Category: Parenting

Shopping at any one time can be an expensive affair. But when it’s time for your young ones to go back to school, it may prove to be even more hectic and costly. School supplies, uniforms, electronics, and so much more are suddenly on the radar.

In that case, knowing how to use coupon codes can be a recipe for huge savings and getting the best deals out there.

This guide is going to bring to your attention the different ways you can put these codes to work and reap the benefits that come with them.

Plan Your Shopping List

It’s not a great plan to do your back-to-school shopping on a whim. You need to have a plan in place for each and every buy. So, start by making a detailed list of everything you need for the school year.

Typically, you may need to look in the direction of supplies such as notebooks, pens, pencils, binders, etc., or maybe uniforms, shoes, backpacks, etc. In some cases, your little ones may need laptops, tablets, or calculators.

Whatever their needs, plan in advance. In the end, it all boils down to how far you’re willing to stretch budget-wise. If you’re comfortable, feel free to splurge a little. If you feel somewhat squeezed, consider going with needs first before wants.

Research Stores and Websites

The key to getting the best deals out there is research. You might see a 10% off somewhere and think that’s the ceiling, but when you do your look around, you may just unearth even better deals.

A good place to start is to check out the products on different online platforms and compare them with a physical store near you. Discounts are especially common during the back-to-school season, so stay vigilant, and you’ll likely score a sweet deal.

Use DontPayFull or other sites you know to search for coupon codes specific to the stores you plan to shop at. These platforms aggregate discounts from multiple sources. As a result, you increase the odds of finding valid and valuable deals for the specific stores you plan to shop at.

Alternatively, you can sign up for email newsletters from your favorite stores to receive exclusive coupon codes and early access to sales. If you’re on social media, you can consider looking out for social media promotions. Many brands post special discount coupon codes on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (or X).

Check for Stackable Discounts

Some stores allow you to stack multiple coupons or combine them with other promotions (e.g., percentage off + free shipping).

For example, if you find a 10% off the actual coupon code and the store offers free shipping over a certain amount, you can use both to maximize savings. But don’t assume this is the case everywhere. Check the store’s terms and conditions or contact customer service to confirm their stance.

Additionally, keep an eye on the checkout process online. Some platforms automatically apply eligible discounts when you enter a coupon code. You’ll also see if additional offers like free shipping are stacked.

Apply Coupon Codes During Checkout

Having coupon code discounts is one thing. Knowing how to apply it is another. When shopping online, add items to your shopping cart and proceed to checkout. Look for a field labeled “Coupon Code,” “Promo Code,” or “Discount Code.”

Enter the coupon code you found earlier and click “Apply” or “Redeem.” Verify that the discount has been applied before finalizing your purchase. If you’re shopping in-store, print out the coupon if required, or show it on your phone if the store accepts digital versions. Present the coupon at checkout along with your items.

Look for Additional Savings

Coupons can go a long way, but they are not the only way to make the best of your back-to-school shopping experience. One other savings plan you can look into is the student/teacher discounts. A student ID or school credentials may be all you need, and you’re eligible for sweet offers, including from top brands like Apple and Microsoft.

There’s also a price match guarantee. If you find a lower price elsewhere, retailers may match it or refund the difference if you purchase first. If you find a lower price elsewhere after purchasing, some stores will match the price or refund the difference.

You can also sign up for a store’s loyalty programs to earn rewards, access exclusive deals, or enjoy perks like free shipping.

Closing Thoughts

Knowing how to use a coupon code for back-to-school shopping can make a huge difference to your budget. This guide has shared quite a few tips to help you get this right.

Follow the steps that resonate with your needs, and you’ll very likely stretch your back-to-school budget further and ensure you’re getting the best possible deals.

As a new mom or dad, seeing to your child’s healthcare can feel like a lot to handle, especially in today’s digital age when virtual care is possible. Meeting with a doctor online, or a telehealth appointment, is a convenient and effective way to access medical care for your child without leaving the house.

But if this is your first time, it’s natural to have questions. And, of course, as any parent knows, it’s very important to make sure that the appointment goes smoothly.

Here are some common queries about the process regarding online doctor visits, and what you can do to prepare.

