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Karissa Tunis

5 Homemaking Skills You Should Teach Your Children

As parents, we strive to prepare our children for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. We have the power to equip them with the essential skills they’ll need to thrive in life. One crucial aspect of their future success is the ability to manage and create a healthy home environment. By teaching our children essential homemaking skills early on, we can nurture their independence, resourcefulness, and organizational abilities. In this article, we will explore five fundamental homemaking skills that will empower your child to take charge of their living environment and succeed in the real world.

For more on this topic, check out the full Family Home collection

5 Homemaking Skills Every Child Should Learn

Below are five homemaking skills that would be beneficial for your child to learn. After all, we as parents want nothing more than to see our children thrive, and learning these skills while still at home can help them succeed.

 

1. Basic Cooking Skills

Teaching children basic cooking skills instills a sense of confidence and empowers them to take care of their nutritional needs. By involving them in meal preparation, they learn about ingredients and make healthier eating choices. Aside from being a creative outlet, it also encourages experimentation with flavors and presentations. This is also a great time to create lasting memories and strengthen your bond.

When teaching your kids, consider age-appropriate tasks and recipes. For example:

Younger children (ages 5-8):

  • Washing fruits and vegetables.
  • Measuring and pouring ingredients.
  • Mixing batters or doughs.
  • Assembling simple sandwiches or salads.
  • Decorating cupcakes or cookies.

Pre-teens (ages 9-12):

  • Peeling and chopping vegetables (under supervision).
  • Following recipes with guidance.
  • Cooking simple breakfast items like scrambled eggs or pancakes.
  • Preparing basic pasta dishes or soups.
  • Assembling homemade pizzas or wraps.

Teenagers (ages 13 and above):

  • Handling more complex kitchen tools (e.g., knives, blenders).
  • Cooking meals with multiple components and techniques.
  • Exploring international cuisines and recipes.
  • Baking cakes, cookies, or bread from scratch.

2. Cleaning and Organizing

Instilling good cleaning and organizing habits early on sets the stage for a tidy and functional living environment. By keeping their living space clean, children develop a sense of responsibility and respect for their environment. Professional cleaners of FreshSpace Cleaning suggest tasks like tidying up toys, making their beds, or dusting low surfaces are suitable for younger children. As they grow older, they can take on more responsibilities such as vacuuming, wiping surfaces, or cleaning their rooms. Gradually increasing the complexity of tasks helps children develop confidence and competence in their cleaning abilities.

It doesn’t have to be seen as a chore or a tedious task. As much as possible, infuse creativity to make it enjoyable for children. You can create cleaning challenges such as setting timers or turning tasks into friendly competitions. Play some upbeat music for a lively atmosphere, use colorful cleaning tools, and offer rewards that can be exchanged for privileges, small treats, or special activities.  Assign tasks to each family member and work collaboratively to make it a family affair. This fosters a sense of teamwork and responsibility and also lightens the workload.

 

3. Laundry Skills

Learning how to do laundry promotes independence, self-sufficiency, and proper garment care. It allows children to take care of their clothing, ensuring they are clean, fresh, and ready to wear. To make it easier to follow, provide step-by-step instructions. You can show them how to sort clothes by color and fabric type first then let them do the rest as this is also a great activity to practice their fine motor skills. This might seem like a daunting task but teaching them early will save them from future laundry mishaps.

4. Money Management

Financial literacy is a crucial life skill to become financially responsible and secure adults. Introduce your child to basic financial concepts like saving money, spending wisely, setting financial goals, and even donating to charity. To make it engaging, create a piggy bank or a savings jar where they can collect coins or small amounts of money.

Discuss the meaning of allowance and guide them on spending money between needs and wants. It’s also helpful to gift children with a notebook dedicated to writing down their goals, expenses, and savings. This will train them in tracking where their money went and encourage reflecting on their financial choices.

 

5. Home Maintenance and Repairs

Teaching your child basic home maintenance and repair skills will encourage curiosity and problem-solving. It instills a sense of responsibility, self-reliance, and practical knowledge that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Let them observe you when fixing a leaky faucet, show you how to change a lightbulb, or explain how to use simple tools for minor repairs. Make them aware of potential hazards and how to protect themselves. Explain the importance of seeking adult assistance for tasks that may pose a risk.

It’s also wise to teach them about some of the repairs they perhaps shouldn’t take on themselves. Things like intricate electrical repairs or getting on top of a roof should always be handled by a professional. Teach them to always have the number of a reliable roof repair company or electrician just in case.

