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Top Life Skills To Teach Your Children

May 3, 2018 by admin

Do you wish that your parents had begun even earlier to teach you all about life’s important lessons? As a parent, it is tricky to decide when we need to discuss important life events, such as death, money, divorce and even learning how to be a balanced and fair-minded adult, with our children, even more so as in today’s day and age they seem to grow up so fast. However, you need not worry. By beginning to talk through any worries and concerns that your kids have at an early age, and creating a safe and open space in which to do so, your children will be stronger than ever and ready to face the world.

If you are beginning to choose the right moment to sit down and have a conversation with your kids, then make sure it is when they are feeling relaxed and ready. Do not force your little ones if they are tired and cranky, as you may risk closing the door on an important opportunity. Equally, if your children bring up any questions themselves, then it is vital that you take this chance to begin having a dialogue. Make sure that you treat your little ones as adults from a young age, and be sure to enable them to voice their opinions and ask questions when they feel that they need to. If you begin teaching your kids to be vocal from a young age, then they will soon learn crucial life skills without too much effort.

Money management

Money is always a difficult and complex topic to talk through with your kids, and this will depend on the relationship that you have with finances as an adult also. Make sure that your children understand from a young age that money does not grow on trees! In order for your kids to experience the value of money and the price of things and goods, why not get them involved in your weekly shop from a young age? It could be as simple as taking your toddler to the grocery store and practicing counting up to ten or getting your four or five-year-old to help you pick items off the shelves. As your kids grow up and begin to have their own allowance, or income from a Saturday or weekend job, make sure that they understand the importance of saving. If your kids are looking to buy a new bike or outfit, then it will be up to them to manage their income and make sure that they have enough cash before they can splash out on a treat for themselves. You could try buying your kids a piggy bank so that they can save any dollars or dimes that they earn in a safe place. Take your kids to your local bank too, so that they can open up a savings account and see first-hand how money is managed. Money management is always a complex topic to discuss with children, so make sure that you start as soon as you feel that your kids are ready.

Love and friendships

An important life lesson to discuss with your kids, and one that they are sure to learn first-hand as they grow, is love and friendship. Friendships and relationships with others are wonderful and beautiful, and your kids should learn that with respect and tolerance these interactions will grow into long-lasting and cherished exchanges. However, make sure that your little ones understand that they will need to treat their friends as they too would like to be treated. When it comes to friendships, your kids will need to learn that they need to show respect for others and always be willing to listen and exchange thoughts. In younger children, this will become obvious when your kids have an argument in kindergarten over a toy or a crayon, whereas as your kids grow older, they may have a negative experience in the schoolyard that needs to be discussed. At home, make sure that your children always know that they are loved and supported so that they do not bottle up and concerns or worries that they may have. Encourage your kids to talk about their friendships, and they will grow up into well-balanced, loving and open-minded adults.

It is important too that your kids learn that not all relationships work out. If you are going through a divorce, then make sure that your children do not feel alone, and be sure to tell them that Mom and Dad will still love and cherish them the same amount. Kids often feel vulnerable and alone when any changes occur that affect their family life, so it is up to you to be the adult in this situation and ensure that no animosity between yourself and your partner damages your kids. Provide your children with the opportunity to ask any questions that they need to come to terms with this difficult period.

Follow your dreams

When it comes to teaching your kids about life, and the challenges that they will face, it is vital that you teach them to follow their dreams and do not allow others to put them down. If you want your children to succeed in life and enjoy a career that they enjoy, then make sure that they aim high from an early age. Even if your kid’s struggle in school, when they get home it is up to you to ensure that they have the support and attention that they need to get their homework completed on time. You could also try and support your kids during their downtime, by making sure that they can follow and play any sports that they enjoy and are good at, or make sure that they have the chance to learn a musical instrument or take an art class. Try and provide your kids with a rich and varied childhood, so that they learn new talents and skills that they can transfer into their future career as they grow and mature.

It is ok to say no

Your children will begin to experiment with saying yes and no from a very early age. However, as they begin to grow up and enter into their teenage and adolescent years, your little darlings may soon be saying no much more than you might like! Be sure that your kids understand and explain why they are feeling negative and want to say no – could it be peer pressure is influencing their decision? Make sure that your kids are comfortable with saying no too if they are not comfortable with a particular situation or experience. Learning to say no is an important life skill that will keep them safe and in control well into later life.