What Are Telehealth Visits?

Video conferencing technology is used to hold virtual doctor visits that connect patients to their healthcare providers. They can cover many non-emergency pediatric concerns.

These appointments can and do deal with a range of issues: colds, rashes, pink eye, feeding problems, sleep issues, and various developmental concerns. But telehealth isn’t just a backup plan. It’s a viable tool used for ongoing pediatric care of all kinds.

Preparing for the Appointment

Optimizing an online doctor visit begins with preparation. Several steps are necessary to ensure that the visit is clinically productive and as rewarding as an in-office appointment. Foremost among these is to make sure that the device being used (e.g., computer, phone, or tablet) is charged and has a stable Internet connection.

The visit cannot take place if either the device or the connection is down, and recharging or reconnecting after a failure typically saps several minutes from the appointment time. Make sure that your child is calm, relaxed, and ready for the appointment.

For babies, this may require scheduling the virtual visit in between feeding or napping times. For toddlers and older children, assuring them that they will be talking to a doctor on the other side of the screen can help reduce anxiety.

During the Visit

When the session commences, you can expect the pediatrician to prompt you to give a comprehensive account of your child’s symptoms and condition. Depending on the child’s age and the particular problem, the physician might ask to see the child to note specifics like respiration or general demeanor, tensed or otherwise.

They might also ask you to check for common signs of illness without the benefit of a doctor’s immediate judgment. You can ask about symptoms, treatments, and follow-up care. If the doctor thinks you will benefit from medication, he or she can send your prescriptions directly to a local pharmacy.

Peace of Mind for New Parents about Their Child’s Online Doctor Visit

Online medical consultations provide reassurance, accessibility, and expert care to new parents without the stress of traveling with a child who is not feeling well. They also allow for quicker check-ups, which can be crucial when your child isn’t feeling well.

Understanding the expectations lets the process run smoothly and efficiently. A tiny bit of prep work is all that is needed to make virtual pediatric visits a smooth part of everyday parenting.

Your teenager’s senior year brings a mix of excitement and worry as they get ready to leave home. Talking openly about what they love, what they dream about, and what feels realistic matters more than ever during these final months together.

Success looks different for every kid, and whether they pick a four-year university, community college, or trade school depends on who they are as a person. Finding the right fit for your teen’s personality, goals, and how ready they feel to be on their own gives them the best shot at doing well.

Understanding and Planning for College Costs

Starting money conversations early saves everyone from scrambling later. Your teen deserves to know what college costs before they fall in love with schools you can’t afford. Talking to your kids about money helps you both make choices based on reality rather than wishful thinking.

You’ve got options for paying college bills beyond just taking out massive loans. Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back, work-study programs let students earn money while in school, and whatever your family manages to save all help reduce what you’ll owe later. Smart families use several different funding sources instead of relying on one big loan.

Building a realistic budget that includes everything from tuition to late-night snacks gives you the full picture of what college costs. Working through real numbers together helps your teen understand what they’re getting into financially and prepares them to handle money responsibly once they’re on their own.

Saving for College and Planning Long-Term

Starting a college savings plan, even with modest amounts, can significantly impact a family’s financial flexibility when education costs arrive. Early preparation allows families to take advantage of compound growth and reduces pressure during the expensive college years. Parents who begin saving systematically often find multiple ways to build education funds through careful budgeting and strategic planning.

A 529 education savings plan offers tax advantages specifically designed for education expenses, making it a popular choice for long-term college planning. These plans allow contributions to grow tax-free when used for qualified education expenses, potentially saving families thousands of dollars over time. Some states also provide tax deductions or credits for contributions to their 529 plans.

Alternative savings strategies include automatic transfers to dedicated education accounts, investing in index funds, or using high-yield savings accounts for shorter-term goals. The key is in consistency rather than large amounts.

Comparing Education Options

In-state public colleges can save your family serious money since residents pay much less tuition than out-of-state students. Your teen gets to stay in a familiar area with friends and family nearby, plus many state schools have great programs and alumni networks that help with jobs after graduation.

The downside is that big state schools can feel impersonal with huge lecture halls and less one-on-one time with professors. Getting into popular majors can be competitive, and sometimes the classes your teen needs aren’t available when they want to take them. Some kids love the energy of a big campus while others get lost in the crowd.

