Category:

Family

6 Financial Things to Consider Before Marriage
FinancesMarriage

6 Financial Things to Consider Before Marriage

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

Marriage isn’t just a matter of romance. Although love should be the main reason why you seal the deal with your significant other, there are other critical aspects to consider, if you wish to keep your marriage alive. Before even signing the papers, you should discuss important matters, like finances, assets, or retirement plans, with your future spouse. Here are six financial things you should cover before getting married…

Discuss your opinions about money

Different stands on money can break your marriage in the future. Seeing that most of us have strong opinions about money-saving and expenditure, not having the same views about the subject could tarnish your relationship. Some people are more secretive about their spending habits and like to hide where the majority of their money goes. Others are more upfront about it. Your spouse might want to put more money on the side, while you might be more casual about saving. If you don’t see eye to eye in this particular case, chances are it will start to bother at least one of you shortly.  Most of the times, these habits are formed from our upbringing, and are not easy to get rid of, or correct. The safest way to approach this matter is to start recognizing your patterns of behavior and pinpoint those negative sides. Then, with the help of your spouse, you can slowly start changing the behaviours that are not benefiting your marriage.

Plan your estate

Planning far ahead is necessary if you wish to sort all your affairs, and leave a clean plate. That’s why estate planning is so important. Planing what will happen with your property and financial assets, and that your family is taken care of after you die is essential, if you wish to do right by everyone. Otherwise, unsorted financial aspects might lead to feuds of the beneficiaries of your estate if they fell they didn’t get what they deserved. So, have a talk with your spouse, and plan and update items like your will, life insurance policies or investment funds, and elect who will be the beneficiaries. This is imperative, even more in the case if there are more heirs involved, especially children from different marriages.

Prenuptial agreements

Prenups are not considered romantic, and just talking about them might kill the vibe, but in most cases, they are recommended. Many financial planners and accountants advise making these agreements, to avoid being sorry later, especially if you are bringing more assets than your spouse into your marriage. Research made with a thousand participants in Australia reveals that, although 74% of them thinks prenups are okay and justifiable, only 18% of them have such a contract. Such contracts are there to protect your interests in the case of divorce and are not anti-marriage. So, it is essential to talk about these matters before getting married, openly and honestly, without hurting anyone’s feelings. Your safest choice would be to hire experts, like the divorce lawyers from Sydney, who will guide you through this process, and have your best interests in mind.

The debt status of your partner

Make no mistake, you will share both the good and the bad when getting married. This means that all the debt your spouse has acquired over the years will become yours. So, before getting hitched, you might want to get a glimpse into what their liabilities are. If your partner has doubts about sharing this info with you or seems to dodge this issue, then you might have something to worry about. Give different, open-minded approach to this matter, without judging them. If they still don’t want to discuss this matter, you might want to reconsider your options. The basis of any successful marriage is honesty, and you should always be able to have an open dialogue about such issues. It is your right to have an insight into this, as it might strongly affect you in the future!

Financial and family goals

Setting the same financial course for you and your family is imperative for a healthy marriage. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss your attitudes about risk-taking and money. Most people have strong opinions about this, and it would be wise to make financial plans and goals for the foreseeable future. Only when you come clean about what you want to do with your money, you’ll be able to move forward. It is up to you whether you’ll invest your money in real estate, set it aside, or invest in the stock market. If you plan to start a family, you need to have a talk about what will it look like. How much money will you need? How many children? Will one of you stay at home to look after them, or will you pay for daycare? There are literally hundreds of questions you should talk about with your spouse.

Income source

Being fully aware of your spouse’s income source, or sources is one of the essential things to talk about before getting married. Whether they have a steady, nine-to-five job, with a fixed salary, or they are freelancing with unpredictable monthly income, you need to be informed about it. You need to know whether you will be able to meet all your monthly financial obligations together. Bills, mortgages, and food are all things you need to find the money for every single month. And even though it is perfectly fine to have an unpredictable source of income, you still need to make a long term plan on how you will deal with these issues in rough times.

Final thoughts…

Getting married means sharing everything with your spouse, whether you like it or not. Finances are often one of the main obstacles in a marriage, especially if you were not open about them in the beginning. To increase the chances of having a successful union, you should be clear about every aspect of your financial status, from indebtedness and retirement plans, to tax information and intent to sign a prenuptial agreement. Only then will your partner be able to trust you fully, and vice-versa!

About the Author

Emma Williams is an Australian writer with a master’s degree in business administration, who has a passion for anything lifestyle and design related. She spends most of her time redecorating and participating in house projects. As a great nature lover, her biggest pleasure is spending time in a small cottage by the river.

