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Kids

Teach Them Right: The Benefits Of Having Pets For Kids

by LifeAsMama October 11, 2019

All pet owners know how much our furry little friends make our lives better. A pet near us means we will be healthier, happier, stronger, and more open to people and to life. Namely, a dog, a cat, a bird, a hamster, all of these are companions that give us unconditional love.

We all want the best for our children, we want them to grow up strong and healthy, adventurous and stable, curious and imaginative. We strive towards preserving that childlike wonder and innocence in the modern world, while still teaching them how to actually survive in it, how to not be lead astray by their own wonder and curiosity. The article below notes the benefits pets have for our children, both in terms of their physical and their mental health, their responsibility, and their empathy.

There are tangible, biological benefits to health and stress reduction

There are two very important ways a pet improves your child’s health. First of all, it reduces the stress your child feels throughout the day. Remember, just because your kid doesn’t have your obligations doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t have any stress. School, preschool, it can all be difficult for your child. With a pet, they get some comfort. Petting an animal lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone.

The second way pets help is through lowering said stress hormone. Cortisol messes with our immune systems, it puts a strain on them, making us more susceptible to diseases and just getting sick. Furthermore, being exposed to a dog’s or cat’s germs form a young age means you are building up their immune system from an early age. You are essentially toughening them up through exposure.

Finally, they will just get a lot more exercise since they are going to walk them regularly, as well as playing and roughhousing. Anything that pries them, and you, away from a computer or smartphone screen.

boy with pet dog puppy

Responsibility and confidence

Many parents get their children a pet as a way to teach them how to be more responsible, surer of themselves. Namely, getting a pet means they have very strong, important motivation to actually learn how to be responsible. You can bury them in chores, bribe them, threaten them with curfews and lower their pocket money, but you can get much better, more organic results with a pet.

Namely, a pet is a living, breathing thing they love and care about. There is no better way to motivate them to learn how to be responsible then to care about their favorite member of their family.

On a practical level, this means they will get up at the same time every day (or most days) to walk the dog, or to feed the cat. They will clean up after their pets, taking care of bird cages, litter boxes, and hamster wheels. You can even send them to the pets store if they’re old enough.

On your part, you need to teach them properly, instead of them getting the animal, or themselves, into trouble. Talk to your veterinarian, and give very clear instructions when it comes to diet. Read articles from good websites, like, Totally Goldens, or maybe pick up a magazine recommended by your vet. Your child will most likely want to feed your pets as much as possible, just because they see that they like it. You have to explain to them why this doesn’t work. Or, they may not understand why walking your dog is so important, or why you can’t feed xyz to your pet.

Help children develop empathy

A pet gives unconditional love – they do not judge, they don’t care who you are, where you come from, who your parents are – a pet will love you and your child unconditionally. They give comfort, support, they listen intently… You, your kids, your family are the number one thing in their lives. They are the best, most loyal friends anyone can hope for.

This showing of unconditional love can teach your children how to be loving back, they help them build empathy. Furthermore, caring for a dog or a cat or whatever pet you have teaches them to be empathic, to put the needs of someone, or something, else in front of their own needs.

They also get the opportunity to practice their verbal skills even when they are not in the company of other people. Young children will get to talk a lot more, they will communicate to their pets, explain things to them, in general, keep their minds occupied.

Conclusion

A pet can do wonders for your children’s development. It teaches them what unconditional love is, what it looks like. You can also help your kids develop empathy, as well as work towards improving their verbal skills and communicative skills. They will become more confident and responsible by taking care of the pets, and they will also be healthier due to lower stress and regular exposure to their furry best friends.

About the Author

Kimberly Anderson is a simple girl that has a weak spot for dogs, cappuccino and sleep. She’s also a writer and everlasting enthusiast who believes that there is nothing better starting your day with a hot cup of coffee.

Baby and mother sleeping together in bed

Baby Health Motherhood

The Link Between Depression in Mothers and Their Baby’s Sleep

by LifeAsMama October 11, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

It’s common for newborn babies to not sleep through the night, as do their parents. However, research shows that the first six months of life are extremely important in the development of sleeping patterns (circadian rhythms) for the future. New studies show that babies whose mothers suffered from depression before they were pregnant or during their pregnancy are much more likely to having erratic sleep patterns in their first six months than other babies. We’ll explore in this article exactly what this link means for newborns.

mom happy holding baby sleep

The Background to the Study

This latest study comes from years of studying the link between sleep and depression and circadian rhythms, and finding that they were closely interlinked. At first, the research focused on adults and teenagers, before they moved on to looking at the link in newborns. This research is based on studies of sleep between two groups of newborn babies and their mothers. One group is comprised of mothers who suffered from depression during their pregnancy, and the other group is made up of women who have never suffered from depression in the past or present.

