How to Attract Backyard Birds with Eggshells

April 5, 2018 by 5 Comments

Today I’m going to share how to attract backyard birds with eggshells.  Spring is the perfect time to share eggshells with our feathered friends.  Spring when backyard birds will be migrating to a new home. So, don’t throw out those eggshells. I crack eggs by the dozen when my family is visiting or when I’m visiting them. My grandson eats 2 – 3 daily either in an omelet or cheesy eggs. Wondering what cheesy eggs consists of? Eggs combined with sharp cheese, milk and a little salt and pepper. He devours them.  So, rather than throw the egg shells in the trash I look for ways to recycle them.

 

attract backyard birds with eggshells

 

Since I love feeding the birds, I decided to include eggshells in my backyard bird feeding regime.  I currently feed my backyard birds black oil sunflower seeds, saffron seed, peanut butter and suet.  But, you can attract backyard birds with eggshells too.  Furthermore, adding eggshells to the food regime is a good idea if you want to attract different birds.

Eggshells help supply female birds with calcium.  Laying eggs just like childbirth can be exhausting.   As a result, female birds are drained of calcium after laying their eggs.  The eggshells help to restore calcium. 

 

Attract Backyard Birds with Eggshells:

 

Birds that love eggshells are:

  • Bluebirds
  • Baltimore Orioles
  • Scarlet Tanagers
  • Tree Swallows
  • Barn Swallows
  • Eastern Kingbirds
  • Finches
  • Wood Warblers,
  • Gnatcatchers

 

I have Bluebirds, Baltimore Orioles, Barn Swallows, and Finches in my neighborhood.  So, I they will enjoy this special treat.

 

attract backyard birds with eggshells

 

 

 

If you want to add eggshells to your current bird seed regime or simply feed eggshells to your backyard birds, follow these instructions:

  1.  Thoroughly wash out the inside of the shells after you crack the egg.  Use warm water to remove any egg inside the shell.  (Store the shells until you have acquired enough to use).
  2. I also use eggshells in my vegetable garden, so I accumulate quite a few shells.  You can dry the shells on a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet in my oven.  I use the lowest setting for about 10 – 15 minutes.  The eggshells should be brittle.
  3. Also, you can place the eggshells in the microwave for a few minutes if you don’t have a large number of shells.  Be sure to use a microwavable dish, and monitor them while drying.
  4. Once dried, crush the eggshells into small pieces.  You can place them into a gallon baggie and crush them with a rolling pin. Or, let the kids crush them.

 

Now that we have a supply of crushed eggshells, lets talk about how to attract the backyard birds.   You can  can attract backyard birds by simply  placing them on the ground in your yard.  I always enjoy watching the birds, so I place mind in a place where I can bird watch.  Also, you can use a shallow dish, place them on a log or in a platform feeder.  I have a platform feeder and I also have a bird feeding station that has a shallow dish.  Both are perfect for holding eggshells.  There has been times when I have left the shells uncrushed.  The birds have an easier time retrieving the shells if they’re crushed.  If you decide to crash them, don’t crash them so small that they are basically powder.

 

 

 

attrackt backyard birds with eggshells

 

 

Furthermore, you can add the add eggshells to suet in the winter too.  So, if you want to attract backyard birds with eggshells start cracking and drying them.  Your backyard birds will thank you.  You may also like Birdseed Peanut Butter Pinecones.

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: , ,

How To Raise Your Credit Score After A Divorce

April 3, 2018 by Leave a Comment

“Couples with the lowest initial average credit scores are two or three times more likely to end up divorcing with their partners than couples with high credit scores.”  That’s according to a 2015 study on the link between bad credit and divorce by researchers at the Federal Reserve Board.  Finances have always had an impact on marriages.  And, are one of the factors that lead to couples divorcing.  Divorces that involve a child are even more complex.  If possible, you should handle the divorce amicably.  Also, this post shares tips on how to raise your credit score after a divorce.  Having good credit will empower you to move forward with your life and to purchase items you need in your life.  

