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Pre-Teen

hyperactive child
KidsLittle KidPre-Teen

How To Teach A Hyperactive Child To Channel Their Energy

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

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

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

by Guest Contributor
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:

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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3 Things Parents Must Tell Their Children When They Take Up A Musical Instrument
InspirationalKidsLittle KidMotherhoodPre-TeenTeenager

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

by Guest Contributor
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.

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adjust to braces
KidsPre-TeenTeenager

5 Easy Ways to Help Your Child Adjust to Braces

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

So, your kiddo got braces––now what? Your preteen or teenager is already going through lots of changes, and, as a parent, it has been your job to guide them through it all, including adjust to a brand new set of hardware. Here are some tips on getting them prepped and handling their new accessory like a pro.

adjust to braces

1. Pump Them up Beforehand

The first way you can ease into an orthodontic treatment is to play up the exciting parts of the process. You might be struggling to think of positives, but there are plenty. For one thing, your child gets to choose the colors of their rubber bands.

For more benefits, check out your orthodontist’s website. Perhaps they have a high-tech office, where your child can watch TV or play video games while they’re getting their braces adhered. Or, maybe their appointment is during the school day, and they get out early — don’t worry, we won’t tell their teachers. No matter what exciting facets of the appointment will be, highlight them, so your child doesn’t become overly focused on the way their smile is about to change.

2. Prepare Them for Dietary Changes

Not quite as fun is the fact that braces require young ones to change the way they eat. Both you and your child will have to work with the necessary restrictions of those with mouth-based metallic hardware.

Start with the most notorious braces-breaker of all — popcorn. For one thing, the small bits of husk can get stuck between teeth or behind braces, and they’re almost impossible to remove. On top of that, accidentally biting into an unpopped kernel can be disastrous, causing brackets and braces to pop right off. Ouch.

To that end, you’ll want your child to steer clear of any foods with extra-hard elements. Everything from chicken wings to nuts and seeds to hard candies is off the table. Sticky sweets, such as caramels and taffies, can get stuck to braces and pull out hardware. If that’s not enough, the sugar can get stuck behind the orthodontic treatment, which can damage your child’s teeth. As much as it will pain them, candy is a big no-no.

3. Teach Proper Hygiene

Now that your child has metal covering their teeth, a simple tooth-brushing routine won’t be enough to keep their mouth clean. It’ll be up to you to ensure they’re correctly cleaning each morning and night.

Once braces are in the picture, kids should even learn to brush differently. Your child will have to hold their soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle to gently brush their teeth. Flossing between teeth and under wires will be a requirement, too — food will be very likely to get stuck in these places a brush can’t reach. You might also consider investing in a water pic to flush crumbs and bacteria from similar areas, although this device is not a substitute for flossing.

4. Ward off Pre- and Post-Application Pain

Your orthodontist will probably recommend some sort of pain medication to help your child ease into wearing their new braces. And, at first, it could hurt — metal wires and brackets are pulling their teeth into new alignment. So, be sure to build up your pre-teen’s pain tolerance with the recommended over-the-counter pain reliever. After the braces arrive, you can extend the same treatment to help soothe any lingering aches.

Be sure to bring home plenty of bracket wax, too. Even with the best orthodontic treatment, your child is likely to experience some rubbing, which can damage the inside of the mouth. Placing a small amount of wax over the hardware will smooth it over and prevent mouth sores. So, be sure to get instructions on how to do this before leaving the orthodontist’s office for both you and your child, so you’re both adept at applying it.

5. Boost Their Confidence Throughout

Having braces during a traditionally awkward period of life can make things even more difficult for your kids. You look at them and see how adorable they are, but they might face teasing at school because of their new hardware. If you notice your child starting to resent their orthodontic treatment, they could be getting grief at school.

The best way to stop bullying is to stay in tune with your child. A bully will typically work to make a child feel isolated and alone, so help your kiddo understand you’re in their corner — that will help them stand up to anyone making fun of their new smile. Be sure to remind your kid they won’t be the first or last one at school to have braces. Soon, the bully will lose interest in what will become a commonplace accessory.

