TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snack Nabisco Sweepstakes

September 11, 2017 Leave a Comment

This post was sponsored by Nabisco as part of an Integrated Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Since Hurricane Harvey, life is slowly getting back to normal. For the first time in two weeks, I got to shop at my favorite store, Wal-Mart. My first mission was to find some type of snack that was different since we had eaten the same foods for two weeks. I was so excited to find these new TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks!! These snacks are made with quality ingredients such as milk, eggs, and chocolate. The best part is they contain no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial flavors, and no artificial colors

My children have always loved the Teddy Grahams so I knew they would love to try these. I purchased both the vanilla filled and chocolate filled to see which one they liked best. Of course, both were winners in my house! I can see another trip to Wal-Mart in our future for more TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks!!

After all the devastation around us, it is nice to have something the children can enjoy and take their minds off of the “bad storm”.  They are requesting them in their lunch boxes for snack time since their day cares aren’t able to cook right now. They even offered to take extras to give to those children who lost everything. These are a fun snack to not only eat but to share!

 

I am excited to offer the Nabisco Snacktime Sweepstakes! The prizes are 12 prizes ($50 Walmart gift card each) and two grand prizes ($200 Walmart gift card each) and are going to run from September 11- 29th, 2017. So hurry and enter today!!

“I-C will randomly select 14 winners from all program entries and will facilitate fulfillment of the winning prizes.”

Nabisco Snacktime Sweepstakes

 

Filed Under: Children, Food, Healthy Tagged With: , , , , ,

Teaching Your Kids How To Take Care Of Their Health Is Too Important To Ignore!

September 5, 2017 Leave a Comment

Image From Pexels

 

One of the biggest concerns for a lot of parents is how they can best make sure that their kids are properly protected from illness. After all, no one wants to see their child sick and suffering in any way. Of course, trying to get them to care about their health can be extremely difficult when they’re not quite old enough to fully understand the consequences of what they’re doing. Trying to explain to a child why they shouldn’t eat dirt can often feel like you’re banging your head against a brick wall! However, there are a few ways that you can help your child to learn some good health habits and teach them to care about their health a little more.

 

Lead by example

 

The very best thing that you can do if you want your children to become more concerned about their health is to lead by example. Do things like washing your hands together so that you can teach them how to do it as thoroughly as possible. Similarly, going to the doctor and dentist can be scary for kids, so going with them and showing them that it’s okay can be a real comfort for them. Places like Owens Dental can help you and your entire family take care of their teeth without any stress. Seeing you go to the doctor and dentist and understanding how things work can make everything a lot less scary for many children and encourage them to feel more independent when it comes to taking care of their health.

 

Put it in terms they can understand

 

Sadly, trying to explain things like viruses and bacteria to children can often be an exercise in frustration because they simply aren’t developed enough to understand what it all means. However, that doesn’t mean that you should give up on trying to educate them and resort to things like “because it’s dirty!” or, even worse “because I said so!” Sure, kids might not understand viruses, but that’s why we call them tummy bugs. By helping them to visualize things like hygiene and germs, you can help to give them a much better idea of what they can do to avoid getting sick. There are hundreds of books and videos out there which act as fantastic resources when it comes to explaining health to kids at any level at all. Sure, they might not fully understand, but if you can start to make those connections in their mind early on, it will be a lot easier further down the road.

 

The best thing that you can do is to be less concerned with hovering over your child and making sure that they’re always protected from germs and simply to teach them to avoid getting sick where they can. Sure, you’re never going to be able to protect your child from getting sick 100% of the time, but if you take more of a “give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime” approach to things then your children will be able to be much more independent in the future.

Filed Under: Children, Family

Healthy Kids That Happily Eat Everything Is A Myth, Right? Or Is It…

August 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

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We all know that having kids is a joy, and although times can get tough, you wouldn’t have it any other way. But there are certain challenges of parenthood that we’d all like to avoid. Even when you’re happy for their developmental milestones to vary, and for each child to reach their potential as and when they’re ready, there are things that you wish you could iron out as soon as possible. Fussy eating habits are definitely one of them. For their own health and enjoyment, it’s important to ensure that your kids are happy to eat pretty much everything, or at least be willing to try. So how do you make that happen?

 

Get Them Interested

 

When your children are disinterested in something, it can often feel impossible to get them to do anything. And this can be the case with food. So, you’re going to want to start off by trying to get them more interested in both food and eating. There are different ways that you may want to approach this task, but generally, you may find that shopping for food together is a great idea. Likewise, you may want to come up with ways to make mealtimes fun to start with, so that they look forwards to them more.

 

Try To Understand

 

However, you may find that it is difficult for you to move past the idea of them being a picky eater unless you’re able to understand it. Every child can have their own individual reasons behind their complicated relationship with food, but there is often an emotional reason behind it. So, you’re going to work with them, try to get behind their fears and ensure that you can break down those barriers together, bit by bit.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/food-tomato-fork-salad-8291/

 

Work With Substitutes To Start With

 

As you start off on your journey of trying to get your kids to eat more, you may have to make some exceptions and exclusions to get you all on the right track. If there are things that they will not eat, you may need to work them up to them or work with simple alternatives to start with. Whether you go for coated fish rather than plain fillets or watermelon water instead of standard spring water, now’s the time to make those substitutes. Before you know it, they will be moving on and feeling comfortable with new things.

 

Encourage Them To Cook

 

Sometimes, you can actually work to break down food barriers by involving your kids more in the cooking process. When they’re involved, they can often be proud of what they’ve made and more interested in eating it. Understanding food and how it’s made, along with the different ingredients, can also help to remove any fears that they may have.

 

Be Positive About All Food

And finally, you’re going to need to be positive about food all of the time. Sometimes, kids can pick up on fears based on your attitude to food, or the attitudes of others – like the childhood obsession with disliking broccoli. But if you want them to try new food, you have to be positive. Providing a safe environment for them to sample new things is often crucial because it’s often all about how you approach their eating habits over anything else.

Filed Under: Children, Health, Health Reviews, Healthy

Essential Questions To Ask Yourself Before Expanding Your Family

August 25, 2017 Leave a Comment

Few people know for sure the number of children that they want to have. They might have an idea, but not many of us are absolutely settled on the exact number.

