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Baby Steps Scratch-Off Calendar

Baby Steps Scratch-Off Calendar

Giving a gift to a new mom can be tricky, you can pick something off their registry that they may or may not use.  This Baby Steps Calendar is a great gift idea for expecting parents.  Whether you’re a new mom or repeat mom, every pregnancy is different and you learn something new about yourself and baby.  This scratch off calendar provides tips and tools to prepare you for the big day!

Baby Steps Scratch-Off Calendar

Baby Steps Scratch-Off Calendar

It comes packaged in baby pastel colors and nursery décor, it’s bright and vibrant and perfect for any mommy to be.  Daddies to be tend to get lost in the pregnancy process, this is also very helpful for new daddies to understand what’s going on with mommy and baby.

 

Scratch off detail

Scratch off detail

Weeks six through eight are listed on the calendar, but do not have scratch off tips, scratch off begins at week nine.  You can use a coin or key to scratch off the day you’re on in your pregnancy.

Trivia and info

Trivia and info

The calendar included some cool things; everything from gender reveal, blood pressure, baby size, and position of baby.  From tips, info, and trivia it’s a great way to connect you and your partner during this special time.

Full Calendar

Full Calendar

Because I love this product one thing I would like to see from splash brands is a first year calendar.  A calendar that will include everything that goes on during the first year with your baby.  This could be anything from milestones and development.  I know that each baby develops at different stages but I think for new parents this would be helpful.

 

I am partnering with Splash Brands to give away one of these calendars to one lucky winner.  You can check out some of their other products available by clicking here.

 

Thanks for stopping by! I love doing these reviews to share products I know moms will love! Keep sharing and striving for mommy success!

Simple Updates For Your Home That Are Stylish and Affordable

If the time has come to update your home once again, you might be stressing about the cost. It’s no secret that household design and decor doesn’t come cheap, which can make updating your home a real struggle. Money, sadly, doesn’t grow on trees, which means that sometimes we just can’t do the things that we want to do when it comes to our homes.

 

Of course, not all home updates have to be expensive. If you’re smart about how you makeover your home, it’s easy to keep the cost of updates low. So even if money is a little on the tight side, that doesn’t mean that you can’t transform your home. It’s just a case of being smart about how you go about it.

 

Swap out your accessories

 

Updates and upgrades for your home

Updates and upgrades for your home

 

The simplest and most affordable way to update your home is by swapping your accessories for new ones. If you’re home is decorated in neutral colors, you can choose whatever accessory designs you like. If, however, your home has a certain color scheme to it, you’ll need to be more selective about the pieces you choose to implement. You could always opt to re-decorate. However, this may be too pricey. If you do want to switch your color scheme for neutrals, you can pick up low-cost paint at budget-friendly home stores.

 

Update your furniture with a coat of paint

 

Is your furniture looking a little worse for wear but you can’t afford to replace it? The best option is to revamp it with a coat of paint – you would be amazed at how much difference this can make. Obviously, not all furniture can be painted. To revamp material items you would need to recover them, but for wooden pieces, it’s a great option. For minimum stress, use chalk paint as this doesn’t require any sanding or priming, it can just be painted straight on. Plus, it’s affordable to buy and comes in a lovely range of colors.

 

Switch your fitting and fixtures

 

Door Knob Upgrades

Door Knob Upgrades

 

 

A simple way to make your home more stylish is swapping your fittings and fixtures. Believe it or not, things like door handles, light fittings, and shelving are all incredibly cheap to update. They might be subtle changes but they can make a big difference to the look and feel of a space. If you’re going to swap your light fittings, go for LED lights from a lighting and ballast supplier. These are better than normal lights, as they’re cheaper, more energy efficient, and look more modern. For door handles and other fittings, the best place to shop is Etsy – nothing beats unique decor.

 

Move items around

 

If you can’t afford to buy new pieces of furniture and are bored of what you have in each room, move them around. Swap items to different rooms to give your home a fresh, stylish feel. Sometimes, moving furniture about and rearranging it, can be all it takes to make your home look a little nicer. Give this a try and I promise you, you’ll love the results.
Want to make your home more stylish but can’t afford to spend a lot? Take the above tips on board and you can update your home without going over budget. Who said home makeovers have to break the bank?

