Karissa Tunis

How to Write A Party Invitation That Guests Will Appreciate

Who doesn’t love hosting and throwing a fabulous party?! Whether it is for someone’s birthday, to celebrate a special moment, or a causal fun evening with friends and cocktails; simply spending time with the ones we love is always an enjoyable event! But before you can actually blow out the candles, or pop that bottle of champagne, you need to send out your party invites. But how do you write a party invitation that guests will appreciate?

Not only am I a mother and a writer, but I happen to also be a professional event coordinator. I have learned over the years, through both personal and professional experiences, that invites are actually extremely important!…

Learn How to Exercise Outside Safely During the Coronavirus Pandemic

In a time when all gyms have been closed, getting outside to exercise is now more important than ever. Studies show that spending time outdoors and exercising is good for both mental and physical health. But how can you exercise safely in the wake of the COVID-19? Yes you should avoid crowds, keep your distance, and use a face covering; but what else can you do to reduce your risk of coronavirus? Continue reading this article for additional coronavirus tips that will help you exercise safely.

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

Don’t Go Out in Public When You Feel Sick

Don’t go out in public if you are showing any COVID-19 symptoms. According to the CDC, some of the most common signs are a dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, chills, muscle aches, and headaches. However, the list of symptoms is always evolving, so be sure to continue to check the CDC webpage frequently.

Exercise Safely Near Your Home

Most recreational areas have already been closed, and the safest place to exercise is near your home. As you exercise, try and minimize interactions with others. A walk around your neighborhood is a great option, or consider going for a bike ride. Perhaps you and another family member want to play a game of tennis, or go for a run together at your local park. There are lots of options when it comes to exercising safely outside.

Be Careful When Choosing an Exercise Partner

It’s not against the law to exercise with others. However, you need to take some precautions. Only ride with someone from your household, and when standing, stay 6 feet apart. In case you go biking, keep at least 20 feet apart.

Keep in mind that you breathe harder when exercising, and you pump out more vapor, which may be infected. Therefore, when you take a break in between exercises, and you’re breathing heavily, ensure you keep a distance of more than 6 feet. It’s also important that you keep small groups. The more people in a group, the harder it is to keep a safe distance. Additionally, it becomes easier to get distracted. So be strategic when planning to exercise safely within a group outside.

Wear a Face Covering When Passing Others

Many sidewalks and hiking trails don’t have enough room to allow you to maintain a distance of 6 feet when passing. While it’s not known how likely coronavirus can be transmitted during a brief pass, you need to be careful. Wear a face covering when passing others, or wear a bandana that you can adjust when passing someone. Avoid coughing or sneezing while passing others. – This is obviously common politeness, but it is more important now to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

Avoid Touching Traffic Buttons

As you exercise outside, avoid touching high-used surfaces like elevators, doors, and traffic buttons. The COVID-19 germs can stay on surfaces for up to 72 hours. Therefore, try as much as possible not to touch high-use surfaces when out in public areas. But if you must touch, avoid touching your face after. Consider using a glove, or keep some hand sanitizer in your pocket.

Bottom line: From working from home, to homeschooling children, the new coronavirus has changed life as we know it. Gyms and fitness studios have also been closed, and regular exercisers have resolved to exercise from home. However, the social distancing rules shouldn’t prevent you from getting outside. Some outdoor exercises can be challenging, but the above measures can help you enjoy the fresh outside air and keep you safe.

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

Create a Safe and Cozy Nursery

There’s nothing more exciting than creating a nursery for a much-anticipated new arrival! But it can also be a daunting prospect too. As you begin to share your ideas about color schemes and cribs, you’ll find everyone else has an opinion that they just can’t wait to share with you! Luckily, you’ll find plenty of helpful tips to assist you in creating the perfect environment for your baby. Continue reading below for helpful tips on how to create a safe and cozy nursery.

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

With safety always a top priority, you can get the lowdown on which products are approved and endorsed for use in a newborn’s nursery. And with some stylish interior design tips, you will be able to enhance your home décor with a nursery that complements your tastes. To get a head-start and move forward with creating the ideal nursery for your little one, take a look at these top tips now:

Put Safety First

It goes without saying that safety needs to be at the forefront of your mind when you consider any aspect of a nursery. For first-time moms and dads in particular, it can be difficult to automatically adjust to all the safety considerations you’ll need to make, especially if your baby hasn’t arrived yet.