Find her on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/EmmaWilliams204

Did you like this article? Then pin it!

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
5 Fantastic Ways To Stay Physically Fit Together
FamilyMarriage

5 Fantastic Ways To Stay Physically Fit Together

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

If you want to spend more quality time with your spouse while getting healthier, couples’ workouts are the perfect solution!

Start by finding a time that works best for both of you to work out. This may require getting up extra early to get your workout in or devoting more time to staying active after work instead of plopping down in front of Netflix as soon as you get home (Bonus: If you work out at home, you can do both!)

Marriage courses can help you and your spouse set fitness goals and deepen other aspects of your relationship that can help you on your fitness journey. Here are 5 ways you can stay fit with your partner and 5 benefits of doing so.

1. Go Biking Together

Cycling is a great aerobic activity. This gives your lungs, heart, and blood vessels all a fantastic workout.

Biking is also a great option for couples because it’s easy. Everyone knows how to ride a bike! Not only does this exercise option put you out in the fresh air and give you an opportunity to explore your city, but it can be done at any time of day and without a gym membership.

2. Hit the Gym

Working out at the gym is a classic way to stay physically fit with your partner.

It may not be as cheap as working out at home or exploring nature, but it does offer you a great variety of workouts to choose from.

Most gyms offer different classes, a wide range of cardio machines, pools, spas, and weight machines to choose from.

This allows you to have a perfectly balanced workout and to try new things together.

3. Take a Class

One fun way to get your workout on as a couple is by taking a class together such as kickboxing, dancing, pilates or a workout bootcamp.

Learning a new skill while improving your health is great. But, there’s more! Couples who share hobbies, such as dancing or hiking, reported higher levels of marital satisfaction than those who don’t share activities.

Married couples also experience a decline in stress and greater happiness when spending quality time together.

4. Walk, Jog, Run

Unlike intense and intimidating workouts like CrossFit, getting your cardio through steps offers you the opportunity to go at your own pace. You can go for a lovely early morning or after-dinner walk with your sweetheart, jog briskly around the block to get your blood pumping, and slowly build up to being able to run together.

Running and walking have endless benefits. One is that you don’t have to spend money to get fit. The potentially slower pace of walking also allows you to have productive conversations with your spouse along the way.

It is also good for your health. Running can tone your legs, help you lose weight, improve your breathing, and reduce stress.

5. Do Yoga

If you want to get fit as a couple but aren’t sure about getting sweaty at the gym, never fear – yoga is here!

Yoga is great for both your physical and mental health as a couple. Not only does all of that stretching, holding, and posing do wonders for toning and shaping your body, but it’s also wonderful for helping you find inner peace and calm.

Yoga has also been shown to relieve stress, depression, and anxiety.

The Benefits of Working Out With Your Spouse

Now that we know the many awesome ways you and your partner can get your workout on together, it’s time to look at the benefits of doing so.

Motivate and Encourage

Taking a marriage course is another great way to stay motivated to work out while also strengthening your relationship.

This online marriage course will show you and your partner how to improve your communication skills, deepen intimacy, and learn the importance of setting goals as a couple.

Setting goals are healthy for you as partners since it teaches you to cooperate and rely on one another. It also triggers satisfaction and happiness when you accomplish something.

Boost Efficiency

Research shows that having a little friendly competition with your spouse can actually double the amount of time you spend working out.

And what if your partner is more capable or experienced than you at working out? Even better! The Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology reveals that working out with a more experienced partner boosts the inexperienced partner’s drive at the gym by 24 percent.

Stick to your Workouts

A study published by Indiana University Bloomington found that couples who workout together are more likely to stick with their exercise routine.

Another study found that people who seek a healthy lifestyle are 14 percent more likely to stick with the program than those who tried to lose weight solo. Couples who workout together are also 42 percent more likely to keep the weight off!

Lower Stress and Anxiety

Exercise is great for reducing stress and anxiety – especially when done with a partner.

The International Journal of Stress Management found that people who rode bikes for thirty minutes with a partner reported feeling calmer post-workout than participants who solo cycled.

Stay Accountable

One great benefit of working out as a couple is that you are accountable to one another. There is no “Ah, I’ll just skip my run this morning!” when you’re working out as a team.

Not only will this help you stay on track with your fitness goals, but studies show that working out as a team enhances the duration of the workout, as well as consistency and motivation.

Staying fit with your spouse is a great way not only to draw closer but to up your health-game. Working out with a partner means you up your efficiency at the gym, lower stress, and stay motivated to continue. By using marriage courses and workouts to your advantage, your relationship will be as solid as your abs!


