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Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

Amazing Reasons to Travel With Your Children

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Today, very few people travel with their kids for several reasons. Apart from the increased cost, parents find traveling with children, especially the younger ones, stressful. There have been many horror stories where restaurants and airplanes were not so patient with young children. Therefore, many people find it easier to leave their young ones at home and only travel with them during a long vacation or for family gatherings. However, is traveling with children important? Should parents be encouraged to travel with their kids more often? In this post, we will share a few reasons why you should travel with your children, no matter how young they are.

Fun

Whether traveling to visit a distant relative or looking to spend your vacation in a different country, trips can be fun, especially when you have your family with you. You won’t need to keep calling home to know how your kids are doing because they’re right beside you. Your children will enjoy the trip equally or even make things more exciting. With people purchasing properties in remote areas, summer can be a great time to spend with the kids. So, if you have children, it’s time to explore that space together while bonding with them. Visiting another place is fun! You don’t have to invest in a large estate, you can just stay in an AirBnB or hotel! According to Investopedia, if your estate is worth over $10,860,000, you’ll be subject to state taxes. Save the hassle and use your money to travel the world instead.

Family Bonding

You plan trips and vacations mainly to have a wonderful time alone, with your partner, or with the entire family. Taking trips together as a family force everyone out of their regular routine into new levels of relationship, togetherness, and companionship. You have to think, work, and fix things together, which brings everyone together. Your kids are able to be themselves, and you all grow closer to each other, which strengthens the family.

Flexibility

With traveling comes many challenges. No matter how good you’re at planning, you will always forget one crucial thing or detail. When this happens, you must be flexible to find alternatives to solve your problem. When you travel with your children, they also learn the importance of solving challenges and being flexible when something happens out of the ordinary. Quick problem-solving skills are critical for any growing child as they promote independence at an early age.

Lasting Memories

Most of us still remember the beautiful times we had as children more vividly than the latest ones. Traveling can give your children the exposure and adventure they need to create lasting memories. No matter where they travel, your children will enjoy discovering adventures along the way. Remember, they’re more curious than you. They will venture out of their comfort zones to experience new and exciting things that they won’t get a chance to do at home.

During this time, you can show them how proud you are to be their parents as you also rekindle your relationship with your spouse. In simple terms, you can do what makes you and your entire family happy. According to the Society of American Florists, 88% of people say giving flowers makes them happy. Consider visiting a flower farm and gifting your spouse or children a beautiful bouquet.

New Experiences

Taking trips means being away from the ordinary and exploring new things. New foods, places, smells, sights, cultures, and even languages. How else will your child test their physical abilities if they have never been exposed to any? That forest trail, that little hike, or that camping experience is all they need to enjoy something new.

You can focus on taking them to various places in your local areas before expanding to other cities and states. According to the American Society of Consulting Arborists, California is the state with the longest tree on record.

Your kids will definitely thank you for traveling with them one of these summer days. Remember, they have a lot to learn and see as they grow, so don’t deny them that chance. Ensure you plan adequately to ensure all their needs are catered for to avoid costly mistakes that could lead to safety or health problems.

5 Tips for Parenting Toddlers

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If you are raising a toddler, you will naturally want to be the best parent and caregiver possible. These are five tips for parenting toddlers that can help you with your journey:

1. Foster Empathy in Your Child Early On

Empathy is the ability to understand and share another individual’s feelings. It’s a close cousin to compassion, which is caring.

You can do a few things to help foster empathy in your toddler. One way is to establish a secure relationship with your child. For example, listen to your child’s concerns, validate them, align with them, and offer assistance to help them overcome those issues.

You can use this principle with something as simple as a fear of ‘monsters.’ Validate your child’s fear by ensuring you don’t ridicule it. Ask your son or daughter to explain why they are scared, and then tell them you understand the fear. Then offer some solutions to eliminate the fear. This simple step will teach kids not to invalidate, minimize, discount, or ridicule another person’s fear in the future.

2. Take Steps To Encourage a Positive Self-Image

The first few years of your child’s life are the most crucial for self-image and self-esteem development. Thus, you will need to contribute to them as much as possible. Be sure to give your children positive feedback about their accomplishments, strengths, and talents, as they will get most of their sense of self-worth from your input.

