Category Archives: Family

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Homeschool Parenting Tips to Teach Third Grade while Schooling from Home

In these unprecedented times where parents, guardians, and loved ones are stuck at home till this pandemic ends, we need to know how to homeschool our young ones as they would have to continue schooling at home.

Gather your peace of mind and check out the tips below for homeschool parenting to teach third grade and others grades while schooling from home.

Homeschool Parenting Tips to Teach Third Grade while Schooling from Home

Learn Your Homeschool Options

You can start up at any time, even if your children have several years of schooling or if they are toddlers. Some parents have learned that the ending of a school year is a good time to begin their research, because then they get enough time to know all the homeschool options and begin their research in autumn.

Learning the various options a parent can take is one of the best ways you’ll know the type of decision you want to take and what you desire for homeschooling to teach third grade would accomplish at home.

Learn the State’s Requirements for Homeschooling

The rules of homeschooling and its regulations are completely different according to the state. In a place like New York, for example, the parents of the child have to file an annual declaration of intent to the local superintendent around the first of July or two weeks before the homeschooling can begin. Also with a properly made home instruction plan . All these parents have to obtain attendance records, conduct standardized tests, and to submit quarterly reports.

Join a Local Homeschooling Group Online

Meeting more homeschoolers in your area will help you gain more information. At this point, you’ll get other families who can help you with more answers to your questions because they have experienced it. They also allow you to review all their teaching habits from home. They also show you how schooling at home works for them. You could also learn about activities that are proper for the age of your children and the ones they would like to participate in, these include clubs, sports, tutoring, and others that suit the interest of your child.

During weekly meetings online, parents could opt into teaching a particular subject like one that is foreign or to create a science lab for a group of students.

Get Your Own Homeschooling Space

Your classes can’t be conducted on the table in the kitchen; you’ll need a desk and a board for writing on. Also, you’ll need empty wall spaces where calendars, schedules, and completed work could be posted. You’ll need a computer nearby that’s connected to the internet for research. You need to get organized and purchase bookshelves and cabinets for your third grader. If you want to keep loose school supplies handy, you’ll also need organizational baskets too.

These unprecedented times are difficult, but there are plenty of resources to help you teach third grade while homeschooling your kids.

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How to Be a Calm Parent

Parents have many obligations to our family members, which can get very stressful and overwhelming. But we need to stop letting our emotions keep getting the best of us. We all know being a parent is not an easy task.

When parents get too frustrated, they may get angry and scream at their kids. Losing control is not a good thing. That’s why you may need to learn how to become a calm parent. Studies have shown that yelling at your kids may make them verbally and physically aggressive later in life. However, if you’re a parent who tries to be calm and patient, you’ll make your children feel accepted and loved, even when they are acting badly. It’s a healthier behaviour.

How to Be a Calm Parent and Find Peace

You can learn to manage your anger and practice a more peaceful parenting strategy using these techniques.

Think of the Negative Impact of Being Angry

If you feel yourself wanting to get angry and burn the world down in the short run, you’ll cause more damage than intended. Before yelling at your kids, think about what would happen when you’re not angry anymore. Try deep breathing techniques to calm down and think before you act or react.

A Timeout is Necessary

Timeouts are not just for kids. We as adults also need short breaks so our minds and brains calm down. Giving yourself some time to reason things out will help you be a calm parent. In the end, you’ll make better decisions.

It’s OK to Make Mistakes

When you feel it is okay, let your kids make their own decisions and make mistakes. It isn’t your goal in life to correct everything and make everything perfect. It is your responsibility to educate them between wrong and right. Even though you can’t control their choices daily, be sure they’ll have to learn from the consequences so your kids can make better decisions in the future.

Take Some Time for You

When you’re stressed, you may take out your frustrations on your kids. That’s why it’s important to take time for yourself too. This could mean taking a walk around the neighborhood, taking a hot bath, or drinking some calming tea. We recommend Yogi Tea’s Calming Tea and VPK Maharishi Ayurveda’s Vata Tea Calming. Do whatever works for you, so you can feel well rested and balanced. Then you can be your best self for your kids.

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Child Abuse Public Service Announcement

Every April marks the annual recognition of the National Child Abuse Prevention. This is to concentrate on letting people know the ways through which they can help stop children from being abused or disregarded.

Most children are getting abused on a regular basis and the painful thing about it is that they are being abused by individuals whom they trust and are looking up to. Some of the abusers are close relatives, neighbors, teachers, fathers, even brothers, and sisters.

