good sign that working with children is the right career move for you. Do you like to dress up with your little ones? Do you dance around the kitchen while making dinner? Working with children requires someone who is not too proud to act daft in the name of fun.
  • You are exceptionally patient – One thing that you will need in abundance is patient. If you can keep your cool in situations where other people tend to lose it, this is a clear sign that you have the makeup that is needed for working with children. Patience does not come naturally for everyone, but if you are working in child development, it is an essential quality to have.
  • You are very perceptive – You will also need to be perceptive if you want to work in some form of child development. If you like to find solutions after diagnosing a situation thoroughly, you could have found the perfect career for you. Do your friends and family members often come to you when they have a problem? Do you like to read people and figure out what makes them tick?
  • You relish opportunities – The fifth and final sign that you are the right person to work with children is if you are someone that relishes opportunities. Do you think about the various teachable moments that could arise for your kids, if you have them? Do you take the time to say thank you whenever you can? Do you go out of your way to make another person’s day?

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding as to whether a career in childcare is the right move for you. There is no denying that this is a career that is very rewarding, and you will take great pride in seeing the children you work with learn and develop. Equally, you need to be able to handle the challenges that come with working with children too.

Filed Under: Children

12 Creative and Cheap Ideas to Decorate Your Nursery

January 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

When you find out that you are expecting a baby, one of the first thoughts that will enter your mind is how to make your home suitable for the new arrival. If you need to convert a room into a nursery or build an extension, you will start planning in your head immediately. Then you start adding up the costs, and get scared. You want the first few years of your little one to be perfect and special, but don’t want to spend a fortune on a designer nursery. Below you will find ten low-cost and easy ideas to take care of your nursery decoration.

  1. Sew Your Own Curtains and Covers

You can use your DIY skills to upgrade an old blanket or create a theme. If you would like to get a jungle themed nursery set, you are looking at a cost of hundreds of dollars. However, if you already have a sewing machine, you can get the job done for much less. Make sure that you get enough of the same fabric to have matching curtains, wall covers, crib skirts, and blankets. If you are up for the task, you can even get some foam filling and make your own playing mat with the same material.

  1. Upcycle Furniture

Instead of getting a custom changing cabinet and all the matching furniture spending thousands of dollars, you can upcycle your current chest of drawers and paint it the colors that suit your nursery decor. Give an old rocking chair a new purpose by adding a new colorful upholstery, so you can use it for breastfeeding in the nursery. Use your existing cabinets to store baby items and paint floating shelves to have easy access to baby items, such as the diaper cream, baby oil, and powder.

  1. Make Your Own Patchwork Bedding

If you feel creative, you can create the perfect look in your nursery by creating a patchwork bedding. You can ask your friends and family members to give you any colorful materials they have left, or even cut offs of curtains and other upholstery. You will enjoy completing this work while resting at home, and can create something completely unique for your baby.

  1. Use Smart Storage

Instead of investing into a lot of cabinets that you will have to change in a few years when your child grows, get multi-purpose and variable items that can be changed over and upcycled. Get a large shelving unit that will hold all your storage baskets where you keep your diapers and baby care items. Hide away your bin, and use shelves to display stuffed animals that are not yet safe to use by your baby.

  1. Print Your Own Wall Art

Image by Wikimedia Commons

 

You can design your wall art and get it printed at the local digital photo shop, instead of paying hundreds of dollars for designer items, You can get cartoon characters, animals, letters, shapes, or anything printed on matching canvas, and use them to create an educational and inspiring environment in the nursery. Alternatively, you can make collage photos and word art displayed on your wall in your favorite colors.

  1. Paint the Walls Yourself or Use Decals

Image by Flickr

 

Whether it is a jungle or an ocean scene you would like to create, you don’t have to spend a fortune on decoration. If you are any good at painting and drawing, you can use your skills to make a play corner and paint the scene around the bed. If you cannot draw a straight line or a circle, not to mention animals, you can still use colorful decals to decorate the walls. Simply choose one main color for the walls, and add your baby’s name, the alphabet, animals, or shapes to keep inspiring your little one.

