Category Archives: Family

Family

Parenting Intervention Tips When You Suspect Your Teen is Doing Drugs

Youngsters are known to struggle most when they become teenagers. The challenge of a teenager is usually more when he/she has a disorder known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  Having to battle with peer group pressure, academic issues, low self-esteem, and the rest can really be difficult for a growing child.

During teen years, it’s difficult for a child to go by rules. So it’s necessary that as a parent, you outline rules that will be clear and understandable to your teenage child. If your teenager goes against a particular order, you have to apply what’s called parenting. You need to be gentle with him/her and understand that it’s normal for their age. When you want to punish, punish with love and see it as a phase that will soon pass.

Parenting Intervention

Parental intervention can be referred to as an interference of a parent in their child’s life to help build or restructure their child either through discipline, schooling, grooming, monitoring, and supervision. Parenting intervention comes in two forms – positive and negative, especially when dealing with a teen taking drugs.

There comes a time in your life as a parent, where you might have to start doubting the child you birthed. You might start noticing signs like abnormal behavior, poor school performances, indecent friends, secrets, and other strange attributes.

Then, one day you are going through their stuff and suddenly you find marijuana or other illegal drugs of some sort. You start recapping the events of the last few years of life to clearly ascertain where you must have gone wrong in this parenting thing. So you start thinking of possible ways you can approach and talk to your teen.

Follow these tips and see how you can handle the situation.

What to Do When You Find Out Your Teen is Using Drugs

1. Try to be calm, yet direct about it.

When trying to approach your teenager age, apply positive parenting intervention. You don’t have to shout and pull down the roof before they can get your message. Be delicate and less dramatic, ask him or her the question on your mind but do so gently, show him/her that you are here to help. Talking to teenagers about drugs with lots of anger isn’t going to get them to bare their hearts to you.

2. Approach your teenager when he or she in the right state of mind.

Monitor when your child is in a sober mood; they will be easier to talk to them. If your teenager is drunk, you might want to reschedule the meeting.

3. Don’t sound judgemental.

Children love people who show them care and love. If you can try to ask your questions without sounding judgmental, the teenager is more likely to let you in on their life. Ask questions from your heart.

4. Treat your teenager.

When your child is done talking to you about his/her challenges, it’s only natural for you as a parent to start seeking for help. You may want to help them get a therapist who specializes in teenagers as a start, or help your teen enroll in a substance abuse support group or a rehab center.

Positive parenting intervention should be adopted by every parent. It lets you support your child effectively. Walking through your child’s teenage years is a rough phase. Help your child to help themselves.

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Our Favorite Daily Parenting Tips for Single Dads

Being a single dad is no walk in the park, no matter the reason or cause for becoming a single dad the task is not easy. It is not meant to be easy, because you now hold to a great extent the future of your kids alone.

This reality can throw questions at you, questions you might not readily be able to answer. These thoughts and questions are often scary; even if you do not admit it, you might not know what to do or have to go about your responsibility as a single dad.

The truth is that you need all the help you can get, be it from family members or friends, or maybe an article on daily parenting tips. You can feel lost sometimes, overwhelmed, alone, confused, or even downright scared.

It is advisable to get all the information you can, these can be tools to help you on your daily journey as a single dad. Prior to becoming a single dad, you might need to get used to a lifestyle that does not resemble in any sense the lifestyle of a single dad.

This is not a task you can easily hit the ground running with, you might need some time to get acquainted with your new reality. It is easy to be tempted to see your kids in several negative lights but hold on; these our favorite daily parenting tips for single dads might be what you need.

Daily Parenting Tips for Single Dads

Follow these tips and see how you get noticeable improvements in your everyday life as a single dad.

1. Do Not Get Angry Easily: Generally, there’s the acceptance of the position that men get angry easily. Men are also quick to show their power to those they consider to be beneath them. Men try to dominate and impose their rule over their kids. It is advisable that you as a single dad try to not get angry easily. Lessons you might want to teach your kids most likely would not be comprehended by them when you communicate in anger. It is more effective to settle and talk with your kids calmly, explain things to them in a way that would resonate with them. In order to reduce the likelihood of angry outbursts try to be mindful of your emotional states and create time to meditate. Avoid talking when you are angry, it is best you walk away until your anger quells. This is guaranteed to help you.

