Karissa Tunis

Printable Road Trip Postcards for Kids

Printable Road Trip Postcards for Kids

With summer in full bloom and the kids out of school, it’s time to start thinking about summer vacations. There are plenty of fun road trips you can take with your children to create memories that last a lifetime.

Depending on where you live and how far you want to drive, you could check off a few national parks off your bucket list and even mix in a little camping on your summer trek. While you’re on the road, you’re likely going to need creative ways to keep your kids occupied. And you need ways to avoid the constant “are we there yet?” questions. Try mixing up the car ride with kid-friendly podcasts or car sing-a-longs.

You can even begin a new family vacation tradition by having your child create a postcard to send back to friends or family back home. You can challenge your children to share an interesting fact about the places that they’ve visited or describe their favorite part of the roadtrip to encourage them to work on their writing skills.

To get you started, The Zebra created these fun road trip postcards that your kids can color and send back to their favorite people back home!

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

Printable Road Trip Postcards for Kids

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

Free Printable Car Wash Coupon for Kids

Free Printable Car Wash Coupon for Kids

Before you set off on your summer road trip, ensure your car is ready to hit the road. Check your tire pressure, get your oil changed, and test the AC. And make sure both the interior and exterior of your car have had a thorough cleaning. This will make for a better trip when your family piles in for hours on the road!

Car washing can be a family activity by tasking car washing to your kids while also helping them beat the summer heat. Car washing can be a fun summertime activity for kids while also helping to keep your car clean and road trip-ready. You can task each of your kids with specific age-appropriate duties or let each child switch off throughout the summertime.

To help get you started, The Zebra created these car washing coupons that you can print out and hand to your kids when your car is due for a clean-up. This is a great lesson in responsibility and a life skill they’ll be able to use for years to come.

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

Free Printable Car Wash Coupon for Kids

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

3 Ways to Make Your House Feel Bigger

If there’s one thing that seems immutable in our homes, it’s the amount of space we have to play with. Of course, you can plan to build an extension. But what if local building decrees prevent you from expanding due to living in a protected area or too close to a property line? Sometimes the best solution can simply involve making the most from what you have, or thinking about the space in an entirely new way. Learning how to make your house feel bigger is a great budget-friendly solution.

We are not here to advise throwing out your belongings and furniture to create more space. Of course most of what you have is in your home for a reason. However, we can offer a few gentle tidbits of advice. Tips that may allow you to feel more comfortable, a little freer, and better organized within your newly redesigned environment.

After all, it’s worth ensuring the house you live in evolves along with you over the years in its design, presence, and utility. But enough with the preamble, let us explore some insightful advice together:

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

Open Plan Designs Make Your House Feel Bigger

With an open plan design, created by the best designers in your area, you may find that you are able to avoid the unnecessary restrictions and borders that may have been put into place thanks to the construction methods of the past. By opening up a kitchen and living room, for instance, can allow a previous closed-in environment to seem much larger. This open concept can also provide a larger communal space, as opposed to those sitting in a separate room at the dining table. Now everyone will be able to converse with those sitting in the kitchen, dining, and living areas all at the same time.

[ Read: Turn Your Home Into a Family Friendly Haven ]

Tasteful Mirror Placement Changes Your Perception

A tasteful mirror placement may help you make the most of the natural light in your space. If possible, try hanging a mirror across the room from a window or doorway to help bounce the light back across the room. Furthermore, it will help you effectively double the perceived size of the room. This is of course only a visual effect, but you’d be surprised of the difference it makes. When you have the room reflected back at you in a non-distracting manner, all of a sudden the room feels less oppressive, even with dense feature wall colors or exposed brick designs. This is a simple, cheap, and often appealing solution for many.

[ Read: 20 Quick Tips to Simplify Life ]

Less Is More When Designing Home Spaces

Less is often more when it comes to making use of the space in your environment. Instead of cluttering the mantlepiece with lots of accessories, you might want to use just one as a bookend. Instead of many unused chairs in your living room, you may opt for two or three sofas that provide just enough seating for the individuals residing within.

