For Moms 7 Symbolic Gifts: A Meaningful 1st Birthday For Baby Girls 4:25 PM 7 Symbolic Gifts: A Meaningful 1st Birthday for Baby Girls I have another goddaughter! She's as adorable as any baby girl turning one could be. While I couldn't attend the party, I sent her (parents) my symbolic presents for her first birthday. The one-year-old birthday star may not fully appreciate the gift selection yet. But choosing a present that holds deeper meaning is ideal. Plus, if you've been invited, especially if you're attending, it's awkward to go with empty hands, right? So plan ahead! Symbolic gifts are more heartwarming, and they make the best keepsakes.Why It's Important to Celebrate the First BirthdayThe first birthday isn't just another day. It's the first of many milestones for your child and worth celebrating. The baby girl – or boy – isn't a tiny newborn anymore but an active, exploring, and growing personality. It's a moment of immense pride and joy for everyone involved.A first birthday celebrates survival and thriving for both parents and baby. It marks a year of sleepless nights, first steps, and giggles. This monumental milestone calls for a special celebration. And what better way to commemorate this day than with a well-thought-of symbolic gift?What are symbolic gifts?Symbolic gifts are more than just cute presents. Or something you picked up at the store at the last minute. They are tokens of sentiment, affection, and hope for the child's future. They go beyond the surface level to become lifelong keepsakes that carry more profound meanings, capturing the essence of this remarkable milestone.📸: Internet Marketing AdHow to Choose Baby's First Birthday GiftsSelecting the perfect gift for a baby girl's first birthday may seem daunting. Don't fret. When choosing symbolic gifts, it's essential to consider these factors:The child's growth and development.Focus on the 'meaning' behind the present rather than the price tag. Choose a gift that holds sentimental value and will be cherished for years. Pick gifts that foster learning, creativity, or emotional growth. If you need symbolic gift ideas for girls on their first birthday, here are seven I recommend: 7 Unique Symbolic Gifts for Baby Girl's 1st Birthday 1. Personalized Baby Bracelet: Delicate and PreciousOne of the best symbolic gifts you can consider is a personalized item. The most common of which is a customized baby's bracelet. It's delicately crafted with love, carrying the baby's name or her birthstone. Think of it as a chic baby bling that doubles as a treasured keepsake. What's the symbolic gift meaning behind this item?Personalized Baby Bracelet MeaningConnection to family and heritage. It can be passed down through generations, serving as a beautiful heirloom. Any customized item, especially jewelry, shows you have put in the time and effort, showing your fondness and love for the cute recipient.You don't have to splurge on customized jewelry. There are dazzling but reasonably priced ones like this necklace I got from oNecklace. 2. Baby's First Tree: Grow and FlourishBaby's first tree is an unconventional choice but is more than just a cute symbolic gift. It impacts and benefits the planet where your little girl will grow.This can be a little sapling that you plant on their first birthday. It's tangible that can flourish alongside your little one. A gift that literally grows with the child!Or you can donate to organizations like One Tree Planted. For only $1, they will plant a tree in someone's name.Baby Tree Gift MeaningStands for growth, mirroring the child's journey from a little seedling to a towering personality.This represents longevity, showing the baby girl that her roots are strong and she can withstand any storm.Creates a connection to nature, instilling a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment from a tender age. 3. Personalized Storybook: A Beautiful Plot TwistOpen the magical world of stories with a personalized storybook. Create a delightful children's book featuring the birthday girl as the protagonist of her enchanting tale!This gift symbol does more than just entertain; it is an early introduction to the joy of reading. 📸: Internet Marketing AdPersonalized Storybook Gift MeaningFosters a love for learning.Sparks creativity from a young age.Reflects the unique journey of her life, celebrating her individuality.Hers is a unique and beautiful story for the world to read. 4. Custom Star Map: The Stars in Her ReachA custom star map is a brilliant way to commemorate the exact celestial configuration at the time and place of her birth. It's like capturing a snapshot of the heavens when they welcomed a new star - your baby girl! 