Rhonda Gales, Author at Mother 2 Mother Blog

Tips on Finding Your Child’s Passion

March 26, 2020 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on finding your child’s passion. All children are creative in their own way. They play and invent, they come up with worlds that you couldn’t dream of yourself. But, while creativity is a natural thing for kids some are more creative than others. To help foster this creativity, there are plenty of things that you can do as a parent.

Here a few tips on finding your child’s passion:

Let Them Play

Every child loves to play. To them, it’s more than idly messing around with their Legos or dolls. When playing, kids are creating. Whether they are inventing absurd family drama with Melody Jane Dolls Houses or reenacting the best action scenes they’ve seen on TV. Either way, they are indulging in their creativity and developing tools needed for story-telling and more.

While it’s essential for kids to learn, it’s just as essential to allow them to play. Furthermore, when playing with friends, they learn to be creative collaboratively. And, this is something that will benefit them later in life. Rather than push them towards education every free moment, allow them to play and create, also.

Make a Creative Space in the Home

While most kids will be happy to play and create in their bedroom or the living room, it’s not always ideal. Especially, when you’re struggling to keep the house tidy. So, try putting together a creative space for them to indulge and discover that creative spark.

Not only will this space keep the rest of the house tidy, but it will also encourage their brains to associate such an area with being creative. Inside, you can fill it with toys, musical instruments, and blank sheets of paper where they can draw and paint. They’ll discover what they love, and pursue it further.

Introduce Them to Books, Songs and More

There’s a lot to be said about letting the TV be the parent for your kids. But, exposing them to appropriate media can help give them inspiration for their creative ideas. They will borrow from other media to create stories, and it will help them invent their own characters and scenarios.

Expose them to music, especially if they’re not proficient at an instrument yet. Rather than invent their own melodies, they can copy existing songs, which gets them used to using an instrument and improve their skills.

The Creative Spark

Every child has a spark of creativity nestling within them. Rather than suppress it, you can encourage the creativity spark to ignite and flame into something beautiful. Regardless of which creative activity they end up pursuing, it will help them to grow, change, and learn. And, this is something that every parent should encourage in their children.

Filed Under: Education, Entertainment Tagged With: children's activities, creative children, creativity ideas for kids

How to Make Your Home Safe For Children

March 26, 2020 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on how to make your home safe. Your home should be a safe space for your family. Especially, if you have small children. Perhaps, it’s you’re a first time parent. If so, your home might pose a significant danger that you hadn’t realized until you became a parent. Every parent wants to make sure their home is the safest place for their children.

Here’s a few tips on how to make your home safe:

Keep Chemicals/Dangerous Objects Locked Away

Your typical household cleaning products aren’t usually a threat. But, if you have children you can imagine the damage they could do if your child got hold of a bottle of bleach? Simply, spilling bleach on their sensitive skin could cause severe damage. We don’t think about this as adults because we’ve been taught the danger growing up. Now, it’s our turn to teach our children. You can start by locking up your chemicals. Furthermore, you can switch to more natural products that use natural ingredients, rather than chemicals.

Ideally, you want them to not only be out of reach, but to behind a locked door. Children are clever and can often surprise us with how they manage to get into things. So, make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to secure dangerous products and materials.

Child-Proof Sharp Edges

There are plenty of objects around your home where you’ll often bump into and yell a few cursed words. Whether you stub your toe or touch the curling iron that you left on. It’s important to recognize these as added dangers for your children.

When children are young, they may fall when learning how to walk. They may find themselves bumping into tables and causing an injury. Try to child-proof sharp edges. Furthermore, focus on things like the coffee or dining table. For example, make sure sharp edges are baby-proofed. Check for other products that will help you childproof your furniture.

Ensure All Smoke Detectors Are Working

Smoke detectors can go inactive for long periods of time. Only until you accidentally burn some toast do your hear the deafening sound of the alarm going off remind you it’s there. However, they can still end up running out of battery power if not checked regularly. So, it’s important that you replace your batteries often. If you have multiple smoke detectors, make sure you test all of them. Having smoke detectors that are working properly can help reduce the likelihood of anyone getting hurt if a fire starts in your home.