 

When you get through the trials and tribulations of being a first time parent, you will have learned a few essential lessons. It might have been tough, but it will have been absolutely worth it. The lesson you might find yourself learning most of all is that… you want to have more children.

 

Whether you just have one or are already on your fourth, that nagging sense that you’d like to have another child is rarely easily quietened. While the impulse to add to your brood can be overwhelming, there has to be a moment where you allow a little investment in contemplation of what you might be undertaking.

 

Of course, that’s not to say it is an inherently a bad thing to consider having more children. However, it might be wise to ensure you’ve got all the right answers, to the following questions, prior to going ahead…

 

Question One: Do You Have Room?

 

While young children can usually share a bedroom quite effectively, the same is not true when they reach a certain age. Eventually, your kids are going to want privacy, especially those that are different genders. That might mean you need to think about choosing a home loan and moving somewhere larger, so that everyone can have the space that they need.

 

Bear in mind that you might need to do this sooner rather than later; it might not just be a thought for the teenage future. If you have young children and they would have to share their room with a baby at your present address, then you have to consider the ramifications of nighttime disturbances of a newborn. Realistically, a new baby is going to need their own space, or risk damaging their siblings’ quality of sleep.

 

Question Two: Are You (And Your Partner) The Only Ones Making The Decision?

 

Society has a way of pushing certain ideas onto us. When a couple gets married, the first question they will be inundated with is when they plan to have children. You might think that having children would actually get you a break from this invasive line of questioning… but it will still happen! Now the question is, “when are you planning on having a little brother/sister for [your child]?”.

 

Don’t be pressured into having more children by other people. You might hear a lot of people enthusing about the prospect of siblings for your existing child/ren, but this is one decision that only you and your partner need to be involved in.

 

Question Three: Are You Ready For The Expense?

 

It can feel incredibly unpleasant to talk about babies and expanding your family in such coarse terms, but nevertheless, it’s a conversation you need to have. Babies are expensive; children more so; teenagers still more again – and then you might have to think of the cost of an additional college education.

 

Do you have a financial plan for the future that’s going to allow you to afford all of that for an additional child?

 

In Conclusion…

 

If you can confidently answer all of the above questions, then you are well prepared to consider having another child. If you don’t have your answers figured out yet, that’s okay. Give it a little time and figure out solutions where needed; you’ll get there in the end. What’s more, you’ll be all the more prepared to welcome the joy of a new life when you can answer these questions – so you and your children can enjoy the benefits of your careful contemplation. Good luck!  

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Filed Under: Baby, Children, Family

Bouncing Bots #roosterfingames

August 9, 2017 Leave a Comment

Bouncing Bots was a blast to play. My friend’s seven-year-old grandson was even able to participate with bouncing the bots onto the scoring targets. What started out as a normal game soon escalated quickly into laughter and bots bouncing everywhere.

After one time playing, this game became our friends and families favorite game. We now pull it out in the afternoons when our friends come over and we sit down and enjoy our time together with this game. Bouncing Bots has brought out laughter and fun for us in the evening and has brought our friend and family together to spend quality time.

This is a game I would highly recommend for any family with children. The game is based on a point system. You receive points by bouncing it on the numbers on the board. Whoever has the most points at the end wins so you want to try to bounce on the highest numerical values to receive the most points.

This game was invented by Joseph M. Balcuk who had a degree in mathematics. He created this game as an educational learning tool. He coupled it with his experience in teaching and his mathematics skill. This allowed him to make a unique game that encourages the children and adults to have a good time while learning. It helps with social development, mathematics, and tons of other educational skills.

This game contains eight creative bot characters (which the purple ones are my favorite), two platforms to bounce the bots on and a list of instructions to help understand how the game is played. The game is for 1-4 players and ages even through adulthood can play. I highly recommend you adding this game to your collection for family game night, you will not be disappointed.

This is a sponsored ad however these are my own personal thoughts and opinions on the product.

 

Filed Under: Children, Family

Jarra-Dophils Probitoics Formula

August 4, 2017 Leave a Comment

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

Being a mom and grandmother, I want what is best for my little ones. What mom/Mimi doesn’t? In the picture are four of the best special formulated probiotics I have ever been exposed too. What are probiotics you might ask?? Well, probiotics are living bacteria (the good kind) that are super beneficial for your body. They help regulate the good bacteria with the bad. As shown in the picture above are Jarro Dophilus infant formula, Yum-Yum- Dophilus formula, Jarro Dophilus Women’s formula, and lastly, we have Women’s Fem Dophilus formula.

You can find these at any of the following:  Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market,
Natural Grocers, and independent retailers and online at iherb.com,
vitacost.com, provitaminas.com, and swansonvitamins.com.


Starting with the Jarro-Dophilus infant probiotics, they have been known to calm a colicky baby, gassy tummies, improve the baby’s digestive system, and even have been known to help with constipation! They say it takes a village to raise a baby, so let this be part of the helpful village!

 

 

Next, we have the Yum-Yum Dophilus Probiotics formula, which has an EXCELLENT taste making it so easy for kids to enjoy taking them. Is great for kids getting sick a lot, or for kids with tummy aches. It is Allergan free so if your kids have major food allergies it is okay for them to take. My 3-year-old grandson loves them!

 

 

Following we have Jarro-Dophilus Women’s! Jarro-Dopjilus is special because it uniquely contains four patented probiotics strains known as the “Astarte” strain. All four Astarte strains are good for women in the third trimester of pregnancy and are predominant species found in the vaginal tract of healthy women. It is allergy friendly, dairy free, gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan. This is a great product you will want to try!!

Lastly, we have the Women’s Fem Dophilus Probiotics formula. You will not be able to get enough of these pills. If given the right chance they will completely illuminate odor. People who have been struggling with an ongoing UTI should try this!

You name it and Jarro-Dophilus can take care of it!

