Category: Parenting

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Top 4 Mental Health Improvement Tips for New Moms

Mental Health Improvement

Research shows that about 85% of women experience mental health issues like postpartum depression, blues, and psychosis. This disturbing statistic reiterates the need for moms to prioritize their mental wellness. Besides, mental wellness helps you handle your responsibilities as a new mom effectively. If you want to work on your mental health improvement, these tips will help you get started.

Mental Health Improvement
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Tips for Mental Health Improvement

1. Join a Support Group for Moms 

The transition into motherhood can be overwhelming, making it imperative to join a support group for moms. These groups create a sense of belonging while mitigating stress, loneliness, and isolation. Groups for moms also provide the platform to openly express your feelings and enable you to cope with motherhood challenges.

You will learn helpful tips on how to navigate parenthood with ease. You may join an in-person support group, where you learn about body image, child health, coping strategies, and more. Another option is to opt for online groups if you can’t attend in-person meetings. 

2. Avoid Unhealthy Comparisons

According to Psychologist Erika Ames, women often seek affirmation from others, especially when they become mothers. However, unhealthy comparisons may set in, causing you to feel jealous or inadequate. What’s worse, it can lead to depression, loneliness, and poor well-being if it’s not immediately addressed. Fortunately, you can take steps to escape the trap of unhealthy comparisons.

For instance, you may focus on your parenting values and determine why you make certain decisions. It’s also prudent to be extra kind to yourself and appreciate your uniqueness. By all means, remind yourself daily that you are enough and watch your confidence levels improve. 

3. Practice Self-Care 

New moms are prone to caregiver burnout, which is the state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. Therefore, it’s imperative to practice self-care to avoid this condition. Besides, it helps you maintain your self-worth while reducing your mental health risks.

Go to bed early to make up for your frequent night wakes, or ask your friends or partner to watch the baby while you rest. It’s also best to eat a balanced diet, avoid junk food and stay hydrated all day. By all means, exercise regularly, and socialize with other people to improve your emotional and mental state. Furthermore, you may leverage supplements for building your mind and preventing depression and anxiety. 


Infographic Provided by Antares Health Products

4. Reduce Social Media Time 

Social media can be helpful or detrimental, depending on how it’s utilized. While it’s easier to access online support groups, it can also create an unrealistic picture of parenting. According to Senior Lecturer Joanne Mayoh, social media showcases the perfect pregnancy, causing anxiety for moms who can’t meet these standards.

What’s more, people tend to portray babies as accessories rather than children, which might not sit well for some moms. Hence, it’s advisable to reduce your social media time and stick with motherhood realities. It’s also best to stick with accounts that portray the real motherhood essence and mute the ones that cause inadequacy. 

Mental Health Improvement

Transitioning into motherhood might be overwhelming, but you can navigate through it once you know the right strategies to adopt. These mental health improvement tips can help boost your well-being as you go through this exciting transition.

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Health Healthy Living How To Parenting

2 Simple Ways to Teach Your Kids Good Dental Habits While They’re Still Young

Teach Your Kids Good Dental Habits

It’s surprisingly common for adults to be anxious about going to the dentist. They don’t like the idea of visiting a dental practice because of bad experiences in the past. Plus, it can also be surprisingly expensive because of all the potential procedures involved. Many of us feel stressed when a dentist is mentioned, but we all know the importance of going anyway. If you teach your kids good dental habits while they are still young, you can alleviate that problem for them later in life.

You want to ensure that your children don’t grow up with the same negative experiences with their dentist. It’s important to teach them about good oral health.

Teach Your Kids Good Dental Habits
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How to Teach Your Kids Good Dental Habits

1. Introduce Your Child To Their Dentist and Visit Regularly

It can be less stressful to visit the dentist if you have a positive relationship with them that goes beyond patient and doctor. Dentists are incredibly friendly and many of them have trained specifically to help reduce patient stress. Some dentists are even trained in dealing with children and soothing their concerns.

