3 Steps to Caring for Aging Parents

October 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

There comes a time in the lives of most adults where the roles in the family is reversed.  Our parents looked after us, it’s our to care for them as they age.  It can take time to adjust to the new roles.  Aging parents have difficulty relinquishing control and allowing their children to look after them.  So, it can be tricky to navigate the delicate balance between child and parent.  Luckily, our parenting tips on caring for aging parents will help on your quest for better health and quality of life:

 

 

caring for aging parents

 

  1. Discuss Their Needs Openly

First, you need first to understand what they need.  Having an understanding of their needs will help you devise a plan.  While you might believe you know this information, having their input is imperative. After all, they know what they want and why they want it. You may feel you need to accompany your parents on every outing.  However, they might crave their independence and doing things for themselves.  As a result, it’s important that everyone in the family discuss how they feel openly.  Take the time to talk to your parents as a family unit and decide together the best course of action.

  1. Assess Living Conditions

If your aging parents still live in their home, you may worry about the likelihood of them falling or injuring themselves.  Furthermore, you may worry about them feeding themselves as they grow increasingly frail.  It’s quite likely your parents wish to remain in their homes as long as possible.  So, it’s up to you to assess their home and make adjustments as needed. Does your parent need help managing daily medication?  One way to assist is to arrange their medication into boxes which are clearly labeled for each day.

Additionally, are your parents struggling to go upstairs? You could consider a stairlift to ensure they are safe with when they go up and down stairs.  Simply put, making these changes will help keep them safe and living in their own space longer.

  1. Seek Additional Help

There are times we have to accept that we cannot do it alone.  Caring for aging parents can be difficult.  Especially, when we have a full time job, caring for our children, and ensuring we care for ourselves.  It can lead to feeling overwhelmed and under pressure. However, there’s no shame in seeking additional help.  For example, seek help from those who are specially trained to care for the needs of older adults.  With the permission of your parents, why not consider someone who will visit daily to help them wash, cook, and take their medication.

However, your parents might require extra help.  If your parents need home health care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week there are people who can assist.  Choosing a home health care provider is something you need to do as a family.

After all, your parents are the ones who will be living there.  So, their happiness is paramount. Unfortunately, there are rising cases of elder abuse.  Weight loss, depression, and withdrawal could be signs of abuse.  Luckily, there are specialist elder abuse lawyers such as Garcia Law, who you can turn to for help in these situations.

Caring for aging parents can be a full-time job.  But, you can request additional help to ensure a better quality of life for both you and your parents.  It is recommended, that speak to your parents before making any decisions on their behalf.  Always take their wishes into account.

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How to Cope with Having A Hysterectomy

October 10, 2018 by Leave a Comment

surgery tips

For many women, the decision to have a hysterectomy can be a difficult.  It is a serious medical procedure that comes with its own set of problems. Not only is the surgery a risk, it can result in a range of physical and emotional symptoms.  For many, this procedure is not a choice.  Because it is not their choice, it makes the grief and emotions even more difficult.  As a result, how you deal with your feelings will play a role in how you move forward after surgery. There are several things you can do to improve your chances of a smooth recovery:

Recovery Period

Recovery from having a hysterectomy can take up to two months.  Knowing what to expect will reduce the frustration.  However, don’t expect to walk out of the hospital and get back to normal.  This very rarely happens, there is a recovery period.  You are going to experience a variety of symptoms, including fatigue and depression.  Premature menopause may also be triggered. With depression comes the risk of depending on drugs or alcohol to numb the pain. This doesn’t work and can sometimes lead to an addiction  Addictions can lead to the need for adult drug treatment. For this and many other symptoms, there are effective treatments available.

Understand the Procedure

There are many reasons for women having a hysterectomy.  It’s natural to feel nervous and afraid of the outcome. To reduce any anxiety, understand what the procedure entails.  Understand the effects it have on your body, your emotions, and your fertility.  Your doctor and healthcare professionals are the best people to ask questions, and talk about your concerns. The more you understand, the better and more relaxed you’ll feel on the day of surgery.

Have a Support System in Place

Next, don’t wait until you’re on your way home to organize support.  Make sure there is a system in place before the surgery.  Furthermore, you will need physical support as well as emotional support.  So, talk to friends and family about how they can help.  Additionally, having a hysterectomy support group in your area or a therapist who helps with specialist counseling.

Learn How to Relax

This is going to be a very important part of the recovery process. Relaxation techniques have been found to help reduce anxiety and tension.  As a result, research techniques that include progressive muscle relation.  You should also include breathing techniques, guided imagery, and meditation. If you want to know more, your doctor or therapist will be able to provide information.