Art Is Good For Kids: All the Facts You’ll Ever Need to Know

We live in a world that prefers science over art, thought over expression, gadgets over sculptures. In education, there is a strong preference, at least among policymakers, for education to be science-based. After all, that’s what they think will most benefit the economy of the future.

In their minds, it’s a simple equation. The future is high-tech, and so in the future, we’re going to need more technical skills. That means buying more science books and computers, and fewer paints, drawing boards and glue guns direct.

Art and Children

Art and Children https://pixabay.com/en/art-road-painting-london-1011410/

 

They’re wrong.

In the future kids are going to need more creative skills. By the time most kids in kindergarten today get a job, machines will be the technicians. To put them to use, they’ll need humans with creative talent and flair to put them to use. Economists predict that by 2030, 80 percent of jobs will be better done by machines. What about the remaining 20 percent? They’re the jobs that rely on creativity. They’re jobs that involve developing new products and ideas, like product designers.

So how can doing art now help prepare children from the world just around the corner?

Art Helps Children Do Better In Science And Math

We tend to impose a rather artificial divide between science, math, and art. Many people don’t think that they’re related. But, they are, in fact, complements.

Doing math in isolation isn’t actually the best way to do math. Including art alongside math can, in fact, boost math scores.

Art Is A Way For Children To Express Themselves

Whereas science is all about finding the right answers about the physical world; art is a way to learn about yourself.

When pushed, children can be very expressive in the art that they produce. And it can be a great way for them to find out what interests them.

Art Develops Motor Skills

One of the reasons art is so difficult is that it relies on impeccable coordination between the hand and the eye. Developing this capacity can help set children up for life.

Art Develops Grit

Most parents think that if their child gets a technical education, they will be successful. But this is only part of the story. Success is very poorly correlated to technical competence. Rather it is linked to a person’s grit and determination to succeed.

And that’s where art comes in. Learning to paint or to play a musical instrument is incredibly difficult. It’s so hard, in fact, that it’s nearly impossible to do once you’ve become an adult.

This high level of difficult foster a sense of perseverance and grit in children. It’s that grit that they develop that is just as important to their future as learning science and math for their future success.

They Learn Collaboration

Art is something that is often done in groups. Just think about the school choir.

Performing Arts https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Northwestern_High_School_Concert_Choir,_All-Choirs_Spring_Concert,_May_2013.png

Performing Arts
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Northwestern_High_School_Concert_Choir,_All-Choirs_Spring_Concert,_May_2013.png

 

Art encourages children to work together to produce something amazing. And when you think about it, this is ideal training for the future. In almost all businesses, adults have to work together to get the job done.

Awesome Ways To Make Your Home More Secure For Your Kids’ Sake

As a parent, it is your job to keep your kids safe. When you are out and about, you constantly think about their security. Why? You do it because you think they are in more danger. However, you and your family will have to deal with danger at home also. Although it isn’t a very nice thought, there are thieves out there looking to make a quick buck. And, they will happily break into your home where your kids sleep if they get the chance. As you can see, it is vital that you secure your home for the sake of your kids. But, how you do achieve that goal?

 

Remove The Hidden House Key

 

Almost every homeowner thinks they are thinking outside of the box with this one. And, because you have young kids, you are more likely to hide a key under a plant pot. After all, they need a key if you are stuck at work. But, a burglar will use this key to their advantage. They don’t even have to any heavy lifting because they can literally walk through the front door. Any thief worth their title will check for a second key. Take it away and they won’t have the opportunity.

 

As a parent, it is your job to keep your kids safe. When you are out and about, you constantly think about their security. Why? You do it because you think they are in more danger. However, you and your family will have to deal with danger at home also. Although it isn’t a very nice thought, there are thieves out there looking to make a quick buck. And, they will happily break into your home where your kids sleep if they get the chance. As you can see, it is vital that you secure your home for the sake of your kids. But, how you do achieve that goal?

 

Remove The Hidden House Key

 

Almost every homeowner thinks they are thinking outside of the box with this one. And, because you have young kids, you are more likely to hide a key under a plant pot. After all, they need a key if you are stuck at work. But, a burglar will use this key to their advantage. They don’t even have to any heavy lifting because they can literally walk through the front door. Any thief worth their title will check for a second key. Take it away and they won’t have the opportunity.