Furthermore, using larger pieces of art instead of many fragmented wall designs can reduce your ‘point cost’ of how cluttered the space feels. Brighter and neutral wall aesthetics will also reflect natural light more prominently, and help the space feel more open.

[ Read: Keep Life Simple ]

With this advice, you’re certain to add more space to your property in the best possible sense!

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

Postpartum Body Changes – What Women Should Know After Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body drastically changes in a very short period of time. It is important for women to be aware of these postpartum body changes so that they can better prepare for how to address them. Women should prepare for the following changes to occur to her body after pregnancy and after giving birth……

How to Help Your Children Catch Up Academically Over the Summer

If you’re concerned that your child has suffered academically over the last year and that they’re at risk of lagging behind their classmates, the summer is the perfect time for you to change that. With the disruption caused by the pandemic, many parents are worried about their children’s school performance. If you want to help them catch up and get back on track over the summer, here are some great strategies to try. Keep reading below to learn how to help your children catch up academically over the summer.

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

How to Help Your Children Catch Up Academically Over the Summer

Set Aside a Little Time

The first challenge to overcome will be setting aside time for learning during the summer. When school’s out, your kids are probably not used to taking lessons at home. But you have to find a little time for it even if it’s just half an hour each day. Once you establish a routine and your kids know what the deal is, it’ll become much easier for them and they’ll eventually accept it.

Be Creative and Make it Fun

It also helps to be creative in terms of how you go about helping them learn and progress. You don’t need to always be sitting at a desk and doing boring equations. There are all kinds of ways in which children learn, including interactive and activity-based learning that might not even feel like a chore for them. Try new things until you find the learning styles that are most effective and most appealing for your child.

Tell Stories to Improve Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension is something that matters a lot when it comes to the development of children. They need to be comfortable with books, with reading and with creating their stories; both through writing and verbally. This is something that can be fun and enjoyable for your child, so make sure you approach it that way. It’ll be much more effective if it becomes something they look forward to.

Use the Best Online Learning Resources

These days, there are all kinds of online resources out there that you can make the most of. You can find a curriculum for kindergarten, or whatever age level your child is at. Then make the most of the online resources that are out there. More than anything, these can guide you. They can also provide you with online educational material for your children to work on during study time.

Gradually Up the Difficulty

If your child is doing okay in most areas, but you simply want to push them a little further, you just need to carry on doing what you’ve been doing. But slowly and gradually you can up the difficulty. This is something that they’ll barely notice when done well. For example, find a book that’s suited to a slightly older reading age, let them read that, and then see how they do.

Each of the ideas discussed here will help you to get your child back on track academically as they prepare for the new school term later in the year. It’s worth putting in a little effort over the summer, and as the tips above prove, it doesn’t have to be a tortuous experience for anyone.

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

6 Apps for Busy Parents

June 23, 2021

Ever heard the saying, “there’s an app for that”? What if we told you there was an app that could help make your parenting journey a little easier?

Parenting is a tough job! And like many parents, we suspect that you will take any help that can make it easier. That’s why in this article, we’ll be sharing apps that can help you do everything from buying new crib sheets (https://www.lewisishome.com/collections/crib-sheets) to staying organized as a family.

For more parenting content, check out our Parenting Advice page for more topics

Bright Parenting: Top parenting app

With parenting, there are no days off. And the stakes are quite high. There’s also the fact that life can feel like a roller coaster at times. On some days, everything is going fine and you’re on top of the world. On other days, it feels like everything is falling apart and there’s nothing you can do right.

Bright parenting is the answer for those low days. The app supplies the much-needed pick-me-ups via daily motivational and parenting tips. And it delivers these tips through several means. One of them is push notifications. Here, you’ll get little nuggets of wisdom on how to chin up and be a great parent. The app also features mini lessons that show you how to respond to tough situations. It also has a “daily practices” feature that shows you new and handy skills.