Debug and Pest-Proof Your Home

Debugging your home is an important part of maintenance. Having pests running around is something you don’t want. Pests carry illnesses and bacteria, so you want to debug and pest-proof where you can. If you have a mosquito problem, there are services like Mosquito Authority that can help reduce the amount of mosquitoes you have. Additionally, when it comes to pest-proofing your home, check the exterior and interior of your property for any gaps or cracks within the walls. These can be ideal entry and exit points for pests. And, it’s good to seal these up where you can.

Keep Plug Sockets Covered

Plug sockets can be an ideal place for your children to explore with their small fingers. As a result, plug socket covers should be used to cover outlets. They have been around for years, and are a good preventative measure. As a rule, you might want to make sure that any appliances not in use are switched off too. When you see your child near an outlet, teach them about the danger. Children can comprehend, and when they don’t we must keep reminding them. When you make them aware, they take you seriously rather than disobeying.

Get Rid Of Choking Hazards

For any parent that’s ever experienced a little one choking, it can be utterly terrifying. That feeling of helplessness that comes with not knowing how to dislodge something from their throats is horrible. It’s imperative that every parent have knowledge of first aid. Knowing how to help your child or another one when they are choking is a serious issue.

Check your home regularly, for items that children can put in their mouth and possibly choke on. We forget that there are things in the home that are dangerous to small children. Sticking things in their mouth to taste it is normal. De-clutter every now and then to ensure you’ve gotten rid of anything that might be dangerous.

Never Leave Small Children Alone

As much as you’d want to have a spare minute (or second) of alone time, small children should never be left alone. You can child-proof your home, but they still manage to get themselves into a predicament if left unattended. Don’t take your eyes off them, it doesn’t take long before they find something to explore.

If you need a moment or two alone, seek out your partner or another adult in the household. Make sure you work together to ensure the child is never left to their own devices. You’re responsible for them and they rely on you to help them navigate the world. If all else fails, put the child in their crib or another safe place until you return.

It might be worth having a home monitor to help you keep your eyes on your children. If the task can be done with the child in tow or done later on in the day, opt for that instead of leaving them alone.

Making your home a safe space for your child is a difficult and challenging task, but one that needs to be done. Our tips on how to make your home safe will help. Use these tips to make sure that your home is a comfortable space for everyone, and one that gives your child the safe space they need to grow.

Filed Under: Safety Tagged With: child safety, home safety, parenting safety tips

3 Obstacles to Your Kids Hobbies

March 24, 2020 by Rhonda Gales 1 Comment

Hobbies are fantastic for kids. Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on obstacles to your kids hobbies. Hobbies can help shape their lives, passions, and even careers. At the very least, hobbies can encourage youngsters to step outside their comfort zones. It helps them to think creatively, and test the waters of what they exactly enjoy.

But, let’s be honest, it’s easy to push our hopes and dreams onto our kids. In fact, few parents ask their kids what they want to do. Instead, they push them towards karate when all the kid wants to do is take piano lessons at First Choice Music Studio. This can lead children to see the activity as more of a hurdle than something they enjoy. It may also interfere in their true calling. Projecting your desires onto your kids can be harmful. Worse, you may not even realize you’re a part of the problem.

Here’s a few obstacles to your kids hobbies:

Trying to Mirror Your Childhood

If you loved a hobby or club when you were younger, it’s natural you would want your kids to get that same enjoyment. They may even go along with such a plan because of stories you’ve told them. Still, this is no way to a hobby that suits their tastes. There are, of course, exceptions to this but, if you’re in any doubt about whether you’re letting your past enjoyment sway their sign ups right now, then you might just be letting your desires get in the way.

Forcing Your Children to Participate

Preparing your kids for school can be challenging, but hobbies should be the opposite. If that isn’t the case, you may want to rethink the situation. You shouldn’t have to force them to wear their Scout uniform. If you do, it’s a sign this hobby is more for you than it is for them. Hobbies should be fun. If they never look forward to it, then who’s really benefiting?