You have all the tools to make your brood feel physically good while wearing braces by protecting their teeth, preparing them in advance and providing pain relief before and after the application. Building their self-confidence will complete the package, and they’ll be more than ready for the challenge of orthodontic treatment. They’ll also be deserving of the payoff for all their efforts — a smile that’s straight and healthy.

 

Author Bio

Jennifer Landis is a 29-year-old healthy living blogger who loves yoga, running, and dancing it out with her toddler! You can find more from Jennifer at her blog, Mindfulness Mama, or by following her on Twitter: @jenniferelandis.

 

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coping methods
Pre-TeenTeenager

​How To Help Your Teen Develop Positive Coping Methods

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

The average teen is dealing with a lot in life and often more than we parents had to struggle with when we were their age. There are situations like bullying and the emotional trauma that can come from it. Body image issues are even more pronounced, thanks to social media and the near-constant, unrealistic views of perfection. Depression continues to be a growing epidemic among our youth.

All of this would be bad enough, but teenagers are trying to process it all with a brain that is still in development. They just don’t have the ability to naturally cope the way adults can and even we tend to struggle.

We’re highlighting four positive coping methods to help teens manage a menagerie of emotions and situations, such as like proper sleep and nutrition. As parents, we have the power to provide additional support and teach our kids to develop healthier coping strategies that they will carry through the rest of their lives.

coping methods

1. Encourage Problem-Solving

When children are young, parents tend to give them the all the answers with minimal, to no work on their part. At some point, they need to start finding those answers on their own. The next time your teen runs into a problem, sit down and brainstorm ideas with your child, rather than provide them with the solution. Let them take the lead and make the final decision, even if you don’t agree with what your teen chooses to do.

2. Let Teens Make Mistakes And Fix Them

You will always be there as a safety net in your role as a parent, but that doesn’t mean you should always be catching your teen every time they fall. Making mistakes at an early age—and having a chance to fix them—helps teens develop the strategies that will carry over into their adult life. Plus, the mistakes are happening during a time where the consequences are not as severe and serve as a great learning opportunity. As a parent, you are training your teen for the job of life they will be taking on, and learning from mistakes are part of any job.

3. Teach Your Teens To Prioritize

Prioritizing can be difficult for many adults, especially if they were never taught how to do it at a young age. Learning to prioritize is an important coping method to learn so your teen can manage pressure and their own independence.

4. Make Stress Relief a Daily Routine

A long day at school, a part-time job and homework, sports participation and more is part of the average teen’s day. When is the day ever done for your teen? They need some off time, so make that a part of your whole family’s day. Whether it is having a meal together, watching a favorite TV show or just giving them some space to breathe on their own, teach your teens to relax by example.

Remember, your teen doesn’t have coping skills, they have to be taught and there’s no one better to teach them than you!

 

Author Bio

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

 

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bullying
FamilyKidsPre-TeenTeenager

​​How You Can Help Your Teens Stand Up Against Bullying

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

With the National Bullying Prevention month coming up in October, it’s a good time for parents to empower their children to identify bullying and know what to do if it happens to them or if they see someone getting bullied.

bullying

Help Your Teen Identify What Is Bullying

Most of us parents don’t want to think that our kids are victims of bullying, but sadly, it’s something that’s all too common in schools. Thanks to the internet, bullying has evolved and gone digital. Bullies these days are using social media, emails, texts and even creating sites to threaten, intimidate or ridicule other students.

Some teens may not even understand that their behaviors are bullying. Kids can sometimes confuse teasing and bullying, but the two are entirely different. Teasing usually happens between friends and all parties can reciprocate. Most importantly, the intent isn’t to hurt, and if your teen is uncomfortable, the other party stops the teasing.

Bullying, however, is intended to hurt, intimidate or embarrass the victim. It is a repeated pattern of behavior, and the victim is unable to protect themselves.

