Category Archives: parenting

Every parent wants to ensure that their home is a safe place for their child to grow up. And to turn their home into a harmless haven they tend to focus on the usual suspects. You know the ones — damp, pests, dust. Now, this isn’t to say these plights aren’t serious and shouldn’t be tended to, because they most certainly are serious and should be sorted. But as a parent you shouldn’t just focus all your efforts into ridding your home of these problems. You need to be aware that there are  whole host of other, far more general, everyday problems within the home that need to be fixed. A few can be found below.

First of all you should seek to make all the areas in your home that could induce a nasty fall as safe as possible. Even the smallest of steps for us adults can force our children into the biggest of tumbles so it is essential that you tend to them promptly. You should stabilise staircases by making sure the handrails and flooring are securely affixed. You should stop your children from attempting to tackle the stairs unsupervised by fitting a Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate at the bottom of them. And you should ensure that all hard floor and outdoor steps are not slippery. Stairs can be a big danger zone in your home, if you allow them to be. Because of this it is imperative that you seek to nullify the dangers as much and as soon as possible.

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Danger zones can also arise in your home or garden when rubbish is left untended to. When a mountain of rubbish grows in a area where your children live and play you are putting them in danger. You are subjecting them to potentially coming into contact with rats. You are allowing them the opportunity to pick up bacteria and other things detrimental to their health. In order to fix this problem you should have any rubbish on your premises removed. You should use a service such as that which is offered by Dirt Cheap Rubbish Removals, information of which can be found here: http://www.dirtcheaprubbishremoval.com.au/, in order to have the problem sorted promptly and professionally. In this case you should always seek the services of a professional removal company. If you don’t, and you use somebody that offered to do it for you, you never know where the rubbish is going to end up. There is a growing trend of unofficial removal companies, known as ‘Facebook fly-tippers’, taking payment for removing rubbish and then proceeding to dump it in the countryside. Not only is this bad for the eco-system but it could end up being bad for you. If the legal authorities can link the rubbish that has been dumped back to you then you are liable, even if you did innocently pay somebody to dump it for you.

So, when it comes to making your home as safe as possible you need to remember everything. You need to remember to keep your stairs safe. You need to ensure that there is no rubbish contaminating the area. All in all, you can’t forget a thing.

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When you have your first child, it’s always surprising just how much you have to buy for the newborn. Something so small shouldn’t need so many accessories, right? But, any seasoned parent will tell you; they certainly do. Unfortunately, all of this kit costs money. And, in most cases, it’s not cheap. The items themselves aren’t expensive. But, the sheer number of them that has to be bought will push the price through the roof. And, this can be even worse if you decide to go for extreme budget options. In this world, it’s best to go for quality over quantity. And, this post will be showing you how to.

Before you can start hunting for the best quality products, you have to understand what makes one product high-quality and another not. In most cases, the biggest factor will be the materials that they are made from. For example, plastic is very durable and won’t shatter. It’s cheap; but, despite it’s durability, it will degrade over time. Whereas, glass can last for years without degrading. It will always be safe and healthy, although it might shatter. Because it will last longer; most people would consider a glass product to be higher quality. Sometimes, you have to look deeper, though. Different metals and plastics can have hugely varying qualities. For example, ABS plastic can be molded and is usually free from toxins. But, acrylic has to be products in flat sheets and is very prone to snapping and shattering. In most cases, reading reviews about a product will give you a good idea of how well it has been made.

In the long run, buying products this way will usually save you some money. Even if the product you buy costs more; you will probably only have to buy it once. Whereas, going for cheaper and lower-quality options will mean you have to buy more of them as time goes by. If you decide to have more children in the future; this could save you even more money. For example, you may have the choice between two bibs. You’ve been looking through sites like http://www.bestproducts.com/parenting/baby/g609/baby-feeding-bibs/, but you’re still not sure. One is made from polyester and is very thin and cheap. The other is made from rich cotton, with a high thread count. The second option may cost twice as much. But, it could save you from buying the same product over and over again.