About the Author

Sylvia Smith is a writer who likes to write about relationships and how couples can revitalize their love lives in and out of the bedroom. She is currently associated with Marriage.com. She is a big believer in living consciously and encourages couples to adopt its principles in their relationships. By taking purposeful and intentional action,  Sylvia feels any relationship or marriage can be transformed and truly enjoyed.

 

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
These Are the Reasons You and Your Family Should Get a Pet
Family

These Are the Reasons You and Your Family Should Get a Pet

by Jennifer Landis
written by Jennifer Landis

We all love cute and furry animals — so much so that we domesticate them and bring them home with us as pets. Cats, dogs and other pets have become so commonplace in American homes that it almost seems odd to find a home without a pet. I’m no exception — we’ve got a furry four-legged family member, and our life wouldn’t be the same without him. The fact that they’re cuddly and sweet isn’t the only reason you should have a pet, though. Here are a few reasons you and your family should consider adding a pet to your life.

They Keep You Healthy

Dogs have a bad reputation for being dirty and stinky, and while it’s true they do tend to roll in the smelliest things they can find, having a dog in your home can be good for you. Research has shown dog owners, in particular, have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure and a lower risk for heart disease.

As a species, we’ve become obsessed with cleanliness. While this has solved some problems — like post-surgery infections resulting from dirty tools, as was common in the early 1900s — it has left us at a bit of a disadvantage. Our immune systems are like a muscle. The more bacteria and viruses they fight off, the stronger they become. Keeping a dog in your house introduces new variables your immune system needs to protect you from.

It’s not enough to make you sick, but it lets your white blood cells flex their muscles and becomes stronger. That way, the next time you encounter the common cold or something like it, they’re powerful enough to fend it off before it leaves you sniffling.

They Keep Kids Active

We all know childhood obesity is a problem — the number of obese children has nearly tripled since the 1970s. We don’t get outside as often as we used to. Technology lets us do everything we need from the comfort of our homes, but it means as a species, we’re getting fat and lazy.

You don’t have that option with a dog. They need to go out and play and burn off all that doggy energy, or they’ll find another way to entertain themselves — which usually involves chewing something they shouldn’t. My furbaby, a 9-year-old black lab mix we rescued years ago, went through more than a few pairs of shoes before I figured this little tidbit out.

Now, I can send my daughter out in our fenced yard with the dog, and they’ll run and play until they’re both exhausted. Or, I can hook him to a leash and take him out with me on my morning jog. He’s played an enormous role in keeping our family more active than we’ve been in years.

They Help Kids Form Connections

There’s a reason dogs are the first choice when training therapy animals. Yeah, they’re easy to fall in love with, but they’re also very calming and in tune with the emotions of those around them. They can even help children form bonds with others, which is invaluable for children on the autism spectrum. One study found autistic children who have trouble bonding with humans often find it easy to form a close connection with a dog. Ninety-four percent of the children involved in the study had bonded to their family pet, allowing them to share space with them and interacting with them during play.

Having a pet isn’t a foolproof method for helping these children learn to form new relationships, but it is an option and just one more reason to bring a furry friend home.

They Teach Responsibility

Are you having a hard time imparting the concept of responsibility to your little ones? You’re not alone — my older daughter is only 5, but she hasn’t quite managed to perfect that skill yet. One thing that has helped is our dog. Adding a dog to the family, and assigning your children dog-related chores like feeding and walking, can help turn that concept into something more tangible.

Now, I’m not saying to put your dog’s life into their hands — you can expect to step in to feed or walk your furry family member now and then. After a long day, if my daughter is exhausted and ready for bed as soon as we walk in the door, I don’t always enforce the “feed-the-dog-first” rule. After a while, you might not even need to remind them to take care of their four-legged friend.

They Can Protect Your Home

You don’t need to have an attack dog to benefit from bringing a furry friend home. An insurance company consulted some former burglars to find out what made them choose one house over another. Out of the top 10 burglary deterrents these ex-criminals listed, a barking dog was No. 2. You read that right — thieves will likely avoid your house if you’ve got a dog who likes to bark whenever someone comes to the door, even if they won’t attack an intruder.

You Can Change Their Lives

OK, this one is more for your furry friends than for your family, but hear me out. Adopting a dog, cat or any other pet from a rescue can change their lives. My furbaby was a guest at our local animal shelter for nearly two years before we decided to add a pet to our lives. He wasn’t a puppy, and his size — as a black lab mix, he’s a pretty big pup — was intimidating to a lot of people looking for a pet.

He was fortunate that our local shelter is a no-kill facility — they don’t euthanize animals unless it’s medically necessary — but many shelter animals aren’t as lucky. Millions of animals are euthanized every year while they wait and wish for their forever homes.

