Category: Parenting

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Mental Health Parenting

One In Six US Kids Now Has A Mental Illness. Here Are The Signs

A recent analysis showed that a whopping one in six US children now has a mental illness, the highest figure ever recorded. And it’s not just down to improved diagnostics. While there are more diseases listed in the DSM-5 than ever before, careful research shows that the trends we’re witnessing today are part of a broader deterioration in the health of kids under the age of 18. 

As a parent, these trends can be worrying. We don’t want our kids to get caught up in it and have to deal with a life of mental health problems. Unfortunately, though, these days they are difficult to ignore. 

North Kansas City Schools, an organization committed to supporting kids, is doing what it can to provide some relief. It is pushing for increased mental health services for young people so they can develop into healthy, positive, and productive members of society.

The problems are real, though, the organization says. Kids are experiencing depression, bullying, anxiety, and substance abuse at an alarming rate.

So what are the signs that parents should be on the lookout for in their children that might indicate emerging mental health problems?

Mental Illness
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Signs of Mental Illness In Kids

Regularly Getting Involved In Fights

If your kids regularly get involved in fights, it could be a sign of mental health issues. However, if they are on the receiving end of aggression, they are at higher risk of PTSD, depression, and other symptoms associated with physical bullying. If they are actively trying to attack other children, then it might indicate a psychiatric problem that needs addressing as soon as possible.

Repeated Use Of Substances

No child should be consuming alcohol or drugs, but it happens regularly, particularly during the teenage years. Kids begin experimenting and find themselves wrapped up in situations they don’t want to be in.

However, if a child regularly uses these substances, it could indicate a mental health issue. They may be trying to escape the pain they feel by putting alcohol or drugs in their body.

Not Eating

Not eating is another common sign of a mental health issue. Children will sometimes reject food to make themselves feel more powerful. They may also do it if they have body image issues or want to harm themselves. 

Overwhelming Fears Without An External Cause

It’s normal for children to feel fearful when confronted with a real threat to their health and wellbeing. However, if you notice that they seem to get scared for no reason, it might be a symptom of a psychiatric disorder. Worried parents should go to a psychiatrist for a proper evaluation. 

Difficulty Concentrating

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Trouble focusing on a particular task is another common sign of mental health issues. If you notice that your child seems to be constantly dozing off or daydreaming when they should be learning, then they may have ADHD. Again, you’ll need to take them to a specialist to confirm this. 

Drastic Changes In Personality Signifies Mental Illness In Kids

Lastly, you may notice drastic changes in your child’s personality. If this happens, it could indicate a severe psychiatric episode.

How to Help Your Child Cope With Mental Illness

If your child has a mental illness, you can help them cope. You can get through it together, and it’s best to involve your family in the process. Here are some of the ways you can help them cope:

  • Listen to what your child is telling you, and don’t try to convince them of anything else.
  • Remind them that you’re on a team as you get through the hard times
  • Remember that you might need outside help for them
  • Ask your child what they need to feel safer
  • Reassure them that you’re not going anywhere
  • Set boundaries
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Family Activities How To Our Family Parenting

5 Ways to Create Meaningful Cherished Moments with Your Family

Your family is the most important thing in the world. No matter what happens, they are the ones that will stay with you for the rest of your lives. Having children and starting a family is no easy task. You’ll want to make them feel safe, secure, and protected. Plus, you want to make the childhood one that they can cherish and look back at fondly. To do this, you must create cherished moments with your family.

Plan things that will give you cherished moments that you will remember for the rest of your lives. These moments are something that holds even the most broken families together. We keep thinking about investing our time here and there, but we should be investing our time most of all with our families. All of this activity planning does not have to be very complicated.

You can plan some activities that will create a strong bond between the members of your family. It just has to be a bit strategic so that everything goes as smoothly as you planned in the first place. Here are some of the best ways to create meaningful and cherishable moments with your family.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Cherished Moments, Cherished Moments with Your Family
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How to Create Meaningful Cherished Moments with Your Family

1. Plant a Garden as a Family

One of the best activities to do as a family is getting your hands dirty with each other! You can encourage even the smallest members of your family to help in any way they can. Some family members can dig a patch to plant vegetables or flowers in the backyard. Some can help clean up, while others can be a part of the fun. Nothing will feel more rewarding than watching everything you planted blossom and grow. Watching the plants bloom will be a symbol for your children since they are blossoming with each passing day as well.