  1. DIY Baby Mobile

Your baby will appreciate a unique baby mobile, and it doesn’t take a long time to make. Look for templates and ideas online. You can use paper, plastic, recycled materials, or even felt and plush. Find your unused ribbons or find some cheap small teddy bears to go on the mobile. You can also use beads and add solar panel lights to keep your baby entertained and stimulate their senses more. If you would like to add music, you can upgrade your existing wind chime to become a colorful and inspirational crib mobile.

  1. Button Art

If you are on a low budget, you can go out to a local thrift store or a craft store and get some unique picture frames and buttons. If you don’t have enough buttons, you will find plenty of them in stores, and buy them in bulk online. Button art is not only relaxing, but also looks great. All you need is a few colorful buttons, glue, a few used picture frames that you can paint and upcycle, and some cardboard. You can create different shapes and compositions, even your baby’s name letters in separate frames. This inexpensive project will make you feel proud every time you show off your nursery to friends and family members.

  1. Get Your Hands on Embroidery

When you are ordered to rest, you will find it hard to sit down for hours. Get a pattern from the internet or the local craft shop, and create your own embroidered blankets, pillowcases, and sheets. You can make everything unique, showing how much you care about your baby. You might even create an embroidered picture on the wall with your baby’s name or initials.

  1. Knit Your Wall Covers

You can make your own wall covers to keep your baby comfortable and warm in their cot. All you need is a little creativity and a pattern. Knitting is coming back, as it is cheap and allows you to express yourself instead of buying ready made items. You might even crochet a patchwork style wall cover that consists of different patterned boxes, sewn together.

  1. Make Your Teddies

You might transform any room into a stunning nursery by getting a few floating shelves and putting unique teddies in each box. You can knit your own animals using templates or buying sets, and display them on the wall in each floating shelf. This way, you will create a unique nursery look that will impress visitors, as well as your baby. Add the names of the teddies to each shelf, and teach your growing baby to find out which one belongs to which box.

  1. Make a Rag Rug

When you simply don’t find anything in the stores that is colorful enough for your baby’s room, you can make your own rag rug. There are several online tutorials that show you how to use scrap materials, old clothes, and other items to make your own rag rug. The rug can be used as a play mat or simply as a decoration. You can use anything; old scarves, pair less socks, and even the curtains you just removed from the room that will serve as your nursery.

 

When planning your nursery, creativity pays off. You can use your old furniture and upcycle them to make a unique looking nursery, or even create your own baby mobile. If you have the imagination, you can create your own color scheme and theme to make the nursery more inspiring for your new baby. You can save hundreds of dollars on furniture, upholstery, bedding, and wall covering, so why not give it a go? After all, your baby is unique, and you don’t want their nursery to look exactly the same as others’. Put your creative hat on and start designing.

 

Filed Under: Children, Family

Twinning Is Winning! Planning A Nursery For Twins

January 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

Congratulations, the stick has turned blue and shock – it’s TWINS! Let’s not panic. Twins are a big surprise when you plan for one baby and you got another one for free. Nearly every set of parents are thrilled when they find out that they have a set of twins on the way; after all, it’s twice the love and you could possibly choose to complete your family in one go. There’s a good chance though, that you are feeling utterly overwhelmed. You only planned for one baby. Your finances only planned for one baby. Your maternity leave and plans only factored in the one baby. The idea of trying to juggle the needs of your instant family, plus other children you may have and the housework – it’s okay, stop hyperventilating. You can feel overwhelmed and underprepared, but you would feel the exact same way with just one baby. One baby is demanding and takes your time away from you. One baby still takes your money and you still have to financially plan for one child. Getting creative to sort out twins is the only way forward.

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Getting in contact with other parents of multiples via social media, parenting forums and blogging platforms is a great way to get live feedback from people in your exact situation. It can help the overwhelming feeling that you are alone and handling this. We can promise you, you aren’t. There are plenty of parents around with twins and even triplets, handling it like a boss. They can tell you reviews on the best prams, what to expect when it comes to feeding and sleep schedules, and you could even arrange to meet up with them and form a whole new social circle. One thing that they will all tell you about, is the nursery that you need to start planning far enough in advance so that your wallet can handle all the new purchases you’re about to make. It’s nice to plan a nursery for a baby, but it’s twice as nice to plan a nursery for twins on the way. If you get that lucky, you’ll soon learn that planning a baby nursery for twins isn’t twice the work – just twice the fun!