Add a Furry Family Member

In the immortal words of Colonel Jack O’Neill from the Stargate franchise, “We have a rule here on Earth. Every kid has got to have a dog.” I can’t imagine my life without at least one dog in it, but I get that dogs aren’t for everyone, and that’s all I’ve been talking about this whole time. You don’t necessarily need to get a dog, but if you decide to adopt a pet — whether you’re looking for a dog, a cat, a bird, a rabbit or a guinea pig — head to your local shelter and see who is waiting for their forever home. You can save a life and add a new family member in one fell swoop.

Dogs aren’t just good company — they can help keep you healthy, and help you shape your children into adults you’ll be proud of when they head out into the world.

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Mother's Day
Family

These 6 Apps Make the Best Mother’s Day Gifts

by Jennifer Landis
written by Jennifer Landis

Mother’s Day is right around the corner — May 12th this year — which means you’re running out of time to find your mom the perfect gift. Instead of heading to the Hallmark Store or Amazon, why not take a look at these apps that can help you create the best Mother’s Day gifts? There’s a wide variety of options here, so you’re sure to find something your mom will love.

1. Zeel

Is there anything better for Mother’s Day than a massage? You don’t have to drag your mom out of the house to a massage therapist, though. Zeel brings one home to you. You can gift mom a treatment from the app, and they’ll come right to her door. You don’t have to worry that you’re inviting some creep to mom’s house, through — all the therapists are certified and ID verified, so they’re professionals.

As a side note, I’m hinting about this one to my husband. I would love a massage for Mother’s Day. Hint hint, wink wink, nudge nudge.

Mother's Day

2. Adorama Photo Book Designer

Whether it’s filled with your own baby photos or pictures of the kids and grandkids, a photo book can make a great Mother’s Day gift. Instead of trying to print and bind your own, or struggling to do it at Walmart and ending up with an inferior quality product, Adorama Photo Book Designer gives you the tools to build a high-quality photo book right from your smartphone.

Choose photos from your phone library or your social media pages. It even syncs to Amazon Cloud and Flickr, so no matter where you have your photos saved, you can pull them up. The auto-build tool helps you put together the perfect book in seconds, and you can have it delivered right to mom’s door.

3. BloomThat

It can be hard to find flowers locally during the week leading up to Mother’s Day. Everyone and their brother is trying to buy blooms for their mom, which could leave her favorite blossoms in short supply. Instead of fighting with cross-country deliveries or last-minute cancellations, download BloomThat. This easy-to-use app gives you the option to order flowers and know they’ll be delivered in time for the holiday, no matter how far you are from home. Let’s be honest here — who doesn’t love getting fresh flowers?

Mother's Day

4. DoorDash

If you’re not the best cook but still want to do something special for mom this Mother’s Day, you don’t have to try to find a table at a local restaurant. Download DoorDash and have a special Mother’s Day dinner delivered right to her home. Thankfully, you’re not limited to fast food with this app. Find something unique and have it delivered instead of fighting through the massive restaurant crowds, and enjoy a quiet meal at home instead.

DoorDash is available in hundreds of cities, with more popping up every day. If this particular app doesn’t deliver to mom’s, you’re not without options. Grubhub, Uber Eats and more all offer the same service in different areas.

5. Minibar

What is Mother’s Day without a bottle of wine or some other stiff adult beverage? You can swing by the liquor store on the way to mom’s, or you can use Minibar and have her favorite wine or liquor delivered right to her door. In some cities, you can even have the booze delivered in an hour or less.

If you’re worried you might forget to order, you can schedule your shipments up to two weeks in advance. Do it now while you’re thinking about it and have it delivered just in time for Mother’s Day.

Mother's Day

6. Gyft

If you’re not sure what to get for mom, a gift card is always a good option — but which one do you buy? Gyft takes the guesswork out of finding the right thing. If you’re not sure what store mom would enjoy the most, you can buy Gyft credit and send it to her. From there, she can pick and choose any gift card from hundreds of different stores, then use it either online or in person.

Gyft is also extremely useful if you tend to lose plastic gift cards. Entering them on your account keeps track of balances, so you won’t lose out on those precious dollars if you happen to lose the card.

There’s Still Time 

Whether you’re planning a meal for mom or building her a photo book, you don’t have a lot of time left. Mother’s Day is May 12th this year, and those minutes are ticking away. Take a look at some of these apps to help you find the perfect gift for your mom this Mother’s Day — or show the list to your husband so he can treat you for this holiday that’s all about you.