📸: Internet Marketing AdCustom Star Map Gift MeaningMarks the distinct moment she came into the world, anchoring her existence in the universe's grand scheme. A constant reminder that the stars are within her reach, symbolizing that she can achieve anything she sets her heart on.Symbolizes the stellar human being she is becoming.5. First Art Set: Create and ImagineChoose non-toxic paints, big paper sheets, colorful crayons, and all the tools your little Picasso needs to start her creative journey. Although you need to read the label carefully and be cautious in choosing the art set (note: kid-friendly, non-toxic), remember to keep an eye on her so she doesn't eat them. This fun symbolic gift isn't just about messy fun and fingerprints all over the walls, although that's bound to happen. Check out its profound meaning below.Custom First Art Set Gift MeaningSymbolizes creativity and imagination.A platform for self-expression, encouraging exploration.Helps the little artist to communicate her thoughts and feelings through art. 6. Baby's First Savings Bond: Brighter FutureIt might seem like a grown-up gift for a one-year-old, but it's wise and practical. A savings bond is a financial instrument that, over time, will accumulate interest and can be a helpful contribution to her future education or any other endeavors. It is a gift that keeps on giving. "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it earns it … he who doesn't… pays it." -Albert EinsteinBaby's First Savings Bond Gift MeaningInvestment in her future. This means you believe in her potential and are willing to invest in her dreams. A promise of a secure future and a stepping stone for her to learn about the value of money as she grows older. 7. First Bible or Bible Stories, Cross, and Angel Figurines: Grow in FaithThese aren't ordinary books or toys. They're gentle introductions to faith, love, and morality, presented in a child-friendly manner. These symbolic gifts and their meaning will be much appreciated by a family who openly and actively celebrates their faith and wants to pass it on to the next generation. 📸: Internet Marketing AdBible and Religious Items Gift MeaningPlanting the seed of faith and a love for God and His creation.Instills values and virtues, serving as an early foundation for her spiritual journey.An expression of hope that she grows up to be a person of faith and good character, appreciating the divine love surrounding her.Bible and bible stories also cultivate the love for literature.TakeawayThese seven symbolic gifts for a 1st birthday go beyond the usual toys and clothes. They reflect your love and best wishes for the baby girl as she grows. They stand the test of time, morphing into meaningful keepsakes that capture the essence of her childhood, contributing to her rich life story. And isn't that the absolute joy of gifting? Seeing that your gifts have added enrichment to someone's life? I should know. My biggest love language is Gifts. Feeling crafty? Here are ten DIY gift ideas for baby girls from Rooney Sewing Patterns.This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!Question for YouHave you ever given or received a symbolic gift? Please share your recommendations and experiences in the comments below.
For Moms You Don't Have To Celebrate Mother's Day And That's Okay 4:40 PM You Don't Have To Celebrate Mother's Day And That's Okay Mother's Day is a special holiday honoring mothers and mother figures. But not everyone feels comfortable celebrating this day. Maybe you prefer not to celebrate this occasion. Or you're a "mother" who doesn't fit the traditional mold. Know that you don't have to celebrate Mother's Day, and that's okay.You may have had a complicated relationship with your mother or experienced the loss of one. You may not identify as a conventional mother but as a single parent, a non-binary parent, or a same-sex parent. You may be someone who has chosen not to have children or is struggling with infertility.Or maybe you've chosen to be a foster mom or mother of stray animals, providing them with a loving home.Whatever your situation, it's essential to recognize that motherhood comes in many forms, and all should be honored and recognized. Here's a heartwarming video from BBDO Asia featuring unconventional moms and the beautiful love they share with their kids. Prepare some tissues. You don't have to celebrate Mother's Day, and that's okay.Mother's Day should be a day of inclusivity and empowerment, not exclusion.If you don't like celebrating Mother's Day, know you are not alone. Your feelings are valid. It's okay to acknowledge and honor them. Take this day to focus on self-care and do something that brings you joy. Spend time with loved ones who support you and respect your feelings.If you're an unconventional mother, know that you are still amazing, just as you are. Your unique experiences and perspectives bring diversity and richness to motherhood. So celebrate your journey and the love you give to your children, regardless of how society may define motherhood.Let's celebrate everyone who gives their love unconditionally, regardless of their title or label. Celebrate Mother's Day. Or don't. No pressure. 😉