 

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up, it’s clear that teaching your child these essential homemaking skills is a valuable investment in their future. Remember, it’s never too early to start teaching these skills, and the benefits they bring will last a lifetime.

 

For more on this topic, check out the full Family Home collection

Top Tips for Navigating the Ups and Downs of Marriage

couple kissing in kitchenA marriage is supposed to be a long-term partnership. Many people think that it should always be good, but the reality is, there will be a lot of ups and downs. It is normal for a marriage to cycle through periods of conflict and growth. While there are normal ups and downs in a relationship, you can’t just sit back and do nothing. It takes everyone within the relationship to participate and take proactive action. Every relationship that wants to go beyond surviving and conflict and instead thrive requires communication from all people within the relationship at all times.

Communication methods have to be considered, as well as openness and honesty. Deliberate effort, empathy, and involvement are key. The goal is to learn how to best manage the good and bad in your marriage, strengthen your bond, have constructive conversations, and seek support when necessary.

But it isn’t always that easy. It is important that you identify when effort is worth it, or when to walk away. Walking away can sometimes be the best, but hardest step you need to take.

Ups and downs in a marriage, while normal, can be extremely difficult. To help you on your journey, here are some important tips to help you navigate the ups and downs in your marriage.

For more on this topic, check out the full Be My Valentine collection

Navigating the ups of a relationship

People may feel like there isn’t much to do when it comes to the ups of a relationship, but that is incorrect. First, you want to be able to acknowledge and appreciate the ups more, as well as learn how to nurture and initiate more ups. This will help you to create a strong foundation so that you can enjoy the ups, create more ups, and really strengthen your bond together so you can reduce conflicts and withstand challenges that arise in the future.

 

​Appreciate the ups

First and foremost, you want to be able to acknowledge the ups and learn to appreciate them. Sometimes, ups can be prevented or halted when your focus is elsewhere, or still on the bad things in the relationship. You can start by actively showing your gratitude to your partner by expressing it in a way they would appreciate. This could be simple verbal affirmations, physical affection, acts of service, or quality time together. This can help make them feel valued, as well as keep the good times alive in your relationship.

 

​Nurture your relationship

To nurture a relationship is to intentionally put care and effort into it. You want to actively cultivate a connection with each other. You want to make each other feel valued, safe, and supported. And you want a relationship where you can both grow together and build a life together. Prioritize quality time together, actively listen to each other, involve your partner in your activities, respect each other’s needs, and work towards deepening your bond.

 

Keep the romance alive

Keeping the romance alive is often something couples neglect. Either because they are too busy, too caught up in arguments, or it is something they just did not know that they had to do. It is vital that you make the effort to learn about each other and what would keep the romance alive in your relationship. Every marriage is unique, so consider what may work for you. It might take some experimentation at first. While big gestures or going out to do things can work wonders, don’t forget about the basic, foundational parts of a relationship that will support you, such as communication, consistent effort, sharing part of yourself with each other, and more.

couple looking into each other's eyes

​Navigating the downs of a relationship

The bad part of a relationship will look different for everyone. But generally, there are a few things that everyone can think about to help them navigate the downs.

 

​Be respectful

It is important when there are bad times in a relationship to stay not only empathetic, but also respectful to one another. It is easy to start blaming each other or using negative tones and language. When you stay above this and respect one another, you are creating a solid foundation of safety and connection to begin repairing from. It can be hard when you are struggling with each other, but respect can help the situation from escalating further.

 

​Learn how to manage your own stuff

One of the biggest issues in relationships is when either or both of the partners within the relationship don’t know how to manage stress. Of course, you want to be able to lean on each other, but if your own nervous system isn’t regulated and you cannot manage your own self, then this can create a huge disconnect in a relationship. You need to be able to support yourself and be there for yourself first, then you will both have more capacity to support each other. This may also reduce a lot of tension and arguments within a relationship. Consider what triggers you and what coping strategies you can implement into your life for positive change.

 

​Know when to walk away

If the downs in your relationship are bad or they are toxic, then sometimes repairing your relationship might not be the best thing to do. You need to be honest with yourself, as no one can make the decision for you. While it might be hard to walk away, sometimes it is the best thing to do.

