Karissa Tunis

How to Help New Parents When You Live Far Away

Maybe it is your best friend from college. Or perhaps it is a sibling or cousin. Almost everyone knows someone who lives far away who has had, or is expecting, a new baby. Unfortunately, we can’t always fly or drive out to support our loved ones as they navigate the challenges of new parenthood. But there are ways that we can lend our support and help new parents even when we live far away.

For more on this topic, check out the full Baby’s First Year collection

Baby Clothes

Everyone loves to buy clothes for their impending arrival. And every expectant mom or dad should be able to indulge themselves when they find an outfit that is too cute to resist. But let’s face it, babies will grow out of those tiny clothes in as little as a few weeks. So it just makes sense to get most of them via donations from friends and family.

So, one of the best things you can do for a distant pregnant or newly delivered loved one is to send them any infant clothes you may have leftover from your adventures in parenting. Or, you can even buy some cute outfits to send from your local consignment or thrift stores. Not only will you be helping the new parents, but you will also be helping the planet by reusing clothes that may have only been used once or twice. By shopping around for the lowest domestic shipping rates, you can make this a cost-effective way to help out.

Send Gifts from Their Registry

Thanks to online shopping, it is easier than ever to purchase gifts for new parents (or anyone else) and have them sent directly. Chances are your loved one has a registry at one or more retailers online. And the best part about using the registry is that you will avoid duplicate gifts or unwanted items. The last thing new parents need is to deal with product returns on top of all the work of caring for an infant. If you feel like you need to come up with something unique — the kind of gift your friend or family member can use or will just love, but may not even know to ask for — stick to small items. That way, if your sure shot is a miss, it isn’t a big deal.

Hire Helpful Services

A great way to help out is to purchase services that new parents might not afford for themselves. This can range from a gift certificate to a restaurant delivery service like GrubHub, a postpartum doula, or a night nurse. Other services that may be useful are diaper services, grocery shopping and delivery services, and house cleaning services. Anything that can take a task, especially a repetitive task, off of the hands of new parents can be a game-changing help. For more significant purchases that might break your budget, go in with other friends and family members.

HELP PLAN THEIR BABY’S BAPTISM

Planning their child’s baptismal ceremony is a huge task for first-time parents. There are many things to prepare and a bunch of logistical tasks to take care of. To take some load off their shoulders, help them plan and organize the event—even from miles away. New parents will appreciate your help in making things easier, from assisting them in finding suppliers to handing out the invites. If you don’t have as much free time to do all those, you can still participate in the preparation by sending them valuable gifts like cute and stylish baptism dresses for their baby girl or personalized keepsake boxes.

Other Ideas

Being far away doesn’t mean you can’t be a big help to a loved one navigating the challenging waters of new parenthood. In addition to these ideas, send cards, money if needed, gift certificates, and small “just for fun” gifts to support new parents. Think of how you can use these tips from a distance. Stay in touch (but make sure to text before you call, so you pick the right moment). And don’t forget to ask what you can do to help. Your loved ones will often know what they need the most.

For more on this topic, check out the full Baby’s First Year collection

Top Parenting Tips: How To Get Your Well-deserved Rest

Parents are some of the most sleep-deprived people on earth. Between work, school, and caring for their children, it can be difficult to find time to get a good night’s rest. If you’re feeling these effects, don’t worry! There are ways to combat your fatigue and get enough sleep with some simple changes to your schedule. You will be on your way to a well-deserved rest in no time!

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

Sleep Deprivation Can Cause Snoring

Parenting is hard enough on its own without having to worry about being a nuisance to those around you. If your snoring is waking the baby up at night, it’s time to make some changes! There are many ways to actively tackle snoring at night. To learn more about snoring-prevention devices and tricks, visit SnoringHQ.com and start the journey back to some good sleep-filled nights.

More Than A Symptom Of Fatigue

Snoring is a problem for many people, but it’s often not treated as the serious issue that it can be. If you have sleep apnea, snoring can be an indicator of your condition. Snoring may also indicate the need for surgery to correct other health problems such as nasal obstruction or enlarged tonsils and adenoids. It could even mean you’re suffering from congestive heart failure! Sleep apnea is one of the most common causes of snoring, but there are others too. You should see your doctor if you think this might be affecting your quality of life or impacting other aspects of your health.

In case you are lucky and have recently developed snoring as a consequence of feeling burn-out, or some other bad habits there are some things you can do to change this. A simple change in routine and daily activities will help you get that well-deserved rest.

