Category: Parenting

Some time spent in front of screens brings many benefits, whether it be for educational purposes or to connect with friends and help improve their social skills. Even gaming has been proven to help kids develop decision making skills and can encourage team play. Of course, moderation is the key to healthy computer time.

But there’s also a time and a place for screen time and research shows that it should not be at night.  Around 60% of children in the US use electronic devices in the hour before their bedtime and it’s greatly affecting their sleep.  Let’s find out just how bad it is to let your kids use electronics before they go to sleep.

Less sleep

The amount of sleep a child needs ranges from 8 to 14 hours, depending on their age. Screens at bedtime interrupt this crucial sleep for several reasons. The first is that technology is a distraction. A child can waste hours watching videos and playing games on a device when they should be sleeping.

Another problem is the blue light in the screens of electronic devices. Blue light decreases the production of melatonin which is needed to induce sleep. Scientists have found that children exposed to blue light at bedtime have melatonin levels that are between 70% and 99% lower than they are in a screen-free room.

Increased risk of nightmares

Nightmares are commonly experienced by children. The Sleep Foundation reports that 20% of 6 to 12-year-olds have them and younger children are even more likely to be affected by them. Giving children access to screens before bed could increase the number of nightmares they have. Nightmares are caused by many things, including stress, trauma, and sleep issues. The impact of a bad dream is different for everyone, although a racing heartbeat, being scared, and finding it hard to go back to sleep are usually experienced.

One study found that young children with a television in their bedrooms had more nightmares and sleep terrors than those who didn’t. Further research from Seattle Children’s Research Institute linked late-night TV viewing to an increased risk of nightmares. These studies may have only focused on TVs, but all screens, including smartphones and tablets, should be avoided by kids before bedtime.

Sleep disturbances

Sleep disturbances occur when a child wakes up during the night. Using screens before bed could trigger this, according to researchers. They say that youngsters using devices 1 hour before bed had more sleep disturbances than those that spent this time screen-free. The likelihood of disturbed sleep was even higher in children who used an electronic device in a darkened room. The same study also revealed that screen time at night caused higher rates of anxiety and obesity in children. Both of these conditions can further impact the amount of shuteye that children get.

Optimum sleep environment

So now you know how damaging screen time at night is to your child’s sleep, you must act now to prevent this problem from worsening. First of all, remove all devices from your child’s bedroom, such as televisions and game consoles. Portable devices, like phones and tablets, should be restricted and taken away from your child at least 2 hours before bedtime.

It’s important that your child has the chance to unwind before they go to sleep. A darkened room with comfortable bedding and blacked-out windows are a must. Your child may feel frustrated by the lack of entertainment in their room, so replace it with sleep-inducing items instead, such as books, comics, and magazines.

Sleep is essential for the health and well-being of your children. Make sure your children get a good night’s sleep night after night by restricting screen use at bedtime and setting good habits.

If you are thinking of getting a cat but you have a kid at home, you might be concerned if the new pet will get along with your child. It is true that there are cat breeds that are not dealing well with little humans, but there are quite a few that can become more than great friends with your kids.

Keep reading to discover which breeds you should consider when choosing a pet for a household with children.

Are cats really that unfriendly?

Cats can be very temperamental, and they are not the easiest pet to train. Some breeds have a really short temper and enjoy their alone time, so if you have a baby at home, this might not actually be problematic. However, don’t panic, some breeds are very friendly and affectionate and will become the best friend of your kid.

You indeed have seen a number of clips out there of cats just jumping in a kid’s bed and protecting them during the night. So, if you would love a cat that will cuddle with your baby or toddler just like that, you will have to look for a breed that has the tendency to be calm and affectionate. Such species form a deep connection with their families and quickly become very attached, even to the youngest members.

How to choose the best cats for kids

Before we get into the best breeds for kids, there are some considerations you need to keep in mind when choosing a cat for a family with little kids. This will will help you select the right breed. Let’s check them out:

• Personality: As you might expect, the personality of the cat breed is the first thing to consider. Many breeds are known to not be very easy to train and not tolerant even towards adults. So, those are, of course, out of the question, especially if you are looking for an ESA cat.

• Size: You should also keep the cat’s size in mind. If you live in a small apartment, a cat like the Maine Coon might not be the perfect fit, even though they are known to be very gentle and love kids. Check how big the cat might get and think if you will have enough space.

• Cat schedule: Cats are generally more nocturnal, so you should look for one that is cal even during night hours, so you and your kids can get some needed sleep. Also, consider the schedule you will need to keep to take care of them. You better not go for a breed that can easily get sick or is predisposed to some common health conditions. Of course, you can’t always be prepared but check the family tree of your cat, if possible, for known issues.

What are the friendliest cat breeds for kids?

And let’s come to the main point for which you are here — what cat breed you should consider taking if you have a little kid. Below you can see some of the best options.

Ragdoll

If you want a calm and gentle pet, then a Ragdoll is perfect for you and your family. Those cats become very attached to their owners and are very loving towards even the smallest members. They will be happy to cuddle with your kid and give them gentle kisses. Ragdolls also have their fun side, and they love some play from time to time. So, even for toddlers that love to run around with their fluffy friends, this can be a great partner in crime.