For Moms 5 Reasons To Splurge On High-End Appliances 4:36 PM 5 Reasons To Splurge On High-End Appliances When you buy appliances for your home, you often have to dip into savings. It can be tempting to buy the cheapest fridge or dishwasher in the market. But there are good reasons why you should splurge on high-end appliances. Here are 5 of them.1. Longer lasting and easier to fix.High-end appliances tend to last longer than their cheap counterparts. It's because high-end brands spend more time and money researching, testing, and making their products.There's still a chance that high-end appliances will break. But fixing them is cheaper. A cheap fridge might need replacing when it breaks. But for a high-quality fridge, like a Frigidaire fridge, you can find parts to fix your high end fridge easily. Giphy2. They have all the features you need and want.Need a dishwasher with a self-cleaning filter?Or a stove with built-in ventilation?Do you wish you could preheat your oven so it’s ready to use when you come home? You could connect a smart oven to your WiFi so you could turn it on remotely.The features you need and want are there when you splurge on top-quality appliances. High-end appliances come with features you didn’t think you needed...but you'll soon realize that you can’t live without them. Giphy3. High-end appliances are cheaper in the long-run.Your $900 fridge lasts three years. But a $2000 fridge could last ten.If you think about it, you’re actually saving money by spending more upfront.The cheap fridge costs $300 per year. But you're only paying $200 per year for the high-end fridge.High-end appliances are more energy-efficient. Meaning you’ll save on your bills. Some older models are huge energy wasters. Maybe it's time to upgrade? Giphy4. High-end appliances look great.We all want our home decor to be inviting and stylish. A cheap microwave could stick out like a sore thumb in your pristine modern kitchen. High-end appliances often have a sleeker look. Want a pink fridge or a matching toaster and kettle set? You can find quirky and colourful appliances if you like. Many high-end appliances can be built into or integrated into your home. A fridge can be subtly tucked away behind a door. A dishwasher can be perfectly slotted under your kitchen counters.They'll look better than bulky standalone appliances.Ikea Blogger5. You deserve to splurge on high-end appliances.If the cost-effective, stylish, features-driven, and long-lasting qualities of high-end appliances still haven’t convinced you to invest...Remember: you deserve a high-end appliance!You’ll be amazed by how much splurging on appliances that you use every day could transform your life. It'll make your life easier and better!GiphyNot all high-end appliances are made equal. But there's a reason why they are worth it. This doesn’t mean that you should buy the most expensive stove or dishwasher next time. Do your due diligence. Research and compare.Splurge on high-end appliances but make sure you choose efficiency, lifespan, and essential features over everything else.What's the most expensive appliance you've ever bought? 😀
For Moms Choosing Educational Toys For Your Kids 1:29 PM We all love to see our children playing. The smiles on their faces put smiles on ours. Their joy is infectious. Not to mention the fact that play is one of the ways our children learn new skills. It is great that doing something they love also helps them later in life. Many parents see this and makes sure that their kids have access to plenty of toys---specifically designed to help them to learn. For example, alphabet bricks that help them to learn their ABCs. Research shows that these types of toys speed up the learning process. So, it is worth adding a few to your child’s toy chest. You can use this short guide to help you buy the right ones. Choosing Educational Toys for Your Kids Buy toys that are designed for your child’s age group A good starting point is this website. This toy retailer has categorized the toys they sell by age group. Something which is incredibly helpful. It enables you to immediately narrow down the options. You just need to browse the appropriate category and pick out the educational toys. Shop on toy sites that categorize toys by skill set Even better, that site has also started to organize the toys that they sell into learning categories. At the time of this writing, they have separate lists for science-related, engineering, creative, and adventurer toys. Providing you with another quick way to find items that your children can play with to boost specific skill sets. Ask their teachers for recommendations The next time you go to a teacher-parent evening, ask whether there are any toys you can buy to bolster your child’s understanding of each subject they are taking. This will enable you to know, for example, whether it is worth buying your child a play chemistry set or not. Often, you will be surprised by which toys have true educational merit, and which ones are not worth the money. Listen to other parents Other parents are always a great source of information. But, there is no need to stick with those in your immediate circle. Tapping into parenting forums from across the world is an effective way to pick up all kinds of tips and tricks. Including how to support your child’s learning through play. Start with this list, or do a simple search while signed into different country versions of Google. Read the research If you have the time, it is also worth reading this. It summarizes some of the recent research that has been carried out into learning through play. However you choose your child’s educational toys, have fun doing it. Look for things you can play with together. Kids love nothing better than having fun with their parents. So, be sure to choose a few educational toys you will enjoy as well. Art and craft packages, as well as STEM toys are a great example of something you can do together and both learn while doing so. Do you have a hard time choosing educational toys for your kids? Follow these tips and enjoy your playtime with them as they learn.