With bright parenting, you can get the support and tools you need to be the parent that your kids deserve. The app is available for free on Android and iOS devices.

[Read: Self Care]

Baby Connect: Excellent for scheduling

If you’re a new parent, you may have heard about how disruptive a new baby is to all your plans. If you already have kids, then you know exactly what we’re talking about. Of course you love your baby to the moon and back! But feeding, napping, and everything in between can make it difficult to relax. Don’t worry because every parent feels that way now and then.

Baby Connect makes all that better by helping you with all the scheduling you could ever need. It helps you hold on to your sanity by maintaining your baby’s sleeping schedule, feeding, medication, and everything else associated with baby care.

It is also highly customizable so you can move things around as you wish until you find the schedule that works best for everyone. You can even share the information with babysitters and caregivers in case you are away from your child.

[Read: Pregnancy Through Postpartum]

Artkive: Best for saving memories

You know how kids love to draw the minute they can handle crayons? They scribble everything from mommy-and-me drawings, to landscapes, and space. You love those drawings and wish you could frame every single one of them. However, the problem is that your kid can create more drawings than you can frame and store. But don’t worry because, with Artkive, you never have to worry about storage space ever again.

The app is specially designed to help you store these memories in a digital format. You can also arrange the works however you like, including on a virtual shelf or in an artbook. What’s more, you can print out an art book from the app so you get a physical collection of all the art your kid has created. The app is free to use, but you can pay the premium membership for even more features.

[Read: All About Toddlers]

Boxed: Best for essential supplies

Are you always out of essentials like diapers? We don’t know why (we say this sarcastically!), but parents always underestimate how much poop their little toddlers can make. Before you know it, your entire supply is gone and you have to schedule another trip to the supermarket. If you have other kids, this can be an absolute nightmare.

But it doesn’t have to be because boxed takes care of all that for you. The app lets you order supplies in bulk from your phone. It is fast, easy to navigate, and allows you to focus on other things.

Boxed is not just an app. It is managed by an organization that has a supply chain, a logistics arm, and everything else needed to deliver your goods within 48 hours. And the best part is that the app is free to download and use!

[Read: Saving Money]

Cozi family organizer: Excellent for scheduling for the family

If you have a large family, this app is definitely for you. Like most parents, you probably wish your kids spent less time staring at their phones and more time with the rest of the family. As it turns out, this is a fairly common problem, which is why the folks over at the Cozi family organizer developed this app.

It’s basically a calendar that you can sync with every member of the family. Since everyone is always on their phones, you might as well get something productive out of the deal.

With this app, each family member can create tasks and share them with others. It’s especially great when everyone has something going on and you don’t want any important activities to fall through the cracks. So, if you want to arrive on time to all family-related activities, Cozi family organizer is the way to do it.

[Read: Work Life Balance]

Kinedu: Great for monitoring milestones

At what age should your child start attempting to walk? Is it normal to hear cooing sounds at four weeks? When should your child say mama? Even if you don’t know the answers, a simple google search can get you the answers to these questions, right?

But what if you wanted to save, and possibly share these milestones? And what about milestone questions that are better answered by your doctor?

Well, Kinedu is the answer to all your problems. It gives parents information about all the necessary developmental milestones, from emotional and mental, to physical ones. It also contains a ton of videos that can help you with guided activities to help your child meet these milestones.

But it doesn’t stop there. Kinedu supports up to five children, and allows you to share your account with caregivers, babysitters, and other family members.

[Read: Baby’s First Year]

Parenting is a wonderful journey that can be a little hectic at times! But since we live in the tech age, lets use it to our advantage!

For more parenting content, check out our Parenting Advice page for more topics

Sick Kids at Home? 4 Tips on How You Can Keep Them Comfy

As a parent, nothing could be more heartbreaking than seeing your child get sick. Whether it is a simple run-of-the-mill cold or the flu, it can be hard on you. However, you cannot just wave a magic wand and have their signs and symptoms vanish. But the good news is that you can do some things to help them feel better and more comfortable. Here are four relevant ways you can ensure that your kid has an easy time healing. Using the following tips, you can take care for your sick kids at home without feeling overwhelmed, and you will be able to boost your kid’s spirit.