Correct them when necessary, but try not to give them solely negative feedback. You’ll also need to avoid praising the child excessively. Instead, try to find a happy medium to give your kids a solid and secure foundation.

3. Ensure You Rest Appropriately

Finding the time to get the appropriate amount of rest each day is important. Raising toddlers can be tough, but it’s necessary for your safety. Research has indicated that more than 30% of commercial truck accidents happen because of driver fatigue. According to the CDC, one out of 25 car drivers falls asleep at the wheel. Therefore, you must rest to avoid harming yourself or getting into an accident that can affect your toddler.

One of the easiest ways to avoid fatigue is to schedule your rest with your child’s sleeping times. Do this if possible, and your body should recharge accordingly.

4. Get Your Kids Involved in Early Educational Programs

Children’s brains are like sponges early in life. Hence, it’s highly likely they’ll retain any information they receive. National University claims kids can develop social and emotional skills faster if exposed to early education. The best time of their lives to begin the process is between zero and five years old. Researching private preschool programs is an excellent way to find the right tools for your child at an early age. You may enroll your child into a traditional program, faith-based curriculum, or a schooling program focusing on social and emotional development.

5. Begin Taking Your Toddler To the Dentist at an Early Age

Another helpful tip is to begin taking your child to the dentist early. Some dentists even suggest taking children as young as one year old. That way, the practitioner can detect problems early and offer solutions. Though your child will not have permanent teeth until years later, a dentist can detect issues such as genetic issues or medication reactions responsible for tooth decay.

Taking children to the orthodontist is also important to do when they’re young. A typical treatment plan with braces only lasts about two years for a child. However, adults wanting corrections for alignment problems must wear braces for up to four years. Treatment is more costly and complex the older a person gets. Thus, taking your child while young is a great way to contribute to their overall care.

Those are just a few of the many ways you can take care of your toddler positively. You will come up with even more effective parenting tips by using the ones mentioned above. You may not be the perfect parent, but you’ll make decisions that will set your toddler up with positive lifestyles and habits

5 Tips for Protecting Your Family Private Life

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Protecting your family and your family’s privacy should be a priority for everyone. According to The Family Council, about 70% of adults want to keep their digital life private. The ‘information age’ has made it harder than ever to keep your family life private, but there are things you can do to protect your family and their privacy. Here are five ways to better protect your family’s privacy.

1. Be Careful What Photos You Post

Hands down, one of the biggest threats to your family’s privacy is the photos that you post. Posting photos of your family can invite attention that you don’t want for your family. You especially need to be careful posting pictures of your children. Unfortunately, unsavory people in this world use social media to ‘groom’ children.

Keep your social media as private as possible and think before you post pictures of your family. Of course, if you can ask permission before you post a photo of anyone, you should. Keep images private and only available to a specific audience.

2. Use Strong Passwords to Protect Your Information

In today’s world, everything is connected via the internet. According to Intel Communications, even a regular phone line can be connected to voice-over-internet protocols to save up to 50% over traditional telephone services. Everything goes through the internet today. Strong passwords can help to keep everything protected.

Wi-Fi-connected devices can be an easy way for cyber thieves to break into your data. Strong passwords and firewalls can help to protect your data. You must use a strong password that you change frequently to protect your data. Every family member should have their own passwords to Wi-Fi and devices that they are taught not to share.

3. Monitor Your Children

children must be monitored whenever they are using connected devices. Children are often tricked into giving up passwords. Children often are victims of cyber situations. Of course, protecting your children online is not only crucial because of privacy issues, but it is also important to keep them physically safe.

Supervising children online will help to improve your family’s privacy. Helping children to understand what they can and cannot do online is essential. Internet safety for your children is a great way to protect your privacy. There is software that can be installed on devices to give you more parental control.

4. Don’t Share Information With Anyone

Phishing scams can be very convincing. Cybercriminals come up with new ways to get a hold of your information every day. Stay abreast of the latest scams and don’t share your information with anyone without double-checking to ensure that the person you are dealing with is legitimate. If you get an email from your bank asking for information, contact your bank before responding.

