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Kids

How To Teach A Hyperactive Child To Channel Their Energy

by Guest Contributor August 19, 2019

When asked the question, “Is your child hyperactive?” almost every parent would say yes. But before you start punishing your child for being hyperactive and before you fall into despair about it, let’s try and understand why your child is acting out with all that energy. Instability and inattentiveness makes it difficult for a child to focus, and you may often find them bouncing from activity to activity with limitless energy and ease.

The biggest hurdle with hyperactive behavior is that your child may have issues with paying attention and sitting still. Also, they may be impulsive and act before they think. But fear not mamas, all this can be handled. What you need to do as a parent is learn how to calm down your child and help them focus. Here are a few tips for when your child’s energy seems limitless, and you both need help.

hyperactive child

Limit Media Stimulation

We all experience a high level of media stimulate, and while it’s not good for anyone, it’s especially detrimental for small kids. Your job here is to limit the time your little one spends in front of a TV, computer, smartphone or any other form of digital media while they’re at home. This is important because many research has shown that early exposure to television can probably lead to ADHD-like symptoms in children, so don’t put a TV in their room. Have designated time of the day for watching TV, playing games and browsing the internet, and always pay attention to what your child is looking at while online.

Sign Them up for Sports

Physical activity is essential for any child, and it’s especially good for those who are hyperactive. Your first step is to sit down together and talk about the sports they’re potentially interested in. Soccer, football, volleyball, cycling, swimming… Possibilities are endless, and you just need to find something they’ll enjoy. You can even consider signing them up for martial arts. There are so many different martial arts that offer lessons for kids. Certainly, there is no better way for your child to get rid of that excess energy than at such classes, and martial arts are great for teaching discipline, which is always a plus. There’s also the bonus lesson of learning how to take care of their equipment. You just need to make sure to get them a great gym backpack for all their belongings and teach them how to pack, unpack and take care of their things.

Spark Their Creativity

Sometimes, your child might be hyperactive because they don’t know how to express their feelings and creativity. That is why arts and crafts can help them stay focused and express their ideas, feelings and thoughts. Find out what they enjoy the most – it can be anything from painting to woodworking. Whatever it is, make sure to help them turn their creativity into something concrete. You can even sign them up for dance or music classes and teach them how to express their feelings through physical movement. Plus, they will learn something new, their brain will develop, and they will stay focused and channel that energy into something beautiful.

Outdoor Activities

There is nothing better than spending time in the fresh air enjoying some physical activities together. By going outside to play soccer in your yard, going camping or even going for a light jog together, your child will manage to use the hyperactivity and turn it into something positive. Plus, you will get to spend some great time together. Also, if you go together for a camping weekend, you can teach your child how to set up a tent, light a small campfire, cook and whatnot. Those are all great skills to acquire, and you can go on a short hike through the woods. It’s really a win for the entire family.

Do the Chores Together

After spending a day at school, and if your child comes back home filled with energy, bouncing off the walls, don’t just let them watch TV and waste time. Instead, you can agree to do the chores together. They can help you set the table for dinner, you can teach them how to vacuum and dust or you can even cook some meals together. There is plenty to do around the house and by including them, you will get to spend some great time together. Also, you can show them that chores can be fun, and you are teaching them about hygiene and responsibilities at the same time.

Yes, almost every child is hyperactive, and that’s not always a sign of ADHD. Often they just need some help with expressing themselves, or they are simply bored. To help them channel that energy, you should introduce new hobbies and responsibilities to them. You can easily try any of these activities, and you will notice the change in your child in no time.

Author Bio

Morgan Rose Elliott is an aromatherapist, yoga instructor, animal lover, a happily married mother of two. She enjoys reading biographies and writing poems, sunny days on the beach and any shape and form of vanilla. Crazy about the ’80s, her favorite band is Duran Duran and she is obsessed with Netflix original Stranger Things. Find her on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/MorganRoseElli1

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Health Kids Pre-Teen

Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit – What You Need to Know

by Guest Contributor August 17, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Getting braces has become a rite of passage for children. Every year, millions of children in America get braces or some sort of an orthodontic treatment.

When your child is getting braces, it is a huge event for the whole family. Orthodontic treatment for children means that the parents also need to educate themselves on the treatment.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when it’s time for your child to get an orthodontic treatment:

Image by Wilhan José Gomes wjgomes from Pixabay

At What Age Should Your Child Visit the Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7.

This is the age when a child’s permanent teeth start coming in. If your child is at risk of developing any orthodontic problems, they can be diagnosed at their earliest stages. This can help the orthodontist predetermine the plan of action if your child will need orthodontic treatment.

Prepare Your Child For Their First Appointment

Walk your child through what will happen on their first visit to make sure sitting in a dental chair doesn’t scare them off. Talk them through the process of how their first appointment will involve a pain-free examination.

Image by lalogargano from Pixabay

What to Expect From Your Child’s First Visit

The first visit to the orthodontist will be a basic examination of your child’s teeth, mouth, jaw, and evaluation of treatment options if the orthodontist spots a problem.