Now, you should have a good idea of why it’s important to consider the higher quality options you have available. And, you’ll be ready to start some shopping. Websites like www.babycaremag.com/baby-products/glass-baby-bottles can help you to find the best options for your baby. There are loads of like-minded parents out there; people who want to save money on their parenting. So, it’s just a matter of doing some research, and you should be able to find loads of information.
Hopefully, this will give you a good idea of what needs to be done, if you want to save some money on the little things that come with parenting. It’s worth putting all the time you can into an effort like this. Otherwise, you could be wasting loads.

It is so easy to plan activities for children to enjoy for the summer months, as young children are relatively easily pleased by picnics and nature trails. When you have teenagers at home, it’s hard to drag them out of their bedroom, away from their tablets and into the great outdoors! Most teenagers love the idea of the long summer break, but most also get bored by the second week. With empty days stretching ahead of them, packing them with activities gets more and more difficult.

Teenagers friends having fun playing guitar outdoors

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A holiday like this one is always the best way to fill the time for the summer break, but when the budget doesn’t stretch that far they’ll need some help from you to fill the time in the most fun way possible. Take a look at these suggestions for a fun summer break:

• Family challenge: If you haven’t got much of a budget for the summer, try out the family challenge game. It’s easy as pie! As a family, you come up with a weekly activity and create a leader board at home. Who can build the biggest card tower? Who can make the best evening meal? It’s a great way to compete and bond together.
• Play time: It’s not just kids that like to play games. Teenagers love super soakers and water balloons so don’t be a spectator; get involved and have fun with them. Show them you can get just as competitive and show them that they’re not the only water fight connoisseur!
• A trip: Just because you can’t manage a family holiday due to work commitments or budget, that doesn’t mean you can’t give your teenager some freedom. There are some excellent summer mission trips for high school students you can invest in to get your teenager out of their comfort zone and thinking of someone else. They’ll be interested and keep busy during the summer and hopefully mature a little while they’re away.
• Learning: Teenagers thrive on a challenge, so getting them to start a garden of their own to grow vegetables and nurture outside can be a great time. Teach them to cook, to bake and to take responsibility for their own laundry. They have to learn sometime and if they plan to go to college one day they’ll need to learn to fend for themselves!
• Join a class: Encourage your teenager to take up a new activity or sport. Challenge them to join a martial arts class and challenge your teen to cycle a certain number of miles a week. Not only can they keep fit and keep away from the screens at home, but they can enjoy some time in the great outdoors without younger siblings trailing behind them!

Your teenager doesn’t have to spend their summer bored out of their minds. If you can put your heads together to come up with a plan so that the weeks are stuffed to the brim with things they can enjoy, learn and feel good about, it’s a winning summer.

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Getting the balance right as a parent is never easy. You want your child to grow up to be as smart, strong and happy as they could possibly be, as every parent does, but you’ve no idea how to best go about achieving that. Sometimes it can seem that being the fun parent who encourages creativity and messing around is the best route to take, but then you worry about whether your little one will make it in the brutal, real world. However, sometimes you consider being a strict parent who encourages intense learning and removes distractions, but then you worry about your child being unhappy and unfulfilled in life.

The key to good parenting is to teach and not preach. Much like everything in life, moderation is the answer, and you shouldn’t be forcing your child to go out and have fun or stay in and work hard; you should be teaching them about the merits of both elements of life. You should be guiding your child towards answers for themselves because the most important lesson we can teach the next generation is how to independently think. If you’re not sure how to get the balance between fun and seriousness, here are some tips for teaching your kids without preaching your word as if it was the law.

Find out what they love.