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Practical Financial Planning Advice For Parents
FamilyFinancesLifestyle

Practical Financial Planning Advice For Parents

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

Once you have a child, you realize your choices make a significant impact on your current and future situation. However, knowing you need to stabilize your finances and knowing how to go about it aren’t the same thing. Follow this practical financial planning advice to give you and your family a firm financial foundation. 

Children are expensive. Most parents realize quickly that having children isn’t cheap. In fact, some research shows raising a child will cost you close to $13,000 annually. If you send your youngster to college, the costs can range between $10,000 and almost $60,000, depending on the institution.  Given that those costs are virtually guaranteed to rise over time, it doesn’t take a math whiz to recognize you need to manage your money appropriately in order to fund those expenses.

financial planning

First thing’s first. You and your spouse should sit down and discuss your financial planning goals. Your discussions should cover your current situation, such as whether you need to purchase a new car.  You should also talk about future expenditures, such as whether you intend to pay for your child’s college education. While this is important “business,” one suggestion is to make the discussion fun.  Gather your pens and calculator, order your favorite pizza, and open a bottle of wine. Keep things light yet productive!

Budget basics. Another important priority is to establish a monthly budget. After all, you can’t realistically fund any of your goals without knowing your financial situation. The Balance suggests starting with your monthly expenses. Gather all your bills and tally them. If you have other, non-monthly expenses such as insurance or car registrations, compute how much you need to save for them per month and include them as well. Also include more flexible expenditures, such as entertainment, gas, gifts, clothing and groceries. Once you have all your expenses listed and tallied, calculate your monthly income, being sure to include all sources. Subtract your expenses from your income, and the end result should be zero. If you have money left, put it into savings. If you are in the red, you need to cut spending; usually the easiest places to cut are in things like clothing and entertainment. 

financial planning

Review insurance. Now that a child depends on you, your insurance policies are more important than ever. As USA Today explains, you should review your life insurance and disability policies to ensure you have adequate coverage. Research how various types of life insurance policies function, as well as how cash values and premiums vary. For instance, you can sell most life insurance policies in retirement to free up cash. In this way you not only provide for your family if something should happen to you, but you also have a safety net in place if money gets tight due to medical issues or other unforeseen circumstances. That said, be sure you do thorough research prior to making the decision — you’ll want to be certain it’s the right one for you and your family.

Retirement savings. Chances are right now you are focused on your child. However, as NerdWallet points out, planning for your own future is more important than ever. After all, you don’t want to be a burden to your child when you are older, so it’s vital to invest in your own retirement. There are many types of retirement plans. Usually the best options available are employer-sponsored plans because they are typically offered to you at little or no cost.   

financial planning

Prepay funerals. While it’s not something anyone enjoys thinking about, it’s important to talk about funeral arrangements. When you prepay funeral expenses, you can save your family money and alleviate emotional stress during what will be a difficult time for them. You have several options:

  • Joint bank account.  When someone passes away, their assets can be frozen temporarily.  By opening a joint account, you can avoid this issue.
  • Buy a pre-need insurance plan through a funeral home. This can simplify plans greatly; however, it’s important to review the details of individual plans carefully.
  • Final expense insurance policy. These policies cover not only funeral expenses but also final medical expenses. 

Your spending habits are no longer just about you. By making smart choices about financial planning now, you prepare yourselves and your children for the future. By using these practical tips, you and your children can enjoy financial stability. 

About the Author

“After losing her husband Greg, Sara Bailey created TheWidow.net in the hopes of sharing her journey of grief and provide insight and hope to those who experience loss. She is also the author of the upcoming book Hope and Help After Loss: A Guide For Newly Widowed Parents.“ 

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
5 Parenting Tips From My Mother-In-Law That I Couldn’t Follow
FamilyHumorMotherhood

5 Parenting Tips From My Mother-In-Law That I Couldn’t Follow

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

Parenting is already hard. But you know what’s harder? When somebody is constantly telling you what to do and what not to do with your kids. Now, what if that “somebody” is none other than your mother-in-law? Scared already? Been there, done that.

Look, there is no way you can avoid conflicts with your mamma-in-law. No matter how hard you’re trying to give your children proper care, they will find a flaw in it.

I know she means well. After all, my kid is her grandkid as well. So instead of misunderstanding her or getting into a nasty argument over parenting decisions, I simply unhear and unfollow all the ridiculous parenting tips she keeps throwing in.

Here’s a narrow down of the 5 most irrational and terrible parenting tips from my mamma-in-law (I hope she’s not reading this!):

1.“So what? He’s just a kid”

Guess what? I know. I popped him out of my uterus.

Once my 3-year-old boy snatched toys from a kid at a birthday party. Not just that, he pulled his hair and when scolded, he started throwing tantrums. I gave him a good talking to when we got back home. No matter how small a kid is, this is not an acceptable way to behave with others.