It will not only make every member of your family cherish the things that we get from mother nature, but it will also make you grow closer. Plus, it teaches your children endearing qualities such as patience and hard work. It helps them persevere through different areas in life as they learn to keep the garden at optimal conditions. You will also make quite some memories along the way.

2. Plan a Trip Together

Planning a trip together does not mean that you plan it with your significant other and leave your kids out of the decisions. Instead, let your children in on the decision-making process. You can make up an entire budget and then geographically select the locations where that budget would go perfectly. Then you can ask your children to choose the places they want to visit and the activities they would like to do.

They can make up a whole day of it by researching some attractions that they would love to see. You should also check the weather report for those days if you plan outdoor activities. Making your children a part of this decision will make them feel loved, trusted, and responsible. It will also be a wonderful memory for them to cherish in the future.

3. Plan a Photoshoot With Your Family

If you want to preserve some family memories, the best way is to schedule a family photoshoot. Try to do this when your child has just been born so that you can truly capture their innocent essence in the photograph. It is tough to dress up your baby and take them for a photoshoot, especially when they are uncomfortable. However, that is why it is best to choose an option that will let you do it from your home. Many professionals can do in-home newborn photography for your newborn child. They can even capture candid moments that you will love. You can get a shoot done with your immediate family or get every relative that lives nearby involved.

4. Cook Food Together to Create Cherished Moments

We all know how important it is to have at least one meal together as a family. It brings a lot of closeness between family members. Many studies have shown that children who cook food with their parents do better academically, have higher self-esteem, and even lower obesity. You also get a chance to sit down and talk about daily topics with your children, opening lines of communication.

Take this one step further and cook some meals as a family whenever you get the time to do it. Not only does this teach your children an essential skill, but it also gets you many wonderful memories together. You can get one recipe book that you love and assign one task to everyone.

5. Make One Day a “Family Holiday”

There are so many days that we celebrate. Children’s day, mother’s day, and father’s day are all great, but none of them are dedicated to your whole family. What would be better than assigning one day in the year as a family holiday? This day should be dedicated to unique traditions you have as a family, such as a poem for each family member, special food, and even activities. Come up with surprise activities to honor each family member and show how much you cherish each other. It is a tradition that your children will also pass down to their own.

Create Meaningful Cherished Moments with Your Family

It is essential to create cherished moments with your family while your kids are young. Cherished moments have a positive impact on their future life, and they’ll create memories that they remember forever.

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Health Healthy Living Parenting

3 Safe and Effective Ways to Treat Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches during pregnancy are tricky because you can’t take just any pain reliever to ease the pain. It’s an aspect of pregnancy that many women don’t think about until they’re in the midst of a painful headache and find themselves unsure of what to do.

If you’re pregnant and experience severe headaches, know you’re not alone. Studies show that more than 39% of women experience headaches during pregnancy. There are different types of head pain you may experience, including:

  • Tension headaches
  • Migraine headaches
  • Cluster headaches
  • Sinus headaches

Medical experts say that women often experience tension headaches during the first trimester due to the fluctuation of hormones. However, by the second trimester, the pain decreases because the hormones are steadily high.

However, if you experience chronic pain during your pregnancy, don’t panic. Here we will discuss some of the best and safe tips to cure your pain during your pregnancy.

How to Treat Headaches During Pregnancy
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How to Treat Headaches During Pregnancy

Track Your Triggers

During pregnancy, you have to be careful about choosing the proper diet. While some foods are healthy, they have the potential to trigger your pain. For example, cutting down on cheese can be your best bet. It is rich in protein, but it can also trigger migraines.

Aged cheeses are high in tyramine- a natural chemical found in some foods. Tyramine trigger migraines by constricting and dilating blood vessels.