 

Hold A Meeting

 

The best way to keep them safe is to educate them on the subject of security. Then, they can take measures themselves that will promote their security at home. For example, you should let them know that they need to close the windows and doors when they are home alone. Not only do they need to close them, but they also need to lock them shut. And, they should only open them to people that they know or trust. Otherwise, that door stays firmly shut. Get everyone in the household together for a meeting and tell them their jobs.

 

Invest In Security Measures

Every house needs an alarm system – that is the minimum requirement. But, you also need other security measures to assist it for the best results. Think of it like brushing your teeth. Brushing alone isn’t enough, which is why you need to floss and mouthwash. With that in mind, consider buying security cameras. Or, you can buy a fake security camera if you prefer. They are expensive, which makes the dummies a good choice. Either way, they stop burglars from trying their luck. Burglars can’t tell if they work or not, so they can’t take the chance.

 

Home

Home

 

Change The Locks

 

Kids lose keys on a regular basis. If that key gets into the hands of the wrong person, they can use it to enter your home. However, a lost key has less significance if it doesn’t fit the lock. By changing the locks every couple of months, you increase your home’s safety. It is like a computer system that consistently resets the passwords. You should also change the locksmith every time. If you stay with the same one, there is more chance of a breach of information.

 

Your home is your and your kids’ castle. And, with these tips, it will stay that way.

 

 

 

Hold A Meeting

 

The best way to keep them safe is to educate them on the subject of security. Then, they can take measures themselves that will promote their security at home. For example, you should let them know that they need to close the windows and doors when they are home alone. Not only do they need to close them, but they also need to lock them shut. And, they should only open them to people that they know or trust. Otherwise, that door stays firmly shut. Get everyone in the household together for a meeting and tell them their jobs.

 

alarm system

alarm system

 

Invest In Security Measures

 

Every house needs an alarm system – that is the minimum requirement. But, you also need other security measures to assist it for the best results. Think of it like brushing your teeth. Brushing alone isn’t enough, which is why you need to floss and mouthwash. With that in mind, consider buying security cameras. Or, you can buy a fake security camera if you prefer. They are expensive, which makes the dummies a good choice. Either way, they stop burglars from trying their luck. Burglars can’t tell if they work or not, so they can’t take the chance.

 

Keys and locks for home

Keys and locks for home

 

 

 

 

Your home is your and your kids’ castle. And, with these tips, it will stay that way.

 

Is It Time To Switch To Solar Power?

If you’re on the lookout for ways to save money, you may be considering your options when it comes to your energy provider. Changing companies can save you money, but have you thought about changing the type of energy you use? With tax breaks and incentives on offer, now could be the perfect time to switch to solar power.

 

solar panels in your home

solar panels in your home

 

What exactly is solar power, and how does it work?

Solar energy is an umbrella term, which relates to the use of the sun’s rays to generate heat and power. Specially designed panels capture the rays and use advanced technology to convert energy from the sun into energy you can use at home. Solar power uses photovoltaic systems, which are also known as PVs, to turn sunlight into electricity. Although the systems are more effective on sunny days, they also work under cloud cover.

 

Once you have electricity from the sun, you can use to power your household appliances, heat your water and fuel your central heating system.

 

PV cells are designed to absorb the sun’s rays. They usually contain silicone, which has the ability to conduct electricity. When the cells are exposed to sunlight, they create a blanket electric field across the panels. This produces electricity. The brighter the sunshine, the more electricity the panels produce.

 

In most cases, solar power is generated using panels, which are fitted to your roof. However, it is also possible to get innovative solar roof tiles.

 

What are the advantages of solar power?

There are many advantages of solar power. Firstly, at a time when many of us are on an economy drive, solar power can save you money. Once you’ve paid the initial cost of installation, the running costs are very low. You may also be eligible for installation grants from the government. It’s worth researching online to find out more about affordable solar energy for homeowners. Solar power is also a form of renewable energy, so you’ll be lowering your carbon footprint by investing.

 

In some cases, it may be possible to generate money by using solar power. It’s not a universal system as yet, but in some countries, you can sell the electricity you produce back to the national grid.