You know who interrupted me by saying “let it go, he is just a kid, he’ll grow out of it”? My mother-in-law. I know that she loves her grandkid but this is like encouraging him to be a bully. I can’t let that happen. You should know that sometimes a persuasive argument is not enough. You will have to be strict to keep your kids grounded, humble and kind to others.

2. The Brandy Solution

One day, Nathan woke up midnight crying as his gum pain worsened. He probably had a tooth infection. Instead of suggesting something logical like taking the appointment of a dentist, she asks me to do this:

“Rub a nip of brandy on Nathan’s gum, will you?”.

No!

I know that hard liquor like brandy or whiskey can ease the pain but we are talking about a baby here! Even a tiny dose can be harmful to children, causing seizures, a spike in the blood sugar level, vomiting, respiratory problems and it can even put him in a coma. Never rub alcohol on your children’s teeth or gum. It could be fatal.

3. “That baby walker will break his bone!”

Kind of a legit fear but still stupid. I bought a baby walker after taking into consideration all the safety aspects. The model he uses is specially made for uneven surfaces like carpet. It has buckles and everything to keep him secure in the walker. Plus, the wheels are specially designed so that they don’t move too fast or topple over.

No matter what your mother-in-law tells you, as long as your child is under the supervision and the walker is well-made, it’s completely safe to use.

4. “No need to homeschool my little boy”

I do believe that the teachers at school would do a wonderful job. But I want to be a part of his teaching team too. Reading, writing, and learning are complex tasks. If Nathan gets to learn the basics from me, he’ll do much better at school. Moreover, teaching your kids is a great way to bond with them as well. Do you hear me, dear mother-in-law?

Cute adorable newborn baby wrapped in colorful blanket, sleeping and dreaming. Closeup of peaceful child, little baby girl . Family, Birth, new life. Swaddling as method for calm child

5. “Stop swaddling that tiny kid”

Swaddling is a scientifically approved method of restricting a baby’s frantic movement. It soothes and comforts the baby. In fact, swaddling reduces the risks of anxiety in babies and helps them sleep peacefully. It is also known to reduce SID or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

My in-law is not much of a science person.

The Bottom Line

Having said all that, don’t be too hard on your mother-in-law. She probably got these parenting tips from her parents. In their times, parenting and baby care were not as advanced as they are today. So the next time they butt in with a piece of unwanted, crazy advice, explain to them how they are wrong. If they don’t understand, just laugh it off and peace out.

Author Bio

Alvina Emmy is a dynamic mother, always on the lookout for fun activities with her precious daughter and fun-loving techie husband. She is keen to share everything that she has learned on her site Parentloves.com

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
5 Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Became A Mom
MarriageMotherhood

5 Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Became A Mom

by Modi Ramos
written by Modi Ramos

Before I had kids, I was a completely different person. I embrace motherhood as my authentic self, and I don’t try to fit into a mold of what I am “supposed” to be, but rather, what I want to be. My late mother was by no means a traditional mother, and I applaud her for that. Being true to your authentic self will help you to be happier and not feel as if you’ve lost your identity when you are deep in your journey of motherhood.

Here are 5 things I wish I had known before I became a mom…

You Will Turn Into Your Mother, Regardless of The Million Times You Swore Up And Down That You Never Would

Ladies, you know exactly what I’m talking about right here. It’s that moment when you’re frazzled, tired, probably haven’t showered, laundry up to your eyeballs, and some tiny human is begging you to make them macaroni. You lose it. All the cool flies out the window. You’re huffing, puffing, feeling defeated. I have definitely been there. It’s like I’ve been teleported back to my own childhood, and I’m shaking my head at this mother I’ve become. But you know what? Parenting is hard work! I don’t care what the scenario is, it’s not for the faint of heart. And that full circle moment when you flip the script is when you’ll see that look in your kid’s eyes mirroring back at you what you once felt. Hint: there’s a reason moms like wine! (AKA mom juice.)

You Will Not Always be Perfect. Learn to Let That Sh*t Go.

Oh, man. I cannot preach this one enough. I am a person who sets the bar for myself extremely high. I want to do it all, have it all, be it all, and I want to look good doing it. But that is just not real life. After my son was diagnosed with Autism a few years ago, I realized it wasn’t worth killing myself over all the things I thought I could do. I learned that sometimes in life the little moments are actually the big moments. And it’s not about an award, or fancy jewelry, or a raise, or clicking with the PTA kiss-ass moms at school. It’s about those tiny humans and the person you’re raising them with. Stop and smell the roses sometimes. It’s worth it.