What To Do If Your Teen Is Being Bullied

Many children will experience bullying before they graduate high school. To help them appropriately deal with bullying, try these things:

  • Emphasize it’s not their fault. Some teens internalize bullying and blame themselves for getting bullied. Let your teen know that bullies are in the wrong and their behavior is unacceptable.
  • Provide a safe and supportive shoulder. Your teen is likely to feel vulnerable, insecure, frightened or angry after being bullied and might not want to talk right away. If they do want to talk, listen without judgment and let them vent and work out their feelings.
  • Help them come up with a plan to respond to the situation. Having a plan of action against bullies gives your teen a sense of control over the situation. Practice role-playing what they can do, e.g., walking away, ignoring the bully, loudly telling the bully to stop, etc.
  • Find ways to boost their self-confidence. Being bullied can be rough on your teen’s self-confidence, so encourage them to build their self-esteem and strengths by seeking out areas they excel in, e.g., sports, art or dance.

What Your Teen Can Do After Witnessing Bullying

The bystander effect can leave your child unsure of what to do when they witness someone being bullied. Teach them these tips on how to react when they see someone being bullied:

  • They should never join in. Emphasize that picking on someone is never okay and your teen shouldn’t join in just because “everyone else is doing it”.
  • Encourage them to support the victim privately or publicly. If they are confident enough, they can publicly speak out against the bullying to get it to stop. If not, they could go to the victim privately and offer encouragement.
  • Ask them to report it to a trusted adult. Your teen might worry that they’re tattling, but let them know that by reporting the bullying to an adult who can stop it shows that they’re concerned for the victim’s welfare, and this is commendable.

Empowering your teen to stand up against bullying can prevent the situation from getting out-of-hand and might even inspire other students to also speak out.

 

Author Bio

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

 

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moving with kids
FamilyKidsLittle KidPre-TeenTeenager

10 Creative Ways to Make Moving With Kids Easier

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

Moving is tough on your nerves and your budget, but the process becomes more complicated when you add kids into the mix. Your children may grieve for the memories of the old house and neighborhood and may not know how to handle relocation. Don’t let your kids feel left out. Make moving with kids a fun adventure for all with these 10 creative ways to simplify the process.

moving with kids

1. Make a Song and Dance

Kids love to sing and dance, so host the most fun packing party with your kids. Order pizza and make your own show happen. Recreate the lyrics to “Let It Go” or another favorite song.

2. Riddle Them

Don’t leave out your littlest ones, and hide surprises for your munchkins to find while they help with the move. Create riddles to solve or make a maze.

3. Box Decoration Duty

Once boxes get sealed, task older kids with appropriate labeling and box decorating duty. Give them colorful markers and stickers. Your little ones can help with the stickers.

Ask the in-home estimator for a quote on coloring book moving boxes to keep things structured and fun if you’re afraid the doodles may get out of hand. It makes the packing process more exciting with storytelling and a pop of color.

4. Cardboard Imaginative Play

Many people overdo it with the box foraging, so save some for your kids to play in for breaks and distractions. They can build a fort and have something to play with while you pack away their toys.

5. Moving Playlist Music

Let your kids create the ultimate moving road trip playlist. Keep up the family morale with feel-good tunes. Teens will love being in charge of this idea, but it may help your resolve to remind your teen that all family members get at least two of their own picks on the list.

6. Games for the Road

Playing Monopoly on the road could prove dangerous. Instead, make a list of simple games you and your family can play on the road together to pass the time, such as 20 Questions or I Spy, which is great for kids ages 2 and older. You only need two people. With a notebook, you can also play Hangman and Tic-Tac-Toe.

7. Camp Indoors

You’ve arrived, but don’t rush to set up bedrooms yet. Camping indoors lets your family have extra bonding time and dream about the potential for your new space. You may have ideas you never expected come up overnight. Pitch a tent indoors and start dreaming.

8. Trust Kids to Set up Their Rooms

While you don’t want your toddler setting up their room, trust older kids to organize their space. When kids place their toys in the areas they prefer, they may take more pride in keeping things in order,

Letting your 11-year-old decorate their own room develops their autonomy and expression because eventually, they move out into the world on their own. Let your kids have a say in their space and also the ones you share.

9. Make Decorating Collaborative

You all have to stare at the same four walls, so get the whole family involved in the decorating process. Make a sign with the family name to hang on the door, or paint it on the mailbox. Why not make signs for each other’s rooms?