Most legitimate businesses have checks and balances to protect their clients and do not ask for personal information online. Every business has a phone number that you should be able to call to confirm an email. Learn about the red flags that can tip you off to the legitimacy of a business.

5. Keep Travel Plans to Yourself

Don’t post travel plans on social media. According to PR Newswire, about 74% of people use their patios as a space to relax. However, getting away from it all annually is often another way people relax. If you are going out of town, don’t post about it until you get back. Criminals are on social media like everyone else and they can monitor your page to get your routine down pat and see when you are leaving town.

Family privacy is important for many reasons including security. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that will use your information and information about your family for nefarious purposes. Keeping information safe requires some planning and thoughtfulness. Learn more about how to keep your family’s information safe today.

7 Ways to Balance Owning a Farm and Being a Parent

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Owning a farm can be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor, but it can also be challenging. When you add parenthood, balancing, managing your farm, and being there for your children can feel like an uphill battle. However, it is possible to strike a harmonious balance between these two crucial aspects of your life if you carefully plan your time and utilize the following strategies.

1. Establish a Structured Schedule

Every family needs a well-structured schedule, but it is especially crucial when you’re also managing a farm. Set aside specific blocks of time for farm work and family time, ensuring that each receives enough attention. Creating a routine provides stability and predictability for both farm operations and your children, reducing stress and increasing productivity.

2. Delegate and Prioritize Tasks

Both roles require delegation, which involves identifying and focusing on the essential responsibilities of being a parent and managing a farm. Delegate other tasks to employees and family members, and hire help if necessary. When you prioritize your time and energy, you ensure your farm and family receive the attention they need.

3. Leverage Flexible Working Arrangements

Owning a farm often means long hours and unpredictable workdays. However, you can create a better work-life balance by exploring flexible working arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours. In California, overtime pay is required after eight hours daily and 40 hours weekly, so consider structuring your work schedule to align with these regulations. Doing this allows you to spend more time with your children while effectively managing your farm.

4. Embrace Agricultural Technology

Agricultural technology has experienced substantial growth in recent years, and in 2021 it almost doubled its profits between Q3 and Q4, ending at close to $4 billion. Educate yourself on the newest technology in your industry and incorporate it into your daily tasks. Embracing these innovations can significantly reduce the time and physical labor required of you, freeing up valuable time to spend with your children.

5. Seek Support From Your Local Community

Building a strong support network within your local farming community can be invaluable. Connect with other farm owners who are also parents and share experiences, advice, and resources. Collaborating with neighboring farms for joint projects or sharing equipment can lighten the workload and provide opportunities for shared childcare. Fostering these relationships helps you create a compassionate, supportive community towards the challenges of balancing parenthood and managing a farm.

6. Prioritize Safety on the Job

Being a parent means that children are relying on you for support, both financially and emotionally. Don’t neglect your own safety on the job, as injuries won’t just affect you but will cause issues for the entire family. Taking small preventive steps like safely lifting heavy items, not overworking, wearing protective gear, etc., will reduce the likelihood of sustaining an injury. Also, if you regularly operate a vehicle, consider a window tint, which will block 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your skin and eyes from substantial damage.

7. Schedule Self Care

Remember to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, hobbies, and quality time with your spouse or partner. Carve some time out of each week, whether hours or minutes and use it to recharge. Don’t feel guilty that self-care means you won’t be managing the farm or around your children, as this is your time to rejuvenate and recharge. By ensuring your own physical and mental health, you’ll be able to handle the challenges of running a farm and raising children.

Balancing farm ownership and parenthood is undoubtedly a challenging task. However, it is possible to find a harmonious equilibrium with careful planning, effective delegation, and technology incorporation. By prioritizing your time, seeking support from your community, and taking care of your own well-being, you can successfully manage both your farm and your family.

Tips for New Parents Trying to Save Money

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If you’re a new parent, balancing harmony in your family can feel stressful and overwhelming at times, especially if you’re a new parent for the very first time. Learning how to manage your household life, the chaos, as well as your budget is essential as the head of any household. For new parents, knowing how to save money can significantly reduce household stress while providing you with more freedom and flexibility later on.