The Study Details

The women in both groups wore small devices on their wrists called actigraphs which evaluated how much sleep they got at night, how much light exposure, and their daytime routine including activity and naps. They started wearing them during the last trimester until their babies were eight months old. Two weeks after the birth of their babies, each child also received a small actigraph to wear for eight months.

Impact on Circadian Rhythm

The study showed quite conclusively that babies who were born to depressed mothers had nearly zero or zero evidence of an innate 24-hour circadian rhythm after birth, whereas the babies born to mothers without depression had this. This continued throughout the length of the study. As Nancy Kruger, a psychology writer at Australian help and Oxessays explains, “if sleep is constantly disrupted and there are no clear circadian rhythms, these individuals grow up to be much more likely to also develop depression. This is why it’s so important for all babies and new mothers to get the best sleep possible.”

Napping Patterns

One key connection found that babies born to moms who were depressed tend to nap more during the day, take more time to get to sleep at night, and also wake up much more often throughout their sleep. This is like insomnia in adults but starts much earlier. This creates more sleepless nights in parents but also means that those children may be more likely to suffer from depression later on in their lives. Researchers did reassure families that babies born to depressed mothers will not necessarily follow in their footsteps even if depression runs in families, while also warning non-depressed parents that they should still closely monitor their baby’s sleep.

The First Months

It’s very important for babies to be trained in the fist few months to sleep when it’s dark and be awake when it’s light out, so that their circadian rhythm can develop properly. Young babies that are two months or younger need 11 to 18 hours of sleep, so napping is also recommended, and for the next ten months 11 to 15 hours of sleep is required. Then, infants between the ages of 1 and 3 need 12 to 14 hours. That’s why it’s important to establish rituals around bedtime to help children understand the difference between nighttime sleeping and daytime sleeping, such as night clothes and day clothes.

Building a Schedule

It’s also important to build a sleep schedule around bright lights during the day to get your body’s circadian rhythm to associated light cycles with sleeping. Make sure you’re not shining the light in their eyes and they’re protected from direct sunlight. By four months old, the sleep schedule should be much more regular and centered on nighttime sleep with fewer breaks. In fact, Georgie Prince, a health blogger at Academized and Paper Fellows, adds that “during this time, it’s also important for the new mother to sleep on a regular schedule as well. The post-natal period is a high-risk time for depression in new mothers, even if they have no prior background of depression, and lack of sleep is a contributing factor.”

By making sure you’re monitoring your baby’s sleep patterns and building a natural schedule for sleep from the earliest age, you’re giving your child the best possible chances to have normal sleep patterns later in life and prevent depression.

About the Author

Ellie Coverdale, a health writer at Ukwritings and Essayroo, shares her insights on psychology and health in families. She is interested in the links between families and physical and mental health. You can also find her work at Boomessays. In her free time, she practices yoga and meditation.

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Newborn Babies and Marriage: How To Keep Your Relationship Alive During Those First Few Months

by LifeAsMama October 9, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

Having a child is, undeniably, one of life’s greatest joys, but when you have a newborn your priorities will instantly change. Learning to parent alongside your partner takes up a large bulk of your time as a couple, alongside the usual household chores, early mornings and day to day jobs, many couples often find that they spend less and less time as they once were, which can be hard to adjust to.

Adjusting to these new demands as parents and finding time to nurture your marriage or relationship is important for your mental and emotional wellbeing – you’ll likely find that you need one another’s support now more than ever! There are some simple things you can do which will keep your relationship thriving during those first few months of adjustment and keep you both, and your new bundle, happy.

Make A Date

Before your baby was born, you probably thought your schedule was busy enough. Now, it probably feels overwhelming, what with working, cleaning, feeding and caring for your new baby. Inevitably, your time together spent as a couple is likely to have been sacrificed. By arranging a date where you will both spend time together means that you will likely make this into a habit and this comes with great benefits for you, your partner and baby.