However, there’s no need to worry too much. Products and furniture designed for use in nurseries undergo strict testing prior to release. So you can be sure that goods from a reputable brand will provide the safety and security your baby requires.

While style and comfort are certainly essential for a calming, tranquil, and cozy nursery, if you focus on safety first, you’ll have peace of mind that your nursery will undoubtedly be a haven for you and your baby.

Think Ahead

Your baby won’t be a newborn for long. So planning for the future is a good way to ensure your nursery will stand the test of time. If you think renovating a nursery is tricky now, try doing it again further down the line when you’ve got a six-month-old baby eager for your attention!

It’s particularly important to consider your child’s future needs when you’re buying nursery furniture. With varying requirements regarding sleeping environments, it can be most sensible to purchase a crib that will grow with your child. The addition of a breathable crib mattress or toddler mattress is all you’ll need to adapt your child’s bed as he or she begins to grow if you choose a crib that’s adjustable.

Although adjustable cribs can sometimes be a little more expensive than alternative options, they typically offer far better value in the long run. Instead of having to buy a new crib or bed as your child grows, an adjustable version means you can keep the same comfortable sleeping station for your baby without the need to invest in any extra furniture.

Look for Non-Toxic Materials

When you’re decorating a nursery, you need to think about factors that might not normally be an issue when you’re redesigning a room. As your baby gets older, they’ll have a keen desire to try and put things in their mouth. While parents spend a significant amount of time trying to persuade youngsters to not eat the furniture, it’s inevitable that your baby will spend some time gnawing at the edge of their crib.

Fortunately, manufacturers are well-aware of key baby characteristics and they design their products with babies in mind. If you’re buying a brand-new crib, you’ll probably find it’s made and finished with non-toxic materials. However, it’s always worth double-checking.

If you’re using a refurbished crib or a family heirloom that you’re putting a new spin on, be sure to check the suitability of paints, dyes, or stains before you use them on nursery furniture. Although there are plenty of non-toxic options out there, they don’t all fit this bill. By confirming the safety of the materials prior to any renovation works, you can avoid costly and stressful mistakes, and ensure that your baby’s room will be safe as they get older.

Place Furniture Carefully for a Cozy Nursery

When you’re deciding what the floor-plan of your nursery should look like, pay particular attention to where you choose to place your baby’s crib. Many parents initially assume that situating a crib close to a window will provide stimulation. However, putting a crib too close to a window is an unnecessary risk and should always be avoided.

As your baby grows, they will begin pulling themselves up and standing. And before you know it, they will even attempt to climb up (or out!) of their crib. Of course, you don’t want them to near any windows by the time they try to do this.

However, placing a crib too close to a window can be risky for newborns too. If a window were to break or smash, it would pose a significant danger to your child’s well-being. For parents living in areas prone to storms, hurricanes, or tornados; it’s particularly important to consider the risk of property damage affecting the interior of the nursery. Although it may be a remote possibility, any level of risk should be negated where possible.

If the size of your nursery means trying to avoid placing the crib near a window is impossible, there’s no need to panic. Special window treatments can be used to strengthen glass and safety glass can also be fitted to minimize the risk of any injuries occurring in the event that a window breaks.

Consider Your Needs Too

Although the nursery will be your baby’s room, you’re going to be spending a considerable amount of time in their too. As well as focusing on the items that will provide your child with a safe, cozy, and secure place to sleep; remember to think about the features that might make it more comfortable for you.

A supportive chair is a must-have accessory in any cozy nursery! This will be ideal for the frequent night feeds you’ll be doing. Many parents prefer to have a chair that allows some movement, such as a rocking chair, as they believe the continual movement helps to calm a distressed baby.

In addition to this, you may want to add a full-size bed to your nursery, if there’s room for one. If your baby has an unsettled night, you may spend more time in the nursery than in your own bed. So having somewhere to lay down and rest your head will certainly come in handy.

What’s more, in two-parent families, giving your partner the opportunity to get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep while you care for your baby in the nursery can be one of the kindest things you can do. If you have the right furniture already in place, you’ll find it much easier to take a flexible approach once your baby has arrived and is happily settled in his or her nursery.