Finally, you shouldn’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about any fears, misgivings or issues you might be experiencing.  Discussing all your concerns and symptoms with your doctor about having a hysterectomy will help to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.

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

8 Benefits of Music for Children

October 4, 2018 by Leave a Comment

As a parent, you always strive to give your child the best upbringing.  You want them to be prepared to face the  world.  Music is a great avenue in helping to develop your child.  Experts say enrolling children in a music class can help boost their confidence, and help in their overall development.  Check out these parenting tips on the benefits of music for children:

 

 

benefits of music for children

 

 

 

  1. Music Lessons Make Children’s Minds Sharper

According to researchers, playing a musical instrument helps in increasing IQ by seven points.  If you encourage your child to play an instrument, it will help shape the power of his brain.  Also, music is one of the most innovative and fun-filled brain exercises.  It helps sharpen your child’s mind and memory power.

  1. Music Helps Develop Cognitive Skills

First, regular music classes can help your child with concentration skills and become more focused.  It has also been proven that kids who have been exposed to music are more successful.  Music stimulates the part of the brain which plays a vital role in mathematics, reading and emotional quotient.   Furthermore, these subjects are the foundation of any formal education, and help improve your child’s cognitive skills.

 

 

benefits of music for kids

 

  1. Music Refines Discipline and Patience

Next, Musical instruments like the piano and violin require discipline and patience. Through music classes, a child can learn these skills at an early age.  Furthermore, discipline, patience, and perseverance play a major role in success in life.

  1. Music Improves Speech and Communication

Also, doctors often advise introducing infants to soothing music.  It is known to stimulate their senses.  The first thing that an infant recognizes is sound.  Next, they start remembering vocabulary.   So, regular exposure to nursery rhymes and other songs can help in developing communication skills.

  1. Music Helps in Gaining Self-Control

So, by enrolling your child in music lessons, you can help them to explore and recreate music with other students.  Kids help each other, and they develop friendships.  Most importantly, music helps boost self-control, gain self-esteem and confidence.

  1. Music Inspires Creativity

Additionally, it is a well-accepted fact that musicians are some of the most creative people in society.  Either through writing the lyrics for a song or perfecting a new instrument.  Your child’s hidden creativity can be exposed through music.

  1. Music Is a Beautiful Form of Expression

Furthermore, music can invoke many emotions.  This includes feeling happy, sad, angry, and joyful. Music can give your kid the opportunity to express suppressed feelings.  As a result, they can become emotionally stable human beings.

  1. Music is an Excellent Form of Engagement

Last, while the internet is informative it has its perils.  However, music is a great way to keep your children off the internet.  Your child will have fun and find solace in music.  Make music a vital part of your child’s life.  Finally, instill these positive benefits of music in your child at an early age.

 

Author Bio:  Curtis Dean writes on behalf of Sage Music School.  The lessons are based on science and psychology.  Their effective teaching methods create confident and capable students who enjoy music.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , ,

The Nutcracker Activity Sheets

October 3, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on The Nutcracker activity sheets for kids. The Nutcracker is one of my favorite ballets.  Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms will be a Christmas classic forever.  I can’t wait to take my granddaughter to see The Nutcracker during the holidays.  She just completed her first year of ballet.

 

 

The Nutcracker

 

First, I remember seeing The Nutcracker as a little girl around the holidays.  We had favorites like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and the Charlie Brown Christmas.  But, I fell in love with the ballet and the music.

 

The Nutcracker Activity Sheets:

 

Sugar Plum Fairy

Next, my daughter danced in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker.  Her first ballet was The Nutcracker.  I remember her costumes like it was yesterday.  She was a flower and snowflake.  The costumes were beautiful.  My granddaughter is dancing now.  So, I’m looking forward to taking her to the movie in November.  For those unfamiliar with The Nutcracker, it’s about a little girl named Clara.

 

The Nutcracker

Misty Copeland is the Prima Ballerina and Mackenzie Foy is the doll Clara.  All Clara wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at her Godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads to the coveted key.

 

The Nutcracker Soldiers

 

But, the key disappears into a strange world.  Clara follows and it’s there that she encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight).  Additionally, there’s a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms.  So, The Four Realms include the following: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and the solider Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm.  Additionally, The Fourth Realm is home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren).  Finally, Clara and Phillip hope to retrieve Clara’s key and return harmony to the unstable world.

Also, the movie stars Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy.  The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston.   E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale is the inspiration for the movie.

 

The Nutcracker

So, in anticipation of the movie coming to theatres in November, we have a fun activity pack.  The pack includes coloring pages, a maze and spot the difference sheet.  Most importantly, save the date!