Your dates might start as a coffee or glass of wine in the kitchen after you’ve put the baby to bed, talking about your day, but when you feel ready to leave your newborn for a few hours, this could turn into a movie or dinner date. If you don’t quite feel ready to leave your baby yet – and this is fine – then why not take turns cooking for one another during the week? Spending time together and alone should be a priority and made into a regular occurrence, no matter what you decide to do.

date night married couple newborn baby

Show Your Affection and Appreciation

Think back to when you first began dating. You likely called your partner just to say “hello” or ask how their day was and this doesn’t need to stop just because you’ve had a baby! Whether you leave a note for them in their pocket before they head out for work, make them a cup of coffee in the mornings or just buy them their favourite treat after a long day – it doesn’t need to be a huge romantic gesture, just something which shows them that you’re thinking of them, it could even be taking their diamond jewellery engagement ring or your wedding rings to get polished!

roses gift newborn baby marriage

Make Time To Switch From Mom and Dad to Wife and Husband

Just because you have a newborn doesn’t mean that you’re now known as Mom and Dad. It is important to be firm with your parenting routines so that you get time to make that transition after a long or tiring day. Once you’ve put your baby to bed (hopefully for the night!), it’s time to switch back to you. Whether you decide to take a nice long shower with your favourite products, have an uninterrupted hot drink or just sit and watch your favourite tv show together for 20 minutes, whatever you need to do to make this transition, make time for it. Being parents is a 24/7 job which never ends, but you and your partner will feel better and find it a little easier if you are both happy and find time for yourselves. It’s important to remember that you are both on the same team – there are no winners or losers!

husband and wife happy marriage

About the Author

Natalie Wilson is a freelance wellness and lifestyle writer. She loves researching and writing about new wellness trends and topics, as well as keeping up to date with the latest news. When not writing, you can find her taking long walks in the countryside with her dog or browsing her nearest bookstore. You can connect with her on Twitter @NatWilson976.

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Best Backyard Add-ons for Your Kids

by LifeAsMama October 4, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

For a family with kids, younger or older, no backyard can truly feel like part of home unless it is adjusted to children’s needs and interests. If you want your child to fall in love with the outdoors and the endless variety of activities it offers, start by transforming your yard into a children’s fantasy world. Though the options are many, we can elaborate on a few favorites that certainly won’t let you down.

1 – Outdoor chalkboards and easels

Have you noticed that your child enjoys the magic that a paintbrush or a simple colored pencil can create? Don’t hesitate to get a couple of chalkboards for your yard so your son or daughter can continue to nurture their talent. Outdoor chalkboards (or canvas on an easel) are a highly convenient solution for parents who wish to keep their children entertained while also avoiding having a big mess inside the house. If you want to do something even more interesting, you can turn part of the fencing into a big chalkboard wall.

2 – Yard sandbox

If you think back to your own childhood, you are more than likely to reminisce of your own little sand haven you loved to play in. Not only do sandboxes help develop an outdoorsy spirit in kids, but they also have multiple other benefits. Set one in your own backyard and your children will get a chance to further learn and improve their social, motor, and practical skills, grow genuine curiosity and eagerness to explore their environment through direct physical contact, and also stimulate and enrich their own imagination. These add-ons are physically beneficial as well, as they help kids strengthen different groups of muscles, especially those in the arms and hands.

3 – Child-friendly swimming pool

Okay, this one probably should be the first item here—undoubtedly, almost every child wants to have a pool at home. Funwise and healthwise, it goes without saying that swimming pools are an absolutely fantastic add-on for a backyard. They are an endless source of entertainment, not only for children, but for adults, too.

It needs to be emphasized, though, that they do require a higher level of supervision and caution on behalf of parents, so children should not be left alone during their fun time in the water. Preferably, for extra safety, you could also add a fence around the swimming pool to prevent children from accidentally falling in if they do spend part of their time in the backyard unsupervised. Whenever we are talking safety measures, the best thing is to consult specialists and professionals. Exterior are a really wise choice if you want the perfect combination of adventure and safety in your children’s swimming pool.

4 – Swings

Swings sound like a great option for backyards with limited space and if you prefer to keep your child engaged in a single activity for a longer period of time. Even in a smaller area where there isn’t much room for running or playing sports, a nice swing can give your child a sense of freedom, movement, and spaciousness thanks to its dynamic nature. Even on a cold and rainy day, your little one will probably ask to go and play on the swing rather than stay indoors.

5 – Hammocks and silly spinners

If you have bigger trees in your backyard, you could also consider getting a sturdy hammock and/or a silly spinner. They are both excellent alternatives for standard swings, not to mention that they are just as much fun. If you are in a creative mood, you also have the option of making a silly spinner yourself instead of buying one. What is more, you can ask your child to contribute to the process of making the spinner, for example to paint it. This will only make your son or daughter enjoy it even more since they will know they helped bring this creation into existence.

6 – Slides

Slides are also a truly convenient add-on, being that both younger and older children find them a lot of fun. They also come in different shapes, sizes, and are made from different materials, so it is easy to find a slide which will be suitable to your child’s age and physical characteristics.