2. Ask for Help When You Need It, Don’t Be Afraid: We all know that the task of being a single dad is difficult, you could easily get overwhelmed. Whenever you notice that things are becoming too much for you to handle, ask someone for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength, a sign that you are mature and strong enough to ask for help when you need to. Ask someone you trust that is capable to help you, this would greatly reduce the stress and give you time to rest. You would return to your noble duty more refreshed and capable of taking on the duties of a single dad.

3. Try to Have Fun: We all know how difficult your duties can be, try to take out time to have fun with your kids. Have a positive perspective of the single dad situation and make the most of it. And if you need extra help to relax and feel balanced, try essential oils by Plant Therapy.

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Single Parenting and Dating: What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking of dating a single parent, this might be your lucky chance to grab those few essential tips and tricks. You might be wondering; how do I date I woman or a man with kids? First of all, remember that dating a single parent is just like dating any other person, but there are a few extra tips and tricks, so keep reading below.

6 Tips About Single Parenting and Dating

Know Their Priorities

Knowing every single parent’s priority is the number one rule, and what’s their priority? Their kids. It’s better you know this and acknowledge this fact now. So there won’t be any room for competition or jealousy in your heart for them. But one thing is a fact, the health and wellbeing of their kids come before anything.

Make Your Commitment Known

Most single parents, especially single moms, want just one thing from you and that’s to know if you’re committed to them and their kids or not. Most of them just really want to know what you want a steady, secure relationship with them. They need to know. So it would also be best if you slow down and think whenever you feel pressured to make a choice. Don’t lead them on or waste their time.

Love Their Kids

It is also logical to expect you to make the same priorities your own. Show love and caring for their kids by spending time with them and getting to know them.

Show Support

One thing is sure, and that is that single moms and dads require support. They need someone who is able to listen to their problems and show concern about their family’s wellbeing. They want someone who listens and finds relevant ways to help them out.

Respect Boundaries

This is a very important part, as you do not want to go on stepping into your partner’s personal life. Don’t forget their emotions and love for their kids come first, so you want to respect that. Respect your involvement in your partner’s kids’ lives, and maintain a good relationship with them free of arguments and fights.

Forget the Past

Remember that the past may be behind you, but your partner may have some leftover scars, such as divorce, separation, or other issues. Find topics to take their mind off those memories, and focus on strengthening your relationship with your partner.

What are your tips for dating a single parent?

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Funniest Parenting Jokes

Parenting, one of the toughest jobs there is, has it’s pros and cons. Being a parent isn’t easy, so you’ve got to learn ways to lighten up the mood with humor. Below are some of the most hilarious parenting jokes and jokes for adults. Enjoy!

1.     Rita Rudner

“I want to have kids, but it scares me. One of my friends told me she was in labor for 36 hours. I don’t wanna do anything that feels good for 36 hours straight!” – Rita Rudner

2.     Jerry Seinfeld

“Having a two-year-old is like having a blender, but you don’t have a top for it.” – Jerry Seinfeld

3.     Jim Gaffigan

“You wanna know what it’s like having a fourth kid? Imagine you drawing ;then someone hands you a baby.” – Jim Gaffigan

4.     Ray Romano

“Everyone should have kids. They are the greatest joy in the world, but they are also terrorists. You’ll realize this as soon as they’re born, and they start using sleep deprivation to break you.” – Ray Romano

5.     Nathan Timmel

“My daughter knew her alphabet and could count to 15 a little after she turned 2. Everyone told me she was advanced for her age, and I began having visions of my very own Doogie Howser. She’s about to turn 3, and yesterday I watched her try to put on a tank top as if it was pants for 20 minutes. I guess She’ll be my little Rain Man.” – Nathan Timmel

6.     Keith Alberstadt

“I have a friend who has no kids, but he has tattoos and he talks about them like they’re his kids. He says things like, ‘This is my oldest. It’s my favorite.’ This one was the result of a long night drinking.’ ‘This one can out a little darker than I expected.’ And so on.” – Keith Alberstadt

7.     Samantha Ruddy

“If I ever have kids, I’m going to be a nonsense parent. If my kid ever cries and throws a tantrum, I’ll be like, ‘I’ll give you something to cry about!’ And then I’ll make him watch Bambi.” – Samantha Ruddy

8.     Will Ferrell

“I sometimes equate it to what it must be like running a prison. What happens with three boys is you end up barking out orders like, ‘Upstairs now! Brush teeth! Lights out!’ There is so much chaos you can’t take the time to articulate.” – Will Ferrell

What are your favorite parenting jokes or jokes for kids?

