Category: Parenting

Maintaining a healthy, happy home is easy during the summer months when the days are long and the temperatures are high. As a parent, you can lean on active pastimes like soccer camp, baseball season, and camping to keep your kids entertained and active till the wee hours from June to September, too.

However, when the winter weather rolls around, you may find that your kid’s tempers start to flair from being stuck inside. This is only natural, as no child wants to spend their day cooped up inside — even if it is ten below freezing.

Get your kids out of the house and encourage them to lead an active and healthy lifestyle by finding family-friendly activities for every season. Try to feed them a seasonal, healthy diet to make the most of winter crops and support their growth.

Spring

Spring is the season for growth and renewal. It’s also the perfect time to start thinking about what you’ll grow in your garden this year. When the weather improves, sit down with your kids and plan your garden together. This will build a sense of excitement about planting crops and maintaining flower beds. You can also help your kids get into gardening by:

• Embracing quirky planting
• Giving them their own allotment space
• Planting produce with added sensory stimulation
• Composting and mulching together

Growing fruits and vegetables helps your family follow a healthier diet, too. When deciding on which crops to plant, consider opting for easy-to-grow superfoods like basil, oregano, garlic, and rosemary. These spices bring some serious flavor to the table and provide sensory stimulation for young kids who love to sniff the plants around your yard.

Summer

Summer is every child’s favorite season. School is out of session, the days are long enough to play till late, and they never have to worry about wearing coats or hats when playing outdoors with friends. The warmer months provide a perfect opportunity for you to bond with your child while enjoying the great outdoors, too.

If you happen to have a swimming pool, encourage your kids to take part in family-friendly pool games like:

• Water Aerobics: Jumping jacks and wall glides help build fitness while your kids have fun. Play your children’s favorite tracks as this will get them bopping and playing in no time.

• Marco Polo: A swimming pool classic, marco polo involves one swimmer closing their eyes, saying “Marco” while chasing to catch the others that respond with “Polo”. Just be sure to supervise lest someone runs into the side of the pool.

• Noodle Race: Using a noodle like a witch’s broom, race your kids to and fro across the pool to see who can do the most laps in a minute.

If you don’t have a pool, you can still make the most of the summer by playing fun outdoor games like pickleball. Pickleball is great for young kids, as it helps them develop motor skills and doesn’t require as much running as tennis or basketball.

Fall

Fall coincides with football, soccer, tennis, and golf season. This means many kids are already active enough from taking part in extracurricular activities. However, if you have a family of indoor kids, you need to take measures into your own hands to ensure they’re getting enough exercise.

Get the ball rolling by establishing a healthy routine with your child. This will teach them that taking care of their health is an essential part of everyday life. Start with simple core practices around the house like turning off the screens close to bedtime and taking the pets for a walk in the evenings.

Supercharge your family’s health in the fall by cashing in on seasonal eating. Many of the tastiest crops are ripe and ready for eating when the fall rolls around meaning you have no reason not to feed your family with fruits and veggies like pears, pumpkins, apples, and leafy greens.

Winter

Winter can be a tricky time for busy families. As a parent, it’s your job to make sure your household remains healthy and happy when the nights draw in and the temperatures fall. Do your best to embrace winter around the house and plan activities like:

• Building snowmen
• Active game nights
• Knitting
• Wreath making
• Family book club

These activities make the most of your time together and help fight off the winter blues. If you’re still concerned your kids aren’t active enough, consider signing up for a virtual gym membership with a company like Peloton, FitOn, or Nike Training Club. These subscription-based platforms are economical and offer on-demand training that can be scaled to suit the abilities of your whole family. There also ways to save on fitness equipment so that you can have the convenience of working out at home as a family.

Conclusion

Staying active at home throughout the seasons is key to raising a healthy, happy family. Form life-long habits by encouraging your kids to get involved with gardening and foreground the importance of exercise by signing up for virtual gym memberships. Feed your kids properly by cashing in on seasonal fall fruits and give your children plenty of attention by planning family-friendly pool games.

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.

