Family Ever After Blog

Family Ever After Blog

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3 Tips For Talking With Your Family About An Imminent Move

While moving yourself from one home or city to another can be an ordeal, having a family that you’re uprooting can make this whole process even more complicated. But while you might be dreading breaking the news to your kids, having this conversation early and in the right way can make things go much smoother for everyone involved.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for talking with your family about an imminent move.

Get Yourself In The Right Mindset Beforehand

Chances are that you’ve given yourself some time to come to grips with the reality of your move. And while you might be excited or hopeful, you may also be nervous or even upset about what this move could mean for your family. But while having all of those emotions is normal, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got yourself under control before you talk with your kids about moving.

According to Carrie of DistanceParenting.org, your kids will be able to tell if you’re not feeling very good about your decision to move, even if you’re trying to hide it. Because of this, they might feel negatively as well. So to do your best to avoid this, make sure you’ve gotten yourself in the right mindset about your move before talking with your family.

Expect Big Emotions

Once you’ve said your piece about your upcoming move, you should then give your kids time to express what they’re feeling about this news.

As far as the response from your kids, Dr. Sarah Ramsi, a contributor to Psychology Today, shares that there’s a chance that your kids will be upset or feel other big emotions when you tell them what’s going on. In this situation, the best thing for you to do is to allow them to express whatever it is they’re feeling and validate that you understand them. In time, things should calm down as you work through this process together.

Don’t Let Them Think They Have A Say If The Decision Has Been Made

Sometimes, parents come to their kids talking about an impending move before things have really been decided. If this is your plan, and you’re trying to get your kids’ thoughts on the matter, make sure you actually take what they’re saying into consideration.

On the other hand, Diane Schmidt, a contributor to The Spruce, shares that if the decision has already been made, don’t let your kids think that they have a say in the matter. Rather, let them know that you’re here for them if they need anything or want to talk but that the move will be happening regardless.

If you’re thinking about moving soon but are unsure how to best bring this up with your kids, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you with this conversation.

 

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3 Tips For Getting Your Toddler To Sleep Through The Night

As a parent, one of the best things in life is when your kids start sleeping through the night. Not only does this mean that your little one is likely getting better sleep, but you’re able to get some solid sleep now as well. However, if your toddler isn’t sleeping through the night yet, or isn’t doing so consistently, you may find yourself desperate to make this happen.

To help you in doing this, here are three tips for getting your toddler to sleep through the night.

Go Back To Classic Sleep Training Techniques

When your toddler was a baby, you may have tried some sleep training techniques meant to help him or her learn how to soothe themselves back to sleep. And while you might have thought that sleep training was over, this isn’t always the case.

If your toddler has started waking up at night again, or hasn’t completely gotten the hang of sleeping through the night, Julia Savacool, a contributor to Fatherly.com, recommends that you go back to some of the classic sleep training techniques. Specifically, you may want to try simply revisiting your child in their room if they wake up at night. When you notice on the baby monitor that they’re awake, go in briefly to help them calm down and then leave so they can fall back asleep on their own. While this might take a while to seem effective, it can help your child learn to go back to sleep quickly after waking up during the night.

Create The Right Sleep Environment

One reason why your toddler might have a hard time sleeping through the night could be because their room isn’t set up for the ideal sleep environment.

To create the optimal sleep space for your child, Marygrace Taylor, a contributor to What To Expect, recommends making sure that your child is physically comfortable by not being too hot or too cold. Also, you should consider adding a fan or other white noise machine in their room to block out any sounds that might be waking them up.

Be Consistent With Sleep Habits

What you and your toddler do prior to going to bed can have a big impact on how well he or she sleeps through the night. Knowing this, it’s vital that you’re consistent with your sleep habits.

Ideally, the Cleveland Clinic shares that your toddler should be going to sleep and waking up around the same time every day. Additionally, you and your toddler should go through the same routine each night leading up to going to bed, whether this means taking a warm bath, reading a bedtime story, or singing nursery rhymes.

If you’re having a hard time getting your toddler to sleep through the night, consider using the tips mentioned above to help everyone start to get more rest.