Therefore, medical experts emphasize following the below diets:

  • Eat vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, kale, etc.
  • Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, chia seeds, walnuts, etc.
  • Limit sodium to less than 2300 mg/day.

Making a few changes in your diet may help you reduce severe migraines.

Go For Natural Remedies

Most women prefer to take painkillers to cure migraine and head pain during pregnancy. Remember, not all medications are safe – some medicines contain drugs that may cross the placenta and reach the fetus and cause damage. The possible effects include developmental delay, intellectual disability, and birth defects.

For that reason, opting for natural remedies can be your wise move. Natural remedies may help prevent migraine attacks or at least help reduce their severity and duration.

  • Acupuncture – This is one of the best natural remedies for headaches used for various therapeutic purposes. Your practitioner will insert needles into your body to address migraines in this process.
  • Apply Lavender Oil – Lavender oil can be inhaled or diluted with a carrier oil and applied in small amounts to your temples.
  • Yoga: This age-old technique improves anxiety, releases tension in migraine-trigger areas, and improves vascular health.

These natural remedies are safe for you and your baby. However, if these remedies don’t work, it is wise to consult a doctor.

Use A Cold Compress

During pregnancy, migraine occurs when blood vessels expand in the head. A cold compress tightens the blood vessels and shrinks the cells, relieving the pain.

You can use an ice pack to make a cold compress at home. All you need is a clean towel and a bowl of cold water. Put the towel in water and squeeze out extra water. Lie down and place the towel on your forehead and eyes, and press it gently.

Treat Headaches During Pregnancy

A headache is something that makes you uncomfortable at any time. But, it can be a significant source of inconvenience, especially when you are pregnant.

To sum it up, follow the tips mentioned above to get instant relief from headaches. However, if your pain gets worse, consult a doctor immediately.

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Family Activities Home Our Family Parenting

The 6 Great Benefits of Removing the TV From Your Home

Have you ever thought about getting rid of the TV? It might have crossed your mind, especially if you’ve got kids fighting over the remote. If you are trying to make your household a better one, is removing the television a solution to try? While TV isn’t the root of all evil, there are many benefits to actually removing the television.

Benefits of Removing the TV

You Will Spend More Time Together

When you don’t congregate around the television, the living room serves a different purpose. It becomes a space where you spend time focusing on one another. You can play games, talk, and enjoy each other’s company. There will be times when you want to watch something, but you can always go out to the movies. If money is tight and you’ve got a Mac, there are many ways that you can start adding movies to iTunes for a treat. Instead of having the TV as your visual and emotional focus, removing it and using movies as a treat can make a big difference. 

Your Kids’ Education Will Improve

A better education is one of the best things about removing the TV. Whether your child is attending a traditional school, a cyber charter school, or you are homeschooling them, it’s something that they will put more effort into if you ensure that there is no TV in the house. You’ll likely notice results quickly.

You Can Start Your Day Without Kids TV

Removing the television can shock the system, especially if your kids want to watch their favorite shows. You probably also have an iPad or a phone where you could give your children the opportunity to watch things. Plus, you’ll have times you want to give in because you’re tired. However, what you can do here is gradually ease off over time.

When your child doesn’t need to watch something first thing in the morning, they naturally start gravitating towards their toys. It allows for a more creative way to start the day. If they can play in their room while you relax in the living room with your cup of coffee, it’s a win-win! 

Your Child Will Play With More Toys

Most children have too much stuff. When your child doesn’t play with any of their toys, not only is this a massive waste of money, but it could be that they’re spending all their time watching TV. If your child only plays with these toys for a few minutes, removing the TV could mean your child starts playing again. Additionally, this could spark their imaginations even more. It is an amazing way to start filling in the gaps in their mind. This means that rather than sitting down and watching TV that force-feeds all sorts of information, they are now using their brains in different ways. 

You Will Have More Time for Other Things

The benefits are not just for the kids! Without a TV for distraction, you’ll have more time to do other things. You could play with your kids, start reading more, and spend time developing yourself. Spending more time with them will strengthen the bond while taking time for yourself can help you achieve more with your life.