Bedtime routine

First of all, make sure your bed is comfortable. There are many mattresses on the market today, so it might be very difficult to figure out what kind will suit you best. You can ask for recommendations from people who have problems with sleep or snoring that you think to resemble yours the most. If this does not help, just try out what you can afford and hope for the best.

A regular bedtime routine will also help you sleep better at night. There are many types of routines that people follow, but most include some sort of showering or bathing, teeth brushing, reading a book, and staying in bed until it’s time to go to sleep. It may seem very simple, but it really can make a huge difference!

[Read: Promoting Healthy Sleep: From Birth to Beyond]

Turn off electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime

As much as you love your gadgets, using them before going to sleep can seriously interfere with your sleeping patterns. Light from computer screens and TV sets can suppress the production of melatonin in the brain, causing you to feel even more tired than before. Watching television or playing games on a computer is not necessarily bad for you, but it certainly does not help you sleep better. So try to keep them at least 30 minutes away from your bedtime. Consider setting up screen time limits for yourself and other people in your home.

Tricks to prevent snoring

Tired parents are often snorers too. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent snoring while lying in bed with your loved ones. The first thing would be to get rid of all that softness under your head. There are several pillows, cushions, and even special inflating rings designed to solve this problem. Now you can sleep comfortably without your head sinking to the bed and causing your airway passages to constrict during the night.

Keeping all of this in mind, there is a neat product called an anti-snoring pillow. It’s a specially designed pillow that allows you to sleep on your side, which helps open up airways. The only problem with this is that you might find it very difficult to keep your head up during sleep. It’s not recommended for people suffering from back problems, in case you are thinking about getting one of these.

Improve your health

As we mentioned above, there are some serious health conditions that may cause you to snore at night. If this is the case, make sure you talk to your doctor and try their recommendations before trying anything else. Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can be very harmful to different aspects of your health, not just for breathing issues like snoring.

Of course, these activities should be avoided at all costs if you want to avoid serious health problems and sleep better. Eating healthy and exercising can do wonders for your body! If you think about it, this is how we were designed to function: we eat well and get our daily dosage of activity and rest.

As you can see there are many things parents have to consider when they have trouble sleeping at night. Lack of rest can seriously impact their lives and the lives of their children, so it’s important to find some solutions quickly. Try all of these tricks and you will be sound and asleep in no time!

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

Tips for Building Micro Passive Incomes

For many people, the day job is something that they have to do to support their lifestyle. Without it, they’re in the gutter. Unfortunately, they’re stuck in a cycle of earning and spending. They need their job to support their lifestyle. But their lifestyle requires them to have a job. It’s a rat race that never seems to end.

The problem is that they haven’t started to develop other side income streams. Instead of investing in assets that generate cash flow, they’ve thrown their money into vacations, vehicles, and entertainment – things that they can never get back. Another reason people don’t do this is because they believe that it requires too much expense. Buying a rental property, for instance, requires a massive downpayment and the ability to pay a mortgage for 25 years.

The good news is that there are ways to make passive income without buying big-ticket items. The new strategy is to make micro-investments that generate cash returns over time. But what does that mean? How do you develop micro passive incomes?

Well, as you might expect, it helps to get educated. Doing online marketing MBA programs introduces you to some of the basics that you’ll need to take full advantage of digital revenues. But it also helps to seek out new opportunities when they arise. Some micro incomes add imperceptibly to your income. But if you keep plugging away, eventually, they will pay off. And if you’re lucky, they could replace your income completely. Below are some micro passive income ideas that you should try.

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

Dividend Stocks

Dividend stocks are a good place to start. These payout every six months or so, providing you with a nice cash income. The good thing about these is that you can usually start investing with a small amount of money, usually less than $100. Once you have the security, it’ll continue to pay you into the future indefinitely, as long as the underlying company doesn’t go out of business.

Rent Out A Parking Space

If you’re in the right location, you can also try renting out a parking space. Again, it’s incredibly easy. Just post advertisements on social media and wait until someone shows interest. All you have to do is collect the income. No further work on your behalf is required.

Sell Photography

Another idea is to sell photography online. Quickly set up a store and then work with a print shop to supply photos to customers. To add value, hire someone to frame them for you, or do it yourself if volumes are low.

Write An eBook

You can also try writing an ebook. While this involves a considerable time investment upfront, it will continue generating royalties for you forever. Every time a person downloads it, you earn money.