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Filed Under: Baby, Children, Health Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Your Kid Wants Their Birthday To Be One Thing: Exciting

August 4, 2017 Leave a Comment

Image source

 

We wish we could look forward to anything in life the same way a child looks forward to their birthday. The excitement on their face, the way they can’t sleep at night, how much they can’t wait to see their cake, or their friends, or what you have got them, or what you have planned, or just the fact they get to wear a badge that proudly displays that this is their day and nobody else. It is the most infectious type of euphoria we have ever experienced.

 

The problem is, this total elation that bursts out of them like sweets from a pinata really heaps the pressure on us parents. They are so excited about this day and it is our duty to make sure that it somehow exceeds all expectations (knowing that we are setting the bar dauntingly high next year, and all the years after that).

 

But no matter how hard we try to do something special, we always have that niggling feeling at the back of our heart that says we need to do more. We think back to our own childhood birthday’s, think how hard our own mum’s worked to supersede our imaginations and then try and work out how we can achieve the same thing, but on steroids.

 

The thing that probably stands out more than anything, though, is the fact your parents always made every part of that day about you. You’ve probably forgotten what you did, who was there, what sort of cake you had, how many candles there were and the fact you got to tear the wrapping paper off Disney Princess mystery box and fawn over it with momentary joy. All of these details seem to fall away. What lasts a lifetime is that feeling of excitement, and that is exactly what we are going to try and help you take to another level because we have come up with a list of ways you can keep the surprises coming and the feeling of joy bubbling away like a pan of custard left on the hob.

 

This is your kid’s birthday and it is going to be the best birthday yet!

 

  1. Make The Build Up As Exciting As Possible

Your kid is going to be naturally excited by their birthday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fuel that gorgeous little fire a little bit more. As we’ve established, the excitable thing is the best part, so latch onto this and have a countdown that lasts the entire week leading up to their big day. Have a black board in the kitchen that counts down or a calendar where they can mark the days off with a big, fat, red pen. Maybe have a bouquet of ten balloons, and let them take one away every morning. It doesn’t even have to be a countdown if you don’t want. It could be a series of clues, each clue leading them to another until they finally discover their stash of presents you’ve hidden somewhere genius. Whatever you think will get their excitement boiling over, do it. Your kid will love this as much as their actual birthday.

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  1. Nothing Beats A Birthday Breakfast

Every child has a favorite breakfast, that thing usually only reserved for special occasions. Well, whatever it is, make it with sprinkles. Literally. If your kid hasn’t got a favorite, know that you cannot go wrong with the smile-inducing classics. We’re talking a stack of pancakes (covered in sprinkles) or a breakfast milkshake (with extra sprinkles) or a pile of waffles (yes, with sprinkles). Anything that can be deemed fun and special and worthy of the best birthday breakfast ever. Oh, and if you can, try and add a candle or ten just to add to the joviality that much more.

Image source

 

  1. Decorate The House While They Are Sleeping

Nothing beats that moment where you wake up, rub your eyes, stretch out your arms and legs, ponder the world for a moment and then suddenly remember that it’s your birthday, motivating you to jump up and run downstairs to find the whole house has been decorating in your honor. So go utterly crazy on this front. Buy a selection of shirts for the birthday boy and lay them out for them to choose a birthday outfit from. Hang up streamers and balloons and banners. Get pictures of their life up to now printed out and stick them all over the place. Write birthday messages on the mirror in the bathroom. Absolutely everything and anything you can think and, remember, the wilder your ideas the better. Get all creative on this birthday.

 

  1. Decorate Your Car Too

There is nothing that will make your kid feel like their birthday is 100% their day than having random people and passersby celebrate it with them. They kind of expect you to celebrate it with them, but they do not expect everyone to get involved. That’s why you need to get yourself some colorful window marker and cover your glass in messages like, “Birthday Boy!” and “Ten Today!” And “Honk for Sam!” And anything else you want to add, like pictures of balloons and cakes and all that kind of jazz. Having people honk as they drive past will have your little one smiling and laughing, and it won’t get boring for any of you either. Every single beep of a car horn will fill your little world right up, which is just how it should be.

 

  1. Little Things Can Make A Big Difference

The little thing on their day is what makes all the difference. Things like declaring it a screen free day for their siblings and you, the parents, will ensure that all the focus is directed towards them, which is a nice feeling to have. If it is their birthday on a school day, then why not go the extra mile and wrap every single item in their lunch box in birthday wrapping paper, while also throwing in a couple of balloons and party poppers and that sort of thing. Measure them too. Every kid wants to see how much they have grown since their last birthday, so make sure you have a wall chart you can add to, or start. Make this a new tradition in which to follow because, for them, every birthday is proof of how much bigger they are, and they will want to see that first hand. These are all little things, minuscule and minute things that can go easily unnoticed, but they are things that will make all the difference.

 

  1. A Very Special Meal Out

Go to your child’s favorite restaurant, or to that place that will completely blow their mind because it is more than just food on a plate, it is an experience that will totally blow their mind. This could be somewhere you have heard people rave about, or it could be somewhere you stumbled across in a local magazine, either way, indulge their childish fantasies. Just remember to call ahead and let the restaurant know that it is your kid’s birthday. Like we said with the whole decorating your car thing, the more strangers that celebrate their birthday with them the more special and unique it is going to feel, and nothing says that like a restaurant full of strangers singing happy birthday to you while sliding a cake you didn’t expect onto the table in front of you. This is what magic looks and feels like. These are the things that will stay with them for a lot longer than presents.

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  1. Get All Creative With This Day

We’re not just talking about arts and crafts here, although yes, please do indulge this side of things too. Make a special (non-alcoholic) cocktail or smoothie with them that they can get involved with, and let them name it. Maybe even add the recipe to a book of your creation, one that you can add to at every special occasion. It could be that you make a birthday crown with them too, something they can wear all day and attract calls of “happy birthday” from people everywhere they go. The other type of creative we were alluding to, however, was to do with memories. Set up a special interview with them. Have a video camera and ask them questions while filming, things that will make them smile and laugh years down the line, maybe even prove they were right about their hopes and dreams and aspirations. We live in a world where we can document things like never before, and these will be cherished in time. It doesn’t even have to be a video interview, though. It could be a written one, with you tucking the paper into their memory box to open on their 21st.