For Moms 4 Important Things To Remember About The Donor Egg Process 10:00 PM 4 Important Things To Remember About The Donor Egg Process Trying to get pregnant naturally or through IVF with no success?Many couples are exploring other infertility options, like the donor egg process.Talking to professionals who care about your fertility issues should be your first step in exploring infertility options.What is the donor egg or egg donation process? Egg donation is a procedure wherein a fertile woman donates an egg, or oocyte, to another woman to help her conceive.Why donor eggs?The donor egg or egg donation process eradicates any issue a woman may have with her eggs – age-related problems, early menopause, genetically-transmitted diseases, or lack of success with traditional IVF (linked to the quality and/or quantity of her eggs).What can you expect with the egg donation process?No need to worry because the donor process is safe and painless as it’s done with anesthesia or painkillers.The donor takes medication to stimulate her ovaries and stop her menstrual cycle.The recipient will then start taking estrogen to develop her uterine lining. The embryo(s) will be transferred to the recipient five days after fertilization.Learn more about the medical egg donation process here.Here are four essential things to remember when choosing the donor egg process.1. Take your time in finding the egg donorTake your time choosing your egg donor. Instead, take your time to find the right one. Carefully consider accepting egg donations from relatives and close friends. Think about the consequences.It may seem reassuring to use the eggs of someone you know, but many prefer donors from an egg bank. Egg donation is no joke and would impact your relationship with the donor. From awkward dynamics within the family to debates over what role the donor should play in your child’s life, children can get complicated and may lead to issues. Using an egg bank donor removes these possible complications. You’ll be able to see your donor’s childhood or adult photographs, learn about her characteristics, and see her education, career, and life achievements. Things to ask yourself when choosing an egg donor: Would you choose someone who closely resembles you and your spouse? Would you prefer someone with the qualities you admire and hope your child will possess? 2. Fresh or Frozen Donor Egg? Which is better, fresh or frozen donor egg? The fresh egg donation process is a lengthier procedure. This is because you need time to synchronize cycles with your donor. Frozen donor eggs are readily available. Two weeks after transferring the fertilized embryo(s) to your uterus, you’ll need to go to the clinic for a pregnancy test and ultrasound. What’s next? Your pregnancy! 3. Prepare yourself. After going through the donor egg process...Be ready for your new role, mama!Eat food that is best for you and your developing baby.Ask your doctor what exercise is best for your condition to keep your body strong and healthy.After giving birth, learn how to be present for your child.Motherhood is the most challenging job in the world, but you’re superb.You got this! 4. Create a happy environment. Prepare your home and hearts for your new bundle of joy.The donor egg process may take a while, from planning, processing, looking for a suitable donor, and deciding, but it’s all worth it.A new angel will be coming into your lives.Don’t overlook the vital preparation part.From baby-proofing your home to finding the best baby essentials to putting your baby to sleep, it’s best to be ready.Create a happy and healthy environment for your new baby.To receive the news that you’re unable to conceive is heartbreaking.Thankfully, science is here.The donor egg process can help. But first, remember these four things and discuss them with your partner. Then, when you’re ready, talk to a fertility expert.