The orthodontist will also take X-rays of the mouth to see how the teeth are positioned, and whether permanent teeth are going to come in. The orthodontist will also take impressions of your child’s teeth with a mold which will be the exact replica of your child’s teeth. This will help your orthodontist decide which treatment options are best.

Your child will not be getting braces on the first visit itself. The first visit is just an evaluation of whether braces are needed and if they are, what course the braces treatment should take.

What Will You Learn from Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit

The first time you take your child to see an orthodontist, you’ll learn whether they need orthodontic treatment and what braces treatment options are available and best suited for your child’s needs.

The options include:

Metal braces
Ceramic braces
Invisalign

If your child doesn’t need treatment to correct an improper smile, then your orthodontist will schedule periodic visits to make sure your child’s permanent teeth are coming in properly.

Image by Marc Thele from Pixabay

Explain to Your Child What Braces Treatment Will Involve

If your child needs to undergo braces treatment, it will be great for your child to understand how braces or Invisalign can straighten crooked teeth, imbalanced jaw structures, and improve the smile so that your child becomes more confident.

It might be useful for your child to talk to a peer who is also going through braces treatment and using braces to correct an improper smile. Your child might be more open to braces treatment if it is easier to relate with their peers and stay enthusiastic about getting braces.

If your child is going through orthodontic treatment, remember that dealing with your child’s questions and doubts with patience is the key. The earlier your child sees the orthodontist, the lesser time treatment will take.

Author Bio:

Creating perfect smiles is what Dr. Satish Pai is committed to. An orthodontist by profession, he believes that a perfect smile is a powerful part of a person’s personality. When he is not working hard on perfecting his patients’ smiles at Putnam Ortho, he is busy writing engaging articles about everything related to healthy and perfect smiles. His other passions include golf, yoga and surfing. Spending time with his family always brings a smile on his face.

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Kids Little Kid

4 Surprising Things You Should Expect When Your Child Starts Pre-School

by Guest Contributor July 25, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

As parents, naturally you’re going to want your children to have the strongest starts in life. Pre-school forms a foundation for your children’s future in school, and it’s natural to be worried about whether or not they are going to fit in or are ready for the transition. Pre-school helps young children develop important social and educational skills. It’s a huge step, but you have to remember that it’s also completely normal—every parent goes through the same worries as you.

But no matter how much you prepare your little one for the turbulence of pre-school, there are some things that you just cannot get ready for. So to put your mind at ease, here are 4 surprising things that you should expect when your child takes their first steps into pre-school.

Image by klimkin from Pixabay

1. New-Found Independence

On the first day, you may find that on drop-off, your little one is clinging to your leg asking you not to go. It’s a scene to tug at the heartstrings of many a parent and teacher, and it’s also something to be expected. You’re the person who has been there at every hurdle so far, and the fact they now have to go it alone at school can be a tricky situation for kiddos. But at the same time, children learn from their successes and their failures. It’s important that you don’t rush in to save them from every challenging situation they face.

Children learn from their parents, so it’s important not to make a fuss or give in to their demands at this crucial stage of starting pre-school. Instead, try to prepare them for independence by teaching them hand washing, changing shoes, zipping up their coat, and using their lunchbox. These simple steps will provide them with all they need for the first few days until they begin to pick things up from their teachers and peers.

Image by ePhotographyAustralia from Pixabay

2. You’ll Need to Focus On The Basics

Before even starting pre-school, it is important for your child to know their full name, parents/carers names and home address. Encourage your child to remember these so that if they are needed, they can recite them back. It is vital that if your child has an allergy, special health need or illness, they can clearly say what it is. It may be worth purchasing an information note card or bracelet that they can show they’re having trouble remembering.

3. Your Child Will Get Illnesses

With your little one heading off to preschool, you must get ready for the potential onslaught of childhood illnesses. Children are yet to build up their immunity to illnesses and catch catch up to 8 colds a year. Thanks to grubby hands, snotty noses, and coughs, children are bound to catch illnesses from one another in a classroom. Here are some common illnesses you can start preparing for:

Common Cold and Ear Infections

The clue is in the name, but colds and ear infections are extremely normal in children. Look out for sore throats, high temperatures, and earaches. If symptoms present themselves, give your sick little one painkillers, keep them home from pre-school, and keep them hydrated.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Tummy Bugs

Seeing children suffer through tummy bugs can be hard, especially when dealing with sickness, nausea, diarrhea, and cramps. It can take anything from 24 hours to a week to clear up, and rest and comfort are typically the only cures. Keep children hydrated, as dehydration may lead to more serious problems.

