Category: Parenting

Being a parent is one of the greatest joys of life. However, it is also an immense responsibility. While you want your kid to have a great childhood, you also need to ensure that they remain as safe and healthy as possible. So, before you hand them any toys, you need to clean and sanitise them for additional safety.

Here are a few ways you can clean and sanitise the toys every once in a while.

1.   Plush Toys Need to Be Washed

Stuffed animals and plush toys are some of the most popular toys among babies and toddlers. However, they also attract a significant amount of dust, allergens, moisture, and germs. To ensure your baby does not get affected by these elements, wash these plush toys regularly with detergent. Manufacturers like Riff Raff sell machine-washable plush toys that you can toss in the washer for a quick refresh. Air-dry the toys after each wash to prevent mould and mildew growth.

2.   Use Disinfectant Wipes for Hard Toys

Disinfectant wipes are convenient for quick clean-ups and effectively kill germs. You can simply take a disinfectant wipe and carefully clean plastic blocks, rattles, or toy cars without any hiccups. Once you disinfect the toys, leave them for a few minutes before wiping them with a clean piece of cloth. This will give the wipe enough time to kill any bacteria on the surface. Just ensure the toys are dry before you return them to your kids.

3.   Boil Non-Electronic Toys for a Chemical-Free Clean Up

If you don’t want to use any chemicals to sanitise the toys, boiling water can help you do the job effectively. This sanitisation method is ideal for small, non-electronic toys that are heat-resistant. Simply boil the toys for a few minutes to kill germs and bacteria. You do not need any harsh disinfectants for this process. Just ensure the toys can withstand heat before throwing them into the pot.

Avoid boiling toys with batteries or electronics, as the heat can damage them. Wait for a few hours once you are done boiling the toys, allowing them to cool down.

4.   Scrub the Toys with Soap

For hard toys that do not require heavy disinfecting, you can scrub them with mild soap (like baby shampoo or a dishwashing liquid) and warm water. For proper cleaning, scrub for at least 30 seconds. This will help you get rid of germs and dirt from the toys. After washing, let the toys air dry in the sun. With this practice, you can eliminate soap residue from the toys while sunlight sanitises them with UV rays.

5.   Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Disinfecting

Disinfecting the frequently used items is one of the most effective ways to maintain hygiene at home. You can also use hydrogen peroxide to safely disinfect baby toys. It is non-toxic in nature and can kill germs effectively if used correctly. Just fill a spray bottle with this component and spray down the toys. Let the sprayed solution sit on the toys for about 10 minutes.

Next, wipe them off with a wet cloth. Since hydrogen peroxide is a gentle disinfectant, it does not cause any harm to your toddler. Also, you do not get any lingering smell after cleaning the toys with hydrogen peroxide.

6.   Soak the Toys in Vinegar-Water Mix

Vinegar is a great alternative to chemical disinfectants for sanitising baby toys. This is safe for babies and toddlers and quite easy to use. Just mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl or basin. Then, soak the plastic or rubber toys in the solution for several minutes. The vinegar will help eliminate the germs without needing any harsh chemicals.

Even though vinegar has a strong smell, you won’t find any odour once the vinegar dries. To ensure no traces of that odour, you can give the toys a quick rinse with fresh water after cleaning them with a vinegar solution. Air-dry the toys before handing them back to your child.

Conclusion

Cleaning and sanitising your baby’s toys frequently will prevent them from spreading germs and bacteria. Regular cleaning will also help you eliminate mould and mildew that can put your child’s health at risk. Just follow the tips mentioned above. Also, read the manufacturers’ guidelines before cleaning the toys using any of these methods.

Retirement planning can feel like solving a complicated puzzle. Many parents have mixed feelings about this stage. It brings freedom and relaxation and raises questions about money, healthcare, and lifestyle choices. As their children, it’s essential to understand how to support them during this transition.

So, how can you help? Start with open and honest conversations. Encourage your parents to share their thoughts and wishes about retirement. Listen carefully, and don’t push them toward your ideas. Create a space where they feel comfortable discussing their dreams and worries about this new chapter.