1. Budget All Household Expenses

While it may be tedious, it’s often one of the most effective ways of getting a budget together. Spend time writing down all of your household expenses, utilities, services, and other forms of entertainment or shopping. Perhaps you’re considering painting your home’s exterior, which can add $2,176 to its resale value. However, this may not be the best use of your money at this point in time. Use downloadable apps to keep track of your spending and cash flow, especially as you are likely to feel much more overwhelmed as a new parent. Using a downloadable app can help you to better track your finances without having to do so manually on your own.

2. Consider Applying for Benefits

Depending on your qualifications, you may be able to apply for a variety of benefits as new parents. If your income level falls within a certain range, you may qualify for additional assistance regarding food and even paying your rent. If you or your partner is disabled, consider applying for SSDI for Social Security Disability benefits. For those who are thinking of applying for SSDI, keep in mind that individuals must either be disabled, blind or at least 65 years old while simultaneously also having limited resources and income. SSDI benefits as well as other government-sponsored benefits can come in handy for new parents who qualify.

3. Pawn Unwanted Household Items and Belongings

If you’re looking for a way to make quick cash, you can do so by pawning household items, furniture, and belongings that are no longer useful to you or in your home. It is estimated that at least 30.1% of all Americans turn to pawn some form of electronic whenever they are in need of cash. Pawning items can help you quickly get cash in hand when you need it most, especially as a new parent with a brand-new family.

4. Buy Baby Gear and Equipment as You Need It

First-time parents are often quick to rush to purchase just about every type of baby toy, gadget, and piece of equipment available on the market. However, this is not always ideal, especially if you are trying to stick to a budget. Whenever you are thinking of purchasing something new for your baby, consider whether or not you genuinely need it, its cost, and how long your baby is likely to use it. Investing in the right gear and equipment can significantly reduce overspending on items that your baby is likely to grow out of within months.

5. Avoid Impulse Shopping

Purchasing baby clothing, toys, and other goodies for new parents can be extremely exciting. However, this can also quickly lead to impulse shopping if you are not careful. For new parents, it’s important to stick to a budget at all times, especially if you are already on a tight budget before your new child arrives. Whenever you are planning to go shopping for your little one, do so after making a list. Using a list will help you to stick to what you need without allowing you to go overboard or to make impulse purchases without thinking twice.

As a parent of a new family, maintaining your budget can be tedious and extremely stressful. With the right tools, solutions, apps, and preparation, you can ensure you are fully prepared to take on the challenge of rearing a child into the world. Did you recently expand your family by becoming a new parent? Are you looking for even more ways to save money? Using these tips can help you do your best as a parent.

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5 Reasons to Invest in Montessori Parenting for Your Children

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The educational philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori serve as the foundation for the Montessori parenting approach. It entails respecting and fostering a child’s natural development by fostering independence, creativity, and learning. But what are the reasons why you might consider Montessori parenting for your child? Let’s dig deeper!

1. Upgrades Your Parenting Style

Older appliances are the reason why owners go for kitchen remodels. While a contemporary kitchen can be an excellent addition to your house, making educational and developmental investments in your children is even more critical. The main goal of Montessori parenting is to develop a child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn.

Implementing Montessori parenting techniques can help you foster your child’s intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Montessori parenting also emphasizes the child’s freedom and self-motivation to allow children to grow at their own speed. This method focuses on guiding rather than directing the kid’s learning, which can help the child develop self-control and responsibility.

2. Helps Prevent Tragic Consequences

Driving while drunk claims the lives of 28 people every day. Montessori parenting can assist kids in acquiring the decision-making abilities required to make appropriate decisions by encouraging independence and self-discipline. Avoiding dangerous habits like drinking and driving is part of this.

You can also urge your children to take ownership of their behaviors and increase their capacity for critical thought through the Montessori parenting approach. This can lead to healthier decisions later in life, such as refraining from harmful actions like driving while intoxicated. Parents can help avert disastrous outcomes in the future by encouraging their kids to think critically and make responsible decisions. They can give their children the tools through the Montessori approach to help them face obstacles in life with maturity and confidence.