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

Keep Them Hydrated

Young children need to always stay hydrated, whether sick or not. Typically, young children who are not feeling well will have little urge to eat or drink; hence they are more likely to get dehydrated than ill adults. However, it will be best if you give them fluids to drink throughout the day.

Additionally, you can incorporate electrolyte solutions, popsicles, or broth, which might feel soothing to a kid experiencing a sore throat. They will hydrate the child as well. Also, if your child is super dehydrated and is old enough, you might want to introduce IV Therapy in their treatment to hydrate them and help boost their immunity.

Soothe the Symptoms

Experts have proven grandma’s idea of chicken soup to be suitable for soothing various symptoms of diseases. This soup has essential vitamins and fluids that help improve your kid’s immune system. However, if your kid is allergic to chicken, do not worry because you can use various plant based options instead to achieve the same results.

Another natural option is honey. Not only is it convenient for kids over the age of 1 experiencing sore throats and coughs, but it also tastes delicious. However, please note that you should not give infants honey because it can make them vulnerable to infantile botulism. This is because their digestive systems have not fully developed yet.

You can also use herbal tea with some lemon and a drop of honey to help soothe and keep your little one hydrated.

Help Them Rest

Resting is vital, especially for sick kids, and crucial for various minor inflictions and viral illnesses. Unfortunately, it might prove challenging to rest when ill due to lack of comfort, but this shouldn’t be a huge hindrance.

Also, many active children might have a hard time lying down and letting their bodies relax. If that’s the case, you might consider setting your kid up in a comfy chair or on the couch with some warm blankets while you play some slow music on the radio.

You can allow your child to play educational games on a tablet while lying in bed. You might also consider using an electric reader to provide some relaxation.

Give Emotional Support

Your child might feel scared or sad about their symptoms when sick. Providing emotional support and cuddling attention to your kid can help them feel secure and confident. However, even if you are extremely worried about their condition, try to avoid showing it because your kid will be able to read your emotions.

To avoid scaring your child, you might take a break to get your kid a drink or focus your attention towards giving a back rub instead. It will also help if you reassure your kid that he or she will be fine. This will help them feel better.

Caring For Your Sick Kids At Home

The truth is, taking care of a sick kid can be a tiring and overwhelming experience. Ergo, take it easy, cut yourself some slack and focus on giving your child the best comfort possible. The given tips will help you overcome the challenging time and shorten your kid’s illness duration.

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

Fun Pool Toys for Kids that You Already Have Around the House

June 19, 2021

Fun Pool Toys for Kids

Our family loves hanging out at the pool, and could literally spend all day in the water! But, I know I’ve said it before, I am not a fan of typical water toys. Any toy that has a hole to squirt water usually ends up in the trash within a few weeks as I begin to see the mildew inside.

Thankfully I have found that my children actually prefer non-pool toys too! Here is a list of fun pool toys that you might already have around your house…

[Read: How to Safely Prepare for the Pool With Kids]

This article is written by Karissa Tunis
For more on this topic, check out the full Summer Safety & Activities collection

This post contains Amazon affiliate links

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Does Freelancing Mean A Better Life For You?

Does Freelancing Mean A Better Life For You?

If you’re looking for an alternative working style, freelancing might be something that piques your interest! There’s a lot to freelancing that makes it sound much more appealing than other jobs, but that doesn’t necessarily make it easier or less hard work. Freelancing is something that requires a lot of dedication in some industries, and it’s going to take your constant input if you want to make it as a freelancer. Of course, not all freelance professionals will have the same experience, as the work that they do will vary and everyone will have their own challenges to overcome. For example, someone working with art or graphic design isn’t going to have the same complications as a carpenter.