Discover how to help your parents prepare for retirement.

Living Arrangements

As parents age, they may need to rethink their living situations. Some might want to stay at home, while others might do better in a retirement community. Talk about the pros and cons of both options without bias. Highlight the independence and social activities, showing them the vibrant environment they may enjoy.

Research local options together, visit different retirement homes and meet the staff. Point out amenities like fitness classes, libraries, and social events. These features promote active engagement and connections. Ensure they feel secure and valued in their community choices while respecting their preferences.

Financial Planning

Retirement can last for decades, so ensuring financial security is crucial. Help your parents review their finances and understand their spending habits. Assist them in estimating expenses for healthcare, travel, and hobbies. A detailed budget can help them clarify their needs.

Encourage them to talk with a financial advisor. Professionals can give tailored advice to align investment strategies with their retirement goals. A second opinion can provide peace of mind and help clarify complicated choices. Many brokerages and financial institutions offer resources for retirement planning. Use these options to help them build a solid financial foundation.

Healthcare Considerations

Healthcare management becomes more important after retirement. Your parents might need help navigating their options. Gather information on Medicare, supplemental insurance, and long-term care. Present resources in an organized way to help them understand their choices.

Regular health checkups and screenings help maintain their well-being. Encourage them to build relationships with healthcare providers who can support them during this transition. Staying on top of their health will help them feel empowered and confident in their retirement years.

Navigating comprehensive healthcare systems often requires expert assistance to access all available benefits and resources. For example, understanding the requirements and funding mechanisms for NDIS allied health services ensures individuals receive tailored, quality care.

 Social Connections

As parents age, they can feel isolated. Encouraging social connections can boost their spirits and mental health. Urge them to participate in community activities, clubs, or volunteer work. Many local organizations offer classes for seniors, such as painting, gardening, or fitness. These opportunities help them learn new skills and make new friends.

If your parents are comfortable with technology, introduce them to social media platforms. Facebook, video calls, and messaging services help them stay connected with family and friends. Building these connections can reduce loneliness and add joy to their daily lives.

Staying Active

Regular physical activity is important for health. Discuss how your parents can include exercise in their lives. Help the parents find activities like yoga, swimming, or walking groups that match their interests and abilities, making it easier for them to participate.

You can also attend classes together as a family. This shows your support and can motivate them while also strengthening your relationship. Staying active can help them live longer and be happier.

End-of-Life Planning

Talking about end-of-life decisions can be tough. Approach this topic gently and honestly. Help your parents explain their wishes about healthcare and funeral arrangements. Encourage them to create legal documents like wills or healthcare proxies.

Though it feels uncomfortable, clear communication makes sure their desires are followed. Talking as a family today can prevent confusion later, bringing peace of mind to everyone.

Mental Well-Being

Retirement can bring about significant changes that may affect your parents’ emotional health. It’s essential to encourage conversations about their feelings and mental well-being during this transition. Suggest practices that promote mental health, such as mindfulness, meditation, or journaling. Creative activities like painting or writing can also serve as therapeutic outlets.

Additionally, look into local counseling services or support groups specifically for retirees. Sometimes, sharing experiences with peers facing similar challenges can make a big difference. Encourage your parents to prioritize their mental well-being just as they would their physical health.

Lifelong Learning

Retirement presents a fantastic opportunity for lifelong learning. Encourage your parents to explore new interests or enhance existing skills. Look for local community colleges, workshops, or online courses that offer classes in subjects they’d like to explore, such as language learning, cooking, or technology.

Participating in educational activities can keep their minds sharp and inspire a sense of purpose. Many seniors find that learning creates excitement and engagement in their lives. Supporting your parents in their quest for knowledge can enrich their retirement experience and provide them with new friendships along the way.

Navigating the school system when your child has ADHD can feel overwhelming. Advocacy is one of the most powerful tools you have as a parent to ensure your child’s educators understand and meet their unique needs. It’s about being their voice and helping to build a meaningful bridge between home and school.