Many people in a bad marriage will put this off because they don’t know what to do after a divorce. This shouldn’t stop you. You should both have an honest conversation about whether your relationship is working and whether it is time to walk away. This may take a few conversations and space to think, especially if you have children to think about in your family dynamic.

​

Ups and Downs of Marriage Conclusion

Marriage is a journey, and it takes everyone within the relationship to put in the effort, to show up, to be consistent, and to communicate effectively. You need a strong foundation within yourself and with each other to be able to handle the downs and build on the ups.

For more on this topic, check out the full Be My Valentine collection

couple kissing in kitchen

 

Why It’s Crucial To Run Your Business With The Right Software

laptop on deskThe right software can take your business to the next level. It’ll simplify the way you work, make it much easier to scale your operation, and take off the admin headache you’ve been struggling to deal with.

But when we say ‘the right software’, we don’t just mean any old software suite that’ll promise to be the most cutting-edge CRM you could ever work with. We mean finding tech that genuinely boosts your business by freeing up your time and ensuring everything is in the right place.

And here’s why that’s so crucial for a small business like yours.

For more on this topic, check out the full Work Life Balance collection

You Need to Stay on Top of More Than One Thing

If the software you’re thinking of using to help run your business has a limited capability, don’t use it! You can’t squeeze more function out of it, and you certainly can’t use it in an efficient way.

Because when you need to stay on top of more than one thing – payroll, employee schedules, customer relations, etc., – a one-function program is going to let things slip through the cracks.

 

It’ll Be Easier to Take Payments

No business is ready to open its doors to the public without the right payment provider on their side. But you can’t just get yourself a business account from any old bank and go from there!

You can’t operate with a one size fits all approach here. Depending on what you’re selling, some merchants are going to see you as a riskier fit for their business, and could turn you down based on this.

But there are different merchant accounts out there and certain types will be a lot more suitable for you. After all, merchant account provider for bars know you’re going to be selling more risky products – in this case, alcoholic drinks.

If you contacted a provider that doesn’t specifically cater to a business like this, you could find it hard to secure an account in the first place. And that’ll really slow your operation down, so try to avoid making this mistake!

someone typing on keyboard of laptop

The Software Should Understand Your Specific Needs

No business can do its best work when the software running things behind the scenes is limited, slow, and unsuitable for the tasks you need it to operate. Once again, the one size fits all approach simply does not apply.

Most businesses operate with software made for their industry in particular. That means they get a lot more understanding out of the software, whether they’re sending invoices, tracking employee time, or managing their inventory.

Keep this in mind when shopping about for software suites. Only a few will be relevant to you in the first place; within that, there’s maybe two programs that’ll really work for your business.

 

Conclusion to Picking the Right Software

Running your business with the right software is crucial, for many different reasons. But in our mind, the ones above are the most important. Keep them in mind during your tech hunt, and keep going until you find what you truly need!

 

For more on this topic, check out the full Work Life Balance collection

laptop on desk

How to Raise a Confident Child

happy familyThere are plenty of different things that determine how successful a child will be in their adult life, but there are arguably none as influential as their confidence levels. Having plenty of confidence can make up for shortcomings in other years. Conversely, lacking confidence can result in even the most talented of individuals failing to reach their full potential.

​Some children seem to have naturally occurring confidence, but that’s not usual. And in fact, it’s worth helping to instill confidence in your child, even if you think they’re naturally confident — some people are good at simply suggesting they have confidence. Impressions can be misleading.

​Happily, there are a bunch of things parents can do that’ll slowly but surely nudge their child’s confidence in the right direction. We’ve rounded up some of the best and most effective — not to mention some of the easiest — strategies. Take them on board, and you’ll be giving your child the best possible chance of developing into a confident adult, and you simply never know what that might lead to. It’s not an exaggeration to say that confidence is one of the best gifts that a parent can give their child.

For more on this topic, check out the full Child Behavior collection

Encourage Autonomy

​OK, by this, we don’t mean encouraging them to do everything on their own. You’ve still got to parent them! What we mean is that, whenever possible, your child should have the freedom to do things on their own. Individuals (and that includes adults) gain confidence by understanding that they are capable people who have the capacity to do things themselves, and your child won’t understand that if you’re constantly doing everything for them. Plus, this approach also lightens your load — if your child packs their own school bag, then you don’t need to.