For Moms Finding Solutions To Planning A Family Trust 9:07 PM Thorny Problems and Solutions All of us at one time or another have reached a dead-end.In making an estate or trust plan, for example, there are many things to consider. At times like this, it is good to consider getting outside help and a square-headed advisor who is a professional. Finding Solutions to Planning a Family Trust Estate Planning Professionals Estate planning is needed as part of planning your final days, so you want to find the right people to help you. There are professional trust advisors available to help with these estate plans. For example, there is a dynasty trust by Anderson Advisors. Anderson Advisors has helped many clients plan all the details of their final estate and how it will be divided among family members. Correcting Mistakes Nothing is perfect in life. When we plan, we often make mistakes. The reason a trusted advisor is important is that they are trained in final preparations and know the legal information that will affect our planning. If we have made a mistake in our planning, it will be noticed by our professional advisors when we show them our plans. Making a family trust without mistakes would require us to be professional estate planners. It is much easier to give the heavy lifting of all the details to our trusted financial advisor. Thinking Through Our Legacy When it's time to plan your family legacy and how we will be remembered, you begin to have more questions than answers. What is a Trust? What is the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust? Then there are the unique needs and spendthrift trusts which you plan to use but don't know enough about. What to do? You find that setting up a trust and going through a probate court to establish a beneficiary of your assets may require months or years. It dawns on you that seeking an advisor is the logical solution to getting the right ideas that will allow you to make the right decisions. Free Estate Planning Help There's plenty of help that's free on the internet.You can Google "estate planning" and get free advice. Or, you can visit your local bank branch, which usually has financial advisors trained in estate planning. Making a phone call to your local bank will give you an understanding of what their process is and what documents you will need to get started. Visiting a Local Library Visiting a local library can be an excellent resource in getting the latest information on estate planning or getting a trust made. Your local librarians are trained in helping library patrons find the information they need. They'll make sure you find the most recent information you need to make a decision. Talking to Friends Do you have friends who have planned a trust or will? Speaking with someone you can trust or have a common interest as a close friend or relative will allow you to get a perspective of what you want to do. Once you share with someone, they can share their solution to solving a big problem like estate planning. There is no guarantee they will have an answer or that they'll understand what you are trying to do. But a compassionate ear in finding a needed solution will prove very helpful. Deciding on how to distribute your assets equitably throughout the family, and creating a legacy trust, may require speaking to a tax professional or legacy trust advisor. When Obstacles Show Themselves You will need to make decisions about trimming all the details in your life and settling accounts with everyone. Estate planning doesn't happen often. Knowing the essentials can help you make the right decisions. Presently, you are at a crossroads because you only have so many assets. You are planning to spread them around to members of your immediate family. You want to leave them a little something of your legacy.Find help and find solutions to planning a family trust as soon as you can.
For Moms You Deserve Whatever Makes You Happy 10:29 PM As a mom, you always put the needs of every family member ahead of your own. You work full time, take your children to sports and orchestra practice and still find time to keep your home neat and tidy and prepare healthy meals. While you are a super mom and a fantastic spouse, you also have needs too. Spending time on yourself by doing things that make you happy is just as important and will prevent you from developing feelings of resentment. You Deserve Whatever Makes You Happy Beauty Care Enduring lots of stress throughout the week can reveal itself on your face and leave you looking pale and old. At the end of the day, you are tired. However, it's important to keep up with a daily beauty regimen to maintain healthy skin. Using a gentle cleanser to keep your pores unclogged and a light moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated with allow you to wake up each day with soft supple skin that looks and feels terrific. Make Changes Most people have some part of their body that they would like to change. If, for example, you inherited the large family nose that dominates your face, and without it, you would feel much more attractive, then make the change. For instance, if you live in the Los Angeles area, dollars to doughnuts, a quick search will turn up a board-certified doctor in Beverly Hills who specializes in these types of beauty procedure. Feel Energized As a mother, you often feel tired midday from all the responsibilities that occupy your mind. The good news is that you can restore your energy rather