Remember to Factor in Storage

If you’re a first-time parent, you might be surprised at the sheer number of things your little one will need. From bottles and sterilizers, to an endless supply of diapers and bibs, your home is about to get a lot more crowded. Due to the vast number of accessories required to care for a newborn, it’s handy to have some dedicated storage space.

If your nursery is fairly small, you may have already dedicated a separate storage area in another part of your home. However, it is useful to have the essentials to hand, especially at night or when you’re caring for your baby alone. By installing some form of storage in the nursery, you can keep it well stocked. This will ensure everything you need is easily accessible at any time.

Choose Flexible Lighting

When your baby’s wide awake at 3 am, the last thing you’ll enjoy is a super bright light illuminating the room and hurting your tired eyes. As well as being unnecessarily irritating for you, a bright, cool light doesn’t promote sleep or relaxation. And it certainly won’t help to soothe your baby.

For a cozy nursery, flexible lighting is one of the best design decisions you’ll make. You will want to have access to a bright light for changing or during daylight hours. But installing a dimmer switch or wall lamps will allow you to moderate the amount of light during the evenings, night, or early mornings.

A warm glow can be particularly comforting. So look for LED bulbs that deliver softer tones. Created to last for an extended usage period, LED lights will rarely need to be changed, which makes them the ideal choice for parents who are bound to be feeling the strain at some points.

Creating the Perfect, Cozy Nursery

Whether you choose a bold color, or a neutral palette for your nursery, there are really no rights and wrongs when it comes to design. When it comes to creating a safe and cozy nursery, minimizing the risk of accidents and giving your baby a warm, soft place to rest is what’s really important. Asking for recommendations from fellow parents can be a great way to find out which products might work for you. But don’t be afraid to trust your gut either. With the right amount of research, you can find the ideal products for your nursery. And you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a nursery that’s ready for your new arrival.

Additional Parenting Resources:

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

Homeschooling During COVID-19 and What We’ve Learned

There’s a lot to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic that put the world on lockdown. The whole world has been thrown into different situations and have had to focus on their specialties to get through this pandemic as best as possible. As a parent, your specialist subject is your children. And, with schools closed for the foreseeable future, you’ve also morphed into a homeschooling teacher. You may not have any formal qualifications or even any training. However, that hasn’t stopped you from turning the kitchen table into a makeshift classroom and remembering third-grade math!

This has been, and will continue to be, a formative experience for kids and adults. Below are a few things this experience has taught us about homeschooling…

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

Homeschoolers Haven’t Seen A Big Change

If you’re already a homeschooler, you won’t have noticed a huge change from an education perspective. Sure, not being able to leave the house without a reasonable excuse is something that hasn’t happened in generations. Still, the teaching routine is pretty much the same, and your kids are bound to benefit.

However, families that have recently turned to homeschooling as a last resort will take a while to get into the swing of things, which may mean those kids won’t be as sharp. But they can use this extra time at home to take an SAT practice test or perfect their times tables. Any extra practice will help. And the more time you spend homeschooling, the easier it will get!

The Homeschool Community Is Coming Together

Regardless of whether you’re an old hand or a newbie, there’s no doubt the homeschooling community is coming together to help each other through these tough times. A basic Google search will reveal all types of tips and advice on how to make the process less complicated. Let’s face it – homeschooling is challenging! But with a support group of amazing parents from around the world, it doesn’t have to be a struggle.

After all, pitching in when life isn’t going to plan is just one of the lessons parents should teach their kids during this unprecedented time. In fact, I think it is helpful for our kids to see that our lives aren’t always perfect or stress-free either. We face curveballs and challenges, and yet we figure out how to get through it. Right now we are teaching our kids that they too can overcome hurdles when they seek out a new plan of action, and find the right friends and resources to help.

It’s Okay If You Don’t Understand

Lots of adults are looking at the worksheets and thinking, “I haven’t got a clue what any of this stuff means!” The first thing that will spring into your mind is that you’re not going to be a good teacher and your children’s education may suffer. However, it’s okay if you don’t recall how to complete algebraic equations because you’ll learn with time. And that’s an incredible feature of homeschooling – parents learn as much as the students.

Thankfully there are plenty of high-quality online resources that will help you brush up on the core subjects. And if all else fails, you can always turn to Google or YouTube.