​

Accepting Failure

​Nobody wants to fail, but learning how to accept failure is a key part of gaining confidence. Teaching your child that not every pursuit will end in success — and that that’s OK — can help them to develop a positive relationship with their goals and outcomes. Plus, aside from simply helping your child to reframe failure into something positive, this can also spur them to put in extra effort the next time around. Not convinced about this approach? Then take a look at the failures of some of the world’s most successful people. They would never have eventually made it if they didn’t have the confidence to carry on moving forward after experiencing failure.

girl smiling with pain on face

Mental Well-Being

An individual’s confidence level depends, in large part, on their overall mental well-being. Even generally confident people can struggle if their mental health isn’t as healthy as it should be.

Helping your child develop their mental well-being can improve their confidence in countless ways. It can change how they speak to themselves, help them develop their barriers, and give them the fortitude to take bad days in their stride. Ultimately, healthy mental well-being can give your child the slight edge they need to achieve — and maintain — confidence.

Teaching your child the power of breathwork, meditation, and yoga as early as possible can give them the platform upon which their confidence can grow. Plus, those activities also offer a wide range of other advantages.

 

Trying New Things

Your child will have things that they’re already great at, and that can be extremely useful for building confidence. However, developing confidence also depends on stepping outside of our comfort zones and trying new things. Doing so can show your child that they’re capable of so much more than they originally thought. There’s no shortage of confidence-boosting activities that your child can do, too. Signing your child up for karate classes or having them join a sports team can do wonders for their confidence levels, for instance. You could also encourage them to learn a musical instrument, which can be a confidence-booster and also unlock a passion that stays with them for the rest of their lives.

 

Praise Positive Traits

We spoke earlier that helping your child have a healthy relationship with failure is a good way to build their confidence. Another way to develop their confidence is to praise positive attributes, which focuses on the process rather than the end result. For instance, you may praise them for showing imagination when they were doing their English homework, or simply praise their perseverance when trying to work out a math problem. Just note that this praise should always be genuine; children tend to tune out if they’re being praised for every little thing.

 

Manage Your Worries

All parents worry about their children, and there’ll be times when you want to micromanage whatever it is they’re doing just to ensure that they’re safe and do things correctly. However, it’s best to be at least a little mindful of taking control of situations. While you might have the best of intentions, to your child, it might be a signal that you don’t fully trust them. Your child won’t always get everything right, but there’s a lot to be said for trial and error. They might not get it right at the first time of asking, but with a little bit of guidance, they’ll be likely to be successful the next time around. That process includes them in the process, rather than having things done for them.

 

Invest in Your Own Confidence

​Finally, keep in mind that your child is going to learn more from you beyond just what you tell them. Your behavior will have a huge impact too. Confident people are more likely to raise confident children; those with low self-esteem are more likely to raise children who have confidence issues. As such, one of the best ways to encourage your child to have confidence is to invest in your own confidence. This is more than just something that you’ll do for your child, too — you’ll also benefit! There are real-world, tangible benefits to working to increase your confidence levels, the biggest of which is that it’s simply easier to reach your full potential when your confidence levels are sky high.

 

For more on this topic, check out the full Child Behavior collection

happy family

3 Financial Management Tips to Make Your Business More Profitable

business managementAs a business owner, you’ll have quite a few areas to look after and manage. Many of these are vital, with your business finances being one of the more notable. When they’re properly looked after, they could help to make your business more profitable.

But, this can be one of the more complicated areas to look after. Countless people get stressed out about it. It’s easy to see why.

This isn’t a position you’ll need to settle for, however. By using a few financial management tips, you could make it a whole lot more straightforward than you would’ve thought. It’s just a matter of actually putting the time and effort into them.

Three of these could have more of an impact than you would’ve thought. They’ll offer more and more benefits in time.

For more on this topic, check out the full Saving Money collection

Take Advantage of Bulk Orders

You’ll need to buy more than a few supplies to help run your business. Naturally, exactly what you’ll need depends on the type of business you run. If you have a medical business, for example, you could need nooglutyl for mental performance research.

No matter what, you can still take advantage of positive habits with this. Focusing on bulk orders can help more than you’d think. While that means spending more per order, it’ll cut down on the individual cost of each unit. You’ve no reason not to put the effort into it.

100 dollar bill dramatic

Keep Good Business Credit

There could be plenty of times when you need to take out business loans. When done right, these can help you fuel your growth more and more. But, they’ll usually have a significant impact on your finances, especially when you consider the interest on the loan.