Start P2P Lending

Lastly, you might want to try peer-to-peer lending. Becoming a creditor lets you charge interest on the money you lend, earning you an income. To reduce the time you need to dedicate to this, you can lend via a range of platforms.

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

30 Fall Wall Decor Free Printables

fall wall decor free printables

30 Fall Wall Decor Free Printables

Free printables are a great way to update your decor for Fall!

I always have good intentions of decorating more festively for fall, but it takes so much time, energy, and money! These free wall decor printables are an easy (and inexpensive way) to fill your home with cozy autumn vibes.

Choose from 30 different designs of fall wall art. Print out your favorites. Frame them (with inexpensive frames) and hang them on your walls to enjoy all season!

Fall Wall Decor Free Printables

fall wall decor free printables

For more on this topic, check out the full Fall Fun collection

Seeking Life Balance, and Why We Must Stop Looking Up to Superwoman

I understand how superwoman came into our society. In the 60’s, women had to demonstrate that they could do it all. Such as having babies, raising children, running a household AND holding a paying job outside of the home – in order to be taken seriously. Our foremothers needed to juggle it all. And juggle it well to earn us the seats we sit in today in factories, offices and boardrooms across America. Life balance falls to the background when we’re making crucial changes in our culture….

Feeling Like Yourself Again Postpartum

Feeling Like Yourself Again Postpartum

You’ve done it. You’ve done one of the most difficult, but most beautiful things the human body can do. Your bundle of joy is finally here! But often, pregnancy can have a massive impact on the way you see yourself, since your body changes so much in the process.

However, being a new mom doesn’t mean you can’t love the skin you’re in. So in this article we will share some tips to build your confidence in yourself, and your body, postpartum.

For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection

Consider Surgery

There’s no doubt that after having your baby, you may not have as much time to focus on getting back into shape. More so, after pregnancy, your skin may droop or sag, which can’t easily be fixed with exercise.

Abdominoplasty, which is more commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a highly sought-after surgery post-pregnancy. The procedure creates a flatter stomach and a more contoured torso by trimming excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the muscles in the area.

Patients are able to resume most of their daily routine two weeks after the surgery, and can expect full recovery from the surgery in just 12 weeks. This makes it a great option for moms. Especially since they can still carry out their responsibilities after a short period of rest time.

The results can have a very positive impact on your self-confidence, and will make you want to show off your postpartum body.

Prioritize Self-Care

It’s important to continue looking after yourself after having a baby. You might not feel like yourself, as you are spending so much time making sure the little one is okay, and you may end up neglecting yourself.

The trick is, a little goes a long way. The key to improving your confidence could be getting a new hair-do or sprucing up your wardrobe. Freshening up your style can give you a new lease on life and greatly improve the way you see yourself.

You may wish to seek inspiration from mood-board websites such as Pinterest, where you can search for a new hairstyle depending on your hair length, or the right makeup for your skin tone.

Even a quick face mask or taking yourself out for a pamper day can be the difference between feeling down and feeling amazing.

[Read: 101 Self Care Ideas for Busy Moms]

Take Up a New Fitness Activity

Keeping fit and exercising is proven to improve your mental health and body image since it releases endorphins, also known as the ‘feel-good hormones’.

If going to the gym or exercising from home can feel mundane and boring after pregnancy, you may wish to try out a new way to keep fit.

Rock-climbing, swimming and yoga classes are a great way to invigorate the body but have fun at the same time. Bouldering might be a challenge, but completing this activity can give you a sense of achievement and build your confidence.

Importantly, these exercises and activities are proven to keep the weight off in a way that doesn’t feel grueling. Getting your self-confidence back after having a baby will simply happen without you even realizing!

Conclusion

It’s really important to maintain a positive mental attitude after giving birth, because you can easily let yourself go. But, by taking the small or big steps, you can reinstate your self-confidence.

For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection

About the Author

Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.

How to Help A Friend Recover From a Hardship

If someone you know is suffering from hardship, you can help by offering them support, advice, and resources. You may have already reached out and given them a shoulder to cry on, providing them with food to eat, a place to stay, or take them to the doctor or hospital. However, maybe now is the time to do a little more. But what can you do to ensure that the person you love gets through this difficult time? Continue reading below to learn how to help a friend recover from a hardship.