7 – Climbing tires

If you have some old tires lying about in the garage, here’s a great way to recycle them. Turn these eyesores into an attraction by transforming them into climbing tires. What makes them such an excellent addition to your backyard is that little kids in particular seem to find them irresistible when learning to walk and establish balance, while also strengthening their muscles at the same time. Climbing tires are budget-friendly and even more fun when painted in bright colors kids will easily fall in love with!

In conclusion…

For any parent who wants to inspire in their child an affinity and respect towards the great outdoors, smartly chosen backyard add-ons are the right call. Allow your little one to explore and grasp the world through a thought-provoking, inspiring, exciting corner of their own home where they will feel safe and taken care of.

About the Author

Ron Wolf is a freelance writer, hobby designer and DIY enthusiast.

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Easy Ways to Boost Your Kids’ Immune System

by LifeAsMama September 30, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

As a parent, one of your biggest concerns is your children’s health. If you could, you would wave a magic wand to ensure they never got sick – but sadly, you can’t. The good news is, there are still things you can do to boost their immune systems – and most of them are easy!

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best and easiest ways to give your kids a boost in the health department without losing all your money – or your sanity.

boost-kids-immune-system

Let them get dirty! This may seem counterproductive, but hundreds of studies show that letting your kids be exposed to bacteria in things such as mud, dirt, and even on other kids will do wonders for their immune systems later on. While they may get sick at first, exposing them to the germs of everyday life will help train their bodies’ immune systems to fight off bacteria faster and more efficiently in the future. This isn’t to say you should purposefully expose your kids to dangerous illnesses, but when it comes to eating dirt or touching toys at daycare, relax and let your kid do what kids do!

Supplement with vitamins and probiotics. This is another cheap, easy way to keep your kids’ health in check with a simple pill or gummy each day. There are hundreds of different vitamins and mineral supplements for kids and teens, as well as probiotics that help keep their body systems operating as they should be by replenishing good bacteria that keep them healthy. Bonus: many vitamins come in fun flavors and shapes and taste more like candy than a health supplement, so you may find that your kids actually look forward to taking their vitamins each night. (Just be sure they don’t have access to them while unsupervised to prevent them from eating too many at once!)

boost-kids-immune-system

Make it a point to enforce a bedtime. Let’s face it: a tired child gets sick much easier than a well-rested child. This is because when their little bodies are run down, they are more susceptible to everyday germs, viruses, and bacteria. By enforcing an appropriately early bedtime, you can ensure that your kids will wake up in a better mood, more alert, and also in a better position to fight off sickness – and it will give you more quiet time at night!

Take antibiotics the right way. The rise of superbugs (infections that are resistant to antibiotics) are caused by 1) taking antibiotics when they aren’t necessary and 2) not finishing a dose completely. Antibiotics will not help a cold or sore throat unless there is an active infection such as a sinus infection or strep. Giving your child antibiotics they don’t need will not only not help them get better, but destroy the good bacteria in their systems and weaken their immune system’s ability to fight of what they do have now and in the future. In addition, if a doctor does prescribe your child antibiotics, be sure he or she takes the entire dose (even if she starts to feel better.) Often, children can start feeling better before the bacteria is completely dead. If the antibiotics are stopped, the bacteria can grow back stronger and even immune to said antibiotic – a scary position no one wants to put their child in.

boost-kids-immune-system

Encourage exercise. It’s no surprise that the immune system benefits from regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Exercise not only produces changes in white blood cells that fight disease, but the temporary increase in body temperature following a sweat session can help kill bacteria! You don’t have to take your kids on ten-mile runs to reap the benefits of exercise – simple games of kickball or jumprope with friends, or participation in sports can check this box for you and ensure your child’s heart and muscles are healthy, too!

boost-kids-immune-system

Don’t slack on fruit. Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins when it comes to the immune system – there is a reason people take vitamin C drops when they are starting to feel sick! Not only does vitamin C help kill microbes, but boosts the immune system as a whole. The best part is, vitamin C is found in nearly every fruit, with high concentrations in oranges, cherries, kiwi, apples, and more. Fruit is a classic kid favorite because of its sweet and juicy taste, so chances are, you won’t hear any complaints from your tot when incorporating more fruits into his diet!

If they are sick, let them rest. While no parent wants to see their child sick in bed, encouraging her to get up and continue daily life when she’s still feeling down or just starting to feel better may open a door for the same illness (or another) to come back. Rest is the most important thing for the immune system while it is hard at work, so letting your daughter take that extra sick day from school and watch cartoons may be your best bet. Only send them back to school when they are feeling better and no longer contagious – you don’t want to make someone else’s baby sick!

boost-kids-immune-system

Employ basic hygiene practices like hand washing. Hand washing, while being the best way to prevent the flu, is also a champ at preventing other diseases, as well. Most germs end up on our hands, and then in our mouths, nose or eyes, which is where they infect us. Keeping clean by hand washing, taking regular baths or showers, and brushing teeth are a great way to keep germs off and prevent illness. Be sure to teach your kids how to do all these things properly, and you’ll have a much healthier, happier family!