Becoming a parent is no easy task. Parenthood is one of life’s most challenging and giving endeavors that few face without much doubt and worry. All parents want to give their children the best possible upbringing and provide them with love, confidence, and a skill set that prepares them to face the world.

Almost all parents seek some kind of guidance on how to fulfill their role as a parent in the best possible way. A popular choice for many is attending a positive parenting program that guides parents to be their best based on a specific positive parenting approach. It’s commonly known as triple p (positive parenting program). If you want to know more about positive parenting, you can start out by learning about six vital lessons.

1. The importance of attention and physical affection

One of the most essential and fundamental things to remember as a parent is that every child needs a lot of attention and physical affection from their parents. It’s absolutely vital for your child to develop a strong sense of self and a feeling of love. If your child wants your attention while you’re doing something else, most times, you should stop what you’re doing and listen to them.

This focus on your child will make them feel loved. They will get a sense that their words, thoughts, and feelings matter.  In addition to that, you should remember to give your child plenty of hugs and cuddles. Physical affection is a crucial element for developing a strong sense of self.

2. Remember to praise them

Another thing to keep in mind is praising your child. A parent’s opinion, acceptance, and recognition are central for every child. Praise them when they’re showing you something they made or doing something good. Don’t forget to praise them for their efforts, not just for their achievement.

Tell them when they’re doing something you’d like more of. And, of course, remember to acknowledge them just for being the wonderful child they are. They should know you are pleased with them without them having to do anything to deserve it.

3. Set boundaries and clear rules

Regardless of your parenting style, many parents struggle to set boundaries and clear rules for their children. Often, it’s done out of love, but it is actually a terrible idea. When you set boundaries with your child, they know what to navigate. They have a clear sense of what they’re allowed to do and not.

They also learn to set their own boundaries, an essential skill to develop early on. So, it becomes more than protection. It empowers them for life to set boundaries for themselves for their own well-being.

4. Keep calm when they misbehave

When they do misbehave, as all children do, it’s vital that you model calmness. Be consistent when telling them to stop doing something but tell them with composure and lovingly. Instead of getting mad and scolding them, tell them what you’d like them to do. Remember to praise them if they stop misbehaving when being told to.

No parent is perfect. Sometimes children are neglected when you get busy. But the last thing you want is for your child to act out just to get a rise out of you. Good parenting is a daily process of correcting your mistakes and doing better.

5. Create a safe, positive learning environment

Besides loving your child, a key element to being a parent is giving your child the proper skill set to venture out into the world. They’ll need to learn a lot of things throughout their childhood. This is why you should focus on creating a safe and positive learning environment at home. This will make learning fun and creative instead of a tedious and undesired activity. It will make it much easier for them to gain new skills and develop a positive attitude toward themselves and their abilities.

You can create a safe calm space each for kids to concentrate on their homework. Kids may feel more comfortable doing homework close to you, such as at the kitchen table. In these situations, turn off the TV and remain quiet while reading a book. This will make them more apt to ask you for help when needed.

6. Take care of yourself and have realistic expectations

Too many parents forget to care for themselves when they become a parent. Most have high expectations of themselves, and time and energy are scarce. This often leads to a neglect of oneself and one’s needs. This is never a good idea. To be the best possible parent and role model for your child, it’s important to set realistic expectations of yourself and prioritize your own needs and wants as well.

Create margins in your life to allow for unexpected situations.  These situations may be created but your children.  When you create space in your own life, you are able to step in and give them your undivided attention.  Following the guides set by the positive parenting program can improve parenting skills, and realistic expectations can be set to gain the most out of the triple p process.

When it comes to the health of our family members, especially the youngest ones among us, there is nothing more important than making sure their ears are in top shape. As parents, no matter how great a job we do try to keep our kids safe and healthy, little ears can sometimes be easily forgotten about…until something goes wrong.

The good news is that ear care for your children doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming; with a few simple tips and tricks, you can quickly learn the best ways to make sure your kid’s ears stay nice and clean without being overly invasive! From traditional behind-the-ear models to discrete in-the-ear styles, the cost of hearing aids varies.