For more on this topic, check out the full Tough Times collection

Why People Fall On Hard Times

Many people fall on hard times, and many of them don’t realize it. For some, the fall is sudden, like a job loss, a car accident, or losing a loved one. For others, the fall may occur gradually due to a bad marriage, financial issues, or a poor diet. Sometimes they feel like everything they do is going wrong, and they feel as if their life is going downhill. But whatever the reason for the fall, it’s essential to deal with the situation appropriately. When a friend of yours may experience tumultuous times, you should look for the warning signs. Oftentimes they might be too proud, or even too embrassed to admit they need help. Some symptoms are similar to those of depression and can include:

Ignoring proper hygiene

This is very similar to depression. You will see right away if they are neglecting their hygiene from the way they look. The most common signs are excessive beard growth for men, unbrushed hair, dirty clothing, etc.

Oversleeping or Undersleeping

A genuine hardship, whatever the reason, can cause people to simply shut down. And oftentimes they turn to sleep. If this is the case, or if they are experiencing stress, they might feel like they can’t get enough sleep.

Losing weight

Weight loss is a warning sign that their situation is beginning to affect their health. You should intervene right away if you see signs of lack of appetite or weight fluctuations out of the ordinary.

A change of demeanor

When a person has something on their minds constantly, they will typically change the way they act. Their mind may be elsewhere, or they could be overcompensating for something.

Drinking during the day

Drinking or taking drugs during the day is a warning sign that things are getting on top of someone. This occurs when people want to forget what is happening in their life.

Failing to meet responsibilities

If your friend is missing regular payments or neglecting their children and families, this could be a sign that something is amiss.

Mood swings/ emotional instability:

People will often lash out when they are stressed. If this happens, it could be quite hurtful for the people around them, but you shouldn’t ignore them.

Isolation

When life gets too hard, most people will opt to stay away from all forms of stimulus, good and bad.

How you can help them get through their struggles

Hopefully you are now in a better position to help them since you understand some of the indicators. Of course, how you help them will depend on what is causing them such grief.

If They Are Injured, Help Them Get Justice

Personal injury results from a harmful event, usually occurring from another person, an animal, or a work-related injury. Even though external events cause these injuries, personal injury is an important topic to discuss to see how it affects them. For example, if they live in a busy, industrial city like Philadelphia, their injury could have been caused by a negligent employer. This can seriously affect a person’s well-being, and if this was the case, helping them hire expert personal injury attorneys in Philadelphia might be of benefit. In addition, these kinds of injuries can be emotional and can make some victims feel helpless. By offering your aid, you can ensure that they can receive the justice they deserve and begin a process of moving on. You can also go with them to court to support them through the process if they become involved in a situation where they have to fight a legal case.

Pay Attention To Their Problems

Listening is one of the most important things you can do to help a friend. It may seem obvious, but just listening to their problems can go a long way in assisting them with their recovery. When someone has the burden of the world on their shoulders, it can seem like there is no end. Listening therapy is an appropriate therapy for a variety of emotional or psychological issues. It is a form of psychotherapy that involves your focused, empathetic, and non-judgmental engagement with your friend to come to a deeper understanding of the issues that are troubling them. Listening therapy is generally used to treat a range of emotional and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, phobias, trauma, grief, panic attacks, or flashbacks. Seeing that they are not alone will make them feel better.

Remember that an addiction recovery center can be contacted should you notice that they relapse or are not getting better in order to get them professional help.

Provide Them Comfort

When someone close to you is going through a hard time, how do you help them cope? Comforting and being with them is the simplest solution. You can let them know that nothing lasts forever and even hard times will pass. There is a beautiful quote from an unknown Sufi poet: “this too shall pass.” The meaning behind it is that whatever hardship someone is going through will eventually pass, and brighter times will arrive. When somebody is suffering for whatever reason, the outlook can appear bleak. Therefore by giving them a new perspective on life and enabling them to see beyond their current situation, you could boost their spirits. Moreover, by letting them know that they are not alone, you could give them a new lease on life.

Hardships can come in many forms, from financial troubles to medical issues. Whatever the reason, the outcome is often the same. Depression, a feeling of hopelessness and loneliness, and the thought that nothing will ever improve. To help a friend who is going through an adverse situation, you can lend a shoulder to lean on to help them overcome whatever challenges they face.

For more on this topic, check out the full Tough Times collection

6 Fun Activities That Will Help Your Kids Improve Their Skills And Be Creative

August 25, 2022

6 Fun Activities That Will Help Your Kids Improve Their Skills And Be Creative

Nowadays, kids’ behavior gets more problematic because of spoiled attitudes and screen addiction. It is immensely difficult to keep your child busy and occupied for a longer period of time. So the easiest way is often by turning on the cartoon that will last for a length of time. On the other hand, this has some negative effects on the kid’s development, like speech and some behavioral responses. Therefore it is important to wake up their imagination and trigger their thinking. Here are some suggestions on how to effectively improve your kid’s skills and creativity.