Old age

If your parents have been around as your kids grow, then chances are they will love spending time with Grandma and Grandpop, however, old age is a topic that many younger children will struggle to understand. Each and every family dynamic is different and special, so make sure that your kids feel comfortable and ready to ask you questions about getting older, what happens to the body and even mortality if they bring this up themselves. If you have your parents in your life and they are getting older, then it soon may be time for them to go into care or to live in a retirement unit. Sites such as the seasons assisted living provide a safe and welcoming space for residents with an action-packed social and activity calendar. Be sure to encourage your kids to have a rich and loving relationship with their grandparents and encourage them to discuss getting older and what this means as soon as they feel ready and able. This will also instill a good mental attitude and sense of care, consideration, and respect towards older people in general.

As your kids grow up and get older, it is crucial that you begin to talk to them about different life lessons, to provide them with the skills and knowledge to succeed during their own lifetime. Make sure that you do not force these dialogues and make sure that your children feel comfortable asking any questions that they want to. Money management is a vital lesson for your little darlings to learn, so be sure to teach them about the value of finances from a young age. Make sure that your children begin to understand the importance of love and friendships and make sure that they understand that they need to respect others so that they can build life-long bonds. Make sure that your kids feel comfortable saying no, and make sure that they understand the power of this word. Your little ones should also always feel driven and confident enough to follow their dreams so that they can go on into a fulfilling and exciting professional career. Finally, take time to talk to your kids about aging and old age, so that they understand more about this important and inevitable part of life.

How to find time for yourself as a parent

May 2, 2018 by admin

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If you are in charge of a busy household, it may feel as though you never have a moment to spare. Whether you are preparing packed lunches, completing the school run, or tripping over toys, there is always something more to be done. In amongst all of this chaos, you may find yourself pushing your own needs to the bottom of the pile. This is not a healthy decision to make. Below are four tips that will help you to turn things around and find time for yourself as a parent.

Find an adult only activity

One of the best ways for you to find time for yourself as a parent is by looking out for an adult only activity. This will leave you no choice but to separate yourself from your brood. Perhaps you could select a horror movie that you would like to watch alone in the evenings. Or, maybe you could visit brokedick.com to purchase vaping equipment that you can experiment with during your break times. Whatever you decide, the most important thing is that you are embracing your own independence. Of course you will need to be there for your family, but there is no shame in grabbing a few moments for yourself.

Invest in your social circle

In addition to spending time alone, you should also make an effort to spend time with your adult friends. If you are struggling to manage a busy schedule, you should endeavor to make friends with your fellow parents. This will allow you to plan your meetups around the school run and play dates. However, if you have a little more time to spare, you should think about reaching out to people who don’t have kids. They are less likely to want to talk about family matters. Instead, they will be able to provide you with a welcome escape from your usual topics of conversation.

Get your little ones into a routine

The next tip is to get your little ones into a set bedtime routine. Although you might face some resistance at first, this is the best thing for your entire family unit. For your children, you will be providing a sense of structure and security. For yourself, you will have the opportunity to plan your days ahead of time. This will improve the chances of you finding a moment for yourself. It will also help you to stay motivated, as you will be able to look forward to your upcoming activities.

Don’t feel guilty

Finally, it is important that you stop yourself from feeling guilty. This may require a little practice, but it is vital that you push through the pain. As a parent, it can be so easy to doubt yourself and to feel as though you just aren’t doing enough. However, holding onto your own identity is a fantastic way for you to set an example for your little ones. You need to teach them that it is possible to be part of a family unit, without losing the unique qualities that make them special. Lead by example and take pride in your efforts.

Ideas For Staying Healthy As A Busy Parent

April 25, 2018 by admin

It’s important to take parenting seriously, but not so much that you forget about yourself in the daily shuffle. You need to remain happy and healthy, so you have the energy to take care of the ones you love and feel good each day.

It’s time to stop being unhappy about how much time you don’t have and start implementing strategies that are going to help you stay well and be a busy parent simultaneously. The good news is there are habits you can change and adjust that will aid you in your journey to taking care of yourself and being a good parent.

Set Wellness Goals & Track Progress

You’ll get a lot further along with your health if you set wellness goals and ensure you are tracking your progress along the way. Determine what it is you want to accomplish and specifics about how you’re going to get there. For example, if you want to work out each day, then it may require you to set your alarm early in the morning and hit the gym before your family gets up. You can be a busy parent and stay healthy when you put your mind to it and create a schedule for you to follow each day that allows you to remain on track.

Exercise & Eat Right

Two habits that will help you guarantee you stay healthy if you practice them regularly is exercising and eating well. Make it a point to check these two items off your list daily if you want to function at your best and feel better overall. Set a time each day when you’ll workout and head to the grocery store on the weekends so you can prepare your meals ahead of time. Bring your lunch and healthy snacks to work to help you stay on track even when you’re at the office. While it’s going to be more challenging to move more and eat well when you’re also trying to parent, it’s possible to do so with the right mindset and structure in place that will help you succeed.