Your Partner Should Always Be Your #1

What came first? The chicken or the egg? In the case of kids, it’s the partner. It doesn’t matter if you’re married, dating, engaged, whatever. You are committed to the tiny humans that you created or adopted together. That’s what’s most important. I know we can become wrapped up in all our kids’ schedules, needs, care, etc. But putting your spouse on the back burner time after time is a recipe for disaster. Your partner needs to know that they’re still clinching the top spot. Value them, lift them up, be a team. And if they’re guilty of putting you on that back burner, don’t be afraid to voice your needs. It’s okay, and sometimes, they won’t know unless you tell them!

There is Beauty and Kindness in This World, Be The One To Show it and Teach it

It doesn’t matter where you live, if you turn on the local news, you can feel as if you’re raising your kids in a scary place. Although there is danger out there, there are silver linings and beauty all around us. There are still good people in this world even if you feel that we hear more sad stories than good. It’s up to you to show your children the beauty all around us and to teach them to treat others kindly regardless of the way they look, act, or speak. We are all different, and the world would be a boring place if we were all the same. Encourage your children to be unique and embrace their originality. If more of us appreciated differences, the world would be a much better place. And more importantly, negativity towards others is a learned behavior. Children are so sweet and pure, but they’re also little sponges that pick up on your actions and words. I know I sometimes let curse words fly, I’m not perfect by any means, but I treat others with kindness and teach my kids to do the same.

Self-Love and Self-Care Go Hand-in-Hand

Look, I get it. I’ve gotta do beauty on a budget, too, most of the time. Sure, I wish I could afford to buy nice things for myself or to spend money on things for me, but that’s not something I can do. Self-care doesn’t have to cost a dime. Sometimes it’s as small as reading, going for a walk, working out, maybe even taking a hot bath. In some cases, it’s just getting a few minutes alone to yourself each day. You have to love yourself before you can love anyone else. Value yourself and do not feel selfish for needing time to just be you. Something I like to do is to take showers in the evening while my husband can watch the kids, and it sure beats shower Schizophrenia that most moms can relate to.

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
7 Signs Of Autism You Should Never Ignore
FamilyHealthKidsSpecial Needs

7 Signs Of Autism You Should Never Ignore

by Modi Ramos
written by Modi Ramos

I want to preface this article by saying that I am not a medical professional and that the advice I am giving here to others is strictly from personal experience. A formal diagnosis of autism is heavy news, no matter how strong you are. Autism is not something that has a cure nor will it suddenly disappear. With the right treatment options, facing the diagnosis head-on and advocating for your child will help you to give them as normal a life as they can possibly have.

If you know someone that could benefit from reading this, please share it with them. For myself, it was easier to spot these signs as this happened to my third child. Often times, a first born or only child who is suspected to have autism will go longer without receiving a formal diagnosis because parents don’t know what red flags to look for.

This is an image of my son, shortly before we started seeing red flags for autism. Never would I have thought that something as life-changing as autism was on his horizon.

Read on to see this list of 7 signs of autism you should never ignore…

Disengagement

My son was a wonderful baby. If you had told me at 6 months of age that he would be diagnosed as severely autistic 12 months later I would have told you that you were crazy. But around the time my son hit 1 year of age, I noticed that he started looking off often, and that he didn’t want to make eye contact with me the way he did when he did before. If I would lay him down to change his diaper, I would see him watching the fan, rather than looking at me. I’d say his name and urge him to engage, but he wouldn’t always respond. This is a sign that will be easier to spot, as sometimes it’s the result of a sudden shift in behavior. (But I will say, my sweet boy has returned and now seeks to make eye contact with me, and it makes my heart melt. I’m a firm believer in the power of early intervention and I cannot preach this enough. Knowledge is power and autism is not something that can be brushed under the rug.)

Lack Of Interest/Can You Hear Me?

When Autism was first said to us from a medical professional, I was more open to the reality of it than my husband was. (Ladies, men and women process things differently, and do not shame your husband if he has a hard time digesting the thought of autism initially.) With that being said, we both thought that despite passing his newborn hearing screening, we should have our son’s hearing checked out again. Per doctor’s request, we were sent to a pediatric audiologist to have thorough hearing tests performed. The reason I’m saying we did this is because our son wouldn’t look when we called his name. Even if we would raise our voices loudly and clearly when calling for him, he many times wouldn’t even bother so much as to look, turnaround, or come to us. And more so, if guests would come to our home, he’d prefer to stay in his room or away from them. I would often wonder, why does he choose to be in his own little world? Once the hearing check came back A-okay, it was then that I realized that instead of him coming into our world, I should try stepping into his. Over time, he has started to engage more with us, but he often prefers to play by himself or entertain himself. Now I just encourage our daughters to play in the area that he is playing, and sometimes when the mood strikes him, he’ll see what they are doing nearby and get curious about it.