 

 

how to reaise your credit score

 

 

Repair your credit report 

Major events such as weddings or divorces have a significant impact on your creditworthiness.  As a matter of fact,  divorces require that you close joint accounts.  As a result, your spouse’s financial history is synced with yours.  However, information may be misfiled during the process.  This could affect your ability to provide for your family. So, a dispute with the credit bureau can be corrected by visiting a credit repair company.  The company will follow up and ensure all your information is correct.  So, if you want to know how to raise your credit score follow-up with this tip.

 

The importance of weekly and monthly budgets

The responsibilities of raising a family is diverse and cannot be accounted for all the time. Precautionary funds are hard to determine.  Nevertheless, setting up a weekly and monthly budget helps you cut back on expenses.  Especially, expenses that eat into your finances.  For example, daily expenses such as lunches can be reduced with fresh foods from your backyard garden.  Pay utility or credit card bills on time with your savings.  This is a great tip on how to raise your credit score too.

 

Open a savings account

Once you ensure that your credit report is accurate, your next step would be to open a savings account.  Saving in a kitty jar is helpful, but saving in a bank account is more ideal. Apart from making budgets and cutting back on spending, you can set up a saving account from your salary.  A savings account is a venture you and your family can undertake together.  Not only does it improve your credit score, it serves as an example for your children. Encouraging your children to save is a good step.

Raising kids, affording a family vacation or starting a family business are all financial responsibilities a family has to always consider regardless of divorces.  If you decide to remarry, the burden can be shared between the spouses.  But, you must ensure your credit reports are accurate single or married.  So, when you think about how to raise your credit score, remember you must take the right steps. Doing so can improve your credit report.

Filed Under: Divorce, Empowerment

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #168

March 31, 2018 by 6 Comments

 

Sunday's Best Linkup

 

Welcome to Week 168 of Sunday’s Best.  This is the first week of our Hello Spring theme.  So, we’re looking for all things relating to spring. Recipes, crafts, games, decorating ideas, cleaning tips and more. So, blow the dust off those old recipes, crafts, and any other posts that will help us welcome spring.

Additionally, we also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re are great for inspiration. Next week, we will start our Hello Spring theme.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.

So, each week your hosts will select their favorite post. The posts will be featured the following week. Also, an image from your post will be used on our linkup the following week along with a link back to your blog. As a result, be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The post with the most clicks will be the Reader’s Choice post(s). We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter. The Post With the Most Clicks will be selected. Additionally, a post for our Monthly Themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

Contact rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts if you are interested in co-hosting.

 

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

 

 

 

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother Brittany at A Mama Tale Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Kim from Life In A House: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, Bloglovin;, or Instagram; before you leave.

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

 

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Rhonda selected DIY Succulent Planter from Refresh Living

 

 

Succulent Planter Ideas

 

Kim selected 21 Farmhouse Style Front Porches from Centsible Chateau  

 

 

farmhouse porches


Brittany selected Mini Frittatas in a Jar from Home Cooking Memories

 

easy recipes

 

 


The Post with the Most Clicks

 

How to Throw a Surprise Party  from Foxy’s Domestic Side

 

Party Ideas


Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Hopping Down the Bunny

 

 

Easy Easter Egg Cakes  from My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies  

 

Easter Cake Ideas

 

and

 

Peeps Candy Milkshake from Janine Huldie   

 

Easter food ideas

 

 

and

 

Pastel Rainbow Deviled Eggs from Intelligent Domestications  

 

 

Easter Food Ideas

and

 

Easter Dessert Table from The Sweet Sensations 

 

 

Easter Decor

 


and

 

Inexpensive Easter Center Piece  from An Extraordinary Day 

 

Easter Centerpiece Ideas

 

Last, congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again. We could select your post next week! Finally, while you’re here take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!

 


Filed Under: Sunday's Best Linkup Tagged With: , ,

Tips on Teaching Teens About Rules

March 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

So, today I’m sharing parenting tips on teaching teens about rules.  Obeying the law can’t start soon enough for teens.  Parenting teens takes skill and forethought.  Teenagers are complex individuals.  Especially, if you take into account that they are finding their place in the world.  This can lead to all sorts of experiments.  You remember when you were a teen, right?  As a result, you have an idea of the influences your teenagers may be exposed to.  