Hobby Failure

When kids are passionate, they usually progress fast. A child who wants to get their progress report for their piano lessons is passion about their hobby. If they’re not doing well during their lessons, it could be a telling sign that they are not interested. It’s your job as a parent to find out what’s happening, and if your child is really interested. This particular activity may not be for your child.

Admittedly, hobby failure doesn’t always land on your shoulders. It’s certainly not unusual for kids to try out a few things before they find a hobby they love. But, if you’re noticing the above warning signs, take a step back and be honest. Ask yourself if you are an obstacle to your kids hobbies.

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: activities for kids, finding hobbies, kids hobbies

How to Prepare Kids For School

March 21, 2020 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing tips on how to prepare kids for school. Parents have a huge role to play in the education of their children. So, it is imperative that we make a huge impact on our children before they set foot inside a school.

Here’s a few tips on how to prepare kids for school:

Build a Foundation

There are plenty of early childhood education activities you can spend a little time on each day with your child. Give them a head start by practicing their numbers from 1-10. Also, teach them the alphabet, how to write their name, and make sure they learn to have a good grip on the pencil. Teaching these basics will provide a solid foundation for school. When you start ahead of the curve, then it’s easier to stay ahead of the curve.

Read to Your Kids Daily

The benefits of reading to your child are too numerous to count. But, two of the most important benefits are: it helps your kids to read better and promotes better communication. Furthermore, reading to them daily promotes a longer attention span and teaches them to read independently. Most importantly, reading at a young age tends to lead to a love of reading as they grow up. This passion will have numerous benefits throughout their life.

Practice for the Real Thing

The experience of going to school for the first time can be a little traumatic for children. For many of them, the break to their daily life and the shift away from mom and dad can be quite a shock. Daycare and preschool have been shown to help tremendously. They are a great way to help with socialization and providing a solid foundation in their most formative years. Additionally, Day Care and Preschool helps kids get used to the school environment before the real thing. It’s certainly worth enrolling your child in one if you can.

Establish a Educational Routine

Kids can get used to the idea of school whether they’re in daycare or you’re teaching them at home. For instance, packing their schoolbag and unpacking it at the start and end of the day. Get creative and help your children find a routine before heading to school. When they enter kindergarten, they will be prepared.

Be Active in Their Education

It’s not only the child who has to navigate new relationships, you must do the same. Establish a good relationship with their teacher. For instance, you might want to consider joining their PTA.

Taking the time to prepare your child for school socially, emotionally and otherwise. Preparing your kids for school will help them have a great first year. Ensuring they have a great school year will influence how they do the year after.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: early childhood education, educational activities for kids, educational tips

How to Get Your Children to Be Creative

March 18, 2020 by Rhonda Gales 1 Comment

Today, I’m sharing tips how to get your children to be creative. When it comes to your children, giving them the best opportunities in life is important. Furthermore, you don’t want to limit them in anything they do in life. Being creative is important. Creativity ties into so much of our lives.

Here’s a few tips to get your children to be creative:

Encourage It Wherever You Can

Try to encourage any creativity when possible. Your children might express an interest in painting, or perhaps they want to start attending a drama or pottery class. Whatever it might be, it’s good to encourage them to do it. Exploring new things with your children is important. It can contribute to what they actually end up doing later on in life. Limiting them can be detrimental. So, as a parent encouraging them in anything they express an interest in is good. It’s a great way to teach your children that they can do anything they want in life.

Read To Them

Reading to them can be a valuable way of helping them get more creative. When it comes to reading, make sure that you provide them with books that are inspirational. They could be classic books that you enjoyed as a child or books that will teach them important things about life. Make sure you’re giving them the opportunity to learn something new. Let them pick out the books that they want to read. Start compiling a selection of books that they will take them through their teenage years and beyond.

Provide Them With Opportunities

Furthermore, it’s a good idea to provide your children with as many opportunities as you can in life. One way to do this is by looking at ways to involve your children in creative activities. That can include the Visions Academy of Performing Arts or something online that teaches them about a certain creative skill. They can all be beneficial to your children, and present them with opportunities to learn.