 

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How COVID Is Changing the Way We Manage Our Health

Our world has been flipped on its head by the COVID-19 pandemic. Going to the grocery store, heading to the office, dropping the kids off at school; none of it is the same as it was at the beginning of this year.

 

The pandemic has also changed our approaches to basic healthcare, where something as simple as an annual physical may be far different than years past. From hearing loss management to mental health to changing your medication, here are some ways COVID is changing how we manage our health.

 

Hearing Tests

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As you find yourself stuck at home, you may have noticed that your hearing isn’t quite what it used to be. Whether it’s having to raise the TV volume with your remote control or a noticeable ringing in the ears, hearing loss may be more of a concern for you than ever.

 

While in-person appointments with audiologists are limited these days, online hearing tests are available to assess where your audible issues may lie. If you discover that a hearing aid may be needed for the highest hearing performance, you can look into the latest treatments and equipment, including the Signia hearing aid for hearing loss and other hearing needs.

 

Signia hearing aids are designed with rechargeable batteries to make for superior connectivity and audio quality with daily use, including the ability to stream audio, like phone calls, TV, and music. A pair of hearing aids has become almost minimal accessories, down to the size where they can barely be seen, and create a natural experience of hearing.

 

Mental Health

In this current state of affairs where we are restricted to our household for most of the day, mental health is more important than ever. Thankfully, telemedicine has allowed patients to continue a high level of therapeutic care from the comfort of their homes. With the touch of a button, online therapy is right at your fingertips, allowing mental healthcare to be more accessible to those at home in quarantine. Dr. Bruce Rubenstein, a board-certified psychiatrist for over 25 years, has found that psychotherapy has gotten people through the most difficult of time while reflecting on the important things that give them stability in their lives.

 

There has become more of a personal preference towards telemedicine, as it spares traveling to a doctor’s office and allows for a more open calendar to conduct psychiatry appointments remotely with your smartphone.

 

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Vision Tests

Just like hearing tests and therapy sessions, online vision exams are able to evaluate your eyesight with just the touch of a button on your computer or iPhone. Online vision tests can determine how sharp your sight is, as well as your sensitivity to light, color-blindness, or the possibility of astigmatism brought on by blurry vision.

 

Online vision tests are designed for healthy adults who already have a prescription for glasses or contact lenses, and are at no risk for eye disease, like high blood pressure and diabetes.

 

Some of these tests are accessible through apps on your smartphone, with results that can direct you to proper ophthalmologic care. Some apps not only allow you to book follow-up appointments with a registered professional, they let you purchase glasses and contact lenses with a fresh prescription for your eyesight.

 

Physical Examination

Doctor’s offices and hospitals have found themselves forced to adapt to these difficult times, with limited in-person capabilities. However, physicians are now finding innovative ways to take on appointments, while respecting COVID-19 protocols.

 

Medical practices have allowed for appointments to take place in person with limited physical contact, with masks and other PPE required depending on the patient. Telemedicine appointments are available with the touch of a button, with a surge in sessions conducted over a computer or iPhone.

 

With so many questions on the future of healthcare, hospitals are adjusting to surge capacity and restructuring workforces to allow for accessibility to medication for patients, as well as standards of care known before. Whether you need to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, a psychiatry professional, or conduct an online eye exam; you can still proceed with important healthcare treatments from the safety of your own home.

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How to Find the Perfect Gift For All the Family

Finding gifts for our loved ones can often be one of the trickiest things to do in the holiday season, especially when you feel overwhelmed with choices of what to get for everyone. To help you work out the perfect gift to bring a smile to your family members’ faces, read on for some great suggestions of meaningful presents to wrap up this year.

Choose something practical

A practical gift might not seem like the most exciting at first glance, but if chosen well, it can be something truly meaningful that reminds the recipient of their relationship with you, whenever they use the item.

When it comes to buying a practical gift, there is always something for everyone. Keen cooks might enjoy some exceptional kitchen tools and kitchenware that will stand the test of time, while an ardent DIY fan will always appreciate a well made tool to add to the cabinet. There are great practical options for kids too, such as beautiful stationery for school, or sporting equipment for a team member.

