But They Sure Are Worth It
Summer is ending and school is beginning. Some kids have already started school. There is still time to celebrate the end of summer. Some people use Labor Day weekend as their end, but you do it when it feels right. I like to do it before school is back in session, that is before Labor Day here. There are all sorts of things to do to prepare for the weather changes. Here are some of my favorite ways to celebrate.
Our world is in crisis. With Google making us stupid and the childhood obesity crisis slowly leading our kids down a path of early deaths, we have the growing responsibility to keep our kids busy.
Plus, when you find things to do with kids, you build relationships. So as the novelty of school-less summer days wears off, consider these kid-friendly activities that won’t break your summer budget.
Do things with your kids to make some memories. All you typically need is a little planning time.
You do not have fork over cash to take your kids to the movies. Look for free outdoor movie options in your community.
Many communities offer such options, projecting older films on big screens in a park. You’ll need to bring your seating like a blanket. Pop a big bag of popcorn and pack a thermos of lemonade, and you’ll have al the makings of a great night of fun.
There’s nothing quite like seeing a movie outside and munching on your popcorn. You get to enjoy the firefly show as you watch a movie outdoors with your kids. Everyone gets fresh air, and you’ll avoid the recycled air and sticky floors of the theater.
Head over to your local state park or even your back yard and create a scavenger hunt. Think of the things that you see naturally in your community. Consider mushrooms on tree stumps, specific types of birds or woodland animals, and even bigger animals like deer.
If you go to the right nature preserve, you can discover a whole new world.
If you don’t know where to go, you can always go to your state’s Game, Fish, and Park website or the National Recreation Trail Database where you can find a trail near you in the United States.
Make a plan to visit every park in your community if you have multiple parks. Then rank them. Set criteria ahead of time with your kids that helps establish what makes a great park and then keep a running list of the best parks in your area.
Pack a picnic lunch of sandwiches and fruit to make the outings even more memorable.
Go to your Chamber’s website to see if you can locate any free classes in the community for kids. Check out places like the local extension office or community center.
Find your local library to see if they have a reading program or classes for kids. A good library will have a wealth of opportunities for your kids in the summer like summer reading programs with prizes that encourage either your kids to read or you to read to your toddlers.
Often children’s librarians will have programs once a week in the summer where your kids can come and learn new skills or explore activities.
When your kids proclaim they’re bored, but you need to make dinner or do your work, you can make some suggestions that will give them things to do alone. Remember, too, you can always have them help you with household chores.
Encourage your kids to get creative with their surroundings and play an old-fashioned game of hide-and-seek. For younger children, you may need to make some creative but safe suggestions, like behind the drapes or an open door.
Set your computer up so you have bookmarked youtube videos that teach kids how to draw. Even the least artistic child will feel accomplished after following one of these simple learn-to-draw videos.
Once your kids have learned how to draw something, you can encourage them to write a story about that drawing. Set them up with pencil and paper. If they cannot write yet, have them create a storyboard of a comic strip with images and pictures that tell the story.
Encourage your kids to put together outfits either from your closet, from a dress-up bin you have, or from their clothes. Then have them put on a fashion show for you. Take pictures like the paparazzi during the show and set it to music.
Put together some tasty finger foods when you’re done so you can have a fun and fancy party or consider inviting neighborhood kids over to the show and the final party.
Nothing makes kids prouder than when they can create something amazing on their own. Again, you don’t need much of any money to stimulate kids’ imaginations, and often the fewer materials and examples you have, the greater the imaginative creations.
Drawing stimulates a child’s mind, teaching him fine motor skills, creativity, and decision making. Encourage your child to draw this summer.
A jumbo pack of sidewalk chalk costs little money but can lead to a whole new world on your driveway. You can create special sidewalk chalk drawings that include kids and then take pictures. You can also draw a ginormous sidewalk chalk hopscotch that will keep your kids busy for hours.
Once you’ve demonstrated some of the drawings with the kids, set them loose with the chalk to let their imaginations go crazy.