Croup

Croup is extremely common in children under 5 and is a viral infection. It is unpreventable and often starts out as a normal cold. Over a few days, symptoms begin to worsen and develop into an inflamed throat. This then results in noisy breathing, a hoarse voice, and loud coughing fits which get worse in the evenings. Usually, most bouts of croup only last a few days, and rest, painkillers, and fluids are recommended. Croup can also become more serious, and some children struggle to breathe. If your child struggles to settle, has a fever, or can’t quite catch their breath, see a doctor immediately.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

4. Extreme Tiredness

Children of a pre-school age typically require around 11-12 hours of sleep each night. But when they start pre-school, the whole experience can mean they become much more tired and cranky than usual. There are many things you can do to combat this during the day, such as giving them a balanced breakfast, a healthy packed lunch, and encouraging them to get outside during break time. But when they get home, it is important that you don’t let their tiredness rule over them.

Set a clear bedtime routine involving a bath, consistent meal, play times, and even a story before they go to sleep. Having a clear routine helps them identify that sleep is near and prevents them from nodding off as soon as they get home. You can also give them child-friendly vitamins, such as fish oil capsules, multivitamins, and plenty of vitamin C from fresh fruit and vegetables.

Author Bio

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.

Kids Little Kid

Ways to Beat the “I’m Bored” Blues This Summer

by Jennifer Landis July 22, 2019

written by Jennifer Landis

They’re two words every parent dreads— “I’m bored.” They tend to ring out in the midst of summer when kids have nothing but time to kill. The worst part is, they’ll most often look to you—the mom— to solve their boredom. And every parent knows entertaining a bored kid is harder than it sounds.

That’s where we come in. We want to help you banish those boredom blues without any hesitation on your part. If you have an arsenal of go-to boredom busters, you might make it through the summer unscathed. The next time your kids say those two dreaded words, try out one of these eight ideas to keep them excited and entertained.

Image by Krzysztof Walas from Pixabay

1. Take Lunch Outside

Something as simple as a change of scenery can make your child perk up again. Instead of serving up sandwiches in the kitchen, grab a blanket and a basket — you can even get creative with the menu if you have enough time to plan a true picnic. Head outside and eat lunch in the backyard or in a nearby park or green space. As soon as the fresh air hits, all that boredom will blow away in the breeze.

2. Make a Sales Pitch

Use boredom as an opportunity to hone your kiddo’s entrepreneurial spirit. Another great summer to-do is to open up a lemonade stand. Help your kids mix up a pitcher of the sweet stuff and set up a table at the end of the driveway. Even if they don’t get a lot of sales, the excitement of selling something — and making a bit of cash — will seriously enthuse them.

Image by Mary Bettini Blank from Pixabayf

3. Bake Together

Perhaps you’re home for the day without any responsibilities of your own. If so, take time to partake in a boredom-busting activity with your little one(s). They’ll love helping you measure out and pour ingredients into a mixing bowl, and they’ll enjoy taste testing even more. You’ll get bonus points if the baked good allows for a bit of decoration — kids can spend hours icing and pouring sprinkles onto cookies and cakes.

4. Guide a Nature Walk

Some say that boredom is a bad sign — and that quenching one’s curiosity is one way to relieve such a sentiment. As such, you can teach your children something new by taking them on a walk through a local park or nature preserve. If you’re not well-versed in the local flora or fauna, a park ranger can probably outfit you with a bit of information about the trail that you can relay to your brood. Better yet, they’ll get to walk around and explore the wilderness, scoping out birds, bugs and blossoms. Even without a lot of answers to their questions, they’re sure to be engaged and inquisitive.

Image by Luidmila Kot from Pixabay

5. Build a Village

Rainy weather often brings on the “I’m bored” announcements in the summer, so it’s especially important to have some indoor activities on your list of to-dos. If your child has lots of blocks, Legos, or any other kind of kid-friendly building material, then suggest they round them all up and start building. You can piece together an entire village with these materials, and your child’s imagination will run wild. Older kids might love to build something bigger, such as a blanket fort. Once it’s built, they’ll be liable to hang out there for the rest of the day. Not too shabby.

6. Go on a Photo Safari

A lot of today’s photography takes place on a phone, but you probably have an old digital camera somewhere in the house. If you can dig it up and also happen to have batteries that fit, you can use it to help staunch that summer boredom. First, teach your kids the basics of how to use the camera — zooming, taking the picture, and perhaps framing shots if they’re older and willing to learn. Once they have the basics down (and have probably taken over 100 pictures of the dog) go somewhere with lots to see and shoot. Botanical gardens and museums are good places to start. Your kids will love being the ones taking pictures for a change, and they’ll be even more excited to print them out to view their work.

Photo by Đàm Tướng Quân from Pexels

7. Stock the Craft Box

Having a well-stocked craft box can be the difference between boredom and entertainment for kids of all ages. Along with that, you might want to have a few ideas in your arsenal, too — guiding your kids through a simple, summer-themed craft can get them out of their funk. Imagine they make something useful, like a bird feeder for the backyard. Not only will they love to create it and decorate it, but they can spend some time watching as winged ones sneak in for a snack.