Gift a subscription

If you can’t find one item that you can decide on, you could instead choose to give someone a whole year of gifts. A subscription to something they would enjoy can be a brilliant gift for a family, and there are plenty of different kinds of subscriptions to choose from.

For fashion lovers, a magazine subscription might make a wonderful gift, while someone who loves life’s little luxuries may really adore a subscription from Scent Magic, for a regular variety of perfumes to enjoy.

Give them your time

A gift doesn’t always have to involve spending enormous amounts of money and long lines in store. Sometimes the most meaningful gifts a person can receive can be the most deceptively simple. A gift of time might not immediately seem like a lot, but for someone with a busy lifestyle, it can be a welcome treat.

There are many ways that you can offer someone more time and connection. Busy parents who are stressed and tired may appreciate a regular offer of a helping hand, or a chance to take a break themselves. For younger family members who might be feeling overlooked by adults’ working lives, the chance to spend quality time together doing a fun activity of their choice can be a great way to bond and make a valuable connection.

Make them something yourself

Homemade gifts are often associated with reams of sticky tape and misshapen ornaments, but they can actually be great gifts, when done well. Think of your skills and use them to create something special.

If you are an expert in the kitchen, some delicious homemade treats can make the perfect present, especially when presented well. Try making a hamper collection of jams, pickles, preserves, or baked goods. If woodwork is more your thing, you might like to craft a practical but beautifully made item that can be used around the home.

 

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Keeping Your Kids Occupied at Home

Because of the pandemic, families are spending significantly more time at home than they did at this time last year. While many kids understand what’s going on and the need to stay at home, it doesn’t make it any more pleasant. Kids get bored easily without a plan for structured activity. As a parent, you might be asking yourself, “what can I do?”

Parents have a tendency to recommend the obvious; reading, playing a board game, etc. When children reject those ideas, they end up sitting idly at the computer or television, and sometimes they even pick fights with each other. Times like these call for more creative ideas

The infographic, Engaging At-Home Activities for Kids, suggests a variety of ideas you might not have thought of otherwise. The piece provides ideas for crafts, learning and healthy activities that can keep kids occupied for hours. You might even catch a break and get some of your own work done!

Most of these ideas are cheap and don’t require a lot of money or resources. In fact, many of these suggestions involve using free online resources. As long as you have an internet connection and a printer at home, you can provide kids new coloring pages, puzzles, games and math worksheets. It’s easy, and we hope our suggestions are only the beginning of ideas for keeping your kids busily learning!

Take a look at the infographic we created to let you in on a few ideas that we came up with for combating boredom at home. We hope you use these as a springboard to come up with more ideas. Whatever you may think of the Internet for kids, remember: It’s a helpful resource for children’s learning websites and activities. Read on if you’re ready for your kids to start having fun at home!

Engaging At-Home Activities for Kids from ClickInks

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How to Buy Insurance for a Rental Property

Rental properties are a great avenue to earn additional income. If renting out a residential property for the first time, you may not realize the risks and liabilities that tag along. You need landlord insurance to cover any liabilities arising in a home where you don’t reside.

Whether you’re renting out an apartment, home, or space inside your own home, you need to buy insurance for rental property to protect yourself and your property.

Why You Need Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance gives a landlord an added home insurance coverage for exposure to any lawsuit filed by the tenants. Whether you’re renting out a house or apartment unit, you need to get the insurance for a rental property to cover the risk that arises out of renting to a tenant.

Consider the below scenarios:

  • Lost Rental Income: You may find that a tenant has paid the rent, but you never received it. Now, the same tenant wants to sue you for wrongful evictions.
    • You can handle this situation with landlord insurance, as it offers temporary rental reimbursement to cover the money.
  • Property Damage: The tenant may leave something on the stove, and the house catches fire, destroying your personal property and appliances which you rented along with the property.
    • To handle this situation, you can get coverage for risks, such as a natural disaster, fire, earthquake, electric/gas malfunction, etc. If possible, choose a policy that offers replacement cost rather than actual cash value.
  • Liability Protection: Sometimes, a tenant may be injured badly while cleaning the window. In a lawsuit, they may claim that their injury is your fault and try to make you pay for the medical bills.
    • You can get coverage for medical or legal costs that arise if any tenant or visitor suffers injury due to a property maintenance issue.
  • Your insurance for rental property will not only cover the property but will provide liability coverage, protecting you from such lawsuits.