Instead of forcing what you think is the best route on your child, you should be harnessing their existing talents. Find out your kid’s passions because it’s far easier to help guide your child towards a secure and happy future when it’s a future they want. They might be young and their skill might not be fully formed yet, whether they’re talented at drawing or simply remembering historical facts, but if it’s something they deeply care about, then they’ll want to further themselves and improve their skillset.

This is where you should be stepping in to help teach them as the parent. You shouldn’t be preaching about the things you think they should be focusing on, as you might send your child down a path that doesn’t suit them and draw their focus away from the thing in which they actually had talent and potential. Don’t worry if they’re not displaying a genius level of talent right now. It’s okay for them to make mistakes, as long as they’re improving. Support your child’s passions, as you never know what they might blossom into.

Make learning and growing fun.

Telling a child to learn about something is always going to earn you a frustrated expression, but guiding your child towards education through something fun and relaxing is a great way to help them grow naturally. This doesn’t always mean dragging them to a museum or making them write a novel. For example, looking into ride on toys for kids might help you find a fun bike or even a battery-powered mini car to teach your little one necessary motor skills whilst they still have fun. Education comes in many forms, and it doesn’t always have to be school-based academia. You could set your child the task of budgeting the food you eat for the week, and see how they get on with adding everything up.

Teach them how to treat others.

This is another important one, as children follow by example. If you demonstrate kindness and affection to other people, your child will understand that this is the way people should be treated and learn to do so within their own interactions. Again, it’s not about preaching, but showing. Actions often speak louder than words, and your child will learn much more from seeing how you treat others than how you tell them they should treat others.

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We all know that parenting is a journey. And, as with any journey, it’s important you don’t fall asleep at the wheel! There’s no denying that parenting is exhausting. It is, in itself, a full-time job, let alone what you do for a living! Not to mention that caring for children can cause a lot of emotional stress. It’s no wonder many of us are exhausted. When we’re tired, we don’t function like we should. Exhaustion could leave you unable to cope with what parenting throws at you. Here’s how to get rest, and why it’s important that you do.

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TIME OFF

Taking time off is crucial for getting the rest you need. You wouldn’t work without holidays. Parenting is no different. Many of us are reluctant to admit we need time off from our kids. A good parent shouldn’t need time away, right? Or, maybe not. Parents who know when to take time for themselves are better equipped to care for their children. That’s not to say that you should take too much time off. One night every few weeks should be enough to refresh you. Make a note of your night off in your diary and make plans. Organize for the kids to stay with a family member or babysitter. Then, the world is your oyster. Think about what you want to do. You could use the night to spend time with your partner, or meet with friends. You might even want to spend the night alone, with a glass of wine and a book. This is your night. Do what you like!

A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

Nights off aren’t the only thing that can help you feel rested. It’s also important that you get enough sleep. When you have a lot to think about, it can be hard to sleep. And, parents always have a lot to think about! Even so, there are steps you can take to ensure you get more sleep. From taking the time to unwind in the evenings, to buying a mattress that sends you to sleep the moment you lay down. If you’re uncomfortable in the night, you’re less likely to get the recommended amount of sleep. Treat yourself to a new mattress and pillows. Go all out and buy yourself some california king bed sheets. The more effort you put into the quest, the faster you’ll see results. It’s worth putting the time into your sleep journey, though. The more rested you are, the better chance you stand of being there when your children need you.

WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL IT MAKE?

But, what difference will all this effort make? The simple answer is a lot. When you’re exhausted, everything is harder to deal with. Tiredness can lead to that feeling of not being able to cope. But, as a parent, you need to be able to cope. If you don’t, how can you expect your children to? So, go on. Find out how to improve your state of mind with rest!

When your parents get older the roles can change and you may need to look after them, just as they once did for you when you were young. It can be harrowing, and a gut wrenching experience that will always end in the worst. But, it is life. The cycle that is ever moving. The care given may change drastically. You may just need to move them into a better suited home. Or perhaps make simple changes. Or, you may need to give them a form of full time care. Whatever needs to be done there are ways for coping with it and doing it in a way that is nice and respectful. You may already have considered these. But they can help you think of things in a different way and give them the care they deserve.