It goes without saying that modern dentistry has drastically evolved compared to the old days. Dentists today are more likely to form friendly relationships with their patients to make the experience less stressful.

So if possible, try and introduce your child to their dentist as early as possible. This will make them more comfortable around their dentist, and regular visits should reinforce these positive thoughts. Remind your child that their dentist is there to help them and should be seen in a positive light instead of being a scary figure.

2. Educating Children on What Could Happen if They don’t Have Good Dental Habits

Telling your kids what could happen if they don’t take care of their teeth can seem like a threat. With their first set of teeth, they can feel some of the pain that comes with neglecting your oral health.

Kids get a 2nd chance after their baby teeth fall out. But, it’s important to teach your kids good dental habits so they don’t make mistakes with their adult teeth.

Whether they experience a cracked tooth or have bad breath, teaching your kids about the consequences of bad dental habits can often encourage them to be a little more diligent about their teeth. A great way to convince them to develop better dental habits is to lead by example.

If you don’t brush your teeth and floss often then they’re not going to listen to you. When possible, brush your teeth with your child to teach them how it’s done. This will reinforce the importance of brushing and convince them that it’s a good decision.

Teach Your Kids Good Dental Habits

If you teach your kids good dental habits early on, you will set them up for good oral health later. These tips are straightforward and easy, so they are sure to help.

Leave a comment and let me know if you have any ideas to teach your kids good dental habits! I’d love to hear your tips!

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Adulting How To Learning Life Parenting

4 Ways To Talk To Your Children About Death Without Scaring Them

Talk To Your Children About Death

There are many hard topics that come up in the course of parenting, but when it is time to talk to your children about death, it is probably one of the hardest to discuss. Children are innocent and impressionable, and this is a conversation that requires careful explanation. It’s not always easy to do but when it comes to talking about death, children need you to be honest. The details of the death aren’t something you want your children to find out about by accident because you then cannot control the conversation. 

This conversation happened to me a couple of weeks ago with my 5-year-old daughter. She randomly asked, “mom when do we die?”, and I replied honestly that no one knows when they will die. My husband thought I was too straightforward and would scare her, but it actually opened up a new line of questioning. She wasn’t scared or worried, and she had all of her questions answered.

Children are incredibly intelligent and easily able to adapt to an idea. When you discuss death, you might find that they are going to ask a ton of questions. The questions won’t always be easy to answer because you want to keep them innocent while still being honest, but you can do it.

It’s a balancing act, and whether you are discussing the details of actual death or you’re talking about the cremation information that’s out there from planning your own funeral, you need to plan this conversation out. It might help to have the support of another adult while you’re talking about death to your children, as they can answer questions with you. The beliefs that your family holds (spiritual or religious) are going to make a difference to the way that this conversation goes, too.

Talk To Your Children About Death
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How To Talk To Your Children About Death

1. Start With What They Understand Already

Ask them what they know about death and what happens when you die. Talk about it in terms of flowers and the trees first, and then move on to talking about pets that may have passed away. Once you think it’s appropriate, move onto family members and their deaths.

2. Remember to Use the Right Word

When you’re explaining death to your children, you have to use the word “dead”. Don’t sugar coat it with “up in the sky” because children are very literal. Explain the way burial and cremation works, but using the word “dead” will avoid any issues with understanding. You can convey the finality that comes with death this way.

3. Be Descriptive

You don’t have to talk about what happens to the organs and the body after death during the process of deterioration, but you should think about what you will say about the body not working anymore. Talk about the heart stopping and the fact that they won’t be able to move or talk anymore. 

4. Practice

It’s not an easy conversation to have, so practice what you might say with another adult first. This will help you feel confident with your language and the words that you use. Focus on getting the message across about death being the last thing to happen. Practicing with another adult will also give you a second opinion on what you should say, so make sure it’s an adult with a valuable opinion.