8. Plan a Staycation

Finally, you can take time this summer to explore all that your hometown has to offer. Get online and start looking for the best entertainment options. And if your kid is old enough, they can do the research. Perhaps you’ll uncover local museums, theater productions, famous eateries… whatever it is, you can easily engage your child by showing them something new.

Image by Michelle Maria from Pixabay

Say “Bye” to Boredom

All you want is for your kids to have a fun, memorable, and active summer. Keep these exciting activities on the back burner until you hear those two little words — “I’m bored.” You’ll know just how to respond, and when you do, the activity you choose will be a memorable one for both you and your child. And we think that’s what summer is all about.

Kids Motherhood Tips & Ideas

4 Ways You Can Keep Children Entertained At A Wedding

by Guest Contributor July 22, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

The topic of inviting children to a wedding is still very much debated. Some couples are completely against the idea, whilst others are more than willing to invite children to be a part of their big day. Often, the dilemma comes from couples wanting to make sure that their family and friends are part of their special day, but are scared of the crying, tantrums and mess that often accompany children.

Photo by adventuretheory Phelps on Reshot

Should you decide to invite young guests to your wedding, then it is best for both you and them that there are activities and distractions on hand to keep them occupied during the day. Whether it’s simply keeping little ones quiet during your wedding ceremony or giving parents time to enjoy the day themselves, happy children make wonderful wedding guests. Remember, unhappy children=unhappy parents.

Adding some activities to your day doesn’t need to cost copious amounts so, whether you have some flower girls to keep entertained or have a whole range of different age groups coming to your wedding, here are 4 ways that you can keep children entertained at a wedding.

Children’s Tea Party

Very rarely, the food at a wedding is catered to suit the likes of every guest, let alone children. But, having kid-friendly food at a wedding is one easy way to make sure that you don’t have grouchy children kicking up a fuss.

Try to make it as fun and child-appropriate as you can for those that are attending. For example, you could always throw them their own wedding tea party, complete with finger sandwiches, potato chips, fruit and sweets. This will keep them full for the afternoon and they’re bound to enjoy the novelty of it all!

Treasure Hunt

Whether you’re the happy couple or a guest, setting up a treasure hunt for kids to enjoy is bound to be a winner. Children love the idea and fun of a treasure hunt, particularly if there is a prize to be won at the end.

Provide children with a list of items, guests or things they must find and hide clues around the venue, giving them instructions on where to go. Another fun little idea is to give them their own disposable camera and a list of photo opportunities that they need to find, whether it be the first dance or the wedding cake. Once they’ve completed it, you can then print out the photos and stick into a memory book for them to keep.

Arts and Crafts

A budget-friendly crowd-pleaser, an arts and crafts table set up in the corner of your venue is a great way to keep kids entertained during speeches or the ceremony itself. Cover a table in brown paper and let them doodle away with pens, pencils and stickers. Avoid things such as paints or felt tips – you don’t want to risk ruining girl’s designer dresses , boys shirts or getting paint splodges on your dress. For slightly older children, you could also put simple origami instructions and folding paper on there, or word search games.

Make The Most Of The Outdoors

If you’re planning on hosting some of your special day outdoors, weather permitting, of course, then a great way to get people mingling and chatting is with the help of some fun outdoor games. Whether it forms part of your drinks reception or you want a space where guests can lounge in the evening, having some games at hand is a great way to put people at ease and means that children can have fun whilst parents chat and have fun themselves.

Garden-size Jenga, Connect4 and Snakes and Ladders are classics, but you could even go as far as getting a piñata or some fairground style game stalls. Outdoor games are fun and budget-friendly, or you could even make them yourselves.

About the Author

Kids

10 Rad Reasons to Take Your Kids to the Library

by Jennifer Landis July 15, 2019

written by Jennifer Landis

Before your children get old enough to grow jaded over the prospect, inspire a love of reading by taking them to the library. Modern libraries offer much more than elderly librarians shushing the little ones while stamping books. They provide an entire world to explore, and the best part is, everything is either free or close to it.

Many libraries offer summer reading programs for school-aged children, groups for preschoolers, and classes for teen and adult learners. They provide relief from the summertime heat, and they have much more to borrow than simply books. Read on to discover 10 reasons you’d benefit from taking your kids to the library today.

1. Teach Them to Cherish Reading

One of the most important reasons for taking your kids to the library is to help them develop a life-long love of reading. Reading is a critical skill everyone uses every day of their lives. From reading street signs to interpreting difficult legal rulings, literacy helps children excel in school and their future careers. With a plethora of books to choose from, your child will enjoy choosing their own tomes.

2. Develop Basic Computer Literacy

All libraries have computer kiosks. Some are free, while others charge a nominal sum per hour of access. If you don’t have a reliable home computer — or you use yours for work and don’t want sticky fingers typing on it — the library is the perfect place to begin teaching children about computer literacy.

All libraries install high levels of protection on their computers, and they restrict access to inappropriate websites. This means that even if you glance away, your child is protected. Additionally, 90 percent of libraries offer classes in digital literacy if you’re not too internet-savvy yourself.