Through this ultimate guide on kid-approved ear care practices, you’ll find out everything you need to know when it comes to keeping those cute little lobes healthy – from prevention methods and education on infections down to different home remedies if any issues arise. So, let’s get started now – after all – your child’s safety should always come first!

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid

Choosing the right hearing aid for your child is a decision that can greatly affect their quality of life. It’s important to consider a few factors when making this decision, such as the type and severity of their hearing loss, the child’s age, and lifestyle, as well as personal preferences. A consultation with an audiologist nearby can greatly assist in finding the best hearing aid options available. There are a variety of hearing aids available that can accommodate your child’s unique needs and ensure they can communicate effectively in any setting. By taking the time to research and test different models, you can make an informed decision and provide your child with the best-fit hearing aid.

Identifying an Ear Infection

Ear infections can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of infection and age of the individual. However, some common signs include ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear, difficulty hearing, and irritability in children. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help.

Ignoring the symptoms can lead to more serious complications, such as hearing loss or ruptured eardrum. Your healthcare provider can examine your ears and determine the cause of the infection. Treatment may include antibiotics or other medications to alleviate symptoms and prevent the infection from worsening. Safe remedies for earaches can reduce pain but for children it’s important to consult your doctor first.  Remember, early detection and treatment are key when it comes to ear infections.

Create an Ear Care Routine for Kids

Proper hygiene is essential for maintaining good health, and ear care is a crucial part of it that we tend to overlook. Children, in particular, need to have a regular ear care routine to prevent infections or wax build-up. However, as parents, we understand that convincing your little ones to clean their ears can be challenging. So, we have put together some tips to make ear cleaning a regular part of your child’s grooming routine. By incorporating these simple practices, you can help your young ones form healthy habits that will benefit them in the long run. So, let’s dive in and make ear care easier for both you and your child!

Treating Common Ear Problems

Our ears are essential for experiencing the sounds of the world around us, but even the smallest ear problems can be a major annoyance. Fortunately, many common ear issues can be treated easily with at-home remedies. If you’re dealing with minor infections, wax build-up, or other common ear ailments, there are plenty of natural solutions that can help relieve discomfort and promote healing.

From oil drops to warm compresses, explore some of the top home remedies for treating common ear problems. With a little bit of knowledge and a few simple ingredients, you can keep your ears healthy and hearing clearly.

Best Practices for Maintaining Healthy Ears

As parents, we want our children to be healthy in all aspects of their lives, and one area that can sometimes be overlooked is the health of their ears. It’s important to establish good habits early on so that little ears stay clean and healthy. One key practice is to avoid sticking anything smaller than your elbow into your child’s ear! This can push earwax further into the ear canal, potentially causing damage or hearing loss.

Instead, gently clean the outer ear with a washcloth and avoid using cotton swabs. Additionally, be mindful of noise levels in your child’s environment as excessive noise can damage hearing. By following these best practices and establishing healthy habits, we can help keep little ears in tip-top shape!

Prepping Kids for a Professional Cleaning Visit

Whether it’s a routine check-up or for a specific concern, getting your child’s ears checked at the doctor’s office can be a nerve-racking experience for both kids and parents. As a parent, it’s important to make sure your child feels comfortable and prepared for the visit. One way to ease their worries is by explaining the process beforehand and answering any questions they may have.

Consider practicing at home by using a toy doctor’s kit to give your child a sense of what to expect. Also, be sure to bring along some distractions like a book or a favorite toy to keep them occupied during the exam. Remember, the more informed and at ease your child feels, the smoother and more successful the visit will be.

With all this information, it’s clear that there’s a lot more to ear care and health than many families realize. This is why it’s so important for parents and guardians to be informed about best practices when it comes to ear care – understanding warning signs, proper maintenance tips, professional visits, and the right hearing aid if needed. Implementing a consistent ear-cleaning routine can go a long way in helping keep your child’s hearing safe.