Talk To Your Children About Death

Talking to children about death is a part of them growing up. Things and people around them will die, and being coy about that will only lead to confusion as they get older. Have this conversation while they’re young so that they can fully understand what is happening.

What tips would you add to this list? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Big Kid Big kid fun Family Activities How To Infant/Toddler Learning Kindergarten Age Learning Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning Uncategorized

Have Fun Learning: 4 Mom and Child At-Home Activities

have fun learning

The world has dramatically changed and with it, a lot of negatives and some positives have risen. We don’t need to go into the negatives, that much is obvious. The positives however are more surprising. Technology has rapidly shifted and improved so that remote working has become the norm. With this trend, a few other new possibilities have been born. For one thing, ways to have fun learning have become far more accessible. It’s not just about education like virtual schooling, but other things such as hobbies, activities, and crafts have made it into the virtual world, too. Let’s look at some fun mom-and-child activities you can do at home now.

How to Have Fun Learning Through Mom and Child Activities

1. Online Art Classes

Children love to draw and paint. These creative activities allow their imagination to thrive and develop. Sketching, painting, drawing, learning to shade and draw depth, and bringing a picture to life is a life skill that is so rewarding.

Getting started depends on what type of art you want to create. Here is a list of options.

For sketching – New Masters Academy Arts: They have instructors who have drawn for Disney, Sony, and other Hollywood studios.

For a bit of everything – Art Production Fund’s Digital Art-Making Workshops. They have some famous artists like Ryan Flores, Angelica Hicks, Lucy Sparrow, etc.

For watercolor painting – Nitty Gritty Studio. It’s a YouTube channel run by Merideth. She’s a classic painter and she’ll show you beginner techniques.

2. Language Lessons

Living in a diverse country, learning a new language is always a beneficial idea. If your child wants to learn a popular language, then Spanish lessons are a great option. The language tutor should be experienced, and choosing one that is native in that language is helpful, too. If they are a native speaker, then they can tell you the ins and outs of slang, regional dialects, and anything else you should know.

The tutor should also be comfortable teaching virtually. Being familiar with Zoom is a must, and that usually means you’ll want a younger tutor. A younger tutor is also good for the child because they can relate to them, whether it’s with the areas of the language they want to learn like music, reading, artwork, poems, etc., or with another aspect of relatability.

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3. Gardening

The sun is shining and the warm weather brings the perfect temperatures to learn about gardening. Doing gardening projects with your children helps them learn about nature, taking care of something living, and just getting a little messy and exploring different textures. Online gardening lessons are pretty easy to join. You just select the age group, the type of project you want to do, and the tutor you’d like to work with. If you download the Zoom app on your phone, you can show your tutor what you are working on and receive tips for improvement.

4. Monthly Subscription Boxes

You can sign your children up for monthly subscription boxes based on anything that they want to learn. Using these boxes will help them recognize their passions and develop their skills early on. There are options for book lovers, aspiring artists, science topics, dress-up, pottery, and so much more.

Check out my post 4 Fun Monthly Subscription Boxes for Kids: Non-Toy Gifts for Kids to learn more about this.

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Have Fun Learning With Mom and Child Activities

At-home learning with mom and child is a great way to bond and learn something new yourself. Whether it’s language, art, science, or gardening, you can have fun learning at home. Leave a comment and let me know which option you want to try with your kids!

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Adulting Life Parenting

Dear Parents, It’s OK To Need Help Parenting: Look Here For The Best Advice

need help parenting

As a parent, giving your child the perfect start in life is all that truly matters. Accepting that you can’t do this all alone is one of the most significant steps on the road to parenting greatness. Now is the time to embrace it because it is perfectly OK to need help parenting.

You may need support with a wide range of issues, and that is 100% okay! Let’s takes look at some of the most important contacts who can provide the help you require.

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Need help parenting? Check Out These Contacts.