 

 

teaching teens about rules

 

 

 

Parenting teens requires parents to teach them to understand rules and the law.  Understanding the rules and laws help them understand the freedom and privileges they enjoy.  Teaching teens that they are responsible for their actions can help them be better adults.  However, this can be tricky.  It’s a big responsibility as a mom, but it’s not impossible to achieve. These tips on teaching teens about rules and obeying the law can be just the helping hand you need.

 

Teaching Teens About Rules:

 

Rules and the Law

In an editorial in the Huffington Post, Joel Cohen of Talks On Law emphasized a couple of reasons why educators should start teaching law to children at a young age.  Education is starting to shift to a more digitally inclined environment.  As a result, curriculums are now open to a lot of suggestions and modifications.  Parents should at least make children are aware of how rules and the law work.

 

The Importance of Rules

It’s helpful to remember that teenagers are at a time in their lives where they are experiencing many changes.  Things have piqued their curiosity.  Breaking the law, for some, can be tempting.  It gives them a perspective of how it feels to be “above” what they normally have to follow. So, it’s important to make sure teens understand why there are rules.

  • This is why when teaching teens about laws and rules, you should try not to be imposing.  If possible, make it a dialogue so your teens are free to ask questions.  Additionally, do your best to explain things to them as much as possible.

Try to help your teen to understand that rules are important.  Rules allow everyone to enjoy freedom. If someone abuses the rules, someone else loses a privilege.  Likewise, if someone abuses the rules, your teens can lose the freedom to do something they appreciate too.

 

 

teaching your teens about rules

 

 

 

 

What About Consequences

Perhaps another incentive of teaching rules to teens is to help them understand that breaking them has consequences.  There are punishments because those who are expected to follow the law  should have an equal opportunity to benefit from the perks these laws provide.

  • Explaining how certain rules have certain punishments because there are people that were inconvenienced because others didn’t follow the rules.
  • Use examples to demonstrate how certain rules that are broken at home have punishments such as being grounded.  Be sure that your teen understands that rules like this are in place to benefit them.

 

Teaching By Example

Perhaps another helpful concept when teaching teens about rules and obeying the law is to lead by example. You should be the kind of example that allows your teen to see that you are constantly learning about how to be a better citizen by following rules everyday.

  • This extends not just to following road signs, or being a good motorist, but also at home.  When rules are established, you should follow them as well. You should be able to explain why a certain rule is important.  Let them know that rules aren’t there to punish them.
  • If they have doubts about why they should follow rules, perhaps it can be helpful to openly communicate with law enforcement officials who are in the area. Have your teen talk with law enforcement officials so they can freely ask questions.  Make arrangements with a local police officer so your teen can have a conversation with them.

 

A Basic Understanding of Rules and Consequences

When it comes to rules and laws, it’s more or less hit or miss when teaching teens about rules and obeying the law. After all, the complexities of laws can make it quite difficult for them to understand.  These tips on teaching teens about rules and obeying the law could hopefully give you a better perspective on how to approach the issue.  If you’re looking into the legal implications of the subject, please click here.

 

teaching teens about rules and obeying lawsAbout the author: Thalia Mott

Thalia Mott has had a decade of experience as a law writer, which she hopes to share through her works. She is an avid sports fan and loves watching games if she has free time.

Filed Under: Teens Tagged With: , ,

Easy Estate Planning Tips You Want to Know

March 28, 2018 by 2 Comments

When it comes to financial stability, many people think that means having enough income to get by every month. Additionally, they include paying bills, having a well-established savings account, and having extra for family activities.  However, an important step is to secure your children’s future when you pass away.  As sad as it sounds, it’s time to plan for the future. Knowing that you have assets and finances is an important aspect for your family’s well being.  Their financial stability will be impacted for years to come.  So, today we’re sharing parenting tips on estate planning.

 

 

estate planning tips

 

 

One of the things you can do to secure your family’s future financially is to plan an estate. Estate planning isn’t something only rich people should do.  It’s a concept that is very much open to anyone who has assets to be distributed.  Given the potentially-complex nature of estates, it’s understandable that some people might be overwhelmed.  However, knowing what to consider when estate planning may make life easier for you.