But, you can minimize this quite a bit. By maintaining solid business credit, you can keep this interest as low as possible. To do this, make sure you’re paying all invoices – and any loans you currently have – on time. It’ll have a lot more of an impact than you’d think.

 

Focus on Expenses & ROI

You’ll always have more than a few expenses to take care of. These will focus on the essentials to run your business. Since you can’t get rid of these, it’s worth making sure you’re getting the best possible return on investment with them.

The higher the ROI with your expenses, the better. While this means making a few calculations, it’s worth it. It’ll help you figure out if you need to make a few changes. If the ROI is too low, then you could need to find alternatives, like different suppliers.

You’ll always want to make your business more profitable, and more than a few areas play a part in this. One of the more important is your finances. But, these can be quite complicated to actually look after.

By focusing on a few financial management tips, however, you could make it more straightforward than you would’ve thought. Once you’ve put the time and effort into them, there should be a whole lot less to be stressed about.

 

For more on this topic, check out the full Saving Money collection

business management

How to Encourage your Kids to Find a Sport they’ll Love

kids in a circle with their hands in the middleIf you want your kids to love sports, then there are a few things you can do to try and encourage this. If you’re not sure where to start, or if you want to make sure that you are making sport feel fun, then this guide will tell you everything you need to know.

For more on this topic, check out the full Sports collection

Play With Them

The first thing you need to do is try and play the sport with them. Do what you can to make it fun. It may be that you kick the ball around, or that you simply play a game of catch. You can also practice cartwheels in the yard if you want. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what you do, because as long as you are making it fun, then you are doing the right thing. Your child can learn so much from just watching other people as well, so take them to a ball game and have them see how things work.

 

Give your Child Space

You might also want to give your child a bit of space to learn. It’s perfectly fine for them to be a little awkward, and it’s fine for them to try and still learn along the way. There is no doubt that your child will make mistakes as well. Your job is to try and focus on having fun and to help them learn new skills. You should also make sure that you are not pressuring them too much to win. If you can do this while supporting them, then you will notice a huge difference in their development.

kid baseball player with coach

Be Positive

Keep everything positive as much as possible. If you are constantly shouting, or if you are throwing your hat on the ground all the time, then this is not good for you and it’s not good for your child. If you can, you need to try and model positive behavior all the time. Achieving this means you can be a good coach, keep your cool, and make sure that you always respect other people.

If you want to help yourself create your team, then it may be that you create some custom baseball lineup cards as a way to show your child what being on a team is actually like. This is all a good way for you to show your child what it means to be on a team and how everyone has their place. If you can do this, then you will be able to show them how positive sport can be and how much fun they can have by playing it.

 

Of course, it’s also a good idea for you to try and check in with them after a practice. Ask them how they are feeling, and if they had fun. You also need to ask them what could have gone better, and if they felt as though they were supported during it. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier to get the result you need.

 

For more on this topic, check out the full Sports collection

kids in a circle with their hands in the middle

Helping Your Kids Navigate the Cost of College

teen studentsIf you’ve got a teenager under your roof, you’ve probably already noticed: college brochures multiply like rabbits. One day, you’re stepping over Lego bricks, and the next, you’re tripping over glossy pamphlets showing impossibly photogenic students studying under perfectly lit trees. And then reality hits: How much is this going to cost us?

The cost of college in the U.S. is not just a “price tag” anymore; it’s a small fortune wrapped in financial aid jargon, hidden fees, and enough acronyms (FAFSA, EFC, COA, Pell) to make your head spin. But before you throw in the towel and tell your kid to take up goat herding instead, know this: there are smart, strategic ways to manage it. Let’s walk through how to help your kids (and yourself) navigate the wild world of college costs without losing your sanity, or your retirement fund.

For more on this topic, check out the full All About Teens collection

Start with Real Talk About Money

First things first: have the conversation. Yes, the dreaded money talk. Sit your teen down, maybe over pizza (bribery helps), and lay out what’s realistic. Are you able to contribute to tuition, and if so, how much? Are they expected to chip in? Will they need to work part-time during school?

It’s far better to have this conversation early than to wait until acceptance letters arrive and everyone falls in love with a school that costs more than your house. Setting expectations early teaches your kids financial responsibility and helps them make smarter decisions about where to apply.

 

Know the True Cost (It’s Not Just Tuition)

One of the biggest mistakes families make is assuming tuition = the total cost of college. Nope. Tuition is just the tip of the iceberg. Add in room and board, textbooks (which somehow cost more than a small car), lab fees, meal plans, transportation, and yes, those sneaky “student activity” fees nobody talks about until you’re signing paperwork.