1. Lifestyle Advisors

It may sound a little strange or selfish to start with something that is focused primarily on you. However, there is no doubt that a healthy and happy parent is a better parent. Whether it’s overcoming insomnia or weight issues, self-improvement allows you to play a more active role.

Likewise, you will be less prone to outbursts or shouting over things that you will come to regret. Sometimes it’s possible to get all the information you require from an App or online support tool. But if a personal trainer or lifestyle coach is needed, don’t overlook this route.

2. Other Parents (they need help parenting, too, so you can return the favor later!)

A network of supportive parents is one of the most valuable assets you’ll ever possess. For starters, you can work together by arranging carpools or supporting each other when organizing parties.

Meanwhile, it will make life a lot easier if you ever have to tackle issues like bullying. Good communication between parents also ensures that you never miss out on events that the kids may have forgotten to mention. When unhappy with a school situation or sports coach, you’ll make a far more powerful argument as a group too.

Before I had other “mom friends”, I spend my time wondering if I was doing things right. When things went wrong, I blamed myself and convinced myself I was the worst mother ever. Having other parents that you are close to will help with this if you struggle with that mindset like I did.

Once I developed a few close parent friends, I learned to relax and give myself grace. No parent is perfect, and it is essential that we all help one another out.

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3. Health & Development Experts

All children are unique and will develop at different rates, and you want to keep your son or daughter on the smoothest path possible. Partnering with the best pediatricians is an essential step that allows for a quick diagnosis of any issues.

Treatment plans or ongoing strategies can be implemented for the best results. Treatment plans and strategies can relate to hearing issues, physical developments, and even mental health elements. Knowing that you have the right experts on your side will have a positive impact on your family.

4. Tutors

In addition to developing at different rates physically, kids follow their own academic paths. However, you want your child to get the best grades at school as it will open the door to better opportunities in later life. Finding the best private tutors could make all the difference if your child has fallen behind in a subject.

Given the challenges caused by the pandemic over the past 18 months, this is probably a more common issue than ever before. Whether it’s for a single subject or a more generic approach, academic support will support your child well.

5. Financial Advisors

Children aren’t cheap. Studies show that the average costs of raising a child are in excess of a quarter of a million dollars. And the future is only set to move in one direction. If your family needs help, support is available.

From discounted healthcare to food donations or tax credits, it’s worth investigating your options. A quick call to citizen’s advice teams or your local authorities should enable you to find a wide range of helpful info. If it helps your family live a better lifestyle and doesn’t cause excess stress, it can only be good.

need help parenting

It’s OK To Need Help Parenting

Parents often feel like they have to do everything on their own, even when it is impossible. These types of parents often wonder how other parents do it all, but the truth is, no one does it all. No one can do it all. And when a parent tries to do it all, they’ll never be happy.

Take tons of stress off your shoulders and let go of some overwhelming tasks. Get advice from those who understand, and gain information on ways to make your life easier. Try these tips and see if it helps.

Do you have any other tips for parents that might need help? What did you do to make parenting a little easier on yourself? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Health Healthy Living Learning Parenting

3 Helpful Dental Care Tips for Your Kids

dental care tips for kids

Oral hygiene is a healthy habit that you should practice daily. Research reveals that dental issues could affect your kids’ daily activities, including talking and eating, with about 50% of children having cavity issues by age five. This makes it crucial to prioritize your kids’ dental health and keep their teeth in good condition. If you don’t know where to begin, here are some practical dental care tips for kids to help.

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

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Dental Care Tips for Kids

1. Help Them Build Healthy Habits

It’s best to start teaching your kids to brush their teeth regularly right away so that it becomes a habit. Brushing their teeth twice a day is ideal, so aim to brush when they wake up and again before bed. Doing this helps protect their teeth from cavities and tooth decay, and it keeps their teeth strong. Encourage them to brush their gums and tongue, too. 