Making room for a baby is a completely different ball game when you are expecting twins. The idea of putting two newborns into one room can be daunting, especially if your house has a nursery perfect for one baby but not big enough for two at the same time. Of course, the guidelines for safe sleep – which you can read in more detail on this website – state that a baby should be in the same room as its parents for the first six months. This is because babies regulate their breathing with their parents breathing, and being in the same room is also far easier during the night feeds. Don’t worry though, you can create an absolutely beautiful and functional space for two babies without much more effort than what you would have put in for one baby. So, let’s all take a nice deep breath and look at how you can start planning the perfect twin nursery.

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Beginning early is the absolute key when it comes to putting together a nursery for twins. A normal singleton pregnancy takes anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks for a fully developed baby. Twins are a success if they reach 36 weeks, and that means you have less time to get things together. It’s likely you only found out at your first ultrasound that you have twins on board, and if that ultrasound was at the standard 12-week mark, then you really only have 25 weeks to get your nursery ready. This is the reason that an early start is a good idea. If you find out the gender of the twins, you can then decide whether you want to plan a neutral nursery, like the ideas you can find here, or make it more personalised. If you choose to personalise a nursery, then you can use merchandise from Makaboo.com/ and make it a monogrammed haven for your babies. Don’t be drawn in by convention; a boy’s nursery doesn’t have to be powder blue, and a girl’s nursery doesn’t have to look like it has been hosed down with Pepto Bismol. You can choose any colour you want for your nursery and you can hang any accessories that you want. Finishing the new nursery will be the last thing on your mind when the babies arrive, so you need to start early so you have time to budget and shop. The last thing you want to do when you are heavily pregnant with two babies is decorate a nursery. You could choose to hire in a design and painting company to paint and decorate your nursery for you, but half the fun of setting up a nursery comes from doing it yourself.

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One of the most tempting things about having twins on the way, is the chance of doubling up on everything you need. This is probably the last thing that you should do, because you only have one pair of hands. Are you really going to use two sets of wardrobes and clothes chests when you are changing the babies? How about two baby baths and two changing tables? It’s not only an expensive concept, it’s one that just doesn’t play out. Instead, have one set of everything – except the crib. Use drawer separators like these ones to separate clothes, and use one changing table. You can’t physically change both babies at once, so there’s really no need for two changing tables. We mentioned that the crib is the one thing you should buy two of, and the reason there is an obvious one. You have two babies, and you can’t put them both down in the same crib unsupervised! It’s fine for newborns to share a crib, as they cannot roll into each other and disturb each other. Choosing small, simple cribs is the best option, especially with sharing your room at the beginning. You can still put both cribs together, but you don’t have to worry about babies disturbing each other.

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When it comes to decorating your nursery, keep it simple. Neutral colours with bolder accessories is the best idea than trying to theme your nursery. You can get easily tired of a nursery theme, but a neutral colour is far better because if you get a little bored or want to change the theme, it’s just the accessories that you have to change out. Keep it simple with your colours, and avoid busy patterns. The nursery is a space for sleep, and so keeping it light, calm and pretty is exactly what your babies will need. Don’t go nuts on the accessories, even though every cell of your body will be screaming at you to buy the bunting for the wall. You don’t need it and you don’t want the nursery to be too busy. Check out some of these lovely ideas for a simple nursery and make a point of comparing prices of wallpaper and paint online. You can have a lot of fun with the décor for a nursery. Mixed gender twins is even more fun, as you can choose a neutral colour throughout the room and for furniture, but have different accents for each gender. Check out these ideas for mixed gender bedrooms.

More babies equal a lot more stuff. Toys, clothes, blankets and even diapers and changing accessories will be a bigger amount. You need some sound storage in the nursery and this IKEA Kallax unit is a cheap and cheerful way to keep things organised. You can choose different colour boxes to go into the unit, meaning you can coordinate with the nursery accessories that you’ve bought. You could even choose to install hooks into the closet for things like coats and towels, and you can buy canvas storage bags to hang from them for easy-grab wipes, diapers and cream. You’ll also need to think about lullaby machines – buying two instead of just one is going to be a good idea as small babies cannot see very far away from themselves at first.