Community colleges work really well for students who want to try different subjects before picking a major. You’ll pay way less for tuition, classes are smaller, so students get more attention from teachers, and many offer flexible schedules for working students. Your teen can knock out their general education requirements for a fraction of what they’d cost at a four-year school, then transfer later.

Trade schools get your teen into good-paying jobs faster than traditional college programs. Most programs take two years or less, so your teen can start earning money while their friends are still taking classes. Nursing careers are especially strong, with nursing specialities like pediatrics and administration offering good pay and job security.

HVAC repair, auto mechanics, and other skilled trades often lead to steady work and the chance to start your own business someday. People always need these services, so there’s usually work available even during tough economic times.

Preparing Teens for Life Outside the Home

College means your teenager will handle things they’ve never had to worry about before. Living in dorms or going to school out of state teaches great life skills, but it can also be overwhelming for kids who aren’t ready. You can help by teaching practical stuff during their last year at home.

Your teen needs to know how to do laundry, cook simple meals, and take care of themselves without you reminding them. Time management becomes huge once they’re juggling classes, studying, hanging out with friends, and maybe a part-time job too.

Money management gets real once your teen has access to credit cards and student loan money. Teaching them how to make a budget and stick to it, understand what debt means, and spend money wisely prevents a lot of the financial mistakes college students make. Starting them with small money responsibilities during high school helps them practice these skills before the stakes get higher.

Safety awareness matters more once your teen is living on their own for the first time. Teach your kids to know where campus security is, be aware of what’s going on around them, and be smart about what they post on social media. Students who know how to find help on campus and spot potential problems do better adjusting to college life.

Supporting the Application Journey

College applications involve a lot of moving parts, but you need to let your teen take the lead while you provide backup support. Students who handle their own applications learn important skills about meeting deadlines, following directions, and presenting themselves well. You can help them stay organized and offer encouragement without doing the work for them.

Getting organized early makes a huge difference in managing all the different requirements and deadlines without losing your mind. Digital calendars, spreadsheets, or apps designed for college applications can track what’s due when and what documents are still needed for each school. Breaking big tasks into smaller pieces prevents those last-minute panic sessions that stress out the whole family.

Preparing for application season works better if you start gathering documents early rather than scrambling at the last minute. Having transcripts, recommendation letters, and financial paperwork ready months in advance prevents delays caused by missing materials. Your teen should also think about standardized tests well before deadlines, even if schools say they’re optional.

Regular check-ins help keep things moving without you becoming a helicopter parent. Weekly family meetings, where you review upcoming events, discuss any issues, and celebrate completed tasks, can help keep everyone on track. Asking questions instead of giving answers helps your teen figure out solutions they’ll need to use throughout college.

Final Thoughts

The best path for your teen is whatever matches their interests, abilities, and goals, not what everyone else thinks they should do. Whether they choose a four-year university, community college, or trade school, your job is to support their strengths and help them think through their options while letting them make their own decisions and learn from their choices.

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.

Tummy time is one of the most important activities you can do with your baby from day one. This simple practice of placing your baby on their stomach while awake and supervised helps build the foundation for all future movement milestones. From lifting their head to crawling and beyond, tummy time is where it all begins.

But here’s the thing many parents discover: not all babies love tummy time at first. Some cry, some fuss, and some plant their face firmly on the mat in protest. That’s completely normal! The key is starting slowly, staying consistent, and making it as enjoyable as possible for your little one.

Remember, just like with other sensory activities, your baby needs to be the active participant. They’re not just lying there—they’re working hard to lift their head, push up on their arms, and explore their surroundings from this new perspective. For more on how tummy time fits into your baby’s overall sensory development, check out our guide on tummy time: when should baby start and why it is important.

Why Tummy Time is Essential

Tummy time isn’t just about building strong muscles (though that’s certainly important). This activity supports your baby’s development in multiple ways:

• Prevents flat spots on the back of baby’s head from too much back-lying
• Strengthens neck, shoulder, and core muscles needed for rolling, sitting, and crawling
• Improves motor skills by encouraging reaching and grasping
• Enhances visual development as baby learns to track objects from a new angle
• Promotes sensory exploration through different textures and surfaces

Without adequate tummy time, babies may experience delays in motor milestones or develop positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). The good news? A little bit each day goes a long way.

