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4 Of The Best Free Educational Apps For Toddlers

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There are going to be moments where you are somewhere, and the toddler is in a particularly horrible mood. You will think “I just want to hand them my phone so they will be quiet” and you know it will work. Then you are inundated with those “I am a bad parent” feelings and you don’t know what to do. While we all know that too much screen time can be bad for kids, we also know that sometimes it’s about your sanity. Fortunately, there are ways to combat those feelings by ensuring you provide an educational app so that Cranky Toddler is learning rather than being sucked into some mindlessness. Here are some top picks on free kids apps (without hidden in-app purchases) that are good for your kids.

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Save Money And Host A Clothing Swap

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Clothing swaps are becoming a big trend right now and it really is one great way to modify your closet and save money. If you are unclear of how one works, a group gathers together and brings clothes and accessories they are looking to get rid of. They literally swap clothes and anything that is not claimed can either go home with the original owners or be donated to a local thrift store (this is the most popular option). While some circles focus on clothing swaps for children, we are seeing more people do it for adult clothing as well. Here are some ways you can start a clothing swap and part ways with clothes you just aren’t wearing.

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Volunteering with Kids: Teaching Compassion

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volunteering with kids

 

Many of us want to teach our children values in life that will bring them a sense of accomplishment and community. Feeling like a contributor to society helps combat negative thoughts about oneself and teaches each person compassion and empathy. Volunteering is one way that many adults engage in and including our children is just one more way to teach them life’s lessons. I am sharing with you just a few volunteering ideas I have used for my children and I am hoping it will inspire you to find some opportunities in your own community.

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Choosing Your Kids’ First Cell Phone

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first cell phone

Cellphones are everywhere and it is common to see kids with their own phones. Since pay phones are obsolete, it can be a great idea to get your child a cellphone so that they can reach you at any time. Especially once they are active in extracurricular activities and building a social life outside the home. How do you choose one? Do you just opt for a smartphone to add to your plan? Before you go the simplest route you can think of, here are some things to consider and options to think about before purchasing a new line.

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How To Talk About Death With Your Children

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death definition

Talking about death is one of those things that all of us are not comfortable with doing. It’s a part of our lives and yet our society wants to focus solely on life. At some point, there will be a death in your child’s life (even if it’s not until much later!) and it will be important to carefully navigate this subject. Here are some of the ways I have introduced death to my children and developed trust so that they know they can talk to me.

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These Simple and Fun Hobbies for Kids Can Skyrocket Their Quality of Life!

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There are around 74 million children in the United States. If you’re reading this article, we’re willing to bet that you care deeply about some of the people that make up that number.

When we have children, we have in front of us a blank slate. That slate can either be filled with positive things that give them a great chance of living a full life or negative things that hinder a child’s path into adulthood.

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Memory Jar – Fun Way For Kids To Look Back

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memory jar

Teaching our kids gratitude is one thing that is tops on the list of values to teach. Strangely, our brains are designed to focus more on negativity and survival rather than enjoying the moment. Thankfully, we can change that easily be showing gratitude and remembering the great things that have happened. A memory jar is a perfect way to focus on the moment and relive those later in life.

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Things To Do When The Kids Say “I’m Bored!”

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Bored Kids

It happens more than we care to admit. Sometimes our lives are just not that exciting to our kids and they get bored easily. Or maybe it’s been raining for days on end and the kids are suffering from cabin fever. That’s it, we will just say that is what it is. When my kids announce loudly (it’s always loud and dramatic, isn’t it?) how bored they are, I have an activity jar of things they have to do. It doesn’t matter what they pull, they are committed to doing it. Here are suggestions of things you can put into the jar and save your own sanity in the process.

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Free and Cheap Things to do This Summer

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cheap things to do this summer

Day camps are a summer staple, but sometimes our household needs more.  I found myself low on finances for one year, and I couldn’t even plan for a summer vacation. I had to do some quick digging around for free and nearly free things my kids could do so that they had some fun experiences without breaking the bank. Here are some free and cheap things to do this summer with the kids. [Read more…]

Is Pet Insurance Worth it?

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Is Pet Insurance Worth It

Things have certainly changed over the last few decades when we look at how we care for our pets. As a child, I remember that we took our pets to the vet for rabies shots and if they were sick. That was it. Now perhaps my parents weren’t the most caring pet owners, but it seemed like that was commonplace in my little circle in the world. Now people do routine wellness visits and sick visits in the same way that one would do with their children. Is pet insurance worth it?

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