When you raise multiples, you can feel completely outnumbered, as if you’re in the middle of a circus. Don’t panic though, because you are a parent and you are built to adjust. Things will seem harder when you think about them, but once those babies arrive and are in your arms things will just fall into place. Having a good support system around you will make life an awful lot easier for you, so spend your pregnancy rallying the support of family and friends. Make sure that they know that you would appreciate a freezer stocked with easy meals that you can cook, and make sure that they are on your speed dial. A good support system can make a huge difference. Twinning is winning so enjoy your new babies and your new nursery adventure!

Filed Under: Baby, Children, DIY Interior, Family, Kids, Uncategorized

Luvs Diapers #MoreToLuv

December 1, 2017 Leave a Comment

This review was made possible by iConnect Influencer Management, I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.”

When my second child was born, I felt a lot surer about my decisions on what I was doing. Being an experienced mom helped me make smarter money saving ideas I seemed paralyzed to on the first child. On the first child, I felt if I didn’t spend the top dollar I was not only not being a good mother but I was also sure I wouldn’t get the same quality. Boy. was I sure wrong. This time around I chose Luv Diapers!!

I considered myself a better, frugal, smarter mother the second time around. I did more research and figured out how wrong I was the first time around. I saved a ton of money the second time around but using Luvs diapers. The price is even lower now and works amazing. After comparing the amount of coverage, the length they lasted I realized I was spending unneeded money on the first child!!

#MoreToLuv(s) = more money in the bank for parents

I am so in Luv with these diapers. The quality and quantity are amazing. I especially like saving money! The second time around I would rather spend the money having fun and making memories.  Luvs, with NightLock Plus, locks away wetness faster than Huggies Snug & Dry. You know more – so why spend more?!

Luvs is a great value – with quality leak protection at a great price – check out your favorite retailer for new lower prices. What’s not to Luv about that?

 

Filed Under: Baby, Children, Family

Things I Wish I Knew Before I Had My First Baby…

November 16, 2017 Leave a Comment

If you are preparing to welcome your first baby into the world, first of all, congratulations! This is undoubtedly an exciting time in any expectant parent’s life. You have a fun, incredible and surprising journey ahead of you. No matter how much preparation and reading you have done, nothing quite readies you for life as a parent. There are always hurdles along the way. Read on to discover some of the things that most people wish they knew before they had their first baby.

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  1. Get ready for the clichés – If you thought you heard all of the clichés in the world when you were pregnant, you have heard nothing yet. You will lose count of how many times people tell you that it goes by ridiculously fast and that you should enjoy every moment. Speaking about enjoying every moment, you probably won’t if the next point is anything to go by…
  2. Changing nappies isn’t the only yucky part – We’ve all heard expectant new parents joke about who is going to change their baby’s nappy. However, this merely scratches the surface of the yucky stuff that comes with having a baby. Expect to be a human toilet or napkin most of the time! Oh, and that’s without even mentioning when your baby decides to throw food everywhere or smear it across their face and the walls! Oh, and what about when they throw up on you? Lovely! And then there’s the belongings too! There’s actually a good read on how to clean and disinfect your diaper bag, which is something you will need to do often. The good news is you probably won’t even care about all this sort of stuff. It becomes the norm!
  3. The faster you can meet other moms, the better – You will really start to enjoy your new role as parent once you meet other moms that are in the same position as you. This is not to say that you should ditch your current friends. However, it can get really lonely being at home just with your baby, so it helps to meet people in the same situation.
  4. You’re never going to get it right – Well, in the eyes of someone anyway! No matter what you choose for your baby, be it going back to work or staying at home, breastfeeding or using a bottle, there is always going to be someone that is saying you are doing it wrong. Don’t be shocked when your close relatives become your biggest critics. But the best bit of advice is to simply ignore them! There’s no right or wrong way; it’s all about doing things YOUR way.
  5. Your relationship with your partner will change – Having a baby is a big deal! Becoming parents is the biggest change you will both go through in your life, and so it would be crazy if your relationship weren’t to change as a result. It’s important to be aware of this and to really work on your relationship. Try not to neglect one and other and ensure lines of communication are always kept open.
  6. Trust yourself – This is probably the most important part of them all. You need to trust your own intuition. There is nothing wrong with asking for help sometimes, but it’s your baby and this is your journey, trust in yourself! Every new mother wings it a bit; it’s part of the process. You’re not meant to know what to do all of the time.
  7. Your emotions are going to be all over the place – A lot of people assume that they are going to give birth and have a constant smile on their face because they are going to be filled with so much love. The reality can be very different, and there is nothing wrong with this. A lot of people experience the baby blues, i.e. they feel sad once they have given birth. This happens because your hormone levels drop. Of course, if this feeling persists, you should see your doctor. And again, there is nothing wrong with that either!
  8. Be kind to yourself – Being kind to yourself means being kind to your baby too. You’re not helping anyone by running yourself into the ground. Make sure you take a little bit of time to yourself, whether this means going to the spa, reading a book, or simply going for a walk.
  9. Don’t compare your child – Don’t fall into the trap of comparing your child to others. If your friend’s baby started walking at eight months, and your child is now ten months old and hasn’t taken his or her first steps yet, so be it! It happens!
Filed Under: Baby, Children