If rain is hampering your outdoor summer fun, build a fort in the living room with your kids. Breakdown your furniture and use the couch cushions and extra blankets to make an amazing ford. Then let your kids eat a picnic lunch in their fort.
Kids can learn about structures while creatively using toothpicks and marshmallows to create houses and people. You may end up having the beginnings of an architect in your family after this activity.
Legos do more than just keep your kids busy. They stimulate your kids’ minds, giving them fundamental engineering skills.
If you do not have legos in your house, visit thrift stores or even eBay to find buckets of miscellaneous legos. Just make sure they are Lego brand building blocks so they fit well together.
Then give your kids a lego challenge and have them build a village with homes, community buildings like stores and a hospital, and then appropriate vehicles.
When the “I’m bored” and “There’s nothing to do” whines begin to assault your ears, do not lose your temper. Just stay calm and think like a kid.
You can find all kinds of things to do with kids with little to no money. For more ways to save money while raising smart and creative kids, keep reading the articles on our blog.
Keeping your home safe is important since it will not just protect your property, it will also protect your family especially your little ones. Safeguard your home with these electrical safety tips.
Mind Your Electrical Outlets
When you have numerous appliances that you need to use and gadgets that need to be charged, we often use power strips or extension cords to make extra outlets. This is dangerous, especially when they are all plugged into the same outlet. Be reminded that electrical outlets are made to deal with just a certain amount of current. Exceeding the current limit of an outlet can cause a spark and can possibly start a house fire if not prevented. To avoid this kind of calamity from happening, make sure that you do not overload outlets.
Say NO To Water And Electricity Combo
This saying is already known to many but still, some people tend to neglect it. Have you experienced touching an appliance with your wet hands and got surprised due to electrical shock? Yes, water conducts electricity. That is why these two should not mix. If you have an outlet near the sink, be more cautious to avoid accidents and electric shocks. Keep in mind that water cannot put down an electrical fire. It is best to use a fire-retardant chemical extinguisher in this case. Therefore, having a fire extinguisher is a must in every home. When it comes to flood in the basement, never attempt to walk through the flood unless it is tested for electric currents. Keep your family safe by bearing these things in mind.
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)
The usual causes of ground faults include water so GFCI is best for rooms that involve running water. This can make your house safe because once your outlet gets wet or if GFCI detects that there is a leakage current, it will immediately shut down the outlet. If your kid inserted something into the outlet, GFCI will identify this foreign object making electrical outlets safe for your kids as well.
Broken appliances can also lead to electrical problems so make sure to take them to professionals for repair. Do not be tempted to fix it yourself even if you know something about electronics. You may be familiar with Current Shunt Resistors or capacitors but it would still be safe if you let the experts do the fixing.
Inspect Your Walls Before Starting A Project
Make sure to locate internal wirings when your project involves nailing and drilling. If you do not pay attention to this, you can be prone to electrical shock or you may ruin your home’s electrical system. Listen to this warning and save yourself from a major headache.
Clear Your Floors From Cords
Pets and babies can be attracted to electrical cords if they are just across your floors. Pets may chew on them and you do not want that to happen. Make sure your kids will not play with electrical cords so keep them out of your pet and children’s reach.
Bear these tips in mind to ensure your home and family’s safety. Being aware of the things that may put your life at risk will help you prevent disasters from happening. Keep your house safe not just inside but make the outdoors around your house safe as well.
Parents are always wondering about the best movies to watch with family. The truth is, for every ten movies that appear in theaters, only one or two are dedicated to families. So, what are parents to do to entertain their children?
Take a step back in time! Of course, there are current movies to see but it’s important to show your children some of the classics. The classics had every bit to do with your own childhood as your parents did so you’ll want your kids to have the same influence, right?
Just when you thought there was nothing left to watch besides cartoons on Nickelodeon and Disney, we’re here with some important information for you! Here are 25 great movies for families at any time of the year.
It can be difficult to narrow a list of movies down to just 10 or 25 because so many are released each year. Hands down, these are some of the best movies of all time, for families and just because, too. Take a look.