You Will Have More Time With Your Significant Other

Sure, you may still feel tempted to watch Netflix in bed, but if you’re trying to practice what you preach as a parent, you can spend more time with your partner talking and getting quality one-on-one time.

While quality time is one of those important things in life, you may not like the idea of canceling your Netflix subscription. But the thing to remember is that TV doesn’t have to dominate your life. You can take the opportunity to do other things that benefit you both as a couple. Everybody has been there; they’ve had such a terrible day that they need to relax and focus on something mindless. However, having quality time with the other person and possibly venting will be more productive in the long run.

You’ll Think About the Quality of the TV You Watch

When you watch shows as a distraction, removing the TV gets you thinking about the quality of what you watch. If there’s an upcoming event you want to watch, you can make a plan for watching it ahead of time. Reaching for the remote is such an easy option, but without a TV, you’ll have to decide what’s worth making a plan for.

Recap: Benefits of Removing the TV

If you are trying to make a home more suitable for your children, you may think that getting rid of the TV is a very extreme response. However, if you spend a lot of your time in front of devices, it might be worth it. You never know — you might be surprised how your lives change!

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Learning Parenting

4 Easy Steps To Support Your Child’s Learning This Year

Most parents have taken a more active role in educating their children over the last two years. Whether your kids have gone back to school or you’ve decided to homeschool, it’s beneficial to be proactive in supporting your child. Here are some steps you can take to support your child’s learning and make it fun and accessible. 

Support Your Child's Learning
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How To Support Your Child’s Learning

Ask for opinions and ideas

One of the best ways to help your kids get more out of studying or learning is to encourage them to share opinions and ideas. Ask them for feedback about activities you’ve tried together or resources or topics they’ve used or covered at school. Then, let them express what they want to learn about and how they want to learn it. There is no universal manual for education, and some kids respond better to different ways of learning than others.

Try a range of activities

Many parents will be familiar with traditional learning techniques, including reading books and using exercise books to hone reading, writing, and math skills. There is still a place for conventional learning methods, but you can also vary the activities. You can find a huge range of resources available to children, teachers, and parents. Many kids are used to online learning, and there are some great platforms and websites they can use to discover different subjects and explore new ways of learning. Check out options like Age of Learning, read reviews from parents and educators, and look for resources via search engines and social media. In addition to online resources, you can also add active and outdoor pursuits and creative activities. 

Tailor learning to your child

Children learn differently, have different interests, and respond to techniques differently. Try to tailor activities to your child. Play to their strengths, highlight areas, topics, or concepts that they find difficult, and try to find ways to break down information and help them to understand better. Children learn better when they can see how things work, for example. Practical activities like making a model, seeing animals and plants in the natural world, and doing scientific experiments can often help to simplify written information, and they can also be fun.

Set realistic goals

Every parent wants their child to do well at school, but there’s a difference between supporting and encouraging your child and putting pressure on them. Set realistic goals, manage your expectations, and ensure they know that what matters is trying their best. Encourage hard work, but try to avoid pushing too hard. Be there to reassure your children and help them to learn. It’s essential that they feel able to talk to you openly and share any worries or concerns.

Support Your Child's Learning
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Support Your Child’s Learning

All parents want the best for their kids. It’s not always easy to help children learn and know how best to support them. If you’re homeschooling or want to help at home after school, make learning fun. Use learning resources, various activities, involve your kids in planning, and make sure you have realistic goals and expectations.

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Big Kid For the Home Home Parenting

5 Easy Ways to Turn Your Home into A Kid-Friendly Space

If you’re like most parents, you want your home to be a place where your kids can feel comfortable and have fun. However, it can be tough to create a kid-friendly and stylish space. Don’t worry, though, because you can turn your home into a space both you and the kids can enjoy.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Kid-Friendly Space
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How to Turn Your Home into A Kid-Friendly Space

Introduce Kid-Friendly Furniture

One of the best ways to make your home more kid-friendly is to add furniture specifically designed for children. Look for couches, chairs, and tables that are low to the ground so kids can easily climb on them. It’s also a good idea to choose colorful and playful furniture to appeal to kids and keep them off the good stuff.