 

If you’re interested in solar power, and you’d like to find out more, contact some local energy firms and arrange a visit. You will be able to ask questions about how solar panels work and how much money they could save you. You can also get a quote, and find out if your roof is suitable for panel installation. Before you sign up with a provider, investigate whether any government incentives apply to you.
If money is tight, and you’re looking for ways to cut monthly bills, it may be worth considering switching to solar power. You may be eligible for help with installation costs, and you’ll find that your energy bills fall almost immediately. You’ll also be contributing to the effort to reduce carbon footprint and create a greener, cleaner environment.

Here’s How to Encourage Your Child to Lose Weight in a Healthy Way

Weight is a sensitive issue for adults, and it’s even more so when you’re discussing it with kids. Many parents want their children to be healthy, but they don’t their children to have a negative body image. Getting your children to form a healthy relationship with food and exercise can seem like a difficult task. It’s even harder when your child is overweight, and you want to help them lose a few pounds. How can you encourage them to eat better and be more active without discussing their weight in a negative way? The techniques below should help you to do that, so they can be healthy and feel great about themselves.

 

Exercise as a Family

 

If your kids need to be more active, it’s possible that you do too. In fact, overweight children often have overweight parents. Turning exercise into a family activity can be a good idea for everyone. You get to spend time together and make your lifestyle healthier at the same time. There are so many things you can all do together. Some families like to go on walks or bike rides. Others might play ball games or even jump on a trampoline in the backyard. You could also get the kids to join in with your workouts. If you struggle to find time to exercise, there’s no need to wait until the kids are in bed.

 

Healthy kids

Healthy kids

 

 

Encourage Healthy Eating Habits

 

A balanced diet is one of the key elements of a healthy lifestyle. You need to look at what the whole family eats at home, as well as what your child eats away from the house. Start with planning your meals at the beginning of the week so you can ensure you all get balanced meals. You should also think not just about what you eat, but about how much you eat too. Research has shown that portion size contributes to obesity in the US. Many expats and tourists from other countries are shocked by portion sizes in the US.

 

Help Them Get Active on Their Own

 

Exercising as a family is fun, but your kids should also feel comfortable being active without you. They need to have their own enthusiasm for physical activities, and not just do things with you. One of the things you could consider is a weight loss camp to help make them more independent. Of course, there will be counselors and other campers with them. But they will gain the confidence to try lots of different activities on their own. You could also look at after-school and weekend programs they might enjoy. Talk to them about what they’re interested in.

 

healthy foods and living

healthy foods and living

 

 

Practice What You Preach

 

Leading by example is essential if you want your children to be healthy. You have to form healthier habits yourself if you want them to follow. That can mean being committed to making your whole household healthy. For example, you can get rid of any unhealthy snacks in your home. Don’t complain that your child sneaks chips from the kitchen if you aren’t prepared to remove them from the house!
Be careful about how you discuss weight with your child. You can encourage them to be healthy without affecting their self-esteem.

The 4 Most Annoying Things To Fix Before Selling Your Home

Selling a house is not easy at the best of times. But selling a house that isn’t fit for purpose is even harder, if not outright illegal.

Many problems often need fixing before the sale of a home. Some are obvious, but some may be lurking in the background. And it’s important that you deal with both.

Here’s a list of the most common problems seen in houses for sale around the US.

The Toilets Are Broken

When the toilet in your home breaks, it’s a disaster. You’re suddenly cast back several hundred years to a time without sanitation. And though many people glorify simpler times, a lack of sanitation was never a highlight.

Remodeling Home Via Pixabay

Remodeling Home Via Pixabay

 

When the mechanism in your toilet no longer works, it can be a pain. It seems as if each new house you go to has a different technique required to get the toilet to flush. And if it doesn’t flush, it can be rather embarrassing.

Get the mechanism in your toilet either fixed or replaced. Once it’s done, you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. No more secret handshakes with the toilet handle to make it work.; it’ll just work.

Uneven Floorboards

One of the problems with older houses is the fact that their walks are often uneven. The floor boards have twisted and warped, and over the years fallen out of alignment.

For the people looking to buy your house, this can be a trip hazard. And if they fell, the consequences could be even worse. They could hurt themselves and you could lose the sale.

Make sure that your walkways are even. It might be a big job, but it will be worth it in the end.