quickly and without the need of consuming extra calories. Exercise of any sort, especially when it gets your blood pumping and accelerates the heart, releases endorphins that automatically give you a happy, almost euphoric feeling throughout your body. Suddenly the worries of the day exit and you have renewed energy. When this happens at work, leave the office for a few minutes and take a brisk walk. It will benefit you greatly. Take up a New Hobby Let's face it, the kids have their things to do; your spouse has his things of interest, so what about you? It's time to find something that interests you. Maybe you want to grow a flower garden, or take up painting or ceramics. Or, even possibly you want to get back into reading. The point is to do something that makes you happy. Date Night Out Moms often do everything for their children first and, without notice, leave their spouse to fend for themselves. This is not intentional, of course. If your love life is slowly losing its luster, it's time to remember that you were part of a couple first, long before you had children. A way to show that your loved one matters is to have a date night out away from the home once a month. It will give each of you a chance to reconnect and have some adult fun. Meditation De-stressing and keeping your body calm is important to sustaining good health. A great way to prevent a breakdown is to take a few minutes each day to meditate. Meditation allows you to connect the body and mind together as one, shutting out the world and all its confusion. A Restful Night's Sleep With thoughts racing through your mind as you lay your head on the pillow, you may experience nights where sleep is not achievable. Thankfully, there are ways to bring your mind to a state of calm naturally. Taking a hot bath with lavender or chamomile oils and playing soft music in the background will put you at ease and allow you to quickly fall asleep. You are a mother and a wife and you take your job seriously. However, you are also a human being with needs. If you learn to take care of you, then you will be able to better tend to your family without resentment.
For Moms 5 Cute Valentine's Day DIY Gift Ideas For The Whole Family 10:57 PM 5 Cute Valentine's Day DIY Gift Ideas For The Whole Family Most people think of Valentine's Day as a time to get romantic with their spouse. But the truth is, there is just as much fun for the kids as for the adults. So if you're a creative mom, why not get your kids in on some artsy and cute Valentine's Day DIY gift ideas for the whole family?Not only will these make for sweet gifts for your most cherished loved ones, but you'll be grateful for the memories you make as you get creative with your kids. 1. DIY Family Fun Book Do a family take on this "book of date" Valentine's Day DIY gift idea by compiling a list of fun family day activities you would like to do together. Buy construction paper and cut them into equal sizes. Decorate them with family idea vouchers such as: Going on a picnic Making a blanket fort in the living room before an unforgettable movie night Family board/video game night Go to the zoo Finish off your booklet by punching holes through the "coupons" and tying them together with string or stapling them together. 2. Chalkboard FramesThis cute Valentine's Day DIY gift idea involves a trip to the craft store. Buy an ornate picture frame. It can be as big or small as you like. Next, buy some chalkboard paint and a paintbrush. Carefully remove the glass from the frame and set it over scrap newspaper. Paint the glass with chalkboard paint. Once dry, put your glass back into the frame and write a cute message for your sweetheart or the kids. Take inspiration from this Picture Frame Style Chalkboard.3. DIY Valentine's Slime For this cute - and slimy - Valentine's gift idea for her, pick the glitter color of your choice, confetti hearts, liquid starch, and glitter glue. Here's how to make a DIY Valentine's Slime:Pour two cups of the glue into a mixing bowl and add in any extra glitter you like. Optional: Throw in some aromatic essential oils.Add two cups of liquid starch until you have reached your desired, slime-like consistency. Package this in an old glass candle jar or clear plastic container for a gooey, messy, fun DIY gift! 4. DIY Valentine's Treats Sometimes the best present you can give someone is something you make in your kitchen. Find your favorite sugar cookie or brownie recipe and have your kids help you gather and measure the ingredients. If you're making sugar cookies, roll out the dough and let your little ones go crazy with the heart-shaped cookie cutters. Supervise them closely and ensure it's not too hot before they handle it. You can make this an extra-special baking treat for the kids by dipping your cookies into melted chocolate and then dunking them into a separate bowl of sprinkles for a truly gourmet dessert. Here's a simple DIY Valentine's Day cupcake recipe from Ollie. 