Image by Chuck Underwood from Pixabay

3. Play Games to Learn New Skills

Many libraries install educational software that helps kids learn through gaming on computer systems. Games like “Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?” help students learn geography in a fun way. “Crayon Physics Deluxe” introduces young learners to the basic STEM concepts that are so desirable in today’s workplace.

4. Prepare Them for the Next Grade

Kids who go to the library read more, and research indicates doing so enhances students’ abilities to do well in other subjects—even seemingly unrelated ones, like math. Taking kids to the library, especially over the summer, helps prepare young learners for the next grade by improving their literacy and keeping their skills sharp. Plus, many summer reading programs allow kids to win cool free stuff, like pizza parties, in exchange for finishing a certain number of books.

Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay

5. Enroll in a Fun Class

In addition to digital literacy, some libraries offer classes in everything from basic astronomy to career exploration. Many provide summer science camps for children interested in fields like biology or chemistry. These classes run the gamut from prekindergarten to high school and beyond, so why not get the whole family signed up to learn something new and build valuable skills?

6. Show Them How to Research Information

Most English teachers wish more students had solid research skills. Many children mistake research with copying and pasting information. The library offers the perfect place to teach them not only how to locate information on the shelves and online, but also how to cite it properly.

7. Allow Them to Meet New Friends

Most children who hang out in libraries make great friends — after all, they possess the love of reading you want your child to have. Getting your little one involved in reading circles can foster friendships that last a lifetime. Plus, libraries allow a safe place for meeting new friends where ample adults are available to keep an eye on any suspicious behavior.

8. Rent Some Cool Toys for Home

Libraries lend a lot more than books. Many of them also rent out video games and even entire consoles. If you’re thinking of buying a console, why not try several models from the library first? If you can’t afford one at all, the kids still can earn their bragging rights over how they leveled up in the latest hot game.

9. Plan a Family Game and Movie Day

Additionally, many libraries rent out board games, outdoor sports toys, and DVD and Blu-ray Discs. Make a fun family game and movie day for pennies, or even free, by visiting the library and allowing your children to select one indoor and one outdoor game they’d enjoy playing on the weekend. Then, decide together on a movie to watch together, and maybe snag an extra one for the adults after the littles go to bed.

Image by Franck Barske from Pixabay

10. Inspire Lifelong Learning

The most important reason to take your children to the library is to foster a lifelong love of learning. This is critical to their future career, as many employers prefer to hire staff committed to professional development. The library is the perfect place to let curiosity run wild and get answers that don’t come from Alexa. Make it a game — have kids write down questions they’d like answered and hold a scavenger hunt to see who can find the answers first.

The Library Is the Perfect Place for Kids

Libraries offer a safe place for children to use their minds and develop a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. So many good reasons exist to take your little ones to the library today — what are you waiting for? How many things this awesome in life are free?

Home Kids

The Top Tips for Buying a House with Kids

by Guest Contributor July 10, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

If your family has recently undergone an expansion, you might be feeling short on space— especially if you live in an apartment or a smaller house. House hunting can be a tedious process in the first place, but when you add children to the mix, everything’s taken to a whole new level. Seeing as how raising kids already comes with too many obligations, we’ve created this list of essentials you need to have in mind to make finding a new home easier for you and the kiddos. Take a look at what you should pay attention to when buying a house with youngsters in tow.

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

What’s the location like?

You must have heard realtors saying how location is the most important thing when looking for a house – and the truth is, they’re right. The area in which a potential home is located is crucial in more ways than one. For starters, how far away is it from your job? How much time you’ll lose on the commute is something you need to carefully consider. Other than that, parents are also concerned with finding a house in a good school district.

Furthermore, you need to take into account the safety of the neighborhood. High crime rates are often a reason for low home prices. Before you start looking at potential houses, do some research into how dangerous certain areas of the town are, and do your best to avoid them. To keep your kids out of harm’s way, you can even look into the sex offender registry and ensure the neighborhood you’re interested in is free of individuals with such backgrounds.

Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay

How much space does it offer?

The size of the house is another factor to bear in mind. If your current place is too small, you can probably assess how much extra space you need. Do you need extra bedrooms and bathrooms? Is a bigger kitchen or living room necessary? To start you off, put everything you want from a home on paper to have a better overview. Then, decide on which items you are willing to compromise on.

Figure out how much square footage you need. The way the space is used is what plays a vital role here. It is possible to find a smaller home that has everything you need simply because of its layout? That house will be better for your budget, but you don’t want to sacrifice comfort and room to spread out. Probably the biggest problem you will have to deal with is storage space. So check out every home to see how much it can store and whether you can turn any areas into additional storage.

Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay

What does it cost?

In order to not get distracted by a certain property out of your financial capabilities, you need to set a budget for yourself. If you don’t stay within your limits, you might fall in love with the “perfect” house only to be devastated when you do the math and realize you can’t afford its high price tag. Save yourself the heartache and only look at houses you can afford.