You can also consider adding multi-purpose furniture if you’re short on space. For example, a coffee table with storage compartments can be a place to play games or do homework.

Create An Indoor Play Area

Another great way to make your home more kid-friendly is to create a designated play area. The play area can be as simple as clearing out a corner of the living room or as elaborate as converting an entire room into a playground.

One of the best things about having a designated play area is giving kids a place to call their own. When they have this space, it encourages them to spend more time there.

Improve On Your Current Space

If you have kids, your home is likely starting to feel a little cramped. The crowding can be worse if you don’t use every inch of space efficiently. One way to solve this problem is by remodeling your home to create more space.

There are many different ways you can do this, so be sure to explore all of your options. Some popular choices include living room remodeling, bedroom upgrades, or even basement transformations.

Use Wall Decals And Murals to Create a Kid-Friendly Space

One of the simplest and most affordable ways to make your home more kid-friendly is using wall decals and murals. These are wall stickers that can be applied to any surface. They come in a variety of designs that are perfect for kids.

Not only do wall decals add color and personality to your home, but they also help protect walls from damage. If you’re looking for a way to quickly and easily update your home, then consider using wall decals or murals.

Build The Kids An Outdoor Haven

Finally, one of the best ways to make your home more kid-friendly is by building them an outdoor haven. Setting up an outdoor space can be as simple as installing a playset in the backyard or adding a sandbox.

If you have the space and budget, you may also want to consider adding features like a swimming pool, a treehouse, or even a small pond. No matter what you choose, creating an outdoor haven will help them enjoy spending time outside at home.

Creating a Kid-Friendly Space

Creating a space that is both kid-friendly and stylish can be a challenge, but it’s definitely worth the effort. By following these tips, you can make your home more welcoming for your little ones while still enjoying it yourself.

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Adulting Healthy Living Parenting Things to Do

5 Perfect Activities For Parents That Need To Relax

Parents That Need To Relax

As a parent, relaxing time without the kids can be rare. It’s often so rare that when it comes, and the kids aren’t home, we don’t know how to spend it. The good news is you don’t have to waste any of your precious me-time working this out. Here are some of the perfect activities for parents that need to relax.

Parents That Need To Relax
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Activities For Parents That Need To Relax

Napping 

Yes, napping is number one on the list here because, as a parent, it’s rare we ever get enough sleep! However, a good nap without the threat of being woken up every few minutes can work wonders for the body and the mind.  

Make the experience special by making a warm drink, lowering the lights, and snuggling under your favorite blanket. You can even use sleep music or sounds like thunderstorms to help you gently drift off. Then you can wake up genuinely refreshed and relaxed at the end of your nap.

Meditation 

Mindfulness meditation is another great activity that can help you find relaxation. Primarily this is because it fosters a wider space between our thoughts and what we accept as fact, relieving stress. Although, in many cases, it needs to be a long-term habit, as when we meditate for the first few times the mind can be loud. 

However, if you are new to meditation and want an instant way to relax, try techniques like progressive muscle relaxation. Progressive muscle relaxation is when you follow a guided meditation that goes through each part of your body. It encourages you to tense each body part and then let go, helping your body and mind let go of tension and promoting relaxation.

Massage 

Similarly to progressive muscle relations, massage can be a great activity for relaxation. There are many benefits to getting a professional massage, including:

  • eliminating toxins from your systems
  • loosening knots and tensions
  • promoting a sense of relaxation and wellbeing

Cannabis products for parents that need to relax

When the kids are out of the house, some parents use cannabis products to aid relaxation. There are plenty of products to choose from, including oils, edibles, and prerolls. As parents, safety is always a prime concern, so it’s a good idea to get something like the doob tube PACK CASE as it’s certified child-resistant, adding an extra layer of protection for your little ones should their inadvertently come across your products. 

Find your flow 

Many people find it supremely relaxing to be engaging in an activity where they can get into a flow state. A flow state is all about being present and absorbed in the activity you are doing. Many different activities can help you achieve this flow state, including running, drawing, crafting, gardening, and even singing! 