Encourage your student to look at the Cost of Attendance (COA), which colleges are required to publish. That’s the real bottom line, and it often looks scarier than the tuition number alone. But being armed with the full picture is the only way to make wise choices.

teenagers walking into school

Scholarships: Free Money on the Table

This is where your teen’s hustle pays off. Scholarships are essentially free money, and there are more out there than most people realize. Sure, the big, flashy ones get all the attention, but thousands of smaller, niche scholarships exist – everything from being left-handed to writing essays about duct tape prom outfits.

Encourage your student to treat scholarship applications like a part-time job. Even winning a few small ones can add up and chip away at the bill. And unlike loans, scholarships don’t come with interest attached.

 

FAFSA Isn’t a Four-Letter Word

Okay, technically it is, but not in the bad way. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the golden key to unlocking grants, work-study opportunities, and federal loans. Even if you think your family earns “too much” to qualify, fill it out anyway because you know what? Many colleges and states use FAFSA data to award their own aid.

Pro tip: file as early as possible. Financial aid is often a bit of a first-come, first-served buffet.

 

Community College: The Smart Starter Move

Here’s something not enough families talk about: community college can be an absolute game-changer. Starting at a community college for the first two years and then transferring to a four-year school can cut tuition costs in half (sometimes more).

And let’s be honest, most 18-year-olds don’t know what they want to do with their lives anyway. Spending those exploratory years at a lower-cost school can save thousands while still setting them up for a bachelor’s degree later.

 

Side Hustles and Part-Time Work

Yes, your kid is in school to study, but a little part-time work never hurt. In fact, studies have shown that students who work a manageable number of hours (say, 10–15 a week) often perform better academically – they learn time management fast.

Encourage your teen to look into on-campus jobs, tutoring gigs, or even online freelance work. Every dollar earned is one less that needs to be borrowed.

girl reading book in library

Savings and 529 Plans

If you started saving for your kid’s education when they were still toddling around in diapers, pat yourself on the back… you’re already ahead. A 529 college savings plan is one of the most tax-advantaged ways to stash cash for school.

But even if you didn’t start early,  it’s never too late to set aside some savings. Encourage your teen to contribute too, whether it’s from a summer job or birthday money. Even small amounts can help soften the blow.

 

Loans: The “Handle With Care” Option

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: student loans. They can be both a lifesaver and a burden. Federal student loans generally have better terms and protections, so they’re the best first option.

But what if the federal aid doesn’t cover everything? That’s where private student loans sometimes come into play. They’re offered by banks and other lenders and can help bridge the gap, but they often require a cosigner and may come with higher interest rates. They’re not evil, but they should be used carefully, kinda like hot sauce. A little can go a long way, but too much, and you’ll regret it.

 

Compare Schools Beyond the Sticker Price

Here’s a sneaky trick colleges pull: they show you a terrifying sticker price, but after grants, scholarships, and aid, the actual amount you’ll pay could be much lower. Sometimes, a “more expensive” private school ends up cheaper than a public one after aid is factored in.

Encourage your student to compare net costs, not just sticker prices. Many schools even have “net price calculators” on their websites to help you run the numbers.

 

Teach Financial Literacy Along the Way

Helping your kid get into college is one thing; helping them survive financially once they’re there is another. Teach them how to budget, track expenses, and avoid the credit card traps lurking at freshman orientation. (Nothing says “bad decision” like signing up for a

… free T-shirt and a 29% APR.)

If your kid leaves home knowing how to stretch a dollar, resist impulse purchases, and understand the difference between “need” and “want,” they’ll be way ahead of most adults. Honestly, that’s a life skill worth more than any degree.

 

Don’t Forget Mental Health in the Money Stress

Let’s not sugarcoat it: money stress can weigh heavily on students. Juggling classes, jobs, and financial pressure is a lot. Make sure your teen knows it’s okay to ask for help, whether that’s from you, a financial aid counselor, or a school therapist. Remind them that their worth isn’t defined by their bank account or the size of their student loans.

 

Helping your kids with their college finances is not just good for their bills, but great for building their life skills too, so get to it!

 

For more on this topic, check out the full All About Teens collection

teen students

Comprehensive Elder Care Solutions for Aging Loved Ones

senior woman with care giverAs loved ones grow older, their needs can change. They may need more help with daily life or health care. Many families look for ways to give them comfort, safety, and dignity.