The Electrics Are Unreliable

Do you have a house where only one or two plug sockets in a group actually work? And do you know why?

electrical socket repair via wikipedia

electrical socket repair via wikipedia

 

Bad electricals are a blight on many older houses. Yes, they might have character, but they were wired up in ancient times. And not only will potential buyers see this as an inconvenience, but it’s also dangerous.

There are services like Graham and Sons emergency electrical services that can carry out repairs. So there’s no point wasting energy worrying about whether the circuits are going to catch fire.

The Shower Is Feeble

We’ve all been to people’s houses where the water barely drips out of the shower head. It makes for a dissatisfying experience all round. But buyers, in particular, will not be happy with a bad shower. They’ll just go and buy a house just like yours where the shower actually works.

Usually, low pressure is the result of dirt and gunk building up on the shower head and prevent water from flowing. But it can also be the result of a partially closed shutoff valve.

If cleaning the head and opening the valve fully don’t work, get in a plumber. There’s a problem in the system somewhere and it needs addressing.

faucet repairs via wikipedia

faucet repairs via wikipedia

 

The Busy Mom’s Guide to Relaxation

 

relaxation for busy moms

relaxation for busy moms

Being a mom is a busy job. Whether you stay at home, or you work, you’re likely to be rushed off your feet. Taking time for yourself and relaxation are probably distant memories.

 

Our no-nonsense guide provides several simple changes to help you unwind and relax each day. Pick out the ones that are relevant to you.

 

Make the Most of Your Free Time

 

When downtime is at a minimum, it is important to make the most of any free time you have. Don’t rush through every task. If you’re eating your breakfast, focus entirely on this. Don’t take spoonfuls of cereal with one hand while scrolling through phone messages with the other. Notice the different tastes and savor the food you’re eating. Being present in the moment and mindfulness has lots of positive benefits. One of these is to ease stress and to make you feel calmer.

 

When you go to bed at night, ensure you get a good night’s sleep. This is easier said than done, especially if you have very young children. Your sleep may be broken as you tend to them. However, make the sleep you do have count. Each night, go through a winding down routine. About an hour before you go to bed switch off your phone and any screens. Use this time for relaxing activities such as reading. Take a warm bath if you have time. If your baby is active during the night, then try and nap when they nap during the day.

 

Invest in a good quality bed and mattress that provides adequate support for your body. Sites like www.TheBedroomStore.com/ have lots of information and advice. If you’re overtired, a good bed will feel like heaven.

 

Other tips for a good night’s sleep include making sure the room is dark enough and limiting outside noise. Avoid cigarettes and alcohol, which are not conducive to sleeping well.

 

Relaxing techniques

Relaxing techniques

 

Go Outside

 

When you have young children, getting them ready to go anywhere can be fraught. But it is a good idea to go outside as much as possible. A change of scenery and some fresh air will bring lots of positive benefits. You don’t have to go far. Even if it’s a walk around the block, it will help to get your blood pumping.

 

Walking or being in nature is good for our sense of wellbeing. According to medical studies, the closer you live to nature, the healthier you’re likely to be. It increases our vitamin D intake, which is good for our immune systems and disease prevention. It will also help you to sleep.

 

Reading Relaxation

Reading Relaxation

 

Think in Small Units of Time

 

Rather than trying to set aside hours to relax, think in smaller units of time. Grab ten minutes or half an hour whenever you can. For example, when your baby is sleeping or when your partner is looking after the kids. Use the time to do something you enjoy. This could be reading a book or standing in the garden for five minutes with a cup of coffee. Even small amounts of relaxation will bring positive benefits.

 

Ask for Help

 

No-one can do everything on their own. It’s fine to ask for help. And if it’s offered, grab it with both hands. If you have someone you can trust to look after the children for a while, use the time to relax. Read a book, go for a walk, or get some sleep.

 

Schedule a Break

 

Speak to your partner or a family member about taking a regular break. Don’t let anything intrude on this time. Use it to do the things you want to do. Feeling happy and fulfilled reduces stress and aids relaxation.

 

Pamper Yourself

 

Pamper yourself now and then. Get a haircut or a mani-pedi. Treat yourself to some new clothes and put on some makeup. Do something you used to do before you became a mom.

 

Get Some Exercise

 

Exercise is good for us in so many ways. One of its benefits is to reduce stress and help us to feel calmer. When we’re feeling stressed or anxious, the body produces adrenalin and cortisol. Moving our bodies helps to release these chemicals.