For more on this topic, check out the full Summer Safety & Activities collection

Lego

Lego cubes have been a favorite toy of kids for years! And they are one of the most beneficial when it comes to mental development. It is amazing how it can influence shape and color recognition, and problem-solving like puzzles. It is especially beneficial for fine motor skills development. For putting Lego pieces together, a child would need precise and fine movements along with good coordination. Above all, when playing with Lego, the only limit your mind has is the imagination. The fear of failure is completely erased. Lego can be put together in an endless number of combinations, and your children will love it because there are no limits to their thinking. This allows for their imagination to run free. Additionally, Lego has a positive influence on children who have some form of disability. There is one positive example of this where a child suffering from autism created an identical Titanic replica by using over 50,000 Lego cubes. This piece of art is now preserved in the official Titanic Museum.

Coloring Books

Coloring books are a classic when it comes to creative toys. And nowadays, there are even coloring books for adults. Children adore coloring books and drawing. But to make coloring even more interesting, add in some glitter pens that are good to color with. Create something outstanding that will trigger them to see every image as their small success. This is immensely important because of the positive reinforcement. Coloring books will give your child a sense of fine lines and how to color inside the shapes which will influence their fine movements. On top of it, they will learn colors and how to recognize them. If your child is having a problem with eyesight and color recognition, this will help you to identify it instantly.

Consider scrapbooking too! It’s similar to coloring books, just with more materials and extra steps. The materials usually include stickers, patterned papers, special writing and coloring pens, and stamps that you can easily get through from Japan Crate’s subscription boxes. Unlike coloring books, scrapbooks are more flexible and versatile. You can scrapbook anything. It can be pictures from a family vacation, baby pictures, or a compilation of dinosaur pictures! It’s a great activity to channel your child’s creativity and imagination. You’d be surprised by the output.

Hand Painting

This is an excellent opportunity for you to capture memories with your children by imprinting their handprints on the canvas and producing a one-of-a-kind family masterpiece. All you will need is a canvas and a couple of bowls of paint in different colors. Use some old cloth to put under the canvas just to avoid stains. Let your children dip their hands into paint and transfer it to the canvas. And you, as parents, should join in this family time activity. Once the paint is dry, make sure to sign names and hang the painting somewhere in your home that will always bring back nice memories.

[Read: How To Create Your Own Art Station]

Drawing Challenge

Here is a chance to boost your child’s imagination. Do not go with some obvious objects that are easy for them to draw. But look for abstract things that represent happiness, excitement, friendship, etc. You can also adapt it based on the color, so you can say “Draw something painted blue”. You can use any color you like, as long as it is challenging for your children and they are thinking about what they are drawing and painting. This will wake up their imagination, so be prepared for some of the most unique drawings you have ever encountered in your life.

Puzzles

Just as Lego, puzzles are an amazing way to improve the intellectual skills of your children. Today, there are puzzles for different ages. But you should try to elevate the game for a step and let your children finish the puzzle on their own. Another thing you can do is to purchase puzzles for adults and include the whole family in puzzle solving. This will not only trigger the most creative parts of your children’s brain, but will make room for some good quality family time.

[Read: Prepare For A Fun Family Night In]

Picasso Dictation

This is a favorite activity among students, and something that your children will absolutely adore. How is it done? All you will need is a simple picture that you will accurately describe to your children while they are trying to draw it as you dictate. It is basically image dictation. They will be able to develop better spatial skills since you will often go “On your left, there is a brown painted chair” and something similar to it.

When it comes to children’s games, there are a plethora of options that will entertain and inspire them. The worst thing you can do is put them in front of a screen to calm them down.

For more on this topic, check out the full Summer Safety & Activities collection

Useful Tips for Parents on Buying Pajamas for Their Kids

Useful Tips for Parents on Buying Pajamas for Their Kids

As a parent, you want to make sure your child is comfortable and happy. One way to do that is by buying them new pajamas! But with so many different styles and brands available, it can be hard to know which ones to choose. That’s why we’ve put together this list of tips for parents who are shopping for pajamas for their kids. Keep reading for advice on everything from materials and sizing, to style and price.

