All posts by R.C. Liley

I'm an ex-mutual fund accountant who left the cubicle world to be a stay-at-home dad to my beautiful little girl, Avery, who entered our life on 11/15/13 and handsome little boy, Wes, who joined our family on 11/19/17. Also happily married to my wife, Kelley, as of 8/17/07. Sorry ladies... :) Fitness and nutrition is of the utmost importance in our family and we strive to reflect this in our daily life. I always prepare our meals at home and only go out if it's a special occasion, and even then I tend to not get much. Food should be fun and a joy to eat, not something quickly consumed from a fast food chain or scarf down before the next meeting. I have come from strictly logging high miles to train for the next marathon to keeping exercise varied and focusing more on strength. I still enjoy going for a run when I can, but nothing crazy, and I prefer hill sprints while pushing my daughter, Avery in the stroller. She loves it and I get a great workout! I want to show the world how to appreciate their body and feed it real, wholesome food while moving more throughout the day. In doing so, everyone would be healthier, happier, and we'd all live in a better place as a result. I blog mainly about my life as a stay-at-home dad and frequently include reviews, participate in campaigns, and share my thoughts on fitness and nutrition. If you ever have any questions or thoughts to share, please reach out as I'm always open to listening or helping others however possible. That is, when I have free time since Avery is and my wife are the number one priorities!

5 Ways To Save Money On Kid’s Dental Treatments

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Every child needs to see a dentist and have a regular dental schedule by the time they are 1 year of age. However, routine dental treatment can be costly, and for parents with multiple children, being able to afford dental care can be a worry.

But there are ways for you to reduce the cost of dentist visits for your kids. Read on to learn how.

Dental Insurance for Kids

There are multiple options when it comes to dental insurance for kids, so it’s important to find coverage that works for you. Most plans will include regular dental checkups, which your child should need every 6 months at a minimum. For the cost of the monthly premium payment, you will be covered for a set amount of treatment per year for your child, which can include emergency treatment, orthodontics, and more.

Medicaid or CHIP

Medicaid or CHIP (children’s health insurance programs) are state-run programs that offer assistance to low-income families. You will need to meet specific financial requirements to qualify for this type of assistance; however, it is always worth looking to see if you qualify to help reduce the cost of dental treatments for children. Regular checkups, x-rays, cleaning, extractions, and fillings are a few of the treatment options covered by Medicaid.

Luckily, around 43% of dentists in the US take Medicaid, so you should still be able to find a provider in your local area to register with via these programs.

Dental Savings Plans

Dental savings plans are very similar to dental instances but don’t require you to wait around for the funds to be clear or for paperwork and applications to be approved. You need to shop around for dental savings plans much like you would insurance plans, as various options are available.

These types of plans are available at different price points and coverage requirements, so it is important you find one that works for your needs and budget so you can afford the treatment your child might need. You might be able to benefit from additional benefits or discounts exclusively for these types of savings plans.

Dental Schools

Dental schools are schools where dental students train, and they often offer services with trainee dentists for reduced costs, making it more affordable for people. All students will be supervised by fully qualified dentists, meaning you don’t have to worry about not receiving proper care.

Not only will you be getting the treatment and advice you need for your child or even yourself, but you will also be helping to train future dentists and support ongoing training and development in this area. The fee schedules can vary from school to school or even for the type of student you see, so always ask beforehand how much it will cost so you know what to expect when you come to pay.

Practice Healthy Habits

This should go without saying, but practicing healthy habits each day when it comes to the mouth and teeth will help you reduce the number of dental visits you need to make and the treatments you need for them. Brushing teeth twice daily, drinking water after eating, flossing, reducing sugary treats and drinks, and using fluoride products can all be instrumental in helping you to support a healthy mouth for your child, and instilling healthy oral habits in them can be an excellent way of helping you to keep dental costs down.

Benefits of Supported Independent Living: Enhanced Quality of Life

Living life on your terms – it’s a universal desire, and for those navigating the challenges of disabilities, Supported Independent Living (SIL) emerges as a beacon of hope. Let’s embark on a deep dive into the kaleidoscope of benefits that SIL brings, painting a vivid picture of how it elevates the quality of life for individuals who embrace its empowering embrace.