Mommy Scene Holiday Giveaway Gift Giveaway!

October 31, 2017 Leave a Comment

Mommy Scene Holiday Giveaway Gift Giveaway!

We are excited to share Mommy Scene’s Holiday Giveaway packed full of gifts for babies, kids, and moms! Get inspired for gift giving this year with interactive gift ideas for creative kids, practical gift ideas for baby’s first Christmas, and luxurious gifts for yourself or the new mom in your life. One lucky winner will receive this entire gift collection!

2017 Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway gift collection for babies, kids and moms - Mommy Scene

Gifts for Babies

Crane Drop Humidifier – Grey
Pacific Baby Hot-Tot 9oz Insulated Toddler Bottle
aLoo Bottle Valve
Revelae Kids Cozy Baby Sleepers
Bonjour Baby Baskets $50 Gift Card!
lulujo Baby’s First Year blanket & cards set
Button Diapers One-Size Diaper Cover and three pack of Daytime Diaper Inserts of winner’s choice
Toofeze baby teether

Featured in Mommy Scene’s Gift Ideas for Babies.

Gifts for Kids

Piggy Paint natural nail polish for kids
Sleep Zzz Pillow for kids ages 3 and up
Wild Things Animal Blankets
Interactive Map of the World by Lil’ollo
Soft’n Slo Squishies Sweet Shop squeezable collectibles
The Shrunks Indoor Tuckaire Toddler Travel Bed
Morph by Orb Toys
Window Jammers low-tech collectible characters
Ocean Exploration Discovery Box by Revelae Kids
Wizard Roll board game of magical spells!

Featured in Mommy Scene’s Gift Ideas for Kids.

Gifts for Her

Back Buddy Support Pillow
PeachSkinSheets
Aurorae Aqua Microfiber Beach and Swim Towel
Aurorae Hawaiian Island Afternoon Coconut Pineapple Aromatherapy Spritz
Mama Strut Postpartum Care System
Fresh Wave Kitchen Kit
Rachel’s Remedy Breastfeeding Relief Packs
Covered Goods Original 4-in-1 Cover
Kindred Bravely Davy Nursing & Maternity Pajamas (Pant Set)
Moody Sisters Mommy Deserves It Gift Set (Eye Cream & Nourishing Serum)

Featured in Mommy Scene’s Gift Ideas for Her.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Babies, Kids, and Moms ★ Giveaway!

Enter to win this fabulous gift collection of prizes for babies, kids, and moms!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is coordinated by Mommy Scene and is open to US entries ages 18 and older. No purchase required to enter. One (1) winner will be randomly chosen and contacted through e-mail, and their name displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on December 15th, 2017. Mommy Scene and the participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.