Rental Home Insurance for Your Basement Apartment

If you want to rent out a section of your property or a basement apartment, you need to check with your insurance agent first. It may be necessary to secure your separate entrance. Make sure you remain compliant with the carrier’s requirements.

Don’t just choose a minimum coverage if you’re renting out a room. Insurance has to be taken for a rental unit that is attached to your home. At least, write a clause in your lease that requires a tenant to carry rental insurance at all times during the lease.

How to Get Rental Property Insurance?

When shopping for insurances, make sure you ask your homeowner insurance provider about a bundle of options. Don’t simply assume that it will cover all damages and liabilities while you’re not living in the property. Before you begin price shopping, talk to your agent extensively about the type of rental dwelling, consider what you need to address, and protect your rental property.

If you’re looking to protect your home and rent it out nicely, landlord insurance is necessary. It offers additional landlord liability coverage for the risks associated with being a landlord.

 

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Five Foods You Shouldn’t Give To A New Baby

Babies eat baby food. Everybody knows that. That’s why baby food is a multi-billion dollar industry, and the companies involved in making it have released so many different products and formulas. Babies don’t only eat baby food, though. They’re naturally curious, and they’ll eat almost everything we feed to them. They won’t be able to cope with every type of food before they get their ‘real’ teeth, and they’ll enjoy some foods more than others as they develop their taste buds, but experimenting with different food types is something that all parents do as they prepare to transition their newborn away from baby formulas and on to conventional food.

As is the case with most things in life, moderation is the key to success. We all know which foods are bad for us, and because of that, we all know which foods we should only eat in small portions, or only on occasions as opposed to every day. Even then, though, there are some foods that are more dangerous to babies than they are to adults – and they’re food types that would never occur to you as being dangerous. All of us would be horrified to discover that we’d accidentally put our baby’s life at risk by feeding them something that they shouldn’t have eaten, so let’s avoid the risk of that happening. Here are five things that you should never feed a baby who’s less than one year old.

Citrus Fruits

Scientists and dietitians are forever telling us that we should eat more fruit. We all know that we should be getting our ‘five a day,’ and many of us fail in the attempt to do so, but we’re keen to ensure that our babies get their fill of fruit because we know it’s good for them. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Citrus fruits (that’s limes, oranges, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries) have exceptionally high levels of Vitamin C. Those Vitamin C levels can cause rashes in adults with allergies, but those rashes are far worse in infants. Stomach upsets are also common. In very extreme cases, such reactions can be fatal. Stick with non-citrus fruits and fruit juices until they’re past their first birthday.

Cow’s Milk

This is similar to the situation with citrus fruits. We’re all told that milk is good for us because it helps to build healthy bones and teeth. In fact, many of us were ordered to drink cow’s milk every day when we were at school! We’re not saying that milk isn’t good for you, because it is, but where that milk comes from matters to very young children. Breast milk is still the best option, but we appreciate that not everybody can or wants to go down that route. There are still substitutes available, though, and they should be used in place of cow’s milk because cow’s milk contains such high levels of lactose that it will inevitably lead to stomach upsets. Surprisingly, it’s a myth that cow’s milk is essential to any step of a child’s development – other forms of milk work just as well.

Shellfish

Some people never develop a taste for seafood in their whole lives. Others swear by it, and because they swear by it, they’re keen for their children to start eating it as soon as possible. There’s nothing wrong with that, and it’s totally up to you as a decision – but save their first dose of shellfish until they’re at least one year old. Even then, it’s probably wise to consult your pediatrician before they enjoy their first portion. Aside from the fact that shellfish and seafood allergies are reasonably common, some shellfish contain high levels of mercury that your infant’s developing digestive system simply won’t be able to process and cope with. The best fish to start developing your baby’s palate with are softer, gentler fish like cod and flounder. They can work their way up to shrimps and lobster as they get a little older!