 

The Soldier Philip

 

God Father Drosslemeyer

We hope you enjoy watching The Nutcracker this holiday season.  Additionally, we hope that your children will enjoy coloring and playing the activity sheets.  You can download them here.

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

6 Tips to Take the Stress Out of School Mornings

September 25, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

how to eliminate school stress

 

Chaos can lead to a stressful morning.  Who needs to be stressed out at 8:00 am on school mornings.  I have found that organization is key to eliminating school morning stress.  As a result, I take preventive measures to ensure school mornings are pleasant.  Keeping the environment positive  takes the stress out of my mornings:

Pack lunches the night before – I have found that packing lunches before bed saves so much time.  I pack juice boxes, apples/bananas, and any other items that won’t get soggy at night.  Place the lunch box in the refrigerator.  That leaves making sandwiches in the morning.  Sip a cup of coffee or check out the news with your extra time.

Give kids their bath the night before –  Getting kids up on school mornings can be a major effort.  I know it is with my granddaughter.  So, I have found giving them a bath or having teens shower the night before eliminates struggles in the morning.  Having them brushing their teeth, washing their face and hands and getting dressed is so much easier.

Get clothes and essentials out the night before – Nothing causes more arguments in the morning than not being able to find shoes, disagreements on clothing and not being able to find book bags.  Gather shoes, book bags and anything else needed as well.  I line up the book bags/back packs and lunches so all they have to do is grab them on the way out the door.

Sign any papers the night before – Read and sign any papers and place them in the kid’s book bags the night before.

Distribute lunch money or fees the night before – Additionally, hand any money that needed for lunches, snacks or book fairs the night before.  I place the money in envelopes, and mark each with the teacher’s name.  I also include what the money is for and than place the envelopes in the book bags.

Warm the car on cold mornings – Having your kids complaining about being cold on school mornings is not the way you want them to start the day or you.  Having them toasty warm when they reach student drop off is the way to go.

These tips have worked great for me when I have my grandchildren on school days.  It leaves them with enough time to watch cartoons or play on their electronics before I have to shuffle them out the door.  And eliminates head aches and stress for me.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Why Parents Should Seek Help for Drug Addiction

September 24, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Growing up in an environment where parents are addicted to drugs is devastating.  Some of the issues that children face include violence, a lack of emotional connection, and a lack of financial support.  Furthermore, they may even have to take care of their parents.  Parents who are addicted struggle to take care of themselves.  If you have been struggling with addiction, getting help will lead to a path of empowering yourself.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on why you should seek help for drug addiction:

 

 

 

drug addiction

 

 

You will deliver a healthy child 

The number of kids born with opioid withdrawal syndrome has increased.  Unfortunately, pregnant women are abusing painkillers and hard drugs like heroin.  When you are pregnant and abuse drugs, you are creating a lifelong struggle for an unborn child.  However, it is possible to become clean before giving birth.  Seeking help from a rehabilitation center or other facility is recommended.  Experiencing withdrawals can create serious and life-threatening complications. However, giving birth to a healthy baby is imperative.  It’s an opportunity to break the cycle of drug dependency.

You stop being a threat to your kids 

When parents abuse drugs, it is the kids who end up being the primary casualties.   You become a better parent when you make a commitment to recover from an addiction.  As a result, you can stop being verbally and physically violent toward your kids.  And, possibly even mend the broken trust.

You raise emotionally healthy kids 

Kids who have grown up around parents that abuse drugs end up with a number of emotional issues. There are those who end up withdrawn, shy and antisocial.  On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who end up copying the behavior of their parents.  They end up abusing drugs themselves. A lack of physical and emotional availability means that  someone else becomes responsible for the children.  The lessons are never positive. When you quit drugs, you establish your presence in your kids lives.  Furthermore, you can parent and follow their progress in school.  They start confiding in you about things that you previously couldn’t pay attention to.  The new relationship not only strengthens your bond, but also protects your kids from making serious life mistakes.

Your kids get a better chance to live a healthy adult life

The other benefit that you get from quitting addiction is that you are emotionally available.  You teach them how to form healthy bonds as they grow up.  So, they are able to form a healthy and stable emotional attachment to you.  As a result, they grow up managing healthy relationships.  This includes with peers and even healthy marriages. The ultimate gift which comes from recovery, you will have modeled positive parental behavior.  They will also be great parents to their kids.  Poor parenting is generational.  Sobriety allows it to end.