 

Making your child’s birthday is all about building their excitement, devoting every part of this day to their happiness and creating memories that will easily outlast the toys that you give them. Of course, the presents are an important aspect, but it is the feeling of this being their day that will make them happiest of all. So get your thinking cap on and think outside the box a little. There are ways to build their glee that you have never thought about, and it is up to you to exploit these.

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

Parents Of Smart Kids Always Do These Things!

July 31, 2017 Leave a Comment

Who wouldn’t want their kids to be smart? We all want our kids to be kind, thoughtful, happy, and so on, but being smart can be extremely beneficial too. It turns out that parents of smart children actually have things in common with each other. Here are some of the most common things that the parents of smart kids do, so you can ensure your children turn into smart individuals with plenty of opportunities too!

 

They Get Kids Involved In Chores

Getting your children involved in chores early on is so important. If they’re not making their own bed and tidying up their own mess, that means you’re likely doing it for them. When you do this, you might think you’re helping, or ‘getting it done properly’, but you’re actually hindering them in the long run. They’re going to need to get used to doing chores like this sooner or later, and the older they are, the harder it can be for them. Let them help you when they’re very young, and give things a go themselves as they get a little older. Even if they don’t sweep up as well as you, for example, they are trying and getting into good habits!

 

Children that have to do chores have been proven to be smarter than those who don’t. Don’t worry about your house looking perfect and instead focus on helping your kids to learn and develop in the best way possible. You’re doing them a favor!

 

They Help Them To Develop Socially And Emotionally

Helping your children to develop socially and emotionally is key to ensuring they become smart individuals. It can make a difference between going to college and getting a degree or getting arrested – literally. Children who didn’t have very good social and emotional skills were found to get arrested, fail to secure steady jobs, and generally struggle through life as they got older. Nobody wants that for their children, so make sure you make an effort to help them develop in this way.

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They Focus On Their Own Development

Parents with smart children always focus on their own development too. It was found that working moms had smarter kids, and parents that had a good education also had kids who had a good education. Getting your education later on in life and setting an example to your kids that way is possible, although it can be time-consuming. Using services like https://gradebuddy.com/ can help you to save time and focus on what’s important, so you can still get everything done and spend quality time with your kids. Don’t be afraid to go back into education. Not only will this set a good example to your kids, it could also help you to create a better future!

 

They Find Ways To Manage Their Own Stress Levels

Moods can be contagious. If you’re exhausted and stressed all the time, there’s every chance that you could pass that onto your kids. Try to greet them with a smile in the mornings, especially if you’re sending them off to school. Do what you can to manage your own stress levels, and your kids should be happier and more prepared to learn as a result.

 

Meditation is a wonderful tool to manage stress, but you can also get exercise, cut back on bad habits like smoking and drinking caffeine, and deep breathing. Being consistent is key to getting results!

 

They Value Effort

Parents with smart kids know that it’s the effort that’s important and not the actual grade that should be praised. It’s fantastic if you child is getting good grades, but you still need to ensure you’re putting a focus on an effort to study and practice, rather than simply exclaiming how intelligent they are naturally. When your kids know that effort is what makes them great, they won’t give up on different things so easily as they age. Praising them in a way that makes them feel like the effort isn’t a factor, such as saying, ‘you’re so talented!’ is a surefire way to make them believe things shouldn’t be difficult. Instead, say ‘that was great, all of the practice is really paying off!’. Make sure you really think about what you say to your kids when you praise them.

 

They Model And Encourage Good Relationships

Parents with smart children have good relationships with friends and family. They model this behavior to their kids and encourage their kids to foster good relationships too. Rather than encouraging their kids to make lots of friends and be popular, they encourage their kids to maintain a few close relationships.

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They Let Their Kids Know That They Will Always Support Them

Parents of smart children make sure that their children know they will always support them. They respond to their emotions in a comforting way rather than telling them off for getting upset or saying they are being silly. Parents who tell kids they are being silly for getting upset or anxious over something is a sure fire way to make them feel invalidated, and avoid sharing their feelings in the future. Make sure you consider how you will respond carefully, and respect that how your child feels about something is completely valid.

 

They Teach Them Good Financial Lessons While They’re Young

Parents of smart kids teach their kids good financial lessons while they’re young. Money is an important factor in anybody’s life. Kids need to know the value of it from a young age. Giving children pocket money and encouraging them to save/spend wisely is a good idea. Also, sharing with them stories about your finances, and normal things like how you work out the shopping budget is a great way to help them to understand. Giving your children pocket money and talking about money in a positive way around them is a fantastic way to encourage a healthy relationship with it. Just make sure you’re being a role model with your finances too.

 

Do these things and your kids should turn out to be smart, well-rounded individuals!

Filed Under: Children

Make Your Family Home The Safe Space Your Kids Need

July 26, 2017 Leave a Comment

Every parent knows the importance of providing a stable growing environment for their children. The teen years and early adulthood, are rife with changes. Despite best intentions, there’s nothing you can do about that. Nor should you. Those changes are what will help them become the adults they need to be. But, one thing you do have a say over is how stable their home life is during that time. When they already have so many changes to contend with, having one constant space is crucial. Here are a few ways to make sure your home becomes that place.

Know What Makes A Forever Home

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When your kids are young, the chances are that a house move will be on the cards at some point. That two bedroom apartment won’t hold your expanding family. Uprooting them when they’re young may not be ideal, but it’s better than uprooting later down the line. Besides which, you can use this move as a chance to find a forever home for your family.

But, what makes a forever home? A few different factors should go into your decision. Most importantly, you need to think ahead and ensure you buy a house large enough. You don’t want to have to move again if you decide to make your family bigger. Instead, purchase a house which has a little extra space. Something as simple as a spare room provides you some leeway.

It’s also important you spend some time considering the location of your new home. Safety should be paramount, but don’t make the mistake of moving to the middle of nowhere. As your kids grow, they’ll need the opportunity to go out with friends and get jobs. That’s not going to happen if the nearest town is ten miles away.  