There you have it! These are doubtlessly the best, most efficient ways to boost your kids’ immune systems without breaking the bank. The best part is, most of these tips are beneficial for other reasons, too, contributing to healthier child in every way. Comment down below with your go-to tips for keeping your kids healthy, along with which of these tips you’re excited to try!

Dani Fogel. is a Communication Coordinator at Brandable, based in Los Angeles, CA. She works on the Queen V brand within the company’s Digital and Ecommerce department.

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How To Get Your Home Ready For Your Baby

by LifeAsMama September 20, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

Becoming a parent can be so stressful. There are so many things that you need to get done and so many changes to your body happening at the same time. However, getting your home ready doesn’t need to be complicated. There are three main things that you need to do to get your home ready for baby – get the furniture you need, pick out some fun toys and do your best to babyproof the spaces your baby will be in.

Acquire Furniture

You are going to need a crib for your baby, even if you plan on co-sleeping for any stretch of time. You can even get ones that transition into a toddler bed and even a full-sized bed so that you have a little more time with a fairly large purchase before it needs to be returned. You’ll need to make sure you get one with a comfortable mattress in it so that you don’t have any additional issues.

You will also need to get enough storage for your baby’s things. This doesn’t have to be expensive. If you have friends or family that have had kids, chances are they have some things that they can pass your way. You can also usually find kid’s storage furniture for cheap on the Facebook marketplace and from thrift stores, which is a great way to make your life – and your wallet – greener.

Find Stimulating Toys

Gender shouldn’t play into the kind of toys your baby gets. Make sure that you have a variety to choose from so you can see what things your child gravitates toward. As for the rest of the toys that your child wants nothing to do with, think about reselling them or donating them to a local charity. That way, your home will have a little bit less stuff for you to have to tidy up later on and you’ll be helping someone else’s baby out.

Babyproof Your Home

Babies have an almost magical ability to injure themselves on anything and everything in their paths. It’s kind of impressive. However, as a parent, your job is to do everything you can to keep your baby safe.

With that in mind, you need to make sure that anything made of glass or easily breakable is moved far, far out of your baby’s reach. If you have tall shelves that are not built into the wall, do your best to keep your baby away from them to avoid any tipping issues.

You should also pad any sharp corners that you have in the room. This will save you a lot of tears and headaches in the long run from babies grabbing them or running into them.

Last but not least, put babyproof handles on doors to anywhere that your baby could get into trouble. This means kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, even older kids’ bedrooms. By limiting the space that your baby is in, you will keep them just a little bit safer every day. As they get older and more responsible for their own bodies, you can start to open the house up a little more.

If you aren’t sure about something, don’t be afraid to reach out to your support network, whether that is online or in person. Other parents will have some advice that might work out well for you and your family.

About the Author

Heather Viera is a lifestyle expert and researcher for FamilyLivingToday.com. She is dedicated to achieving a balanced lifestyle, even with two small children and a full-time career. In the little free time she has, she enjoys hiking with her partner and taking her dog to the beach.

Kids Motherhood Teenager

Meeting the BF: How To Approach Your Daughter’s First Boyfriend

by Guest Contributor September 20, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Raising teenagers is like being on a never-ending roller coaster. Just when you think you’ve got the hang of teen tantrums, you find out that your teen daughter has a boyfriend. Nothing ever prepares you for your child’s first boyfriend. Sure you know that it’s a possibility but it still catches you by surprise when it finally happens.

So how do you handle the situation and successfully navigate this major milestone in your daughter’s life?

Keep calm and parent on.

Okay, so the news that your daughter has a boyfriend hit you hard and you’re tempted to panic. That’s understandable, but you’re going to have to practice some positive parenting instead. Forbidding your daughter from seeing her boyfriend or voicing your disappointment at every turn will only make her upset and rebellious.

Surprise her and earn her trust by being supportive, listening to her, meeting the young man and most importantly, doing your best not to embarrass her. Your daughter will see there’s no reason to hide anything and she won’t keep her future relationships from you.

Discuss the relationship with your daughter.

She may not act like it but your daughter needs guidance as she enters the dating world. As her mom, you need to initiate conversations about dating and relationships. Keep lines of communication open and don’t shy away from tackling tough topics like abstinence, safe sex, consent, the difference between love and infatuation and how she should safeguard her reputation.