Sugar

While we could start listing things like chocolate and ice cream one at a time, it’s easier for us to put them all in one category and say that any babies younger than twelve months old should be kept away from sugar. We’re not sure whether sugar should be more accurately referred to as a food type or a national obsession. It inspires such devotion that it’s even been used as a theme at online slots websites, where you’ll see it in free spins casino like “Sugar Train” and “Sugar Rush.” Perhaps there’s a clue in that. Online slots websites are targeted at adults, so we should take the hint that sugar is for adults, too! You shouldn’t be any more inclined to allow a small child near sugar than you would be to allow them access to online slots – by which we mean they shouldn’t be consuming any of it at all. It can turn them off breast milk, cause obesity, and prompt them to reject other foods that don’t taste as sweet.

Raw Vegetables

Yes, just like fruit and milk, raw vegetables are bad for small children. We’ve spent our whole lives believing that eating fruit and vegetables and drinking milk is the key to a healthy lifestyle, but it won’t be for our children if we start them on it too early! There are two reasons why you shouldn’t give raw vegetables to a baby. The first is an obvious one – they’re hard and chunky, and so they present a risk of choking. The second is something that most people don’t know, which is that raw fruits contain a surprisingly high level of nitrates. That won’t be a problem for a child who’s two or three, but it could easily be too much for a younger child to deal with. Processed or cooked vegetables are a different matter, and you can start introducing those at around the six-month mark, but raw vegetables should only be on their plate after their first birthday.

How many of these surprised you? We all knew sugar wasn’t good for us, and perhaps some of us could have taken an educated guess about shellfish, but milk, fruit, and vegetables? We were as shocked as you are when we found out! Now you know, though, and so you can keep them off your baby’s menu!

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Things to Do if You Are Not Spending Christmas with Your Family

Christmas 2020 promises to be memorable for no reason other than it is the first one Americans are spending in a pandemic in more than a century. Since COVID-19 has profoundly affected every aspect of our lives this year, it should come as no surprise that Christmas will bear the same fate.

Whether you are spending the holidays alone out of choice or because of our ‘new normal’, here are some suggested activities:

Online casino games

With a smart device or computer and an internet connection, why not add a little zing to your holidays by trying a casino online? These platforms offer loads of entertainment, giving you a choice between slots and table games. Some even provide for sports betting if that better whets your gambling appetite.

If you are playing for fun and not because you need a huge payout, it is possible to spend hours playing games at an online casino. Make small bets and take advantage of bonuses that these platforms provide new and existing players specially during Christmas time.

Observing Christmas traditions

While you might be moving to a new city and not know anyone, it is still possible to observe some common Christmas traditions. Even if it is a tiny light-up tree, have something out to remind you of this special time of year. Friends and family may have had packages delivered to you before Christmas. Do not open them until the big morning and try to video call people as you open their gifts.

Most stores are closed on Christmas Day, so ensure you have bought food ahead of time. Cooking for one or two people is a lot of effort, so that is one tradition you might want to ditch in favor of a prepared meal you only need to microwave.

Put your feet up and relax

Christmas is about family and friends, but it is also about taking time to reflect on your year. Between all that thinking, use the holidays to download the best TV shows in 2020 that you might have missed. This is the ideal time to kick back and binge-watch a few seasons of your favorite shows.

If you are alone, there will be no arguing over the remote and whose viewer choices need to be observed. For this reason, if no other, make a bowl of popcorn, put your feet up, and take advantage of the privilege.

 

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5 Summer Activities To Keep Your Kids Busy

Although we as parents love spending time with our children, it can be challenging to keep them entertained when they are home all day during the summer. Between trying to stay cool in the heat and find enough activities to keep everyone busy, summer can be a stressful time.

However, it helps to have a list of go-to activities to turn to when you find yourself at a loss.