Make the routine fun by giving them colorful toothbrushes and letting them choose their favorite toothpaste flavor. You can develop a catchy song that you can sing with them together during their brushing routine, too. The song will help them easily remember the steps involved. Building this habit will help ensure that they can independently brush their teeth alone by age 7 or 8.

2. Schedule Regular Dental Visits

Health experts recommend that you visit the dentist at least twice a year. They also encourage parents to start taking their kids to the dentist by their first birthday. Additionally, it’s ideal for kids to visit the dentist at least once every six months.

This practice helps to identify issues early enough to be treated. It also helps them develop the habit of regular dental visits to continue even when they’re adults. Before taking them to their appointment, it’s best to sensitize them by letting them read a fun book about dentists. Or, spend time telling them what to expect to allay any fears or concerns they may have. Dental care service providers such as Comfort Family Dentistry are on hand to cater to your dental needs, including that of your kids. 

3. Encourage a Healthy Diet

Although most kids love sugary foods, it’s not advisable to let them indulge all the time. Help them avoid too much sugar by encouraging more fruits and vegetables in their diet. Reduce carbonated drinks as much as possible, too. Foods rich in calcium will also help strengthen their teeth, while sugary foods and drinks can ruin their oral health.

Whenever they consume sugary stuff, they should brush their teeth right after to avoid decay. You can make this more convenient by having fruits and veggies already chopped up in the fridge. With this simple meal prep, you can easily give your kids healthy snacks when they’re hungry before dinner. Plus, fruits and veggies will help with reducing their craving for sugary snacks. 

dental care tips for kids

Helpful Dental Care Tips for Kids

Without help from an adult, kids will struggle to develop proper oral hygiene. It must be learned, so helping your child develop good habits now will make a huge difference. Try these dental care tips for kids to make the process a little easier on both of you.

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Health Healthy Living How To Life Parenting

4 Tips for Finding the Best Doctors for Your Children

Best Doctors for Your Children

There is no healthy way around it – your child needs to see the doctor regularly. When your first baby is born, you need to make sure you have a doctor to take care of all of their needs. If your child requires a specialist, you might need to find another doctor that can help with your child’s health. Knowing where to start isn’t always easy when you’re researching the best doctors for your children, but it is worth it. Finding the best doctors for your children is essential if you want your children to be happy and healthy.

Best Doctors for Your Children
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Finding the Best Doctors for Your Children

1. Look at Pediatricians and Family Doctors

When you need a primary care doctor for your child, you can consider family doctors and pediatricians. These doctors will be your first stop when your child has a health problem. Plus, this is where your child will go for general checkups and preventative medicine.

The Difference Between Family Doctors and Pediatricians

Family doctors treat people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. However, pediatricians specialize in children’s medicine. Many people prefer to use a pediatrician because of this, but you might prefer a doctor who can treat your whole family. There could be times when your family doctor refers you to a pediatrician too.

Best Doctors for Your Children
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2. Choose Doctors to Grow with Your Children

You will find that some doctors specialize in treating children of certain ages. Some pediatricians might focus on babies or perhaps aren’t really suitable for teenagers. However, if you want to make things easier and find a doctor you can trust that will be there for your children at all stages of life, there are options. An option like Acorn Pediatrics can be there for you from the birth of your baby all the way to young adulthood. Choosing an option like this means the doctor can get to know your family and their patients.

3. Ask the Right Questions

You’re essentially hiring a doctor to do a job for you, so it’s only fair that you get to interview them. When you’re choosing a doctor for your children, it’s a good idea to talk to them and ask any questions that you might have.

If you’re not sure what you should be asking, think about both practical issues and the treatment that will be provided. Find out about things like office hours and emergency appointments, as well as ways you can get in touch with the doctor. You can also ask about the doctor’s philosophy, values, and more. Being comfortable with your child’s doctor is important, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

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4. Find Out If They’re a Good Fit

Not all doctors will be a good fit for your family, even if they’re perfectly qualified. Some might have an outlook that doesn’t fit with your ideals. Or, you might feel as if a doctor doesn’t have a proper bedside manner. Consider whether a doctor is a good fit for your family, including whether they communicate well and how their values align with yours.