Pay Off Your Mortgage

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The majority of homeowners still pay their mortgages well into their retirement. It’s no wonder when you consider the house prices they’re contending with. But, having a mortgage on your property does create some instability. If you were unable to pay it for some reason, you stand to lose your home. Eliminate this possibility by paying off your mortgage as soon as possible. It may seem easier said than done, but there are companies who can advise you on mortgage reduction strategies. These will ensure you pay your mortgage off a lot faster. All the better for creating that stability which is so important.

Make It A Safe Space

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House buying technicalities aside, it’s also important you create a safe space within that home. This needs to be a place your children can trust. Make sure that nothing bad happens here. Avoid raised voices and negative energy. Fill your home with light and love. And, make sure that your kids have a room they can call their own. This, more than anywhere else in the house, will become their stable sanctuary. Let them decorate it how they want to ensure they feel safer here than anywhere else in the world.

Filed Under: Children, Home

How To Keep Your Kids Safe And Protected During Summer Break

July 26, 2017 Leave a Comment

https://www.pexels.com/photo/nature-people-girl-grass-467680/

 

Summer break always seems to come around so quickly. One minute, you’re getting school supplies ready for the next year, juggling carpool and homework, and then next it’s all done again for another year. And then comes the fun of the summer. When your kids are off school, you often want to make sure that you’re able to keep them entertained, that they enjoy their time off, and also that they’re safe. But it’s often hard to make all three of those happen at once. One thing that you can control is their safety, so if you want to make sure your kids are protected during the summer, here’s what to do.

 

Wrap Them Up

 

When your kids are out playing in the garden or with their friends, you need to make sure that they’re going to be as safe as possible. So, if you know that they’re going outside to play on their bike or skateboard or inline skates, you need to make sure they’re all wrapped up. Be sure to put their protective gear on them, or make them know how important it is to put it on themselves, and you’ll rest assured that they’re covered.

 

Use Sunscreen

 

But then there’s also another kind of protection that you’re going to want to do. When it comes to the summer, we all know it’s important to keep out littles ones out of the sun, or at least wearing sunscreen when they are in the sun. So, when your kids go out in the garden, or you’re all out for the day, be sure to lather up the best sunscreen, and you’ll know that their skin is protected.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/bridge-child-children-fashion-191034/

 

Top Them Up

 

You’re also going to want to make sure that their health is protected too. Now, this is probably something that you do all year round. But, it is important to make sure that their vitamin and mineral levels are topped up with the right supplements, just to make sure that they’re getting all of the nutrients they need. That way, you know their bodies are topped up, and they’re able to fight off germs.

 

Stay Stocked Up

 

You should also make sure that your home is stocked up when it comes to everything from medical dressing supplies to medicines and home remedies. When your kids are out on summer break, as much as you’d like to wrap them up in cotton wool, you can’t. So there is a chance that they may fall down and hurt themselves while outside playing – or even in the house. But when your supplies are stocked up, you know you’re prepared.

 

Be Strict

 

Finally, you’re also going to want to make sure that your kids are fully aware of your rules ahead of the summer break. If you want to ensure that they stay safe at all times, they need to be able to know that they’re aware of why your house rules are important. Staying within the garden boundaries and not talking to strangers may just be some of them, but your kids need to know why they have to stick to them.

Filed Under: Children Tagged With: , ,

Money Savvy Soccer Ball #MoneySavvySoccerBall

July 19, 2017 Leave a Comment

The Money Savvy Soccer Ball is the perfect way to teach your little one how to save money. First off I want to share with you, this piggy bank is a soccer ball!! How cool is that? The soccer ball is clear where the white would be on a regular soccer ball so you are able to see how much money you have saved up! I love the idea of a clear piggy bank because it makes my son feel like he has achieved something with saving his money. “Almost there mommy” is what he always tells me when one of the slots are almost full. The clear soccer ball has four slots separating the ball into four different sections. In each of the sections, there is a spot to put a sticker (which they provide).

 

Above the sticker spots, they have four words listed, INVEST, SAVE, SPEND, and DONATE. In the INVEST slot, my son decided to put a picture of the orange globe so we can travel to Disney World when he is older. In the SAVE slot he put the green graduation sticker, so we can start to save for college. In the SPEND slot, we put the purple hamburger sticker to represent spending money on the food he wants to get (candies, ice cream, sweets, etc.). Lastly, we have the DONATE slot where we put the purple church to teach him to donate to our church. This piggy bank is designed to help kids get smarter about saving money.

It is a learning tool a child can take with them the rest of their lives. Helping kids learn how to budget and save for things in their life. This is the perfect gift for a little one. I highly recommend this piggy bank.

This is a sponsored ad, however, all the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Budget, Children Tagged With: , , ,

Everything Your Child Needs For A Happy Start In Life

July 17, 2017 Leave a Comment

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As a parent, happiness is the one thing that you desire for your child at all times. Quite frankly, your influence on their upbringing will go a long way to whether they have a good enough reason to keep smiling.

 

All kids deserve to be surrounded by the fundamentals of a happy childhood. Here are four of the key factors that no parent should ever overlook. Get them in place, and you’ll be sure to see fantastic results for your child.

 

A Happy Home Environment

 

If a child can’t feel happy and content in their own home, where can they?

 

The home doesn’t have to be a mansion for it to satisfy the needs of your son or daughter. Building a playroom will provide a space for learning, entertainment, and using up their energy. If you are blessed with a garden, you should be eager to maximize the potential of this environment too.

 

Perhaps most importantly, though, your child needs a bedroom that is comfortable, practical and fun. As for other rooms in the home, just be sure that they are kept safe at all times.

 

Great Educational Facilities

 

After the home, school is where your child will spend most of his or her time. Moreover, it’s the place where they will develop the skill and the friendships that will guide them throughout their childhood.

 

Every parent should appreciate the importance of choosing a good school. According to TIME, there are seven simple tricks that will help you do just that. Of course, some of those ideas can be used when selecting a nursery too. However, the school environment is where it truly matters.

 

Depending on location, your child is likely to spend around 30 hours of each week at school. If they’re happy during this time, it will keep them smiling at home too. Just remember that spotting signs of bullying and other issues are just as crucial as the school itself, and you won’t go far wrong.