3. Acts as an Alternative to Traditional Schooling

The Montessori method of education is an alternative to traditional education that strongly emphasizes student-centered learning and independent play. As of 2019, there were 5.8 million pupils enrolled in private schools in the United States. The same idea of private schools guides Montessori parenting, which lets kids learn at their own pace and in a method that best meets their particular requirements.

Montessori parenting may give kids a solid educational foundation suited to their learning preferences, interests, and aptitudes. It promotes children’s independence, self-reliance, and confidence as learners by strongly emphasizing problem-solving, creativity, and practical life skills. Therefore, children who receive a Montessori education are more likely to develop a lifelong love of learning and a strong sense of personal responsibility, which can help them succeed in all areas of their lives.

4. Encourages Creativity and Imagination

The idea that kids learn best via practical experiences is one of the cornerstones of Montessori parenting. Parents of Montessori children encourage their kids to participate in artistic, musical, and imaginative play. You can foster a lifelong love of learning in youngsters by providing a rich atmosphere that encourages exploration and creativity.

5. Nurtures Independence and Self-Confidence

Children are encouraged to take charge of their own education and make decisions in a Montessori setting. Montessori parenting encourages independence and self-assurance by allowing kids to solve problems and make decisions. Youngsters who feel good about themselves are likelier to do well in school and social lives.

Montessori parenting can help your child become a lifelong learner and prepare them for success in school and beyond by creating an environment that encourages creativity and curiosity. Making educational investments in your children through Montessori parenting can greatly impact their future. Consider this style of teaching for your little ones!

4 Cheap Recreational Activities for the Whole Family

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Keeping your family happy and healthy involves more than simply ensuring that they’re well-fed and are current with their vaccinations. You should also try and make sure that they have access to fun recreational activities that can be done by everyone together. According to StudyFinds, seven out of 10 Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. It’s important to note that having fun doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of ways to have fun experiences that are affordable. Read on to see four of these activities outlined below. This way you can have some ideas at your fingertips the next time you want to have fun.

1. Volunteering Together

One of the best activities to do as a family is to volunteer together. Doing this is an amazing activity since you’ll spend time together doing something meaningful and passing a great message to your children. This will be the message that it’s good to give back to the community as it’s gratifying to do so. You could start by gathering some clothes and other items that your children have outgrown and donate these to a nearby home or other places. Helping out at your local soup kitchen is something else that you could do to help improve someone’s life. This shows that if you look around, there’s a lot that you can do that’s meaningful.

2. Having a Movie Night

Another fun and affordable recreational activity you could do as a family is to have a movie night. This is simply going to call for you to find a good movie and some snacks. You can make it a bit more fun by having a drive-in movie night, which is going to add an edge to the normal movie experience. Since this is going to take some preparation to do, you can start early and make sure that everyone has a role to play. In the end, you’ll enjoy yourselves a lot and you can be sure that it will be something that young kids will talk about for a long time to come, possibly asking for a repeat!

Over 87 million U.S. adults participate in recreational boating. If your family has a boat of their own, you can take this activity up a notch. Think about spending a night on the lake with a projector if you have the space.

3. Going for a Walk with the Family Dog

While this may sound like a regular activity, you can add a fun spin to it by doing it as a family. Find a nice route to take that will allow you to enjoy yourselves while strolling at a pace that’s comfortable for everyone. You can make this activity more fun by visiting your local park or another place where you can have a small picnic. Take turns playing games with the dog and all the children are sure to have a blast.

4. Making a Meal Together

Last but not least, you can set aside time and room to make a meal together as a family. From deciding which meal to make to gathering the ingredients and actually preparing the meal, you can be sure that there will be something for everyone to do. You may enjoy this so much that you make it a frequent activity or even the regular way to cook. It’s no secret that you can bond a lot better when you cook together and eat as a family regularly. You could add a spin to it and have a cookoff, making adjustments to make sure that even younger children can participate in the event safely. Hold an awards ceremony afterward and crown the winner. Make sure that everyone will be encouraged to put their best foot forward the next time.