According to Forbes, those who file estate plans don’t need to live inside actual estates. Estate planning is simply a legal way to make sure the planner’s family is protected.  Additionally, it ensures that the estate is secure upon your death or you become incapacitated.  Here are a few estate planning tips you should know:

 

Can You Leave the Estate to Your Spouse?

One of the ways you can plan your estate is to just transfer everything to your spouse upon your death or if you become incapacitated.  This is useful if everything that will be involved in the estate plan is jointly owned between you and your spouse.

You can transfer everything to your spouse as long as the estate tax exemption limit isn’t met by your assets. Should you exceed this, you’ll most likely benefit from two revocable trusts to help reduce the taxes owed to the estate. These trusts can be divided between you and your spouse.

 

estate planning tips

 

How Do I Ensure My Kids Are Secure and Protected?

Certain states only transfer your assets to your children officially when they reach a particular age.  However, it’s impractical to give everything to a 21-year-old in the form of a lump sum. However, you are allowed to name someone who can be responsible for managing the assets and the funds you’ve left to your children.  Once they mature, the money can be turned over to them.

  • Furthermore, this person doesn’t necessarily have to be a relative or someone close to your children. It has to be someone you trust and someone who will follow your wishes.

 

Can I Create an Estate Plan After My Child’s Birth?

If you plan on creating an estate plan right after your child is born, you may want to hold off.  Make sure you fully understand the estate laws in your state.  Furthermore, try to review your documents every three to five years to ensure that everything is in place.  Especially, the designation of assets that will be distributed.

You have to be extra careful when naming your children as beneficiaries.  For example, if a child develops special needs, it might be helpful if their trust has some form of supplemental needs attached.

What If You Don’t Undergo Estate Planning?

One of our biggest estate planning tips is this one: if you don’t plan your estate, then you may end up in probate court.   Most financial professionals try to avoid probate court because it expensive.  Additionally, it’s time consuming.

  • In probate, the court will decide who receives what. So, the court will assess potential creditors and heirs.  From there they will divide your payments and assets to them.
  • You can avoid the probate process in a number of ways. One is to create something called a revocable trust.  A revocable trust allows you to give ownership of properties and assets to something known as a “trust.”  It lists exactly what you want to happen if you pass away or become incapacitated.
  • Another way to avoid probate is to start assigning beneficiaries to your assets. These include a tax-deferred account or a life insurance policy.  In the event of your passing, your beneficiary will be the one receiving your assets.  So, check with a lawyer about these assets, your bank account, home and other assets on hand.

 

Estate Planning Can Work for Your Benefit

 Hopefully, the above estate planning tips will give you a better understanding of estate planning.  Once you determine the assets and finances you want to secure, getting help with estate planning can be a good experience.  A lawyer or a legal professional can give you a more in-depth understanding of estate planning or litigation.  Click here for more information.

 

estate planning tipsAbout the author:  Kiren Manning

Kiren is an estate law writer who enjoys writing about real estate and law. He has written for a few blogs in the past, and enjoys sharing his knowledge with those who enjoy reading. In his spare time he enjoys spending quality time with those he loves.

Filed Under: Financial Tips, Parenting Tips Tagged With: , ,

Tips For an Amicable Divorce

March 27, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on tips for an amicable divorce when you have children.  There’s no such thing as a perfect family.  One of the best divorce tips is that the “best” families have to face and endure trouble. When a marriage becomes the problem, it can have a profound effect on family and how they function.  Especially, if the marriage ends in divorce. Divorce can be a very stressful and overwhelming journey.  Furthermore, when children are involved divorce can be even more stressful. 

 

tips for amicable divorce

 

Getting for an amicable divorce:

 

Unfortunately, the divorce process will not only affect the welfare of your child, but the way they will grow up.  Furthermore, divorce proceedings must handled with care.  You should consider your role as a mother and your children during the process.

According to Huffington Post, if divorce is the only option left between you and your spouse perhaps it’s the best move for your sake and your children’s.  However, there are things to remember when divorcing with a child.  It’s important to take these things into consideration.