Find Hobbies you Enjoy

It’s important you have your own life and hobbies you enjoy even though you’re also a parent. For example, challenge yourself to new recipes, building furniture or putting together silhouette Australia puzzles. You need to have ways to take your mind off your daily responsibilities and activities that make you feel proud of yourself. It’s important to remember that you have many additional talents and abilities besides being a good parent to your kids that are worth practicing and showing off. If you don’t have much free time as it is, then it may be time to start saying no to all you get asked to do and clearing your schedule for enjoying more fun.

Manage Your Stress

You have to learn to manage your stress if you’re going to stay healthy and be a busy parent. Start by making a daily checklist and prioritizing your tasks according to what’s most important. Get yourself a planner to help you keep your obligations in order and reduce the amount of worry you feel on a daily basis. In addition to this, you can practice yoga, take up meditation or go for long walks to decompress and slow racing thoughts. Too much stress will sneak up on you and cause you to act in ways you might later regret. Know your warning signs and catch stress and get it under control before it’s too late.

Spend Time with your Kids

Make time for play and spending quality time with your kids if you want to be a healthy parent. This is the kind of interaction where you need to relax a bit and embrace all the love you have for your children. While it’s important to teach your kids and be a good role model, there are other times when it’s healthy to get on the same level as them and show them how much you care about them and their activities. They’ll likely love this extra attention from you, and your family bond will grow stronger. Put your phone down once in a while and engage with your kids and find yourself having fun and laughing again.

Take Care of You First

Always remember that you should come first before any tasks and even other people. The only way you’re going to be able to parent to the best of your ability is if you take care of yourself first. Start making more time for doing what you love and your self-care rituals daily. Write down what you’re going to do for you in your schedule, so you never forget to attend to your needs on a regular basis too. Getting lazy in this area will have you soon feeling exhausted, and you won’t have the energy or desire to put your best foot forward as a parent and spouse.

Practice Positive Self-Talk

Stop once in a while and notice the dialogue that’s going on in your head. Now is the time to push all of that negativity and pessimism aside and focus on what’s going right in your life. Practice positive self-talk regularly and gratitude, and you’ll quickly see your life situation isn’t so bad after all. Keep encouraging and reminding yourself that you have everything under control and are doing the best you can. Let what you do each day be enough and never stop patting yourself on the back for all your efforts and the love you show your family.

Conclusion

Don’t use being a busy parent as an excuse for not taking care of yourself and slacking when it comes to self-care. These are a few excellent ways for how you can do it all and stay healthy at the same time. Stay focused on what you’re doing right and don’t let a few bumps in the road get you down or make you feel inadequate. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the ride and keep a smile on your face.

Key Items You Must Have In Your New Mum Survival Kit

April 18, 2018 by admin

Being a new mum may be the toughest job on the planet, and it’s important to be well prepared. To survive the early stages, you will want all the help you can get. That’s why you need to make sure you’re kitted out with the crucial items. Check out our suggestions below.

1. Pacifier

Your baby is going to need a good pacifier: that’s a fact. Of course, picking the right one isn’t that easy. Pacifiers are designed with different ages in mind. For example, breastfeeding babies under six months often require different pacifiers to older, teething babies.

You will want to make sure that the pacifier you decide on is soft, comfortable, and easy to clean.

The good thing is there is so many Pacifiers For Breastfed Babies on the market.

2. Food!

With all the running around you’re going to be doing, except to miss some meals. That’s whys it handy to keep your fridge and pantry stocked with snacks. Just don’t take this as an excuse to pig out. Nutritious snacks such as fruit and cereal bars are the way to go.

Having premade meals is also a good idea because you won’t have much time to cook. You could purchase freezer meals from the supermarket. However, a better way is to prepare your own. If you can find the time to cook once a week (such as when your husband is home to look after the young one), then you can prepare all your meals at once and chuck them in the freezer. When you’re hungry, simply pull them out and zap them in the microwave.

3. A Good Book

You’re going to be getting pretty stressed out and having a book to read is a good way to relax. Feedings can also get boring so having something to keep your mind occupied is handy.

4. Baby Wrap

A baby wrap is a simple way to carry your young one. The fabric is soft against their skin and will help hold them tightly against your body. They may look a bit intimidating to fasten at first, but after a few attempts, you will get the hang of it.

5. Infant Car Seat

This item is crucial for transporting your newborn. In fact, you will want one installed before you even leave the hospital. Look for a model that’s soft and has a high safety rating.

6. Bassinet

With all the nightly wake up calls, it’s great to keep your baby within arm’s reach. You can quickly soothe them back to sleep without having a midnight hike to the next room. You will also be able to easily watch over them while they’re sleeping.