In case you have to take out a loan, conduct proper research to find lenders that offer the lowest competitive interest rates. Set up a budget that includes your future mortgage along with all the other expenses that go with owning a home and having children.

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

Can it fit your future needs?

While finding a home that meets your current needs is great, you need to be planning for your future. Think about how the house will serve you for a longer period of time.

For instance, if your kids are still young and sharing a room, will you have any options to give them separate rooms when they become moody teenagers? When they start driving, will there be enough space for their car as well? Are any of your children starting college soon or planning on moving out? Do you want to have more kids? Is there enough space for you to build some new additions to the home? See which areas can be remodeled and repurposed.

Image by thedanw from Pixabay

Do your children like the house?

Last but not least, if your kids are old enough, you should definitely ask their opinion about the new house. Sure, they won’t have the last word, but they should feel like their feelings matter as well.

If they don’t like it, focus on certain aspects such as a big backyard or the new room they’ll get to decorate according to their wishes. Maybe they’ll find a new best friend in this neighborhood. Show them the bright side of the move, and they’ll get on board quickly.

While finding the home of your dreams might be a bit difficult now that you have kids, by keeping these five tips in mind, you should be able to do it. Remember: stay within your budget, consider the location and size of the home, plan for the future, and make your kids happy. Good luck!

About the Author

Bethany Seton is a recent economics graduate, working for the last two years as a community counselor. Before settling in an office again, she decided to follow her passion for writing and traveling. Currently, she travels with her laptop and writes for various blogs, hoping one day she will gather all the experience she gets in one book.

Inspirational Kids Little Kid Motherhood Pre-Teen Teenager

3 Things Parents Must Tell Their Children When They Take Up A Musical Instrument

by Guest Contributor July 2, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

All parents of musical children secretly twiddle their thumbs in hope they’ll become proud parents of a prodigy musician, playing in some well-respected conservatory. Of course, most of the parents end up with well-educated, strong-willed and in all ways promising children, but the expectations sometimes overpower reason and not rarely do we encounter young players frustrated and pressured to become something they’re not. This is why it is very important teaching fun, but also realistic and more serious sides of playing a musical instrument.

In the world of brutal competing and the survival of the fittest, it’s hard sometimes standing aside and letting things take their natural course, but for the sake of our children gaining healthy and positive associations to music, every parent must think twice when advising their kids once they’ve taken the road of music playing.

IT’S NOT ALWAYS GOING TO BE FUN AND GAMES

Children should learn to play music regardless of their talent and chances for professional success, since it brings amazing advantages to building healthy habits, improving social skills and self-esteem, boosting cognitive ability and much more. In fact, learning to play an instrument in any case requires a lot of dedication, regular practice, discipline and patience. These soft skills are valuable for building strong and independent personalities, but children being children have a hard time understanding this on their own.

It’s fun to learn new music. It’s fun to play in a group. It’s fun to perform and get standing ovations from an audience. But until it gets this fun and effortless, a lot of hard work and persistence need to be applied. Children are usually impulsive by nature and act in accordance with what they feel and experience at the moment. If your child likes their instrument and doesn’t really like to practice – you are in good company! It doesn’t mean they don’t want to play their instrument. Practice is a discipline that students learn little by little, by trial and error, and with feedback from their teacher. It’s a skill to be developed regardless of playing itself.

Explain to your child that even though it may seem hard and complicated in the beginning, in time they’ll be able to see the results of their hard work and gain a sense of achievement. Help your kid by staying determined and undoubtful about their practicing routine and soon they’ll get used to the tempo and feel the need to do it on their own. Make sure not to strain your child if you notice that the problem is not mere childish impatience, but real aversion to playing. You have a chance to help your child understand and visualize the fruits of their hard work in the future and that it all eventually pays off.

FAILURE IS INEVITABLE AND IT TEACHES YOU VALUABLE LESSONS

With every long-term goal, a lot of work and motivation is required. With every true work, failure is a must and everyone experiences it from time to time. It’s very important letting your child understand that failure can be a good thing if it’s embraced and reexamined. The only way one can learn is through making mistakes and understanding what’s been done wrong. Nobody is perfect and should not strive to be. Telling your little instrument player that they’ll struggle sometimes and that it’s perfectly fine will make them more motivated, single-minded and feel supported in their journey.

There are no red pen marks for missed notes in music the way there are on tests — there is nothing to feel bad about when you play something “wrong” in music. To become skilled at a musical instrument one needs to know what it’s like to sound off key. They need to sound bad before they sound good; they need to work on things just beyond what they are capable of in order to get better and smarter, and that means they need to make mistakes.

HARD WORK BEATS TALENT EVERY TIME

With playing an instrument, as in other areas of life, there’s always going to be someone more talented, more naturally predisposed who’ll go through the process much faster and more effortlessly than your child. This, by all means, doesn’t mean that your kid is not cut for it or that it should be discouraged. In fact, this disadvantage may turn into a positive commitment, a driving force to fight the odds and excel.