 

You Have to Explain It to the Kids

When you’re getting divorced, remember that your children may not be old enough to understand your situation completely.  There is no guarantee how your children will feel when they find out about the separation.

  • Remember, while you should be able to calm yourself down in order to still be able to perform your duties as a parent, your children don’t function on the same level.
  • Your children have their own processes, desires, and interpretations.  Kids have their own ways of comprehending and grieving about the situation. As a result, it’s important to remember that your emotions may become a part of their interpretation.
  • If you feel as though your relationship with your children will be tainted by the divorce, try to work with them towards accepting the separation.  Try to explain how things will work.  Most importantly, don’t ignore their feelings.

 

tips for an amicable divorce

 

You Will Experience Many Feelings 

Even if the divorce was a mutual decision, there will be instances where one party will feel emotional.  This includes  feeling revengeful, abandoned, desperate, terrified, distraught, or betrayed.  These feelings may not surface immediately, but some may appear in numerous ways.

  • Try to be careful how you express your emotions, and who you express them to.  If you have children, consider how they might react to your emotions.
  • Realize that your actions, especially fights that may take place with your former partner, will most likely have a lasting impact on your children. Be mature enough to handle any disagreements or emotions in private.  Most importantly, try to maintain a positive demeanor about the divorce when in the presence of your children.

 

You Have to Make Financial Arrangements

Another one of our tips for an amicable divorce is to make sure you consider spousal and child support. This might be the most difficult part of the divorce process, but it is essential to ensure the well being of all parties involved.

  • If possible, sit down with your spouse and decide on visitation, holiday visits and co-parenting options.
  • Discuss debts, extra expenses, and how much support will be granted for the children.
  • Remember, the goal is to work together so you can decide how you will be able to help your children in the best way  possible.

 

tips for an amicable divorce

 

Make This a Gentle Process for Everyone

 These tips may seem overwhelming, especially when you have to consider the responsibilities you have as a mother.  As a matter of fact, a soon to be single mother.  However, we hope our tips for an amicable divorce will help you  cope and make the process less stressful.   If you’re looking into the legal implications of the subject, you may click here for more information.  You may also like:  How to Raise Your Credit Score After Divorce.

 

About the author: Peggy Fleming

Peggy Fleming is a promising young law writer. She adds a modern take to her pieces on various law topics, which she writes for the common reader. She enjoys playing tennis with her siblings during her

Filed Under: Divorce, Empowerment Tagged With: , ,

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #167

March 24, 2018 by 10 Comments

 

Sunday's Best Linkup

 

Welcome to Week 167 of Sunday’s Best. This is the last week of our Hopping Down the Bunny Trail theme.  So, we’re looking for all things relating to Easter. Recipes, crafts, games, decorating ideas, egg dying techniques and more. So, blow the dust off those old recipes, crafts, and any other posts that will help us celebrate Easter.

Additionally, we also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re are great for inspiration.  Next week, we will start our Hello Spring theme.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.   

So, each week your hosts will select their favorite post. The posts will be featured the following week. Also, an image from your post will be used on our linkup the following week along with a link back to your blog. As a result, be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The post with the most clicks will be the Reader’s Choice post(s). We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter. The Post With the Most Clicks will be selected. Additionally, a post for our Monthly Themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

Contact rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts if you are interested in co-hosting.

 

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

 

 

 

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother Brittany at A Mama Tale Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Kim from Life In A House: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, Bloglovin;, or Instagram; before you leave.

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

 

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Rhonda selected DIY Chippendale Desk  from Rain on a Tin Roof  

DIY Office Ideas

 

 

Kim selected 10 Hacks for Your Bullet Journal from The Kindest Way  

 

 

journaling tips

 

Brittany selected Felt Easter Egg Busy Board  from Play Dates to Parties

 

Easter Activities for Kids

The Post with the Most Clicks

 

DIY Speckled Eggs  from Celebrating Everyday Life  

 Easter Decor Ideas


Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Hopping Down the Bunny Trail

Chocolate Rice Krispie Bunny Treats  from Janine Huldie 

 

 

Easter treat ideas

and

 

Easter Bunny Wreath from Across the Blvd.