Most adults will need some form of long-term care during their lives. Knowing the choices early helps you plan. It can also make life better for everyone involved. Uncover all the facts as you read ahead.

For more on this topic, check out the full Senior Care collection

What Elder Care Means

Elder care is not just about medical help. It is about making life safe and pleasant. It can include health care, help with daily tasks, and ways to keep the mind active. The goal is to help seniors live well while keeping their sense of control.

Health and safety are the main focus. This might mean regular doctor visits, managing medicine, or having fast access to help in an emergency. But it also means meeting emotional needs.

Spending time with others, joining group events, and having hobbies can prevent loneliness. Good elder care gives seniors choices. Even when they need help, they should be able to make decisions about their lives.

 

Common Elder Care Options

There are many ways to give care. Here are some.

In-Home Care

Some families choose in-home care. This allows seniors to stay in their own homes. Helpers may cook, clean, assist with grooming, or provide company. It offers comfort in a familiar place.

 

Assisted Living

Assisted living is another option. Seniors have their own space but can get help as needed. They also have access to social events and shared activities.

Nursing Home

For those with serious health issues, nursing homes offer care all day and night.

 

Trained staff handle medical needs and daily tasks.

Respite Care

Short-term care, also called respite care, is for when family caregivers need a break. It makes sure the senior is safe and cared for while the caregiver rests or handles other duties.

Choosing the right option means looking at the senior’s health, habits, and wishes. Each type of care has benefits.

senior woman with man care giver

Making a Personal Care Plan

The best care starts with a plan made for the person. Every senior is different. The plan should include their health needs, daily habits, and personal likes.

Health check-ups can track progress and find problems early. Support for memory issues may be needed for those with dementia. Access to counseling or mental health care can help ease sadness or worry.

Physical activity, even gentle stretching, can keep the body strong. Plans should be flexible. Needs can change over time, so care may need to be adjusted.

 

Picking the Right Care Provider

A good provider is key to quality elder care. They should have a strong record of trust, skill, and kindness. You can visit the location, talk with staff, and look at senior community reviews and testimonials to learn about other families’ experiences.

The right provider will not just meet health needs. They will also treat the senior with warmth and respect. Good communication between the provider and the family makes care more effective and less stressful.

 

Giving Peace of Mind

Choosing elder care is about more than safety. It is about helping someone enjoy life in later years. The right support lets them stay active, connected, and respected.

Planning early can reduce worry for families. It can also give seniors a better sense of security. With the right care, they can face each day with comfort and hope.

Loved this post? Check out the rest of our blog for even more great content!

 

For more on this topic, check out the full Senior Care collection

senior woman with care giver

Things To Consider When Looking For A Nursing Home

woman caring for senior womanConsidering a nursing home for yourself or a relative? Taking the step to move into a nursing home is a really big decision and one you don’t want to take lightly. You need to make sure you’re sending them to the right place, that they will be comfortable and that it fits into the budget you have. In this article we take a look at some of the top things to consider when looking for a nursing home. Keep on reading to get inspired and find out more to ensure your relative is as happy as possible when moving out of their house.

For more on this topic, check out the full Senior Care collection

Check it suits their specific needs

The first thing you need to check when looking for a nursing home is that it suits the needs of the person going. Some are more medical and better at specific treatments or conditions, while others are a bit more relaxed and there for assistance with getting around and retaining independence without needing too many specific treatments or other plans. Ask the care home in advance if you have any particular needs that need to be met, and how well their facilities can cater and look after this.

older senior man with young girl

Go for a tour and check it has the right feel about it

Sometimes a place can look perfect online if they have good marketing and photography, but you get there and it just doesn’t have the right feel. Ensure you go for at least one visit before signing up, where you can get a feel for the place and see what it looks like in real life. You can check out the rooms and facilities, as well as meet the staff that work there. You want to ensure you or your relative has the most positive experience, particularly as you can hear stories in the news about abuse in nursing homes. If this does happen, you need to speak to compassionate nursing home abuse lawyers who can get you the compensation you deserve.

 

Consider the location

Location is another important factor to consider – you want the nursing home to be close to other relatives so you can easily meet up and not be lonely. You might also want it to be near a local town, the beach, or with walks nearby so you can get out and about without having to drive anywhere if you want to stretch your legs.