Practicing a skill over and over, the right way, fires circuits in our brains that solidify that skill. Sure, some people find some skills easier at first than others, but the people who practice that skill daily in order to carve it into their brain will always far surpass people who don’t practice enough. Practicing a musical instrument helps children learn the universal truth that hard work trumps talent.

When feeling down and discouraged, tell your child that success depends on the amount of invested work. This will be a valuable life lesson in general. Furthermore, it’s useful to zone out and don’t think about other people’s performance at all. Playing for the sake of your own pleasure and sense of accomplishment will teach your child to appreciate their work even more and enjoy it regardless of how they would be ranked or judged.

There are not many subjects taught in school that have the potential to give our children the life skills they need to be successful beyond their school lives. We as parents are obliged to guide them through misfortunes and help them learn as much as they can from what life throws at them. Our children can learn how to have grit, motivation, problem-solving skills, flexibility, and character by tackling the obstacles and challenges music playing inevitably carries.

About the Author

Simon Dupree has discovered he has a passion for music from a very young age. Ever since then, music has been an essential part of his life. When he is not practicing, he’s probably behind the keyboard writing for Music Groupies.

Baby Kids Motherhood

5 Sleep Mistakes New Parents Make

by Guest Contributor June 25, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Having a baby is the best time in a parent’s life. However, it also comes with a lot of trial and error, especially in terms of sleep.

You’re learning how to be the best mom you can be, and it’s okay to make mistakes. What’s not okay, though, is to stick to them and harm your little one — and yourself too. A newborn with poor sleep is a nightmare for the whole family.

Lucky for you, this article contains a list of the most common mistakes that new parents make, so you can make sure you’re doing things right.

#1 Being Inconsistent

Inconsistency in sleep training or in establishing sleeping habits is the most common mistake of new parents. Many moms and dads don’t think that babies feel any difference between being sung to sleep, being put in a bouncer, and being allowed to co-sleep on parents’ bed.

But that’s not true.

First, babies do feel the change of the environment or sleeping area and can get confused. When that happens, putting them to sleep may turn into a challenge.

Second, when you fall asleep with your baby on the couch, armchair, or any other place after the feeding session, you put her at risk of being dropped or even smothered.

To avoid all of that, find the best time, place, and routine that works for your little one and stick to it religiously. A warm bath, feeding, and then sleep will do for most. And make sure you don’t fall asleep while feeding.

“A solid routine and familiar surroundings may help your baby learn to self-soothe herself and fall asleep without your assistance, which in turn will help you score more sleep for yourself.”

#2 Buying Borders and Bumpers for Your Baby’s Crib

Of course, buying the best crib mattress for your little one is a must.

But some parents go further and equip the cot with all sorts of bumpers and borders to make it look like a cute nest.

It’s easy to understand why.

You want to protect your baby from any sharp corners and injuries, especially when she learns to roll and crawl.

The thing is, using bumpers might be fatal for your baby.

How?

Well, you’ve probably heard about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The most common cause of this syndrome is asphyxiation, and it turns out that crib bumpers can actually contribute to that. Models with the pillow-like design are the most dangerous, as the newborn can press the face against it and suffocate by breathing in the oxygen-depleted air.

“Crib bumpers are banned in Ohio, Chicago, and Maryland due to the safety hazard. In fact, your little one cannot get a severe injury when accidentally bumping into a crib rail. So, it’s better to keep her safe and do not use borders.”

#3 Manipulating with Bedtime

Another common sleep mistake among the new parents is either rushing or delaying bedtime for an infant.

The issue of rushing a baby to sleep is tied to the fact that parents often do not recognize the main signs of sleep readiness from their baby and won’t allow her to have some time to wind down.

To get your little one to sleep without tears and protesting, pay attention to the following signs:

fussing
rubbing eyes
looking away

The opposite situation, when parents intentionally delay the sleep time, is more common among working moms who want to spend more time with their child. Instead of the expected effect, they get a screaming baby who will need even more time to relax and fall asleep.

If you’re experiencing this scenario, it’s better to address the problem to your boss and ask to come home earlier, or work from home.

#4 Expecting the Baby to Sleep Throughout the Night

Photo by Peter Oslanec on Unsplash

Although newborns typically sleep 16-17 hour a day, they cannot sleep through the entire night without waking up for two reasons:

Their stomachs are tiny, so they need to eat every 2-3 hours, and their sleep-wake cycle is dependent on the time of feeding.
Babies under three months don’t understand the concept of day and night.

Thus, even if you have an extremely calm newborn sleeper, she is unlikely to make it through the night at least for the first three months. After that, babies theoretically can sleep for 6 to 8 hours in a row if they have gained 10 to 12 pounds of weight.

“Note that even if your baby can sleep peacefully through the night after she has reached three months, it doesn’t mean that she will be a good sleeper forever.”