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How To Life Our Family Parenting

11 Ways to Help Your Family Through a Tough Decision

Families are important to each of us, and sometimes they can be the most complicated people to help. Whether it’s a tough decision about health care, or something else entirely, there are ways for you to help your family. A few helpful tips can get them through this challenging time with less stress and more understanding. So here are six things that will help your family member when they’re trying to make a tough decision.

Help Your Family
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How to Help Your Family Through a Tough Decision

Stay Calm And Supportive

When someone you care about is going through a tough time, it’s essential to try not to get emotional. The loved one might be feeling so much stress already that they don’t need anyone else piling on more guilt or fear of a bad outcome. So remember, staying calm will help your family stay focused on what they’re trying to do. Supportive words will help them feel like they’re not alone in this.

Just be there for them, and let them know that you’re always available to talk if they need it. Sometimes just listening is the best thing you can do.

Help Your Family Gather Information

When someone is making a difficult decision, the best thing you can do is help them gather as much information as possible. Helping your family gather information might mean doing some online research or talking to experts in the field. Whatever it takes, let your family member know that you’re there to support them through this process. Reassure them that you want to make sure they make the best decision possible.

This step can be beneficial, especially if your family member feels overwhelmed or unsure of where to start. The more information they have, the easier it will be to decide. Help them make a list of pros and cons so they can decide. 

Don’t Push Them Into A Decision

One thing that people don’t always realize when going through a stressful time is how much pressure it can cause. When you try to push someone into making up their mind, they might feel like there isn’t anyone else in their corner. And this will only add more stress to an already difficult situation.

So try your best to avoid pressuring them, and let them take their time deciding what’s best for them. It might not be the answer you want to hear, but your loved ones must make this choice themselves.

Talk About Their Options

Even though it might feel like there’s only one correct answer, most tough decisions have more than just two choices. Try to help your family member see all the different possibilities when making a difficult decision. Helping the person see their options will give them peace of mind and boost their confidence.

Let Them Know You’re There For Them

No matter the decision, your family member will need your support. Let them know that you’re always there for them, no matter what. Knowing that you’re there can be helpful in times of stress and uncertainty, and it can help your family through a tough time.

Don’t Give Up On Them

No matter how long it takes for your family member to make a tough decision, don’t lose hope! Sometimes the correct answer isn’t apparent and can take time. Let them know that you’re there to help no matter what, even if they need more time or information before making their choice. Always remember that they’re doing their best to make the right choice.

Give Them Space 

If your family is struggling with a tough decision, sometimes the best thing you can do is give them some slack. Let them know that you’re available if they need to talk, but don’t push them to speak.

Everyone deals with stress differently. The best you can do is be there for them and keep a close watch on them. However, if you are concerned that your loved one isn’t coping, you may need to get involved sooner rather than later.

When they are ready, be available for them and listen more than you talk. It’s easy to offer advice or give your opinion, but this is their decision at the end of the day. Let them know that whatever choice they make – it’ll be okay.

Help Your Family
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Offer Professional Help

If your family needs a little more help making their decision, offer to connect them with professional resources.

There are counselors and organizations out there that can give you advice on how to make the best possible choice. Usually, these professionals have likely dealt with similar situations before and may even offer a different perspective. A psychiatric nurse practitioner is an excellent person to seek advice and assistance. They have experience and will have an idea of treatment options. 

Seek Out Support Groups to Help Your Family

There are also support groups available for family members going through a tough decision. Support groups can be a great way to connect with other people who understand what you’re going through. Plus, they may offer some helpful advice.

It can be comforting to know that you’re not alone in this and talking to someone who has been in your situation before can help you see the light at the end of what seems to be a never-ending tunnel.

Remember That Every Decision Has Good And Bad Points

No matter what choice your family makes, remember that there will always be pros and cons. Help them make a list and go through it with them. Sometimes writing it all down and having someone go through it with them gives them a new perspective. Just remember, whatever they decide – make sure you let them know how much you love them, support their decisions wholeheartedly, and remind them of all the beautiful things they have to offer.