Talking with and listening to your daughter can help you decipher if the relationship is a healthy one or not. Additionally, her first relationship gives you a golden opportunity to guide her towards becoming an assertive and independent young woman.

Meet the boyfriend.

What better way to know what kind of guy your daughter is interested in than meeting him? Instead of spending time worrying that your daughter is dating a tattooed, irresponsible guy who vapes, drinks and is no good for her, invite him over for dinner. That way, you can judge what type of person he is and see for yourself if he’s respectful and treats her well.

Insist that your daughter sticks to her schedule.

First relationships are dazzling and exciting. Your daughter can get so caught up in the giddiness of it all and neglect other aspects of her life. Insist that she still goes out with her usual friends and ensure she stays on top of her extracurricular activities. That way, should things in her relationship go south, she’ll still have something else to turn her attention to.

Set reasonable rules.

Have a chat with your daughter and set down ground rules for dating. Cover things like curfews, letting you know where she’s going, when and with whom as well as anything else you’d like cleared up beforehand. Having this information on hand will not only make you calmer but it’s also a great way of holding her accountable.

Keep things in perspective.

It’s exciting to see your daughter head into this new stage of her life but you need to have a sense of perspective. Hyping up the relationship too much or talking about the future or marriage will only give her unrealistic expectations and potentially scare off her beau. It’s okay to get excited but give your daughter some privacy and room to learn lessons of her own.

Seeing your daughter making steps into the world of dating and relationships can be an overwhelming experience. Handling it with calmness and sensitivity takes most of the stress out of it, leaving you free to relax and appreciate watching her grow up.

About the Author

Cindy Price is proud wife and mom to three teenagers. She would like to say she’s a parenting expert but she knows better than to do that. As a parent educator and writer for over 15 years, she’s well-aware how quickly parenting practices evolve. Family is her greatest joy and she hopes her writing can help make families stronger.

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How to Get Outside With Your Kids This Fall

by Jennifer Landis September 17, 2019

written by Jennifer Landis

During the summer, it’s easy to get the kids outside. As soon as that fall air rolls in, though — and brings with it cold temps and rainy days — it can seem much harder to do so.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this colorful season with your children, both inside and out. If you need fresh air but don’t know how to get it, read on. We have five ideas for getting your brood outdoors this autumn and beyond.

1. Color Walks

As we know, fall has plenty of colorful foliage to stare at for hours on end. So, grab your kids and take them outside to check out the leaves and all the other eye-catching plants that grow during this time. Don’t just call it a nature walk — consider this stroll to be a color walk. Choose a particular hue, or let your child choose the shade they like best. Then, as you walk around, have them point out everything they find that’s that color. If you have a digital camera and trust your little one enough to use it, then they can take pictures of everything they see for even more color-walk fun.

2. Leaf Jumping

This one’s a classic, but it’s so much fun that it’s worth mentioning. Have your kids help you gather up the leaves in your yard. Not only will they burn off some energy doing so, but they’ll also help get the job done quicker. Having a few helpers will make the task simpler on you.

Once they’ve built a giant pile of foliage, let them go wild. Jumping in and out of the leaves just never gets old — join them for a few leaps and see. You can mix things up by fashioning your leaf pile into another interesting activity. For instance, some have built a leaf slide. They place their foliage mound at the base of a slide and zoom into it. You can also use your leaves to outline a small backyard maze. Regardless of how you play with the leaves, one thing’s for sure — your kids will love it, and they’ll never forget it.

3. Playground Games

When you play outside in summer, it’s often too hot to do anything but splash in the pool or run through the sprinkler. In the cool fall air, though, you can have your kids play and run in the yard. So, take advantage of the cooler temps and set up a group game. You might want to rely on some of your playground favorites. Something as simple as tag, kickball or red rover can do the trick.

There are so many benefits to organizing a playground-style game for your kids. Little ones who spend all their time indoors may be more susceptible to obesity, which remains an epidemic across the country. On the other hand, if they play outside, your kids will develop healthy behaviors that push them to exercise throughout their lives. Plus, such playground games give them the chance to build teamwork and social skills.

4. Orchard Visits

Fall brings us gorgeous foliage, but it also brings a slew of new fruits and veggies to be harvested. In some cases, farmers will open up their fields for the public to pick their own produce to bring home and enjoy.

For instance, a local orchard might allow people to come in and pick apples directly from their trees. You might hop onto the back of a tractor or pickup truck to visit a pumpkin patch. There, you and your kiddos can select the perfect gourd for your front stoop. All the while, your kids can run around and explore the farmland around them. At the same time, you’ll all be taking in some much needed fresh fall air.

