Tag Archives: parenting

Lifestyle, Parenting, Tips

How to Financially Prepare for Being a Parent

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When you and your partner come to the decision that you would like to start a family together, there are bound to be many emotions that arise. The first is likely excitement as you look forward to all of the joy that the future holds. However, it is completely natural to find yourself feeling a bit apprehensive about some aspects of parenthood.

Becoming a parent involves a great deal of responsibility. Whichever way you look at it, your entire life will change. In many ways, these changes are for the better, but acknowledging this can still result in feeling overwhelmed at times.

By and large, the area in which most parents-to-be find the most stress is that of money. To be sure, there are a few aspects of starting a family that can prove to be as overwhelming as financial ones.

The simple fact is that there are many things that you will need to purchase and plan for in order to prepare for the arrival of your little one. The best thing that you can do from a practical standpoint as well as for your mental health is to start preparing as soon as possible. The sooner you have a handle on your finances, the better you will feel overall.

With that in mind, if you are about to start your family, here are a few tips that can help you to be financially prepared for parenthood.

Look at Big Expenses First

When you perform a simple search online for what you will need for your baby, you will be faced with countless lists discussing items that you have never even heard of before. Unfortunately, there are times when all you will be able to see are the dollar signs.

In order to get a better sense of just how much you will need to spend so as to properly prepare for the baby, start with the big-ticket items. Things like a crib, a car seat, and the nursery will be important to have when you bring the baby home. While there are plenty of smaller items that you will want to acquire, the bigger items are the things that will eat into your budget sooner rather than later.

Once you know how much you are going to need to spend on these bigger items, you can come up with a realistic plan for how you will afford them. Some retailers offer payment plans for expensive items like cribs which can help to spread out the cost. If you anticipate several large expenses to convert a room in your home into a nursery, such as electrical work and drywall repair, a home improvement loan from OneMain Financial can be a good place to start.

Ignore the “Experts”

Everyone who has a baby blog claims to be an “expert” in preparing for a baby. Unfortunately, most of these “experts” are simply trying to push products so that they can receive a cut of the sales.

Instead of obsessing over such lists, have a look at trusted sources in order to get a good sense of what items you will need for the baby. Remember that different items will be needed for formula-fed babies and breastfed babies. Think about what your parenting journey will be like, and then build your own list from there.

Going Healthy, Health, Lifestyle, Parenting, Tips

How To Get Your Kids To Live Healthier Lives

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A healthy lifestyle is essential for everyone, but it’s necessary for kids. A recent study found that kids with a healthy lifestyle are less likely to develop chronic diseases later in life. The following blog will discuss some tips on how you can get your kids to live healthier lives.

girl eating watermelon outside, summer, hot weather, fresh fruit

Photo by Jill Wellington

1) Be More Active

One of the best ways to get your kids to live healthier lives is to encourage them to be more active. Kids should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. There are plenty of ways to get your kids moving, such as playing tag, going for a walk or bike ride, or playing in the park.

Encouraging your kids to be more active doesn’t have to be a chore. Make it fun and try to do it together as a family. You can even turn it into a game where everyone gets points for every minute they’re active. The key is to make it something that everyone enjoys so that it becomes a regular part of your family’s routine.

2) Consider Gluten-Free Food Options

If your child has celiac disease or is gluten-sensitive, it’s essential to ensure they’re eating a gluten-free diet. There are plenty of delicious and healthy Gluten-Free food options available these days.

You can find gluten-free breads, pastas, cereals, and even snacks. Many grocery stores now have a dedicated gluten-free section. And if you’re unsure about something, you can always check the label or ask a staff member for help.

Making sure your child is eating a healthy and balanced diet is one of the best things you can do to help them live a healthier life.

3) Teach Them About the Importance of Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for good health, but it’s something that many kids don’t get enough of. It’s important to teach your kids about the importance of sleep and how it can impact their overall health.