Flexibility to Freelance

One of the main things to keep in mind as a freelancer is that you are your own person, and that’s what counts when getting work. You need to be able to be flexible if you’re going to be more appealing than your competitors. Having a wide range of skills in your profession is going to give you the edge that you need to be more successful, as even if they’re not needed for the job that you’re aiming to get – experience is going to be appreciated by your customers when they’re looking for someone to have work done for them.

Documents and Credentials for Freelancing

Just because you’re not having to apply to any jobs directly, you’re still going to need the right documents and licensing to do what you’re doing. You’re still going to deal with things like HVAC licensing if you’re working in that field as it’s a legal requirement.

Reputation is Important

How you handle and interact with your customers plays a big role in how much business you can get as a self-employed individual. If you’re getting a lot of your work as a result of hear-say, then you want to make sure your customers only have positive things to say about you, otherwise, you’re going to have trouble making it as a freelancer. Learning how to properly handle customers, even in difficult situations, is going to be incredibly helpful towards your own growth. This includes understanding how to satisfy or defuse difficult customers – you may even have to go the extra mile for some people. Remember that your reputation is just as important as the business you receive.

Enjoy the Freedom of Freelancing

The main appeal to being a freelancer is being your own boss. You still need to find a good amount of work to keep yourself going, but you get to pick and choose what you do and don’t want to do, so it’s a lot easier on your mind. You can take on what you can handle, and you can do work based on your strengths. Not only that, but you handle your own brand, which means your work can be carried on your own values and beliefs alone. You don’t have to worry about someone else’s reputation.

3 Clues Your Child May Have a Hearing Problem

According to the Hearing Health Foundation, about 80 to 90% of hearing disorders in newborns and children can be diagnosed when parents seek help. Unfortunately, not many parents or guardians know the exact things to look for in a child with a hearing impairment. Although there is no exact science that proves any natural methods to prevent hearing loss, there are interventions that can improve your child’s quality of life. In the meantime, you may read on to find out what 3 clues to look for that might indicate your child has a hearing problem.

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

There is delayed or no speech development

There are essential milestones to observe as your child develops. For example, within a given period, your child should be able to lift their head. Sit up from a lying down position. Begin to crawl. And more! In the same way, you should notice positive speech development signs. But, most importantly, your tiny tot should be able to respond or react to sound. Below is a breakdown of what to look out for.

At three months old: Reacts to sudden loud sounds, coos, turn their heads in the direction of a voice.

At six months: Plays with their vocal sounds, laughs, and recognizes familiar voices.

From nine to twenty-four months: A progressive development from babbling to making sounds (such as da-da-da), able to call ‘mommy’ or ‘daddy.’

However, when your child seems to have a delayed or no speech development, you should seek professional help to either rule out or confirm the obvious. The earlier it’s detected, the better your child can develop their speech.

[Read: 50 New Mom Questions – You’re Not Alone!]

They turn up the television volume frequently

If your child knows how to operate the TV remote, one clue to look out for is how often they turn up the volume. Usually, kids will turn up the volume just for the fun of it. However, you should be concerned when your child turns it up and complains about not being able to hear the television until it’s high enough. As a parent or guardian, you have the responsibility to ask questions.

First and foremost, dedicate time to watching your kid’s favorite cartoon shows, but the trick is to do it together. Set the volume to a safe level and wait for your child’s reaction. If they ask for a higher volume, ask them how. Repeat this activity on different occasions before seeking professional help.

They ask you to repeat your words more often than usual.

Usually, this is a sign of an auditory struggle. It’s either they have a problem making out certain consonant sounds, or they are learning to read your lips as a coping mechanism. In the latter, look directly at your child when you talk. Check if they’re looking into your eyes as you speak or at your mouth. Unfortunately, kids have no means to detect if they’re compensating for a hearing disorder with lip reading. That is why you must be an observant parent or guardian.

In conclusion, ear infections (otitis media) are pretty common in kids. However, repeat infections could pose severe risks to your child’s sense of hearing. Therefore, always be on guard as you look for more ways to ensure your child has perfect hearing.

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