5. Scavenger Hunts

What bits of nature can you find in your backyard or at the local park? Let your kids answer that question. Start by drawing up a list of common fall finds, such as pinecones, acorns and leaves — one in each color. See how many items your kids can knock off the roster.

If you don’t have enough variety in natural elements, then combine your scavenger hunt with a walk through the neighborhood. Make sure to add other autumn finds to your list. Some fall scavenger hunt lists for kids will include pumpkins, scarecrows, bales of hay and other decor. They may not come from nature, but your kids will have a blast scoping out their neighbors’ homes in search of the must-sees on their scavenger hunt list.

Fall in Love With the Outdoors

It’s cooler outside, and you might not be able to get out there every day. However, the above five activities will make your outdoor pursuits even more fun for both you and your kids. In fact, such memorable moments will remain with you for years to come — and we bet your kids will beg to do the same activities every year. You and your family will fall in love with the season and the time you spend outside together.

Home Kids

How To Design A Kids’ Room That Spurs Creativity

by Guest Contributor September 10, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Every parent’s dream for their child is that they grow up to be happy, healthy, and strong. But instilling other, more complex, traits in our children, such as creativity, curiosity, and confidence, cannot be overlooked. And since these traits arise first in childhood and only develop further later in life, giving your children a good foundation that will help them be successful later on is crucial!

One of the most impactful aspects of a child’s young life is their home environment, specifically, the space they call their own: their bedroom. Whether they share a room or not, having a “kid-only” space where they can explore their own interests, reflect on their day, and learn the responsibility of taking care of their own things is critical to their development as a person.

You may be wondering how a child’s bedroom environment and traits such as confidence and creativity coincide, but they actually go hand in hand. Think about it: You have likely heard the studies that claim the color blue on a bedroom wall promotes calmness and breathing in the room’s inhabitant. Well, it’s true – our environment, whether we are young or old, influences who we are.

The great news is that there are concrete steps you can take to help promote positive traits such as creativity in your children through simple things such as bedroom organization, setup, and décor. Because we want to help you give your children the very best, we’ve compiled a list of bedroom essentials that will spur creativity in your child (and possibly make them the next Picasso.)

Wall color. Yes, as we said before, wall color plays a huge role in the mood a bedroom evokes. Though colors such as yellow and orange are known to spur creativity, there is no specific color that induces creativity in all children. To get this step right, you must know your child. Do they need to feel relaxed and calm before they can be creative? (This is more common in introverted children who may struggle to express themselves outwardly in the first place.) If so, try light blue or pastel purple walls. Does their energy feed off of vibrant colors? If so, try bright yellow, orange, or even light green. Even better, ask your child, if they are old enough, which colors inspire them. Ask things such as “What colors make you feel happy?” or “What colors do you like to use to color?” Chances are, the colors they use when they are being creative will inspire creativity, too.

Get kids involved. Parents, contain your panic when we tell you that letting your children help decorate their bedroom, by either helping paint the walls, choose a color, draw some custom artwork above their bed, or print their favorite photos to hang, will help spur creativity in their bedroom. This is because giving them a say will force them to be creative in the first place! Whenever they look around their room, they will be reminded of a time they were trusted to be creative, and they will feel comfortable doing so again in this safe space. If they feel they were not included in designing their room in the first place, they will be much less likely to design in their room. Remember that this is a kids’ room, so keeping it looking spick and span is not always necessary (or possible.) Cut your tots a little slack and it will pay off in the long run.

Fun design. A blank, white-walled bedroom with no décor will do little in encouraging them to pick up a paintbrush or camera. Find some fun décor, such as a customized neon sign, knickknacks, or abstract artwork to fill the space. Seeing these around the room will spark ideas in your kids, leading them to explore creative projects the ways they see fit. Encourage them to realize that funny, bright, or unconventional things are not “weird” or “ugly.” Instead, they are fun! You will pass these attitudes on to your little ones, who will grow up realizing that things out of the norm can be extremely interesting – perhaps even cool.

Provide them with creativity tools in their bedroom. Though this may seem obvious, it’s often overlooked by parents. Give your children craft supplies, paper, pens, paint, costumes, etc…in their bedrooms! They will be more likely to play dress up if they see a cute new costume eyeing them from across the room. (Costume pro tip: Allow your children to help you make homemade costumes with materials you already have at home, such as using pipe cleaners to make antennas, or a bandana to spice up a pirate costume. This will teach your kids that creativity doesn’t need to be accompanied by an expensive trip to the store – it’s all about using what you have in a new way!)

Relax! If your children get a little too paint-happy in their bedroom, try not to freak out. Many creative outlets come with a mess. Yelling at your kids over messes they make in their rooms during creative projects will cause them to associate creativity with being in trouble. Instead, simply praise them for their project and stress the importance of cleaning up well after. Cleaning up after him or herself is an excellent skill for any child, regardless of what type of mess they’re making!

