Karissa Tunis

5 Tips for Creating a Mindful Morning Routine + Free Printables

5 Tips for Creating a Mindful Morning Routine + Free Printables

In the morning, your priorities might involve scrambling to get the kids ready for school, running some quick errands, and rushing back home to join a work meeting. Whatever your busy schedule entails, it’s easy for self-care to get lost.

Practicing mindfulness at the start of the day can help you better conquer all the tasks on your to-do list. There are simple ways to add mindfulness to your morning routine, such as quick breathing exercises and a brisk walk in a comfortable pair of women’s sneakers.

Keep reading to learn all the tips you need to create a mindful morning routine.

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

Write in a Journal

To start your day right, try keeping a journal on your bedside table and writing in it every morning. You can use this time to reflect on how you’re feeling and express gratitude for the things you appreciate every day.

Not sure what to write? Use the free printable journal page below to check in with your mind and body and set intentions for the day.

Free Printable Mindful Morning Routine Worksheet

Take Deep Breaths

If you have a stressful day ahead, it may be helpful to practice deep breathing in the morning. One simple way to do so is by taking slow, deep inhales and exhales and really concentrating on your breathing for a couple of minutes.

When you’re mindful about the way you breathe, you may become more aware of your bodily sensations and instantly feel more relaxed.

Get Some Exercise

Another way to start your morning with mindfulness is to get your heart pumping. Try going for a walk or run in a pair of high-quality women’s athletic shoes. With the right sneakers, you can create a comfortable cardio routine that lets you focus on how the exercise invigorates your mind and body.

Getting outside and breathing in the morning air will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on your day.

Use Positive Affirmations

When we’re feeling stressed out in the morning, it can be difficult to remind ourselves to get in a better headspace. To help you remember to stay grounded, change your phone’s lock screen to a design that features positive affirmations. For example, you can download these phone wallpaper images as a reminder to release stress and to do what you love.

Whenever you’re feeling tense in the morning and throughout the day, these lock screen messages can help put you at ease.

Click the images to open full-size and save to your phone!

Drink a Glass of Water

The last tip for creating a mindful morning routine is to thoughtfully drink water. Pour a glass for yourself and take slow sips, making sure to breathe deeply in between each one. Focus on the hydration entering your body and enjoy the energizing feeling.

Drinking a glass of water in the morning may seem simple, but it can help you stay in tune with your body while keeping you hydrated at the same time.

For busy parents, starting the morning with mindfulness allows you to stay calm as you go about your day. Simply by trying these five tips, you can create a mindful morning routine. And that will help you tackle anything life throws your way.

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

Teaching a Teen to Drive? 6 Things Parents Need to Know

Learning how to drive is a significant milestone in the life of an individual. And although it is exciting, it can also be a scary thing. If your children want to learn how to drive, it is only normal that you as the parent will want to be involved in the process to help them as much as possible. However, teaching someone how to drive is not as easy as you may think. This article will discuss six things parents need to know when teaching a teen to drive. These tips will advise you of what you need to be aware of so that you are successful in teaching your child this new and crucial skill.

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

You Will Need to Be Patient

A crucial thing to remember when you are teaching a teen to drive is that you will have to be patient. Even if you are usually a patient person, many emotions may arise during this process. Try not to let these get the best of you. It can be extremely difficult for someone to learn a new skill when the one teaching them is overreacting and presenting in a negative manner. You may quickly lose the connection you have with your child if you get angry with them for mistakes. Remember how you used to be when you were younger and this should help you keep calm.

Find The Best Approach That Works For Your Child

Every person is different and may have unique learning approaches. Do not try to teach your teen how you think it is best because it worked well for you or maybe worked well for your other children you have previously taught. Work with our son or daughter to find out what is best for them. Let them guide the sessions. Perhaps they feel more comfortable watching you or going through one specific thing for the entire session. Discuss this with them often – they are the learners so they should participate in the creation of how these lessons are delivered.

[Read: Top Parenting Tip for Raising Teens]

Support Them With Additional Courses

Even if you consider yourself to be a very good driver and have a lot of experience, this does not always mean you are the best person to teach your child how to drive. Remember that experienced drivers often develop their own set of very bad habits and these should not be passed along to a new driver. If you want to avoid this, the best thing to do is hire a professional driving tutor to deliver high quality intensive driving lessons to your teen. This does not mean that you cannot help them – if you support your teen alongside the professional lessons they are more likely to learn faster and pass their test on the first time.

Find a Good Location To Teach Them

Location is everything and new drivers do not want to be around loads of people or cars as they will put additional pressures on them. It will also be more pressure for you, trying to keep everyone safe. Make sure that you find a perfect location without traffic or cars. A car park is usually the safest option as long as it is not busy and there are no pedestrians walking. Even a near accident can be stressful and traumatic enough that it will put your teen off driving for good.

Teach Them By Modeling

Showing people what to do can be a great way to teach them and this includes driving. It may not seem doable but when you drive, teach your child the road trafficking rules and code. Have them look at signs and explain what each of them means. If you are a good driver and follow all the rules, it will set a good example for your teen and they will learn a lot from this. Make sure to be the best role model so that you pass on positive driving habits – what they see is likely to be what they mimic.

[Read: Preparing Teenagers For Adulthood: A Guide For Moms]

Mistakes Will Happen

As mentioned before you will need to be patient because mistakes will happen. Unless your teen was born with a driving gift they will make mistakes – everyone does when they first start learning how to drive. The important thing is to create the appropriate conditions for them to make mistakes rather than avoiding them. They will need to learn from any mistakes they make so try to remember this before starting your lessons. You should also be aware that no matter how prepared you think you are, it can be a scary situation to be in the passenger seat in the car where the driver has no experience.

Teaching Your Teen To Drive

Teaching your teen how to drive does not have to be emotionally draining. Make sure that you are aware of the tips discussed below so that you can both do this successfully.

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

5 Tips To Help Your Baby Stay Healthy

Start your pregnancy off right with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Follow these five simple tips below to keep you and your baby healthy while having fun throughout your pregnancy.

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

Before you can care for your unborn child, you must first take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself throughout your pregnancy will give your growing baby the best possible start in life!

During pregnancy, pregnant mothers receive prenatal (before birth) and postpartum (after delivery) care. Your team of professionals will provide treatments and training to ensure that mom and baby have a healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Your Baby Club gives helpful tips for expectant and new parents on how to exercise, eat appropriately, and keep up with prenatal exams to help you have a successful pregnancy.

Consult your GP

Consult a midwife or your doctor as soon as you learn you’re pregnant. This is so they can arrange your prenatal care and make sure you have all the information and support you need for a safe and healthy pregnancy right from the start.

It is recommended that you see a doctor for the first time before you are 10 weeks pregnant. So make an appointment with a doctor or a midwife as soon as possible if you’re over 10 weeks pregnant and haven’t already. They will likely see you right away and get you started on your prenatal care to improve birth outcomes.

Prenatal Vitamins to Fuel Your Body and Your Baby

Regular prenatal care is essential for maintaining your child’s health.

Prenatal vitamins provide all the essential daily vitamins and minerals for pregnant women during pregnancy, ensuring that your growing baby receives the nutrients he or she requires.Some vitamins and minerals like folic acid in prenatal supplements can even assist in reducing the risk of birth abnormalities. Taking a prenatal vitamin before becoming pregnant can even help lessen nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness, which is a fantastic reason to take one.

[Read: Do Supplements Really Work to Increase Milk Supply?]

Maintain a Healthy Diet

It’s imperative to consume a healthy, nutritious, and balanced diet when pregnant. Especially since it can affect not just your health, but also your baby’s short- and long-term health. So it is important to eat healthy throughout pregnancy for the health of both you and your baby.

Your diet must include essential nutrients for your child’s growth and the various changes that your body will go through. Folate rich foods, vitamin D, protein, and iron, as well as calcium-rich foods, are recommended.

With so many fluctuations in your appetite, from morning sickness, the endless nauseous, to weird cravings, and finally, the sense of being constantly hungry, maintaining a nourishing diet might seem challenging. So to maintain a balanced diet throughout pregnancy, include nutritious meals that you love. And keep in mind that eating healthy is the best thing you can do right now for yourself and your baby.

Exercise

Women who exercise throughout pregnancy may experience a variety of health benefits, including improved weight control, increased mood, and the preservation of fitness levels.

Regular exercise can reduce pregnancy-related problems, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia, throughout pregnancy. But be sure to always consult with your doctor, physiotherapist, or another healthcare specialist before exercising while pregnant. It’s likely that if you exercised before becoming pregnant, you may need to change your current fitness routine or start a new one.

[Read: Postpartum Body Changes – What Women Should Know After Pregnancy]

Things to avoid during pregnancy

Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol

Smoking is a significant modifiable risk factor that can affect your baby’s health. Please know that it’s never too late to make a change. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and birth defects.

During pregnancy, secondhand smoke increases the chance of stillbirth by 23% and the risk of congenital deformity by 13%. Consider enlisting help, since it has proved this to increase the likelihood to quit smoking.

Furthermore, don’t consume alcohol during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester when the baby’s brain is undergoing rapid growth. This could significantly affect the general health and cause a host of other complications to your baby. Instead, focus on staying healthy by drinking water, plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and living a healthy lifestyle.

Do Not Consume Caffeine in Excess

Caffeine use during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight in kids, raising the risk of health issues later in life. Sadly, caffeine intoxication is associated with miscarriage.

Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby

You may think you’re busy now, but you’ll have few opportunities to yourself after your baby’s arrival. Get ample sleep, remain active to reduce stress, stay hydrated. Avoid eating raw fish, deli meats, processed meats, as well as organ meats. And it’s not advisable to take too much vitamin A when pregnant. It’s okay to give in to your cravings now and again. Enjoy your pregnancy.

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

Mother’s Day Ideas – Quotes, Gifts, Cards, Brunch, and More!

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we wanted to share with you some of our favorite Mother’s Day Ideas! Whether you are celebrating at home this year, or are able to travel out and about, we wanted to offer you some fun new ideas to help you celebrate! Keep scrolling below for all of this and more!

In this article…

Free printable Mother’s Day Cards
Mother’s Day Quotes to help you write that special card
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas that she will love
Ideas for Mother’s Day Brunch, and a special Mother’s Day Dessert recipe
Plan the perfect Mother’s Day Weekend that is very budget friendly
Cute Mother’s Day Crafts that make perfect gifts, or that you can create together
Tips and photo examples to help you take great Mother’s Day Pictures

This article is written by Karissa Tunis
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection

A Mother’s Day Message

Where do we even begin? Mother’s do it all. They change dirty diapers. Chase little ones around on the playground. Prepare us for that first day of school. Help us with homework. Chauffeur us to and from activities. Cheer us on from the soccer side-lines. Prepare us for our driving test (which likely gave them even more gray hairs). Got us settled into college (and did it with a happy face even though they were emotional inside). Mothers wash our laundry. Prepare our meals. And the list goes on and on.

Even when we are adults we still want our mamas. Those sweet nurturing moments when we need a pick-me-up, or we need someone to hug us and make our troubles go away. Someone to make us chicken noodle soup when we are sick. And someone who will help us prepare for the real world – like a first job and our first home. Perhaps a wedding or the arrival of a new baby. There is so much that our mothers, or those filling in as mothers, are willing to do for us over and over again.

But until you have your own child, you might not totally understand it, or fully appreciate it. Mother’s go above and beyond for their kids. Because, after all, you are a piece of their heart who is walking around outside of their body. They love and care in such a selfless way. And if you are lucky enough to experience this beautiful incredible bond, then it is worth at least one special day each year to genuinely say thanks.

Free Printable Mother’s Day Cards

Here are some free printable Mother’s Day cards! Grab some card-stock, print, and find a cute Mother’s Day Quote to write inside.

Mother’s Day Quotes

Sometimes it can be really hard or challenging to find the right words. This special person who has raised you and cared for you deserves more than just a simple “thank you”. But what do you say to let them know just how much you do really care on this Mother’s Day?

We have put together a list of 70 Mother’s Day Sayings that will certainly help get you started!

There are Mother’s Day quotes for mother’s from daughters, for mother’s from sons, that are funny, that are heartfelt, and all kinds in between. Say something sweet, to the point, and let her know just how much she is loved and appreciated.

View Mother’s Day Quotes here!

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Need some last minute Mother’s Day gift ideas, or an actual Mother’s Day present? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Adore Them Parenting has compiled wonderful Mother’s Day gift ideas that can be purchased last minute thanks to Amazon Prime. Find some new inspiration, and make your shopping easy!

View Mother’s Day Gift Ideas here!

Mother’s Day Weekend

Want to plan something fun that lasts for more than just a day? Or perhaps you are limited to celebrating only at home? Don’t worry, we can help you plan something extra special that will be very easy, and will have a very low impact on your budget!

As we know, every mom is constantly giving to those around her. But what she oftentimes does not take the time to do is to care for herself. – And that is what celebrating Mother’s Day, or a Mother’s Day Weekend, is all about! By giving her the space, the time, and the necessities needed; she will finally be able to enjoy that very much well deserved and appreciated self-care and self-love. And in return, you might receive an even more cheerful, patient, and loving parent (if that is even possible).

Adore Them Parenting has an entire collection of free resources that focus on self-care for busy moms. These ideas and tips offer low-cost and free options that can be done in your own home or close by.

View the entire Self Care collection here!

Here is a sample of what you will find:

Additional Self Care Resources:

101 Self Care Ideas for Busy Moms that are free or very budget friendly
The Daily Self Care Routine that keeps me happy & healthy
Self Care Ideas for Moms – small gestures to give self-love throughout the day
DIY – How to make a Self Care Kit for all 5 senses
What Do I Need? is the perfect self-care printable for every mom to keep on hand
View the entire Self Care collection here

Mother’s Day Brunch

Whether you are looking for the perfect breakfast in bed recipe, ideas for a delicious Mother’s Day Brunch, or a simple elegant dessert that can be enjoyed throughout the day; we have a few ideas that we know your mama will love!

View Simple Mother’s Day Recipes here!

Mother’s Day Dessert Recipe

The dessert I whipped up when hosting this perfect coffee date was super easy! It is very sweet, so just a small serving is all anyone needs. That is why I like to serve this in a very small bowl or shot glass, add a little spoon, and it looks adorable!

I like to purchase cheesecake flavored pudding made by Jello. I mix this up ahead of time, which only takes a few minutes, and refrigerate.

When you are ready to serve:

add a spoonful of gram cracker crumbs to the bottom of your bowl or glass
add the cheesecake pudding
top with whipped cream
add a strawberry
add a tiny spoon …. and enjoy!

Mother’s Day Crafts

Mother’s Day Crafts make the perfect Mother’s Day Gift! Not only will your mama appreciate her new Mother’s Day present; but the thought, time, and meaning behind what you create will make this extra sentimental. Or, if your mother likes to get crafty too, then this might be the perfect way to celebrate her special day together. Buy the supplies ahead of time, and then pick a special spot for you and her to spend the afternoon creating with one another. The memories will be just as special as the crafts themselves!

This free Mother’s Day coloring page is perfect for young kids, or if you are feeling more adventurous check out the ideas below!

5 Mother’s Day craft ideas

Mother’s Day Pictures

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to capture a nice family photo. And if your family is like most and doesn’t enjoy having their photo taken; who can really complain when you know it will make mama so happy on her special day?! What a special added gift for the woman in your life that deserves to be celebrated and surrounded by those she loves (and have a picture of it).

Here are some tips and gorgeous photo examples from a professional photographer that will help you plan like a pro. Check out these free tips for taking better pictures of your kids, tips on how to choose a photographer, tips for if you want to snap the photos yourself, tips for styling everyone and picking out what to wear, deciding on a location or a backdrop, 10 different poses to capture, and more!

Your mother will surely appreciate a “frame-worthy” family photo for her Mother’s Day gift!

View Photography Tips here!

Here is a sample of what you will find:

Mother’s Day Celebration

No matter how, when, or where you decide to celebrate Mother’s Day this year; we hope that you will have a wonderful and safe time together! While some mother’s earn their title through giving birth, others earn the title for giving unconditionally to those special people in their life. And if you are lucky enough to experience a mother’s love, from whomever that individual might be, please make sure you are taking the time to sincerely say thank you for all that they so willingly do!

Happy Mother’s Day!

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

Co-Owner: Karissa Tunis

Karissa Tunis is the co-owner of both the parenting website Adore Them and the family event company Milestone Family Expos. Through these ventures she is able to share inspiring, heartfelt insight with large audiences within local communities and across the country! Her knack for all-things-organization allows her to balance content creation, brand partnerships, and event planning without losing sight of what she wants for her own family. Despite her busy schedule, Karissa also makes it a priority to spend quality time with her husband and three children. You will often find her volunteering at her children’s schools, cheering them on from the soccer sidelines, or enjoying the great sites of Charleston, SC with her family.

Contact: Karissa@AdoreThem.com

10 Fun Ways To Learn About Prehistoric Animals

10 fun ways to learn about prehistoric animals

Do you want to learn more about prehistoric animals? If so, there are many different ways to learn about these fascinating creatures! Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or just someone interested in learning more about them, there are lots of fun ways to discover more. Additionally, it’s important to have a blast when learning, so follow the below suggestions to explore these amazing animals further.

For more on this topic, check out the full Summer Learning collection

Here are 10 fun ways to learn about prehistoric animals

Take A Virtual Tour Of A Prehistoric Zoo

One of the best ways to learn about prehistoric animals, such as reptiles of the sea, is to see them up close. Luckily, many virtual zoo tours allow you to do just that. You can visit zoos from all over the world and even explore exhibits of extinct creatures.

Drop By A Prehistoric Animal Park

If you want to see real-life specimens of extinct creatures, consider visiting a prehistoric animal park. These parks have live animals on display and replicas of ancient creatures. Some parks also offer educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages.

Attend A Dinosaur Exhibit

If you’re lucky enough to live near a city with a major museum, the chances are good that they will be hosting a dinosaur exhibit at some point. These exhibits typically feature life-size replicas of dinosaurs, as well as interactive displays and activities.

Visit An Archaeological Site

If you want to learn about prehistoric animals through the eyes of archaeologists, consider visiting an archaeological site. These sites are home to relics and artifacts from ancient civilizations, including depictions or references to prehistoric creatures.

Play A Dinosaur Game

If you’re looking for a way to have some fun while learning about prehistoric animals, look no further than dinosaur games. There are many different games available online and most of them are free and informative. You can choose to play as a human or a dinosaur, and some games even let you customize your creature.

Learn About Prehistoric Animals From A Friend

One of the best ways to learn about anything is to ask someone who knows a lot about it. If you have a friend or family member who loves dinosaurs, ask them to teach you everything they know. You might be surprised at how much you can learn in a short amount of time.

Read Children’s Books About Prehistoric Animals

Reading children’s books about prehistoric animals is a great way to introduce the topic to kids. These books are usually filled with colorful illustrations, and they often include fun activities at the end of each chapter.

Watch A Dinosaur Movie

Watching a dinosaur movie is an excellent option if you want an entertaining way to learn about prehistoric animals. There are many different movies to choose from and most of them are appropriate for all ages. You can watch movies about specific dinosaurs or opt for a movie covering prehistoric creatures’ entire history. Although, you have to be a bit more observant as some media depictions might be inaccurate. It’s always best to consult reliable sources after watching a movie.

Check For Available Videos On Prehistoric Animals

There are a plethora of online videos about prehistoric animals. You can watch short clips, documentaries, or even lectures on the topic. This is a great way to learn more about specific creatures or get a broad overview of prehistoric life.

If you want to learn about prehistoric animals in a more relaxed setting, consider watching a nature documentary. These documentaries typically focus on one specific topic, such as dinosaurs or sea creatures. They often include interviews with experts and footage of animals in their natural habitats.

On the other hand, there are also several animations about prehistoric animals that you can watch. These cartoons are often created for children, but they can also be enjoyable for adults. They typically include simplified explanations of complex topics and humorous moments.

Take A Class About Prehistoric Animals

If you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience, consider taking a class about prehistoric animals. Many different institutions offer these classes, including museums, universities, and even online schools. You can choose to take a course on specific creatures or learn about prehistoric life in general.

Conclusion

There are many different ways to learn about prehistoric animals, and these are just a few of them. Whatever your preferences are, there is bound to be a way to learn about prehistoric animals suitable for you. So, get out there and start learning.

For more on this topic, check out the full Summer Learning collection

Saving Money Worksheet for Kids (FREE Printable)

It is so important that we help to teach our children the value of money – how to save, when to spend, and the thought process behind it all! We have created this free saving money worksheet to help your kids save up for that special thing that they have been wanting 🙂

Taking the time to have a genuine conversation with your child can be so much fun and so insightful! It also helps to build up a great family bond. So don’t wait until your kids are going off to college to start the conversation. Begin now, and talk to your kids about ways to save their money.

SAVING MONEY BEYOND THE WORKSHEET

No matter your salary or job situation, families are always looking for ways to save money in some area of life. By saving more now, it allows you to adjust your budget and spend more later. Perhaps you are saving for a new car, a new house, or a big family vacation. Maybe you are saving for a private school or a college fund. No matter your goals, saving money is always a nice bonus! So start saving and investing now, even with as little as $5 – because it will add up quickly overtime! Check out this Stash review, or look for other sites that will help you make small investments now to help your future.

Also, check out our free resources on Adore Them that explore painless ways to save money, how to start consigning & consignment sale tips, 9 ways to afford organic food, decorating your home on a budget, paying for your kids adventures, how to speak to your children about money, explore how you can make money from home, and so much more! All of this can be found for free at adorethem.com/saving-money. Enjoy!

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

Pet Information Kit – Free Pet Printables for Your Family

January 21, 2022

Pet Information Kit – Free Pet Printables for Your Family

Pets quickly become additional members of our families. So it’s no wonder that we prioritize their needs just as we do our own children! But there is so much more to caring for a pet than just giving them food and water; it involves playtime, grooming, training, and so much more! That is why we put together this free pet information kit. Whether you just adopted a new pet, or you have loved your fur baby for years, these free printables can help! Now all of your important pet information will be organized and in one convenient spot, making it easy to share details with anyone else involved in their care

Are you getting ready to travel with your pet for the first time and don’t know what to pack? Or are you ready to leave them home with a pet sitter for the first time? Perhaps your children want to (or should) get more involved with the daily tasks your pet requires. Either way, we have you covered with these free pet printables. Below you will find an important pet info sheet, vet appointment notes, pet sitter instructions, what to pack – pet travel list, vaccine tracker, a pet responsibility chart, a new pet supply list, and so much more!

While we can’t snuggle your pet in person, we can help you be prepared for almost everything that comes along with caring for your dearly loved furry family member. Best of luck and enjoy that special bond!

Created by Karissa Tunis
For more on this topic, check out the full Family Pet collection

Free Pet Printables

What’s included in this pet information kit?

In this free download, you’ll find a variety of resources to help your family care for you pet!

There is an important pet information sheet to keep up to date records for your pet. The pet sitter notes will help ensure great care of your pet while you’re gone. Included is a pet care form that can help you figure out what your pet might need. Fill out a pet profile that outlines the basics of caring for your family pet. Use the pet travel checklist before you leave for your next trip.

Fill out pet shopping lists so that you don’t forget anything at the pet store. Keep track of important medical care for your family pet with the vet appointment tracker, pet vaccine tracker, and pet medicine tracker. Stay on budget with the pet expenses worksheet. Encourage independence and help your children care for their pet with the pet chore chart for kids. Make sure your pet is getting the nutrition they need with the pet feeding schedule. And if you’re bringing a brand new pet home to the family, be sure to use the new puppy checklist and new kitty checklist.

*Scroll back up to the email form above to gain access to all of these great free pet printables!

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

Co-Owner: Karissa Tunis

Karissa Tunis is the co-owner of both the parenting website Adore Them and the family event company Milestone Family Expos. Through these ventures she is able to share inspiring, heartfelt insight with large audiences within local communities and across the country! As a work-from-home mom of four children, Karissa understands the need for family-focused organization and time management. She consistently provides insight into child behavior that has helped fellow parents achieve their goals of calmer, happier homes. Karissa also makes it a priority to soak in all of the southern specialties that Charleston, South Carolina, has to offer with her husband and their children.

Contact: Karissa@AdoreThem.com

Navigating the Love Languages

If you have not read the book “The 5 Love Languages”, I would highly recommend it! Not only does it shed light on your romantic relationships; but it can also open your eyes to other relationships with special people like your kids, friends, extended family, etc. But let me summarize for you my favorite points, and offer you my own guide to navigating the love languages.

Basically there are 5 love languages. They include:

Words of Affirmation
Receiving Gifts
Quality Time
Physical Touch
and Acts of Service

Every person is stronger in one of these areas, and this is how they truly feel loved and appreciated….

6 Signs You Should Get A New Car

Is it time you traded your current car for another vehicle? Getting a new car can be exciting, but it can also be a lot of hassle. For this reason, some of us put off buying a new car until we have no choice. Below are just a few signs that now could be a good time to buy a new car.

For more on this topic, check out the full Travel Tips collection

No Longer Practical

Your car is no longer practical for your needs.

Over time, our needs can change. You may start to realize that your current car is no longer practical. For example, a small car may be perfect for commuting alone in a city. But if you decide you want to go on a roadtrip, or decide you want to start a family, you may need a bigger car. Contrastingly, you may find that a large car becomes impractical when moving to a busy city where parking spaces are limited.

Lots of Miles and Issues

The car has done over 120,000 miles – and problems keep occurring.

Most cars have an average life of about 120,000 miles. It’s around this point that the wear and tear starts to become a problem and parts start to fail one by one. If your car has done roughly this amount of miles, and you’re starting to notice frequent problems, it could be time to get a new car before the repair costs start mounting up.

Repair Costs

The repair costs keep mounting up.

If you’ve already got to the stage where you’re constantly spending money on repairs, it could be worth making your escape now. It’s likely to be cheaper to cut your losses and buy a new car, than to keep pouring money into repairs on your current car. The odd car repair may be nothing to worry about. But lots of repairs in a short period (particularly expensive repairs) are not something you should put up with. This Washington Post guide explains more on when to repair your car and when to trade it in.

No Bond

You can’t seem to bond with your car.

After buying a new car, it may take a while to get used to the way it handles and operates. However, if after several months, you still find it awkward, difficult or boring to drive, it could be worth looking for a new car. Not everyone enjoys driving. However, you should at least feel comfortable in your car.

Afford New Car

You can afford a new car.

Before you think about buying a new car, it’s worth considering whether you can afford it. Assess your needs and then see if you can find any cars within your budget. Sites like Edmunds allow you to search listings by price and can even help you to calculate estimates on finance. Don’t try to buy a new car on finance if you’re already struggling to pay off previous loans.

Fallen Out of Love

You’ve fallen out of love with your car and yearn something new.

A car you once loved may one day start to feel unexciting. You may find yourself constantly yearning for a newer model with better gadgets. Or you might find yourself wanting a high performance car, or perhaps something a bit more quirky. Once this happens, it could be a good time to consider buying a new car.

For more on this topic, check out the full Travel Tips collection

A Guide To Helping Your Child Transition Into Child Care

A Guide To Helping Your Child Transition Into Child Care

Starting child care can be a difficult transition for children. But with the proper preparation, it can be a smooth experience. It’s important to note that this experience can be greatly influenced by how prepared you are as a parent. Here are some quick tips on how you can make the transition easier for your little one.

For more on this topic, check out the full Childcare Options collection

Maintain Good Communication With The Daycare

As we all know, communication with other people is important in helping us to feel less alone and more comfortable. This rings especially true when it comes to talking with the staff at your child’s daycare or preschool. As seen at Story House Early Learning, relationships with families and the community are key to supporting children and helping them reach their potential.

You should also visit the school with your child before they start. This will help them to feel more comfortable and safe at their new home away from home. It will allow you two to bond with the staff of your child’s daycare. Once there, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the program. How are children organized? What is expected of children? What is the learning environment like? These are all great questions to ask.

Prepare Them With A Good Bedtime Routine

Teaching your child how to transition into their new bedtime routine ahead of time will make them more prepared for when they fully enter their daycare or preschool. Making the bedtime routine extra special by including their favorite pj’s and blanket, a new stuffed animal for them to cuddle with at night, or preparing a meal they love for dinner can help make the transition easier. If you follow this advice and let your child enjoy some time before bed exploring their play area, they will likely sleep easier during their first few nights at their new school.

Be Patient With The Transition Period

While preparing your child to transition into a daycare or preschool is important, it’s also important not to push them too hard when the time comes. Yes, it’s important to be supportive and encouraging in helping them adjust. But if your child seems upset or distracted during the first days of their new daycare, don’t pressure them. This could only make the transition process more difficult and raise your anxiety levels as a parent.

Allow Them To Express Their Feelings Without Judgment

If your child is having a difficult time transitioning into their new home away from home, it can be very helpful to allow them to express their feelings without judgment. Try to let them know that it’s okay to be sad or scared about this big change and that you are there to help them adjust. This is a very important time for your child to bond with you as their caregiver and learn how to trust others, so try not to get angry if they seem upset.

[Read: What Are My Child Care Options?]

Transitioning into a daycare or preschool can be difficult for children. But with the proper preparation and support from their parents, it can be a smooth process. By maintaining good communication with the staff at their new school, preparing them ahead of time with a bedtime routine, and being patient during the transition period, your child will likely adjust well to their new surroundings. It’s also important to let them express their feelings without judgment and to provide emotional support during this time of change.

For more on this topic, check out the full Childcare Options collection