#5 Relying on Props

The modern world provides many devices and gadgets for easier parenting. The thing is, many young parents overestimate these devices or begin to rely on them too much.

The first problematic prop is a pacifier. Some babies become overly attached to it and can fall asleep only with a pacifier in their mouth. Thus, when you remove it for the night, and then the baby suddenly wakes up, she will undoubtedly scream for it.

It’s better not to use a pacifier at all, or go through a couple of rough nights and let your baby cry the need for this thing out and forever.

The other prop many parents love is a so-called cyber-nanny, which comes as a set of two video monitors allowing you to watch the nursery room while working at your laptop or cooking in the kitchen.

Some of these devices come with equipment that can check the infant’s vital signs, such as heartbeat and oxygen saturation levels. It usually comes in the form of wearables or sensors you need to put under the baby’s mattress.

Now, although these devices seem safe, they actually do more harm than good. First, they may cause false alarms if your baby is an active sleeper. There’s also the chance that they’ll mislead you by creating an illusion of safe sleeping surroundings.

As a result, you may get either over-anxious or over-confident. The former poses a risk of not getting enough sleep yourself, while the latter might make you go against the safety guidelines for newborn’s sleep.

About the Author

Edna Alfaro is a child sleep expert at Happysleepyhead. She knows how to deal with sleep issues of any kind, from teething pain and sleep regression to night terrors and sleepwalking.

Having a degree in Pedagogy, Edna had been working as a kindergarten teacher for seven years before she got her sleep expert certification. She also is a mom of three beautiful kids, so all her tips are based on the combo of personal experience and proven educational techniques.

Baby Kids Little Kid Toddler

5 Tips to Help Kids Sleep Through the Night

by Guest Contributor June 10, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Sleeping through the night can feel like such a milestone, especially if you’ve been getting fragmented sleep for months on end. Unfortunately, night waking doesn’t always disappear with infancy. Instead, sleep patterns and behaviors respond to routines, schedules, and healthy sleep habits, which gives you, as the parent, some ability to influence your child’s ability to sleep through the night. Keep reading to get our top five sleep improvement tips.

1. Consistency is Your Friend

The human body relies on predictable patterns of behavior to time the sleep cycle. A consistent bedtime uses that fact to your advantage. The key is that those patterns have to be repeated every day, sometimes for weeks, before the brain fully adjusts and responds. The consistency of a bedtime can translate to less nighttime wakings because it means your child’s sleep hormone levels are where they should be both at the start, middle, and end of the night.

2. Schedules Save Bedtime

To fully support that bedtime, you absolutely need a bedtime routine. Many children have a hard time transitioning from an alert state to asleep. A routine gives them a chance to bring their energy levels down in preparation for sleep. That process also provides time for their sleep hormone levels to regulate and release at the same time every day. The routine can be simple, like changing into pajamas, brushing teeth, and listening to a story. It can also be more complex with picking up toys and taking a warm bath before crawling into bed. You have the flexibility to decide what works for you and your child’s schedule.

3. Kids Need Comfort

Now that you’re past the falling asleep part, you have to decide what to do during nighttime wake-ups. Putting yourself back to sleep at night is a learned skill, and some children struggle with it. One way to help is to address physical and emotional comfort issues.

The easiest issues to take on are physical. Check the mattress to make sure it’s supportive. Children, with their low body weights, can sometimes be uncomfortable on a mattress that’s too firm, or your child could be waking because she’s getting poked by a mattress tag or sticker all night long. The room should also be cool, somewhere between 60 to 68 degrees usually does the trick, and try to make it as dark as possible. Night lights are fine, but opt for a motion-activated model that won’t wake your child during the night.

4. Remove Screens from the Bedroom

Televisions, tablets, or phones in the bedroom can disrupt your child’s sleep in two ways. First of all, electronic devices emit light on the blue spectrum which can suppress sleep hormones. Using any of these devices before bed can delay the start of the sleep cycle. Second, having these devices in the bedroom can not only be a source of blue spectrum light, but also cause a temptation that can be hard to ignore. Your child may be too young to turn on the television, but it’s still a distraction that can lead to wakefulness.

5. Teach Them to Fall Asleep on Their Own

You can start to teach your child to fall asleep on her own while she’s still in infancy. Lay your baby down when she’s almost asleep rather than fully asleep. Or lay her down in her crib while you sing softly or read a book to her until her eyelids close. If she can learn to quiet herself at bedtime, she can learn to self soothe herself back to sleep during the night too.

For older children, this can be a bit trickier. If your child comes out of her room, quietly take her back without making a fuss. Keep nighttime wakings quiet and boring. It’s not playtime or special cuddle time because who wants to go to sleep when that’s the reward? Every time your child comes out of her room, take her back. Don’t give in, or you’ll be going through the whole process over and over again.

Conclusion

Sleeping through the night is more of a challenge for some children than others. But with consistency in effort and technique, you can help your child learn to handle nighttime waking in a stride. Before you know it, you’ll all be getting better sleep.

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