10. Repurposed Cardboard Crafts

You want to teach your kids the value of recycling and repurposing, so don’t let that cardboard go to waste. Flatten and cut out cardboard squares for the kids to release their inner artist, or make two forts to play a game of sock war.

Moving gets tough quickly for the whole family as you deal with multiple feelings about the process, from sadness and excitement to not busting your budget. Your kids need your support in the form of a big hug and things to do, but these ideas prove that moving doesn’t have to happen without fun or creativity.

Adjustments during and after the move will take time. Show your kids photos of the new location, and involve them collaboratively in the moving process to get them excited about their new home.

 

Author Bio:

Jennifer Landis is a 29-year-old healthy living blogger who loves yoga, running, and dancing it out with her toddler! You can find more from Jennifer at her blog, Mindfulness Mama, or by following her on Twitter: @jenniferelandis.

 

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Easy Steps To Raising A Financially Responsible Teen
KidsPre-TeenTeenager

Easy Steps To Raising A Financially Responsible Teen

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

Helping your teen become a financially independent young adult is one of the goals of parents who engage in positive parenting. This goal can be difficult to reach if the process is not addressed by parents while their teens live at home. For proof, just consider how many older millennials are still struggling to leave their parents homes!

To prepare your teen to become financially independent, start by following these two steps. As you and your teen work together, you will be able to see what other things they need help with beyond these basic steps.

1. Assist Your Teen In Finding A Job

One of the first steps toward financial independence for teens is to have their own source of income. Not only does your teen gain a sense of independence thanks to bringing in their own income but they can also gain valuable work experience while still in the safety of the home.  To help your teen find and land a job which is appropriate for their skill set, you can:

  • Talk with your teen about what their interests are and how they can turn their interests into work. A musically talented teen or one with a strong academic background may like tutoring others, or a more athletically-inclined teen may enjoy working as a lifeguard.
  • Contact people in your network of family, friends, and acquaintances. It is far easier for teens to land their first job through networking than just submitting applications
  • Help them prepare for their interviews by holding mock job interviews. You can use the most common job interview questions to help your teen be prepared to answer them properly.

Even if you prefer your teen not to take a job which may distract them from their schooling, it is important to develop the soft skills a job teaches such as good communication and teamwork. These skills can put your teen ahead of their peers. An ideal way to help them develop these skills and a strong work ethic is to have your teen regularly volunteer with an organization they admire.

2. Help Develop A Budget With Your Teen

Budgeting as a teen can be a simple activity which creates an important cornerstone of their future financial state. Since they have many of their needs still taken care of by you, the parents, creating a budget now gives them a valuable headstart on smart savings and spending. You can even find a good personal finance app for your teen to use. Some things to cover while teaching about budgets are:

  • Spending habits – For one week, have your teen track what they spend their money on. They may be surprised to see how much they spend on random purchases such as eating out with friends, and impulse buys at mall stores, etc. After they have tracked, help them plan out how to cut back on spending and save for bigger purchases.
  • Saving plan – In a recent survey, it was discovered that 40% of Americans are saving 5% or less of their annual income. To help your teen develop the habit of savings, help them determine how much they are willing to save per paycheck.
  • Budget tracking – A budget is of no use if there is no accountability. To help your teen track their budget, you can finally put their technology obsession to good use. There is a wide variety of personal finance apps which can help your teen easily track if their budget is working.

If your teen does not have any source of regular income, you can still help them create a budget. By working with hypothetical numbers using the average minimum wage in your area, you and your teen can create a basic budget to help them understand how to budget when they have an income.

As you work with your teens on developing their financial independence, other financial concerns are more likely to come up. Be sure to let your teen know that you are there for them and you are ready to help them find answers to their questions concerning financial independence.

 

Author Bio

Tyler Jacobson – Father of three and avid outdoor enthusiast – has been juggling life with kids for around 18 years. He’s learned a thing or two about parenting and has turned from a full time career in digital media to helping fellow parents of teenagers. He pulls from his own life experiences raising spunky, free-spirited children, as well as his work with various organizations that help teens be their best selves. During his free time, Tyler enjoys taking his family into the mountains to connect with a simpler side of life which he finds grounding and rejuvenating.