There’s nothing more timeless than Dorothy and her sparkling ruby red slippers that brought her home from the land of Oz. It was along the way that she met the Lion, the Tin-Man, the Scarecrow, the Witch, and the wizard of Oz himself.
One of the best and most classic movies for dog lovers is none other than ‘Old Yeller’. The story of the beloved canine that befriends a young boy and his brother but ultimately faces the fate of living in the wild.
Willy Wonka himself cannot recommend this movie enough. For every chocolate lover and believer out there, this movie is a must. Meet Charlie and Violet and all the other kids that made it through the tour of the infamous Chocolate factory.
When you’re talking about good movies for family movie night, ‘Star Wars’ obviously tops the list. It’s an all-time great among movie lovers, space lovers, fantasy followers, and thrill-seekers. Besides, everybody else has seen it.
Meet Elliot, the young boy determined to get his newfound friend home, to his own planet. E.T. is a friendly alien from another world that will fill your heart. You will fall in love all over again and your kids will also love him.
This classic about four young boys facing hard times in rural Oregon will steal your heart all over again.
The story of a young boy that is forgotten by his family during a holiday family vacation. Watch him pull out of various predicaments and hold his own at a mere 8 years old.
Prince Ali and Princess Jasmine will ultimately save Jasmine’s kingdom from the evil force that is the King’s counsel. Magic carpet rides, lots of music and dancing, and a very funny Robin Williams will keep you laughing all night long.
Have you ever seen a dog this big? Meet Beethoven, the St. Bernard that is on a mission to protect his family. His adventures are many and your kids will be delighted by the story.
This comedy will have you giggling from start to finish as you see the story of the young boys forming a baseball team in the summer of 1962.
One of the all-time great family movies is none other than ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’, the story of a divorced man trying to keep his family together. Another Robin Williams film that cannot be missed.
One of the best movies for family movie night for a real thrill is the now-classic ‘Jurassic Park’. Dinosaur lovers and science fiction adventurers will be immersed in the delights of coming close to one of the earth’s greatest creatures to ever walk the earth.
Simba is a young lion cub that has a lot to learn about the world. His journey is trying but in the end, he will be rewarded.
Robin Williams was a popular guy in the 1990s. Watch Jumanji as he takes you to another world where the imagination rules.
Disney made waves when they introduced ‘Toy Story’ as the first ‘Pixar’ film. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen will take right back to your own childhood.
Shrek is a very funny ogre on a mission to save a princess. One of Dreamworks’ masterpiece films, it’s too funny to miss.
J.K. Rowling nailed it with Harry Potter and the movie is almost as good. Meet Harry as he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the adventures he has along the way.
Your friendly neighborhood Spiderman is just a web away. The 2002 film featuring Toby Maguire blasted box office records and it’s still entertaining today.
Marley was the trusted friend of a journalist and his new wife. Learn his story and laugh and cry along the way.
Sometimes we make friends in the strangest places. Hiccup is supposed to be fighting dragons but when given a new chance to plot his people’s future, a dragon is just the place to start.
For any kid that likes legos, and any adult that wonders how they end up all over the floor, ‘The Lego Movie’ is the ultimate kicker.
What really goes on inside our thoughts? Take a peek into your brain with this cute Disney flick about the emotions we feel and why.
Max is a young terrier with a lot of friends that know how to party when their owners are away. See their adventure and get a glimpse into your own pets’ secret lives.
If you love dogs, you must see ‘A Dog’s Purpose’, the story of a devoted friend that learns of his true meaning in life through the existence of his humans.
The sequel to ‘A Dog’s Purpose’, another feel-good family film is the more recent release. Don’t miss it.
This list of movies to watch with family should be enough to get you started this weekend. So update the Netflix subscription and browse your video library for the classics that bring families together. There are plenty more where this came from!
We hope you found this post helpful! Don’t forget to check back for more posts about keeping your kids happy and entertained.
If your elderly parents need help with staying safe and healthy, you might need help yourself.
Helping elderly parents requires a lot of patience. You want to figure out your needs, understand the options, and make decisions without feeling overwhelmed. You should focus on something concrete that’ll help you feel more in control.