Snow Bengal Cat

The Snow Bengal Cat Breed is not only stunningly beautiful but very friendly. You will fall in love the moment you see their amazing eyes and feel the silky fur. There are three main types — Snow Seal Lynx Bengal, Snow Seal Mink Bengals, and Snow Seal Sepia Bengal but they are all very friendly and a perfect member for a household with kids. They are more active than other breeds, but this won’t cause you issues when it comes to how they will treat your children.

Maine Coon

There is no way we won’t mention the Maine Coon or, as you might know, them, the Gentle Giants. They are very big, and their hearts are just as big and full of love toward each family member. Those cats will welcome your kid with open paws and will always be their carrying companion. You shouldn’t be surprised if you find out that the Main Coon is sharing the bed with your kid and will not give that up for anything.

Himalayan

Another wonderful breed that is also very affectionate and friendly is the Himalayan. This breed is a mixture of Siamese and Persian and has the best quality of both. It is very calm and might spend hours sleeping on the couch and not bother anyone. But also will appreciate some cuddles with their owner on a regular basis. They are great with kids, and you won’t make a mistake if you get a Himalayan for a pet.

No matter what cat you choose, or any other pet for that matter, read how family pets for good for kids.

For homeschooling parents, the notion of being both your child’s caretaker and educator can be daunting at times, no matter how rewarding it is.   That stress becomes even greater when you’re in the middle of a divorce.   Divorce impacts everyone, and will affect your child in some ways, too.

However, you can’t let the stress and possible contention of your divorce cause a change or sudden “stop” in your homeschool curriculum.

By coming up with a plan to prioritize your child and their education over the stress of your divorce, you can stay positive, and end up actually looking forward to the experience as a distraction.

Let’s look at some tips you can use to effectively homeschool and co-parent while going through a divorce, so no matter what happens between you and your former spouse, your child’s education won’t suffer.

Staying Present With Your Little One

It can be a struggle to stay in the present moment when you’re going through a divorce. It’s one of the most stressful experiences an individual can go through.

However, it’s important not to let it distract you from your child’s education. If you find your mind wandering when you’re supposed to be teaching, consider trying different techniques to improve your emotional intelligence and process bigger emotions.

You can actually use these techniques with your child, as well. Don’t forget, no matter their age or how they seem to be acting about the divorce, that they’re experiencing a major change, too. Helping to boost their emotional intelligence is a life skill they can carry with them and utilize well into adulthood. Some of the best ways to stay in the present moment and improve your emotional intelligence include:

• Journaling
• Meditation
• Mindfulness
• Mind mapping

You’ve probably at least heard of most of those techniques, but not everyone is familiar with mind mapping. It’s the process of creating a free-flowing diagram of thoughts that branch out from a central concept. It’s a great way to organize your thoughts and keep them from feeling so overwhelming.

Parenting and Educating

One of the greatest challenges you’ll have to deal with during your divorce is getting used to the changes it will cause. Unfortunately, your child will be dealing with those changes, too, especially if you’ve established a custodial/visitation arrangement with your former spouse.

Because your child already is getting used to certain changes, it’s important that you and your spouse are on the same page when it comes to their education. That includes things like:

• Keeping a daily routine (for school and play)
• Adopting similar teaching styles
• Covering the same curriculum and moving forward

It’s also important to make sure you’re actively communicating with your ex. While that’s not always easy, finding ways to effectively communicate without letting past hurts get in the way is essential for your child’s well-being and educational growth.

Mom’s that have devoted themselves to homemaking and fulltime childcare may also find themselves with the need or desire for higher education.  Don’t forget to work these goals into your co-parenting plans.

Keep the lines of communication as open as possible, and find what works for you. If you’re not comfortable with meeting face-to-face, consider texting, calling, or even using specific apps that are designed for co-parents, like OurFamilyWizard. Apps like these not only allow you to directly communicate with your ex, but they can help you keep track of schedules, making life just a little bit easier for your whole family.

Family Law Support

Throughout the process of dealing with the day-to-day turmoil that comes with any divorce, parents are often in need of support and guidance to navigate the complex landscape of family law. A family law attorney can provide relevant advice to ensure the best interests of the children are foremost, while working towards a fair outcome for coparents.

In addition to ensuring your child’s homeschooling schedule is uninterrupted, parents can be guided through the process to reduce stress for the entire family. From negotiating child custody arrangements to visitation schedules to child support, these professionals advocate to bring amicable resolutions with as little conflict as possible.

Valuable support resources may also be referred, such as therapists, counselors, and care groups to assist parents and children in coping with the emotional impact of the transition. This can empower parents to meet challenges with greater confidence and resilience so that their children may continue to thrive as students learning at home.

Giving Your Child What They Need

The best thing you can do for your homeschooled child as you go through a divorce is to give them exactly what they need to succeed. A large part of that includes maintaining a normal routine and keeping things as consistent as possible. However, because they’re dealing with so many changes, it might also include giving them a designated office space in your home for them to do their schoolwork.