 

Exercise also produces endorphins which are feel-good chemicals. The effect is a bit like a natural high.

 

Choose exercises that you enjoy. If you have someone to look after the children for a couple of hours, try swimming. This exercise is good for the mind and the body.

 

swimming relaxation

swimming relaxation

 

Meditation

 

Meditation has been around for thousands of years. It has been studied by yogis and scientists, and the benefits are profound. Simple meditation often starts with the breath. By bringing our mind back to the body and focusing on our breathing, we calm the mind.

 

The good thing about meditation is that it can be carried out anywhere. Just ten minutes a day will be beneficial.

 

Get Up Early

 

If possible, get up fifteen minutes earlier than the kids. Take this time to enjoy the peace and do something for yourself. Read a book or do a few yoga stretches. It’s tempting to stay in bed for a long as possible. But getting up earlier in a calm house will set you up for the day.

 

Turn the Volume Down

 

If you’re living in a noisy environment, unplug every now and again. Constant noise from children and the TV can seem overwhelming. When it feels too much, turn the TV off and switch off your phone. This will reduce the volume and distractions instantly.

 

If the kids are hyped up and excited, let them get it out of their system and then encourage quiet play. Don’t yell and add to the noise, just encourage gently.

 

Take a Hot Bath

 

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. Hot water relaxes the muscles and prepares us for sleep. It is also good for circulation and the heart. Throw in some of your favourite bath products. Or better still, use some aromatherapy oils.
It is important to take time for yourself, for both you and your family. Your health and happiness are important. And a happy, healthier mom equals happier, healthier children.

Easy Ways to Create the Ultimate Child Friendly Home

In many ways, children can be what makes a house and home. They provide so much love, fun, and interaction that our home becomes a joyful and inviting place to be. Our home should ultimately be our sanctuary. It should be the place where we feel safe, supported, and can’t wait to return to. With heavy work commitments coupled with family life, it is more important than ever that we ensure our home works for us. If we constantly find that we are having to do maintenance, renovation, and other work on our home it can become exhausting. Changes to the home out of choice are one thing, but changes from pressure and necessity are another. There might be several things we need to consider when living alone or with a partner. The comfort and temperature of the home are important, for example. The tidiness of the rooms and effective use of space are important for our mobility and efficiency. Every consideration we make about our house should benefit us and enable us to live more smoothly and easily. But these concerns are often more important than ever if we have children. Not only is their safety of paramount importance, but it is often particularly important to stay organised too. An immaculately clean and tidy house may not be a practical aim every hour of every day. But an organised house that is well structured and suitable for purpose is something that all of us can aim for. If you are fortunate enough to have a family and you want to turn your home into the ultimate child-friendly space, then look no further.

 

brothers-family-siblings-boys-50692-large

 

Staying Safe

 

Safety is perhaps one of the greatest preoccupations of a family with children. The home can be a hazardous place even for careful adults. But when curious, energetic children are added to the mix, it becomes more important than ever to be cautious. It can be overwhelming to try and consider the safety of the house as a whole. It can be more helpful and productive to consider each room. Total “no go” areas are rarely a good idea. A room with serious immovable hazards such as workshop tools or sharp ornaments are perhaps an exception. But ultimately, children should be allowed to explore. Banning certain rooms or areas can often be counterproductive too as it adds to their allure! Setting boundaries with items such as locked cabinets or doors can be necessary, but consider them carefully. Try to make hazardous objects safe or teach children how to be around them safely. Consider each room in terms of its safety, in both overview and detail. Check that wires are not dangling or poorly maintained, for example. Ensure that heavy objects are not likely to fall or be pulled over. High windows should be locked or carefully monitored. Looking at areas from a child’s height can be helpful, and you’ll be amazed at what might catch your eye! A safe home for a child is also a safe home for an adult. Keeping hazards to a minimum and tidying as you go can be a great step for an organised household.