 

Easter wreath ideas

 

and

 

Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites  from Dizzy Busy and Hungry  

 

Easter Bunny Treats

 

and

 

Easter Bunnies In Love  from Flamingo Toes

 

Easter Decor

 

 

and

 

Easter Placemats from Bombshell Bling

Easter decor ideas

Last, congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again. We could select your post next week! Finally, while you’re here take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!

 


Filed Under: Sunday's Best Linkup Tagged With: , , ,

A Mommy’s Guide to Teaching Bike Safety to Kids

March 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

teaching bike safety to kids

 

A bike is one of the many things that every child wants at some point in their childhood.  It’s a great way to allow them to explore the world around them.  Additionally, it’s a great way for them to learn about exercise.  Unfortunately, when you live in a city and your kids have to ride roadside before reaching a park or bike path, safety becomes extremely important.  In addition to knowing the laws for bike safety in your state, here’s a mom’s guide to teaching bike safety to kids when riding roadside.

 

Accidents Can Happen at Any Moment

Accidents can happen anytime; however, when riding roadside the risk is elevated.   Unfortunately, accidents are impossible to determine.  As a result, teaching your kids about riding roadside is imperative. Below are a few tips on teaching bike safety to kids that you can use to guide your children towards a more enjoyable biking experience.

According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, around 800 bicyclists and 5,400 pedestrians are fatally injured annually.  Cars and bicycles account for 17.7 percent of 2015’s grand total of 35,092 deaths in the United States. With these staggering statistics, teaching bike safety to kids so they can observe proper safety guidelines makes sense.

If you live in a densely populated area, your children riding a bicycle roadside can cause worry.  So, how can you as a mommy teach bike safety to your kids?  Check out these tips:

 

The Safe Biker: Good Discipline

The first step to bike safety is to teach kids to be responsible bikers. Biking is a leisurely exercise and activity, but only if it’s done safely and properly.

Even if your child knows how to ride a bike, always remind them that it should be taken seriously.  Make sure they ride a bike with both hands on the handlebars.  Additionally, all items should be in a backpack or in the bike’s basket. Just as important, make it clear that only one person should be on the bike.

  • Don’t allow your kids to ride bikes while wearing headphones. They need to be able to know there’s traffic, and that can only be done if their ears are free from distractions.
  • Don’t allow your kids to be on their bike when it’s night, dusk, or dawn.  This timeframe leaves them invisible to many drivers.  If they have to ride a bike at dusk or dawn, make sure their bikes have lights and reflectors.

teaching bike saety to kids

 

 

The Safe Bike: Get the Right One

Perhaps the most important aspect of teaching bike safety to children is making sure they know how to use the bike they are riding. Make sure the bike you buy  is the appropriate age level for your child.  This means you shouldn’t expect your child to grow “into” the bike.

  • Make sure the purchased bike suits the abilities of your child. If you don’t think your child can handle two wheels, then perhaps training wheels could help. If you think shifting and gears can be too difficult, .then perhaps just a single speed bike could work.
  • Try to make sure your child is also aware of things that can happen to their bike that can result in their new bike ending up in a state of disrepair. Aside from regular maintenance on your end, teach your kids just why you’re having their bike repaired in the first place. That way, if they notice that something is wrong with their bike, they may not take it out and consult you instead.

teaching bike safety to kids

 

The Equipment: Using the Bike Properly

When you bought your kid a bike, chances are you bought the entire “package.” Aside from the bike, you may have bought them the various kinds of gear that the children in the packaging are also wearing. If not, then here are some of the equipment you need to make sure you have:

  • Always make sure your child has a helmet when they ride a bike. This is extremely important, regardless whether they’re riding at home or outside on the road.
  • When your kids are outside, make sure they wear clothing that is bright and reflective. If you can find cycling clothes adequate for your kids’ size, make sure they have them. It’s important that they know they should wear these clothes so they are easily visible by everyone on the road.
     