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

Consider the material

When it comes to pajamas, comfort is key. You’ll want to choose a material that’s soft and breathable, like cotton or bamboo. Avoid scratchy fabrics like wool or polyester, which can make your child uncomfortable and irritable. If you’re not sure what material to choose, always err on the side of comfort. Especially girls sleepwear focuses on the comfort and the quality of the fabric. Another thing to keep in mind is how well the pajamas will hold up over time. Some materials, like flannel, tend to pill or shrink after a few washes. If you want pajamas that will last, look for ones made from high-quality materials like 100% cotton.

Pay attention to the size

When it comes to pajamas, size matters. You don’t want your child to be swimming in their PJs, but you also don’t want them to be so tight that they’re uncomfortable. To get the perfect fit, take a look at the size chart before you make your purchase. Pay close attention to the measurements for chest and waist, as these can vary depending on the brand. And if you’re unsure about what size to choose, always err on the side of larger rather than smaller. Your child will probably grow out of their pajamas before they wear out, so it’s better to have a pair that’s too big than one that’s too small.

[Read: Promoting Healthy Sleep: From Birth to Beyond]

Think about the style

Pajamas come in all sorts of different styles, from onesies and footies to two-piece sets and nightgowns. Which style you choose will largely depend on your child’s preferences. If they’re always cold at night, a cozy onesie or footie pajama might be the best option. If they prefer something more lightweight, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt might be better. And if they like to move around a lot in their sleep, loose-fitting pajamas like nightgowns might be the way to go. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your child to decide which style is best for them.

Don’t forget about the price

Pajamas can range in price from a few dollars to over $100. You’ll want to consider the price when you’re shopping for your child’s pajamas. But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. There are plenty of high-quality, affordable pajamas on the market. And remember, your child will probably grow out of their pajamas before they wear out, so it’s not necessary to spend a lot of money on a pair that will only last for a few months.

We hope these tips have been helpful as you shop for pajamas for your child! Just remember to focus on comfort, sizing, style, and price, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect pair. Happy shopping!

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

How to Handle Your Relationship with Your Kids When They Become College Students

How to Handle Your Relationship with Your Kids When They Become College Students

One of the biggest push/pulls of parenting is wanting your kids to grow up and into the adults that they are meant to be. But also never wanting them to grow up and leave the nest. And one of the biggest adjustments with this dynamic, is how to transition your relationship with them as they start to lead their own lives. There is no instruction manual to show you the steps to take that are ultimately right or wrong, no matter what. But that can actually be an advantage. You have spent eighteen years preparing your kids, and yourself, for this time, and you probably know more than you think. But just in case, here are few pointers to consider along the way.

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

Help But Don’t Hover

True you child is more capable of being independent now than in years before. But that does not mean that they do not still need your guidance in certain areas. While they might not want you calling them every day to make sure they are eating healthy foods, they might appreciate your wisdom in more tactical areas of college, like finances. Paying for an education is not cheap. And if loans are involved, it is not as easy as writing a check and that’s that. Loans involve applications, qualifications, interest rates, terms, lenders, and much more.

Your child is going to need you to help them navigate the world of borrowing money so that they make sound choices now that set them up to be able to manage them successfully in the future. You can take out a student loan from a private lender to pay for college and get help with tuition costs not covered by traditional student loans. Be sure you are acting as a guide, and a reference though, doing everything for your kids throughout this process does not teach them anything. Instead let them drive the bus and simply be available in the passenger seat when they need some extra support.

Find a Communication Rhythm

Some parents speak to their children every day. While others at a lower frequency, and that is what is the norm for their family. When your kids leave the house, you might be saddened by the fact that you do not see and speak to them every day by default of them living in your home. However, that sadness is not their burden to bear. And you must make the effort not to make it so. Find a communication rhythm that makes sense for your family in this new stage. Maybe that means a pre-determined weekly Zoom, or daily texts to check in. However, this looks for you, resist the urge to track your child’s phone and check in incessantly when loneliness strikes. Give them the space to build their new life as a young adult in college.

[Read: 7 Life Strategies Your Child Needs Before They Go to College]

Be Their Safe Space

The last thing you want is for physical distance to create emotional distance as well. You have been a safe place to land for your kids up until this point, and it is important that they know you will continue to be in spite of this new stage of life. It can be difficult for kids to open up to parents when the subject matter is sensitive. So reassure them that there is nothing they can’t share with you. It’s fact that ignoring your emotions is unhealthy. And when kids internalize emotional struggles it can manifest in behaviors and choices with long-term, and sometime dangerous consequences.

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