Boredom Is Inevitable

Kids get bored anyway, so add a self-imposed quarantine into the mix, and they’re going to get stir crazy. Most parents will get goose pimples imagining the scene as unruly children wreck the house in a bid to entertain themselves. However, being bored isn’t bad for kids. If anything, it forces them to be creative and use their imagination, which is an essential skill.

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

Father’s Day Ideas – Quotes, Gifts, Cards, Crafts, and More!

With Father’s Day just around the corner, we wanted to share with you some of our favorite Father’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 Father’s Day Cards
Father’s Day Quotes to help you write that special card
Father’s Day Gift Ideas that he will actually love
Ideas and recipes for a delicious Father’s Day Dinner
Plan the perfect Father’s Day Weekend that is also budget friendly
Cute Father’s Day Crafts that also make perfect gifts

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

A Father’s Day Message

Fathers are incredible! There is so much that only these very special individuals can do so well for their families, and especially their children.

In our house my husband is the active one. He will rough and tumble with the kids, chase them around outside, throw football, take them fishing, and so much more! While I love to jump in and play as well; his athletic ability and strength means that him and the kids can keep on playing all afternoon long. And I can enjoy watching while I get a few things done around the house when needed.

I also love that he somehow knows how to fix or build practically anything! It’s so fun to see him at work, especially when the kids are alongside of him learning practical and resourceful tips around the house or garage. And when I am having a tough day, or am caught up in the struggles of motherhood, I appreciate that he is always there. Somedays I am counting down the minutes until he walks through the door to offer his loving support, a fresh amount of patience when mine is running low, and that he knows how to add in humor when needed. He keeps us laughing, feeling safe, and we appreciate all that he does to help out around our home!

Father’s go above and beyond for their kids. And if you are lucky enough to experience this incredible bond, then it is worth at least one special day each year to genuinely say thanks. Whether it is your dad, your grandpa, an uncle, or even a friend; be sure to wish them a Happy Father’s Day!

Free Printable Father’s Day Cards

Choose from 30 different designs of free printable Father’s Day Cards. Print out your favorite design on half a sheet of paper, and then fold it in half for an easy, free card!

Father’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 Father’s Day?

Say something sweet, to the point, and let him know just how much he is loved and appreciated. Below are 10 sweet Father’s Day Quotes to help you get started:

A Father offers a guiding light whose love shows us the way.
A daughter needs a Father to set a standard which she will judge all future men.
Fathers are ordinary men turned by love into story tellers, adventurers, and heroes.
To the world you are a dad, but to our family you are the world.
Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.
Out of all the dads in the world, I’m so glad that you are mine.
Fathers just have a way of putting everything together.
The greatest gift I ever had came from God, and I call him Dad.
Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a Father.
I have a hero and I call him Dad.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

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

View Father’s Day Gift Ideas here!

Father’s Day Weekend

Want to plan something fun that lasts for more than just a few hours? How about planning an entire special day, or a weekend full of exciting adventures? Perhaps you are limited to celebrating only at home, or are trying to plan on a tight budget. Don’t worry, we can help you plan something extra special that will be very easy, lots of fun, and not break the bank.

Here are Father’s Day Resources to help with your planning:

Father’s Day Dinner

Whether you are looking for the perfect breakfast in bed recipe, ideas for a delicious Father’s Day Lunch, or a few easy Father’s Day Grilling Recipes; we’ve got a few options for you!

View Simple Father’s Day Recipes here! These include favorites like:

Father’s Day Crafts & Father’s Day Projects

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

Father’s Day Craft and Project Ideas

Father’s Day Celebration

No matter how, when, or where you decide to celebrate Father’s Day this year; we hope that you will have a wonderful and safe time together! While some father’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 father’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 Father’s Day!

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

Easy Steak Skewers Recipe

Please your dad (and everyone else) with these juicy steak pieces in a flavorful Asian marinade. This is a simple summer steak recipe for the grill!

Also, check out Father’s Day Ideas for Quotes, Gifts, Cards, Crafts, and More!