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What is Crunchy Parenting?

To describe a person as “crunchy” simply means he/she doesn’t follow the mainstream idea. A crunchy mom is a parent who chooses the natural option instead of medically or scientifically proven ones. They are those who are generally aware of their environment and are politically liberal. They make sure they research nature and incorporate it in their lives. Some are hippies. So, have you known a crunchy mom? Or how can you know if you’re really a crunchy mom? Here are a few things you can use in identifying crunchy parents.

Things a Crunchy Mom Does

·       Breastfeeding more than 6 months and beyond

·       Co-Sleeping (with their babies)

·       Avoiding all sort of junk food for herself and her family

·       Relying on both tradition and natural methods/roots

·       Preferring natural birth

·       Preferring homeschooling

·       Relying on natural remedies for sicknesses

The term crunchy doesn’t end there; it also represents a woman whose interest in the health of her family and kids. It represents a person who shoulders responsibility head-on. The list of qualities continues going on and on – both pros and cons.

Although, most people seem to confuse natural human instinct and behavior with that of been crunchy. So here are a few reasons why not all persons who believe in nature should be known as having a crunchy behavior.

3 Pros of Crunchy Parenting

Breastfeeding is Natural

Yes, breastfeeding is a natural thing for all moms and at such, it is not irrational behavior. Just as every mammal breastfeeds their offspring, so too does a mother has that natural tendency to breastfeed her child.

Lying Close to Your Child

Lying beside your child gives the child a feeling of protection. As we’ve said before in the case of breastfeeding, this is something we see everywhere. The animals keep their offspring close to them to ensure one thing – protection. It’s a natural tendency for any mother to sleep close to her child and should not be considered crunchy in any case. It is also a way to love and bond with your child, especially your infant or toddler.

Giving Birth without Hospital Assistance

The female body was naturally made to give birth, so giving birth to a baby anywhere without any hospital assistance doesn’t make a person a hippie or free spirit. Some women choose to naturally give birth without the need of going to the hospital, because that’s how it was meant to be in nature. Most often, women with high-risk pregnancies are in that state mostly because of what they eat and do. Crunchy moms choose healthier eating and fitness habits, which makes it easier for them to give birth naturally.

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Storage Ideas To Save Space With A Growing Family

Having stuff all over the space is a part of any growing family. Couples keep adding possessions after marriage and as kids keep coming, they have to store some away to create space for new things to come in. 

Watching your family grow is a beautiful experience, but you need a practical space to accommodate your growing family. For this reason, it is very important to find storage for items that are not in use. Finding a larger space or expanding your space may not be possible options for the moment, but you can use your space more effectively to save space in your home.

Effective storage is a rewarding idea for every growing family. Save space in your home with the following ideas:

1. Opt For Multi Tasking Furnitures

Create space for your growing family by choosing furniture with built-in storage. These furniture types perform an extra storage function, which allows you to maximize your space. There are several multifunctional types of furniture that you can use for more than one purpose. They are best for saving space if you have a growing family.

Choose a footstool that can also function as a storage box. Choose beds with built-in drawers to store clothes and books.

2. Go Vertical 

You can always opt for the vertical route when you do not have much space on the ground. Use tall shelves or bookcases on your walls. You can also choose cupboards with doors, like this cupboard with doors from IKEA. Just anything beautiful and doesn’t consume space on the ground. This creates space in your home and keeps breakable items out of the children’s reach.

3. Be Organized

Saving space in a growing family requires you to be organized. There is no two-way about that. You need to declutter and get rid of the things you do not need. You can as well save the things you may need later in a canvas bag. It holds your item until you need it. 

To keep your home organized, ensure things are kept where they should be and get rid of all unnecessary stuff in your home.

4. Use Canvas Bags 

Canvas bags can serve as storage elements in your home. All kinds of things can go into your canvas bags. They hold everything from clothes, toys, tools, etc.

Your out-of-season clothes, kid toys, kid’s outgrown clothes, safety kits, emergency gears, and just everything can go into your canvas bag. They come in different sizes and have different designs, which leaves you with a variety of options to choose from.