By working closely with teachers, administrators, and support staff, you can create a learning environment where your child feels supported and valued. This guide will outline the necessary steps and practical tips for advocating for your child with ADHD at school.

Understand What Your Child Needs

The first step to advocacy is understanding your child’s challenges and what accommodations might help them thrive in a classroom. Take time to observe their learning habits, strengths, and the areas where they struggle most.

Are they losing focus mid-lesson or finding it hard to complete assignments on time? Write down your observations so you can discuss them with teachers and specialists later. Understanding your child’s needs will give you a clear picture of what to request when you meet with teachers.

Consult With Their Mental Health-Care Provider

Your child’s mental health-care provider can be a valuable ally when advocating at school. Schedule an appointment to discuss specific accommodations your child may benefit from, such as extended test times, modified assignments, or seating arrangements that reduce distractions.

Therapists and psychiatrists can also provide insight to your child about achieving top academic performance, such as suggesting study techniques for students with ADHD. In these appointments, be sure to have your provider sign any paperwork required to initiate support.

For example, you might need authorization to start an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan. A simple conversation with their provider can pave the way for better communication with educators.

Arrange Meetings with Educators

Once you’ve gathered information, set up meetings with your child’s teacher, counselor, or other school staff involved in your child’s learning. These meetings are opportunities to form an open dialogue with the people who directly influence your child’s daily school life.

Explain your child’s challenges and the support you believe would make a difference. Teachers may offer helpful input grounded in their firsthand experiences, so show a willingness to collaborate. Working together as a team makes advocating for your child much more effective.

Document All Information

Keeping accurate records is essential. Documentation of meetings, progress, and any formal plans helps you track your child’s development and creates a paper trail if future disputes arise. Save copies of emails, meeting notes, and any official documents like behavior plans or evaluations. Written communication sets clear expectations between you and the school while ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

Communicate Positively and Respectfully

Advocating for your child with ADHD requires building a partnership with the school. Avoid placing blame or making accusations, as this can create tension between you and the educators there to help your child. Instead, focus on clear, collaborative communication.

For example, suggest ways to make improvements, such as incorporating tools like ADHD toys to support learning. If the teacher feels supported and appreciated, they’re more likely to accommodate your child’s needs. You need to present yourself as a cooperative partner who shares the same goal of helping your child succeed.

Talking about money with kids isn’t always easy. I used to think they were too young to get it or that it wasn’t something they needed to worry about just yet. But I was wrong. The truth is, kids pick up on how we handle money even when we’re not saying a word.

They see how we spend, how we save, and even how we react when things get tight. That’s why starting early and being open matters more than we think. When kids grow up with a healthy understanding of money, they’re better prepared for the real world. They learn how to budget, how to save, and how to think twice before going into debt.

I can honestly say I wish someone had explained all of that to me when I was young. It would have saved me a lot of stress later in life. I’ve made a point to talk with my kids about finances now, not later. The goal isn’t to make them worry. It’s to help them build confidence and learn how to make good decisions. I don’t need them to become financial experts overnight. I just want them to understand the basics and feel comfortable talking about money when they have questions.

Start With the Basics

You don’t need to give your kids a crash course in investing or credit scores on day one. I began by explaining how money is earned. I told them that we work to earn money, and that money is used to buy things we need like food and clothes, and things we want like toys or treats. That simple idea helped them understand why budgeting even matters.

One of the easiest ways to start is by introducing saving. A piggy bank or a clear jar works great. When they can actually see their money grow, it’s more exciting. I remember one day my daughter wanted a specific toy. Instead of buying it right away, I told her how much it cost and helped her figure out how long it would take to save for it. Watching her reach that goal made the lesson stick so much better than any lecture would have.

Remember: start small, and continue the conversation as they grow.

Make Spending a Learning Experience

Spending money is something kids love to do, and it’s the perfect teaching opportunity. When we go to the store, I try to involve them in little choices. We’ll look at two similar items and compare prices. I’ll ask them what they think is the better deal and why. It’s simple, but it gets them thinking.