 

person-girl-cute-young-large

 

Staying Tidy

 

Keeping a house clean and tidy is not merely a superficial concern. It can also affect how quickly and easily we can find things, as well as helping us not to trip on them! Persuading children to stay tidy can be difficult. It can be equally difficult for adults if we return home exhausted or have several other commitments. It can be a far more successful operation if we approach it in small, regular steps. A huge tidy once every so often can be tempting but can make things tricky in between. It can also be overwhelming when it ultimately comes to getting in done. Many families swear by the 10 minute tidy instead. After a specific activity or even at the end of the day, a timer is set for 10 minutes and everyone tidies without distraction. The results you can achieve in such a short space of time are astounding. When your mind is directed only on the single task, especially if you have helpers, you can achieve a lot. Investing in cupboards, cabinets, and other effective storage can also make the best use of space. Wipe-clean surfaces and surface covers that can be easily cleaned and folded away can be a lifesaver too.

 

pexels-photo-11523-large

 

Staying Comfortable

 

It is very important for the family home to remain comfortable. Children are often sensitive to heat and cold, and it can affect us as adults too. It can be cosy and pleasant to include blankets and throws around the house during the colder months. Tumblers of water and mini safety fans can also be great during the summer. Comfortable children are often more manageable and well behaved. It is worth investing in the insulation of our homes or adequate heating and cooling systems. If it is not an option you have investigated learn more about it at Academy Air or other reputable brands. A well ventilated home can help us stay healthy and germ-free, which is particularly important around children.

 

people-eyes-playing-young-large

 

Staying Fun!
Some of the strongest and most positive memories many of us have are from the family home. You will want your children to have fond, happy memories of their home as a fun and wonderful space. There are many ways to make a home more fun that can be adapted to suit any budget or timescale. Make sure you’re making the best use of available space. If there is an area that your children love to play, include toy boxes and fun bags so they can clean up after themselves. An easy-to-clean area of the kitchen or conservatory can be a great station for arts and crafts. Keeping your garden well-maintained can also have huge family benefits. You will have a convenient, inviting area for family activities and the children can get fresh air while under supervision. If you don’t know how best to decorate an area or make it fun, ask the children! They often have hugely creative ideas about how best to use a space. If they feel they have been involved and collaborated on something, they are far more likely to make use of it too.

The Importance of Family Safety

Are you taking the safety of your family seriously? Before you answer, I want you to think about these other questions. Do you live in a safe neighborhood? Do you trust the people on your street? If you answered yes to either of these questions, there’s a good chance you’re overestimating how protected your family is. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they live in a safe neighborhood. But the truth is that there’s no such thing. Any neighborhood can be unsafe because it only takes one criminal to turn a quiet street into a danger zone. In regards to your neighbors, just how much do you know about them? Are you sure they’re who you think they are? Perhaps this sounds paranoid but the truth if you only know what they tell you, what they want you to see. That’s why it’s important that you think about the safety of your family at home.

 

If you think your street is safe, you might make silly mistakes. You might, for instance, leave your door unlocked when you’re in during the day. After all, if you’re in the house, no one is going to try to break in. Don’t be too sure though because a shocking number of break-ins occur when people are in the house. Thieves know that this is when homeowners least expect an intrusion. Their guard is down. As well as this it’s important to understand that if a door is unlocked or a window is open it’s not necessarily breaking and entering. It could be argued to be trespassing. This is a crime with a much lower prison sentence that criminals will be more willing to risk getting.

 

This is why you should be thinking about additional home security features to keep your family safe.

 

Security Cameras

 

Security Cameras to ensure safety

Security Cameras to ensure safety

Image Via Pixabay

 

It might seem drastic but this is certainly a measure that we recommend you consider. Security cameras will act as a deterrent to stop criminals considering breaking in. It will also give you a fantastic way to watch over your home, even when you’re away. You can log into the security feed and check on your house when you’re on holiday. The only issue you need to be aware of is the legality of adding cameras to your home. In some states, cameras are illegal if they record part of someone else’s property. You need to be careful about how and where you set them up.

 

Motion Sensors

 

secure locks

secure locks

 

 

Motion sensors will give you a good idea of whether someone has set foot on your property without your knowledge. A warning alarm will sound giving you time to prepare for an intrusion. It will allow you precious moments to calls the police or hide your family. Remember, you can get home alarm systems to match your home’s style, budget and security requirements.

 

Panic Room

 

Finally, if you have the money you may want to consider installing a panic room in your home. The worst fear for a parent is that a break-in will occur while children are in the house. A panic room gives your family somewhere to hide, safely until the authorities reach you.

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