Canvas bags allow you to free up your space and allow your family to have a more comfortable and practical growing space. These bags are eco-friendly and help to reduce the use of plastic bags in the society. They are also very versatile and fanciful, making them a great storage option for a home.

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Tips for Kids Learning My ABCs

The ABCs and 123s are the basics of knowledge for all toddlers. As such, you have to introduce it to them in a way that they can understand. More emphasis on the word “introduce.” Because at this point in their lives, learning the ABCs and 123s is not their top priority. Kids love to play and have fun. Therefore, anything that doesn’t seem to fit in the fun and play category will be perceived as boring and tedious. So how can you help them learn their letters? Our expert opinion? Keep it fun!

Kids are more receptive to playfully disseminated information than they are to information dispersed in sternness. They learn through observation, exploration, reading, and most importantly – play. If you hope to achieve any success in children learning my ABCs, you need to think outside of the box. You may have to repeat each letter a couple of times for your child to assimilate, but you’ll be glad you made the effort down the road. Here are some fun tips to help kids learning my ABCs assimilate faster. 

5 Fun Ways of Learning My ABCs 

Read Out Loud

We have said earlier that children learn by observation and exploration, but we left out the part that children are more likely to remember what they’ve heard a thousand times over. When teaching children their ABCs, you must read those letters out loud so their brain can associate the letters to the sound you are making with your mouth. Also, you can read out stories to them, whilst emphasizing and pointing out important letters in the story.

Touch and Learn

Another great way to educate kids is to let them experience each letter in the ABCs by themselves. In this way, when you read a letter to your child, you’ll have him touch the associated letter for emphasis. For best results, get playdough or plastic toy letters and experience them together.

Use Art

Art offers a more hands-on approach to learning my ABCs for kids with a creative streak. By using art to incite remembrance in your child, you can ensure that he or she enjoys the training session, and have a piece of artwork to show for the effort.

Make ABC Snacks 

This is one of the most innovative ways to teach kids the ABCs and 123s. Children are more likely to remember a letter when they are seeing the letter everywhere they turn in your home. Even on your dining table. Instead of the conventional cookies and snacks that you serve to your child, create look-alikes of their ABC alphabets in fun sugar cookies or jello shapes, and serve it to them as snacks.

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat!

Repetition is key when helping children learn their alphabet. Though it may seem like a daunting task at first, it can yield tremendous rewards in the long run. Regardless of the teaching method that you have emulated for your training sessions with your child, you’ll have to repeat the process over and over again to boost his or her memory.

If you want to speed up the learning process when teaching your child the ABCs – especially if they are homeschool students, make sure you are just as involved in the process. Read, play, touch, and repeat.  

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Can You Get Paid to Homeschool Kids?

This is one of the top questions that have been asked when it comes to homeschooling. Most people think that they should be paid for homeschooling their kids, but since you are the parent, taking care of your kids physically and mentally is one of your sole responsibilities, so there is actually no need to want payment for homeschooling your kids.

Since parents are not being paid to homeschool kids, you will solely be rewarded with your child’s education for doing this important and quite stressful job. However much homeschooling may seem like a job, it is not one. 

FAQ – Can You Get Paid to Homeschool Kids? 

Can You Get A Tax Credit for Being a Homeschool Teacher?

Going by the laws of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), tax deductibles are only reserved for higher education. There are not any federal tax breaks in the U.S. for homeschooling.

Do Homeschool Teachers Receive Payments from the Government?

The government does not in any way pay for homeschooling. It is the sole responsibility of the family to settle and offer all the deserved incentives. While the government does not outrightly pay for homeschooling, there are a number of public schools that offer the “schooling from home” option. The difference between this and that of public teaching is that the kid would have to complete some of the courses at home.

Are Homeschool Grants Available?

You will find it surprising to know that there are a number of homeschool grants from a number of private organizations. According to these organizations, these grants are made available for families that are in need of a homeschool teacher. In addition to this, these grants are specifically for struggling families that have been through the mud trying to homeschool their kids.

Most of these grants and their requirements or eligibility forms are on the internet. Depending on your current need, you have to search for a grant that suits your needs.

Is It Legal to Pay Someone to be Your Kids’ Homeschool Tutor?