Consider these 7 steps to create a realistic plan for caring for aging parents. Your mom, dad, or patient will be happy that you read this.
Caring for aging parents can feel overwhelming since you’re not sure what needs to happen. Take a step back and assess how much help your aging parents need from day-to-day. The key areas you should focus on include: family support, home safety, medical needs, cognitive health, mobility, personal hygiene, meal preparation, and social interaction.
Ask yourself (or them) how much support they already receive in each category. Then ask how much help you can realistically provide. You’ll find the solution to how to stay safe and healthy much easier that way.
Consider having a caregiving notebook to write everything down. You can keep track of how you take care of your parents and figure out what services they need.
For instance, your parents could live in an isolated area with no other family nearby.
Perhaps they hate cooking for themselves but is managing diabetes and needs specialized care. You could help with managing their medication, transportation, and meals.
A solution could be hiring a driver for their doctor’s appointments or errands. Use delivery services for their groceries or meal deliveries. You should also consider hiring an in-home caregiver to prepare their meals and help distribute medications.
Consider what responsibilities you have in your own life before helping elderly parents.
Before you assume that you can take care of your parents on your own, stop and think about your own abilities. Are you in good health to physically care for someone? Or do you live close enough to make regular visits?
In those situations, you want to consider if you want to live with them or have them live in yours. Is this a kind of relationship that allows you to spend enough happy and peaceful time together? You want to consider how your personality blends with your parents’ personality types to better learn how to provide that care.
You want your parents to be healthy and safe. So by looking out for your own health and safety, you also look out for them and theirs. Taking on too much physically or emotionally will not help you or your parents in the long run.
Caring for aging parents does not mean taking full control of their lives. It’s important to involve them as much as possible when planning for their care. It’ll help them to view you as their partner instead of someone forcing change onto them.
Parents are likely to be resistant in the beginning. It may take multiple conversations to get them on the same page. If they are not in any immediate danger, avoid forcing changes too quickly.
Start with approaches that don’t invade their independence. After that, you can slowly add to what they need until they are taken care of. This should help them accept your help much easier.
You should always remember that caring for aging parents will cost money. It’s a good strategy to have estimates of what everything will cost you in the long run.
Consider the medical care your parents will likely need. That includes the cost of changing their living situation from living with you to assisted living. It also included everyday costs like caregiving supplies, home safety modifications or food.
As soon as you have an idea of the finances, you’ll know if you’re can afford it. Luckily, there is financial help for those helping elderly parents. You can consider government programs or Medicaid to help pay for long term care.
You may also want to consult a financial planner or an elder law attorney. They can help with things such as qualifying for Medicaid.
Safety hazards in the home can add up over time, which makes aging parents prone to tripping, falling, or getting hurt.
You may have to go a long way to prevent falls and keep your parents as independent as possible. You can make sure that the floors and walkways are clear of any clutter, cords, and rugs. Installing grab bars in the bathroom and stair railings can make a big difference.
You should also update the lighting in all rooms and make sure that they are bright with switches that are easily accessible. Ensure that all appliances work well and are well within reach. And minimize any need for your parents to use step-stools or bend down.
Make sure that your parents can easily call for help and keep in touch with their loved ones. As well as being a safety hazard, being isolated and loneliness have negative effects on overall health. This is why you should make sure their phone is easily accessible and simple to use.
You could help your parents with pre-programming numbers to make for simpler dialing. Or if your parents are open to the idea, suggest a wearable medical alert device.
Even when you break down the steps, dealing with aging parents can be an overwhelming responsibility.
But there are many other elderly care options and helpful resources you can depend on.
A geriatric care manager can act as consultants to help you or they can manage the different aspects of caring for aging parents. In-home caregivers, whether hired privately or from an at-home care agency, can take care of seniors in the comfort of their homes. Assisted living communities are also helpful as they provide you with a break and 24/7 care for your parents.
Geriatricians specialize in caring for the elderly and are very helpful. They have more experience treating people with dementia, multiple chronic health conditions, and other conditions that will affect older adults. Or area agency on aging serves local seniors and is a great starting point to connect you with helpful government programs and resources.