Help them understand that getting enough sleep will help them feel better, perform better in school, and avoid getting sick. You can also set a bedtime for your kids and ensure they stick to it.

4) Tell Them The Importance Of Hydration

Kids need to stay hydrated, especially during the hotter months. Dehydration can cause headaches and dizziness and even make it hard to concentrate.

Make sure your kids are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You can also pack them a water bottle to take with them to school or on outings. And if they’re not big fans of plain water, you can try adding some fruit slices or herbs for flavor.

5) Help Them Develop Healthy Habits

One of the best ways to get your kids to live healthier lives is to help them develop healthy habits. This can include things like eating breakfast every day, brushing their teeth twice a day, and getting regular exercise.

You can also set up a reward system for when they accomplish these tasks. For example, you can give them a sticker or allow them to choose a fun activity to do when they brush their teeth twice a day for a week.

In conclusion, there are several things you can do to help your kids live healthier lives. Be sure to encourage them to be more active, make healthy food choices, and get plenty of sleep. Helping them develop healthy habits now will set them up for a lifetime of good health.

Going Green, Going Healthy, Health, Life, Lifestyle, Parenting, Tips

Children’s Health Is Degrading In America. What Can We Do?

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According to a Children’s Health Fund report, over one-third of children between the ages of 17 and 1 have at least one health condition. A whopping 40% confirm that the condition affects their day-to-day activities. 

Not all conditions may be life-threatening, but children living with conditions such as autism, asthma, and even anxiety problems can experience unexpected challenges. Additionally, modern US lifestyle choices can present huge risk factors, such as a poor diet or lack of physical activities. What can parents do to improve their children’s health and give them the best chances in life? 

young teen boy outside,

Unsplash – CC0 license

Help them feel comfortable with their pediatrician

Children of all ages may feel uncomfortable when they need to visit the doctor. Young children are prone to panic and tears. Older ones tend to clam up for fear of sounding silly. So, it is important to build up their confidence and create a positive and productive relationship with the doctor. Arranging for regular checkups with a family doctor, for instance, can normalize medical visits. It can also encourage your child to build a trust relationship with their doctor, so they are more likely to talk about their health concerns. Many dangerous conditions can be prevented and avoided if they are caught early! 

Prevent vitamin deficiencies

Here are some alarming facts about our diet. Over 9 in 10 Americans have vitamin deficiency, including a lack in potassium, calcium, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, and magnesium. Vitamin deficiency can lead to mild to severe anemia and disruption of normal body functions. Some individuals can even experience extreme symptoms such as personality changes, mental confusion, and irregular heartbeats. Severe anemia can have dramatic impacts on your health. 

Unfortunately, vitamin deficiency is a frequent occurrence because the nutrient intake in fresh produces has dropped over the last century, some cooking processes remove nutrients, processed food is low in vitamins and minerals, etc. Bringing supplements and multivitamins for teens can make a big difference! 

Teach them normal portion sizes

According to researchers at the Human Nutrition Center, 92% of US restaurants serve oversized portions. It is no wonder that obesity is increasing alarmingly in the United States as people become unable to recognize standard portion sizes. As a population, we eat too much. Yet, it’s not out of gluttony but a lack of understanding. Therefore, the sooner you educate your kids about portions and macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fat), the earlier they can make an informed choice about their food. 

Make sports a family activity

Kids embrace more and more a sedentary lifestyle because they learn by observing their parents. Therefore, making physical activities a part of your family routine starts with us, parents. It could be simple things such as planning a ball game every weekend together or going for a run before breakfast with your teen. There is no need to overdo it. What matters is that you show your child that being active can be fun and beneficial. 

Some of the best activities you can try as a family, regardless of your fitness level, include:

  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Tennis and basketball games in your backyard
  • Zumba classes

Parents have a responsibility to prepare their kids for the future. Showing them the best way to manage their physical and mental health early can prevent many issues that can be aggravated through poor lifestyle choices.