The abused children are usually made to keep shut by the very persons who impose damage. They are being warned not to speak to anyone concerning their misfortune and it’s really depressing. This makes it virtually difficult to get help for them else, their abusers will fish them out and make life more horrible for them.

If you do a close survey of the environment you are living in, you will find out that:

●  About 5 children are living with people who aren’t their parents and they constantly get abused.

●  3 out of 5 girls and 2 out of 5boys are always abused sexually. Ask them questions, and you will be shocked that they are yet to be 18.

●  More children are dying every day as a result of abuse and rejection from people they once trusted and called their own.

●  There’s a young lad that’s always popping out with injuries, bruises that can’t be explained, belt marks and terrifying cuts.

●  There’s this child that hardly identifies with his/her mates and is easily withdrawn. Those are one of the signs of an abused child.

●  A certain child is always late to school or never goes at all.

●  There are also children with Injuries that often go untreated.

And if you carry on with your survey, who knows what else you might find?

How You Can Help?

A child isn’t for just one person to raise. You can help prevent child abuse by rendering assistance to an abused child. Children that were abused, grow up to become angry people who tend to end up with a high level of low self-esteem, they also become perpetual abusers. Child abuse doesn’t have to be a physical or violent one before it can be termed one. Everyone has an important function to perform in the prevention of child abuse. To help in preventing child abuse, you need to:

●  Report the abuser to the appropriate authorities.

●  Allow a child to confide in you.

●  If you are opportune to get close to an abused child. Be calm and subtly allow them to tell you their experience.

For parents who found themselves in this evil, it’s advised that you go for parenting classes and seek the help of a therapist. If you are stressed out because of your job, health, relationships, etc. You should get a hold on yourself and understand that your child isn’t the one to pay for it.

In all you do, ensure that you establish an environment that can perfectly harbor children in good health, also endeavor to educate children in and around your vicinity. If you have access to the authorities, do not hesitate to channel your complaint there concerning an abuser.

Help prevent child abuse!

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Why You Should Consider Autism Parenting Classes

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological disorder that comes with broad symptoms. It tends to affect the brain, behavior and communication skills of people with it. There are different kinds of ASD, some are minor while others require that you give it huge attention and time.

Parents of an autism patient, find it really tough to pull through this,  during the first few months of childbirth. The trauma takes a special toll on the mother who clearly didn’t expect that her child will turn out that way. I mean a mother goes through the different cycles of pregnancy and no one educated her on the possibility of her birthing a disordered child.  But it has happened, and I bet the next question on your mind is: How do I care for my child with autism?

Having to take care of a child with autism of any other kind of neurological disorder, is usually one of the toughest parts of parenting. You can’t tell what your child is thinking, what he wants, or what he’s currently feeling. Oftentimes, children born with autism tend to be violent and display some really disturbing attributes and you can’t do anything to stop it. If this ever sounds like your current situation, then there’s a means that will help you understand and care for your autistic child with love. Have you thought about enrolling for Autism parenting classes?

Autism Parenting Classes

Taking care of an autistic child can be hard but to crack. You need to constantly try to understand the child which most times, you end up not being productive. Autistic children are children with special needs and special needs require special care.

Autism parenting classes are organized in order to let parents understand the basics of ASD, how to care especially for an autistic child, how to understand them and how to successfully live your normal life while caring for a child with autism. Autism parenting classes are different from the typical parenting classes. It’s a unique class that concerns itself with autism lessons and only autism lessons.  Here are some of the reasons you should consider taking autism parenting classes:

●  It lets you in on the strategies used in reducing behavioral problems.

●  Tips on how to use pictures to communicate effectively.

●  How to ensure that your child is safe at home and in the community.

●  Ways you can reach out to other parents with an autistic child for support.

●  How to make you and your child cope.

●  How to form a healthy routine.

●  How to respond to your child’s behavior and not make things worse.

●  Strengthening behavior appropriately.

●  Understanding things that can cause pain, sickness, etc and how to properly attend to them.

Most parents of autistic children find it difficult to communicate, comprehend or understand what their children go through because autistic children don’t convey words, emotions, feelings, and gesticulations.

That’s why Attending autism parenting classes is recommended because it’s the best thing any parent can do for them and their autistic child. So if you are in these shoes, it’s advice you consider enrolling, because there are high doses of benefits for you.

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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.