Teach Your Child Safely and Efficiently About Bike Safety

When it comes to road safety, it’s important that everyone is aware of their responsibilities of  drivers and pedestrians.  This includes motor vehicles, skaters, scooters, and bicycles. Having an accident related to a bicycle can still create problems for all parties involved.  It can even end up in serious injuries or death.

If your child wants to learn how to use a bike, it’s important that you be able to teach bike safety to them effectively.   They must know how to avoid accidents when riding roadside. If you want to know more about the legal implications of this subject, click here.

 

About the author: Dianna Charles

Dianna Charles is a promising young law enthusiast who hopes to bring her youthful spirit to her field. She tries to add a refreshing modern take to topics on the legal world that people can learn from. Dianna enjoys her free time with friends and family, and loves to cook for them.

Filed Under: Parenting Tips, Safety Tagged With: , ,

Baby Safety 101: How to Protect Your Baby from Slips and Falls

March 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Parents have it hard when it comes to taking care of a baby.  Care goes beyond meeting their basic needs such as proper nutrition and hygiene. When your baby learns how to walk and explore the world around them, the difficulty level of parenting shoots from “cute but hard” into “extra cute, but extra hard.”  When babies are in their cribs and they fall, you know they’re safe.  Mattresses cushions their fall. However, when babies are outside the crib, there’s no guarantee that they’re safe from slips and falls.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on baby safety.  

 

 

how to protect your baby from slips and falls

 

 

The fragility of a baby’s body can make slips and falls life-threatening.  If you have a new baby, these tips on how to protect your baby from slips ad falls may be helpful.   So, how exactly do you protect your baby from slips and falls?

According to the Mayo Clinic when a baby starts learning how to walk, it can be a source of pride and joy for parents. However, when babies are learning how to walk they get excited.  They may hit things around them that could cause them to fall.  If a baby slips and falls at the wrong angle they can be injured.  As a result, it’s a good idea to take action to prevent accidents.  Here are a few tips:

Avoiding Slips and Falls

Slips and falls can be avoided by trying to make sure things at home are designed with your child’s safety in mind.  Here are a few examples of how you can protect your baby from slips and falls:

 

  • Keep bathtubs safe by using mats. Mat help reduce the risks of slipping and falling while taking a bath.
  • Keep beds safe by installing safety rails on beds, especially if you have toddlers. If you have bunk beds, make sure kids six and older are the ones that use them.
  • Keep balconies safe by not letting your baby play unattended in these areas, especially when these areas are porches and fire escape locations. Children might use this opportunity to wander around the house and even the neighborhood.
  • Keep stairs safe by installing safety gates at the bottom and top of staircases.  Furthermore, you can place covers on doorknobs that lead to staircases, the basement and the attic.
  • Keep windows safe by using window guards.  You can also install stops that won’t allow windows to open beyond four inches.  Babies five years old and younger can fit through six inch openings. Try to make sure windows are also inaccessible even if you have to install railings.

 

how to protect your child from slips and falls

 


Keep the Outside Safe 

While the outside world is a scary place, you can make it slip and fall proof.  At least to a certain degree with proper care and guidance.

  • Keep your child safe on the playground by choosing ones that include sand, rubber, mulch, or wood chips.  These types of area are safer than dirt and cement, which are likely to cause injuries.
  • When riding escalators carry your baby or hold your toddler’s hand. Additionally, make sure there aren’t any loose shoestrings, shoes, or clothing that can be caught in the escalator.  Make sure your children doesn’t sit or play while riding them.
  • Keep an eye out for obstacles.  Look carefully for wet patches that could cause you to slip, and take caution when walking through rain or snow.

 Safety Comes First for Baby

Take a proactive approach.  Make sure your baby is exposed only to things he or she can safely play with.

While this might seem to be an extra step in the plethora of things you have to do as a parent, this will definitely pay off in the long run.  Especially, if you have play dates and invited guests in your home.  Learning how to protect your baby from slips and falls is essential.  If you’re wondering just what the legal repercussions are due to slippery floors, you may click here.   We hope that you found our baby safety tips helpful.  You may also like:  Child Safety Tips

 

        About the author:  Vicki Haskett

Vicki is a law writing enthusiast who’s had over 25 years of experience in her field. She enjoys sharing her experiences with those who want to learn more about the legal world. In her spare time she spends quality time with her family and friends.