Avoiding Living Your Life Through Them

Finally, one mistake that parents can often make is living your life and aspirations through your children. That’s only going to cause them unhappiness and perhaps some unrealistic expectations that they may not be able to meet. They are their own person, and you should avoid pushing any of your wants and needs onto them. Let them make their own decisions in life.

Finally, getting your children active creatively is important. So, use these tips where you can to give them an opportunity to express themselves.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: children's activities, creative children

Tips on How to Search for a Job

March 16, 2020 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing tips on how to search for a job. If you want to get back into the workplace, recently graduated with a new degree, or ready for something new, these tips are for you. Initially, it can feel like a daunting process. You will need to tailor your resume, prepare an interview, and make sure your interview clothes are prepped and ready.

There are lots of small things that are involved in finding your next great job position too. Luckily, with the use of the internet, we can now access specialist job hubs like Practice Match.

Here a few tips on how to search for a job:

What You Really Want

It is essential that you try to find a position that suits what you really want to do. While it is true that we all have bills to pay, the novelty will soon wear off. You are much better off applying for the role that you really feel confident, and happy about. This means instead of sending your Curriculum Vitae (CV)or Resume cross multiple different industries try and stick to one.

The best way to get a really solid grasp on what your next job position should be is to simply create your personal wish list. Write down everything and anything that you’re hoping for in your next job. Next, check some off those items from your list during your search and apply process.

Research

Another tip on how to search for a job is to research each of the companies that you wish to work for. They will all have a different culture and a diverse range of people working for them. You need to know that, and understand the company’s vision and how you will fit in when you go to your interview.

When you are in the interview, you can impress the interviewer with your knowledge of the company. This shows that you have taken the time to thoroughly research the company, and can be quite impressive.

Goals

Think about all of the life goals that you have set for yourself. Do you want to work with a specific set of people? Are you looking to work with charities for a few years or do you wish to travel? Think about all of the goals that you have and try to find a job that meets at least some of them.

You can also break your job search down in the same way. Decide that you will use a few hours on one day to perfect your CV or Resume and a few hours on another day to develop your LinkedIn. This means that you are laying the foundations for when it is time to apply.

While the process of looking for a new job can feel incredibly overwhelming sometimes, even more so if there are financial pressures involved, it is still important to try and find a position that gives you some satisfaction. You will want to enjoy what you’re doing.

Filed Under: Careers Tagged With: career changes, career tips, job interview tips, new job tips

3 Tips on Home Buying to Consider

March 14, 2020 by Rhonda Gales 1 Comment

Today, I’m sharing on tips on home buying. Purchasing a house is a big step in everyone’s lives. Especially, if you’re about to start or recently started a family. It’s essential that you buy a place that makes you feel inspired. Make sure it’s a place were you can see yourself hanging around for a long time. And, where your kids can grow up without any issues.

Buying a house is an important decision. There are many decisions to make and ensure everything is in order before making your purchase. After you purchase your home, you can make it feel like a home by adapting it to your taste and liking.

Structure

Your tips on home buying is the construction of the house you want to purchase. Especially, if it’s an old home. Asking questions is imperative. For example, which renovations were made and when? When was the last time a new roof was added? Is the structure capable of withstanding a natural disaster hit, and more.

The roof is important because an old one can cause health problems or your family and damage to the resistance of the house. Dominion Roofing Company states that keeping the roof in a good shape is essential for maintaining the entire structure of a house.

If you see that the home has issues, it’s best to keep looking around to find a better fit for you.

Security

The streets are not as safe as most of us think. Dangerous things sometimes happen, even when you feel secure in your neighborhood.

Take a look around the neighborhood before deciding on buying a home. Observe the behavior of the people living there. A good sign of safety is watching the people outside their homes and the kids playing on the front porches or yards.

If a place is unsafe people will be weary. They may wonder who you are and why you’re looking for a place in that neighborhood. Just remember, many neighborhoods are gated communities with their own security gates and private streets. So, check those neighborhoods too.