Giving them a special space may not only help them stay productive and focus on their work, but it will provide an area where they can think and process their emotions.

This is especially important for teenagers who are trying to get through the more difficult years of school and prepare for college. Having a space of their own to get used to the changes and stay focused on their work can be extremely beneficial. It will also help them learn how to manage their stress and remain productive.

That doesn’t mean, however, that you should leave your child or teen on their own to figure things out. Now is the time to make sure they have what they need emotionally, as well as physically.

Even if it seems like your child is handling the divorce well, make sure you’re communicating with them regularly about their feelings. Take time out of the school day to talk about their emotions and how they’re feeling. Not only is it a positive way to show your love, but it’s teaching them a lesson that isn’t found in a book – emotional regulation and processing. That’s essential for them as they prepare for adulthood.

Going through a divorce is hard on the whole family, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your child’s homeschool routine. Keep these tips in mind to work with your ex, co-parent effectively, and ensure your child’s well-being and education are your top priorities.

About the Author
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in education, mental health, family lifestyle and online safety. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. You can follow her on Twitter.

As a parent, you want to ensure your child has the education and resources to reach their full potential.  Perhaps some of your kids are interested in entrepreneurship in STEM fields, and you’re wondering how you can help them achieve their dreams. With these practical tips, you can actually help create future entrepreneurs right in your home.

The Benefits of Youth Entrepreneurship

Some people might think that teens are too young to pursue entrepreneurship. However, teens who start their own business can benefit from the experience in many ways. For instance, young entrepreneurs can work to save more money, gain access to exciting opportunities, and work towards their goals without facing the pressing financial burdens of adulthood.

Prepare Them for Adulthood

Teaching teens to be entrepreneurs isn’t just about increasing their odds for a financially stable future. It’s also about giving them the tools they’ll need for adulthood by prepping them for tasks they’ll face on a regular basis, from writing a check or doing their taxes. By covering these things now, you don’t just give them the opportunity to ask questions in a safe environment; you also subtly impress upon them your belief that these are tasks they’re capable of handling one day.

Business Models for Teens

 Your teenage children might have a wide range of interests that could inspire their business ideas. If some of your children are curious about entrepreneurship, but they don’t know what types of companies they could start, you can provide some suggestions. Lendio states that teens can often be successful at running online stores, social media management companies, or providing web design services. Any of these models could appeal to teens who want to leverage their STEM skills!

Encourage your teens to write business plans. These documents will provide a roadmap to take a business from an idea to a reality. PDFs are a good file type to use for this, and a free tool will let you edit PDF docs online. This way, they can add and change their plans as they come up with new and better ideas. 

Here’s what should typically be included in a business plan:

• Executive Summary: An overview of the business, including its name, location, and concept. It should also summarize the business goals and key features of the product or service.

• Business Description: Detailed information about the business, the market needs it will fulfill, and the competitive advantages it has over similar businesses.

• Market Analysis: This section analyzes the industry, market size, and demographics of potential customers. It also assesses competitors and outlines the target market’s characteristics.

• Organization and Management: Describes the business structure (e.g., partnership, corporation), details of ownership, and profiles of the management team. Include an organizational chart if possible.

• Products or Services: This part provides detailed information about the product or service being offered, including details on the lifecycle, benefits to the customer, and the current development stage.

• Marketing and Sales Strategy: How the business intends to attract customers and the sales strategy (direct sales, sales reps, online sales, etc.). One example is customizing merchandise through Boost Promotional Products.

• Funding Request: If seeking funding, specify the amount needed over the next five years and what it will be used for. Describe the type of funding requested (loans, equity investment).

• Financial Projections: Highlight the financial outlook and expected profitability.

• Appendix: An optional section that includes resumes of key employees, legal documents, product pictures, marketing materials, and any other supporting information.

Encouraging teens to develop such documents not only teaches them about the logistics of starting and running a business but also improves their planning and critical thinking skills.

Marketing Strategies

For many new entrepreneurs, learning how to market their business can represent a major hurdle. Lots of business owners have great ideas for new products and services, but they don’t know how to reach their target audience! If you want to help your children advertise effectively, find ways to talk about marketing and social skills.

Depending on the resources and programs you have access to, you could teach your children about developing basic business apps, using social media for promotion, or creating a blog or email newsletter. You could even turn some of these ideas into projects, like launching a blog and giving all of your children the chance to write their own posts.

Pricing, Negotiating, and Advocating

Young business owners often face a steep learning curve when it comes to mastering the arts of pricing, negotiating, and self-advocacy. Instill negotiating and advocacy skills in your children by hosting debates and teaching them how to confidently assert their views with clear evidence. You could also have your children write on hot-button topics. Furthermore, your children can learn about setting accurate prices for products and services through math. Feel free to use math concepts that business owners need to understand, like figuring out revenue and balancing budgets.

Lots of teens want to become entrepreneurs, but they might not feel confident about taking the initial steps to start their own businesses. As a parent, you can help your children hone their entrepreneurial skills for business success. With these tips, you’ll be able to teach your children about all of the ins and outs of business ownership.