Finding the Best Doctors for Your Children

Choosing the best doctors for your children takes a little time and effort, but it is entirely worth it. It might feel urgent, but try not to rush it if you don’t need to.

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Adulting Health How To Life Parenting

Why Your Choice Of Maternity Hospital Matters: 4 Questions to Ask

Maternity Hospital

Where you give birth to your child might seem inconsequential compared to bringing the baby into the world safely. However, your choice of maternity hospital can play a much bigger role in that than you might initially think. There are things to consider when deciding which hospital is going to play a role in your birth plan.

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4 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Maternity Hospital

1. How close is it to your home, and how will you get there?

The first and most important part of this choice is to think about the physical location of the hospital itself. In the majority of cases, the closer the hospital is, the better.

However, it might be quicker to get to a hospital further away if the closest one is in a highly-trafficked city. Plan your route to the hospital with tools like My Route Online if you want to know how long it will take to get there.

2. Is it equipped for the kind of birth you want?

There is plenty of equipment and options to help make your birth experience more comfortable. For instance, different hospitals will have different kinds of mats, beanbags, and birthing chairs.

You should consider whether or not you want options like water birth, as well. You will need to ensure in advance that the hospital is equipped with birthing pools. Plus, it is essential to find out how likely they are to be available when you need them.

3. Is it focused on maternity?

Simply put, some hospitals put a lot more care and attention into the maternity ward. Most might be safe, but only some are dedicated to helping mothers feel comfortable and catered to. This might include allowing you to bring things from home and allowing your partner to stay with you.

There are stores like the Florist Dandenong Hospital, which allow people to buy fresh flowers for you when they visit. Call the hospital to see what they do to make mothers feel more comfortable.

4. How is care given to your baby?

After giving birth, all you want to do is take your new arrival home and ensure they’re safe and comfortable. However, you will be in the hospital for at least two days. So, make sure the hospital provides the kind of post-natal care that you’re looking for.

You should get an idea of whether babies are kept with their mothers or if there is a separate nursery. Similarly, does the hospital provide special care on-site, if needed, or will you have to travel to a different location?

Maternity Hospital

Why Your Choice Of Maternity Hospital Matters

Not every hospital is the same when it comes to choosing a place to give birth. The tips above make that more than clear and can help you come to your decision. Make sure you ask these questions when choosing a maternity hospital that will work for you.

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Health How To Learning Parenting

3 Important Things You Need To Know About Your Baby’s Skin

Your Baby's Skin, Your Baby, Caring for your baby, caring for your baby's skin, how to take care of baby skin, how to take care of my baby's skin, what i need to know about my baby's skin

Typically, babies are known for having very smooth and soft skin. Many adult skincare products will advertise themselves as providing results to make your skin as soft as a baby’s, but that doesn’t mean it should be used on your baby’s skin.

There are some fundamental differences between your skin and your baby’s skin. It is essential that you know the differences to ensure that you’re looking after your newborn and taking care of their skin properly. 

Your Baby's Skin, Your Baby, Caring for your baby, caring for your baby's skin, how to take care of baby skin, how to take care of my baby's skin, what i need to know about my baby's skin
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Things You Need To Know About Your Baby’s Skin

1. Baby Skin is Thinner

A newborn baby’s skin is significantly thinner than that of an adult. This is because the skin starts developing while they’re in the womb, but it doesn’t stop until around a year after birth. So, for that first year, your child has very thin skin, meaning their skin barrier is greatly reduced.

It is believed that their skin barrier is 30% thinner than that of an adult. This means that their skin is extremely sensitive and you have to be very delicate when treating it with anything. A lot of the best organic baby lotions are specifically designed for a baby’s thin skin. The natural and organic ingredients aren’t too abrasive, meaning they’re perfect for applying to such a thin skin barrier. 