There are many other benefits from getting sober.  Sobriety has a direct correlation with your kid’s academic performance.   Being successful academically translates to success in life.  It will raise the social and economic status of your family as well.  Additionally, the knowledge gets passed from one generation to the next. If you are struggling with addiction, think about how you can transform your family.  You can change your kids lives by  getting sober and making a commitment to do it.

Filed Under: Health, Women's Health Tagged With: , ,

Angry Sam – Tales of a Bullied Kid (Kids Book Reviews)

September 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

bullying tips

 

School is back in session, and it will bring problems to parents around the world.  Parent will encounter kids not wanting to go to school, missing the school bus, forgetting their lunch, detention,  protesting homework, and being bullied.

When school starts, I start adding books to my kids book reviews list.  Furthermore, I suggest that you either add them to your kids suggested reading list or by-pass them.   I’m always on the look out for books that will help our children with esteem and other social issues.  Bullying affects children’s self-esteem and can lead to social issues.  I’m a huge advocate on the prevention of bullying because my daughter was bullied when she was in high school.   As a result, I try to give advice on how other mothers can handle and survive this painful experience.

I came across the book Angry Sam.  It’s a perfect book to help teach your child about being bullying, discuss the emotions that come with being bullied and finding a solution.

The book revolves around Samuel Woodhouse.  Sam is a second grader at Castlegrove Primary in London.  He is a  video guru and loved watching Kung Fu movies.  But, some of the older kids had different plans for Sam.  Audrey was the meanest girl in the school.  Her and her sidekicks Dean and Gordon were school bullies.  Sam dreaded going to school.  They kicked him, tore his clothes, threw food on him, and stole his games.

Next, Sam kept his torment a secret.  He didn’t tell his mom or dad.  He thought the bullies would eventually find someone else to pick on and life would be good at Castlegrove.  Sam continues to show up at school.  However, he’s losing control of his emotions.  He starts plotting revenge.    The continued abuse leaves him with no other option but to fight back.

Every parent should read this book, so they can gain insight on bullying.  Read it with young children. Furthermore, if they are a little older let them read the book alone.  Afterwards, ask questions and give them advice on how they can handle the mistreatment.

Most importantly, Sam kept his torment a secret from his parents and teachers.  Your child could be keeping their pain from you too.  However, let your child know they aren’t alone.  It’s okay for them to tell a teacher or you.  Be sure to add Angry Sam to your list.

 

 

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Battling Boredom: How to Keep Your Kids Entertained

August 29, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

how to keep your kids entertained

Every parent will need to find ways to keep their children entertained.  Unfortunately, kids can grow bored quickly with the same routine each day.  Especially, when they are young.  So, you might also want to provide your kids with healthier activities.  Healthy activities are better than spending all their time on a smartphone, tablet or TV.

Thankfully, there are some superb activities for kids.  Check out our tips on how to keep your kids entertained:

A Trip to the Movies

One activity that’s bound to make your children smile is a trip to the movies.  Let them snack on popcorn as they immerse themselves into an animated movie.  We’re sure mom and dad will probably love it too!

Organize a Play Date

Add play dates to your list of how to keep your kids entertained.  If you want to entertain your child while strengthening their friendships, organize a play date.  Contact one of their friend’s mothers about the best day for your kids to get together.  Building friendships is important.  So is laughing, talking, and playing.

You could even take turns hosting a play date.  This option will give each parent time to relax or catch up on chores.  Additionally, you can enjoy a little downtime yourself while the kids play.

Watch Live Entertainment

Allow your kids to enter a whole new world by booking tickets to a live entertainment show.  For example, Disney on Ice or a concert for their favorite singer or band.  Check your local listings for kid-friendly shows being held in your area.  You may be able to find the perfect event for your little one in your town or city at Ticket Sales.

Bake Cakes or Cookies

Baking delicious cookies or cakes is the ultimate activity for a rainy day.  And, a great way on how to keep your kids entertained.  The kids will be excited to try the treats  fresh from the oven.  And, they’ll also have fun learning how to make cookie dough or cake batter.

Turn it into an educational experience.  They will learn to listen, follow instructions and master the art of patience. You can also help them to unleash their creative side by experimenting with multi-colored icing, sprinkles, and cookie cutters.  Most importantly, the activity could help them develop a passion for baking or cooking.

Build a Fort

Next, the moment your children start complaining they are bored, you should encourage them to build a fort.  Their bedroom is the perfect place.  They will need to gather blankets, pillows, chairs, and sheets so that they can create a cozy, private space.

They will have fun building the fort with you.  And, they will also enjoy their unique hangout once it’s done.  It’s a great way to keep them occupied until bedtime.