Take a look at some of the best activities to keep your kids from getting bored in summer.

Explore Nature

Summertime is one of the best times to go out and explore nature. Get out and explore some parks or natural attractions near your home. You can pretend you’re nature explorers and even collect plants. You could even set up your own fossil dig, or make a tree fort!

Kids love the outdoors since they can be so active outside, and it’s also a great way to educate them.

Go Camping

If there’s one thing that children love, it’s camping. The great news is you don’t need to go to a campground or a mountain to enjoy the benefits of camping. You and your family can pitch up a tent in the privacy of your very own backyard. Light up a fire and enjoy making s’mores. Tell stories by candlelight. Above all, have fun and enjoy the adventure of sleeping outside.

Put Together Puzzles

Puzzles are the gifts that keep on giving. While many toys may cause children to burn out after a few minutes of playtime, puzzles keep them occupied for hours. The best thing about puzzles is that you can do them together as a family.

Younger kids will enjoy smaller puzzles that are simpler to put together. However, as your kids get older, you can start taking on more complicated puzzles together as a team.

Go Swimming

If there’s one thing that summer is known for, it’s swimming. Swimming can be enjoyed in all sorts of places. Whether you have a public swimming pool near your house or even a local lake, nothing says summer like swimming.

Enjoy the fun of swimming together as a family. If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, you should consider getting a pool of your very own. You don’t have to invest thousands into a fancy pool either. Something as simple as an inflatable above pool can be hours of fun for children.

Just make sure that you always watch your children when they are enjoying pool time. Even a shallow amount of water can be incredibly dangerous.

Make Ice Cream

Did you know that you can make your very own ice cream? It can be fun looking up all the different ice cream recipes that you can make from the comfort of your very own kitchen. There are all sorts of flavors and fun combinations that you can make with your family!

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Tips on How you can Help your Child with Homework

Children should be trained to perceive homework with positivity. Just like the guardians and parents care about the child’s welfare, especially in education matters, children must take assignments as a must-do activity in their lives. As a parent, you must create an environment that shows the importance of homework in your children’s lives. But then, how do you ensure your children stray on track and finish the task on time? Well, use the tips below:

  • Remove Distractions.

There are things in the studying environment that will always divert a child’s attention from concentrating on doing homework on time. Items such as toys, televisions, mobile phones, noise, among many more, are a significant distraction in the studying environment. Ensure there are no toys around, the television is off, and no noise in the background to create attention.

  • Show an Interest.

Children learn a lot from their parents or guardians. The example you set is what the kids will always emulate. If you show you don’t care whether the child has done homework or not, they will think it is not a must. To achieve this, talk to the child on the importance of homework, gather some necessary resources to help the kid to do math homework, or even create some time and take the child to the library. With all these efforts, the child will view the assignment positively. In any case, follow up on what your child has done for each day. Ask them questions relating to what the teacher taught.

  • Set a Specific Time.

Any vital thing happens best at a specified time. The same applies to homework. Since the homestead has different activities, it is crucial that you set time to enable children to accomplish their tasks. Analyze your child and find a suitable time for them to do their homework effectively. When selecting the time, consider the age of the child. Some prefer doing the homework after dinner while others, especially the younger ones, concentrate best after playing in the afternoon.

  • Offer the required Resources.

For homework to be useful, there must be requirements like textbooks, exercise books, a pencil, dictionary, pens, among other things. Imagine if your child luck the basics to accomplish the assignment. Will they manage? Well, they can’t. As a guardian, step in and provide all the requirements, and your child won’t have trouble finishing the homework.

  • Select a Suitable Place.

Not every place qualifies to be a study area. A study area should have a captivating environment that encourages the child to accomplish the homework. There must be a study chair and table with good lighting to encourage the kids to do their homework without straining much. Include some colorful arts and plants that create a calm serenity for reading and doing homework.

Conclusion

Children, just like any other adult, need guidance on how to do their homework. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to keep checking on their kids to ensure they are on track. Provide the right environment, resources, and above all, be a good example as you encourage your children to do their homework.