2. Baby Skin is Drier

As you are probably aware, there’s an abundance of products on the market to treat dry skin for babies. You’ll see all sorts of lotions and moisturizers for sale, and there’s a reason for this. Baby skin is significantly drier than adult skin.

Their drier skin is due to switching from the womb to the real world. In the womb, the baby is surrounded by fluids and moisture at all times. When they are born, they suddenly have to adapt to a much drier climate.

Their skin absorbs water much faster than adults and loses it even quicker. You also will notice a lack of natural moisturizers in a baby’s skin, further contributing to excessive dryness. So, be sure you always have some lotions or creams on hand to tackle the dry skin problem and avoid issues like eczema. 

3. Baby Skin Loses Heat Quicker

This is actually a consequence of the first point. Due to the thinness of a baby’s skin, it contains fewer lipids, which means the skin doesn’t retain heat as well as an adult’s. As a result, this is one of the reasons that babies struggle to stay warm and can become cold very quickly.

You’ll see so many parents bundling their baby up in clothes and blankets, and for a good reason! Babies have a tougher time regulating their body temperature, and part of this is down to their skin. So, do what you can to keep your baby warm at all times, preventing serious problems like hypothermia.

Protecting Your Baby’s Skin

It’s so important that you know these facts about your baby’s skin. From here, you can make decisions that will target the problems and keep your baby healthy and comfortable. As they get older, their skin develops and becomes more ‘normal’, so you won’t have to worry about this forever.

What are some of your tips for protecting your baby’s skin? Leave a comment and let me know!

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How To Learning Life Parenting Teenager

How to Help Your Child Through Their Teenage Years

help your child

Seeing your child grow up is a beautiful thing, and watching them succeed in their endeavors is the cherry on top. Sometimes things get a bit bumpy down the road, though, especially when your child enters into their teen years. It can be hard, but there are ways to help your child through their teenage years.

The teenage years come with many new experiences for your child, and it may start to feel as if you hardly even know them. You know all too well that the teenage years are rough, so try being understanding along the way. There are things you can do as their parent to ensure they always feel supported and loved.

High school, popularity, peer pressure, first relationship, first heartbreak – these are all things that happen within the span of only a few years. Those things are also the reason teenagers have such a tough time coping with everything. You can help your teenager throughout these times so you can both get through it sane and happy.

Help Your Child Through Their Teenage Years

Focus on Communication

Many teenagers feel like they can’t talk to their parents because they wouldn’t understand. This situation occurs because the communication between the parent and the child is lacking.

Being in constant contact with your child doesn’t mean texting them every 10 minutes. Instead, always ask them how their day was when they get home.

Reassure them that you’re always there if they need to talk to someone about things they may be struggling with. The key is to make them feel like they can talk to you about anything without judgment, which is what most teens are scared of when talking to their parents. 

The right kind of help

Whenever things get a bit rough, parents tend to resort to drastic measures to deflate the situation. This is normal because you want your child to be okay and will do whatever it takes, even if it means not necessarily winning a popularity contest. But, there are ways to help your teenager in a way that will be beneficial for you both.

For example, finding illegal substances in your child’s bedroom may come as a massive shock initially. Still, instead of cutting them off, taking away all forms of technology, grounding them for life, and sending them far away to some boarding school, a drug intervention may be a more realistic way to go.

The goal is to find out more about why they were doing it, how often they did it and how they would like to approach the situation. Handling it this way doesn’t necessarily mean no consequences. However, at the end of the day, they need to make the big decisions themselves and accept that they need help.

Help Your Child Through Their Teenage Years

As a parent, it can sometimes be hard to loosen the reigns and know to what extent you should let go. There will be times that you should hold on a bit tighter, too. Recognizing which reaction you should have is hard, but follow your gut, and you will figure it out.

Only you can know, though, because no one in this world knows your child better than you do. The best thing you can do is trust your instincts and trust that your child will do the same.