Final Thoughts

Good luck being a new mum. It’s a real mission, but by being prepared, you will make it through. It may be handy to have all the necessary items ready before your baby even leaves the hospital. Doing so will save you time when you need it most.

Ways To Become A Better Parent

April 14, 2018 by admin

Being a parent is tough. As every single kid is different, it is impossible to say that there is a strict way of raising kids. However, after thorough research it has been proven that by following certain methods people can facilitate their life as parents and become better examples for their kids. Looking back at their childhood people realize how difficult and complicated their parent’s life has been, almost like a career. Back in the day people did not get access to books or online courses that taught them how to raise their kids. Yet our grandparents knew exactly how to deal with every single situation.

Even though they were not the most effective methods or raising a child and often they left many people scared, they still worked out. Fortunately, things have changed over time and raising a child is a lot easier these days. Parents need to be thoughtful and be very careful about how they act when they are around their kids. Good parenting is the most effective way of hosting empathy, self-control, kindness, and cooperation. At the same time, it protects kids from developing anxiety, depression and even drug abuse. The following principles are great for anyone who deals with kids.

Commit to Taking Care of Yourself

By taking care of yourself, you become a happy, encouraging parent for your child. In order to do so you need to integrate self-nurturing into your day to day life. This is not as complicated as it sounds. All you need to do is go to bed early so that you are well-rested, transform negative voices into positive ones, eat healthier foods and keep active for a more energized and well-balanced well-being and slow down the pace of your life. Most of the time kids can become a handful and you need to calm yourself down before interacting with them. Once you are at peace with yourself, you can easily manage certain situations and see things from a different perspective.

Avoid Comparisons and Labels

It is important to remember that good parenting happens in real time. A good parent is able to recognize key moments and transform them into the best life lessons. Comparisons among siblings will often lead to labels. It seems that even labels that are meant to praise children’s capabilities (e.g. little scholar, for a book-obsessed child) can be problematic. Siblings might develop fears related to certain aspects. For example, if one of the siblings already owns the musician title, the other sibling may be afraid to learn how to play an instrument for fear of falling short. Thus, you need to be very careful when labeling kids. Labeling is only effective when you rethink your words: “careful” instead of “shy” or “spirited” instead of “hyper.”

Walk the Talk

It is a well-known fact that babies and little children watch every move that their parents make. For that matter, parental behavior is critical when raising kids. Parents are teaching their kids a lesson every single minute of the day, even when they are not doing that on purpose. Your baby is observing the way you greet people on the street or how you talk to them and even the way you talk to your partner. In other words, the way you react in certain situations has a direct impact on their behavior. You don’t have to go out of your way when teaching them important life lessons, but you need to become aware of the way your react in every situation. This provides great life lesson about life each time your kids are with you.

Remember what is Important in Life

Kids make mistakes, but so does everyone else. No matter how big or small those mistakes are you need to start remembering the most important aspects of life. Stay positive and learn how to focus on what matters the most. In the larger scheme of things, the fact that their toys are spread all over the floor might drive you insane, but it not worth punishing them just for that. Kids will be kids, and they love adventure and experiencing new things. Make great memories with them before they grow up. Go on vacation together, visit relatives, go on spontaneous trips to the zoo and have the time of your lives. After all, people need to remember how to seize the moment. Take pictures on the go, and you’ll be able to keep those memories forever. Turn those photos into paintings and decorate your home with a unique piece of decor. You can do that in a simple manner. Want to know how? View here!

Trust Your Gut

Your intentions are good. Parents try to make the best choices for their kids, calibrate the best nutritional balance of protein, but all of those efforts are exhausting. You are the one who knows your children the best, so you should be the one who knows exactly what advice you need to follow. There are a lot of experts out there and probably too much advice that is somehow impossible to follow. Your gut may be telling you that your kids would be better off by doing something else. Fortunately, your gut is always “right”. Even specialists claim that parents who are not afraid to listen to their instincts in the decision-making process feel liberated and a lot more relieved.

Embrace Change

One of the most important lessons that you need to learn as a parent is the fact that kids get bored of certain activities, just like adults do. When they do that, parents are quick to assume that there is something wrong with their kids. Nonetheless, this is normal. Instead of being worried that your kids don’t like playing with a certain toy anymore or that they don’t like some kind of activity that they used to, it would be a good idea to evolve right along with them. Remember that kids don’t only grow on the outside they also grow and develop on the inside.

In conclusion, it is important to emphasize that parents need to become better individuals and watch every move they make when they are around their kids. As patience does not seem to work all the time, you need to manage your emotions first and only after that expect them to manage their own emotions.