Filed Under: Parenting Tips, Safety Tagged With: , ,

What to Wear on a Winter Road Trip

March 21, 2018 by 2 Comments

Are you wondering what to wear on a winter road trip?  Well, before you focus on your playlist focus on your winter wardrobe.  Also, depending on how many hours you’ll be on the road, your clothing should be warm and stylish.  However,  flannel pajamas or workout clothes should not be an option.  Especially, if you want to save yourself from embarrassment when you’re getting out of the car for a restroom break or to buy snacks.  We have a few travel tips to help you pack suitable clothing for a winter road trip:  

 

what to wear on a winter road trip

 

Ankle Boots

Since you’ll be inside the car for several hours, there’s no need for you to torture your feet with a stylish pair of heels.  Comfortable ankle boots are a good option.  Most importantly, your feet will stay warm even if you have to step out for a couple of minutes. Don’t forget to add wooly socks to your arsenal.

However, if you absolutely need to wear cute heels, carry them in luggage.  You can switch once you have arrived at your destination.  Knee-length boots are a good option for a winter road trip too.

 

Blanket Wrap Scarf

A blanket scarf is a cozy yet stylish way to keep yourself warm throughout the road trip.  After all, it’s bound to get chilly as the mercury drops. You can wear this winter accessory any way you want. Either carelessly throw it around your shoulders or wrap it around several times for extra warmth.  Furthermore, you can use the scarf as a warm blanket if you want to take a quick nap.  Opt for a cozy knitted scarf that’ll act as an extra barrier against the cold.

 

Layers

Another suggestion on what to wear on a winter road trip is layers.  Everybody knows that the winter season is all about layers.  If it gets too warm, you can remove a layer or add a sweater if it starts to get chilly.  So, divide your outfit into layers.  You can wear wooly leggings or jeans as far as the bottoms are concerned.

Throw on a comfortable shirt and wear a sweater over it as an extra layer.  If you want your outfit to be more feminine, you can also wear a sweater dress.  Keep a spare jacket or coat with you in case it gets too cold.  Add a knitted scarf or warm poncho to the equation.  You have an effortlessly chic outfit that’s both comfortable without struggling with what to wear on a winter road trip.

 

what to wear on a winter road trip

 

 

Beanie

A bright or neutral colored, soft, knitted beanie will protect your head and ears from the blistering cold.  It will also look super-cute with your outfit.  When you’re contemplating what to wear on a winter road trip, think about the beanie providing extra warmth.  Throw in some earmuffs to protect your ears when you’re outside the car or need to open the windows for fresh air.

 

Gloves

Don’t forget to put on a warm pair of gloves to protect your hands from the freezing temperatures.  While mittens tend to be warmer, they don’t offer the same dexterity as gloves. However, if you won’t be driving opt for a warm pair of mittens instead. Mittens do a better job of trapping body heat and minimizing heat loss.

 

 

Moisturizer

You don’t want your skin to get all dull and dry.  So, don’t forget to wear moisturizer.  Moisturizer will keep your skin soft and supple throughout the road trip. Keeping your skin hydrated during the winter is crucial, especially if your skin is prone to dryness.

 

Most importantly, how do you plan on carrying your extra clothing and accessories when you’re on a road trip?  A canvas bag or  stylish week-ender is an excellent choice if you’re packing for the weekend. Don’t forget to carry toiletries, winter emergency supplies, sanitizers, moisturizers and of course snacks.  A backpack will be a more convenient option if you plan on hiking afterward since you’ll be able to carry the bags on your shoulders. Remember to only throw in items that you absolutely need since you don’t want your pack to become too heavy.

So, there you have it. Use these tips to stock up on the most-wanted winter essentials.  Now that you have our tips, you know what to wear on a winter road trip.  Above all, don’t forget to have fun. Enjoy!

About the author:  James Smith is a survivalist, who loves to write about survival skills and techniques. You can follow him at @JamesSmith1609.

 

 

Filed Under: Travel, Travel Tips Tagged With: , ,