 

These are just a few things for you to consider when looking for a nursing home. You want to make sure you or your relative feels comfortable and happy there and it is the right fit for their needs. Moving out of the home you live in already can be a big deal, so having a place to move into that feels relaxing, friendly and comforting can make the world of difference. What are some top tips you have for looking for a nursing home? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.

 

For more on this topic, check out the full Senior Care collection

woman caring for senior woman

Being Proactive with Your Child’s Education

Being Proactive with Your Child’s Education

No matter what their grades are, no one knows their successes and challenges like we do as their parents and care-takers. No one will speak up for our child like we can. So we need to remember that. And we need to also remember the fact that teaching our kids is a team effort. It’s between school, home, and everyone that is involved in their life.

So speak up, get involved, and be proactive with your child’s education!

 

For more on this topic, check out the full Back To School collection

 

Be Proactive with Your Child’s Education

It is so important to be proactive with your child’s education as we head back to school. At the start of each school year, we’re able to turn over a new leaf! We can help our kids feel excited about this upcoming year, and their future as a whole.

However, I know from experience that if there are any concerns with your child’s education, it’s extremely important to be proactive.

It is easy to fall into patterns and routines. And it’s easy to hope that things will resolve on their own…

 

“Sure, My kid is a little behind, but they’ll catch up on their own eventually.”

“Eh, My kid seems a little bored in class, but maybe something next month will spark their interest.”

“It’s hard because my child doesn’t seem to be enjoying school, but they’ll get used to it.”

 

We tend to simply hope that things will work themselves out without us parents having to step in. And I get it! As parents, we already have so much on our plates. We are busy and overwhelmed and exhausted. But… ignoring these concerns is only going to lead to bigger problems down the road.

 

Education they Deserve

We do need to make sure that our children are getting the education that they deserve. There are supports available to your child to ensure that they are receiving a valuable education. In education law, they often use language that expresses that all children have the right to learning a year’s worth of academic material over the course of a school year.

 

If your child is already ahead and not learning anything new from the classroom curriculum, they are not learning and growing on the trajectory that they deserve.

When your child is struggling in a certain subject area and not truly understanding the material, they are not learning and growing on the trajectory that they deserve.

If your child is struggling emotionally and is feeling too overwhelmed to consume the material being taught, they are not learning and growing on the trajectory that they deserve.

 

And while the solutions to these problems cannot occur overnight, we should at least start advocating for our kids sooner rather than later. Communications and potential evaluations can take a lot of time. There will be meetings and emails and paperwork. Plus, there are things we can do at home, including helping with additional learning that could include Orton Gillingham phonics, for example. 

 

Encourage Participation

Another way you can ensure they get the education they deserve is by encouraging them to participate in boarding school sports. Sports have been known to be incredibly stimulating and helpful for brain development, while providing kids with ample social opportunities. The list of benefits associated with participating in sports are endless, but all of them will equip your child with all the necessary skills they need in order to succeed in their academics as well.

Encouraging your child’s active involvement in sports can also lead to recognizing their efforts through award ribbons, which serve as tangible reminders of their accomplishments and further boost their confidence and motivation. These ribbons symbolize success, pushing them to strive for excellence both on the field and in their academic pursuits, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling educational experience.

 

Advocating for Our Kids

Starting the process in partnership with the educators and administrators at your school does not have to be a painful process. As parents, we can open the lines of communication. We can share our observations and insights about our own child. And we can advocate for a positive partnership moving forward.

Sure, we can’t move heaven and earth for our children (as much as we’d like to). But we can (and should) advocate for them and their education. The sooner we start asking questions, the sooner we find helpful answers. So if you’re having concerns, start being proactive with your child’s education today. And, if you want to get more involved with your child’s school, maybe its time to even consider working in their building through sen jobs.

 

Back to School Collection

Back to School is always a weird time of year for families. Everyone is on varying levels of dreading going back, and/or looking forward to it. Oftentimes, it’s a mix of both! And since this transition is something that we have to do every single year; it’s a good idea to seek out some strategies to help make things go as smoothly as possible!

In this collection we are covering the topic with lots of Back to School advice, tips, and suggestions from both expert professionals and seasoned mothers! Enjoy topics on how to help the whole family adjust back to school, 3 ways to prepare for the first day of school, a free morning routine printable, guidelines for accomplishing homework, homeschooling, and more!

Best of Luck!

For more information, check out the Back to School & Education Options collections