Enjoy a Day at the Beach

Last, if the sun is shining, grab the kids,  beach towels, sunscreen and make your way to a local beach. Your children will love building sun castles and splashing in the water.  We suggest that also pack a picnic for the whole family.  The kids will love it.

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Letter B Activities: B Is For Banana

July 8, 2018 by Leave a Comment

B is for Banana.  Welcome to our Letter B Activities.   Our picky eaters may be receptive to our Letter B word of the week.  This week’s word is Banana.  If you’re unfamiliar with our fruit and vegetable activities, they are designed to familiarize children with a fruit or vegetable that starts with each letter of the alphabet.   

Did your child enjoy the Letter A activities?   Fortunately, if you missed them you can download them here.  Additionally, the printables will help them with cutting skills, writing each letter in the word, and eventually working their way to writing the actual word of the week.

 

 

Letter B Activities

 

 

Have the kid find the fruit in the magazines or seed catalogs.  They can practice cutting and pasting the picture on to a piece of paper.  I requested catalogs from various on-line seed sites.  They are wonderful for this activity, and they are free.  If you have other magazines that you can use, that’s fine too.  Using pictures is great for visual kids.

 

Letter B Activities

 

 

They can also color our banana coloring page.  Show pictures of yellow, red or green bananas, and let them decide how they want their banana to look.

kindergarten activities

 

Furthermore, Hawaii is the only state to grow bananas in the United States.   And, bananas are grown on bushes that can reach 25 feet or more.  They grow in clusters called hands.  Get additional facts from our Banana Fact Sheet Banana Combined

 

Additionally, talk about how bananas can be used.  For example, muffins, smoothies, banana splits or other snacks.  Use our Banana Fact Sheet to come up with a few other interesting facts to share.  For example, discuss how monkeys peel bananas, from the bottom up.  Not from the top down as we do.

 

Letter B Activities

 

Also, fix a snack using bananas for our Letter B activities.  Making food fun can help eliminate picky eater problems too.  So, whip up a batch of banana muffins.  How about a banana smoothie.   Letter B is for a Banana Smoothie.  Additionally, stay tuned for Letter B Snack ideas.

 

 

 

 

Finally, you can download more of our Letter B activities  here.  So, our next lesson will be Letter C Activities:  C is for Carrot.

 

 

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Tips to Help Manage Childhood Stress

July 5, 2018 by 1 Comment

It’s something that isn’t talked about enough, but children get stressed out just as much as adults. That may seem impossible, given that children aren’t dealing with the workplace, marriage or families. However, they are dealing with the pressure of school, peer pressure and the pressure that comes with new children joining the family.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on childhood stress.

Pressure can lead to chronic stress in children. Stress can negatively impact their routines and sleep patterns. Unfortunately, children can become cranky, exhausted and unable to manage their day or their emotions properly.

 

 

childhood stress

 

 

 

Stress can lead to a number of issues  besides sleep issues. Children can become anxious.  They may want their parents to sleep in bed with them again as if they were a toddler. Poor sleep leads to more stress.  It’s a vicious cycle for your child to have to cope with.  A good way to help reduce the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, is to help your child manage their sleep cycle.  As an adult, you know that insomnia comes with feeling stressed out.  So, imagine your child feeling that very same way?  Below, you’ll find tips on how to manage childhood stress.  Our tips will help your child’s body get back into a good sleep routine, and slowly eliminate childhood stress.

 

childhood stress

 

  • Set The Mood – Some people like to sleep with the lights on.  Some people like it dark.  Sit with your child and ask them how they like to sleep. Without knowing their comforts, you can’t provide them with the right space for sleeping.  Invest in blackout blinds.  Also, learn the best mattress with Mattress-Guides.net/.  You can create a sleep space that is comfortable and relaxed with the right mattress.  Involve your child in the selection of the mattress.
  • Set A Bed Time –  Routine is key for children.  But, for those who can’t sleep they need a routine that’s going to help get a good night of sleep.  Strive to kept the same bath time, story time, and bed time routine until it sinks in. The body and brain learn to expect what comes next.
  • Set An Alarm – Next, with a bedtime routine comes a morning routine. If your child is to be in bed at 8 p.m., set the alarm for 7 a.m. the next day. If the bedtimes and wake up times are consistent, you get the body into a pattern that works.
  • Set A Screen Limit –  Blue light technology has an effect on the brain and how children are able to function.  So, if your child is staring at a screen within two hours of bedtime, you need to put a stop to it.  Children need time to allow their brains have time to switch off and unwind.  Kids need their melatonin production to stay consistent.

Finally, sleep is so important in order to to set up the day.  So, manage childhood stress by implementing the rules above and you’ll quickly notice a difference.

 

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: , , ,