Also, an important aspect to check is the security system installed in the house. Do your homework and be knowledgeable of how many camera should be in a house. Having this information will help you determine if more cameras will need to be installed, and if it’s worth purchasing the home.

Entertainment

Buying a “forever home” requires you to look at the home and the neighborhood and surrounding area where your kids will spend most of their childhood. Having a park nearby is a great plus for every home. Movie theaters, sport facilities, etc. should be considered.

We all know that kids love to play with technology, but as parents, need to make an effort to have them enjoy their childhood as we used to. Going to parks, getting dirty, and building memories is essential for their development.

Final Thoughts

Finally, purchasing a home is never a simple decision. Especially, if you’re going to raise your kids there. You have to check for a lot of things, especially the neighbors, security systems, the structure of the home, and places for your kids to play and enjoy their childhood.

You may also like Tips for Buying the Perfect Home.

Filed Under: Financial Tips, Shopping Tips Tagged With: home buyers, home buying tips, household moves

Building Confidence in Yourself

March 10, 2020 by Rhonda Gales 3 Comments

Today, I’m sharing empowerment tips on building confidence in yourself. Are you the kind of person that always wants to please everyone around you? That’s great, but it can also mean that you aren’t making yourself a priority. Not making yourself a priority can cause its own problems. First, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to put yourself first in life. And, making sure that your needs are met is important. Some people feel selfish when they do.

Building Confidence in Yourself:

Consider Yourself When Making Decisions

It’s always important to consider yourself when making decisions and going through life. Ask how your decision will affect your mental and physical health. Will it help relieve stress or cause? Your mental health is as important as your physical health, and must be considered at all times.

Have Faith in What You’re Doing

Having faith in your goals and the things you’re doing is important. If you don’t believe in yourself who will? Having faith will lead putting the time and energy into the steps that you need to take to achieve your goals. When people see that you’re focused, they’ll respect that. Most importantly, your children, family and friends will also see that you are making yourself a priority, and that is a great thing.

Building Confidence in Yourself Requires You to Learn to Say No

Learning to say no is so important. It may take practice and may feel harsh at first, but you will eventually become more comfortable with your decision. Saying no lets people know that you have your own life. Give a simple explanation such as I’m busy or I already have plans and move on. Don’t feel bad or continue to apologize for saying no.

Put Your Needs First

It’s sometimes necessary to put your needs and feelings above others. When you sacrifice your own well being for others, it can leave you feeling exhausted. For example, if you’ve been involved in an accident or other incident where you received a personal injury, don’t feel guilty. Get the smartest personal injury attorneys in town to fight your case, and stop feeling guilty about the interests of those that caused your injuries. This includes family and friends. Take care of you, so that you will be able to take care of others.

Have Confidence in Yourself

Having more confidence in yourself and becoming a confident mom will change your outlook on life. Becoming confident is not about being arrogant. It’s about making sure you value yourself and your priorities. Putting other people’s lives, goals and projects before your own can affect your confidence negatively.

Putting yourself first can be difficult. But, there are ways in which you can start doing more to put yourself first. Unfortunately, it may feel strange at first. But, don’t feel guilty. Just say no, follow my tips above and continue with your goals.

Filed Under: Confidence Tagged With: assertiveness tips, building confidence in women, growing your self respect, self improvement, setting priorities

Tips for First Time Parents and Baby

March 8, 2020 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on tips for first time parents. If you tried to create a list of the scariest things you will ever do in your life, becoming a parent would be number one. Becoming a parent will be a magical and wonderful time in your life. It’s generally the fact that you will be responsible for another human being that scares everyone.

You wonder if you will do things right? What if you don’t hear your baby cry? What if you can’t figure how to change diapers, heat the milk to the right temperature, bath them correctly.

Tips for first time parents:

Why Is Parenthood So Scary

When you are pregnant for the first time, you will find yourself fearful for many reasons. Most of your fears will be justified, and you will find that it comes from everybody and everything around you.