1. Redefining Independence Beyond Four Walls

Break free from the confines of traditional living! Supported Independent Living isn’t just about a roof over your head; it’s about creating a space that resonates with accessibility. Imagine a home that’s not just a sanctuary but a springboard for liberation, where every nook and cranny is designed to cater to diverse needs.

2. Tailoring Support: Your Life, Your Way

Bid farewell to the one-size-fits-all approach. SIL is the bespoke suit of support services, recognizing the uniqueness of each individual. It’s not about conforming to a system; it’s about crafting a support structure that aligns with personal needs, quirks, and aspirations. Your life, your rules – that’s the essence of SIL.

3. The Power of Choice: Embracing Self-Determination

Life is a series of choices, and SIL is the compass that points towards empowerment. Self-determination isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a philosophy woven into the fabric of SIL. From daily decisions to life-altering choices, individuals under SIL wield the power to steer their own ship, creating a narrative that’s authentically theirs.

4. Thriving in Communities, Not Just Existing

Isolation is the enemy, and SIL is the ally that conquers it. Picture a life where being part of a community isn’t a passive experience but an active, vibrant reality. SIL fosters genuine connections, dismantling stereotypes and paving the way for a society where everyone is not just present but celebrated.

5. Skills for Life: Nurturing Growth and Confidence

Life isn’t a checklist; it’s a journey, and SIL is the companion for the ride. Skill development is not a mundane task but a transformative journey towards personal and professional growth. Confidence soars, abilities strengthen, and the doors to new possibilities swing wide open, all thanks to the empowering embrace of SIL.

6. Well-being Beyond the Physical: A Holistic Approach

Health is a multi-faceted jewel, and SIL polishes it from all angles. This isn’t just about physical health; it’s about mental well-being, emotional resilience, and the joy of balanced living. SIL seamlessly weaves well-being into the daily tapestry, recognizing that a truly fulfilled life is an intricate mosaic of different hues.

7. Adaptable Support for Life’s Rollercoaster

Life is unpredictable, and SIL is the stabilizer for the ride. Flexibility is the key, adapting to the ebb and flow of changing circumstances. Whether it’s tweaking support services, adjusting living arrangements, or exploring new opportunities, SIL is the steady anchor in the dynamic seas of life.

8. Belonging, Not Just Existing

In the symphony of life, SIL is the melody that celebrates diversity. It’s more than a support model; it’s a community where everyone has a seat at the table. Each person is not just acknowledged but valued for their unique contributions, creating a sense of belonging that transcends the ordinary.

9. Fostering Independence Through Lifelong Learning

Embarking on the journey of Supported Independent Living (SIL) means embracing a philosophy of continuous growth. SIL recognizes that life is an ongoing learning experience. It goes beyond the acquisition of skills; it’s about fostering a mindset that thrives on curiosity and exploration. SIL provides avenues for lifelong learning, ensuring that individuals can adapt and flourish in the ever-evolving landscape of life.

10. Cultivating Resilience: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Challenges are an inherent part of life, and SIL transforms them into stepping stones for personal growth. It’s not about avoiding difficulties but cultivating resilience in the face of adversity. SIL empowers individuals to navigate challenges, turning them into opportunities for self-discovery and forging a resilience that becomes a cornerstone of their character.

11. Embracing Diversity: A Tapestry of Unique Contributions

In the symphony of life, SIL becomes the melody that celebrates diversity. It’s more than a support model; it’s a community where everyone has a seat at the table. Each person is not just acknowledged but valued for their unique contributions, creating a sense of belonging that transcends the ordinary.

12. Nurturing Social Connections: Beyond Isolation

Isolation is the enemy, and SIL is the ally that conquers it. Imagine a life where being part of a community isn’t a passive experience but an active, vibrant reality. SIL fosters genuine connections, dismantling stereotypes, and paving the way for a society where everyone is not just present but celebrated.

In Conclusion: Unveiling the SIL Magic

Supported Independent Living isn’t a concept; it’s a transformative magic trick. By dismantling barriers, promoting self-determination, and fostering a sense of belonging, SIL becomes the wizardry that turns existence into an extraordinary adventure. As we champion the enchantment of SIL, let’s strive for a society where everyone can unfold their wings and soar towards their aspirations.