According to Legal Jobs, 97% of bankruptcies are filed by individuals. In order to avoid bankruptcy, you must budget in every area of your life. These recreational activities are affordable enough for the whole family and they promise hours of fun and enjoyment. Just make good plans for them so that they can be enjoyed to the fullest. You can be sure that future activities will be even better.

Fun Ways to Keep Your Family Active!

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Participating in physical activity is extremely important. Engaging in physical activity every week promotes a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps you’re a parent searching for ways to motivate your family to stay active. Here is a look at some great ways to help keep you and your family active! Be sure to set up key time slots during the week when your family can join you in physical activity. Establishing a set routine helps ensure that you will always get a workout in even during busy weeks.

Take a Walk

Walking every day is a great way to promote an active lifestyle. Consider walking through the neighborhood with your family or walking around a local park.

Go Dancing

Recent studies show that one of out every eleven adults is dealing with severe obesity. One way to avoid obesity is to keep your body moving regularly throughout the day. Consider the benefits of dancing. Dancing is a fun way to stay in shape. Turn on some music and start a dance party with your family. It’s also a great way to spend time with your loved ones.

Consider Planting

Consider creating a garden if you have enough backyard space. Planting a garden helps your family learn about the outdoors and natural food sources. Exposure to plant-based fruits and vegetables could stimulate healthier eating habits.

Embrace The Outdoors

Consider scheduling some fun outdoor activities with your family. Riding bikes through different trails is a fun way to stay in shape. There are over 3,000 potential allergens, so it’s important to stay safe while having fun outdoors. Be sure to wear bug spray and take allergy medication beforehand.

Complete Family Chores

While your children may not enjoy this idea, completing chores together is a great way to stay active and spend family time together. Shoveling snow, raking leaves, washing dishes, and doing other chores will help your family stay active and healthy.

Use a Tracking Device

Setting daily and weekly fitness goals will improve your short-term and long-term health. Taking a proactive approach regarding your health could help you live longer, so you can spend more time with your family. More than 50% of Americans believe that it is important to have a will or living trust. By embracing a healthy lifestyle, you can promote the benefits and encourage your family to carry on your legacy.

Eliminate Electronics

The current age of technology makes it difficult to live an active lifestyle. Consider doing your part by reducing the amount of electronic usage on a daily basis. Try to set guidelines that watching television, playing video games, and using the computer are only permitted for a couple of hours every day. A healthy alternative to electronics is playing an active game that keeps the whole family involved.

Start a New Activity

Learning new activities is a great way to enjoy mental and physical exercise. Practicing a new skill, sport, or hobby keeps things interesting and helps you burn calories.

Set Up a Scavenger Hunt

This is a fun activity to consider if you have small children. Keep them engaged by creating an inventory of some items and placing them in different areas. Your children will be immersed in a new World as they attempt to find all the items. Placing the items in different spots around the neighborhood is a great way to get some exercise in.

Try Indoor Activities

Perhaps the weather has damaged some of your plans for the future. You can avoid this situation by performing weather natural activities. Consider taking your family to the mall and walking around or visiting an indoor skating rink.

There are seemingly endless benefits to enjoying an active lifestyle with your family. Use these tips to enjoy some family fun while staying fit!

The Benefits of 1000 Hours Outside

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Benefits of 1000 Hours Outside

I have heard of the 1000 Hours Outside movement for the last few years, but I never tried it because we lived in Arizona, where it was too hot most of the year to spend much time outdoors. Now, we’ve moved to a more temperate climate, so in 2023, we’re joining the movement. There are many benefits of the 1000 hours outside challenge that I’ve already seen for our family and expect to increase as we get further into the year.

The Benefits of 1000 Hours Outside

These are some of the benefits I’ve seen so far:

More Family Time

My husband works a lot, but he enjoys spending time outdoors. So, he joins us whenever we head out for an outdoor adventure. Likewise, the girls are teens and don’t like to do as much together, but they, too, join in for outdoor activities.

More Frugal Entertainment

We’ve found immersing ourselves in nature is a frugal endeavor. Recently, we took a road trip to a location 70 miles from our home. First, we walked around some college campuses that our kids wanted to see. Then, we went to a nearby cemetery where we found the graves of Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony. We spent several hours outdoors exploring; the only cost was the gas to get to the city.