I also give them small amounts of their own money to spend. It doesn’t have to be a lot. A few dollars here and there is enough to let them experience the feeling of spending and, sometimes, the regret that comes with it. If they spend all their money on a cheap toy that breaks the next day, they learn a valuable lesson. And it’s better they learn that now than when they’re dealing with bigger purchases later in life.

Talk About Debt in a Way They Can Understand

Debt can feel like a heavy topic, but it doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. I like to keep it simple. I once explained it to my son like this: “If you borrow five dollars from me today, you have to pay me back later. Sometimes, you even have to pay extra for borrowing.” That made sense to him.

As they get older, I’ve introduced the idea of credit cards and interest. I told them that using a credit card is kind of like borrowing money from the bank. If you don’t pay it back right away, they charge you more. I didn’t dive into percentages or credit reports right away. I just wanted them to get the concept.

Sometimes we’ll even do pretend scenarios at home. I’ll be the “bank,” and they’ll come to me to borrow money for a pretend item. Then we talk about what it means to pay it back over time and what happens if they don’t. Making it a game keeps things light, but the lesson still gets through.

Be the Example They Watch

When I was going through a debt relief program, I decided to let them in on part of the journey. I didn’t tell them everything, but I did explain that I was getting help to pay off what I owed. I told them it was a smart move because it helped us save money and reduce stress. Seeing me take control of my finances showed them that it’s okay to ask for help and that being responsible is something to be proud of.

It could also be a good exercise to teach them to look through both the good and bad reviews, to get a better understanding of something before jumping in with both feet.  For example, I considered working with the company American Debt Relief when I was in debt, and did an in-depth look at American Debt Relief’s reviews so I could have more confidence in my decision. I explained to my kids what I was looking for when reading the reviews (in kid-friendly terms), and ultimately why it wasn’t the right choice for me.

At the end of the day, the most powerful way to teach your kids about money is by showing them. Kids watch what we do even more than they listen to what we say. If I want them to understand the value of saving, I make sure I’m saving too. If I want them to avoid debt, I try to be mindful about how I use credit.

Be Honest About Hard Times

If your family has ever faced financial struggles, it’s okay to talk about that too. I used to think I had to protect my kids from those details. But when I finally opened up a bit, I realized it helped them understand that money isn’t always simple, even for adults.

You don’t have to go into every detail. Just explaining that sometimes grown-ups need help with money is enough. I once told my kids that we were working with someone to help us manage our money better. I explained that there are programs designed to help people who are dealing with debt. That conversation made them feel included and took away some of the fear around the word “debt.”

Use Fun Tools and Activities

There are so many fun ways to teach kids about money that don’t feel like lessons. One of my favorites is board games that involve money. Games like Monopoly or The Game of Life are great for introducing the concepts of earning, spending, and budgeting.

There are also apps and videos created just for kids that explain financial topics in fun and engaging ways. If you have younger kids, even basic chore charts can help. I give my kids a small allowance for certain tasks around the house. They can choose to save it, spend it, or give it. We’ve even started setting savings goals together. When they hit a goal, we celebrate. It turns financial responsibility into something positive.

Keep the Conversation Going

Talking about money with your kids shouldn’t be a one-time thing. It’s better to keep the conversation going over time. I try to bring it up naturally during our day. If we’re out shopping, if a bill comes in the mail, or if they ask about something they want to buy, I use it as a moment to teach.

The more you talk about money, the more comfortable your kids will be talking about it too. That comfort can carry over into adulthood, helping them avoid common financial mistakes and feel more in control of their lives.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be a money expert to teach your kids about finances. You just need to be honest, open, and willing to learn together. I’ve made plenty of mistakes, and I’ve shared some of them with my kids. They know that managing money takes practice and that no one gets it right all the time.

What matters most is starting the conversation. Teach them to save, to think before spending, and to understand what debt really means. Help them see that asking for help with money is a sign of strength, not weakness. Those lessons will stick with them longer than you think.

And if you ever feel unsure about how to explain something, remember this: just showing your kids that you care about making smart money choices is one of the best lessons you can give.