Filed Under: Baby, Children, Giveaway

Child Friendly Home 2 – Parents Fight Back

October 18, 2017 1 Comment

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OK, so the premise of making a home safe might not sound like the next Hollywood blockbuster. But then again, neither does the idea of a kid adapting his property to keep out two useless burglars… 27 years later, Home Alone is weeks away from appearing on the festive TV schedule once more.

 

We’ve already discussed the basics of creating a child-friendly home in a previous post. This covered ideas like home security and handling natural disasters. However, the family home can pose a number of other threats. Thankfully, we have the simple tricks below, winning the war against those problems has never been simpler.

 

Preventing Germs Entering The Home

 

With the winter months fast approaching, there’s every chance that germs will enter your home. Having hooks in the hallway for kids to place their coats and scarves when getting home, followed by a quick wash of the hands, will work wonders. Likewise, utilizing the front porch for storing shoes can be very useful too.

 

It’s not all about the humans in your home, though. Advecta 2 flea prevention treatments can keep your furry pets in far greater health. In turn, this can go a long way to stopping the kids from suffering too. Apart from anything else, your pets deserve to be comfortable. Meanwhile, good air circulation is another key factor.

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Preventing The Silent Killer

 

Mother nature can be a cruel mistress This is why jobs aimed to upgrade safety before, during, and after natural disasters is key. However, problems can also start from inside the property too. Most leaks are more dangerous to the building rather than your health. Still, this damage can generate unsafe environment, so you must not overlook those issues.

 

Nonetheless, some elements are more dangerous than others. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be lethal, which is why installing detectors is arguably even more vital than having fire alarms. The chances of suffering this type of issue due to a bad boiler is quite slim, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.   

 

Preventing Unwanted Departures

 

We all know the importance of keeping intruders out. However, it’s equally imperative that you learn to keep children in. Locking the doors goes without saying, but this is only just the start. You must also ensure that all windows prohibit curious youngsters from escaping. Otherwise, they could be in for very nasty falls to the floor.

 

Garden gates and fencing should also be considered. It’s impossible to keep your eyes on their every move, which is why you must always go the extra mile in these areas. Aside from the physical benefits, this will give you far greater peace of mind. As a parent, that sense of organization may be the greatest tool in this ongoing battle for safety.

 

The Last Word

 

Ultimately, you’re probably doing a fine job just as you are. Nonetheless, taking those additional steps for a safer home will have a hugely positive impact on your happiness as well as your child’s. If that doesn’t give you the incentive to take note, what will?

Filed Under: Children, Family

A Curious Case Of Teen Anxiety

October 18, 2017 Leave a Comment

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Parents with teenage boys or girls understand the fragility of their self-esteem. One word, no matter how benign, is enough to send them into a hissy fit. Moms and dads tend to put it down to hormones and continue without a second glance. However, sometimes the reason is more profound than puberty. When a teen suffers from an extreme case of anxiety, it can ruin their life. Just walking down the street is enough to get the wheels turning in their head.

 

As their parent, it is your job to support them through this challenging period. Below are four things you should try to help.

 

Encourage Them With Words

 

Everyone knows how useful words are. One nice comment from a stranger or a friend can make your day. Kids are no different. The thing is their peers are emotionally immature and won’t help. So, it is down to you to make sure they feel loved and valued. Saying “I love you” is a start, as is “be safe” or “enjoy your day!” But, the comments which make them feel special are the ones which are specific. Telling them they are talented or gifted is an excellent way to encourage them as it has nothing to do with love. Kids know when their parents use mom and dad logic because they aren’t stupid.

 

Push Sports Clubs

 

Now, the prospect of asking them to perform in front of a crowd of people will seem stupid. But, stage fright aside, being a member of a sports club has lots of rewards. To begin with, they will begin to develop self-confidence if they have success. Then, they won’t care about wearing 2-piece doublets and wrestling in front of dozens of people. The physical benefits are clear, but the personal advantages less so. Well, confidence is contagious. Once they feel it in one aspect of their life, it will spread like a disease. Instead of the anxious boy or girl you know, they will bloom into a confident young adult.

 

Reward Good Behaviour

 

No, it is not a bribe if you don’t establish a treat is up for grabs beforehand. When kids know there is a treat, they will do whatever to get the reward. Although they did it, their behaviour won’t be a real test of their self-esteem. Rather than tell them about a treat, wait until they build up the courage to act. Getting on the school bus on the first day of term is scary. So, letting them choose dinner when they get home is an excellent compromise.