Give Them Time

Sometimes the best thing you can do is give your family some time. They’ll come around in their own time, and when they’re ready, they’ll let you know. But, until then – be there for them, support them, and love them no matter what.

Help Your Family Through a Tough Decision

Making a tough decision can be tricky, but hopefully, these tips will help your family through it. Remember to support each other and stay positive – whatever the outcome!

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How To Learning Parenting

11 Smart Tips for New Homeschooling Parents

There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the idea of becoming a homeschooling parent. However, it would be wrong to think it’s all plain sailing for homeschooling parents. There’s no denying that it can be a little challenging, daunting, and anxiety-inducing. 

First of all, it’s important to remember that these feelings are normal. And second of all, remember that you’re not the first person to homeschool their children, so there are plenty of resources out there. 

While I chose to send my kids back to school, I did lots of research preparing for homeschooling. I found many helpful tips out there that’ll ensure the experience is nothing other than successful. With many parents still considering homeschooling, I wanted to share those tips for new homeschooling parents to take on board. 

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Homeschooling Parents
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Tips for New Homeschooling Parents

Don’t Worry About Making Your Home A School

There’s a lot of freedom that comes with homeschooling. That’s one of the main reasons people decide to do it in the first place. So, make the most of the freedom that it brings. Some parents become a little overwhelmed by the feeling that they have to recreate the school environment, but this isn’t the case. You don’t have to turn your home into a school. Instead, you only have to turn it into a learning environment.

But Do Come Up With A Workspace and Schedule

While your home doesn’t look like a school, it’s generally best to create a set workspace for learning. Creating a dedicated workspace is helpful in numerous ways. For instance, it’ll make it easier for your children to get into the right mindset for learning. It’ll also help to divide the day between school time and home time. Once your child finishes school for the day, you’ll want your home to become a place for relaxation, socializing, and all the other goodness that comes from family life.

Having a schedule will also help in this regard. What time you begin and finish is up to you, but it’s a good idea to stick to the same schedule every day.

Set Learning Targets

A child will learn a little if they spend the day learning about subjects. However, they’ll learn much more if they have educational targets and goals. It doesn’t matter what these targets are (and in any case, they’ll depend heavily on the age/ability of the child). The main thing is that the targets exist in the first place.

Studies have shown that people achieve more when they actively work towards something. You can, or should, create these goals with input from your child. After all, they’re the ones who are learning!

Find Your Child’s Learning Style

And talking about learning: it’ll be helpful if you know your child’s learning style. Everyone learns in different ways. Some people prefer to hear, and others enjoy using their hands, but most people like a mix of those two things. You might already have a sense of how your child learns. If you don’t, then you can ask them — or if they don’t know either, try a few different methods and see what seems to work best. As well as their learning style, you can think of how best to divide up your child’s education. As outlined at onlinecoursesreviewed.org, homeschooling is usually based around unit studies or traditional programs. Both have their advantages, so it’s best to read up on each to determine which will be the right one for you and your children. 

Ease Into The Homeschooling Parents Role

Also, remember that unless you have prior experience teaching, you’ll also need to figure out your teaching style. Learning your style can be a little daunting in the early days, especially if you feel as if you’re not doing as well as you could be. Don’t stress about it! Someone is rarely natural from the first moment they walk into the classroom. If you keep on plugging away and doing your best, then you’ll eventually begin to feel comfortable, and it won’t be long before you’re positively enjoying it.

Use High-Quality Materials

You’ll find homeschooling much easier if you have the best educational materials by your side. As with all things, there are good tools and resources you can use, and there are some not-so-good ones. If you were using a textbook from 1934, for example, you can’t be too surprised if the learning isn’t quite as powerful as it could be. There are plenty of current resources online to incorporate into your studies. You can also research what other homeschooling families have found useful.

Beyond The Textbooks For Homeschooling Parents

There’s plenty of scope for getting out of the classroom and creating a more engaging educational environment. For example, you can visit a museum, spend a day at the farm, or play outdoor games that have an educational spin. These won’t make up daily lessons, but you should use them when you feel the moment is right.