 

Healthy Habits & Routines

 

Surrounding your child with winning environments will clearly go a long way building a solid foundation of happiness. However, your work as a parent doesn’t end there.

 

This post at Mommy Makes Time suggests that routines are the most important thing. Establishing healthy habits will ensure that your child develops in the best way both mentally and physically. In turn, that will ensure that they grow up with a smile on their faces. Not least because interacting with other kids will be easier too.

 

There’s no excuse for ignoring the need for that stability, especially as all parents can provide it. Of course, individual situations may influence the finer details. Nonetheless, building those positive routines is key.

 

Magical Adventures

 

Nothing in this life beats spending time with loved ones, especially when you do something memorable.

 

Arranging regular family days out doesn’t only strengthen your bond, but it gives your child something to tell friends about. Likewise, holidays are a great source of happiness that will last for years. If they get to learn more about the world in the process, that’s simply a bonus.

 

Life is all about the moments that put a smile on your face. Seeing and experiencing new things is the perfect way to achieve this goal for all the family. Essentially, time is your most valuable asset. Use it in the most efficient manner, and life will look better than ever.

Filed Under: Children, Family

Create The Perfect Playroom For Your Kids

June 23, 2017 Leave a Comment

(image: flickr)

Your child’s playroom is the one room in the house where you can let your imagination run riot. From bright, funky colors to wonderfully themed wallpapers, there are many ways you can be creative.

So where to start? Here are some ideas you might find useful.

Talk to your kids

Before you make a start on the room remember one important thing. This isn’t your room! You are designing it for your children. You might want to let your inner child cut loose and design everything your way, but you need to compromise. What are your children interested in? Superheroes are the in thing at the moment, but your kids are guaranteed to tell you what they want in no uncertain terms. As far as is practical and affordable, create a room that suits their imagination.

 Flooring ideas

The room needs to be child-friendly. While carpeting will be soft on your child’s feet, it may not be the most practical choice. Instead, you may consider laminate flooring. This is ideal as you will easily be able to mop up any drink spills your child makes.  Another flooring idea is rubber tiles. There are many colorful and themed designs dependant on your children’s age, and it will be comfortable underfoot too.

Older children will be keen to invite their friends over and hang out. Therefore, consider seating, from beanbags to inflatable chairs. Sofa beds are also a good idea as they are perfect for sleepovers.

Storage options

A playroom needs somewhere to store toys and books. You can purchase brightly colored bookshelves and storage boxes that are good to look at as well as being practical. You should also color coordinate them with the overall look of the room. A moveable trolley is also a helpful solution when space is an issue. Remember to be safe. Your child needs to be able to reach their belongings, so don’t store toys on high shelves, and where possible attach storage units to the walls.

You can add to your child’s learning in your storage. On each toy box stick on an appropriate picture so your child can quickly access the toys they need. For example, a picture of a car or a Disney character on appropriate boxes will make it easier for you and them to find what they are looking for. Of course, getting them to put their toys away in the right boxes is another matter.

Creative spaces

Play is one way your children use their imagination, but you should also consider their creativity. Should you have space, create a designated area for whatever they are interested in, from reading to painting, as well as a homework corner. You should allow them to use their creativity in the design of the room, so have one wall that can be used as a blank canvas. Using paint or chalk that can easily be washed away, this is the perfect place to let their artistic imaginations flow.

 

Remember, your children will grow and their tastes will change. You will need to be flexible and adapt the room accordingly.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Children Tagged With: , , ,

Pampers Printable Coupon #PampersCoupons

June 22, 2017 Leave a Comment

Printable Coupon $1.50 off Pampers!!

From newborn to an active toddler Pampers have always been my favorite go to diapers! They have been the number one diaper for OVER 50 years! You cannot beat the quality and the absorbency of Pampers.  Not only are they the softest but they are also super stretchy. Pampers are also the number one recommended diaper from most moms. I never had an issue with leaks, rashes or them coming apart and I used them with three different, very active children!

I remember bringing my first son home from the hospital and the nurses sending a pack of Pampers. I knew then if they trusted Pampers then I did too! From the beginning, I loved how they would keep the “wet” away from his body and allowing him a good night sleep.

The Pampers Swaddlers were by far my favorite Pampers diaper, they fit and moved better for my active kids! They absorbed more than the other diapers I tried and I never had a leak or wet crib in the morning.

Pampers is super absorbent, it has up to 12 hours of all night leak proof protection.

I cannot thank Pampers enough for causing my little to stay dry. You might be wondering what makes this product so leak resisdent. Well, it has three absorbent layers verses two in the other leading national brands to lock away wetness. Also, another reason this product is so resisdent to leakage is that it fits better around your little one’s legs.

Diapers can be expensive so we are offering a “Print at home” coupon code!

#PampersCoupons #ad

Also just in time for Summer is an awesome $1.50 off Pampers Swim Diapers!!

“This post was made possible by iConnect and Pampers. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.”

Filed Under: Baby, Children Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Luv’s Diapers & $2.00 OFF Coupon #SharetheLuv #Ad

June 21, 2017 Leave a Comment

Printable $2.00 Off Coupon Print Here!!

 

Upon coming home from the hospital, I always had a problem with trying to figure out why my son always leaked through his diapers. I would change him constantly however it was not helping! I tried tons of different diapers, tons of different brands and even cloth diapers, but one day I came upon Luvs diapers. I was totally baffled at how I had never tried this company before! These diapers were AMAZING! Finally, my son is able to go more than a couple of minutes in this diaper without it leaking.  It was great on his sensitive skin. No more diaper rash from the wrong type diapers!

As he became older I could see the diapers growing with him. He was able to crawl around freely without me having to worry about his diaper leaking. Not only is this diaper affordable but it has the best quality for its price. I wish I would have known about these before so that I would not have wasted so much money on useless diapers!

During summer vacations, I do not have to worry about bringing a change of clothes because I know these awesome diapers will prevent a blowout!

Luvs is offering a print-at-home discount for a great way to save money. You can access the print-at-home $2 coupon here Coupon Code. The coupon expires in 30 days from the date the coupon is printed out. You can use this coupon at any mass discount, or grocery stores where Luv Diapers are sold. All Luvs diapers ae included in this offer.