Other parents and family members who are already parents will always be on hand to offer information. They will tell you what you should and more often than not shouldn’t do. The trouble with this information is that it applies to their baby and their experiences.

You may find some universal information that will be useful. However, you will find it’s baby specific and does not apply to you. Finally, all that fear you currently feel now, will float away when you hold your baby in your arms.

Parenting is a learning experience. You can’t find a manual telling you everything you need to do and Dr. Spock may have written a book, but he doesn’t have all the answers either. You can take a class on giving birth, learning how to diaper your baby, feeding them, it’s a great experience for new parents. However, I believe the true experience is taking your baby home and bonding with them. You will get to know them, and they will get to know you. You will learn and grow together.

Be Mindful Of Your Shopping

If there is one thing that every mother does, it’s shop. Lets be honest when it comes to having a new baby you will need many items. This includes diapers, clothing, furniture, blankets, monitors and the list goes on. So, make a list of what you need to shop for.

You will see shelves filled with products that you may think are great for your little one. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. So, before you buy anything, research the best and most reliable brands and what is truly needed.

While you may think this is crazy, there are simple things like talcum powder that can cause issues. Unfortunately, there are talcum powder lawsuits going on to this day. Be sure to take a little extra time on your purchases. And, make sure you are buying the best products that you can get for your little one and for the money.

Safety Proof Your House

Finally, child proof your home. Adding safety features to your home will give you peace of mind. Children grow up fast. Before you know it, your baby will be crawling and walking.

When it comes to safety proofing the home, be sure about what you need to secure or change things. Grab a pen and paper and do a full walk through of your house. While you are walking around, make notes of anything that could pose a danger to your baby.

Once you have identified problem areas, make a list of everything you need to keep your little one out of harm’s way.

Baby proofing is one of the most basic things you can do as a parent. Once you complete the safety procedures, take the time to enjoy your new baby.

Filed Under: Safety Tagged With: new parent tips, new parents, safety tips for new parents, tips for new parents

Tips for Appreciating Your Blessings

February 27, 2020 by Rhonda Gales 1 Comment

Today, I’m sharing empowerment tips on appreciating your blessings. Everyday throws many blessings our way, but all too often we either take those blessings for granted, or don’t even notice them at all. It’s natural to overlook a few things from time to time. Especially, when you consider the fact that everyday life is arguably more hectic and haphazard these days. Our jobs, round-the-clock contact, and all sorts of other everyday obligations mount up.

Furthermore, if you regularly find yourself getting to the end of the day and not being able to identify enjoyable moments that you can really feel grateful for, then that’s a sign that things aren’t working the way they should.

Here are a few tips for appreciating your blessings:

Document things and reflect periodically

First, start documenting things. You can create a scrapbook that includes photos taken by a professional photographer to commemorate big moments in your life, or regular daily journal entries recorded over a prolonged period of time.

When you document things in this way you create a record that you can look back on and appreciate the details later. Documenting also helps train your skills of perception, and make it more likely that you will actually notice little details in everyday life.

It could be a good idea, to get in the habit of writing down something that you feel grateful for before going to bed each night.

Choose to be present wherever you are

Psychological research shows that people can be blind to their surroundings if they are distracted. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that the same thing happens to you. It’s common for all of us to be distracted and caught up in attempts at “multitasking,” as opposed to just focusing on one thing at a time.

Not only does research indicate that multitasking doesn’t work, it’s unhealthy and increases stress. Stress increases the odds that you’re going to miss some of the meaningful details of everyday life. So, choose to be present wherever you are. Learn how to get Focused on one thing at a time, and notice what’s actually happening around you.

Filter out the negativity

Not being in the right frame of mind can cause you to not recognize and appreciate your blessings. You may be conditioned to look at the world through a negative lens. This can be due to the constant negativity that dominates so much of the media. It can also include online discourse and more. To counteract this perception, filter out the negativity and stop immersing yourself in it.

Use the time that you would have wasted on negative information to inspire yourself. Involve yourself in things that you can really find meaning in. For example, try hobbies that are on your bucket list.

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: renewing your faith, understanding blessings