Become Part of the Homeschooling Community

You’re not the only family that’ll be homeschooling their children in your area. While you’ll want to remain independent, of course, many benefits can come from connecting with other people doing the same as you are. These benefits are wide-ranging. For example, they may show you resources that you’d never heard of or give some tips on how to make boring subjects more engaging. Above all, they might be able to offer an encouraging word of advice and support if you’re beginning to feel the strain that all homeschooling parents experience at some point.

Homeschooling Parents
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Give Up On Things That Don’t Work

It’s a good idea to play around when you’re homeschooling. There’s value to being creative and trying new things, after all. It’s also important to give up on the things that don’t work well. You don’t need to see an idea through to the end just because you started. If you think it’s leading nowhere, just put it in the trash and begin something new.

Prioritize Math and English

Now, all subjects are important, but it’s also true that some are more important than others. Take math and English, for example. It’s worth prioritizing these two because they can help with other subjects. If your child has the basics of math and English down, they’ll find it easier to succeed in other educational subjects. 

Make it Fun

Finally, remember that while homeschooling is serious business, it’s not as if every moment needs to be fully serious. Neither is it true that serious and fun behavior must be mutually exclusive. The two behaviors can co-exist just fine. Plus, not only will injecting some fun into serious learning make the days in the classroom more pleasant, but they’ll also make them more effective. It is much easier to learn when you’re having a good time, so your child will remember the information much better. As long as the work gets completed, you can have fun with things. 

New Homeschooling Parents

No one’s saying that homeschooling will be a walk in the park, at least not always. There are challenges to overcome and things you’ll need to set up to ensure the project is successful. You can help yourself immeasurably by following some of the tips that we’ve outlined above. They’ll help smoothen your initial takeoff and make sure that it’s nothing but smooth flying once you’ve got going.

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How To Learning Parenting

4 Tips for Helping Your Child With His/Her Education

Many parents don’t realize how important it is to help their children with school work. A parent’s involvement in a child’s education can make a huge difference. There are a few tips every parent should follow for helping your child succeed at school. When you see the difference it makes, you’ll be glad you did it.

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Tips for Helping Your Child With Their Education

1. Get to know your child’s teacher

One of the best things a parent can do is get to know their child’s teacher. Ask the teacher what your child’s strengths and weaknesses are, and find out what you can do at home to help them improve in school. Make sure to stay in touch with the teacher throughout the school year, so you can continue to be on the same page. If possible, try to attend school events and meetings. Your physical presence will show your child that you support them and take their education seriously. It will also allow you to learn more about how your child is doing in class.

2. Help your child with homework

Parents need to help their children with homework, especially in the early years of school. Make sure you assist your child with their work and check that it is correct. If possible, try to establish a routine for doing homework each night. A routine will make things less stressful for both you and your child. If your child is struggling with a particular subject, don’t hesitate to ask the teacher for help. Most teachers are happy to work with parents to help their students succeed. You can also find helpful resources online or at the library. Just be sure to research any information you find before giving it to your child!

3. Set a good example

Your child will learn more from watching you than anything you tell them. If you want your child to have a successful education, it’s essential to set a good example for yourself. Be sure to show interest in what your child is learning at school, and take the time to read with your child every day. You can also help by modeling proper behavior in school and at home. If you get angry or frustrated with homework or tests, try not to show this emotion in front of your child. Instead, stay calm and positive, no matter what happens. Staying positive will help your child stay motivated and confident during their educational journey.

4. Hire A Tutor If Needed

If your child is struggling with school, you may want to consider hiring a tutor. A good tutor can help improve test scores and overall academic performance by offering one-on-one instruction outside of the classroom. Tutors are also great for helping students prepare for tests or exams that they might be nervous about taking. Consider using an English Tutor to improve overall performance. 

Tips for Helping Your Child With Education

Following these four tips can make a big difference in children’s education. By staying positive, setting a good example, getting to know the teacher, and helping with homework, parents can help their children reach their full potential.

Do you have any other tips? Leave a comment and let us know!