This article is written by Lindsey Cover
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Dads collection

Easy Steak Recipe for the Grill

Lindsey Cover

Easy Steak Skewers

Juicy steak pieces in a flavorful Asian marinade - a simple summer recipe for the grill!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Asian

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

1/4 cup Soy Sauce
2 tbsp Honey
1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
2 lbs Steak cut into bite-sized pieces

Equipment

8 skewers

Method

Whisk together the first four ingredients in a large bowl. Add steak pieces to the mixture and gently toss to coat. Allow the steak to marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Meanwhile, if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
Thread steak pieces onto skewers. Place the skewers on grill over medium heat and cook to desired doneness (approximately 10-15 minutes), turning occasionally

Steak Recipe – Asian Marinade Skewers

Ingredients:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
¼ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp garlic powder
2 lbs steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 skewers

Directions:

Whisk together the first four ingredients in a large bowl. Add steak pieces to the mixture and gently toss to coat. Allow the steak to marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Meanwhile, if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
Thread steak pieces onto skewers. Place the skewers on grill over medium heat and cook to desired doneness (approximately 10-15 minutes), turning occasionally.

Serves 6-8

PRINT THE RECIPE

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

Featured Contributor: Lindsey Cover

Lindsey Cover is a work-at-home wife and mom of two young boys, Jadon and Owen. She blogs about affordable healthy living, money-saving methods, simple recipes, and more at SimpleSaverWife.com

- - - Facebook: @SimpleSaverWife
    - Instagram: @SimpleSaverWife
    - Pinterest: @SimpleSaverWife

Dads Struggle with Work Life Balance Too

Usually when we talk about the struggle to balance work and family we focus on moms, but the truth is dads struggle with work life balance too.

Dads have dreams. They want to be doctors, lawyers, business owners, and artists but they also want to be dads. They want time to be around to see their kids grow, they want to coach little league or be on the PTA. And yet, while they want to be involved, they also want to be successful in their careers. So, how do you create a healthy balance between the two? How do you have time to continue education, to build a business, to move up the ladder of a company, and help your child with his/her homework?

This article is written by Alison Pidgeon, MA, LPC
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Dads collection

How Dads Can Achieve Work Life Balance

Here are 6 tips to help dads (and moms) as they struggle to balance work and family:

Dads Don’t Have to Be Perfect

It is easy when you have less on your plate to be a perfectionist. But the second you add in the demands of life and children, something has to give. Rather than strive for perfection, strive to be excellent.

Fun Ideas for Celebrating Fathers

Find Time to Unplug from Work

When you leave the office, leave your work there. It will follow you everywhere if you let it. Turn the phone off (or at least leave it on the counter, or in a drawer). Avoid opening your email. You need some kind of separation. If you work from home, so give yourself a time to cut yourself off. Say after 5 p.m. you won’t do anymore work for the day and instead focus on time with the kids and your spouse.

100 Fun Ways for Kids to Connect With Their Dad

Find Time for Yourself

Get up early to meditate or go for a run. Ten minutes of meditation a day, or a 30-minute workout can do wonders for your mood and your focus. If you get more done earlier in the day, you will have more time later to spend with your family.

Ideas for Self Care

Don’t Waste Time

Some time-wasting can be healthy. It can be time to decompress and let your mind wander to reduce stress, but it can also add up. If you are spending the first two hours of your morning on Facebook or reading funny emails then that is time you could be spending on work or family-related things. Limit yourself to twenty or thirty minutes when you need a mental break, then get back at it.

Why Dads are Awesome

Change Your Routine for Better Balance

If you are feeling overwhelmed trying to balance everything in your life, then take a hard look at how you are spending your day. What can you do to make things easier? More time efficient? Is there a chore you can split with your spouse, rather than take all on yourself? Can you alternate who takes the kids to soccer practice, or mows the lawn? Can you wake up 20 minutes earlier? Little things can make a big difference.

A Dad’s Perspective on Parenting

Make a Balanced Schedule

By planning ahead you know what you can fit in, and what to expect. Include kid and spouse time in that schedule. You can fully commit during that time to avoid feeling guilty. You made the choice to spend two hours on work, so accept it and get it done. When that time is up, move on to family time.

Lastly, take it easy on yourself. It can be overwhelming to be successful at a career and at having a family. Take a deep breath and put things into perspective. Many dads struggle with work life balance too. The world won’t stop if you turn your phone off for an hour every evening to play a game with your kids, and you and your children will be happier for it.