 

Let Them Let Go

 

Anxiety is a build up of emotion which gets worse and worse until it explodes. The key is to release the tension and deal with it healthily. Kids don’t know how to do this because the culture tells them to be narcissistic maniacs. Admitting they are uncool is a hanging offence in a child’s eyes. But, behind closed doors, what they say never leaves the house. Once they know they can talk without repercussions, they will start to let go.

 

Everyone experiences anxiety, but kids don’t deal with it appropriately. As a parent, it is your responsibility to help.

Filed Under: Children, Family

The Gospel of Luke by Lionsgate #TheGospelOfLuke, #ad #rwm

October 5, 2017 Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Lionsgate. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

The Gospel of Luke, more than any other, fits the category of ancient biography. Luke, as “narrator” of events, sees Jesus as the “Savior” of all people, always on the side of the needy and the deprived. Narrated in the NIV by British actor Richard E. Grant and in the KJV by Sir Derek Jacobi, this epic production — featuring specially constructed sets and the authentic countryside of Morocco — has been critically acclaimed by leading religious scholars as a unique and highly authentic telling of the Jesus story.

The Gospel of Luke will be at Walmart 10/17/2017. Perfect for a Christmas present. This is the 3rd movie in the series and is the ancient biography of Luke. He is the narrator and sees Jesus as the Savior of all people.

This movie is great to watch as a family or for youth groups. If you haven’t seen The Gospel of John and The Gospel of Mark I would suggest getting them. They are all amazing.

This film was shot on location in Morocco with consultation from expert theologians and biblical scholars. It runs 205 minutes and is so informative.

Check your local Walmart 10/17/17, you won’t be disappointed!

Find great information and opportunities here: http://media.thereviewwire.com/

 

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#TheGospelOfLuke

 

Filed Under: Children, Family

Fun Christmas Gifts To Keep Your Kids Active

October 4, 2017 1 Comment

Whether you want to think about it or not, Christmas IS just around the corner. The commercials have already started, and you’ll soon start to get an idea of what it is your kid wants from Santa. So many of today’s kid’s toys are focused on games and screens that it seems like a long time since a bike was the top of every kid’s Christmas list. This Christmas, why not think about getting your kid a gift that is not only fun but helps them stay active too? Take a look at the following suggestions for ideas on Christmas gifts that will get your kids moving.

A trampoline

A trampoline is a great gift for kids; it’s something they can use to have fun while also helping them to stay active. Trampolines come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so you can get small versions to use in the home, or larger domed varieties that are great if you’ve got the garden space. If you’re concerned about safety, then taking a look at a trampoline buying guide could help you make the best decision that will help you to feel at ease.

A scooter

Image: Wikimedia Commons

 

Scooters are a fun gift to give to kids, that will encourage them to head outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. There are several different types of scooter on the market that suit different budgets, and you can pick up some great accessories like helmets to go with them. It’s worth taking a look at an electric scooters for kids comparison guide to see which scooters are available. Scooters are great for helping your kid get to school or for when they go out with their friends and are easy to store in your home.

A Nerf gun

Did you know that Nerf guns have been around since the 1960s? Nerf guns have been a popular gift for decades, and they’re ideal for encouraging kids to get out of the house and play – even if it’s just in the backyard. A Nerf gun is a fun and harmless way for kids to blow off some steam, and you’ll probably want to join in and have a go too!

Active video games

You can’t expect kids to go outside all the time, especially when it’s dark or the weather’s bad. Finding fun and active games they can play at home can be tough, but there are some fantastic video games out there that will help them get moving, without them even realizing. Games like Just Dance and Kinect Sports Rivals for Xbox offer games that all the family can join in, ideal for parties or family game nights.

Thinking ahead to buying Christmas gifts is one way you can start preparing for Christmas now. Toys and games that are active will be a much better investment than buying things that they’ll lose interest in or offer no value – helping you keep your kids moving. Who knows, you might even discover something fun for you too!

Filed Under: Children, Christmas

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