As a parent, it is your duty to oversee the education of your kids. However, in most of the cases, your kids may be a part of a co-operative class where they get to learn more about some of the courses they are lagging behind on. In situations like this, you will need to pay for the extra classes that your kids will have to take.

Before making any decision that affects your kids with respect to homeschooling, it is important that you check your state laws. 

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What You’ll Need for a Kids Gaming Party

It is no news that we love our kids and try our best to give them the best. One of the things we give them every year is their birthday party. Every day, people are coming up with innovative ways of throwing a birthday party for their kids. What if we told you that you could host a kids gaming party, and you don’t have to break the bank?

Have you decided to throw a kid’s gaming party, and you are wondering what you need? We have put together a list of things that you will need in a kids gaming party to make your life easier. Enjoy!

Tips for a Kids Gaming Party

Snacks

It won’t make sense to throw a party that does not have food. In a kid’s party, many of the guests are there to have fun, meaning that they may not pay so much attention to the food part. They are hyperactive and want fun activities. It is no surprise, because kids tend to be interactive. This doesn’t mean that there should not be snacks and drinks present.

When you are thinking of what snacks and drinks to offer kids, you need to find out the following.

Do any of the children have allergies? If you are inviting kids to a party where you intend to serve food, you have to find out if they have allergies. You do not want to give kids foods that they would be allergic to. This could lead to a dastardly event. Find out from their parents when you are sending out the invites. You should also find out if the kids have a meal plan and similar things like that. This will prevent you from dealing with issues.

What types of foods and beverages do your kids like? Try to offer a blend of healthy options too.

Go Economical

As much as you are trying to please the guests, don’t break the bank for them. You should consider ordering an extra-large, take-out cheese pizza. You should remember that this is a gaming party. It won’t be a bad idea to also order an extra gluten-free pizza.

If you are confused about which snacks to serve the kids, you can also use any of the following:

  • String cheese
  • Watermelon
  • Veggie straws
  • Yogurt pops
  • Trail mix
  • Jello
  • Popcorn
  • Cracker chips
  • Flavored mini rice cakes

As for drinks, it won’t be a bad idea to give them water, juice, or sugar free drinks. 

The Games

There are a number of games that you could incorporate into the party, such as video games, board games, card games and so on.

The key to hosting a great kids gaming party is to have a host of intriguing games. This way, once they are bored with one game, they can always try out the other games. It is important to place a rule that prevents one person from hoarding a game and preventing the rest from playing it. Ensure that they rotate the games so they can have the most fun. 

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Unique gift ideas for visiting family members that don’t break the bank

Are you tired of sending gifts fated for the grimy corners of closets and desks? If you are, then you have come to the right place. Gifts for visiting family members are a norm for most cultures. But it can become a bit of a daunting task to find the right gifts for visiting family members.

Other times when you find a gift that you feel is gender appropriate for your clan members, you are faced with a price that is well above your budget. That’s why most people choose plastic tumblers as their preferred gift item for visiting family members. But then again, plastic tumblers are not the only economical gifts idea for visiting family members. Here are a few unique gift ideas to consider.

1. Backpack or Messenger Bag

Backpacks are the new briefcase and they are appropriate for people of all fields and levels. IF you are looking for top quality gift ideas that won’t break the bank, you should consider getting the bulk backpacks for visiting family members. Some variants of the bulk backpacks can even be restructured to feign the appearance of a briefcase or messenger bag.

2. Leather Padfolios

As the world is driven by our connectedness to the internet, the need to have all your information at your fingertips cannot be overemphasized. With the high-quality leather custom padfolios, you can enjoy stress-free access to all your information. Some variants of the leather padfolios come installed with tablet/smartphone housing, which makes it the ideal gift idea for nerdy and tech-savvy family members.

3. Keychains

Keychains are almost as old as the gifting culture itself, but they have evolved from the boring key holders that they once were, to become one of the most appealing gift ideas in the world. This gift idea is not only popular for its cost-effectiveness but its usefulness as well. What’s more, it is appropriate for all genders, which makes it the ideal gift for people of all ages and fields.

Conclusion

When it comes to unique gift ideas for visiting family members that don’t break the bank, the list goes on and on. Be creative and have fun with it! Gift-giving can be stressful, but hopefully, the aforementioned suggestions will help!