5. Reasons I Love You Envelopes Studies show that the couples who have the highest rate of marital satisfaction are those who regularly express gratitude for one another. Make this your reality by making this romantic DIY Valentine's gift idea for him. Start with 10 envelopes and write different titles on each of them. For example, "I love you because you can always make me laugh"Take out some fancy paper and write your sweetheart a letter about why you love them. Share a cute or funny memory together. Write out 10 different letters and get the kids in on it. Some ideas to write on this cute Valentine's Day DIY gift: I love you because... You are a great dad! I love you because... You sweep me off my feet. I love you because... You are weird, just like me.I love you because... You're my best friend. Valentine's Day DIY Gift Ideas for the Whole Family Do-It-Yourself gifts are a fantastic choice for this love-filled day because they come directly from the heart. Not only are they thoughtful, but the recipient of your gesture will love knowing that you put time and energy into making your cute Valentine's Day DIY gift. Author: Rachael Pace is a relationship expert with years of experience training and helping couples. She has helped countless individuals and organizations worldwide, offering effective and efficient solutions for healthy and successful relationships. In addition, she is a featured writer for Marriage.com, a reliable resource for supporting healthy, happy marriages. This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.Hero image
For Moms How Will Fostering Affect Your Family? 5:40 PM If you are interested in fostering, you will have to consider its short term and long term impact on your daily life. Whether you have a family or live by yourself, fostering will have an impact on your daily routine. Fostering is not an overnight decision and you need to consider how it will change your life before you make any decisions. There are some changes that are unique to fostering children and there are many others which occur when there is an addition of a new family member. How Will Fostering Affect Your Family? Needs Every child has their unique set of needs and a reason why they are in foster carer. There could be numerous reasons why children end up in fostering and the reason will have an impact on their behavior. Children might have gone through an abuse or neglect and this could have an impact on how they adjust in your home. Some of their behavior might be annoying or disturbing to you and it could also have a negative impact on other children in your home. You will have to consider how your children will behave with the foster child and how will their behavior impact your child. Are you willing to give up the evenings and weekends that you spent by yourself? Do you have the patience to allow the foster child to adjust in your home? Can you help the child process their feelings? You need to remember that the entire atmosphere in your home will change and you will have to spend more time looking after the children. You might have to give up your ‘me’ time in order to ensure that the foster child adjusts inside your home. Appointment As a foster parent, you will be responsible to ensure that the child always reaches on time for the appointment. You will have to take them to and fro and ensure that it does not disrupt your schedule. If you have a tight schedule, you will have to take out time for the child. There could be some last minute appointment as well and you will have to add them to your schedule. Fostering is not an easy job but it is the most rewarding job you will ever undertake. You can check here to learn more about fostering. Social Workers Your main point of contact for fostering will be the social workers who will make regular visits to your home. This is done in order to ensure that the family is adjusting with the child and they aim to check the well-being of the child. You should be prepared for regular visits from the social workers and you will have to let them in your home. Entertainment You might be a travel enthusiast and before fostering, might have traveled across the world without giving a care. With a foster child, you will have to get permission before you travel with them. You will have to speak to the social workers for day travels and if you wish to take the child out of the state, you will have to seek permission from the court. You also have to understand that there are restrictions in terms of entertainment activities as well. Foster children cannot participate in risky activities and sports without the permission from the social workers and the parents. Fostering will definitely change how you are as a person and how you travel or indulge in adventure activities. Schedule Your entire schedule will change with the addition of a child in your life. There will be a change in your routine due to the appointments, social worker visits and also your travel plans. Depending on the age of the child, you might not have a consistent schedule. If the child is an infant, you might have to constantly be there for them, they need to have food at a certain time, they need to be in bed at a certain time and you need to be around whenever they need you. Fostering means changing the various aspects of your home in order to meet the needs of the child. You might have to seek help from your family members to ensure that the foster child feels safe and comfortable in your home. Consider fostering only and only if you are ready for the changes in your daily routine and in your life. You need to understand the looking after a child is not an easy task and you will have to give all your heart and head into the process. If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