There’s no way around it, parenting is expensive! But this summer, Luvs is offering great money-saving opportunities for parents with little ones.

As always you can follow them here to stay up on their latest coupons & deals!!

 

#SharetheLuv #Ad

“This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs. I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.”

Filed Under: Baby, Children Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Halo Board Electric Skateboard #haloboard

June 21, 2017

The halo board is the latest trend you do not want to miss! With its gliding effect, it feels like the same effect as snowboarding or even surfing!! Being an electric skateboard it has a unique double drive motor, and has an output of 3000 watts, with speeds reaching up to 22 MPH in just seconds! You can determine the spend, most like to use it around 10 – 12 MPH, the more practice, the better idea you will have!

With its gliding effect, it feels like the same effect as snowboarding or even surfing!! Being an electric skateboard it has a unique double drive motor, and has an output of 3000 watts, with speeds reaching up to 22 MPH in just seconds! You can determine the spend, most like to use it around 10 – 12 MPH, the more practice, the better idea you will have!

 

https://www.haloboard.com/pages/halo-board

Not a whole lot of other brands are able to say they have boards have this range or speed combined. The Hao Board only takes a couple hours to charge, making it the perfect ride for any day! It is the only electric skateboard ON THE MARKET to made of 100% Tv00 Japanese Carbon Fiber (will last a long time!), making it extremely lightweight and extremely sturdy! With the perfect engineering of this design, this item has been a huge hit and will continue to be a hit due to its riding ability. This is an extremely smooth and enjoyable ride, something everyone should try out. Once you learn how to ride and maintain balance on the halo board your expectations will be blown away. This board is very thin only weighing 14.5 IBS, however, do not let the thinness scare you, it can hold up to 268 IBS safely.

 

With the board only weighing 14 pounds you are able to comfortably carry it around while you are not able to ride it. Not only is this halo board fashionable it also comes in handy when your legs get tired from walking. I have lots of fun ridding this around my neighborhood, parks, baseball games, you name it. I cannot wait to see what the future hold while traveling with this halo board. It makes life a little easier.

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

5 Amazing Family Experiences To Embrace This Summer

June 19, 2017 Leave a Comment

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Summer is officially here. People are wearing shorts and sandals, people are complaining about how hard it is to sleep at night and some people are already wearing sunburned sleeves. Oh, yeah, summer is well and truly here and we absolutely love it. The days are long, the kids are outside, the smell of barbecues fill the air and people are just in such high spirits.

However, for all the amazing wonder that arrives with the first days of summer, after about a week, almost all parents suddenly find themselves sweating a little bit because they’ve already run out of things to do with the kids. It happens every year.

Luckily for you, we anticipated this and came up with a summer vacation bucket list to help you keep your kids entertained and happy right the way through. We hope it helps.

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  1. Camping Trip

The chance to go camping as a family doesn’t come around often enough, so the summer weather should definitely be utilized as a chance to break out the tents, buy too many marshmallows and get your outdoor cooking expertise down to a tee. First off, it is the ideal way to have budget-friendly fun and, secondly, it is just one of the most amazing family memories you can make.

  1. Home Makeover

There is no better time to get stuck into some home improvements than when the sun is out and the kids are off school. It is one of those activities that can be super fun and super practical, as this guide shows. Get your kids on the paintbrushes, move some furniture around and just do whatever you need to do to make your home beautiful again, and do it as a family.

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  1. Backyard Garden

Planting your own little garden comes with so many added bonuses. Not only will it teach your kids some vital skills and reduce your family’s carbon footprint, but food from the garden just tastes so much better when you have grown it with love. Fresh food is simply unbeatable. It’s delicious, nutritious and cost-effective too.

  1. Zoo Time

The zoo is one of those places that you can visit and revisit and it never gets boring, a lot of the time because there is too much to do in just one day. Lions, tigers, rare monkeys, elephants, and just about every almost-mythical animal you can possibly imagine. The other great thing is, you can visit different zoos. Start local and then branch out.

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  1. Outdoor Movies

Kids aren’t impressed by films like we used to be impressed by films. Nowadays it is a matter of going on Netflix and watching something at the click of a button. It’s not an experience like going into town on a Friday night, visiting the local video store, studying the shelves, picking two or three films to rent out and enjoying a movie night. So, why not make movie night an experience by taking your kids, even your toddler, to an outdoor movie, getting tons of popcorn and watch as they have their minds blown a little.

Filed Under: Budget, Children Tagged With: , ,

Disney Princess Mystery Box

June 19, 2017 Leave a Comment

 

Upon receiving the Disney Princess Mystery Box, I was anxious because I did not know what to expect. When it came in the mail I’m not sure if I or my grandchildren were more excited about it. It brings back many memories of me falling in love with Disney movies when I was younger.

Disney movies are a huge part of childhood, and being able to relive the atmosphere of my childhood by seeing these Disney princess mystery boxes has brought so much joy to me. It was a beautiful pink box with “fun has arrived it is playtime!” written on it. Peering inside the box was beauty and the beast themed toys!! Complete with a beautiful gold tiara with a pink stone centered in the middle, sprinkle with uniquely placed colorful stones. Along with a yellow shirt decorated with Belle on it. Beauty and the Best figurines complete with Belle, tea cut, the beast and much more and, a castle to build from the box (which was the coolest part, in my opinion, creating the castle), and a magazine that every little girl will love! In the imagines, you can see all the figurines and beautiful tiara on the beautiful little girl. I like to see items that little boys and girls can share together as you can see.

I love this product because every month it is a new surprise! How fun is it to get a mysteries box of surprises every month? This item would be perfect for a Christmas gift, birthday gift, a “you did well on your test” gift. Perfect for little girls who love Disney princesses. This is definitely something I will recommend to someone who has a little girl who LOVES Disney movies. I cannot wait to receive the next box and the mystery it is going to present. Please stay tuned till next time!!