Learning how to help your aging parents is an ongoing lesson. There are plenty of options to choose from, depending on what you can afford and what your parents are comfortable with.
Keep this guide to help you explore your options to get your parents the care they deserve today!
We are a society of people who have things. Some things have sentimental value. Some things serve a purpose. Each year, people talking about getting rid of things. Then they have anxiety attacks over which things to let go. I get it. Everyone goes through this. Even the minimalists have dealt with this. Rather than stress about it, let’s make it easier.
When you’re in the middle of dealing with the grief of losing a parent, the last thing you want to do is think about passing that same hurt along to your children. But including your children in the grief process is an important part of helping them get over the loss of a loved one.
If you’re not sure how to tell a child about the death of a grandparent, keep reading. We’ve got the best tips and tricks when it comes to helping your child deal with grief in a constructive, meaningful way.
The most important thing to remember when talking to a child about death is that you need to explain it to them on a level that they understand.
Don’t use overcomplicated words that confuse them. That’s a tactic that’s bound to bring about a lot of overwhelm and frustration for them and a lot more questions for you to answer. When you’re in the middle of dealing with your grief, you want to keep things simple.
At the same time, you don’t want to oversimplify it. When you oversimplify for an older child, you run the risk of losing their trust as a source of accurate information.
When discussing death to a child, you want to make sure that you’re using age-appropriate terminology.
Grief is a powerful, unique emotion. It’s hard to deal with it as an adult with a full idea of how emotions work. For a child, the feeling can be so powerful and overwhelming that it has lasting effects if they don’t know how to deal with it properly.
Once you’ve broken the hard news to your children, let them know what feelings they might feel. Tell them the names of the emotions, explain how they might cause changes in their bodies.
The main point you should get across here is that there is no wrong way to feel grief. Everyone grieves at their own pace and no matter how your child expresses those feelings, they’re safe and loved with you.
One of the biggest fears that children face when they experience the death of a loved one is not knowing what comes next. That’s why you need to give them a clear cut idea of everything they should expect, from emotional status to physical events they’ll need to attend.
A well-prepared child is less likely to act out in any circumstance, but this is especially true when there’s a high-pressure situation at hand.
Many parents think that death is something that children shouldn’t be a part of. They don’t let their children attend funerals or other post-death rituals.
However, these rituals are an important part of the closure process for everyone. Even if you don’t think your child is ready to handle a funeral, give them the option to come along.
Make sure you follow the previous guideline and give them a thorough idea of what to expect at the funeral, especially when it comes to the body of their deceased loved one. Then let them decide if they want to be involved.
If your child decides that they want to attend the funeral or other post-death rituals, consider giving them something small to do at the service. Whether that means letting them stand up and read a small passage of a favorite book they read with their grandparent or simply helping to pass out the service program, every child feels better and more prepared when they have something to do.
This is also a great way to help them feel like they are a part of the post-death ritual, which can do wonders for their closure and healing as well.
Death is sad for the living, but it doesn’t have to be sad forever. It’s important to create a long-lasting positive memory of their grandparent as soon as possible. The last thing you want is for your child to get sad every time they think about a beloved family member.
Consider ways to honor and cherish the deceased’s memory.
Donate in their honor, give your time to charitable causes that they believed strongly in, watch their favorite movies, and frequently discuss all the good times. Create a memorial for them in your home like the ones from Green Meadow Memorials.
This will be great for the grieving process for your child and it will also be incredibly healing for you as well.
When we are stuck in the middle of our grief, it can be so easy to fall in on ourselves and push the outside world away. And while it’s okay to take some time to yourself to feel your feelings, you are your child’s lifeline in this situation and they need you to be there for them.
Make sure your child knows that, no matter what, you will be there to listen to their feelings and thoughts. Even if they just need someone to sit with them while they cry, let them know you’ll be their rock.
You can heal together.
Even if you handle talking to a child about death like a pro, there are still going to be hiccups and bumps along the way. No one grieves perfectly. Your child is a human, just like you, and they’ll need time to get over this life-altering event.