 

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KidsPre-TeenTeenager

4 Tech Gadgets To Get Your Kids Through the School Year

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

 

tech gadgets

Source: Amazon

1. Real Shades Screen Shades

Screen time is a fact of life in our day and age, and our kids also use technology to complete homework now, too. When your kids put on a pair of Real Shades, their eyes will be blocked from 65% of blue light emitted from tablets, phones and computers. They reduce eye strain, dry eyes and visual stress. They’re also made with unbreakable frames and polycarbonate lenses for a lifetime of wearing. Did we mention they also come in adult sizes?

Source: Amazon.com

2. Rocketbook Erasable Notebook

Save paper and the environment with the Pocketbook Erasable Notebook. The 32-page reusable pages are compatible with Pilot FriXion pens and come with QR coded sheets that allow for instant scanning. Take notes, take a photo and send your notes to a cloud account before wiping clean.

tech gadgets

Source: Tylt.com

3. Chargeable Backpack

Tech is a way of life! Never be worried about your pre-teen or teen’s phone dying after school when they have a chargeable backpack. This particular bag comes with a charging port and power bank so no more excuses! While these backpacks don’t come cheap, you also can’t put a price on peace of mind.

tech gadgets

Source: Amazon.com

4. Tribit XSound Go Bluetooth Speakers

Waterproof, sleek design and a battery that lasts 24 hours means your school-aged kiddo will get plenty of use out of this speaker. Whether they’re catching up on recordings from school or just wanting some back ground music while doing homework, this small speaker packs a punch and for only $35.

 

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4 Tech Gadgets To Get Your Kids Through the School Year

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KidsLittle KidPre-TeenTeenager

4 Self-Care Habits That Will Boost Your Child’s Mental Health

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

Self-care is something we do intentionally to sustain our physical, mental or emotional well-being, and as parents it can be hard to find time to do. As it turns out, learning to take care of ourselves from an early age can set the precedent for making it a priority in adulthood. Learning self-care in our childhood isn’t just to set ourselves up for healthy habits, it’s also to manage developmental stressors that can affect mental health throughout life.

Whether your child is 8 or 18, regular acts of self-care will promote a productive environment of positive strategies for good health. Here are 4 self-care ideas that can be easily integrated into everyday life to improve your child’s mental health.

self-care habits

1. Encourage Openness

It’s important for children to not only be comfortable with sharing their emotions, but to know how to as well. Start the conversation with your child by letting them know that you are someone who cares and will listen without judgement if they want to share their thoughts and feelings. If your child is reserved by nature and likewise has difficulty openly discussing touchy topics such as mental health, provide accessible mental health resources that illustrate other’s experiences with regulating their mental state. It’s great for children to grow awareness of their sense of self and well-being on a relatable scale.

2. Form Healthy Habits

Teaching children how to tweak small details in their daily routine is a great way to concurrently improve their physical health as well as their mental health. Research shows physical exercise is essential to mental health. Burning off some of that negative energy can be beneficial in overall mood improvement by relieving stress and increasing energy and mental alertness. The same research recommends exercising three or more times per week for at least 45 minutes. This can easily be broken down to fit your children’s schedule by going for a bike ride after school and then maybe a walk together after dinner. Even better if you can find a local sports league that your child expresses an interest in, like soccer or softball!

3. Make Time For Fun

Your child should make it a priority to do something enjoyable every single day, whether it’s on their own or with someone else. More importantly, it’s important to find ways to make daily activities more enjoyable if they’re something your child doesn’t typically look forward to doing. For example, if your child enjoys music, allow them to set aside some time to listen to their favorite band, dance to some tunes, or play music on an instrument. Likewise, if guitar practice for instance, isn’t something that your child particularly enjoys but knows is a must for school, they can incorporate ways to make it more enjoyable by learning how to play a favorite song of theirs.

4. Support Creativity

When words fail, sometimes we can relieve our tension and express our emotions through creative outlets. Mindful activities like coloring or journaling are great avenues for your child to explore when learning to work through stress and complicated feelings. Consider a therapeutic coloring book, for any age, that can can sooth negative emotions, improve mood and increase focus on the present moment. Your child might even find a sense of pride in their work, ultimately boosting their self-esteem.

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