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

Featured Contributor: Alison Pidgeon, MA, LPC

Alison is a licensed professional counselor and the owner of Move Forward Counseling, a boutique private practice in Salunga, PA. Her group practice specializes in women’s issues and offers mental health counseling for children, teens and adults. In her free time Alison can be seen running after her two small children and cooking is her therapy.

Website: moveforwardlancaster.com
Facebook: @mfcounseling

Daddy and Me Photo Shoot Ideas

Daddy and Me Photo Shoot Ideas

Angie Englerth is an amazingly talented photographer! As a parent she totally understands wanting to capture adorable pictures of your children. However, she is also passionate about capturing the bond between children and their parents, even grandparents!

This year Angie tried something new – she offered Mommy & Me and Daddy & Me photo sessions.

We gave our readers a sneak peek of the Mommy & Me sessions in our All About Moms collection, and now want to share the Daddy & Me with you too!

This article is featuring Angie Englerth
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Dads collection

Daddy & Me Photo Shoots

Here is a preview from Jami’s photo shoot with his daughter

After the photo session, Angie asked Jami these questions:

What was your initial reaction when you saw the ad for the Daddy & Me Event for the first time? Lisa (wife) is going to jump on this and I’m okay with that.

What expectations did you have for the day of the event? What were your concerns? Tried to not make expectations and wanted to trust the professionals that they know what to do 🙂 Concerns were making sure I stayed light hearted and playful so my daughter would glow and not feel pressured to focus on the camera.

How often do you think and event like this should be held? Annually

What did this event mean to you? It was nice to be acknowledged as a father with my daughter. So many times I feel like the father is just a tag along in the family photos. It was nice to be acknowledged as a significant part in my child’s life.

In one word, how would you describe this event? Gratifying

Here is a preview from Jason’s photo shoot with his daughters

After the photo session, Angie asked Jason these questions:

What was your initial reaction when you saw the ad for the Daddy &Me Event for the first time? Excited to get my girls dressed up for pictures.

What expectations did you have for the day of the event? What were your concerns? I expected some trouble, especially with my youngest. But things actually went very smooth and quick.

What was your initial reaction to your images? The images came out great. It was awesome to see my girls having pure, innocent fun.

What did this event mean to you? It was a great time with my girls.

In one word, how would you describe this event? Fun

What would you say to someone contemplating booking a spot at the next event? Don’t hesitate. It’s well worth it.

Here is a preview from James’ photo shoot with his daughter and son

Happy Father’s Day to each of these dad’s, and to all of the other dad’s out there! You are each very special!

Check Out These Father’s Day Ideas – Quotes, Gifts, Cards, Crafts, and More!

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

Featured Contributor: Angie Englerth

I am Angie, a wife and mama to two sweet little boys! I’m a portrait photographer in Lancaster county capturing the journey to and through motherhood. I believe that women look the most gorgeous when pregnant and I want them to feel the same way about themselves. My goal for each maternity session is for mamas to realize just how beautiful they are. I also enjoy capturing little ones while they are still little. All the details of newborns, from the tiny toes to the milk bumps on their nose, are my absolute favorite!

Printable Father’s Day Card Mad Lib

Below is a free printable Father’s Day Card. Grab some card stock, print it out, and help your little one fill in the blanks for that special Dad in their life. You can even add a fun picture to the circle that showcases the two of them, or draw a picture of something fun they like to do together. Enjoy 🙂

Also, check out Father’s Day Ideas for Quotes, Gifts, Cards, Crafts, and More!

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

Free Printable Father’s Day Card

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

Should You Hire an Education Lawyer? How to Advocate for Our Kids

Should you hire an education lawyer?

Nobody relishes the thought of having to hire a lawyer to go up against the education department at the local level. But unfortunately, there are times when it might be a necessity. If you’re thinking that you might need an education lawyer, obviously things have escalated to the point where you’ve reached your wits’ end when it comes to a serious issue relating to your child. In these cases, where you’re feeling protective, the school is defensive, and your child might possibly be hurt or being treated unfairly; you need someone unbiased to come in and protect your child’s rights. Continue reading below for more insight!