Apply these tips to your children’s bedroom(s) and they are sure to start developing their creativity at a young age. Most of these steps require little expense, so rest easy knowing that one of the most beautiful parts of creativity is that it’s not supposed to be hard! Give your children a space where they can freely express themselves and feel that their creative work is valued, and they will reward you for it ten times over in the form of gratitude, accomplishments, and happiness.

Comment down below with any tips you have for encouraging creativity in your child’s bedroom, or whether you are going to implement these steps in your own home!

About the Author

Lara Douglas is a young woman who loves interior designing and home decor. She is passionate about new trends and fashion forward home décor ideas. She regularly posts at Neon Signs Depot.

Kids Little Kid Motherhood

6 Clever Ways to Make Your Kindergartner’s Transition Easier

by Jennifer Landis August 27, 2019

written by Jennifer Landis

With the end of summer comes the start of the school year, an anxiety-inducing time for kids and parents alike. You may feel especially nervous if your child is going to school for the first time. Instead of letting that worry overwhelm you, view the experience as a new, fun adventure that’ll benefit your child in the long run. Understand how your child is feeling at this time by communicating with them effectively, following a few easy tips.

1. Take Them Shopping for Supplies

Shopping for school supplies with your child will give them some creative control with their transition. Of course, you’ll need to make sure they don’t go overboard, but it’s easy enough to let them choose the colors and designs they want. Your child will glow at the prospect of showing off their new crayons, folders and other items to their classmates.

As for the supplies you’ll have to buy, most schools provide a list of what students require weeks in advance. Follow that checklist to secure everything your child needs.

2. Show Interest in Their Schooling

When your child comes home from school, ask them open-ended questions about what they did and how it made them feel. Start with simple but specific inquiries, as your child may not know where to begin. If they tell you their first day wasn’t great, brainstorm strategies for having a better day tomorrow. Let them know that this is just one day. It’s okay not to feel ecstatic, but they still have many days ahead full of exciting and fun opportunities.

Record all their achievements as they happen — since there’ll be a lot of them as the school year continues. Attend as many school events as you can, and build friendly, open relationships with your child’s teachers. Teachers appreciate involved parents, and you’ll gain peace of mind by knowing your child is adjusting well to school life.

3. Set Up Playdates With Other Kids

If possible, find out who your child’s classmates are and set up playdates with them before school starts. These gatherings encourage everyone to get to know each other, and you’ll meet other parents in the process. Some schools create programs specifically for playdates, so check if your child’s school is one of them. If you host the meetups yourself, be aware of common playdate rules and etiquette.

Of course, there’s no rulebook stating these tips are mandatory, but guidance on fostering mutual respect and kindness will help.

4. Encourage Respectful Behavior

Before your child starts their first day of school, you should prepare them mentally and emotionally for the experience. Teach them how to share with other children and the correct way to respond to conflict. Be sure to approach the topic of bullying, even if you don’t do an in-depth talk just yet. Kindergartners deal with it too, and it helps to know what to do if it happens. You should also encourage them to respect others and avoid mean joking or teasing.

Help them practice reading, writing and counting so they’ll already have some familiarity these subjects when school begins. Children learn many new subjects in kindergarten, and you want to familiarize yourself with these topics so you can introduce them ahead of time. Keep doing this during the school year by building upon the things they discover in class. Read aloud to them or encourage to them count objects around the house.

5. Roleplay the First Day of School

Use dolls or puppets to roleplay your child’s first day of kindergarten. They can play the central character or designate one of their toys to take the role of a new kindergartner. Act out each part of the day and what they think will happen, then ask how it makes them feel. Practice responding to different situations, such as what should they do if they get nervous after you leave? How should they go about making new friends?

After roleplaying, give them some feedback on things they did well or could do differently. By providing them with helpful coping strategies, you ensure a confident transition to kindergarten.

6. Ask Them About Their Fears

Let your child talk about their emotions so you can understand how they feel. Even if they say they aren’t nervous about their first day, you can still give them advice on how to navigate these unfamiliar waters. Reassure them in a way that both acknowledges their apprehension and soothes it. Remember that you’re viewing their situation from an outside perspective, and never discount their fears because they don’t seem significant to you.

As a general rule, you shouldn’t force them to talk before they’re ready. If your child doesn’t express their fear of kindergarten directly, watch for signs that they’re ready to talk, like changes in behavior.

Start the School Year on the Right Foot

Help your child adjust to their new world by following these six useful suggestions. When their fears about kindergarten dissipate, yours will too.

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