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

Tips For A Budget-Friendly Summer

June 16, 2017 Leave a Comment

Summer has a way of making us feel carefree; we happily spend more money on treats, family outings, or activities for the kids, only to check our balance in September and realise that we might have taken too much out of the savings account. While it’s true that you can’t put a price on the memories you make with your family, you do still need to have enough put away to make more memories in the future. If you’d like to have your cake and eat it too, here are a few tips so you can have the best summer ever on the lowest budget possible.

Cheap vacations

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It’s tempting to opt for a staycation each summer because this is when flights are usually their most expensive, and you don’t often know if there’s enough in the budget to book in advance. Fortunately, you can still take the family somewhere exotic with a few money-saving hacks. Flights tend to be more expensive from Friday to Sunday because most people want to make the most of the weekend in a foreign country. Since you have the whole summer holiday to choose from, try to book a flight that leaves in the middle of the week to save a few dollars. You can also save if you aim to travel the week before the kids go back to school, as this is when prices might start to drop. Websites such as Skyscanner can help you compare flight prices across a whole month so you’ll know the cheapest days to fly, saving you a potential packet. Going all-inclusive can save you more money, especially if you take full advantage of the breakfast buffets and the hotel swimming pool. Spanish destinations such as Majorca and Tenerife, or Algarve in Portugal, are always a hit with families, so these are good places to start looking for an all-inclusive vacation.

Camping

The great outdoors can be just as engaging as a games console, and it’s usually free. Although some campsite will charge you to pitch your tent, there’s no cost for sleeping in the back garden with your younger kids, or out in the woods with more mature children. Brush up on some simple survival skills and teach them how to survive in the wild, introduce them to the simple thrill of climbing trees, see who can spot the most species of birds, and in the evening you can show them how to make perfect s’mores over the campfire. Not only does this experience get everyone out of their comfort zone and encourage the kids to work together to put up the tent and start a fire, but it will help them appreciate the things they take for granted at home; hot showers and indoor plumbing seems like a luxury after a weekend in the woods. Most importantly, however, spending time outdoors will teach children how to respect nature and the environment.

Rent out your house

You don’t need to have a second home or spare room to make money from a lodger. If you’re planning on spending a few weeks away, and you live in a popular area, you could make some extra money by renting out your house to other holidaymakers. You can sign up to be a host on Airbnb, put out feelers with friends, or by making a website advertising your house to people looking for nice accommodation for their vacation.

Packing for vacations

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Hard as it may be to admit, your little ones aren’t as little as they were last year, and all their clothes from the previous summer no longer fit. Before you start packing for your vacation, you need to make sure you have enough summer clothes that fit them comfortably, not to mention all the other summer essentials you need to buy like sunscreen, allergy medication, and travel sized toiletries. To make sure you still have enough left for vacation spending money, you can go to the stores armed with discounts from Coupon Sherpa and make substantial savings on clothes and other items. It might require you to do a little legwork and shopping at several different stores, but it’s worth it just to save a few dollars.

Active family

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If you’ve been trying to find a way to motivate yourself to do more exercise, there is no bigger encouragement than your children; not just because you want to be healthy, but because they will drive you crazy when they start climbing the walls with boredom and the only solution is to get everyone out of the house. If you have fairly young children, take them to the park and actually play with them; run around to catch them on the slide, push them on the swings, or try getting involved in their game of tag. With slightly older kids, you could get everyone on their bikes and ride down the coast, whip out the water pistols and having an all-out war, or check your local area and see if there are any events that will get them walking. If you show your children the value of getting out of the house and having a good time, they may never catch on that you’re doing this for the exercise.

Rainy day fun

Despite all your best efforts to get the kids away from the electronic devices and out into the fresh air, sometimes the weather will conspire against you. Fortunately, you can still find ways to keep the kids busy without the lure of technology. One way to keep the kids occupied is by teaching them how to cook. Your options are endless; you can have them help you make the family’s favourite dinner, you can choose a new recipe to try together, or you can teach them how to make a really easy dish so they can begin building their cooking skills. If you have them help you with dinner, be sure to compliment them on their contribution and watch their little faces light up with pride.

Filed Under: Cheap, Children Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Baby’s First Home: Buyer’s Guide For Expecting Parents

June 8, 2017 Leave a Comment

There’s nothing like having a baby to make you realise that yours and your partner’s ‘young couple’ flat doesn’t have enough space for your growing family. Unfortunately, you have to balance your budget so you can afford both a bigger place, and everything else your little one might need. It’s an overwhelming, but necessary, undertaking. Here are a few tips to get you through this exciting time.

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Brainstorm

When it was just you and your partner, you might have been happy living somewhere within your price range, close enough to work, and not too far from any amenities. Now that you have a baby on the way, you might want to narrow down your criteria. Do you want to live in a good school district? Would you prefer a bungalow so you don’t have to babyproof the stairs? Be clear on what you want before you officially start your search.

Set up alerts

With some much going on at home, you might not have time to search the classifieds, property websites, or peek through the real estate agents’ windows until you find something you might like. Instead, have someone else do the searching for you. Agencies in your local area, such as Manausa Realty, have expert agents that are paid to take all your requirements on board and mind a property that meets all your criteria. Alternatively, you could go to a property comparison site, fill in your budget, area, and room requirement, and sign up to get emails whenever a property that meets your criteria goes on the market. However, you might be better off with an agent; they can let you know about new properties before they go on the website, increasing your chances of getting your dream family house.

Check the surroundings

Remember, you’re not just buying a house; you’re buying the whole neighborhood. Will it keep your kids awake at night if they live close to a busy road, or if the neighbors are too loud? Can you live next door to someone who doesn’t keep their front lawn up to standard? Is it better to live close to a park or a small corner shop? If you think you might like one of the houses on the list, take a walk around the block and see if you can imagine your whole family happy in the area.

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Get an inspection

Before you sign any documents, you should request an independent inspection of the house. The home inspector will look for hidden problems with the house, and you can learn about any issues that may prevent you from buying the property before it’s too late. This may include mold problems, termites, foundation problems and a bad roof. The last thing you need is a faulty house when you have to look after a newborn. The inspection can save you thousands in repairs later on, and you can rest easy knowing your new house is child friendly. If there are problems, you might be able to renegotiate the price.

Filed Under: Baby, Children, Home Tagged With: , , ,

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