Better Physical Fitness

Since we started this challenge, we’ve been more active. The girls will take two-mile walks with me to rack up more outdoor time. In addition, we’ve resumed hiking as a family, something we haven’t done for years.

Better Behavior

When our kids were younger, I noticed a direct correlation between their time on devices and challenging behavior. They were grumpier and more aggressive as they spent more time on electronics. They’re older now, so the behavior challenges are more nuanced. However, I notice that they seem more peaceful and relaxed when they spend time outdoors.

Less Reliance on Technology

Benefits of 1000 hours outside

When kids get bored, they turn to electronics. If they’re outdoors doing activities, they don’t have electronics to turn to. Most kids today (and adults!) rely too heavily on electronics. Stopping this behavior cold turkey is difficult, if not impossible in our society. However, you can diminish the time you and your kids spend on electronics by replacing that time with something better, like time outdoors.

I wish we had started the 1000 Hours Outside challenge when my kids were toddlers. They would have grown up knowing so much more about nature. They would have found being outdoors a natural way to live. However, it’s never too late, which is why we’re embarking on the challenge now, while we still have time.

Final Thoughts

The earlier you start immersing your kids in the outdoors, the better. However, your kids are never too old to reap the benefits of 1000 Hours Outside challenge. Our kids are 12 and 14, and they’re still benefiting. So, what are you waiting for? Put on your jacket or sunscreen, depending on the weather, and enjoy the great outdoors.

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How to Prepare for a Long Drive With Children

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If you’re thinking of going on a long drive with children, you may be wondering whether there’s a way to make the inevitably hard trip a bit better for everyone. The good news is that there is, and with a few tips, you can get the best outcome and arrive safe and happy at your destination. Here’s how you should prepare for a long drive with children and you’ll find family trips get a lot more doable.

Don’t Drink Before You Drive

While you may say to yourself that having a drink will help you to calm your nerves and make it easier for you to survive the drive, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Use a combination of the rest of the tips below with soberness and you may be surprised at how easy it gets to take long drives as a family. Do this with the fact in mind that a report shared by the Colorado Department of Transportation stated that drunk drivers were involved in 30% of all the fatalities that took place across the state in 2019. This should show you just how risky it is for you to drink and drive, and also motivate you to avoid doing it.

Pack Snacks and Water

In order to avoid the grumpiness of hungry children on a long drive, pack enough snacks and water with you. These should be healthy options because, at some point, your passengers may want to eat simply because they’re bored, so prepare for this adequately. Getting filling snacks is also going to cut out the need for having to buy additional food while you’re on your trip. These may be overpriced and you may not have as many options while on the road as you’ll have if you shop early and from your favorite store.

Service Your Car Before You Leave

Next, remember that it’s important for you to service your car before you set out. Doing this is going to help you get an amazing time on the road since your car will operate a lot more efficiently when it’s in a good state. When making repairs or replacements, remember that you should also look at the quality of what you’re getting so you can make sure you have the best and most durable option. For the windshield and other glass, for example, note that laminated tempered glass is four to five times harder to fracture than normal glass. Work with a professional auto mechanic to be sure that you get the best advice and service.

Carry Games and Activities

You’re probably hoping to minimize the occurrence of the dreaded question, are we there yet? To do this, you should pack enough games and activities to keep your children busy throughout. Let the children pick the games that they love the most and they’ll have entertainment while on the road, on top of a sense of responsibility. These should be light and handy so they don’t take up too much space, yet they’ll only be used while on the road and not necessarily when you arrive at your destination.

Plan Your Route Well

Last but not least, plan your route out in advance so that you can have a good idea of what to expect on your drive. This should have enough rest stops along the way for your family to stretch and use the washroom if they need to. Remember that people who log the most physical activity may have a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease by an impressive 60%. That said, try to balance out the time that your family spends sitting down with ample time to move around.

Keep these tips in mind when planning to go on a long drive with children. You may just be surprised that it’s actually possible to keep your children in control while in the car. They’ll be happy with the experience as well, so everyone wins.