Home For The Elderly
Sometimes a last resort because it can almost feel like a betrayal. But, it needs to happen if they need around the clock care that you just can’t provide. Consider what best suits them. If they have dementia or something similar then consider a home that provides specialist care such as ParcProvence.com. The specialist care will make their lives much better and give you the peace of mind you need to ensure they are having a decent time with like minded individuals under experts who are experienced. Homes come in all different price ranges, so you can pick and choose one that suits your needs and one that is close by.

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Help Them Out
They may not even need to move into a home. Instead, consider just giving them the help you need. Work out a rota with other younger family members and help them do what they like to do. This can be taking them out to do the shopping for some food to eat. Or it could be going over to help them clean their house. Whatever it is, it will mean the world to them and help ensure they have what they need to live their life in the way they are used to. Quality of life as an old person is vital, and their happiness should be top of the list. Just taking an hour out of your day can mean the world to them.

Home Changes
You may need to make changes to a home to ensure they can live as they have done. First, this means the stairs need to go. You could sell the home and move them into a bungalow where the issue of stairs are completely nullified. You may also need to put certain handles around the house so they can move around with ease. This means getting up off the chair or help with the toilet. It can be invasive and they may not like people making these changes but they can really help them continue living without help. Ask them if they would like to live with you while the work is being done to make the transition easier.

As a parent, you’ll face all sorts of responsibilities. You’re responsible for a new life, after all. You’ll need to care for, clothe and feed your child for at least the first eighteen years of their life, or longer! But, you will have considered that when you decided to embark on the parenting journey. What you might not have considered is the impact your actions could have on your little ones. Providing isn’t enough. It’s also your responsibility to be the best role model. Think back to the way you looked up to your parents. You want your children to do the same, don’t you? So, make sure your actions are worth following!

HEALTH

Start showing your child the way by doing right by your health. Parents should want their child to do stay as healthy as possible. But, if you don’t look after your health in their early years, they’ll get the wrong impression. Make sure you visit the doctor whenever you need to. It’s also worth keeping on top of your dental insurance plans and visiting the dentist every six months. Make sure your children know you do this. That way, they’re more likely to do the same. It’s also your responsibility to start the habit. While they’re under your care, they rely on you to make appointments for them. Make sure they visit the dentist as often as necessary and get them used to visiting the doctor!

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EATING
It’s not just health you need to worry about, either. It’s important your children adopt good eating habits to get the best start in life. And, where do you think they get those habits? You guessed it! Your children’s eating will be directly influenced by yours. If you skip meals and eat snacks, your kids are liable to do the same. Mommy’s doing it after all! The way you cook will also have an impact. If you cook only freezer meals, your children may end up doing the same. Make sure to get into the habit of cooking fresh. And, eat alongside your family! It could also be helpful to let the kids loose in the kitchen from time to time. Cooking with children can be a lot of fun. It’ll also ensure they develop a love for cooking early!

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LIFESTYLE

The last thing we want you to consider is the impact your lifestyle has on your children. Remember that they will forever be looking to you for ideas on how to act. There’s no denying that we all make bad lifestyle choices from time to time. But, under the scrutiny of your children, you can’t afford to make mistakes. It’s thought, for example, that children of smokers are twice as likely to start smoking between 13-21. If there was ever a better reason to quit, we haven’t heard it. Cut the bad habits, or at least stop them when you’re with the kids. Putting your health at risk is one thing, but don’t do the same to them!

Becoming a mom can be one of the most difficult and hardest things that life brings. Actually, that is an understatement – becoming a mom is a life changing event that will alter your life forever. It is a fantastic accomplishment and an incredible aspect that you will never be able to forget, though, and caring for and nurturing your child will open your eyes to how precious life is – and you will want every bit of goodness in life to influence your child and you will also want to create a perspective of life for your child that will mean they enjoy every part of their childhood and are happy.