Pages: 1 2 3

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
15 New & Improved Date Night Ideas for the New Year
MarriageTips & Ideas

15 New & Improved Date Night Ideas for the New Year

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

Having healthy time away from your kids with your partner or spouse is necessary to being a sane human being, but often times it gets put on the back burner due to time, finances or just pure exhaustion. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a great date night! Here’s a list of some new and creative ideas for your next date night.

date night ideas

1. Yoga Together

True, 99% of us will not be performing the pose seen in the photo above, but you don’t have to be a yogi to have a date night together. The practice of yoga is a perfect match to a date night with your partner, where you can each spend time developing awareness and mindfulness (in addition to stretching and challenging your body)––perfect aspects for improving your relationship! After your class, hit up a smoothie bar or snag a healthy meal.

date night ideas

2. Get Amused

Amusement parks aren’t just for kids––they’re for parents too! I know my husband and I thoroughly enjoy a trip to our local amusement park without kiddos because we finally get to enjoy the “big kid rides.” You most definitely do not have to spend hundreds of dollars for a ticket to a giant park, especially if your town has a smaller version as an option. You can also hit up the state or county fair depending on the season. The only requirement? HAVE FUN!

date night ideas

3. Lessons

Whether you’ve been dying to improve your ballroom dancing skills, brush up on cooking or want to learn to ride horses, signing up for lessons can be a great way to have regular date nights! Not only will you gain some mad skills on a hobby you love, you’ll be bonding with your partner too. Just make sure it’s something you’re both interested in before signing up!

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
family into the holiday spirit
FamilyHoliday

6 Fun Activities That Will Get Your Family Into The Holiday Spirit

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

The holidays are around the corner and parents everywhere are looking for ways to get the whole family involved in their Christmas traditions. It can be especially challenging to do so if you have teens that may not want to participate in some traditions for fear of looking “uncool.” However, just because they consider themselves much too cool to take photos in matching pajamas or watch reruns of old movies doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do together over the holidays. Look at this as an opportunity to come up with new traditions, re-invent others and create new memories together.

Here are some fun activities that will get the whole family into the spirit of the holidays.

1. Deck the halls.

A perfect way to inject some holiday fun this year is to let your kids help with decorating the house. Encourage them to bring out their inner artists by allowing them to decorate their rooms as they wish. They can also lend a hand with making wreaths, decorating your front porch, dinner table, etc.

2. Bake and decorate cookies together.

The holidays just aren’t the same in our home without the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. Getting your kids to help bake delicious cookies then letting them help with decorating them afterward is sure to be fun. Everyone will feel proud of their contribution towards the Christmas meal.

3. Make and send some Christmas cards.

I’ve always loved handing out hand-made cards and Christmas is the ideal time to do this. Asking your kids to make some cards for friends and family not only fires up their creativity but also keeps them occupied for hours on end.

4. Reach out to others.

Part of what makes the holidays special is being able to share with others, so find ways of reaching out to the less fortunate this holiday. There are so many ways you can teach your kids to give this holiday. For instance, you can volunteer at a nursing home, ask your kids to donate to a charity of their choice or even encourage your teens to go read Christmas stories to small kids at the local library.

5. Play games together.

Sticking to traditional games like charades can get pretty boring but there’s no reason not to put a new, more fun twist on them. You can also get your kids to teach you how to play their favorite video games or learn a completely new game together as a family.

6. Track Santa online.

Additionally, your tech-savvy kids can help track Santa live as he leaves the North Pole and goes around the world. You can set up a laptop or TV in your living room so everyone can stay updated on Santa’s progress and maybe even guess which countries he’ll visit next.

The holidays are a great time for the whole family to get together and spending a little time planning fun activities beforehand ensures that everyone will have a fantastic time!

 

Author Bio

Tyler Jacobson is a father of three and avid outdoor enthusiast. He’s learned a thing or two about parenting and has turned from a full time career in digital media to helping fellow parents of teenagers. He pulls from his own life experiences raising spunky, free-spirited children, as well as his work with various organizations that help teens be their best selves. During his free time, Tyler enjoys taking his family into the mountains to connect with a simpler side of life which he finds grounding and rejuvenating.

 

RELATED POSTS

DIY Upcycled Christmas Card Topiary

9 Front Porch Decorating Ideas For Christmas

10 Of The Cutest DIY Rustic Christmas Ornaments

family into the holiday spirit

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts