Karissa Tunis

An Easy Guide To Choosing The Right Paddle Board

January 17, 2022

An Easy Guide To Choosing The Right Paddle Board

Paddle boarding is a great way to get out and enjoy the water. Not only is it a fun activity, but it’s also a great workout. However, before you can enjoy paddle boarding, you need to choose the right board for you. There are many different boards on the market, so how do you know which one is right for you?

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of choosing the right paddle board. So whether you’re a beginner, or an experienced paddle boarder, read on for tips on how to find your perfect board.

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

Consider The Board’s Weight

The weight of the board is very important. The lighter the board is, the easier it will be to carry around and enjoy on your travels. A board that’s too heavy is not only hard to transport. But it will also be harder for you to paddle with. If you are planning on carrying your board to and from the water, or if you’re going to be traveling with it, we recommend getting a lighter one.

If you will not need to carry your board around very much, then you can go for a sturdier board that is more durable and easier to use in various weather conditions.

[Read:Water Safety for Kids and Families]

Know The Different Types of Boards

There are four different types of boards available for purchase. These include mini, all around, inflatable, and touring.

Mini Boards

The first type is the mini board. This is one of the most basic models that you can get. They are generally very cheap, and are designed to be used by children under 5 years old. And they are also great for beginners who are still learning how to use them.

Mini boards are only about 20 inches long. This makes them very small and easy to transport. If you’re traveling with your board or storing it in a smaller place, then the mini board is perfect for you as it is much easier to carry around than most other types of boards.

All Around Boards

An all-around board is a medium-sized board that’s generally used by people who have some experience using paddle boards. If you’re an experienced user and you need a board that can be used in all kinds of water conditions, then this is the right choice for you. These boards are generally between 30 and 36 inches long. Which makes them a great fit for most people.

Inflatable Boards

The next type of board is the inflatable one. This type of board is also very easy to transport as it can be deflated when you’re not using it. You can easily put it in the trunk of your car or store it away in a closet. But you need to be certain of its SUP life expectancy before purchasing. If you need to store the board when it’s not being used, then this is definitely the right type for you. Especially since most other boards are very hard to fit into small spaces.

Touring Boards

Touring boards are much larger than the inflatable board and they’re also sturdier. This type of board is usually designed for heavy use in all kinds of water conditions. They can handle a lot of weight and they provide much more stability than other types. That makes these boards perfect for people who plan on using their boards every day.

What’s The Size?

There are different sizes of boards available. Some people think that the bigger the board, the better it will be. However, this is not always true.

If you are a beginner, you should start with a smaller board which is easier to manage for less experienced users. Paddle boarding is an intense workout. So you don’t want to go with a large board if you’re just starting out. Keep in mind, however, that a bigger board is generally sturdier and will give you more stability than a smaller board would. Remember that size matters when it comes to choosing the right paddle board. And you should always be aware of what size is right for your experience level.

Balance and Board Width

Another thing to consider is the board’s width. The wider a board is, the more stable it will be, and the easier it will be to balance on. However, this also means that your paddling technique will have to change as well since you won’t be able to paddle in a straight line with a wide board.

If you’re a beginner, then we recommend going for a board that’s not too wide as it will be easier to maintain your balance on this type of board. If you feel like you have enough experience and would benefit from a wider board, then go ahead and choose one if this is what you want.

Board Length

The final thing to keep in mind when choosing a paddle board is its length. How long the board is will change how easy it is to turn. For example, if you want to go fast, then your board should be shorter as this will make it easier for you to paddle forward at full force.

If you are looking for something that responds quickly and that is easier to turn, then we recommend going for a board that’s longer. If you don’t know what kind of board you want and which features are more important for you, then go ahead and choose one at random as most brands make both types of boards.

This article was a comprehensive guide to choosing the right paddle board. We hope we helped you find the perfect one for your needs.

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

These 6 Tips Will Make Parenting Young Kids Easier

Raising young kids can be a lot of work. But with the right tips, it can be a lot easier. If you establish a routine and stick to it as much as possible, keep things calm and positive in your home environment, and make sure you set boundaries for your kids, they will likely turn out well-behaved and happy. Follow these 6 tips to get started!

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

Establish a Routine and Stick to It

Establishing and keeping to a routine is key in parenting young kids. Kids crave consistency, and they don’t care what the routine looks like as long as there is one. If you fall into a pattern and stick with it, your children will learn what to expect next. And they will be more likely to adapt their behavior accordingly. Routines can include meals, bedtime, playtime, and any other scheduled activities. Making sure that your routine is consistent will make life easier for you as well as your children.

Top tip: Be flexible! Every kid is different. So what works for one child may not work for the next. Keep an open mind to feedback from your kids (but don’t let them dictate your routine).

[Read: Creating a Healthy Home Environment]

Keep Things Calm and Positive

You want a happy, calm home environment so it’s best to keep things light and positive. This can be a challenge with a young child. But, according to katherinerosman.com, there are some things you can do to achieve this. Don’t expect too much from your kids – give them time to process their emotions before you expect them to act on them. If they can’t do what you ask immediately, don’t snap at them (and certainly don’t hit them). Give your children some space when necessary and try not to sweat the small stuff with toddlers; it’s easy to get angry over spilled milk. But in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter.

Top tip: Minimize and eliminate stress triggers and negative stimuli. Restrict access to TV, tablets, gadgets, and other electronics. Keep things calm and positive in the home environment so your children will be happier.

Set Boundaries

Boundaries are important for kids, especially when they’re young and still learning social norms. If you give your child the boundaries, they will know when and where things are appropriate. Of course, you don’t want your child to be a complete pushover; it’s OK for them to express themselves if they’re not hurting anyone (and it’s OK if other people think what they’re doing is weird).

Top tip: You should expect that your child won’t be able to stick with their boundaries perfectly, but that’s ok. If your child is being overly disruptive or disrespectful, gently remind them of the boundary you have set and help them work towards sticking to it.

[Read: How to Set Expectations for Your Kids and Improve Child Behavior]

Remember What Being a Kid is Like

You were a kid once too, and you probably did stupid things that your parents weren’t happy about. We all make mistakes because we’re young and still learning the ropes. However, many of these mistakes can easily be avoided with some common sense tips to parenting. Of course, every child is different, but everyone has to start somewhere. This can help you raise a child who will grow up to be responsible, conscientious, and well-behaved.

Top tip: Don’t compare your kids with other people’s kids; every child is unique!

Lead by an Example

If you want your kids to behave a certain way, then you need to lead by example. Kids learn not just from what we say (or don’t say), but also from what we do and how we act towards one another. If you want your children to be kind and respectful of others, make sure that’s the standard in the home. If you want your children to be curious and excited about learning, make sure that it’s a priority in your household.

Top tip: Even little kids are watching how you behave all the time – make sure they’re watching you do things right!

Give it Time

You’re not going to get everything right on the first try. Your kids are still learning what is expected of them, and you are still learning how to be a parent. Forgive yourself for making mistakes because it’s all part of the process. With time, patience, and commitment you will raise well-behaved kids that respect others.

The most important thing is to pay attention to your children; do what they are telling you to do. If they’re being disobedient, try to figure out why before you punish or reprimand them. Kids don’t understand complex sentence constructions so keep it simple. Remember that your children are small and still learning how the world works. They don’t need to be perfect, they just need to learn.

Top tip: Don’t sweat the small stuff; kids make mistakes and if you give them room to mess up (within reason) they’ll feel more comfortable trying new things.

Raising kids can be a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it. By following these six simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to having well-behaved and happy children. Remember to relax and take things one step at a time – raising kids is a marathon, not a sprint!

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

What Is A Keto Diet?

It’s the start of a new year. And that means many of us are surveying different aspects of our life, looking for areas of improvement. One area that many of us like to focus on is our diet. Over the course of the year, many of us slip into bad habits. Eating junk food, takeout, and ready made meals for the sake of convenience. But oftentimes we are failing to do things as simple as eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. If you’re looking to change your diet to kick start a healthier lifestyle, you might have heard a lot about keto diets. Here’s more information on the subject to help you decide whether this could be a good option for you!

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection

What Is a Keto Diet?

Let’s start out by explaining exactly what a keto diet is. Keto diets revolve around the concept of fasting and restrictive food types. Overall keto is a practice that has been practiced for centuries. The general concept is abstaining from food for set periods of time, and only eating specific food when you do eat, which often results in weight loss. This is because you place yourself into a calorie deficit. As your body isn’t receiving the fuel that it usually does and starts to draw on supplies that have been put away, such as fat supplies.

If you are currently at a healthy weight, there’s no point engaging with a keto diet to lose weight. Although some people say the recommended routines make them feel better over all. Just be cautious of not losing weight that you do not need to lose as this can be unhealthy.

However, if your doctor advises that you lose weight, it is still important to remember that extended periods of fasting are inadvisable too. You need to make sure that keto is practiced properly and as recommended by a healthcare professional.

How Does It Work?

So, we’ve highlighted the general premise of keto above. But how does it actually work? Well, when your body doesn’t get food for periods of time, or is restricted from certain foods, it will naturally enter into a state of ketosis. This is where the name of the keto diet comes from. During ketosis, your body uses fat supplies for energy rather than the carbohydrates that you’d usually eat on a day to day basis.

Of course, you can’t simply starve yourself by not providing your body with any fuel. This is hugely detrimental to your health and overall wellbeing. It can also cause your body to hold onto fat supplies, using as little as possible in an attempt to prepare for potential long term lack of food.

Instead, by following a keto diet, you can ensure that you’re still providing your body with what it needs while tapping into fat supplies. This is where keto can work. Keto is short for “ketogenic” and the concept of this diet is to consume a low calorie and carb diet with high levels of fat. Your body will learn to burn the fat from your diet and then move onto reserves of fat. This will give you energy at the same time as helping you to lose weight and fat.

Meal Ideas

Of course, adopting a keto diet will mean completely having to change the meals you’re used to making. Here are a few different ideas that should act as inspiration and get the ball rolling.

Keto Quesadillas

A key difficulty people face creating keto meals is replacing carbs. But this doesn’t mean you have to cut out tasty dishes like quesadillas. Instead, you need to simply find a replacement for wraps and other carb sources. Keto quesadillas craft the wrap from a cheese, making the meal delicious and perfectly keto friendly.

Keto Butter Cake

You’ll be glad to know that following a ketogenic diet doesn’t mean having to cut out dessert. Unlike many other diet plans, keto diets do allow for desserts. So you don’t have to say no to after dinner treats. Why not try keto butter cake? This cake is a delicious, fluffy, indulgent vanilla butter cake that is naturally low carb and perfect for those following a keto diet. Whether you’re craving something sweet or looking for a birthday cake that won’t throw your diet off track, it’s definitely worth giving a try.

Of course, you should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle. They’ll be able to consider your individual needs and determine whether a keto diet could suit you well. If they say that this could work for you, hopefully, some of the information outlined above should help you along the way to a healthier diet!

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection

DIY Birthday Gift Ideas Everyone Will Love

15 DIY Birthday Gift Ideas Everyone Will Love

For better or worse, we now live in the age of abundance. There are tools for everything, and stuff for everyone. That is why it is getting harder and harder to look for birthday gifts. What if the birthday boy or girl already has it? What if they simply don’t need it. So if you don’t want to find yourself in some big box store looking for pointless material things, consider going DIY. A handmade birthday gift will always be a good idea! After all, it is unique and thoughtful. If you don’t have many ideas for DIY birthday gifts, we have got you covered. Today, we’ll share with you 15 awesome and doable gifts that every birthday celebrant will love. Let’s dive in.

For more on this topic, check out the full Gift Giving and Party Planning collections

15 DIY Birthday Gift Ideas

Photo Mugs

Who doesn’t love a good mug? Mugs are the embodiment of coziness and chillout time. And if you put a lovely picture on one – it will also be a perfect gift for a loved one. You can decorate the mug with touching family photos, inspirational banners, or popular culture icons – it all depends on the recipient’s age and taste.

Photo Blanket

The birthday boy or girl loves to get cozy? Then surprise them with a custom made photo blanket. Adorn it with pictures that are significant for the gift recipient – these can be family photos or shots from memorable vacations. A photo blanket is both a good way to keep warm on winter nights and a lovely keepsake that shows how much you care.

Birthday Photo Collage

Want to create a DIY photo gift, but can’t cull just one picture? You don’t have to! Make a photo collage out of several images. You can go with a regular grid or a jumbled option or even make a heart-shaped or letter-shaped collage. Don’t have that much inspiration for the gift? Then scout for birthday collage ideas and you’ll be able to make the perfect photo present.

DIY Pendant

Know how to handle epoxy resin? Then here’s a gift idea for you. Create a custom pendant – or any kind of jewelry – with some important picture. Just put the picture into a form, pour the resin over it and let it sit overnight. Whoever receives this gift will be proudly flaunting it for sure.

Photo Magnets

Did you know that you don’t need any print shop to create photo magnets? You just need a bunch of photos, regular magnets, glue and unused mason jar lids. Simply cut out the photos so that they would fit inside the lid, use glue to secure them inside and to fix the magnet on the other side. Just a few minutes and a lovely-to-look-at gift is ready.

Memory Game

Here is a gift idea that is simple as it is fun. You’ll need pictures of all your family members (two copies), scissors, glue and some wrapping paper. Make two cards for every family member, then play a game where you lay all the cards on the table face down, then try to find every picture pair by flipping the cards in turn. Now this will be a memory exercise for all the participants.

Photo Coasters

Someone you love is a bit of a clean freak? Then they’ll love DIY coasters with great pics on them. These better be done by a professional print shop, which still won’t coast you that much. Make sure to pick the right images – those that would always bring a smile on the gift recipient’s face.

Photo Box

It’s like a jack-in-the-box, but with pictures. You can easily create a funny DIY gift if you have a little time and a wooden box. Just connect your images so that they would neatly fold into the box like an accordion. So whenever you pull a string, you’ll see a thread of photos that would cheer even the gloomiest person up.

DIY Photo Calendar

Your loved one isn’t an organized person? A custom photo calendar can fix it. Design a planner with pictures that you know your friend or relative will love. Make sure to leave plenty of space for personal notes and scheduled events. Such a photo calendar will be an awesome thing to look at and to manage your time with.

Candle Holders

Candles give such a feeling of coziness that they will never fail to be one of the best presents. You can make them even better if you add your favorite pictures to candle holders. So each time your dear one lights the candle, they will see the pictures that bring so many sweet memories.

Photo Wall Hanging

Feel like frames are old news? Then how about a minimalistic way to hang pictures of the wall? Create a unique gift by sprinkling a bunch of pictures on a yarn then tie them to wooden planks. This gift might be tricky to unwrap, but it will be a marvel to look at.

Christmas Ornaments

In case you are looking for a Christmas present rather than one for a birthday, DIY Christmas ornaments are the way to go. These can be awesome orbs with photos inside or some flat craft pieces on a string – it all depends on your artistic aspirations.

Photo Letters

What’s in the name, right? Or rather in the initials? Make a huge letter out of wooden blocks, spray paint it, then glue lovely pictures all over its surface. A photo monogram will be an awesome home decor for our loved one’s place.

Lego Photo Puzzles

Both kids and adults love building with those plastic blocks. And how about using them to build a heart-warming photo? Get yourself some oversized Lego pieces and glue part of an image to them so that they would turn into a slightly perplexing puzzle that would be fun to solve.

DIY Photo Clock

Wouldn’t it be cool if your friend or relative could see their favorite picture each time they checked the time? You can make this a reality. Make them a custom photo clock. Make sure to add some significant quote to the design to help them keep their cheen constantly up.

Now that seems like quite a handful of gift ideas, right? And the best part is that these are all easily doable. So ditch those gift cards and beaten present ideas, and give in to creativity and DIY craze. A hand-crafted gift is one in a million. It will be appreciated for sure.

For more on this topic, check out the full Gift Giving and Party Planning collections

Useful Tips On How To Get Rid Of Hard Water

January 14, 2022

Protecting Your Family From Hard Water And How To Get Rid Of It

Hard water is an issue faced by many houses throughout the world. Water is the source of life. But it may happen that sometimes there are certain elements in water that make it excessively harmful for human health. There are two types of problems associated with hard water; physical and chemical problems.

The physical problems arise when excess calcium and magnesium present themselves in water causing difficulty while washing clothes or dishes. The other problem is caused by chemicals, like chlorine and lead, which can cause damage to lungs due to inhalation. It can even be hazardous to one’s health if it enters through any open cuts on the skin. Below this article discusses how to get rid of hard water.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Water Filter

Water filters are highly effective and often recommended. Especially for people who want to get rid of hard water without spending too much. These filters contain a bed of crushed rock or pebbles which absorb water and release minerals back into the system after purification. All reputable guides for healthier water will tell you that a good home filter should remove all hardness through precipitation. Thereby reducing it to zero percent. Some important points about effective filtering are given below:

One must ensure that the filter is installed at the beginning rather than at the end of the pipeline. This reduces the wasted amount of water during rinsing. The filter must also be rinsed once every two weeks with vinegar in order to prevent any calcium buildup inside the media bed. Lastly, filters are available in different sizes and shapes. They can easily be fitted under the sink. And they should be replaced after one to two years according to usage.

Distillation

Distillation is among the most efficient ways of getting rid of hard water. It involves boiling water. Here steam is produced, and is later cooled down for producing purified water. Distilled water is free from any solid particles as they are left behind once the liquid evaporates into steam. This method can be employed on a large scale by big companies. However, it has been found to be too costly for small households. The heat involved in this process may also prove hazardous as human skin cannot stand more than 45 degrees Celsius, which is the temperature at which boiled water releases steam.

Water Softeners

Water softeners use ion exchange technology to get rid of hard water. This works by replacing heavy metal ions with sodium or potassium ions so that the water becomes soft. The ideal way to use a water softener is to work it on a continuous basis. This can be achieved by running the salt solution back through the system. Example is when it gets discharged from the washer, thereby saving costs on both salt and electricity.

When choosing a water softener for your residence, the key factor to consider is its capacity which directly affects how much water can be purified at one time. In order to know what size of a softener you need in your house, you must first calculate the daily water usage. And then add about 30% to find your answer.

Washing Soda

Washing soda, or soda ash, is primarily used in laundry soap to soften hard water before washing clothes in the machine. One cup of washing soda must be dissolved in two gallons of hot water. It should also be stored in a plastic container. The container should not contain any metal parts as these cause corrosion once combined with washing soda. Washing soda is commonly used for removing stains from clothes. And it should be used in lower concentrations when washing delicate fabrics like silk which can get damaged due to excess alkalinity.

Enzyme Cleaners

These are among the latest methods of getting rid of hard water. It is also widely used by people who have sensitive skin, which may react adversely to chlorine present in water. These cleaners also prevent the build-up of harmful contaminants on shower curtains and tiles caused by hard water. This is because they contain enzymes that capture minerals before they deposit on glass or fabric surfaces leaving them sparkling clean. If used correctly, there will be no residue or damages caused by chemicals or hardness. Which is then released into the environment after breaking down into carbon dioxide and oxygen gases at a later stage.

Hard water is a common problem faced by many households and offices. It is essential to keep an adequate supply of soft water in order to avoid its harmful effects on the skin, clothes, vessels, and other surfaces made from metal or ceramic. Hard water has a high mineral content which makes it unfit for consumption as it may lead to health problems such as digestive complaints and kidney stones. So be sure to get your water checked, and figure out a plan to tackle any hard water you have today.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Take A Look At These 7 Things Financially Wise Parents Do

Take A Look At These 7 Things Financially Wise Parents Do

Taking care of kids is the most important job we will ever do as parents. However, it can also be quite expensive too! Mothers and fathers both need to be wise with their income. Financially wise parents ask themselves some tough questions before accumulating any debt.

Being a parent that’s prudent with their finances can be difficult in today’s economy. It takes some time to learn how to do it. But if you want to become conscious about money, there are many things you can do. The following are things that wise parents do that you can learn from.

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

Live on a Budget

It is important to plan your finances. When you’re a parent, you have new demands on your money. You need to decide how much of the family income will be used for bills and necessities, and what is left over can go towards fun things for the kids.

One of the best things a parent can do is to create a budget that the family can stick with. A lot of people get into trouble because of their spending habits. If you don’t have a set of rules for yourself, then you will surely overspend and be back in debt. When parents make a budget, they are able to know how much money is coming in and how much is leaving. That allows them to plan ahead and stick to it.

Get Insurance

Parents need to be covered in the event of an unforeseeable accident. Insurance will cover medical bills and end-of-life expenses, as well as provide compensation for lost wages if either parent has to take time off work. If you’re a single parent, you should strongly consider getting a life insurance product suited for you that provides money your children can use to live on if you’re gone. It is also important to have health insurance and disability insurance. These items are crucial for parents because they are protecting their child’s future, as well as their own future too.

Insurance is something that’s extremely important for parents to have. Whether it be car insurance, health insurance, or life insurance, getting these policies can help you feel more secure about your future and your child’s future. Having good and reliable coverage makes sense so if the worse happens you won’t struggle financially.

Live Within Your Means

It can be tempting to want expensive toys or gadgets for your kids. But it’s smart to stick within your means. Kids are expensive enough as it is. So there’s no need to get stuck in debt because you want to spoil them. Sometimes kids will want the latest greatest toy that costs hundreds of dollars. Parents should never feel obligated to spend their money on these things. If your child wants something really badly, make them work for it and save up their allowance to buy the toy. Or add it to their birthday or holiday wish list. Parents should be role models for their children and show them that you can’t always get what you want exactly when you want it.

[Read: Painless Ways to Save Money and Maximize Your Budget]

Save for the Future

Setting a savings account is imperative to the financial well-being of your family. It’s good for both you and your children. And it is never too early to start saving money. You might not think that having a goal for retirement will be helpful when your kids are young, but they can grow up in an instant. In addition, you might have unexpected expenses that you must pay for right away. Having a savings account will give you the financial flexibility you need in life.

It’s also important that you save up some cash because you never know what emergencies might come up. Children don’t come cheap. However, that shouldn’t mean that you can’t save for your future as well. You should try to put aside some money every month so that when the time comes, you’re prepared.

Learn About Investment Plans

As a parent, you have to be responsible for your child’s financial future. You are responsible for their well-being, and that includes making smart money choices now so that they can have a good life later on. Investing money, whether it be in the stock market or in real estate, is something that parents should consider. There are many risks when investing money, but there are also many benefits.

If your finances are in good shape, you may want to invest some of your savings so it can earn interest for you and give you more flexibility with your cash flow. There are many investment options available to you as a parent. But it is crucial that you do some research before deciding which plan is right for you.

Take Retirement Plans Seriously

Many parents don’t start thinking about retirement until they’re in their late 40s or 50s. But that is the absolute worst time to start because it will be much later in life. It’s important as a parent that you take things like IRA’s and 401K accounts seriously because those could make a major difference in your life later on.

Retirement plans are great because they allow you to put some money away on a tax-free basis. For many people, this is the only way they’ll be able to have enough funds for their retirement. The earlier you can start these investments, the better off you’ll be in the future.

When it comes time to retire, it isn’t easy to do. You need secure financial resources that will allow you to live comfortably for the rest of your life.

Don’t Borrow Money That You Can’t Afford

It can be hard to say “no” when your child wants something, and they’ve been used to getting what they want all their life. The truth is that sometimes people take out loans for things that aren’t really needed just because everyone else seems to be doing it. It’s okay to borrow some money as long as you can pay it back. If you borrow money, make sure you can pay it back. Do not spend your savings. You should only borrow money if it’s something truly important, like buying a home or paying for college tuition.

The things you do as a financially wise parent will have an impact on your family’s future. If you want to set them up for success, it starts with creating healthy habits and good money management skills early on in life. You’d be surprised how much your kids would want to be like you when they grow up because of how you’ve lived.

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

Daily Useful Tips On How To Protect Your Kid’s Health

Raising a family is never easy. It takes a lot of time, effort, and dedication to take care of children. There are a lot of aspects a parent has to look after to protect their kids from diseases. Encouraging your child to adopt healthy living habits early on can easily help in keeping them from getting sick. Read on as we have asked expert healthcare professionals to share with us useful tips on protecting your kid’s health. The advice below will help improve your child’s physical and mental wellbeing.

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection

Physical Activity

Encouraging your child to be physically active is crucial. The lack of physical activity can easily lead to poor growth and a weak immune system. But most importantly, it can lead to medical conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular anomalies. Work out a schedule with your children and dedicate time to spend outdoors playing. Furthermore, try to limit the use of smartphones or digital gadgets to let them truly experience active play.

Maintaining Hygiene

It’s the responsibility of a parent to look after the overall hygiene of their kids. However, encouraging children to wash their hands frequently can lead to the best outcomes in terms of health. As growing kids have a curious nature, they don’t hesitate to get their hands dirty. So make a habit of letting your children wash hands before and after meals, after using the bathroom, and after touching pets or playing outside in the park. Little kids might need more motivation to help them take care of germs. Maintaining hygiene does not mean that you should overemphasize buying hygiene products. Experts suggest that antibacterial soaps and related chemical cleaners should not be the first choice for children. Prefer organic cleaning products over chemical-based products whenever possible.

Limit Screen Time

In this digital age, we are surrounded by gadgets and devices that produce artificial light capable of causing a lot of negative health effects. Children who interact with smartphones or related gadgets should have a limited screen time. This is important due to the light produced. This light has been proven to disrupt sleeping patterns, result in mood changes, and slow eyesight development in children. To protect their eyesight, blue-light-blocking glasses with smaller frames for kids can be considered a safe option to consider. Depending on the time of use, you can either go with blue-light-blocking glasses for day or night use. However, it is important to understand that the main goal is to limit your child’s screen time for better health outcomes. Not limiting digital device usage will only deteriorate the visual health of your child.

Healthy Meals

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in the growth of a child. Always give your child a well-balanced meal containing the required amounts of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to help your kid grow healthy. You can evaluate your kid’s eating habits and restrict the use of sugars, excessive carbohydrates, and processed foods for better health outcomes. Eating unhealthy foods can deteriorate health, decrease metabolism, and increase inflammation in the body that can directly suppress the immune system. Allowing occasional snacks and junk foods will let them appreciate the real food from the processed ones.

Check-Ups

It is also important to visit your child’s pediatrician on a regular basis. Early on children will require more frequent appointments. But as they grow they can eventually stretch out their well-check visits to once a year. Speaking to your pediatrician about any health concerns you might have early on about your kid’s health will help keep your child’s care team on the same page. And it will help ensure something is caught and treated early if there is any problems.

[Read: Keeping Your Family Fit And Healthy – Health Checks You Don’t Want To Miss]

Gut Care

Taking care of your child’s digestive system is essential. A good digestive system allows better digestion and absorption of nutrients. Children can be given probiotics that contain healthy bacteria and yeasts. These microorganisms are also found naturally within our digestive system, and they help in breaking down food while keeping their gut healthy. You can give probiotic gummies or fruit-flavored probiotic sachets that kids can easily consume.

Sleeping Habits

At least 8 hours of sleep is necessary for a growing kid. Sleep is a natural process by which our body repairs itself, detoxifies the chemical build-up, and revitalizes the body for the next day. Kids experiencing sleep problems are susceptible to diseases as they have a weaker immune system. Not only that, poor sleep eventually affects academics, social interaction, and behavior. The best way is to make a schedule and help them follow it through interactive ways and techniques that kids enjoy doing.

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

As you take care of your kid’s health, it is necessary to also take care of yourself as well. A healthy lifestyle that suits you and your loved ones is key. Protecting your child’s health is a priority of every parent, so try following the above-mentioned tips. We also encourage you to explore other health-protective tips to improve the health and wellbeing of your entire family.

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection

How To Get Your Kids Involved In Your Business

Children of entrepreneurs can oftentimes be interested in becoming entrepreneurs themselves. They have grown up seeing their parent’s business grow and knowing that a different career path is possible. If you’re looking for ways to get your kids involved in your business, they’ve probably already picked up a few things. How you engage them is up to you, but these tips could help.

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

Share What You’re Doing

As an entrepreneur, you’re always learning new things, and making changes to improve your product or service. If you want your kids to end up working for the family business, start teaching them early. More traditional parenting methods might encourage you to keep your professional and personal life separate. But for entrepreneurs, the lines are often not as clear.

Share what you’re doing with them while you grow your business so they can learn. Talk to your kids about what you’re working on. Make them feel comfortable asking you questions or giving you ideas when you’re chatting. You might be surprised by how much your experience can inspire them to take an interest in your business.

Include Them In The Process

Take some inspiration from your business home. Host a family board meeting every quarter with personal goals and regular check-ins. Every family member should be included. You have a growing business, growing marriage, and a growing child that are all linked – even though they are individually different.

When you need to make big decisions, such as choosing a high school for your child, approach the decision in the same way. Get everyone’s input. Discuss the topic thoroughly, and decide together. Like entrepreneurship, this approach allows your children to feel valued and heard. And it shows how they can work together to get things done.

Including your children in the process helps them to understand the ins and outs of your growing business and makes being a business owner seem like a viable option for them.

Hire Them

If your children are old enough, you can hire them in your business to help them sharpen their skills.

You can bring them onboard in an age appropriate way to take ownership of a piece of the business that appeals to them. Such as doing work experience with you, taking over your social media accounts, helping with a marketing campaign, learning administrative duties, or staffing your booth a trade show. Trade shows or similar events can be a good starting point. Try this mobile credit card reader and send them out to take payments for you.

Employing your children in the family business can help to take some accountability for it. Give them valuable experience. And can aid in their financial education. Getting a regular paycheck will also give them some freedom with their own money. Money management is an important skill for entrepreneurs, so why not give your kids a head start now?

If your children aren’t yet old enough to work, you can still take them into work so they get used to it. They can begin observing the jobs people do, and feel comfortable there.

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

How Can You Be a Professional Business Owner and a Parent at the Same Time?

Being a parent is tough. Running a business is tough. So how can you feasibly do both at the same time? Whether you are running an e-commerce business at home, or you are looking to build up a business that goes all the way, here are a couple of things that you need to know about running a business at home with kids around you.

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

Give Your Customers More Power and it Will Make Your Life Easier

While this may sound like you are offloading responsibility, the fact is that if you focus on giving your customers more options for payment and more access to information without necessarily needing to contact you, this takes the pressure off you in the short term.

While we want to be there for our customers 24/7 there are things that we can do to make sure they are armed with all the knowledge. And have the power to make the right decision without us leading them every step of the way.

A very good example is having a comprehensive FAQ section. But also you can develop this even further. When it comes to something like payments, having a more diverse range of payment options will make things easier for them. This also means you will get paid as well. And this is all to do with having the right merchant services. You can get merchant services from North American Bancard and many other suppliers. But put simply, if you give your customers the power to do whatever they want, when they want, this makes them feel in control and it takes the workload away from you.

Capitalizing on Quiet Time

You might not have much quiet time when you are running a business at home, but this is where you’ve got to structure your workload effectively. When your children are napping or sleeping (no matter how little they sleep), you can use these moments to undertake the tasks which require the most focus.

The children will want your attention. But if you are not able to work at all when they are around, are there smaller tasks that require little attention that you can complete?

Basic admin could help at these points because if you just need to input figures into a spreadsheet you can break this down into many smaller tasks rather than trying to do it all at once.

Do Not Be So Hard on Yourself

It’s easy to say that you should cut yourself some slack or not criticize yourself (or your children). But you have to be aware that when stress hits you, you are not going to be able to do your best work.

A lot of people think that they need to just push through. The reality is that you are far better off taking a step back and reassessing your approach. It is not easy. But you have to remember that running a business and being a parent are more than two full-time jobs. So there will be times when it feels like too much. But take it easy, breathe, and know you can do it!

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

Here’s Why You’d Be Better Off Moving Somewhere New

January 5, 2022

It’s essential to be realistic about your long-term goals and ambitions in life. You’ll undoubtedly have many things you want to achieve, and they are achievable objectives. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that where you live might be holding you back.

Many people don’t think much about their homes or their geographical locations. Yet, they can limit their ability to achieve their goals or perhaps reach them in a timely fashion.

You might be reading this blog post today because you’ve been wondering whether the place you call home is resulting in your life’s ambitions and goals being slow to realize or completely stopping them in their tracks.

The following are some tell-tale signs of why you might want to put some serious thought into researching real estate in other areas and moving from your current home and location.

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

Job Prospects Are Zilch In Your Area

If you live in a rural village or small town, you’ll probably have relatively few job opportunities in your local area. Most of your neighbors – those who aren’t working from home or retired – likely have to travel afar to seek career progression opportunities.

You might not have minded the commute every day at first. But now it’s starting to wear you down. Plus, if you’ve got a family in tow, you’re probably feeling sad and even a bit guilty that you’re not spending as much time as possible with them because of your long work journeys.

Moving to a new area – one that’s more densely populated – can mean that you’ll have endless local job opportunities at your disposal. This can result in a significantly lower commute between your home and place of work.

You Want A Better Lifestyle

Some people undeniably relish living in a remote or rural location. However, such a lifestyle isn’t for everyone.

If you prefer living in a place where you can access amenities like gyms, shopping malls, and recreational venues without needing to travel afar, now is the time to put some serious thought into moving elsewhere.

You Want To Start A New Chapter

Are you still living in the same family home where you grew up? If so, you likely want to “leave the nest” and start your own adventures on your own or with someone special in your life.

Leaving the family home and setting up your own one elsewhere is both a brave and scary thought. However, once you do so, you’ll soon discover there’s a wealth of opportunities out there for you, both in your personal and professional life.

For example, you might yearn to live in a bustling city and get an apartment in one of the liveliest areas for nightlife. You may even want to live in a completely different country and sample the cultures and delights of another nation.

Conclusion

The above isn’t a complete list of reasons why you might wish to consider moving to a different place. But, they are some of the most common ones. And if any of them apply to you, now’s the time to consider turning thoughts of living elsewhere into a reality.

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