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This does not come easy, though, as we know. When you bring a child into the world, it can mean that you will find you have limited time to yourself and can’t do as many things – socially and personally – that you took for granted before. Again, you will not mind this as you will invest all your time into caring for your child because, simply, you want to. However, at times you should not let your social life slip away altogether as we all need some free time now and again. Time to ourselves is an important part of maintaining our well being and allows us to earn some well earned relaxation time.

If your friends have contacted you, asking if you are keen to meet up for a coffee, do not immediately say no. Think about how good it could be to see your friends, and have a catch up. Coffee shops allow babies in (they would be silly not to!) so even if you can’t find someone to look after your baby for a few hours, take them with you. The likelihood is that your friends will love seeing your child and your child can also experience new surroundings.

There are also a lot of mother and child groups that meet regularly. These types of groups can be found in almost any location – but especially in cities – and provide a place for mothers and children to go and relax. You will also find that joining these types of groups is an easy and accessible way to meet new friends – you can talk all things parenting but can also ask for advice and guidance on certain aspects of motherhood. You will also find that women who are expecting children turn up for these groups, and you can pass on your advice to them, or tell them about this article here, so that they can gain more of a knowledge of what to expect when motherhood begins.
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Even though you want to spend all your time with your child – and that is completely understandable – it is important that you maintain aspects of your life, too. Without a social life, you may find that you become, at times, overwhelmed with motherhood. It is good to talk about any pressures that are affecting you and to keep your relationships intact while motherhood continues.

Your children are going to have a lot of hopes and dreams when they grow up. One of those is going to be a huge sleepover with all of their best friends and relatives—and it’s going to be a nightmare for you. Let’s admit it, we probably don’t have that much space to house an entire class of children, and the logistics are going to be rough. What food are you going to cook? Will you order food? Will you get enough sleep? Is it going to tire you out?

Despite all the possible complications and issues you might run into, it’s part of your parenting journey to assist your children in realising their dreams and giving them the support they need to live a comfortable life. So without further ado, let’s roll up those sleeves and start planning the ultimate sleepover for your children.

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1. Speak with parents
Get in contact with the parents of each child that your own child wants to invite. Make sure you speak to them about dietary requirements, emergency contact numbers and allergies that they may have. If possible, coordinate with other parents about what would be best for their child so that no one is left out or has a bad experience. You also need to consider where the parents live and when it’s suitable for them to come and drop their child off at your home or when they plan to pick up their child.

2. Sleeping arrangements
If you want to give the children the most comfortable night, then consider reading up on air mattress 101. Air mattresses are softer and more comfortable than traditional sleeping bags, and you won’t have to tell your guests to bring their own bedding. Air mattresses are easy to set up and can be stored away for future use, for example, if you have friends or family visiting or if you want to set up temporary bedding for one reason or another.

3. Cooking or ordering?
If there are children with specific dietary requirements, then it’s a good idea to consider cooking up a meal yourself with the help of your partner or the children themselves. You could even turn it into a form of entertainment. For example, you can gather the children and make a cake or small cupcakes together and have them design their own using sprinkles, icing and other tasty snacks.

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4. Plan entertainment
Whether it’s video games or board games, you want to have a list of entertainment for the children to take part in. If you are using video game consoles, then prepare some child-friendly games such as sports and Mario on the Nintendo consoles, and buy enough control pads so that the maximum amount of players can join in. You can also consider renting a film or looking for something on a subscription service such as Netflix or Amazon.

5. Monitoring children
It’s important that you keep an eye on all of the children whenever possible. The last thing you want is a dispute or argument to break out between the children or for someone to feel left out. If you plan to take them outside at some point, then make sure every child is within your vision at all times and seek the help of someone older such as your other children, your partner or one of the parents.