...best job in the world
When you become a parent, life as you know it can shift in a variety of ways. Suddenly the way that you once saw the world changes, and you may find yourself grasping to keep up with all the transformations in your life.
From your level of responsibility shifting, to the amount of work on your shoulders, it can be a lot to process. It helps to anticipate some of the changes before they happen so that you can deal with them best.
Okay, so there’s really no such thing as a perfect kid. But we can all hope, right? We can all aim for the stars, and we won’t be all that upset if we don’t make it all the way. Still, what are some options that give parents the best opportunities to create children with good behavior patterns and charisma and emotional intelligence?
There are several choices that parents can make, especially early on, that will help improve the chances of guiding a child successfully. There is the matter of daycare choices. There is the decision to intentionally keep children away from too much screen time on devices. And there are plenty of character building exercises to move through as well, depending on contexts such as the age of the child and the environment that they’re in.
You can’t wait to be an empty nester, can you? It’s okay to admit it, go ahead. You and your spouse have devoted hours and hours to the successful growth of your children. You have fed them, clothed them, and driven them to soccer games and Halloween parties. You purchased and drove vehicles designed for the sole purpose of hauling kids and stuff. [Read more…] about Parenting Is A Job That Never Stops
As a parent it is normal to want the best for your kids. You work hard and try to give them the finest that life has to offer. When it comes to ensuring the security of their financial future, it is easy for a parent to be left wondering what approach to take. You already contribute to your child’s Roth IRA, building small pockets of wealth for their future when possible. You have even started looking into creating extra passive income with rental properties or flipping distressed properties.
Investing and padding the nest egg for your child’s future is certainly a nice gesture. It is unfortunate that none of these actions will ensure that their financial state will continue to remain solid long after you are gone. On the contrary, doing all this work for your child may have the opposite effect. Children who have everything handed to them in life tend to not understand how to do things for themselves. This is why it is important to educate your kids in the intricacies of how to earn and save money. Such insights will ultimately prepare them with the skills they need, ensuring that they will have a solid financial future. [Read more…] about Is Your Child’s Financial Future Secure?
Alright, I admit it – I am not a supermom. I can’t do it all myself, at least not without losing my mind, and I’m glad I don’t have to. With a full-time job, a toddler and a new baby I’m grateful to have a mother-in-law who’s willing and able to provide daycare. My husband and I are lucky to both have flexible schedules, but the kids are still at Grandma’s about four hours every day. Since it looks like this is going to be a semi-permanent arrangement I think it’s time to buy Grandma a few baby-care essentials instead of hauling everything back and forth.
The hubs and I made a list of the most important items his mom should have at her house. Since she’s already providing free childcare we don’t want her spending money on things the kids need every day. Here’s what we came up with:
1. Car Seats
Sometimes Dad drops the kids off and I pick them up, sometimes Grandma comes to get them; the constant shuffling of car seats gets confusing and it’s only a matter of time until someone who needs the car seats won’t have them. We need to furnish Grandma’s car with a new car seat for each of the kids. Besides, it’s a hassle for her to lug those seats in and out of her SUV all the time.
2. A Crib
Grandma has a fun foldout bed for our toddler to sleep on, but the baby really needs a crib. Portable cribs aren’t that expensive and I think my mother-in-law would be able to actually relax when the kids are napping if she didn’t have to keep checking to make sure the baby was alright. Plus, we could always use it if we ever get to travel anywhere again.
3. Toys
There are always some toys that are favorites, especially for our toddler. Buying an extra set of building blocks or an activity center to leave at Grandma’s house would make things easier and may prevent a meltdown in the future. Oh, and those favorite books too. Naptime is a lot easier with “Goodnight Moon” on your side.
4. First-Aid Kit
Of course she’s an experienced mother and I literally trust her with my children’s lives, but I know I’d feel better if we put together a first-aid kit that included all the same things we use at home. Our kit has the basics like bandages and ice packs, and also some children’s Tylenol for pain or fevers, some children’s Benadryl, those natural teething tablets we like, a thermometer, antibiotic cream and emergency numbers.
5. Storage Units
OK it may not be essential, but I know my mother-in-law is used to having a neat house. If we’re going to bring all these extra things to live at her home we should also supply her with some organizational strategies. A few of those stacking bins would be great; they don’t take up much space and their light enough that she could carry them around the house as they’re needed.
I know we’re lucky to have family helping us with the kids, but we don’t want to take complete advantage of Grandma. Making sure she’s equipped with all the basics will make things easier for everyone and we’ll feel better knowing she’s not out spending her Bingo money on baby wipes!
Lindsey is a professional writer living in the Indianapolis area and she writes on behalf of Sears and other deserving brands. Currently, Lindsey is completing work on her master’s degree.
Are you a full-time mom raising a toddler or growing kid? Do you sometimes feel overworked? Do you also feel the need to exercise at least a few times each week?
Well, you’re not alone. Indeed parenting is such a tough job more so if you’re just starting a family. Any hands-on mom or dad can attest to this.
Parenting requires not just a sound mind but most especially a fit body. It is only when you’re physically and emotionally healthy that you are able to take on the great responsibilities of raising a child into a useful and independent individual.
If you feel that you lack some exercise, take heart because unaware to you, there are already various daily chores that you do that help work out your body. Know what they are and what you can do more to allow you to do a little exercise.
[Read more…] about Workout Routines Ideal for Moms
These days, cable TV content covers a wide range of shows in different genres ranging from the child-friendly to the adult-oriented programs. But if you are a parent with small children, you surely would want to avoid certain programs not fit for kids.
Fortunately, you can take steps to do this. There are various tools parents can use today to ensure that they subscribe only to cable channels airing programs ideal for families and children.
The first most important step you can take is to choose a package with limited channels. Many cable TV providers offer different packages that include various channels. Normally, the less number of channels involved, the lower the monthly fee.
Family packages usually include educational channels with a few adult-oriented content. Some popular channels covered here are Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel.
[Read more…] about Tools You Can Use to Child-Proof Your Cable TV
Many men are daunted by the prospect of becoming a dad to a new person who is about to be born into the world. The child is going to be depending on you for everything for at least the next 18 years. At least mom-to-be had time during pregnancy to bond, but you have no idea what you need to be doing to ensure that once the baby is finally born, you are doing the best for them. Here are some suggestions for what you do to take the strain out of being a father of a new born baby. [Read more…] about Becoming a Dad
Are you thinking of having a baby shower but cannot decide on what would be fun and interesting to do? Like with any party, there are so many things that you can choose from, and that may leave you confused. Here are some of the ways that you can do to make your baby shower organized, interesting and fun: [Read more…] about Baby Shower Tips