When to Start Tummy Time

You can begin tummy time as soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital. Yes, really! Even newborns benefit from brief periods on their tummy. Start with just 3-5 minutes, two to three times per day, and gradually increase as your baby grows stronger.

Here’s a general timeline to guide you:

• ​Newborn to 2 months​: 3-5 minutes, several times daily
• ​2-4 months​: Work up to 20-30 minutes total throughout the day
• ​4-6 months​: Aim for at least 60 minutes total, broken into multiple sessions
• ​6+ months​: Your mobile baby will likely spend plenty of time on their tummy naturally!

Making Tummy Time Enjoyable

Let’s be honest—some babies think tummy time is the worst thing ever. But with a few creative strategies, you can turn those tears into smiles:

Start on Your Chest

Place baby tummy-down on your chest while you recline. This counts as tummy time! Your baby gets the benefits while enjoying your familiar smell and heartbeat.

Use Engaging Props

• Place a baby-safe mirror at eye level
• Arrange colorful toys just within reach
• Try a tummy time mat with different textures
• Use black and white cards for newborns who see contrast best

Get Down on Their Level

Lie on your stomach facing your baby. Make silly faces, sing songs, or just chat. Your presence makes everything more fun!

Try Different Surfaces

• A firm blanket on the floor
• A play mat with various textures
• Outside on a clean blanket (weather permitting)
• On a yoga ball with your hands supporting baby (advanced move!)

Tummy Time Positions to Try

Not all tummy time looks the same. Mix it up with these variations:

1. Traditional Tummy Time
   Baby flat on their tummy on a firm surface. Place toys in a semi-circle to encourage head turning.

2. Tummy-to-Tummy
   Lie on your back and place baby on your stomach. Perfect for newborns!

3. Lap Time
   Place baby across your lap while you sit. Gently rub their back or play pat-a-cake on their bottom.

4. Carry Position
   Hold baby facing outward with one arm under their chest and tummy. Great for when you’re moving around the house.

5. Side-Lying
   While not technically tummy time, side-lying with support helps baby transition between back and tummy positions.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

“My baby hates tummy time!”
Start with just 30 seconds after each diaper change. Gradually increase as tolerance builds. Try different times of day—some babies prefer morning tummy time.

“My baby just cries the whole time”
First, ensure baby isn’t hungry, tired, or need a diaper change. Then try the chest-to-chest position or use a rolled receiving blanket under their arms for support.

“My baby’s arms get stuck”
Gently help position their arms forward, elbows under shoulders. As they get stronger, they’ll learn to do this independently.

“My baby only turns their head one way”
Encourage head turning by placing interesting objects on their less-preferred side. If this persists, mention it to your pediatrician.

Safety First

While tummy time is safe and beneficial, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Always supervise—never leave baby alone on their tummy
• Use a firm surface (not beds or couches where baby could suffocate)
• Keep small objects out of reach
• Stop if baby falls asleep and move them to their back
• Avoid tummy time immediately after feeding to prevent spit-up

Growing Beyond Tummy Time

As your baby masters tummy time, you’ll notice exciting developments. They’ll start pushing up on their arms, pivoting in circles, and eventually rocking on hands and knees. Each achievement builds on the strength and coordination developed during those early tummy time sessions.

By around 6 months, many babies no longer need structured tummy time because they’re rolling, sitting, and exploring on their own. But those early months of practice remain crucial for setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy movement.

Remember, every baby develops at their own pace. Some take to tummy time immediately, while others need more encouragement. Stay patient, keep it playful, and celebrate small victories. That first head lift, that first push-up, that first reach for a toy—these are the moments that make all those tummy time minutes worthwhile.

Your consistent effort in providing tummy time opportunities gives your baby the strong foundation they need to explore their world with confidence. So spread out that blanket, get down on the floor, and enjoy watching your little one grow stronger every day!

Related Reading

Nourishing your baby – a guide to the best start in life.
How to clean and sanitise baby toys.