For Moms Top Ways To Keep On Top Of Household Stress This Winter 4:00 AM When trying to keep track of a household and ensure everything’s in tip-top shape, it can be easy to forget about yourself and let the stress get to you. Especially when the winter blues start to hit. If you’re juggling parenting, your job responsibilities, and generally looking after the household, keeping track of your health is important so you don’t burn out. Otherwise, you’ll be no help to anybody.If you want to keep on top of your household stress this winter, read on! 1. Create a chore rotation. One surefire way to lessen the stress at home is by setting out a chore rotation schedule.If you find that much of your time is spent cleaning up after your family and sharing the load, you will find that tidying and maintaining your household will become more manageable. Your children don’t have to get involved with every single household task, rather share the responsibility with some age-appropriate jobs they can do.This could be unloading the dishwasher twice a week, or tidying their room, for example. Teaching them the importance of taking responsibility and ownership for their mess will only stand them in good stead for later life. 2. Prepare your meals ahead. Meal prep is one aspect of running a household that can take up much time and mental energy.Make life easier for yourself by cooking large meals in bulk and putting food in the freezer to enjoy later in the week. One idea is to prep these meals on a Sunday when you have time. You’ll be grateful when you have had a particularly long day mid-week, and you can simply take out your pre-prepared food, defrost it and add some fresh veg! 3. Schedule some me-time. If you are a busy parent and work as well, it can be easy to get caught up in various tasks every day and find no time for yourself. This isn’t sustainable over a long period, especially as you won’t be the best parent you can be if you haven’t looked out for yourself first. That’s why it's important to ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, and take every opportunity to mentally and physically reset.This doesn’t mean you stop parenting – rather, you set some time aside, so you can let any stress or tiredness go and get back to doing what you do best.Check out The Chopra Center's meditation retreats which can be the perfect setting to switch off and let go. You’re only human and can benefit from much-needed time to rejuvenate and reset. 4. Budget when you can. You can take the stress out of running a household if you regularly track your finances. Doing this will stop you from finding yourself in a tight spot when you unexpectedly need money because of family car repair or household maintenance. Depending on how much you save, this can even go towards a family vacation or trip that everybody can enjoy.There will always be various tasks to juggle when you run a household, but by planning in advance, asking for help when necessary, and taking a break, you’ll soon find yourself less stressed. How do you keep your household stress level low during winter?
Dogs How To Keep Your Dog Happy While You Are At Work 7:00 PM How To Keep Your Dog Happy While You Are At Work You work hard to give your dog a good life. But dogs know when you’re leaving them for work. Puppy dog eyes get activated.No matter how much verbal reassurance you give your fur baby (complete with behind-the-ear scratches), the look of betrayal on their face never makes leaving easier. So, let’s look at ways to keep your dog happy while you're at work. How to Keep Your Dog Happy While You're at Work 1. Keep unsolicited callers away A knock at the door is usually enough to send most pooches into a mild panic. Barking, growling, excited running from room to room, and jumping up at the door is all part of the routine.But you'd rather this didn't happen especially if you're not there.There is quality Do Not Disturb signs out there that you can buy online. Keep your dogs at peace and happy while at work by keeping unsolicited callers away. 2. Turn on the TV Create a distraction by leaving the TV on.They may not be interested in the storylines in Friends, but the constant chatter on a medium volume should be enough to help keep your dog happy while you're away.Documentary channels in particular are a safe choice for all-day shows with their calming or neutral narration. 3. Hire a dog walker Hiring a dog walker is a great solution to your dog’s natural restless energies. A full walk could help them to peacefully nap.Check your local services online. There are great apps that you can download, hooking you up to professional dog walkers in your area.Let them go on a walk with a trusted dog walker so they can be entertained while you're working.4. Keep them calmDogs get antsy when you leave them at home. Before going to work, try to help your dogs relax. There are many ways you can calm your dog. Play relaxing music or leave the TV on.Give them their favorite toy or clothes with your scent.Check out natural supplements like some of the best CBD oil dogs need to relax.CBD has properties that affect your dog's brain receptors that produce soothing or calming effects.If you have the time, take them for a quick walk or play with them to release some of their energy. It will also make them tired so they'll rest while you're away. Extra Tip: Dogs love the company of other dogs. If you have the resources and the room to spare, look into adding a rescue dog to your family.Your local shelter has old dogs, young dogs, dogs of all sizes and breeds, and they’d all love the chance to go home with you today. This way you don't only keep your dog happy while you're at work. You also help save a life.