It can be frustrating when a child closes in on themselves, but you can use that space to allow yourself time to heal as well.
We hope these tips for how to tell a child about the death of a grandparent will help you in the process of dealing with the death of a loved one.
But death is an inevitable factor of life. At some point, your child will have to come to terms with it. It’s better if they do that with you on their side, guiding them through the process step by step.
If you found this article helpful and you want to keep up on all the latest in kid news, keep checking back for more!
Back to school photos are the one thing every parent looks forward to. Scroll through Instagram or Facebook, and you will see tons of photos. It is a great way to document your child’s growth throughout the years. Getting a good shot on the first day is a given, but I want to talk to you about some new ideas.
Kids these days have so many options when it comes to toys. Whether it’s drones, hoverboards, bikes and so much more, the opportunities that kids have or fun and games has never been greater.
However, with so many options it can be difficult to find toys that are both fun as well as affordable. Luckily, we’re here to help you along. We’ve put together our top 5 toys that are both fun and won’t break the bank.
Think of Fun as an Investment
Before we start, it’s important to get in the right state of mind. One key thing we look at when ranking these toys is both how much fun they are, but also the longevity of that fun. We like to see toys that provide enjoyment for not just a summer but for many years to come. Something like a drone is built to last multiple years and is likely to be just as fun three years from now as it was on the first day. Dronethusiast has a great article on Beginner Drones that you can read as well! These are the types of toys we’re on the lookout for, and you should be too.
Drones
Speaking of drones, they are the first item on our list. Drones are an excellent gift idea because they are both fun and long lasting. Drones these days are super durable, and even a beginner drone can last you and your family multiple years. They are also quite affordable, with more companies producing entry level drones that make the perfect kids’ gift.
Drone safety is a big concern for parents, and luckily, it’s something that drone companies are doing right. Many drones come with safety features that protect both the pilot, as well as any items the drone might bump into.
A good example of a drone is the Altair AA108. This is a high-quality drone, and only clocks in at about $120. It may seem a bit pricey at first, but keep in mind that this drone is going to last for years and provide countless hours of fun in that time.
Building Blocks
One toy idea that never gets old are building blocks. These come in a variety of brands, think Lego or Duplo, that each cater to a wide range of age groups.
What’s great here is that all types of building blocks are long lasting, and foster a creative spirit. I’ve seen people hand down their blocks after their kids are grown. A quality brand like Lego can even last for multiple generations of kids. What’s more, they also come in lots of different packages at different price points. This is something that you can add to over the years, with smaller sets being combined to build awesome creations.
Toy Cars
Another classic toy that still holds up, is toy cars from brands such as Hot Wheels or Matchbox Cars. These toys are a lot of fun, and once again very durable. It’s not uncommon to see these handed down multiple generations of kids.
They’re also very cheap! You can sometimes pick these toys up for just under a couple of bucks. For larger sets, you will see them priced under a dollar per car; a great deal by any measure.
Outdoor Games
For a bit of outdoor fun look for look for the multitude of outdoor game sets. These range from classics like ladders, to a giant Jenga set.
These types of games are built to last, and you’ll enjoy them for multiple seasons of fun. There’s also such a wide range of these types of toys that you’re sure to find one that fits your child. Add on to that the fact that it gets them outdoors and away from screens and you’ve got a winning combo.
Spy Gear
It’s always fun to make believe, and spy gear gives your child the tools to open up their imagination. There’s a wide range of stuff here, everything from walkie talkies to night vision goggles. These toys will provide a child with an active imagination endless opportunity for fun.
What’s great about these toys is that it’s easy to combine several items to create a complete spy arsenal. Things like a set of walkie talkies can be picked up at a reasonable price, and they make a great start to any kid’s spy kit.
Any of these toys would make for a great choice for a kid’s toy. They are sure to provide good value for money and more importantly they will provide you years of fun.
Now that we live in the digital age 3.9 million people work from home in the United States. And if you have a computer and an internet connection you could count yourself among them.
If you look hard enough there are plenty of ways to make money from home earning a decent wage. The tough part is sifting through them to figure out which ones are right for you.