Ear health is something that should not be taken lightly, and you must be prepared with proper knowledge and resources. Hearing impairments can also lead to issues with speech and your child’s overall education. \  If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional – they can help you determine the best course of action for keeping your little one safe and healthy. So, what are you waiting for? Get informed today so that your children can have healthy ears tomorrow!

Sleep is essential for a child’s proper growth and development. Rest plays a role in their physical and mental well-being, so adequate sleeping patterns are necessary to keep them healthy. However, many kids don’t get quality sleep because they stay up late at night online, from watching videos to scrolling social feeds.

As a parent, finding the right balance between screen time and quality sleep for your child can be challenging. Here are some actionable tips you can use to help your child practice healthy sleeping and screen time habits.

Limit the Use of Gadgets Before Bedtime

Gadgets play a significant role in a kid’s daily routine. While screens can be useful educational and entertainment tools, kids often stay up too late to play games, watch movies and talk to their friends.

The blue light from electronics with screens is a double-edged sword — it is beneficial during daylight hours because it helps boost productivity and mood. However, it can be disruptive at night. It may affect the circadian rhythm or the internal clock timing biological processes. This can also delay the release of melatonin, a hormone that induces tiredness and helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, which makes it harder for your child to go to sleep.

To decrease your child’s screen exposure, establish a no-gadget transition period at least an hour before bedtime. Put their phones away in another room to discourage your kids from checking them at night. Remember to turn off their notifications so that noise won’t distract anyone from their sleep.

If your child must use an electronic device to complete homework in the evening, ensure they use the “night mode” feature to block the blue light.

In addition to improving sleep, reducing gadget use is essential for physical and mental wellness. With electronic devices becoming an integral part of people’s lives, it could be challenging to set boundaries. Here are some recommended screen time limits for children:

• Under 2 years old: Zero screen time, except for video calling with relatives and friends.
• 2-5 years old: Less than an hour daily with co-viewing guidance.
• 5-17 years old: No more than two hours daily, except for schoolwork.

Encourage an Active Lifestyle

One way to discourage a bad habit is to replace it with a healthy one. Participating in a sport can be a good way to divert your child’s attention, as well as make them feel more tired at night. Physical activities impact sleep in many beneficial ways:

• Falling asleep quickly: Exercising can make kids tired in a healthy way, prompting a quicker transition to sleep.
• Longer sleep: Extended sleep hours make your child feel energized and more productive for the day.
• Quality sleep: Engaging in physical activity helps improve sleep quality. Try encouraging your child to exercise or play sports for two hours daily so they can enjoy quality rest every night.

While any physical activity will be beneficial, studies have shown that swimming is one exercise that helps improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. Not only will swimming tire them out, but they’ll quickly realize that staying up too late will impact their energy levels for swim practice.

Allow Screen Time After Fulfilling Responsibilities

Moderated gadget use can bring positive benefits. It can help them relax while gaming, learn from watching or reading educational videos and strengthen friendships via chats and video calls.

As a parent, you want your child to finish their responsibilities before facing the screen. Treat screen time as a privilege — ask them to clean their room, finish homework and wash the dishes before playing video games.

Another reason some kids stay up late online is that they crave attention that may be lacking from their parents and siblings. Perhaps your bubbly 10-year-old suddenly became uncommunicative because you’ve been working overtime, making you miss family dinners.

Usually, children don’t blatantly ask for attention. If possible, bond with your child before bedtime — ask about the favorite part of their day, school activities and what they are most excited about tomorrow. Simple daily check-ins like this can limit screen time and boost your relationship.

Be a Good Role Model

The digital world can be distracting, with people spending 5-6 hours on their phones daily. Take time to reflect on your phone habits and think about how many times you open your phone in an hour. Do you watch videos while having lunch? Do you often work in front of your computer every weekend? If you spend a lot of time in front of the screen, your child might notice.

Be mindful of your screen time and avoid using electronic devices during family time to help children learn to value moments with you.

Strike a Healthy Balance Between Screen Time and Sleep

Managing screen time for your child can be a game-changer for their sleep routine and overall health. With these tips, you can set the stage for some boundaries, physical activities, and quality time, leaving enough room for responsible gadget use.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.