How To Improve Communication In Your Workplace

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Communication is vital in the workplace. Whether it’s between you and your employees or your employees and your customers, communication should be at the forefront of building your business. Once you have good communication skills embedded in your business, the rest will follow.

Communication throughout your business takes time and effort to build. If you’d like to improve communication, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips on how to create excellent communication skills in every aspect of the business.

Know Your Staff

Whether you have a handful of staff or a whole building full of staff, it’s your job to communicate with them. Knowing your staff well will help you to support and encourage them. Have regular one-to-one meetings with your staff to discuss progress and how you can support them in their role.

The more you know about their lives, the easier it will be to understand how they work. Simple gestures like making working hours more flexible or allowing staff to work from home can make a big difference and you’re likely to find it won’t affect production rates. Running a productive business is paramount for all business owners.

Keep Employees Informed

Your employees are an integral part of your business. They deserve to know what’s going on when changes happen. It’s inevitable for businesses to go through changes- good and bad. 

Your staff should know what to expect from their jobs and how changes will affect them. During tough times, your voice is never more needed by those you employ. Guide them through the storm and keep their spirits up.

Utilize Technology

Everyone working in one office isn’t the norm anymore. You may have staff working from home, staff with hybrid roles, and even some staff on the road. It’s essential to find a communication tool that allows you to stay connected with everyone, no matter where they are.

This is where field service management can come in handy. It will allow you to stay in communication with each member of your team and ensure that every job is done to the best of their ability.

Constructive Criticism

There will be times when your workers aren’t doing what they’re supposed to be doing. Your business reputation is hinged on the work that comes from your employees. If your employees need to be doing better work, you have to address the issue.

However, it’s vital that you do this tactfully. Instead of pointing out errors constantly, be sure to offer your support. Offer additional training and demonstrations to ensure your workers have examples of what perfect work looks like.

Offer Praise

One of the best ways to get the best out of your staff is with encouragement. Everyone wants to be appreciated for the work they do and valued for the time they give. There are many ways you can do this for your staff.

From verbal appreciation to gifts of thanks, and more. How you choose to praise your staff for good work is up to you, as long as you make sure they know.

Open Door Policy

Do your employees feel that they can talk to you? As an employer you have to be approachable. Let your workers know that you have an open door policy and you’re willing to listen when they need you to.

Life can get complicated at times and your workers should be able to tell you about important things going on in their lives. It could be the reason for their distraction or mistakes. However, there is a difference between an agony aunt and an employer- you should always be the latter. 

Ask For Feedback

If you’re offering constructive criticism, you should also be able to take it. Your employees may have some valuable insights that could propel the business forward. It’s worth remembering that your employees will often deal directly with your customers.

As they spend time with your customers, they’ll get to know them well and gather information about what they want to see from the business. You can use this knowledge to continue to provide what your target audience wants. Additionally, your employees may have feedback on how you operate as manager. Be willing to listen.

Note Strengths and Weaknesses

As you get to know your workers, you’ll pick up on their strengths and weaknesses. As an employer, it’s vital that you use your employees strengths to build the business. Your employees will also be happier playing to their strengths.

However, it’s also important to offer help where weaknesses are concerned. Your employees may feel daunted by challenges but they will thank you later. Investing in your employees by strengthening them will only lead to strengthening your business.

How You Communicate

How you choose to communicate with your employees could have a direct influence on the results. Be mindful of the way you communicate. If you are too critical or too harsh with your words, the natural reaction is to be defensive and continue as normal.

If you want your employees to listen, do it in a way that speaks to them. Break the ice and make them feel comfortable talking with you. When you have a good working relationship with your employees, it will be easier to address the complicated issues.

Team Building

Nothing helps team communication more than team-building activities. It could be bonding games at work or it could be spending time together outside of work in Quest Room escape rooms in Hollywood to help boost mental ability and team bonding. The better your team knows one another, the better the flow of work will be. Consider taking a 16 personalities test, as a light-hearted way to get to know each other.

If you have employees that work in-office and from home, having communication platforms like Slack can help employees to chat and get to know one another. You can also consider setting up an employee spotlight email where each one employee says something about themselves every month. It’s a great way for teams to find common ground with each other.

Communication is a huge key for any successful business. If you’ve found this article helpful, take a look at the others.