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Be Proactive with Your Child’s Education

No one knows your child like you do. And, no one will fight for them like you will. That can feel a bit overwhelming, but it is also empowering! I have two children that each have an IEP for a different reason, and for a specific area of learning. Whenever I go into a school meeting, I walk in telling myself that I have two goals. The first is that I will not leave this meeting without conveying how my child is feeling. The second goal is that I will not leave this meeting without an adjustment to their IEP that I know will help. Sometimes this means that another accommodation needs to be added. And sometimes this means that an accommodation needs to be lessened or removed in order to give my child the sense of accomplishment and confidence for moving forward.

Prepare for School Meetings

My number one tip before any school meeting is to have a long heart to heart with your child. I explain to them that I am not in the classroom. Even though I know what should be happening, I am not in there to see it in action day in and day out. So I need to hear from them what is helping, what is not working, and how it makes them feel. Ask very detailed questions about everything your child mentions. And then, together, come up with an ideal plan for going forward.

Because my daughter is dyslexic, she has special reading accommodations to help her focus for testing. And she receives small group support when working through multi-step assignments. Over the years we have changed her testing accommodations to include a teacher reading her the questions, taking the test in a separate room with no interruptions, to now taking her tests in the back of the room next to the teacher. She has improved so much! And we want to recognize that and support her becoming more independent! So now she can stay in the classroom with her main teacher, but they are still nearby if she has a question. They even check in on her throughout the testing to be sure she is understanding everything, and completing the assignment correctly.

Listen to the Teachers

While I prepare for each meeting by talking to my daughter, I still walk into each meeting with the ability to listen. My goal is to help my daughter succeed. And while she might know what she wants, the teachers also might have some additional insight to consider. I was surprised to see my daughter jump from a below average reader, into the above average range, in less than a year! I had no idea she was improving that quickly (thanks to her accommodations and wonderful support)! At home she was telling me what help she still wanted. But while in the meeting, the teachers recommended giving her a little more independence.

But my first goal of conveying how my daughter is feeling, and having just had the long conversation the night prior, I was able to explain what my shy child is feeling inside – which I believe matters more than any grade! So while she was improving, we all agreed that we needed to keep that strong support system for her in order to continue with her progress. In the end we made a few minor adjustments to give her a small push. But we kept majority of her IEP the same. And after checking in with her daily over the next few weeks, we all agreed that we had made just the right amount of adjustments for her success.

Check out this helpful guide to choosing after school activities

When Do You Need an Education Lawyer?

Unfortunately you will not always be able to work it out in a simple meeting. Sometimes you need to ask for an entire team meeting. This might include your child’s teacher, their special area teachers, their resource teacher, the principal, the school guidance counselor, the school psychologist, and whoever else might come into contact with your child. I have been there. It is intimidating. But sometimes gathering everyone together in the same room, and at the same time, needs to happen so that everyone can be on the same page.

But what do you do if the issues still are not resolved? You might need to consider calling an Advocate or hiring an Education Lawyer to help mediate the situation.

Concerning Scenarios to Watch For

Some of the scenarios in which you might find yourself needing an education lawyer are in the cases of a special needs child whose IEP isn’t being met. Or, perhaps you have a child who is facing discrimination, or abuse at the hands of someone at school. If you feel that your child isn’t receiving the proper support or curriculum that is their right according to their IEP, you then have the right to call for a meeting, or even call for additional help.

If your child has been mistreated or harassed by a member of school staff, or is being bullied and the school administration hasn’t addressed the problem, you need to make sure it is properly addressed. Perhaps you feel that your child has been unfairly disciplined. Or your child was injured at school due to negligence or some other school-related problem, than you need to have that investigated.

And if you feel that your child is not progressing at the rate they should be, and/or is failing as a direct result of school negligence, don’t ignore that. If you’ve seen policies and/or curriculum that give you cause for concern, speak up. These are just a few examples. However, there are any more reasons that warrant concern, and why you might need to contact an education lawyer for guidance.

Know Your Rights

The important thing is that you know your rights. Know that you have the right to ask for help. Expecting a safe supportive environment for your child is not too much to ask for – that is your child’s right as a student. Maybe you can get the changes needed on your own in a school meeting. Or maybe you need an expert to help facilitate the adjustments. Either way, be that proactive voice for your child. Because if you don’t start the process, it’s likely that no one else will. Good luck! Remember that there are experts out there who are available and willing to help you through this process! And once you start seeing your child improve and succeed, it will make all of this totally worth it!

For more on this topic, check out the full Mental Health and Back to School collections